Alright, here we go with Chapter 9 and part 2 of the last chapter. Sorry if this took long. Kingdom Heart 3 came out and... you know. Gotta play it. If you think the last chapter was dramatic, this one is gonna be no different. In fact, it's gonna be a whole lot more dramatic. If you were paying attention to the last chapter, Nick and Judy meet 3 bunnies that are runaways from Bunnyburrow. May, Linc, and Ivy. It turned out Judy was friends with May when she was little. So they take the kids to Nick's place and his parents take care of them. After their kindness, May shares that she and her siblings have been abused by their dad. Shocked by this, John and Frankie feel that they need to do something. So they call up Stu and Bonnie. I've always felt pretty conflicted to do a chapter like this at first. But chapters like this are always good to bring on a subject like this. I don't have abusive parents, but I'm aware that many people aren't as lucky. With the way the movie Zootopia does some things, it is believable that this kind of stuff happened outside of the movie. I mean, Nick got muzzled as a kid and Judy got clawed in the face. Those were pretty dark scenes. Even if things get dark, and they will, I hope you find this chapter to be a good read. Now, let's get to the chapter. Also, Happy 3 year Anniversary to Zootopia! Still loving the fandom.
It was the middle of the day and May, Linc, and Ivy was still staying over at the Wilde's house. Also at the house, was Nick, Judy, and their friends. They were currently explaining what these three have been through.
"... and that's our story." May said as she finishing telling the others.
The gang was left speechless after hearing it. Benji, being as emotional as he is, was trying not to cry.
"Man. You guys have been through a lot." Ronnie said feeling bad for them.
"Yeah. It's... so much to take in." Mervin said as he rubbed the sides of his head.
"Parent's divorce, abusive father, running away from home..." Falisha said trying not to cry. "It really is a lot."
"I used to think my dad hated me, but he was giving me tough love at times since my mom was gone." Darson stated.
"My pops yells all the time, but he's not a bad guy." Finnick stated. "Compared to yours, he's a saint."
"Well, you guys are lucky that Mr. and Mrs. Wilde are letting you guys stay here." Benji stated. "You won't find anyone nicer than them."
"We know." May said feeling bad for thinking less at first.
"Nick's parents have been so nice to us. They already treat us better than our dad ever did." Linc stated. "It made us realize that all the things people say about foxes are wrong."
"Could have told you that." Nick stated with his arms crossed.
"Me too." Judy added.
"If you guys need anything or anyone to talk to, you can come to any of us." Audran said.
"Thanks." May said smiling. Linc and Ivy were smiling too. "Judy and Nick seem to have such good friends."
"That's... the... thing... about... them." Flash said.
"Whenever people are around them, they just seem to make their lives better." Mervin stated.
"Is that the case for all of you?" May asked. Everyone else nodded. "I see. Well, I guess it's true. Our days haven't been this good in a long time."
"Some of the best, actually." Linc said with a smile.
Ivy happily nodded.
"Alright. We're all going to head out." Finnick said getting up from the front. The same for everyone else.
"See you guys later." Nick said.
"It was nice meeting you all." May said to the others.
Finnick, Benji, Mervin, Darson, Flash, Ronnie, Audran, Falisha, and Darson then said their goodbyes and left the room. About a minute later, John and Frankie went into the room. John and Frankie were going to head to Bunnyburrow to meet up with Stu and Bonnie.
"Alright, kids. We're heading out now." Frankie said to the kids.
"Are you really going to Bunnyburrow?" Judy asked.
"Yeah. We're off to talk with your parents on what to do with their father." John told Judy.
"Are you going to beat up our dad?" Linc asked looking concerned.
"No. We don't plan on fighting your dad. We just want to have a talk with him." John said to Linc as he leaned down.
"You guys are foxes. Pretty sure he doesn't want to be near you two." Nick stated.
"That's why we're bringing Stu and Bonnie to 'lighten' the mood." Frankie said. "It's a long drive, but we'll be back later."
"Alright then." Nick said. "I'll look over the minis until you get back."
"Good luck." Judy said to John and Frankie.
