While We're Young: Endless Summer

by Dizzie HamHam Writer

The teenage AU sequel to "While We're Young." It's been four years since Nick and Judy met each other. It's the summertime and now everyone is enjoying some time off at school. Remembering a promise long ago, the young fox and the rabbit feel ready to try and make things between them work.

14. Shelter

Alright. NEW UPDATE! FINALLY! Sorry for the wait. This one's going to be another slice-of-life chapter. To be doing chapters like this because I try to make things relatable. Nick, Judy, and the rest of the gang decided to spend a few days working at a Homeless Shelter and do some charity work. The idea was inspired by the FEAST shelter in Spider-Man for the PS4. Felt I wanted to do something that involved the gang doing little things like helping those who need and trying to make their lives a little better. Actually, guess it's no different from how some of my chapters are. Any, let's get to it. Also, don't be surprised if this chapter hit you in the feels. A little heads up.

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Getting off a bus in a part of Savanna Central was the gang of 11. Nick, Judy, Ben, Finnick, Flash, Mervin, Falisha, Audran, Ronnie, Darson, and Mimi. Nick then led the way as the rest followed.

"So, where exactly are we going again?" Finnick asked.

"I told you guys. We're heading to the Savanna Shelter For the Homeless today." Nick said.

"Today, we are going to help the unfortunate." Judy said with a smile.

"I know we all agreed to do a lot of stuff together, but I was expecting more of the fun stuff. Mall trips, arcade, restaurants, and the other stuff we teens do during the Summer." Mervin said.

"We still have plenty of time to do all of that later." Nick stated. "For now, we're helping the homeless."

"I think it will be a good thing to do." Audran said.

"I don't mind helping out a bit." Falisha said.

"I'm just happy to be included." Mimi said glad to be hanging out with new friends.

"So, exactly how long are we helping out the shelter?" Ronnie asked.

"Just for 2 to 3 hours... for the next 3 days." Nick said while adding one more thing.

"3 days?!" Everyone else shouted out.

"I thought this was a one-day thing!" Finnick said not sounding to happy.

"Nope. 3 days. Today, tomorrow, and tomorrow's tomorrow." Nick said while smirking.

"Why didn't you tell us that?" Ronnie asked sounding a bit peeved.

"Really? I thought I did." Nick said as he rubbed his chin while giving his usual sly grin.

"Look, I'm all for helping the helpless, but why now?" Darson asked. "Why all of a sudden?"

Nick and Judy then stopped walking and face their friends. The two have a bit of a sad, yet serious look on both of their faces.

"Can we be really real with you guys?" Nick asked.

"Of course." Benji said.

Nick took a deep breath before speaking. "You guys remember May, Linc, and Ivy? The three bunnies that we met not too long ago?" Nick asked.

The gang started to remember the 3 bunnies that had pretty bad luck and got the picture why Nick and Judy wanted to do this. Mimi was the only one who didn't know who Nick was talking about.

"Uhhhhhhh... who are May, Linc, and Ivy?" Mimi asked.

"They were three bunnies from Judy's hometown, Bunnyburrow, that lived on the streets of Zootopia for over a year." Falisha stated.

"Their parents were divorced and they had an abusive father that they didn't want to deal with." Darson added.

"Oh..." Mimi said looking sad.

"Those three, and the rest of their siblings, had gone through a lot and it made us realize that while our lives may be perfect, it may not be the same with others." Nick stated.

"There are a lot of people out there that have it bad. People our age or younger, even adults have it bad. Getting laid off, short on money, losing their homes, losing family members, and other things we couldn't even imagine." Judy stated.

"The shelter is helping people with these problems. Not only giving them a place to rest but providing for them and helping them get their lives together." Nick said.

"When Nick and I become police officers, we want to make the world a better place. But that doesn't mean we have to wait until then. If we do some small things before becoming cops, then maybe the world will be a little better by then." Judy stated.

"Anyway, that's why we're doing this. If you don't want to join us, then we understand. We're not forcing you guys to join us." Nick said.

If Nick and Judy were trying to guilt-trip their friends, it was working. Benji and Mimi were already moved to tears with their words. Finnick just made a straight face as he shook his head.

"You two are doing that thing again. Trying to be good kids, helping others, and making others do the same." Finnick said firmly. "You two make me sick."

"We're taking that as a 'Finnick' compliment." Nick said smirking along with Judy.

"Guess we're spending the next 3 days at the shelter." Finnick said walking ahead of Nick and Judy.

"Not like we weren't going to." Ronnie stated as he started walking again as well.

"Nick, Judy, I didn't realize you were such noble souls." Mimi stated as she wipes a tear of her eyes.

"That's... Nick... and Judy... for you." Flash stated.

"Judy and Nick are pretty much our groups two catalysts." Falisha stated. "Without them, I don't think our little group wouldn't exist."

"Then thank god for them. Seriously, I REALLY needed friends." Mimi stated.

"We know." Everyone else went.

"Now, come on. It's right around the corner." Nick said.

After walking, the gang finally made it to Savanna Shelter For the Homeless. The building wasn't too bad. It was a large two-story brick building with doors tall enough to let a large mammal get through. With smaller doors for the much shorter mammals. Taking a few seconds to look at the building outside, the group then headed in to look at the inside.

In the front part inside was an applicate table and help center. There was a big line with 20 or so mammals of different species.

"So, this is the place." Finnick said.

"Oh my god. Look at that line." Falisha said while pointing at the line of mammals.

"Looks like they are all applying to stay here." Darson stated.

"I didn't realized there was so many people that needed homes in Zootopia. It's a bit downing, eh?" Aubrey said with his hoof near his chin.

"In a big city like this with millions and millions of mammals, it was to be actually expected." Ronnie stated.

"Come on, guys. We need to meet up with the director. I talked with her on the phone and told her we would be here to help today." Nick told his friends.

As Nick started walking, he wasn't looking where he was going. He then bumped into an very elderly fox in a wheelchair. The fox was a red fox, like Nick, but had some grey near the sides of his face and the top of his head. He also had glasses with black frames. He wore a green sweater vest over a white shirt and brown slacks.

"Hey! Watch where you are going, young tod." The old fox said sounding a bit cranky.

"Oh. Sorry, sir!" Nick said apologizing to the old fox. "I hope you're okay."

"I'm fine. Besides being paralyzed from the waist down and short-sighted, I'm just peachy." The old fox said with a hint of sarcasm.

The teens' eyes widen and didn't know how to respond to the fox's remark.

"Well... that's umm... good to hear." Finnick said trying to smile.

"Anyway, I hope you are good." Nick said apologizing again.

"I should have been dead years ago." The old fox randomly said firmly.

Once again, the teens' eyes widen and, once again, didn't know how to respond to that. Instead, they just let the fox mumbled as he wheeled away.

"That guy's a real ray of sunshine." Mervin said sarcastically.

"You would probably be that cranky too if you were that guys age." Darson said.

"That old guy did seem pretty ancient." Mimi said.

