Alright. Here's chapter 7 of our story. While Nick and Judy are the main characters in the story, I like to have chapters where my other characters get to be the mainer. For this one, it's all about Darson. I was inspired by an episode of Steven Universe for this one. Darson's birthday is coming up. But that also means the anniversary of his mom's death is coming up too. So that means that Darson is gonna have a hard time with things. Maybe his friends could help comfort him. Let's find out. Also, this may or may not be a tearjeaker. Sorry in advance.
There was nothing but blue skies and clouds. Sitting in the clouds were two coyotes. One of them was Darson, while the other was a female with light grey fur. She had on a beautiful white dress with yellow flowers on it, and a white flower over her left ear. This woman was Darson's mother, Videl. Since his mother had been dead for years, this was clearly a dream. A dream that Darson often has. He would sit with his mother and talk about things.
"Mom?" Darson said wanting to ask Videl something.
"Yes, my Moon Lotus?" Videl asked.
"Ha. Every dream I have, you call me that. But it's not like I've actually ever heard you call me that." Darson stated.
"I can call you whatever you want me to. This is your dream after all." Videl said to her. "But I feel that you're not here to talk about that."
"You're right. It's... coming up." Darson said trying to smile. "Dad still misses you dearly."
"Do you miss me?" Videl asked.
"Can't really miss who you don't know." Darson stated. "I mean, you died the same day I was born. I only know what you look like because of dad's pictures. I don't even know if this is how you really sound. I wish... I wish I got to really see you."
Videl then walks over to Darson and hugs him. Darson smiled a bit.
"This... feels nice." Darson said to his mom. "I just wish it was really happening."
"Darson, my dear, it's time to wake up." Videl said.
"I know." Darson said as he closed his eyes.
Darson then started to hear the sound of an alarm clock. Next thing he knew, he woke up in his room, still in his beds. Annoyed by the alarm noises, Darson hit the snooze button. The clock said 6:30. A bit early for a kid to wake up on a Summer day. But Darson had a reason to woke up.
The young coyote got out of his bed, switch his alarm clock to off, and looked around his room. It was a pretty nice room. Basic, but not too basic. A few rock posters, some model cars, 3 dreamcatchers that hung by the back wall of his bed, a small TV with a game system, a desk, and a drawer with some photos on top of it. Darson walked up to the photos and looked at each of them. The first was a picture of Darson's mom, Videl, holding Darson as a baby.
"The only picture of mom and I before she died." Darson said to himself as he picks up the picture frame. "Dad always said how beautiful she was. He was right. I just wished she lived long enough to see how I turned out. Excluding the bad stuff."
Darson puts down the frame and then picks up the next one. It was a picture of him around the age of 5 over his dad's shoulders with cotton candy in one paw.
"This was pop and me when he took me to the fair. He always showed me love even when it was only him." Darson said to himself with a light smile. "Can't believe I've ever thought that he hated me."
As he puts the frame down, he then picked up one more picture frame. This one was a widespread picture of him with Nick, Judy, and the other kids from both Zootopia and Bunnyburrow. They were all still little kids and wearing their scout uniforms.
"We took this on my first day in the Zoo-Burrow Scouts. Nick must have asked me a hundred times. He wouldn't take no for an answer. Really glad he didn't." Darson said to himself. He then puts the frame down. "Alright. Enough reminiscing. Time to get change."
Darson changed out of his sleep clothes and changed into a black sleeveless workout shirt and blue and white workout shorts. After doing some morning routines, he then made his way out to the living room. There, his dad, Bruce Coynac, was already up. He was reading the newspaper while drinking a cup of coffee.
"Morning, pops." Darson said greeting his dad.
"You're up early, son. I expected you to still be sleeping in." Bruce stated.
"You know at this time I usually do my morning run with Nick and Ben." Darson said. "But I'm surprised that you're up."
"I'm a repairman. If someone needs me to repair something, I need to be up and ready." Bruce said boldly.
Bruce's job was being a repairman. ACs, fridges, washers, dryers, or anything else. Bruce was quite the handyman. In some ways, he was actually a lot like John. Made an honest living, loved fixing things up, and help make people happy with his work.
"Just because you're a handyman, doesn't mean you always need to be up at the crack of dawn." Darson stated.
"I was never much of a big sleeper to begin with." Bruce said. "Do you need some breakfast?"
"I'm good. We're probably gonna get some grub afterwards." Darson said.
"Alright then. Tell Nick I said hello. He's a good boy. You're very lucky to have him as a best friend." Bruce said with a smile.
"Woah woah woah!" Bruce uttered a little frantic. "I wouldn't say Nick's my best friend. It's more like Nick is everyone's best friend. Finnick, Ben, Mervin, Flash, and especially Judy."
"But don't you consider him to be your best friend?"Bruce asked.