After nodding, John and Frankie left their house to get into their car and begin their long drive to Bunnyburrow. The Wildes have done a lot of drives to Bunnyburrow in the past, but this was their first trip there in over a year. As they drive out the city and into some clear lands for over 200 miles, they finally made it to their destination. Bunnyburrow and the house of the Hopps residents. John knocked on the door and Bonnie was the one to open it.
"John! Frankie!" Bonnie said happily.
"Hey, Bonnie." Frankie said with a smile.
"Hey, Bon." John said with a happy wave.
Bonnie let the two foxes inside. Bonnie then hugged Frankie for a few seconds before going over to John and hugging him as well. Stu then walked up and notices the two foxes.
"Hey there, Francine." Stu said.
"Hey, Stu." Frankie said with a smile.
"Johnny." Stu said with open arms.
"Stewie." John said with open arms as well.
The two them embrace each other and patted each other on the back twice before ending the hug.
"Been a long time, John." Stu said looking up at John with a smile.
"Too long, old friend." John said to Stu with a smile.
After the hugging, a few of the Hopps kids noticed John and Frankie.
"Look! It's Mr. and Mrs. Wilde!" A boy bunny said excitedly.
A few seconds later a swarm of the younger Hopps kids started to surround John and Frankie.
"Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Wilde!"
"Long time, no see."
"Are you well?"
"Is Nick here too?"
"Hey there, little ones." Frankie said looking down at the kids. "Sorry. Nicky's still at home. It's just us here for today."
The kids seemed a little upset. All the kids really loved seeing Nick when they visit.
"Kids, why don't you all run along and let us talk to the Mr. and Mrs. Wilde?" Bonnie asked her children.
"Okay." The Hopps kids all went before running off.
Once the kids were all gone, it was time for the two sets about to talk about the serious matter at hand.
"As good as it is to see you two again, we didn't come here for just a cheery visit." John said in a serious tone.
"Remember when we talked to you on the phone?" Frankie asked.
"Right. That." Stu said knowing what they wanted to talk about.
"Let's come to the den and I'll make us some tea while we talk about this." Bonnie said.
The four then go into the den room and sat by a round wooden table. Bonnie poured some hot tea in four teacups. Each of them blew on their cups before taking a sip.
"This brings us back to the first time we had tea with you two." Bonnie said.
"We remember. You two were sooooo scared of us." Frankie said with a sly grin.
"We weren't THAT scared." Stu stated firmly.
"Mmm hmm." John and Frankie went with sly looks as they sip their tea.
"You make it sound like we were scared of everything." Stu said.
"Not everything." Frankie said.
"Just 70 to 80 percent of all things." John said with a smirk.
"Oh, like you're Mr. and Mrs. Fearless." Stu said looking pouty.
"Now all jokes aside..." John said putting his cup down.
"Right. Time to talk about the 3 rabbit children at your house." Bonnie said.
"We remember little when May was little. But we didn't know she ran away from home. Along with two of her siblings." Stu stated.
"So, you want us to take care of them here? We got room for 3 more." Bonnie stated.
"No. In fact, if they want to, they can stay at our house." Frankie stated. "But that's not the problem."
"The real problem is their father. As well as the other 103 kids he still has." John stated.
"Owen Duggah." Stu said knowing the father's name. "I'm familiar with the guy. He's not one of the best farmers in the county. Heard about his divorce too, but didn't believe it was true at first."
"As you may know, bunnies divorcing each other is very rare around these parts." Bonnie stated.
"A troubled marriage is still a troubled marriage." John stated. "The point is, we heard what Owen did to his own kids. One of them is too scared to even speak."
"That poor dear." Bonnie said looking sad.
"We know. We can't believe anyone would hurt such a sweet little girl." Frankie said looking very concern.
"Since you guys are from here and most farmers keep tabs on each other, we were hoping you can take us to him." John said.
"What exactly are your intentions?" Stu asked.
"I'm pretty sure you know what they are." John said sounding a bit serious.
"I hope you're not intending to beat up Owen." Stu said looking concern.
"I don't intend to. But we do need to meet him face-to-face." John said. "We need to talk with him about how he should treat his kids and about May, Linc, and Ivy. I can't let someone like that slide."
"So, can you two take us to him?" Frankie asked.
Stu and Bonnie finished their tea before responding to their fox friends.