"Hopefully, we won't run into him too much. He didn't seem like a guy who likes to talk often." Judy said.

"Let's just find the director and talk with her." Nick said.

"Or... the director can find you." A female voice said getting the attention of the kids.

The gang then turned around to see who was speaking with them. The mammal was a female bobcat in a black business suit and a red tie. In predator perspectives, she looked quite beautiful around her 40s.

"You must be Nicholas Wilde." The bobcat said to Nick.

"That I am." Nick said proudly.

"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Elle Fay. The owner and director of Savanna Shelter." The bobcat said while shaking Nick's paw.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Fay. Call me Nick." Nick said with a smile. He then introduced the others. "These are my friends. Judy, Ben, Finnick, Falisha, Mervin, Flash, Ronnie, Audran, Darson, and Mimi. They're here to help too."

"Good. Quite a lot of friends you have. We don't mind having a bit more paws and hooves on deck." Ms. Fay said. "Follow me and I'll show you around our establishment."

The kids all nodded and followed Ms. Fay. She showed the kids around the shelter a bit. Starting off with showing them this big room where there were a bunch of different homeless mammals, beds, chairs, a big TV. It looked around the size of a school auditorium. As they walked passed a few mammals, Ms. Fay filled the kids in on the place.

"Here at the shelter, we do our best to provide for those down in their luck and need a place to rest their head." Ms. Fay said.

"It's really great that you have a place like this for people that don't have it as good as others." Judy said as she looked around.

"People at least need a bed to sleep in and a nice warm meal." Finnick said.

"Yes. But we don't just provide them food and shelter. We also give some of our guest special job training." Ms. Fay said.

"Job training?" Benji asked.

"See, we also teach them the qualifications needed for obtaining a job. We want to help them get back on their own feet so they can one day get a place of their own and better their life." Ms. Fay stated. "We also do something similar for the children." Ms. Fay then pointed at a corner of the room where there a few children writing notes and being taught by a female panda. "For families that can't afford to send their kids to school but still want them to get an education, we have actual teachers to help lecture them. Some of them were even able to make it back to school and are even attending college on a scholarship."

"Wow. That's incredible." Falisha said amazed.

"So you really do help the people in more ways than one." Nick said.

"If we knew about this place sooner, maybe we could have took May and her siblings here." Judy stated.

"What made you come up with such an amazing idea for a place like this?" Mimi asked Ms. Fay.

"My family always told me to help others who can't help themselves. But I also believe we should also help others so they can help themselves." Ms. Fay stated. "Like parents, their job is to raise their children so they can be ready to face the world on their own. That's kinda what we do here."

"You're quite amazing to have a place like this that helps so much." Judy said. "Zootopia is lucky to have you."

"I like to think so." Ms. Fay said smiling. "I'm just trying to do what I can to make the world a better place."

Making the world a better place been both Judy and Nick's dream since they were little kids. It was nice to know that they weren't the only one.

"You sound like Nick and Judy, ma'am." Darson said smiling.

"Yeah. They go on and on about wanting to make the world a better place." Finnick added. "It's like they're two broken records."

"If the cop thing doesn't work, maybe you should apply for a job here." Mervin stated to Nick and Judy.

"As nice as it would be, you should know we are set for being cops." Nick said boldly.

"Oh? You two want to be police officers?" Ms. Fay asked Nick and Judy.

"We're aiming to be the first fox and rabbit officers of the ZPD." Judy said proudly.

"What a huge goal for the both of you." Ms. Fay said impressed. "When you make it a reality, you both have my full support."

"Thank you." Nick and Judy said with smiles.

The group then stopped walking when they were near a corner.

"So Ms. Fay, what can my friends and I do to help today?" Nick asked.

"A few things, actually." Ms. Fay said. "Do any of you know how to cook? My kitchen staff is a bit short and we need a bit more help with prepping for meals. We do have a lot of mouths to feed."

"I know a few dishes I can cook." Falisha said while raising a paw.

"Ooh! Ooh! I know a TON of recipes." Mimi said eagerly. "Let me help. Let me help."

"Okay then. You two can head to the kitchen then." Ms. Fay said while pointing at the kitchen area.

"Alright. Let's go, Mims." Falisha said to the skunk girl.

"Yay!" Mimi said still sounding eager.

Falisha and Mimi waved goodbye to the others as they headed to the kitchen.

"We also had a shipment of supplies and donations that we need some help moving in here." Ms. Fay said. She then looked at Ronnie, Audran, and Ben. "You three seem like big and strong boys. Care to help?"

"Sure we can help move a few things. Right, guys?" Ronnie asked Audran and Benji.

"Right." Audran and Benji said willing to help.

"Our guys should be outside. Help them as much as you can." Ms. Fay said.

The three nodded and headed out. Ms. Fay then looked at Flash. Since he was a sloth, she expected him to be pretty slow. Not really ideal for most things. But she did have an idea that would be up to Flash's... speed.

"We do have a few sloth guests that are you could help with. If you are willing to." Ms. Fay said to Flash.

Flash waited a few seconds before saying "Leave it to me, Ms. Fay. I'll do my best." at a normal speed and started slowly walking to where the sloths were.

"Wait? Did he just..." Ms. Fay said after hearing Flash talk normally.

"Don't overthink it." Nick, Judy, Finnick, Mervin, and Darson told her.

"I'll... take your word for it." Ms. Fay said taking the kids' words to heart. "Now the rest of you, would you be kind enough to help the rest of residences here in any way you can."

"How exactly?" Mervin asked.

"You know, talk with them, listen to their stories, tell them yours, make them laugh, anything to lift their spirits." Ms. Fay said.

"We can do that." Mervin said. "Nick's the funny one, but I'm a very good second."

"Ehhh..." Judy, Finnick, and Darson said with a 'more or less' gesture.

"Nick's not even that funny to begin with." Darson stated.

"Heh heh. I hear that." Finnick said smiling and agreed with Darson.

"Funnier than you two fools." Nick said looking a bit peeved with Finnick and Darson.

"Ehhh..." Judy said giving the 'more or less' gesture.

"Et tu, Carrots?" Nick said looking a bit hurt.

"Oh, don't be like that, sweetie." Judy said as she hugged Nick's side. "You're funny enough."

"I'll take your word for it. Only because you're cute." Nick said hugging her back.

"Come on, let's say hi to some random strangers." Finnick said as he starts walking.

Finnick, Mervin, and Darson started walking. Nick and Judy were about to follow them but were halted by Ms. Fay.

"Just a moment, you two." Ms. Fay said to Nick and Judy.

"Hmm?" Nick and Judy went.

"Looking at you two, I can tell that you are both the center of your little group. It also seems like you are both the kind of kids that inspire everyone you meet." Ms. Fay said.

"That's not untrue." Judy admitted.

"Why do you ask?" Nick asked.

"See, I could you two's help with one of our older guests. He's one of the mammals that's been here the longest." Ms. Fay said.