"It's... complicated. You know, since we kinda hated each other when we were kids." Darson stated. "Not that's the case anymore. I just happen to own him a lot. Judy too."
It was because of Nick that Darson stopped being a bully and decided to change his life around. If things were different, he most likely would still be a troubled kid.
"Well, I'm glad things went the way they did." Bruce said happy how his son turned out.
"Yeah." Darson said nodding. "I need to go now. Don't want to keep Nick waiting."
"Okay. Love you, son." Bruce said.
"I know, pop." Darson said to his dad.
As Darson was getting ready to leave the house...
"HOLD IT!" Bruce shouted out.
"Yeah?" Darson asked looking back at his dad.
"Say it back." Bruce said firmly.
"Seriously? Again?" Darson said looking embarrassed.
"Say it back." Bruce said.
"I don't think I need to." Darson said not wanting to say it.
"It's just four words." Bruce said.
"I say it almost every other day." Darson stated.
"Dad, I love you." Bruce said wanting Darson to say those words.
"Nick's waiting." Darson stated firmly.
"Dad, I love you." Bruce said again.
"Do you really need me to say now? Do you? Really?" Darson asked.
"Either that or I'll follow you and say it to everyone you pass." Bruce asked with a smirk.
Admitting defeat, Darson just got it over with. "*sigh* Dad... I love you."
"Good boy." Bruce said with a smile. "Now how about a kiss?"
"Nope. Gotta go." Darson said as he opens the door and leaves the house.
"Hahaha." Bruce laughed as he looked back at his newspaper.
Darson made his way down the street and to the park. Once every other week, Darson and Nick would workout by doing some morning jogging and stretches. Today was one of those days. After a few minutes, Darson made it to the park. Already there was Nick, Benji, and even Judy was there. They were each in workout clothes as well.
Nick was wearing a green sleeveless shirt, blue shorts, and black aviator sunglasses. Benji was wearing a dark blue shirt and yellow shorts with black spots on it. Judy wearing a blue tank top with black sweatpants.
"Yo, Darson! You're late." Nick shouted out as he waved to the coyote.
Darson then runs to the three.
"Sorry about that." Darson said apologizing. His attention then went to Judy. "I was expected Ben to show up this time, but I didn't expect you, Jude."
"Morning, Darson." Judy said in her usual cheery matter. "Nick told me about you jogging in some mornings and I wanted to join you."
"Hope you don't mind." Nick said to Darson as he lifted up his sunglasses.
"I don't. It's fine if you want to bring in your girlfriend to workout with us." Darson said okay with Judy being here.
"Still... getting used to that handle." Judy said lightly blushing.
"Okay. Let's start with some stretches." Darson said.
The four started their workout by doing some side stretches. 5 to the left and 5 to the right.
"1, 2, 3, 4, 5..." The four said before switching to their right. "1, 2, 3, 4, 5..."
They continued this while they talked.
"So Judy, Nick told you while we started working out on certain mornings, right?" Ben asked.
"To get a headstart for the ZPD academy." Judy answered. "Smart idea. We need to start limbering up so we can handle the training there when we get older."
"Have you been working out lately, Carrots?" Nick asked Judy.
"Not... exactly." Judy admitted. "Not saying that I haven't done any kind of gymnastics. Cause I started doing that last year."
The four then switched into doing some leg stretches.
"Good to know." Nick said happily. "At least you're not getting lazy. Can't say the same for Ben here."
"Heeeeey. I started working out just like you guys." Ben said firmly.
"Yeah. 3 weeks ago." Nick stated.
"That's... not the point." Benji said as he stopped stretching. "Don't forget, I want to join the ZPD just like you two. So don't leave me out."
"That's the spirit, Ben." Darson said impressed by Benji's determination.
Everyone then stopped with their stretching.
"Alright, let's run some laps." Darson said. "4 laps around the park."
"The WHOLE park?!" Benji asked a bit concerned.
"Don't back down now, Benji." Judy said.
"Alright." Benji said getting ready.
"Let's make it a race. First one to run the laps, breakfast is on the others." Nick said.
"Okay. You're on." Darson said willing to race. "But you will lose... again."
"Guessing you two raced before." Judy said taking a wild guess.
"He never beat me in a race before." Darson said smugly.
"Wipe that smug off your face!" Nick said angrily. "I'm gonna beat you this time."
"That is... if I don't beat you two." Judy said looking confident.
"Hey! Don't leave me out of this. I'm still a cheetah after all." Benji said proudly.
The four then got into racing positions.
"Here's the rules. Keep it fair and no running on all fours. Only be on twos." Darson said.
"Got it." Nick, Judy, and Benji said nodding.
"Ready... set... GO!" They all shouted out before running.
And they were off. The four kids quickly ran to see who was faster... and the winner would get breakfast on the others.
After 4 laps around the park, Darson was the winner. With Nick at second place by 5 seconds. Judy was 4 seconds behind Nick. Judy and Nick both looked out of breath while Darson still seemed fine.