"*sigh* Now most bunnies stay away from other bunny's businesses." Stu told John and Frankie. "However, this is something we can't simply ignore now that it's caught our attention."
"We'll take you to his farm." Bonnie said to John and Frankie.
"Thank you." John said sounding grateful.
"Finish up your tea and we will take you to him." Bonnie said.
After tea, Stu and Bonnie took John and Frankie in their family truck to go to Owen Duggah's farm. John and Frankie had to ride in the back of the truck. It was bumpy, but they managed. As they drove, John and Frankie couldn't help but enjoy viewing the town. To be honest, John and Frankie both love the countryside and it's been too long since they visit it. A few minutes later, they park the car in front of Duggah's farmland. The four get out of the car and started looking around for Owen. The fields weren't as vast as the Hopps' fields. They didn't seem to have much besides carrots and a few other vegetables either. The field did had a few bunnies working them. They looked around the age Nick and Judy were. If not a little younger.
"We're here." Stu said to everyone else.
"So, do you think he's working the fields?" John asked.
"It looks like his kids sure are." Frankie said.
As the two sets of parents took a good look at the kids, they realized that most of them looked exhausted. A good sign that they were being overworked. It made the parents' hearts feel hurt.
"These kids look like they been working for hours." John said not looking too happy.
"Poor things..." Frankie said looking sad.
"Come on. Let's go find Owen." Stu said as he started to walk.
Sadden as they all were, they agreed with Stu that the main priority was to find Owen Duggah. The group of parents continued to walk around the fields. Stu and Bonnie weren't very impressed by them. Compared to their fields, they weren't special at all. After some walking, they spotted a black-furred rabbit in a red flannel shirt, blue overalls, and a black trucker's hat. He had a body type similar to Stu, but a bit taller and slightly more muscular. The rabbit looked like he was watching the kids pull some vegetables from the field.
"There. That's him." Stu said pointing at the rabbit. "That's Owen Duggah."
"He looks like you would expect." John stated.
"He looks like me." Stu stated.
"No. Just happens to have attire similar to yours... and just happens to be a farmer... and happens to have a lot of kids... and..." John stated.
"Johnny..." Frankie said thinking John should stop.
"Sorry..." John said agreeing with his wife.
"Come on. We came here for a reason, did we?" Bonnie asked.
Everyone else nodded and started to walk over to Owen. The rabbit dad still watched over his picking up the vegetables from his fields and didn't seem too happy with them.
"Hey! Don't pull like that." Owen said to one of his sons. "Pull too hard and you could ruin the carrot."
"Sorry! Sorry!" The frighten brown little bunny said.
"Yeah. You better be sorry." Owen said firmly.
"Hey!" John shouted from behind. "You shouldn't treat your son like that."
Owen turned around to see that he had guests on his farm. Stu, Bonnie, John, and Frankie. Owen already knew who Stu and Bonnie were. But he was stunned to see foxes with them.
"Well, Stu and Bonnie Hopps. To whatever do I own the pleasure of you being here on my farm?" Owen asked them.
"Owen Duggah." Stu simply said Owen's name.
Owen then looked at the Wildes. "Who are these foxes with you? Are they your fox friends or fox bodyguards?" Owen asked.
"Fox bodyguards?" John and Frankie said feeling offered.
"They are John Wilde and Francine Wilde." Stu replied.
"And they are NOT our fox bodyguards OR fox friends. They are our friends." Bonnie said firmly.
"Oh. So sorry then." Own said even if he didn't sound sorry. "So, why are you all here at my farm? Assuming it's not to scope at the competition."
"We're here because my wife and I need to talk to you about something." John said to Owen.
Owen didn't know why a couple of foxes needed to speak with him. Like most rabbit folk around these parts, he wasn't very fond of foxes. However, he might as well hear what they had to say. Owen then turned to his children.
"Kids, go get your other siblings and go to the house." Owen said.
The bunny children didn't really say anything. They all just listen to their father and left. Now it was just the adult.
"Alright fox, what is it that you want?" Owen asked John.
"It's not fox. It's John." John stated firmly to the rabbit.
"My mistake." Owen said. "John, why are you here at my farm?"
"We... wanted to discuss something with you." John said.
"It's about your children. May, Linc, and Ivy." Frankie said.