"An older guest? What's he like?" Nick asked.

"Well for starters,... he's a fox... like you." Ms. Fay said awkwardly.

Once Nick and Judy heard that, Judy's nose twitched and Nick's ears twitched. They recall meeting an old fox when they first came in. Was it the same cranky old man?

"This old fox wouldn't have to be ancient, in a wheelchair, and the kind of old guy that would complain about everything?" Nick asked.

"Oh. You already met Mr. Grimey." Ms. Fay said.

"Yeeeeeah. I bumped into him a few minutes ago." Nick stated.

"Not the nicest person we met." Judy added.

"Sorry. Guess when you are 94, you then to be... grouchy." Ms. Fay stated.

"94?!" Nick and Judy shouted out.

"Man, he really is ancient." Nick stated.

"Yeah. Even he knows it." Ms. Fay admitted. "But we shouldn't call him that. Anyway, Mr. Grimey has been in the shelter longer than most of the mammals here. As you could guess, his behavior doesn't make him the most liked person."

"So... you basically want us to make him more... palatable?" Nick asked.

"If you can." Ms. Fay asked.

Nick and Judy didn't know they could do with someone like the old tod. But they have been known to change people before.

"Most of my friends are former bullies until I change them. He's a lot older, but I think Judy and I are up for the job." Nick said looking confident.

"You can count on us, Ms. Fay." Judy said sounding determined.

"Thank you. Good luck." Ms. Fay said before walking away. She also muttered something else. "Cause boy, will you need it."

Judy happens to hear that last part because of her hearing.

"She said we're gonna need that luck." Judy said to Nick.

"I think we'll be fine. I'm pretty sure we are the most luckiest mammals in the city." Nick stated. "Seriously, have you seen our luck?"

"Things do seem to work out for us." Judy admitted.

So, the first day at the Savanna Shelter had begun for the kids. Falisha and Mimi were at the kitchen with a few other chefs with white chef attire. They were all pigs that looked exactly alike. So they were most likely triplets.

"So, you are the two helping us out in the kitchen. I'm Sal." One of the pigs said.

"I'm Mal." The second pig said.

"And I'm Al." The third pig said.

"Together we are the Swinworth triplets." The three pigs said at the same time.

"Eeeeee! Triplets! That's so cool!" Mimi said in awe by the three pigs.

"Nice to meet you. It was kinda obvious that you were triplets." Falisha said awkwardly. "So you three are the main chefs?"

"That's right." Sal stated.

"We help prep and cook all the meals here." Mal said.

"Breakfast, lunch, and dinner." Al said.

"Cool. It's very impressive that you make enough meals for everyone here." Falisha said.

"Yes, but it's not easy." Al admitted.

"We have to make food that not only everyone will enjoy, but satisfy them too." Sal stated.

"You two do know a few things about cooking, right?" Mal asked.

"I have cooked a few meals with my mom and sister." Falisha stated. "What about you, Mi..."

As Falisha was about to ask Mimi about her cooking experience, she noticed that Mimi was already scoping the kitchen to see what was available. She started with the vegetables on the counter.

"Tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers, spinach, mint, kale, cabbage..." Mimi thought.

"Uhhhh... Mimi?" Falisha said trying to get her attention.

Mimi then walked over to a cabinet that stored a variety of spices. Salt, pepper, cumin, sumac, turmeric, paprika, and allspice just to name a few.

"Plenty of seasonings..." Mimi thought.

"Uhhh... Mimi?" Falisha said trying to get her attention again.

"Is your friend always like this?" Sal asked.

"I couldn't say. We're still pretty much new friends." Falisha told them.

Mimi then walked over to the fridge and sees a huge stock of things to use. She even found some premade pasta dough.

"Alright. I got it." Mimi said looking eager. She then looked at the 3 pigs. "Mr. Sal, Mr. Al, and Mr. Mal, may I cook something with what you have? I have an excellent dish that everyone will surely love."

"Umm... sure." Sal said.

Mimi then took off her regular glasses and switched to a different kind that were more of a rectangle shape. Mimi then had a serious and confident look on her face.

"Allow me to show you how I cook." Mimi said to everyone.

Mimi first washed her paws before she started cooking. She then picked up a knife and started chopping some vegetables. Tomatoes, onions, and a few others in one bowl, Spinach, kale, parsley, and others in another. Her focus then went to the pasta dough. She flattens the dough up nicely and then put it through a pasta maker. Out came some nice looking noodles. As Falisha watched Mimi cook, she was beyond amazed.

"She's so calm and focused. There are no missteps in her cooking. She's like a totally different person." Falisha thought. "Is this really the same ditzy girl I first met?"

"Falisha..." Mimi said while rolling out more noodles. "Start boiling water for me."

"Umm... sure!" Falisha said understanding.

Falisha didn't mind being Mimi's sous chef and helping her out with her dish. As the water boiled, Mimi dropped the noodles into the boiling water and added salt. After pureeing tomatoes into a red sauce and green ingredients into a green sauce, she heats up the sauces into different pots. After a couple of minutes of boiling, the spaghetti was ready. Falisha helped strain the noodles with a strainer. Mimi then mixed some of the noodles with the red sauce and some with the green sauce. She put out for 4 plates and on each plate were the 2 types of spaghetti. The red and the green.

"It's done." Mimi said to everyone. "Spaghetti 2-ways. Go on. Dig in."

"Okay." Falisha said.

Falisha and the Swinworth triplets each picked up a plate and a fork.

"So, we got spaghetti with two different sauces." Falisha said. She then started to get a whiff of the aroma from both sauces. "Smells good. Let's try the red sauce first."

Falisha and the Swinworths spooled up some of the noodles with the red sauce. The each a forkful of the spaghetti and had a taste. When their tongues hit the sauce, it was like tasting heaven.

"Sooooo good..." Falisha said in awe.

"Sooooo delicious..." The Swinworth triplets said as much in awe as Falisha.

"The red sauce is very good. The sweetness from the tomatoes along with the combination of herbs and seasonings blend really well with the noodles. It's such a savory sauce." Falisha stated.

"Now, how about trying the green sauce?" Mimi suggested Falisha and the Swinworth Triplets to do.

Falisha and the Swinworths did just want Mimi suggested and spooled up some of the noodles with the green sauce. As they each gave the spaghetti with green sauce a try, like the red sauce, they were in total bliss.

"Wow! It's so good." Falisha said in awe. "You can taste all the herb and green veggies you put into the sauce. There's so much flavor."

"I detected a certain creaminess in the sauce." Al said as she slurped up some more noodles.

"I do too." Mal said. "Is that..."

"Yep." Mimi said before holding up an avocado. "I used some avocado in the sauce."

"Avocados have a high-fat content, yet I can tell mixed in some cream to smoothing the sauce out." Sal said.

"Uh huh." Mimi said with a smile. "Once I missed up the green veggies, I blended them up with the avocados and cream. Then, I thicken up the sauce by heating it up. After adding a pinch of salt and mixing the noodles in, it was ready."