"Looks like I win, dudes." Darson said proudly.
"No... *huff* fair..." Nick uttered trying to catch his breath.
"How... *huff* did you... *huff* beat us?" Judy asked trying to catch her breath like Nick.
"I've been running for a long time. Even before I met you dorks." Darson stated. "When I was still going through some stuff, I ran to help clear my head. It worked... sometimes."
"So that's why you always seem so used to running." Nick stated.
"Better than you guys. Especially the so-called cheetah." Darson said.
"Hey! Where IS Ben?" Judy asked.
Nick, Judy, and Darson looked for Ben and it was obviously clear that they couldn't keep up with the others.
"Ehh. Give him a minute." Nick said.
"Compared to you two, I wonder if Ben can even make it to the ZPD Academy." Darson said as he scratched the back of his head.
"He'll make it." Judy said boldly. "He wants it just as bad as we do."
At that moment, Ben finally came over... slowly. Like, 'sloth' slowly. He was also panting heavily. After getting close to the others, he then laid flat on his back beyond exhausted.
"*huff* *huff* OXYGEN!" Benji shouted out with whatever breathe he had left.
Nick, Judy, and Darson didn't seem surprised that this happened. Benji was never really the athletic type.
"So...who wants breakfast?" Darson asked.
Nick and Judy both raised their paws. Benji, still drained, slowly raised his paws while he was still on the ground.
"Yes... please." Benji said still panting.
After helping Benji get up, the four head over to a diner for breakfast. Darson told the gang he was fine paying for his own meal. He really only wanted the bragging rights. As the four sat on in a table, they looked at their menus to decide what they wanted. A beaver waitress came over to the kids.
"What can I get you kids?" The waitress asked.
After looking through the menu, something got both Nick and Darson's attention. A menu item with the word 'blueberries'.
"Oooooh! The Triple-Stack Blueberry Pancakes sounds good." Both Nick and Darson said at the same time.
"The blueberry twins strike again." Judy said after giggling. "I'll have the Strawberry Wheat Waffles. Don't skimp on the strawberries."
"And I'll have the Chocolate French Toast. Oh! And a side of hashbrown." Benji said.
"Ooh! I didn't see the hashbrowns." Nick said looking back at the menu. "They're like french fries for breakfast. I'll have a side of hashbrowns too."
"Add hashbrowns with my order too." Judy said wanting some as well.
"Make that hashbrowns all around." Darson said also wanting hashbrowns as he and the others gave the waitress their menus.
"Okay. Anything to drink?" The waitress asked.
"Orange juice will be fine." Darson said thinking everyone will be fine with some orange juice.
"Okay. That's 2 Blueberry Triples, Strawberry Waffles Wheat, French Toast Chocolate, Hashbrowns all around, and OJ all around. Coming right up, hons."
As the waitress goes to get their orders, the four now waited for their food.
"Should we REALLY be getting such a hearty breakfast after working out?" Judy asked.
"It's called carbo-loading, Carrots. We need the carbs to get our strength up." Nick stated. "Also, pancakes, waffles, and french toast of the pillars of most breakfast foods."
"To you, anything with blueberries is a pillar food." Judy said with a smirk.
"Says the bunny who often has carrots 80 percent of the time." Nick said with a sly grin.
"Fair point." Judy admitted.
"You know, while it seems that bunnies always like carrots, the whole 'bunnies liking carrots thing' is actually discredited." Benji stated.
"Seriously?" Nick said sounding surprised.
"It's another stereotype thing. Most bunnies just went with it and thought it was okay." Benji said.
"Haha! Have we bunnies been living a lie then?" Judy asked still smiling.
"Maybe. Then again, it wouldn't be the first time, right?" Nick asked.
"Yeah. Otherwise, she would be running for the hills right now at the sight of us." Darson said with a smirk.
"Not cool, man." Nick said as he bumps Darson with his shoulder.
"I kid. I kid." Darson said telling Nick he was just joking.
"This is nice. Think we should have invited the others?" Judy asked thinking the rest of the gang should have joined them.
"Ehhh. They prefer to sleep in." Darson stated. "Not that sleeping in is bad."
"I don't really sleep in. Curse of being a part of a family of farmers." Judy stated. "Gwen and I have only started sleeping in recently."
"Perk of it only being the two of you." Nick said.
For some reason, those words affected Darson a bit. Since it was only him and his dad, he too knows what it's like to only have two people.
"Perk of it only being the two of you, huh?" Darson thought.
Eventually, their food came in and each of them started to dig in. The four enjoyed eating their breakfast. At one point, Nick and Judy gave each other a bite of their own food as couples would do. Ben thought it was cute while Darson felt a little uncomfortable. He was fine with Nick and Judy being a couple, but not their couple acts.
After finishing breakfast and paying their bill, the kids made their leave and were all about to head to their homes.