Owen took 3 seconds before saying "Who?".
That one word almost set all four of the parents off. Who? Does he really not know about his 3 children that ran away?
"May, Linc, and Ivy." Frankie said their names again. "Your three kids that ran away all the way to Zootopia. Our children found them and they are at our house right now."
"You really don't even remember your own kids?" John asked looking a little mad.
"I have over a hundred kids. You can't expect me to remember all of them. Let alone keep track of them." Owen said shrugging.
"Bonnie and I know ALL of our kids' names." Stu stated firmly.
"Well, good for you." Owen said with a hint of sarcasm. "But ask for the 'Keeping track of them', I doubt that."
"What do you mean by that?" Bonnie said started to get mad herself.
"I mean, us bunnies here happen to have a lot of kids. Most of us would be lucky not to lose a kid or two." Owen stated.
That saying was enough to make John, Stu, Frankie, and Bonnie even angrier than they were starting to get. It was as if Owen didn't care about his children at all.
"How can you say that?! They're your children!" Frankie said angrily. "Do you even care that they ran away from home because of you?"
"Hey! I provided them with food and shelter." Owen stated firmly. "All I needed from them was to do the work. If they can't cut it, then they don't have to stay here. After all, that's why they ran away, right?"
"They ran away because of you!" Frankie shouted in getting really mad. "Do you even realize what you did to them?! They had to live in boxes, they hadn't had a decent meal in who knows how long, and one of them won't even speak."
"That so, huh?" Owen asked as he raised an eyebrow. "Well... that's their choice. They aren't my problem anymore."
The fact that he was able to even utter those words, it nearly filled John, Frankie, Stu, and Bonnie's hearts with pain and rage. How can someone who calls himself a father say something like that?"
"HOW DARE YOU?!" Frankie shouted out as she walked forward and Owen and possibly slap him.
"Easy, Frankie. Keep calm." John said holding back his wife.
"Yeah. Better watch that wife of yours." Owen said to
"You better watch it, you..." John said starting to lose his cool. He then quickly tried to calm down. "Listen, you need to treat your kids better. And I'm not talking about just May, Link, and Ivy, but ALL of them."
"Hmpt! And I suppose you consider yourself as a good dad?" Owen asked John.
"I AM a good dad." John said firmly. "I take good care of all three of my kids. My son who I'm very proud of and my baby boy and girl who I love dearly. I will do anything for my kids and I take my job seriously."
"Oh. I'm actually impressed." Owen admitted. It was almost enough for John to think he was finally getting him to understand. But that went away when he added: "I assumed most fox fathers would leave their kids and wife out to dry once things got tough."
Those words were almost enough to make John madder than he's ever been in his whole life. The same could be said about Stu, Bonnie, and Frankie.
"Now listen here, you..." Stu said walking up to Owen pointing a finger at him.
John then held back Stu.
"Stu, I can speak for myself." John said before going off on Owen. Gritting his teeth his anger. "Now listen here, you horrible excuse of a father. I don't know you know about foxes, but let me enlighten you. Fox dads are naturally one of the best dads in nature. We love our kids, are firm with them when we need to be, and support them when they need it. So I can say I'm a better dad than someone like you."
Owen was now the one given an angry glare at John.
"Now how about I enlighten you on rabbit dads?" Owen asked. He then looked at Stu for a second. "Hopps, I'm pretty sure you will agree with me on these." Owen then went back to facing John again. "Our job is to simply provide our children with food and shelter. We tell them the easiest job to do and also lower our kids' expectations so they don't have to try hard." Owen then looked back at Stu. "Don't you agree, Hopps?"
"..." Stu was silent as he looked down at the ground.
"Us bunnies don't just have a lot of kids because it's what bunnies do. We have a lot of kids for two main reasons. Two have someone else run the family business... and to weed out the ones who can't do the work." Owen stated.
"What?!" John, Stu, Frankie, and Bonnie went shocked to hear that.
"Farming is supposed to be one of the things that a bunny is good at. If a bunny farm in a world like this, then they are close to worthless." Owen stated.
"WORTHLESS!?" The four parents shouted out in anger.
"I can see now why your wife left you." Bonnie said angrily at Owen. "You can't just use your children as tools. They have feelings and dreams just like everyone else."