"The red sauce is very savory while the green sauce is very creamy. Either sauce could please anyone's palette." Falisha said before having more.

"Young lady, how did you learn how to cook so well?" Al asked.

"From my dad." Mimi answered. "He actually the head chef of a 4-star restaurant. He taught me to cook when I was 4. So I have 9 years of cooking experience."

"Woah! 9 years?" Falisha asked.

"Yeah. I know how to wield a knife, prep food, and the proper ways to cook them." Mimi said as she takes off her cooking glasses.

Falisha was really amazed by Mimi's skills as a cook. The tiger believed that she was a great cook, but not even close to Mimi's level.

"By the way..." Mimi said as she puts on her regular glasses on. "Did you guys really liked my dish? Like, for realies? Cause this was the first time I ever cooked for anyone else besides my family." Mimi was acting her normal ditzy self again.

"Haha! Don't worry. It was amazing, Mimi." Falisha said while patting Mimi on the shoulder.

"Oh good." Mimi said looking relieved.

"Now, how about we make some more? Got a lot of mouths to feed so we need to make more of this tasty pasta fast." Al said to the teens.

"Will do." Mimi and Falisha said willing to happy.

Meanwhile, as they were continuing to cook, Ben, Ronnie, and Audran were outside of the shelter helping more a box of supplies with two strong looking male and female black bulls. The bulls were a married couple went by Mr. and Mrs. Vine. Ronnie, Audran, and Benji were currently trying to lift up a pretty heavy box.

"Come on, you boys. Lift with your knees." Mr. Vine said.

"We're... trying..." Benji said feeling the strain of heavy lifting.

"Jeez, what's in this box? Bricks?" Ronnie asked complaining a bit.

"Those are actually blankets." Mrs. Vine stated.

"SERIOUSLY?!" Ronnie and Benji shouted out in disbelief.

"Must be heavy blankets, eh?" Audran said as he still tries to help lift the box.

After a few more boxes, the three boys seems to be done with the box moving. The three were all so exhausted that they laid on the floor.

"*huff**huff* OXYGEN!" Benji shouted out after taking a few breaths.

"And you guys do this all the time, Mr. and Mrs. Vine?" Ronnie asked.

"Uh huh." Mr. and Mrs. Vine went.

"Every day, we need supplies like clothing and blankets for the people staying at the shelter. We offend get donations from other mammals that do want or need these anymore. When it comes to the shelter, we get what we can get. Even if it's a hand-me-down." Mr. Vine said.

"Wouldn't it be better if you just got new stuff?" Benji asked.

"New stuff costs money. Our job is to spend as little as possible, but still enough to provide for the essentials." Mr. Vine stated.

"Makes sense." Audran stated.

"Guess it wouldn't be much of a homeless shelter if you had to keep spending money for essentials." Benji said.

"Still, it's nuts that you have to lift heavy boxes like that all day, every day." Ronnie said as he rolled his arms. "I consider myself as the strongest guy in our group and even I don't think I even have a fraction of the strength you two have."

"You're still young. Just give yourself some more time to grow." Mrs. Vine said to Ronnie.

"You seem like the kind of kid who likes to defend his friends all the time." Mr. Vine said.

"Yeah. In a way, I was always the group's bodyguard." Ronnie stated. "Most bullies would back off, not wanting to mess with a bear. Papa bear always said 'The strong should look out for the ones that aren't.'."

"That's true. But who looks after the strong when they need help?" Mr. Vine asked.

"Sometimes, it's okay for the strong to ask for help." Mrs. Vine said.

"Sounds like you know from experience." Audran said.

"We... actually do." Mr. Vine said looking a bit sad all of the sudden. "Not too long ago, the Mrs. and I used to live here in the shelter."

"What?" Ronnie, Audran, and Benji went surprised to hear that. This new information really shocked Ronnie, Audran, and Benji.

"You both used to live here?" Benji asked shocked.

"Not too long ago, yes." Mr. Vine admitted.

"What happened?" Ronnie asked.

"I was laid off on my job. Soon after, bills piled up and we couldn't afford our apartment." Mr. Vine said.

"Elle met us at a time and told us he could stay here at the shelter. She even hired us to help out a bit." Mrs. Vine stated. "They helped us get back on our feet and we got our life back on track."

"So you guys still work here as your way to pay back the shelter for what it did for you." Ronnie said with a smile.

"Uh-huh. This shelter has done so much for us. Helping them out is just our way of returning the favor." Mr. Vine stated. "I rather not have the Mrs. work so hard, tho."

"Why so?" Benji asked.

"Don't mind him. He's just worried since we're trying to have a baby." Mrs. Vine stated.

"Oh!" Benji, Ronnie, and Audran said a bit surprised to hear that.

"You're trying to have a baby?" Ronnie asked.

"No luck so far. But we are still very hopeful." Mr. Vine stated. "We wouldn't be able to try if things were still bad for us."

"Well, that's good. We hope you are able to have a baby soon." Benji said. "Our friend Nick has a baby brother and sister and we all love them."

"Which is why we are hoping to be blessed with a little one soon." Mrs. Vine stated. "We want to experience the joy and hard work that comes with being parents."

"We hope that you are able to have a kid soon." Ronnie said with a smile.

After Ronnie said that, he noticed that Mrs. Vine was trying to lift up another box. Seeing this, Ronnie immediately dashed over to her and decided to lift the box for her.

"Wait! If you really are trying to have a baby, then you shouldn't work so hard." Ronnie stated.

Benji and Audran then followed Ronnie's lead and wanted to help lift the box.

"We'll help out too." Benji said eagerly.

"It's the least we can do, eh?" Audran said.

As the three attended to lift the box,... it was clear that they wouldn't be able to because of the heaviness. Not even the three of them together could lift the box.

"Okay, WHAT IS IN THIS BOX?! DUMBBELLS?!" Ronnie shouted out.

"Yes, actually." Mr. and Mrs. Vine said.

"SERIOUSLY?!" Ronnie, Audran, and Benji shouted out.

"Homeless people need to work out too, you know?" Mr. Vine stated.

While Ronnie, Audran and Benji were still busy with boxes, the others were still helping around the shelter. Flash was teaching the other sloths how to speak fast like normal mammals. Finnick was with some of the younger kids that he was actually a bit taller than. Some of the mice kids tended to climb on him. He wasn't thrilled by it. Darson was walking around the shelter seeing if there was anyone who needed help.

As he walked, his attention went to a female adult white coyote. The coyote had one some... unusual 60's attire. She had a tie-dye shirt, brown fringe vest, a sunflower near her left ear, and bluebell bottoms on. It was... offputting for Darson to see someone wearing clothes from a bygone era. Still, Darson felt that there was something interesting about this woman. So, he walks over to speak with her.

"Excuse me, ma'am?" Darson said to get the coyote's attention.

"Oh. Salutations, young one." The coyote said in a sort of layback tone. "Oh my. I do hope you're not another young one who has to deal with misfortune."