"You guys wanna call the others and hang out later?" Judy asked.
"I feel that it's more of a free day today than a day to do something." Nick said. "But how about tomorrow?"
"I can't. I'm not free tomorrow." Darson said.
"Are you doing something tomorrow?" Benji asked.
"Kinda." Darson replied.
"What are you doing?" Judy asked looking very curiously.
"It's... a family matter. Can't tell you." Darson answered.
"Hmm... something tomorrow..." Nick said as he started to ponder about it. "Oh! That's right! Isn't it your birthday tomorrow?"
Darson's eye widen in surprise. "How did you know that?" Darson asked.
"Our dads talk." Nick answered.
"Wait? So it's really your birthday tomorrow?" Judy asked.
"Yeah..." Darson admitted. "Tomorrow, I'll officially be 13."
"Dude, we need to throw you a party." Nick said looking excited.
"Woah woah woah! A party is the last thing I need." Darson told Nick.
"Hold up. The coyote who asked me if I wanted to have a big party a few years ago is being a hypocrite and pretending he doesn't want a big party." Nick said to the coyote.
"Look, I'm serious." Darson said firmly. "Besides, pop and I already have plans."
"Seriouly, what plans do you have?" Nick asked.
"You seriously don't even know?" Darson asked surprised he couldn't guess. He then started to look depressed. "*sigh* Guess I'll remind you. The day I was born was also..."
Darson waited for the others to figure out the rest. After thinking for a few seconds, Nick, Judy, and Ben finally figured it out and started to look depressed as well.
"Ohh..." Nick, Judy, and Benji went. Nick and Judy's ears drooped down as they said it. They all remembered that Darson's mom died after giving birth to him.
"Yeah..." Darson said looking sadder.
"Look man, I'm sorry. I feel like a dumb fox for not realizing it sooner." Nick said feeling bad.
"No no. It's fine. I rather you don't feel mopey about it." Darson said. "On my birthday, pop and I usually visit her grave to better remember her. I may not have been blessed to know her, but I still do it to better remember her. That's why I don't want a party."
"We... understand." Judy said still looking sad.
"You sure you don't need some extra support?" Benji asked.
"Thanks, but... I think I need to be alone for now. I need to mentally prepare myself for tomorrow." Darson said. He then started walking away from the others. "Good workout. See you guys later."
Just like that, Darson left to go back to his home and it seemed like he wasn't planning on doing anything else. Nick, Judy, and Benji couldn't help but feel worried for their friend. This really was a sad time for him. But for now, they gave the boy his space.
Later that day, Nick texted everyone, except Darson, to meet up with them on their internet chat room. Nick's username was WildeBoy247. Judy's username was Hopps4Carrots. Ben's username was DonutChaser14. Mervin's username was HowlsAtJokes100. Finnick's username name was ShortAndNotStoutXXX. Falisha's username was DaStrikingTiger. Audran's username was AntlerBoyFromUpNorth. Ronnie's username was BearyFriendlyBear. Lastly, Flash's username was SpeedKingOfTheCity.
WildeBoy247: Tomorrow is Darson's b-day. Meaning it's also the day his mom died.
DaStrikingTiger: That's right. His mom died shortly after giving birth to him because of her illness.
WildeBoy247: Yeah. That's why he doesn't want a party.
ShortAndNotStoutXXX: It's understandable. He must be having it rough.
Hopps4Carrots: It showed when he left and said he needed to mentally prepare himself.
HowlsAtJokes100: What should we do? Should we check on him or leave him be?
DonutChaser14: He said he wanted to be alone. I think we should let him.
DaStrikingTiger: I suppose you're right. Let's just let Darson be for the rest of the day. At least for now.
WildeBoy247: Even so, Darson's still our friend. We got to do something for him.
Hopps4Carrots: Nick's right. Darson's not the bully he used to be. He's our friend now.
BearyFriendlyBear: So what do you two have in mind?
WildeBoy247: Uhhhhhhhh...
Hopps4Carrots: Ummmmm...
ShortAndNotStoutXXX: Sounds like those think-tanks are on empty.
WildeBoy247: :(
AntlerBoyFromUpNorth: Look, we don't need to throw Darson a big party. We just need to be there for him when he needs us. It shows that we care for him.
HowlsAtJokes100: Yeah. I agree with that.
DaStrikingTiger: That is what friends do, after all.
SpeedKingOfTheCity: So... what do we do exactly?
WildeBoy247: One thing comes to mind. I'll tell you all tomorrow.
Hopps4Carrots: Alright, Nick.
They all closed the group chat and logged out.
The next day, it was... Darson's Birthday. The mood around the house was different than yesterday. It was quiet and saddening. As Darson looked at himself in the mirror, he brushed his fur a bit. He felt that he should look good even for a day like today. He then picked up a usual, yet beautiful looking light-blue flower in his paw. Darson then went downstairs to meet up with his dad. It was a hard day for him as well.