"Then can I ask why do you and Stu's reason to have so many kids? Do you actually expect them to 'try' and be something else? Do you even treat all your kids equally?" Owen asked. "No. We have them and tell them what they should do and convince them not to do otherwise."
Now, this was a shot to the heart for both Stu and Bonnie. They didn't want to admit it, but that's how they used to think before meeting the Wildes. This made them think "Were we raising our kids the wrong way?".
"I'm not forcing my children to stay. If they want to leave, then they can. Less trouble for me." Owen said shrugging. "The world out there is 'Eat or Be Eaten'. If they can cut simple farmwork, how can you expect them to handle any other job out there?"
Hearing enough, Stu grabbed Owen by his suspenders and glared at him angrily.
"THAT'S IT! I HAD IT WITH YOU AND YOUR BELIEFS!" Stu shouted out at Owen.
"Let. Go." Owen said firmly at Stu.
Before Stu could do anything to Owen, John lifted Stu and pulled him away. John really had to hold Stu back.
"Stu! Stu! Calm down!" John said trying his best to hold back Stu.
"Calm down?! Out of all people, you should be just as angry as I am." Stu said to John.
"Listen to me, Stu." John whispered. "I know how you feel. It's taking every single ounce of my being not to get my claws out and turning him into bunny bits. But you need to calm down."
Clearly, none of them were too happy with Owen's choice of words. But they couldn't just beat him up. Even if they really wanted to. Stu would later calm down enough for John to put him down. John now was the one to go up to Owen again. As he did, he had one paw behind his back.
"Now I don't know you go off thinking it's okay to treat your children do, but I suggest you change your way. Now." John said in a threatening matter.
"Thanks for the tip, fox. But I treat my kid how I want to." Owen stated. "As I said, if they can't cut it, they can run off. Just like the other 3."
"Tch!" Frankie went in disgust. "Everyone, let's go. There's no point in talking to someone like him anymore."
"Fine..." John said still peeved, but agreeing with his wife. "Stu, Bon, come on."
"But..." Stu said still having a few things to say.
"Let's go." John said a bit more firmly.
The four parents then walked away.
"Appreciate the visit." Owen said to them with sarcasm. "But don't come back."
It wasn't like they were intending to come back to see someone like him again. Owen then said one more thing that the parents happen to overhear.
"Bunnies befriending foxes? How dumb are they?" Owen said.
The four parents froze after hearing that.
"Just... keep walking..." Bonnie said to the others. "... before we do something we regret."
"I might do something, but I WON'T regret it." John said angrily.
The four parents keep walking all the way back to their trunk. Before driving off, John went to the Duggah's farm sign. He got his claws out and slashed at the name of the sign. He got a bit of his anger out, but not enough. The four then got on the truck and drove back to the Hopps home. All of them were silent during the whole drive. A few minutes later, they made it back to the house and stopped at the inside by the door. The parents just stood in silence until John broke it.
"I know that foxes haven't eaten bunnies in centuries, but... if I had to eat to ONE bunny, he would be on the top of that list." John said firmly.
"I'm afraid that a bunny like him wouldn't be appetizing." Frankie stated.
"If you want, I'll fancy him up for you." Bonnie told them. "I have no remorse for a man like that."
"Yeah. He a real candidate for dad of the year." John said sarcastically. "What do you think, Stu?"
Stu was still silent. He then quickly ran off to somewhere else.
"Stu! Wait!" John said trying to get him to stop running. It didn't work.
"*sigh* I'll go talk with him." Bonnie said worried about her husband.
"No. Let me talk to him." John said to Bonnie. "This is kind of something for a fellow father to handle."
Since John seems to know what to say when it comes to these kinds of things, Bonnie nodded her head and agree to let John speak to Stu. John then quickly ran to catch up with him. Stu went to the kitchen he angrily went through some of the cabinets. He pulled out a short glass cup and put it down on the counter... hard. John notices all of this and knows that Stu was mad beyond words.
"Stu, bud, what are you doing?" John asked concern.
"Oh, I'm just getting myself a drink. Nothing wrong with that." Stu said in a mildly angry tone. He then pulls out a bottle of carrot bourbon.
"Stu, I know how you feel right now. I get it." John said.