"No. My misfortune ended long ago." Darson stated. "I'm just here because two of my friends wanted us to help out around here."

"Splendid." The coyote said smiling.

Darson couldn't shake a feeling she had about this woman. He was starting to get imaging of his deceased mom. Was it because this woman reminded him of her? He then looked and noticed that she also had on a purple hexagon crystal necklace.

"Hey! That's a chakra healing crystal pendant." Darson said.

"Good eye." The coyote said impressed as she holds out the crystal. "Most people only see it as a pretty gem."

"Yeah. I know all about them and their healing properties." Darson said. He started getting into the spiritual stuff his mother was into.

"My. Children your age aren't really into that kind of stuff. You are quite a unique little flower." The coyote stated with a smile.

"It's... weird." Darson said still not shaking the feeling he had with this coyote. "I believe in spiritual connections and while I don't know who you are, I feel like I do."

"I... feel that way too. You remind me of someone I..." The coyote said before pausing. It seems she was bothered by something she didn't want to bring up. "Nevermind. We should probably introduce ourselves to each other properly. I like to go by Sunflower, but my birth name is Darlene."

"Huh. Your name is a bit like mine. It's Darson." Darson said introducing himself.

The moment Darson said what his name was, Darlene's whole body started to twitch. She then grabbed onto Darson's shoulders which started to freak the young coyote out.

"Hold on! Are you... are you... Videl's Moon Lotus?" Darlene asked.

Now Darson was the shocked one.

"That's... my mom's name... and that's what she called me." Darson stated. "How did you..."

Before Darson could finish what he wanted to say, Darlene went over to Darson and hugged him really tightly. For some reason, she seemed really happy to see Darson.

"IT REALLY IS YOU! OH, HOW THE WORLD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS. IT EVEN BROUGHT US TOGETHER HERE ON ALL PLACES!" Darlene said sounding too happy.

"Umm... ma'am?" Darson said as he feels that Darlene was hugging him way too tight. "I usually don't let strangers hug me this long."

"Oh. Sorry." Darlene said as she let go of Darson.

"So, you actually know me and my mother?" Darson asked.

"I did." Darlene said.

"Then... you must also know..." Darson said looking sad.

"Yes... I already know that she has completed her journey on this earth a long time ago." Darlene said in a saddened tone. She then placed her paw on Darson's shoulder. "But at least she was able to bring you in this world."

Darson slowly put a smile on his face. He always felt that his being was a bad thing. But he was glad that he was wrong about that.

"Come. Let's sit down and talk." Darlene said as she wanted to speak with Darson some more.

The two then sat on some empty seats and faced each other.

"As you can tell, your mother named you similar to me." Darlene stated. "I remember seeing you for the first when you were just a little baby. I even held you a few times."

"How come I don't really know who you are?" Darson asked. "I mean, dad didn't like to talk about mom before... and I feel that you would have visited me at least once or twice if you really were close to my mom."

"That's... a difficult question to ask. But you deserve an answer." Darlene said looking a bit sad. "As I said, Water Lily, your mother's flower name, were close. So when she died, I felt... emotional about it. Maybe more so than your father. I did see you shortly after you were born. I even took care of you a few times. But one day, when I saw you smile, it reminded so much of your mother. It hit me that she wasn't here anymore and... it hurt. So I thought it was best to leave and I told your father not to say anything about me to you when you got older."

"I see." Darson said thinking that everything added up. "Can I ask you something else too? How did you end up here?"

"Heh. Compared to your mother, I was a bit more of a free-spirit than her. The problem with being a free spirit... life isn't free." Darlene stated. "So when the money well ran dry, I had to come here."

"You didn't have a job or anything?" Darson asked.

"I mostly sold spiritual items at the farmer's market. It doesn't sell as well at this time and age." Darlene stated. "I do have another job at a local cafe thanks to the people here."

"Oh. Well, that's good."Darson said.

"I've recently have been trying to get my own place again." Darlene said. "Still waiting for the green light. The shelter has been plentiful, but I don't want stay here too long."

"Seems that you might be doing better than most of the mammals here." Darson said looking at some of the other guests

"Even so, one can do good with more fortune. It's why I often give out a few good luck charms to them. Maybe that's why I'm been slightly on the poor side." Darlene admitted as she scratched the back of her head.

"That's a pretty believable reason." Darson stated.

"Anyway, let's talk about something else, shall we?" Darlene asked.

"Oh yes. You must have a million stories with you and my mom." Darson said looking excited.

"A million and more if you are willing to listen." Darlene said with a smile.

"I am." Darson said happily.

So Darson talked with Darlene to hear stories about his mother. While that was happening, Nick and Judy had to find the old fox, Mr. Grimey. They were able to find the old tod in his wheelchair looking like most grouchy old men do.

"That's him." Judy said to Nick.

"He wasn't too inviting the last time. Let's see if things will be different this time." Nick said.

The two then walked over to the elderly fox and introduced themselves.

"Excuse us? Mr. Grimey, right?" Judy said politely.

"Huh? Who are you?" Mr. Grimey said before taking a few seconds to remember Nick and Judy. "Oh. You're the young tod and doe from before."

"That... would be us." Nick replied.

"What do you young'uns want?" Mr. Grimey asked with a bit of an attitude.

"Uhhh... well... our friends and us are volunteering here in the shelter for the next few days and..." Nick explained before he was stopped by Mr. Grimey.

"Let me guess, the head of this place already told you about me and that she wants you two to help make me a 'happy camper'." Mr. Grimey said guessing right.

"I... wouldn't say she used the words, 'happy camper'." Nick said smiling awkwardly.

"Pssh! If that little kitten were my age, she would be the same way I am." Mr. Grimey stated.

"You know she runs this place. The least you can be is grateful that she took you in." Judy said sounding defensive for Ms. Fay.

"Don't misunderstand. I am. Giving an old fox like me somewhere to lay my head. However, that doesn't make life any easier. Especially when you're a fox." Mr. Grimey stated.

At that point, Nick and Judy got one of the reasons why he was so grumpy. Foxes in the city have always had it bad. So he must have had backlash for most of his life. The backlash that might have been even worse at the time.

"I guess that makes sense." Nick said as he scratches the back of his head.

"Of course it does." Mr. Grimey stated. "Anyway, since you young'uns are volunteering, that means you two are willing to help me with anything I need, right?"

"That's correct." Judy replied.

"Then help me this old man out with a few things." Mr. Grimey said. "Do well and I might be very grateful."

Nick could hear a hint of slyness in the old fox's tone. A slyness he knows all too well since he would often use it. But... it wasn't like they weren't going to help him.

"What do you need, Mr. Grimey?" Nick asked.

"First, no formalities. Don't call me Mr. Grimey, sir, or old man. Call me by my first name, Richard." Mr. Grimey said firmly.

"Okay, Richard." Nick said calling the old tod by his first name. "I'm Nick."

"I'm Judy." Judy said saying her name.