"Hey, dad..." Darson said to Bruce. "I'm off to visit mom now. You sure you don't want to come?"
"I've already visited her early this morning." Bruce stated looking depressed.
"Right..." Darson said with his head down. "Well, see you later."
"Darson..." Bruce said calling out to his son before he leaves. "I know it's a rough day, but it's still your birthday day. Try to be happy about it."
"I'll try, pop." Darson said before leaving the house.
As Darson closes the door, he's surprised with who he sees in front of him. It was Nick. Like Darson, he also was holding a flower.
"Nick? What are you doing here?" Darson asked.
"Support." Nick answered. "Since you are visiting your mom's grave, I thought I'd come with."
"That's nice of you, but..." Darson said.
"But nothing. I'm coming with." Nick said firmly.
Darson could tell Nick wasn't going away. So there was no point in telling him to leave. Besides, while Darson didn't want to admit it, he could use some support.
"Alright. Follow me to the cemetery." Darson said leading the way.
"Words everyone likes to hear." Nick thought.
Nick and Darson started making their way to the cemetery. After taking a bus, the two made it their destination. The Green Trail Cemetery. It was known to be the place where many Zootopians laid their final rest. The boys walked up to the front gate. At the front was Judy, Ben, Finnick, Mervin, Flash, Falisha, Ronnie, and Audran. Like Nick and Darson, they were holding flowers.
"You guys are here too?" Darson asked.
"Support." The gang said.
"Even if you didn't want us to, we came to ease your pain a bit by visiting your mother's grave with you." Judy stated.
"It was you-know-who's idea." Finnick stated.
Darson looked at Nick and knew that this was his idea. With that, Darson decided it would be okay if the others coming along.
"Fine." Darson said shrugging. "Follow me, everyone."
Darson led the group as they stepped into the cemetery. As they pass a few of the graves, they all couldn't help but have grim feelings. A cemetery is filled with the graves and bodies of dead loved ones. Not exactly a cheery place to be.
"It's something about cemeteries that give me a bad itch if you know what I mean." Falisha said.
"I get ya, Fal." Audran said. "I'm not a fan of cemeteries either."
"This is actually my first time ever been in a cemetery. I mean, I barely even go near one." Mervin stated.
"So, you haven't even been at a funeral for someone?" Judy asked.
"Not even. My mom and dad have, maybe one or two of my brothers, but never me." Mervin said honestly.
"I see." Judy said.
"What about you, Jude?" Mervin asked.
"Too... many to count, actually." Judy replied looking sadden. "When you have a family as big as mine, you have to go to a few services when a member dies. It's like my brother Edgar told me. So many bunnies born at the same time, many of them died around the same time."
Everyone felt that for Judy to say that, Bunnyburrow must have a few dark times. It saddens them.
"How does funeral work in Bunnyburrow?" Nick asked.
"Two ways. The usual way or a quick ceremony that usually ends with the fallen loved one being buried in burrows that are similar to a tomb with many others." Judy stated. "There are other ways too, but I rather not get into details. I don't... really like talking about death."
"Sorry, Judy." Nick said feeling a bit bad for bringing it up.
"Who doesn't hate talking about death?" Darson asked. "The only ones who can't really give an opinion... are the ones that are dead themselves."
Once again, the group felt sadder than earlier. Darson sees this and decides it was time to move on.
"Mom's grave is nearby. Let's keep moving." Darson said.
"Okay..." Everyone else went.
"You mind if we take a quick detour?" Ronnie asked. "My great aunt's grave is not that far from here."
"Fine with me." Darson said not minding.
With Ronnie taking the lead for a bit, the group makes a quick detour to Ronnie's great aunt's grave. It really wasn't that far. They stopped at a grave that said "Here lies Leslie Brewnz." Ronnie then places one of the flowers he had down near the tombstone.
"Sorry I haven't visited you in while, auntie. Hope you are still resting easy." Ronnie said to the grave.
"Were you close?" Audran asked.
"A little. She died when I was 8. I do remember her being really nice to me. She also baked really good honey cookies." Ronnie said smiling a little. "You guys would have liked her."
"I bet we would... and not just to try her cookies." Benji said.
"Alright. I'm done. Darson, you can lead the way again." Ronnie said.
Darson simply nodded and took the lead again. After many minutes of passing tombstones, they finally made it to their destination. Darson's mom's tombstone. It reads "Here lies Videl M. Coynac. Someone who loved life." Darson had a blank expression as he looks at the grave as he walked up to it.
"Someone who loved life..." Darson thought.
Nick, Judy, and the others could tell Darson was feeling emotional, even if he didn't say anything.