"I already told you. I just need a drink." Stu said still sounding angry. He then poured the bourbon in his cup. But it wasn't really much in the bottle to begin with. It wasn't even enough to have a decent amount. This set Stu off a bit. "GAAAHHH! What was the point in keeping this bottle if it was particularly empty!"
Stu then throws the bottle and it shattered in contact with the wall.
"HEY!" John shouted out thinking that Stu was going overboard. He then walked up to Stu and grabbed his arms. "You need to ease up."
"Ease up? EASE UP?! HOW CAN I EASE UP WHEN A MONSTER LIKE THAT EXISTS IN MY TOWN, JOHNATHAN?!" Stu shouted out in anger.
"I get it. I'm angry too." John said while letting go of Stu's arms. "As I said, it took all I had not to tear him into bunny bits. "
"Well, you should have. I sure won't judge." Stu told him.
"I think you're angrier than I am." John stated. "Is there a reason?"
Stu took a deep breath before answering John.
"Am I like him?" Stu asked.
"What? No! You're nothing like that guy." John stated.
"Am I? Cause I think the two of us are similar in more way that one." Stu stated.
"How?" John asked not really believing him.
"I'm a farmer, just like him. I have a lot of kids, just like him. I tell my kids to take the easiest job and lower their kids' expectations so they don't have to try hard, just like him. Everything I ever done for my kids is just like him. JUST. LIKE. HIM." Stu stated firmly.
"Now listen here, Stuart. Yes, there are similarities between the two of you like running farms and wearing overalls. But even with those, there's one thing that makes you different from him."
"And what's that, Johnathan?" Stu asked.
"LOVE!" John shouted out. "Unlike him, you love your children. Maybe sometimes there's too much for some of them and too less for the others. But big or small, there's love. That... is what makes you different, Stu."
John's words did its job and finally calmed Stu down. Stu has known John for a long time and knows about his honest nature. So he wouldn't really lie about something like this.
"*sigh* Johnny, sometimes I wonder what would happen if I never opened my mind about foxes." Stu said as he places his paw on his forehead. Stu then looks at the glass on the floor from the bottle he threw. "Better clean that up."
"Right..." John said agreeing.
Stu grabbed the broom and dustpan and swiped up the broken glass and dumped it in a trash can. After that, Stu decided to fill his cup with water instead of bourbon. He took off his cap as he was ready to speak with John again.
"Feels like every time us Hopps are with you Wildes, you open our eyes to the world." Stu stated. "You all showed us a world we didn't know exist. But... you also made us realized the things we didn't realize in the world we do exist in." Stu sipped his water and then puts his glass down. "I can't believe people like Owen exist."
"I know." John said agreeing as he walks over to a cabinet and pulls out a glass for himself. He then fills it up with water from the faucet. "It makes me wonder if I'm doing my job right."
"You are, Johnny. I told you long ago that you are a good dad." Stu said.
"And I said the same thing to you, Stu." John said with a smile. He then drank some of his water. "So we shouldn't doubt ourselves as fathers."
"You're right. I'm not a thing like Owen Duggah... and I never will be." Stu said smiling at John.
"Good to know." John said happily as he patted Stu on the back.
"Still, what should we do?" Stu asked concerned. "I mean, we can't just let him get away with treating his kids that way."
"I have something in mind." John said.
"What's that?" Stu asked.
After saying that, Stu heard a recording.
"Now I don't know you go off thinking it's okay to treat your children do, but I suggest you change your way, now."
"Thanks for the tip, fox. But I treat my kid how I want to. Like I said, if they can't cut it, they can run off. Just like the other 3."
Stu's ears went up after hearing that. John then took out a carrot pen that doubles as a recorder.
"I borrow this from Judy. It's helped before and I thought it could help with this." John stated as he wiggled the pen around.
"You... recorded him?" Stu asked.
"I did. It's not much, but it's enough." John stated.
"So... what do we do with it?" Stu asked.
"We... have two choices." John told not sounding too good. "1.) We play this to the authorities and tell them what Owen is doing to his kids. They might take Owen in and he will be doing some jail time."
"However, doing that might put the kids in a tight spot. They will lose their father/legal guardian." Stu stated.
"Right..." John said knowing that would be a problem.