"Nicholas and Judith, huh?" Richard said.

"Actually, we prefer Nick and Judy." Nick stated.

"Aren't Nick and Judy short for Nicholas and Judith?" Richard asked.

"I mean, they are our actual names, but..." Judy tried to explain.

"Come on, you two young'uns." Richard said as he already starting rolling his wheelchair. "Time to put you two to work."

"I can already tell that this won't be fun." Nick said already dreading how this was going to go.

"Let's go, Nicholas." Judy said calling Nick by his actual name.

So Nick and Judy spend their time helping the elderly Richard Grimey. The two mostly helped with the minor stuff he needed help with. From cleaning up his wheelchair, helping him eat his food, and... giving him a foot massage. Then Richard mentions that a food massage doesn't matter to him because he's paralyzed from the bottom down. He can't feel it even if he wanted to. Realizing that nearly set both Nick and Judy off. Once three hours passed, the gangs' volunteer work was over. While it was Nick and Judy's idea, everyone else seemed to enjoy their day more than the two.

But this was only day 1. They still have two more days of helping out at the shelter. The group then all went to their homes. Except for Judy, who chose to hang out with Nick for a bit and have dinner at his house. Gwen also came over for dinner. Judy and Gwen tend to have dinner with Nick's family almost every night. Tonight was pizza night. John had made a large pizza with mushrooms, cheese, black olives, and yellow bell peppers. The twins just had mashed baby food.

Nick and Judy violently bit and pulled out the cheese of their slices of pizza. Gwen, John, and Frankie could tell that they didn't seem too happy.

"Uhhh... I know the pizza's good and all, but we have plenty more." Gwen stated to Nick and Judy.

"Something happened when you were at the shelter?" John asked.

"Ugh! It was this old geezer we were helping out today." Nick said as he looked peeved.

"Now Nick, you shouldn't call someone that just because he's old." Frankie said as she feeds the twins.

"But he was so demanding and he was even thankful." Judy stated. "He was also pretty grouchy. We'd rather just help others around the shelter, but Ms. Fay what us specifically to help change the old fox's attitude."

"You two are known for that." John said before taking a bite out of his pizza.

"Yeah and I have Judy to blame for that. Also you two for being such good and loving parents." Nick stated looking a bit mad.

"You're welcome?" John said not sure if he could take it as a compliment or not.

"I think you two are taking it over proportion." Frankie said.

"You wouldn't say that if you met the guy." Judy stated.

"Mr. and Mrs. Wilde, maybe you know this fox." Gwen said.

"Just because we're foxes, doesn't mean we all know each other." Frankie stated.

"The fox's name is Richard Grimey." Nick said.

"Sssssssssss... ooooooooooh..." Both John and Frankie went after hearing that name.

"By that, I'm assuming you both know him." Nick said taking a wild guess.

"He... was in my old neighborhood when I grew up." Frankie admitted.

"When we were only a bit older than you and started dating, the old geezer caught me sneaking out with your mother and ratted me out to your grandpa." John stated looking he still held a grudge. "I couldn't see your mom for 2 weeks."

"You snuck out?" Nick asked as he raised an eyebrow.

"I was still in a bit of my rebel phase." John admitted. "Still, I'm surprised he's still alive. He was ancient when we were kids."

"Johnny!" Frankie said thinking John shouldn't say that.

"Oh come on. You thought it too." John said. "Didn't your parents ground you for that?"

"They did." Frankie said started to be the mad one. "The one time I try to be a bad girl and I got caught. The old fart."

"Sounds like you're not a fan of him either." Nick said.

"Nope." Both John and Frankie said.

"Do you know anything about why he's such a grump?" Judy asked.

"We couldn't tell you. From what we know, he's not married or has kids." John said before sipping his drink. "I think he has family outside of the city though."

"The shelter is for the homeless. Does that mean something happened to him?" Nick asked.

"Probably." John said. "Most elderly mammals either live with family or retirement home. But if he's living in a shelter..."

"What could have happened to him?" Nick asked.

Nick and Judy started to ponder about Richard. What did happen to him that made the fox have to live in a shelter for the homeless? Why that instead of a retirement home? They were questions that Nick and Judy would probably have to ask him tomorrow.

Day 2 of the group helping out at the shelter. The group all decided to do the same thing they did yesterday. Falisha and Mimi helped around the kitchen, Benji, Ronnie, and Audran helped moved a few things, and Darson spoke with Darlene some more about his mother.

Nick and Judy still had to spend time with Richard Grimey in hopes to lighten up his mood. Ms. Fay tells them that he's somewhere at the far end of the shelter. Neither Nick and Judy seemed too thrilled to talk with the elderly fox.

"Ugh! Do we have to see the old grump again?" Nick asked Judy. "I know we agreed to, but can't we just help someone else?"

"We promised Ms. Fay. We can't go back on a promise we made and you know it." Judy stated.

"I know. I know." Nick said agreeing with Judy. "But still..."

At that moment, before Nick could finish, Judy's ears perked up as she hears something.

"Wait!" Judy said as she halted Nick from walking up more. "Do you hear that?"

"Hear what?" Nick asked.

"I think I hear... singing." Judy said.

As they walked follow, Nick started to hear the singing too. They walked more and more as the singing got louder. They were surprised when they found out what the source of the singing was. It was Richard. The fox sang as he tapped on the handle on his wheelchair. The way he was singing, his voice sounded much different. It was short of angelic. By his tone, it sounded like he was singing a swing-style song.

Another day,

Another time,

Can being born

Really be a crime?

A different world,

A different view,

Wish we could start

Our life anew.

We can't change what happens in the past see

Or that our life is here to last.

I am born what you see

But is what you see truly me?

As Richard hummed the rest of the song, Nick and Judy walked closer but stayed quiet. They actually thought he was a really good singer and his lyrics said a lot. As his humming ends, Nick and Judy clap a bit. Not too much, but loud enough to get Richard's attention.

"Oh. It's you two again." Richard replied. "I'm surprised. Most people stay away from me after the first day."

"We have a bit of resilience." Nick stated.

"Once upon a time, yes." Richard responded. "Waaaaaay before you young'uns were even born... and much different from the music you listen to. Not that rickity-racket or hippity-pop."

"Rickity-Racket? Hippity-Pop?" Judy said a bit confused.

"I think you mean, rock, hip-hop, and/or pop." Nick replied correcting the old fox.

"Eh. It's all the same. In my day, the real music to listen to was Swing." Richard stated.

"Swing Music? My dad's actually a fan of that." Nick stated. "Oh! That reminds me. My parents said that they actually know you. Do you remember a Francine or Johnathan Wilde?"

"At my age, I can barely remember what happened yesterday." Richard stated firmly.

"That... is probably true." Nick admitted.

"However..." Richard said as he fixes his glasses and gets a closer look at Nick. "... your face does remind me of another fox."

"Nick, maybe you should be more precise." Judy suggested.