"Hey, mom." Darson said to the grave as he leans down and puts a blue lotus flower with white spots down. "I got you this flower. It's known to be called a moon lotus. The name that you usually call me in my dreams. Not... that you would really know. Also, I brought some friends with me this time." Darson then looks back at the others. "Come on, guys."
Each other of kids walked one at a time to Videl's grave and offered their flowers and Darson introduced each of his friends. Nick was first to come up.
"This is Nick. He's basically everyone's best friend. Me included." Darson said to the tombstone.
"Hey, Mrs. Coynac. Darson's been doing great." Nick said slightly smiling as he places his flower down.
Nick then walked back and Judy is next to come up.
"This is Judy. A very determined bunny who wants to be a police officer." Darson said to the tombstone.
"It's nice to meet you, ma'am." Judy said as she places her flower down.
Judy then walked back and Ben was the next person to walk up.
"This is Benjamin. We call him Ben and Benji. For a cheetah, he's on the heavy side, but he's one of the kindest people anyone could meet." Darson stated.
"It's true. I'm a very good boy." Benji said as he places his flower down like Nick and Judy.
As Benji walked away, Finnick came up.
"This is Finnick. He's short in both height and temper. But he has a very good heart when it matters." Darson stated.
"Ma'am, you should know your son was a bit of a pain a while back. But... he's changed a lot... and has made up for it tenfold." Finnick admitted as he puts his flower down with the others.
Finnick walked back to the other as Mervin was the next person to come up.
"Here is Mervin. He loves to laugh. Not just because he's a hyena." Darson said.
"Hey. I bet you liked to laugh too and had plenty of jokes. I would have loved to hear them." Mervin said smiling a bit as he places down his flower with the others.
Mervin then moved out of the way as Falisha walked up next.
"This is Falisha. She's both cunning and cleaver." Darson stated. "She's... also the only other girl here."
"Hello." Falisha says as she places her flower down. "For the record, there are other girls in our group. They are all just... far away. Really far away. But I'm fine. Juuuuust fine."
Darson felt a bit awkward with what Falisha just said. Guess Falisha really missed hanging out with more girls. He then shoo her away so the next person can go up. This time it was Ronnie.
"This is Ronnie. He seems tough, but he really a teddy bear once you get to know him." Darson stated.
"It's true. I really am." Ronnie admitted as he places his flower down with the others.
As Ronnie walked back, Audran walked up next.
"This is Audran. Another good friend. He's got antlers." Darson said.
"Would have really liked to see you in person, ma'am." Audran said as he puts his flower down. "As they say, in another life, eh?"
Audran stepped back and now Flash, who was the last one, slowly walked forward. Knowing it would take him a while, Audran and Ronnie lifted him up dropped closer to the tombstone.
"This is Flash. He's... slow, but he can surprise you sometimes." Darson stated.
Flash didn't say anything yet. He just slowly put his flower down with the others and then closed his eyes. It confused everyone for a while until he finally spoke.
"They say when someone dies, they become part of the universe. So... in a way, you might actually be watching over Darson... and us." Flash said.
"See? Surprising." Darson said with a light smile after Flash's words.
As Ronnie and Audran walked Flash back a bit. Nick patted Flash on the back for saying such kind words. After everyone said what they said, silence hit. Darson then started to look very sad as he looks at his mother's tombstone again.
"Guys... I about to say some really deep things. Can I trust you not judge me?" Darson asked the others.
"Why would we do that?" Nick asked.
"Say what you need to." Judy said.
"Thanks." Darson said looking back at Nick and Judy. He then went back to facing the tombstone. He took a deep breath before speaking again. "Sooooo, today marks 13 years. Me being 13 years old and... you being dead for 13 years."
The gang was silent.
"Mom, I... I blamed myself for the longest time about your death. I thought I wasn't born, you would still be here and pop wouldn't be so sad. So, when he told me you were sick, it was a shock for me." Darson said. "Even now, I'm still worried. The doctors said I'm healthy and that the disease you had wasn't genetic. Yet... there was still a chance I could have..." Darson shook at the thought but tried to keep his composure. "Anyway, I'm doing... great now. Still not getting into trouble at school, grades are better, and I got quite a few friends. Pop, who probably visited you earlier, is doing well too. He still misses you dearly. To him, you were his world. Now he just has me."
Darson's family was... small. No living grandparents on either side and barely any cousins or family in the city. So it goes without saying that Darson and Bruce only really had each other. Darson then took another deep breath.
"Mom, I want to be honest. I'm... actually a bit mad." Darson admitted. "At times, when I was little, I would often see other kids with their moms. They would laugh with them, make them snacks, play with them, kiss their boo-boos, tuck them in, and tell them stories. Things that most kids our age would be embarrassed to talk about. I... never had any of those. I would do anything to have at least one of those happened. But I don't. I barely had an hour with you. An hour I can't even remember."
Darson had a small tear come down from his eyes. We quickly wiped it away and tried to get back to talking.