"What's the second choice?" Stu asked.
"2.) We do nothing." John said. "The kids will still have a father, even if he isn't much of one, and a house to live in."
"But... if we were to do that, it would mean he would still treat his kids the way he does now. And they might later grow up with a negative view on the world." Stu said in a sad tone. He then started rubbing his forehead. "Ugh... Both choices are hard. Which one is the best choice?"
"Stu, it's your choice." John told him. "What choice do you think is right?"
"My choice..." Stu said quietly.
Stu looked at his glass of water and looked at his reflection. Which choice would be the best choice? After thinking about it for a minute, the choice to make was clear. He looked at John and the two nodded at each other.
About an hour later, the sheriff of Bunnyburrow, a male ox, put Owen in cuffs and puts him in the back of his squad car. Owen was shouting in anger saying things like "You can't lock me up! Let me go!" As John and Stu watched, they felt that this was... bittersweet.
"This was the right choice." Stu said to John.
"Yeah. We just got to keep telling ourselves that." John said trying to keep his composure.
After closing the door of his car, the sheriff walked over to John and Stu.
"Ugh! That rabbit has a mouth on him." The sheriff said after getting cursed out by Owen.
"So, what's gonna happen to him?" Stu asked.
"Hard to say. With what he's been doing to his kids, he not only needs some therapy, but some time in the pen is a necessity." The sheriff stated.
"How long are we talking?" John asked.
"Well... for the obvious abuse to his kids, a few years would is common. But... that would be the cause if we are talking one or two kids. In this case, he abused all of his kids... and you can guess how big the number is." The sheriff stated. "So he might be a jail for a long time."
"I see." John said feeling a bit bad for Owen.
"Hey, Mr. Fox, can I ask what your name is?" The sheriff asked.
"It's John. John Wilde." John replied.
"Are you from here?" The sheriff asked.
"No. I'm from Zootopia." John replied.
"Are you a father?" The sheriff asked.
"Yes. With 3 kids." John stated.
"Mr. Wilde, Mr. Hopps, you two did the right thing." The sheriff said to the two dads. "Believe it or not, this is a common problem around these parts. Most folks here, they choose to ignore it and in the future, it turns the kids into horrible adults. They may not thank you for it now, but they will thank you in the long-run."
"Thank you, sheriff." Stu and John both said.
"Don't worry about the kids. We'll do what we can at the station for the kids." The sheriff said not wanting the dads to worry about the Duggah children.
"We'll leave it to you." John said.
The sheriff then tipped his hat and went back to his squad car to take Owen to the station. John and Stu watch the car as it drove off. The two accomplish what they needed to do. They started to feel a bit better about themselves.
A later after, John and Frankie were about to get ready to leave. But not before Bonnie gives them some blueberries from their farm. A few baskets and some jars of blueberry jam. Bonnie put them in the backseat and closed the door.
"There. That's should hold your family off for a while." Bonnie said with a smile. "Or at least a week. We know how you Wildes are."
"Thank you for the help, guys." Frankie said smiling at her friends.
"It was a pleasure just like always." Stu said with his arm around Bonnie. "It's a shame you have to leave so soon."
"Next time will be a longer and better visit. Promise." John said with a smile.
"We'll hold you to it." Stu said happily.
The four then shared a hug together before saying farewell to each other. Stu and John were already getting emotional.
"Johnny, we want you to know..." Stu said as his voice started breaking.
"Stu, stop. You know what happens every time." John said with his voice breaking as well.
"Okay, we better break them up before they break down again." Bonnie said to Frankie as she pulls Stu away.
"Way ahead of you." Frankie said agreeing with Bonnie as she pulls John away.
"Right. Well, goodbye." John said regaining his composure.
John and Frankie then opened the doors to their car.
"We'll tell Judy and Gwen you said hi." John said to Stu and Bonnie. "Unless you're gonna just call them."
"Actually..." Stu said before pausing for two seconds. "... we've called Judy and Gwen every day. We've always couldn't help worrying about them."
"But with you two and Nick there, I think we can finally stop worrying." Bonnie said smiling.
"Hmm." Frankie and John said smiling.
After that, John and Frankie started the car and started their long drive back as Stu and Bonnie waved goodbye. It was goodbye for now, but they knew it wasn't gonna be too long until they see each other again.