"*sigh* Well... mom said you lived in her old neighborhood and pop said you caught him and mom when they were sneaking out and told my pop-pop." Nick stated.

"Ahh... those rebellious fox teenagers. I remember them now." Richard said as he started recalling who John and Frankie were. "So you're actually their baby boy?"

"I am." Nick replied while nodding.

"How old are you?" Richard asked.

"13." Nick answered sounding a bit concerned.

"Any older siblings?" Richard asked.

"Younger, yes. Older, no." Nick asked. He then raised up an eyebrow and asked. "Why?"

"You... seem like a fair age. I was worried that your father may have... you know." Richard said.

Richard assumed that when they were younger, John may have gotten Frankie..., you know, pregnant went they were still teenagers.

"HEY! WOAH WOAH WOAH!" Nick shouted. "My parents were responsible, even as teens. That's why they got married and THEN had me..." Nick then uttered "... 9 months later.".

"Hmm. Is that so?" Richard asked. He then looked at Judy. "What about you, bunny? Assuming you are from the country..."

"My parents got married legitimately... and waited at least 3 months before deciding to have kids." Judy said boldly.

"But did they ever stopped?" Richard asked while raising an eyebrow.

Judy waited 4 seconds before saying "No..." in defeat. Nick did some snickering afterward. "Don't laugh, Nick." Judy said looking a bit mad.

"Sorry. But you know your parents had too many kids." Nick said. He then walked behind and wrapped his arms around Judy. "Not that I'm complaining since you're one of them."

Richard couldn't help but wonder about Nick and Judy.

"You two... aren't a couple, are you?" Richard asked.

Nick and Judy assumed since Richard was one of those old people that liked things the 'old ways', it probably wasn't a good idea for Nick and Judy. So as much as they didn't want to, they decided to keep the fact about them being a couple a secret.

"No. Of course not." Nick said as he let goes of Judy.

"We're just really close. We have been best friends since we were 9." Judy stated.

"Oh. Cause I was starting to think you two were in a relationship." Richard said.

"Whaaaaat? A fox and a bunny? Don't be senile." Nick said trying to sound believable.

"Yeah. Nick's way too fluffy for me." Judy said pointing at him with her thumb.

"And she's way too adorable short for me." Nick said with a grin.

Judy felt that she should be mad at Nick for saying that. But chose to let it slide for now because it seems like they were able to make Richard believe them.

"Well, alright. But I still feel that it's surprising that a fox and rabbit can get along so well." Richard said as he started rolling his wheelchair. "Now, assuming you are both here to do the same thing as yesterday, I have a few things I need help with. So come on."

As Richard rolled off, Nick and Judy wanted to say something to each other.

"Knowing how some mammals are, we better keep our relationship a secret from the geezer for now." Nick stated to Judy.

"I agree. Someone like him is bond to say something like 'Foxes should be with foxes and bunnies should be with bunnies.'. It will be such a pain but we got to do it.." Judy stated.

"Yeah." Nick said nodding. "Oh. By the way..." Nick and Judy both then held each other's paws as they looked at each other and sound apologetic. "I'm sorry for what I just said."

"I'm sorry too. I love your fluffiness." Judy said.

"And I love your adorable shortness." Nick added.

After that, they spend their time helping out Richard. Surprisingly, he had lesser for them to do than yesterday. The main thing he really wanted them to do was clean his wheelchair. It wasn't too bad. Some spray and a rag, it made the job easy. As Nick was cleaning the wheel, Richard looked at Nick a bit and couldn't help but think about John.

"Now that I remember, that John-boy was always visiting Francine. I was worried that Francine may have fallen for the wrong kind of guy. Yet over time, I notice that the two really cared about each other." Richard said.

"They always said that they were high school sweethearts." Nick said as he wipes the wheels of the chair. "Even in my pop's 'bad boy phase', he was always an honest fox. Mom helped him stay that way."

"Is that so?" Richard asked.

"Mr. Wilde has always been a completely honest mammal. Most people call him 'Honest John' or 'Wide Smiles Wilde'." Judy stated.

"Hmm. I suppose the boy and girl grew up well if they were able to have a tod like you." Richard said.

Nick and Judy then froze after hearing that. Compared to yesterday, Richard was being nice to them.

"Was that... was that a compliment?" Nick asked Richard sounding surprised.

"What? Am I too grumpy or too much of an 'old geezer' to give you one?" Richard asked.

"No. I'll take what I can get." Nick said with a smile.

After one final wipe down, Richard's wheelchair was looking nice and clean.

"Done." Nick and Judy said together.

"Ehh." Richard went not sounding too impressed. "It will do."

Nick and Judy didn't seem to happy with Richard's comment. He was basically saying 'You call .this clean? You young'uns can do better than that.'. But the two rather not do any more work. So they let it slide.

"Alright. Anything else you want us to do?" Nick asked.

"I suppose you have done enough for me. You can go now." Richard said.

"What?" Nick and Judy said surprised.

"I can tell you don't want to do anything else for me. So, go on." Richard said as he makes a gesture.

"Um... okay." Nick said.

Nick and Judy were about to leave Richard to be by himself. It was pretty much what they wanted to do in the first place. Yet, part of themselves didn't want to leave yet. They felt that they wanted to know more about him. Especially about his singing.

"So, can you tell us more about your singing?" Nick asked Richard.

"Oh. You're actually still here." Richard said a bit surprised that Nick and Judy didn't leave.

"Did you always sing? Were you a singer?" Judy asked.

"To answer both your questions, yes and yes." Richard replied. "If there is one thing I remember at my age, it's..." Richard then changed to his singing voice. "... how to siiiiiiiiiing."

"Woah. You sound so different when you sing." Judy stated impressed.

"Hmph. A true singer knows how to keep his singing voice in peak shape even when they age." Richard stated boldly.

"Huh." Nick said impressed as well. "So, singing was something you always did."

"Yes. But it's a long story and I know you young'uns wouldn't care to listen." Richard stated.

"Heh! Clearly you don't know how some of us kids are." Nick said with a smirk.

"We two young'uns would actually love to hear your story." Judy said with a smile.

"Heh. Alrighty. But don't say I didn't warn you." Richard said with a smile. "I was a young tod. About the age your papa probably is now. Maybe a bit younger. I was a handsome fox. A very very handsome fox."

Richard then went on to tell Nick and Judy he used to be club singer. He remembers the days when he had a band and performed for hundreds of mammals. He would get applause and encore countless times. He also said he wasn't too bad with the lady vixens. He would go on and on about his club days and Nick and Judy listened. They actually enjoyed hearing his stories.

Later, Richard showed Nick and Judy an old black and white photo of himself in his youth. He was in a suit and tie and looking very suave. He didn't even have on glasses and he was standing. He didn't need a wheelchair yet.

"Woah! This was you?!" Judy asked a bit stunned.

"That was me." Richard answered. "Told you I was a handsome tod."

"Wow. Black and white photo. Shows you how old you really are." Nick said making a joke.