"Mom..., even if you weren't here to take care of me, even if weren't here to do all those things I said, and even if you weren't well enough to stay alive,... thank you." Darson said. "Thank you for wanting to have me. Thank you for being strong enough to have me. Thank you... for making pop happy. It was a short time, but you gave me a lot of love. I promise to be someone you can be proud of. I'm gonna be strong, noble, dependable and I won't ever go back to the old me." Darson then kneels down and touch the tombstone. "Love you, mom."
As Darson got back up, he turned to his friends. He then sees that each and every one of them was crying. Even Finnick.
"That... was beautiful, man." Nick said with his voice breaking.
"It was so sweet of you to say all that." Judy said with her voice breaking as well.
"I was not ready for today." Finnick said trying to hold back his tears.
"None of us were." Benji and Falisha said both crying more than anyone else.
"Guys... I want to thank you too." Darson said as he rubbed his arm. "For being such good friends. Nick, Judy, Ben, Finn, Falisha, Ronnie, Flash, Audran, even the guys in Bunnyburrow. If it weren't for any of you, I don't know where I would be."
"That's what friends do. I'm pretty sure we already told you that." Nick stated with a grin.
"Still, thank guys."
"Alright. Bring it in, everyone." Ronnie said wanting a group hug.
Darson and the other gathered and did a group hug. Darson felt happy. All of his friends cared about him and helped give him moral support. It was hard for him to believe that he used to bully a few of them. As nice as the hug was, it was getting awkward.
"Okay. We're done." Darson said wanting the hugging to end.
Everyone then stepped away from each other and apologizing if it felt too long.
"Alright. Let's head out." Darson said.
"Okay." Nick said.
The group all took one last look at Videl's grave and said their goodbyes. As they walked, Darson asked his friends one more thing.
"Guys, next year, I wanted to have a birthday party. I think mom would have wanted that. Is that cool with you guys?" Darson asked.
"We'll start planning right away." Falisha said.
"Expect a big party." Judy said.
"Wouldn't want it any other way." Darson said happily.
Meanwhile, back at Darson's home, Darson's dad, Bruce, was going through some boxes in the attic. The boxes were his wife's old stuff. He picked up one of her dreamcatchers.
"You really loved making these, did you, Videl?" Bruce thought as he looked at the dreamcatcher. He then put it down as he looks at an old photo of him with Videl. The two were wearing 60's-ish clothes. "Oh, my Videl. How I miss you."
As Bruce continued to look inside the box, he then sees something that caught his eye.
"What's that?" Bruce asked himself. He dug into the box and pulled out an old dusty video cassette. "An... old video tape?" Bruce then had a shocked look of realization on his face as he quickly stood up straight. "OF COURSE! HOW COULD I FORGET ABOUT THIS?!"
A few minutes later, Darson came back home with the others still behind him.
"Dad, I'm home!" Darson shouted out.
Bruce then walked over to the door and to his son. He had a bit of a serious look on his face.
"Darson, living room." Bruce ordered.
"Is... something u..." Darson asked.
"Now!" Bruce said sounding more firm.
The tone in Bruce's voice shook the kids a bit. Darson felt that he was in trouble for some reason. To his knowledge, he didn't do anything wrong. He still obeyed his father.
"Okay..." Darson uttered.
"Bring your friends too." Bruce said as he walked ahead to the living room.
Now the rest of the gang looked concerned. But they still just follow Bruce's words. Everyone made it to the living room. It was pretty spacious for a house with only two people. The TV was a decent size and the couch was big enough to hold three to four mammals depending on their sizes.
"Have a seat." Bruce said to the kids.
Darson, Nick, and Judy took the couch while the others just sat on the floor. Darson still had a worried look on his face.
"Pop, if I did something wrong, then..." Darson said. But before he could finish talking, Bruce handed Darson the TV remote. "Huh?"
"Press play." Bruce replied.
Confused, but interested, Darson took the remote and press play. Him and the others attention then went to the TV. The screen was black for a few seconds, then had static for another few seconds. Finally, there were some real images. On the TV was what looked like a nice outside area with a lot of trees. Popping out from the right side was a younger Bruce... wearing 'hippie' attire. A tie-dye shirt, a brown vest, and brown bell bottoms. Everyone responded to this... by laughing.
"Hahahaha! Is that you, Mr. Coynac?" Nick asked.
"Pop, I don't think it was wise to show you like this in front of all my friends." Darson stated trying to hold back his laughter.
"Just keep watching." Bruce said.
The kids continued to watch the video.
"Do I really have to be wearing this?" Bruce from the video asked. "I mean, I'm barely supposed to be in this video."
"Come now, lovebug. Remember who you're doing this for." A female voice holding the camera went.
The second he heard that voice, Darson's eye widen. The same for everyone else.
"That... that voice..." Darson uttered as he continued to watch the video.