The next day, back at Zootopia, the Wildes, Judy, Gwen, May, Linc, and Ivy were all at the train station. May, Linc, and Ivy had bags with them.
"Do you guys really want to leave so soon?" Nick asked them. "You can stay another day if you want."
"Thanks for the offer, Nick. But we really do want to go back home." May said. "With our dad locked away, our mom has ownership and we finally get to see her again."
"May, it was good to see you again." Judy said before hugging May.
"You too, Judy." May said hugging her back.
"You all stay out of trouble." John said to the three bunnies.
"Yes, sir. We promise." Linc said looking happier than he was before.
"You all take care and come to visit anytime." Frankie said with a warm smile.
Ivy then ran up to John and Frankie. Curious about what she wanted, they lean down to her.
"Ivy, what's wrong?" Frankie asked.
"Did you need som..." John asked.
Next thing they knew, Ivy hugged the two foxes. Then... something special happened.
"Thank... you." Ivy said softly.
John and Frankie were caught off-guard that she actually spoke. It actually surprised everyone to hear her speak. John and Frankie then both smile and hugged her back.
"You're welcome, sweetheart." John said with a smile.
May then started to cry happy tears. Her sister could finally speak again. Minutes later, the Duggah kids got on the train and it started to move. Everyone waved goodbye to them until they were out of sight. Nick then slowly put his paw down as he started to look a bit sad.
"Pop..." Nick said wanting John's attention.
"Yeah, son?" John asked.
"Was... jail for their dad the only option? Was there no other way?" Nick asked.
John looked at Frankie before answering Nick. Frankie gave out a sad expression implying that they might as well give their son the hard truth.
"Son," John said as he places his paw on Nick's shoulder. "I taught you to always see the good in people. But sometimes... it's too late for some mammals. Things happen in their lives that they affect who they are. That was the case for May, Ivy, and Linc's dad."
"So, there's no good left in him?" Nick asked.
"Is there still good in him? I want to believe that." John admitted. "However, he needs to find that out on his own. Maybe some jail time will help him with that."
John then looked at both Nick and Judy.
"Nick, Judy, if you two are still gonna grow up to become police officers, remember this. Any criminal may have been good once. But things happened and lead them to a dark path. So keep that in mind when you arrest someone." John said to the two.
Nick and Judy both had their heads down. John had a good point. No one is truly born bad. Whether they become good or bad, it was ultimately up to them. John already realized that he may have given them too much to think about.
"Sorry to tell you that." John said feeling a bit bad.
"No. It's fine. Cause you're right. The sooner we know this, the better." Nick said his dad.
"Okay then." John said.
"Oh. And pop?" Nick went.
"Yeah, Nick?" John asked.
"I'm... really glad to have you as my dad." Nick said happily.
John smiled before hugging his son.
"And I'm glad to have you as my son." John said happily as he embraces his son.
Judy watched and smiled as she sees this warm and loving moment between a father and his son. It actually made her miss her own dad.
Sometime later, Nick hung out with Judy in her and Gwen's apartment. It was just the two of them. As they sat on Judy's bed, Nick went through some of the channels to see if anything was good. The two both still had depressed looks on their faces. Nick then turned off the TV.
"Judy, can we talk?" Nick asked sounding a bit serious.
"What is it?" Judy asked looking at Nick.
"Do you... still want to be a cop?" Nick asked.
"Of course I do." Judy told him. Her eyes then went down as she started to look sad. "But... I would be lying if I said I wasn't slightly diminished."
"My dad's right. Everyone was good at least once. If we become cops, we'll have to take on criminals, both monsters and lesser than that." Nick stated.
"It seemed easier when we were just little kids." Judy stated.
"Nothing ever easy, I suppose." Nick said to Judy.
Judy then held on to Nick's paw.
"Nick, promise me that no matter what, you'll stay you."
Nick then kissed Judy on her forehead.
"I promise." Nick said to her.
Finally got off my butt and finish this chapter. Crud! Wanted to finish this in time for the Zootopia Anniversary. Oh well, a few days off isn't... too bad. Thanks for waiting for this chapter. Don't worry about having another dramatic chapter for a while. Anywho, until the next chapter.