"Alright. Give me the camera." Bruce from the video said as he walks over to the camerawoman and takes the camera.
As he takes the camera, he points it at a female coyote with light grey fur, a white dress with yellow flowers on it, and a white flower over one of her ears. She had a very warm smile on her face. Just one look and Darson who exactly who this was.
"Mom?!" Darson thought as he still continued to watch.
"It's on me, right?" Videl asked.
"Yes, dear." Bruce replied holding the camera.
In the video, Videl was pregnant. Around 6 months pregnant. Meaning this video was taken right before she died. Videl faces the camera as she smiled.
"Hello, Darson. Your father and I are making this little video for you while little you are still in my belly." Videl said as she pats her stomach. "Now, if you're watching this video, then that means my time on this Earth has passed. And if your daddy remembers right, even with his horrible memory, you're watching this on your 7th birthday I like requested him to do."
Hearing that, Darson paused the video and glared angrily at his dad. The same for the others. They all looked pretty mad at Bruce.
"7TH BIRTHDAY?!" Darson shouted out in anger. Darson is 13 now. That means that he's watching this video 6 years late. Watching it then might have even prevented him from being a bully in the first place.
Bruce tried smiling very awkwardly.
"I'm forgetful. Your mother knew this." Bruce replied. "Now keep playing."
Darson and the others let their anger go and went back to playing the video and watching his mother talk.
"Look at this place. All the trees and the plants. They all started up so small and later grow up to be so beautiful. I hope it the same for you when you grow up." Videl said. Videl's smile then went away for a bit. "Darson, while I may not be here for you, I want you to know... your father and I... we wanted to have you. That's a fact. I know that there will be some days when you wish I was there for you to give you mother's love. If I could change things, I would. But I can't." Videl then tried to smile again. "It will be okay, Darson. In some way, I'll always be watching you in spirit. Telling you to stay strong, making sure you keep you hope alive, and most of all, love life. I want you to enjoy all the good things in this world as much as you can. As long as you can do that, I'll be happy."
"Oh. Sweetie, the battery's about to die." Bruce said in the video.
"Lovebug, you were supposed to change the battery before we started." Videl said looking a bit mad.
"Sooorry! Horrible memory. 'Member?" Bruce stated.
"I suppose it doesn't matter anymore." Videl said. "*sigh* Oh. I do wish I could I see you blossom. Just remember, make a lot of friends... and take care of your father for me. I love you, my little Moon Lotus."
After the image of Videl smiling for a few more seconds, the video turned to static. It was all that was recorded. Once again, all the kids were getting emotional. Each of them tried wiping the tears from their eyes.
"Like we weren't emotional wrecks earlier." Mervin stated trying not to cry too much.
"I don't think I've ever cried so much in my life." Ronnie admitted.
Darson was crying the most out of everyone. Which made sense since this was for him.
"How?" Darson asked.
"How... could I forget to show you this? Sorry. I really can be forgetful and..." Bruce said apologetically.
"Not that. Mom... she was wearing the exact same dress from my dreams with her. Her voice even sounds the same. She even called me Moon Lotus. I know for a fact that this is the first time I ever watch this." Darson stated. "So how? How was I able to know any of that?"
"I only have one good guess. Even with her being gone, the two of you still have a connection." Bruce said with a smile.
Whether it was explainable or unexplainable, Darson did have some connection with his mother Videl. It made him happy to know that. Darson then got out of the couch, walked over to his dad, and hugged him.
"Thank you for showing me this, dad." Darson said happily.
"You're welcome, my boy." Bruce said hugging him back.
"*sniff* *sniff* I REALLY was not ready for today." Finnick said as he wept a bit.
"None of us were." Benji stated again still very emotional.
After drying the, everyone wished Darson a happy birthday and left to head back to their homes. After the video, many of them felt that they needed to go see their moms. As Nick made it back to his home. He went to the living room, where Frankie was taking care of the twins in their high chairs.
"Oh. Hello, Nicky." Frankie said noticing her son came back.
Nick then say anything. He just walked over to his mother and hugged her. Frankie was a bit cough off guard by this.
"I love you, mom." Nick said as he embraced her tightly.
"Nick, where is still all coming from?" Frankie asked thinking Nick was acting weird.
"I just... feel like should let you know that." Nick said as he let go of his mom. He then walked over to Todd and Vicky and patted their head. "Minis, we have a great mom and we are lucky to have her. Remember that."
Frankie was still confused why Nick was acting the way he was, but was happy to think her son thought so highly of her.
Back at her and Gwen's apartment, Judy was sitting on her bed as she called a number on her cellphone.
"Hey, mom. How are you?" Judy asked. She was on the phone with Bonnie. "..." "Me? I'm fine. I'm just calling cause... I miss you and wanted to talk for a while. Is that okay?" "..." "Great."
Finally. This chapter took longer than it needed, but it's done. Sorry about the wait. But you know how I can be.