"If I had a cane, I'd smack you with it, boy." Richard said to Nick angrily.

"Thank goodness you don't." Nick said relieved by that fact.

Nick and Judy were really starting to get along with Richard now. Compared to yesterday, they can manage with him much more.

"Mr. Grimey? I mean, Richard, you're... actually a nice old man, are you?" Judy asked.

Richard waited a few seconds before sighing. He then looked at Judy and spoke with her and Nick. "No one in this world is born bad. It's what happens in their life to make them turn that way."

"So, you aren't a mean old geezer?" Nick asked.

"Nick!" Judy shouted while bumping Nick's chest with her elbow.

"No, I am mean old geezer. But that doesn't mean I'm always one." Richard stated.

"Then why are you?" Nick asked as he rubbed his chest at the spot Judy elbowed him. "Did... something happen to you?"

"..." Richard was silent.

"I mean, you do live in this shelter now instead of a house or retirement home. So what happened?" Nick asked.

"I think it's time for you two to get going." Richard said as he looked away from Nick and Judy. "Your time is about up anyway."

"Oh, wait. Did I step too far for asking?" Nick asked feeling that he has overstepped. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine. But you two really should go." Richard said as he started rolling away.

"Mr. Grimey, wait!" Judy said as she walks in front of Richard and getting him to stop. "We just to know so we can better understand you."

"You're still just young'uns. You wouldn't understand it even if you tried." Richard stated firmly.

"Then try us." Judy said just as firmly.

Richard looked at Judy and saw her determined face. He then slowly looked back at Nick and he had just a determined face as Judy. Richard decided to actually just tell them.

"Do you honestly believe I'm in this wheelchair because I woke up one morning and my legs weren't working? Well, you're wrong. And I'm not in this wheelchair because I'm old." Richard stated.

Nick and Judy felt a bit more stunned by what Richard said. After that, Richard just rolled away and Nick and Judy didn't say anything else to Nick and Judy. Nick and Judy didn't say anything either or tried to stop him. Did something happen to make Richard be in a wheelchair? What could have happened to him? For now, Nick and Judy didn't try to bother Richard anymore today. Besides, their 3 hours of charity work did pass for the day. So they decided to go.

Nick, Judy, and their friends got on the bus heading home. As they sat, Nick and Judy told their friends everything.

"So... the old fox wasn't always in that wheelchair?" Ronnie asked.

"Seems that way." Nick said while nodding.

"You think he was in an accident or something that caused him to get paralyzed?" Falisha asked.

"Or maybe something else happened to him. Something more serious." Finnick said in a serious tone. "He is a fox-like Nick and me after all."

"Finn, don't talk like that, man." Mervin said.

"Look, I'm just saying, I wouldn't be surprised if someone did something to him to make him be in a wheelchair. It was a darker time, after all." Finnick stated.

"He really didn't say anything else?" Mimi asked.

"I'm pretty sure he wouldn't even if we tried asking him now." Judy stated.

"Then maybe we need to find out on our own." Nick said as he thought about it.

"What do you mean?" Audran asked.

"He said he was a popular club singer. If that's the case, maybe I can do some digging." Nick suggested.

Later, everyone went into their homes for the day. Nick got on his computer and started it up. He clicked on the internet browser and went to a search site. On the search engine, he typed Richard Grimey to see if he would get any results. While the name was quite common, Nick found a fox with that name. So he knew it had to be 'Richard' Richard. As he clicked on the results, he read what he got. But as he scrolled down more and more, he was saddened by what he read.

"So that's why..." Nick uttered sadly.

The next day, it was the third and final day of the teens helping out in the Savanna Shelter. The group went and already knew where they were going. Nick and Judy wanted to talk with Richard again. Nick had already filled her in with what he knows about. Judy was saddened by what Nick told her and it made her wanted to talk with Richard about it even more.

Meanwhile, Falisha and Mimi went to the over the kitchen to meet up with the Swinworth triplets. It looked like the 3 pigs had something for them. Sal, Al, and Mal held up two white chef jackets for Falisha and Mimi.

"Wooooah! Are those..." Falisha and Mimi said as they looked at the chef jackets with all.

"Yep!" The Swinworth triplets said while nodding.

"You two helped us out so much that we decided to get these for you." Al said happily. "It's our little thank you for the last 2 days."

"We hope you like them." Mal said.

Falisha and Mimi took the chef jackets and looked at them in awe. They also notice that their names were stitched on the left side of them.

"Cool. Our names are even on them." Falisha said smiling.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh..." Mimi went as she shook in awe with sparks in her eyes. "This is just like the ones real chefs wear. Like my dad."

"Well, put them up. We hope the size is right." Sal said to Falisha and Mimi.

The two of them quickly put the chef jackets on. Both of theirs fitted them perfectly.

"These are great." Falisha said liking it.

"Yeah. Thank you so much." Mimi said happily.

"Now, let's get to cooking, Chef Falisha and Chef Mimi." Sal said while holding up a knife.

"Yes, sir." Falisha and Mimi said eagerly and determined.

During that time, Benji, Ronnie, and Audran were ready to help out Mr. and Mrs. Vine with supplies again. Except, it was only Mr. Vine. Mrs. Vine was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Mrs. Vine?" Benji asked Mr. Vine.

"She won't be here today. Doctor's order." Mr. Vine said.

"Doctor's order? Did something happened to her?" Ronnie asked looking worried.

"Did she pulled a muscle or something?" Audran asked also looking worried.

"No no. Nothing like that." Mr. Vine said calming the boys down. "To be frank, she shouldn't be working too much because of her... condition."

"Condition?" The three boys said in confusion.

Exactly what kind of condition could Mrs. Vine be in to not be here, the boys thought. Then the three remembered that Mr. and Mrs. Vine told them that they were trying to have a child. Could that mean...

"Wait. Is she..." Benji asked.

"Yes. We're are going to be parents." Mr. Vine said smiling.

"O... M... GOODNESS!" Benji, Ronnie, and Audran shouted out in joy.

So Mrs. Vine was pregnant. That was she wasn't here.

"Congratulations!" Ronnie said happy for Mr. Vine. "You're gonna be great parents."

"Thank you. It might be the hardest job we may ever do. But we will do our best to raise our future little calf." Mr. Vine said.

"We wish you all the good luck." Audran said.

"You might want to save some of that luck for yourself." Mr. Vine told the boys. "Without the Mrs. here, you boys have a lot more work to do today. You'll also need to pick her workload."

"Great..." The three boys all went as they slouched down not looking too happy.

Meanwhile, with Finnick, he was actually enjoying time with talking to a group of mammals around the ages of 5 to 7. Finnick was teaching them something that they should value in life. Money.

"Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned. Never spend more than you already have." Finnick said to the children.

"Yes, Finnick!" The kids all said while nodding.

"Also, NEVER turn down a free meal from a friend. You will never know if that person will be your new best friend or if it will lead you to a bunch of new best friends." Finnick said.

"Yes, Finnick!" The kids all shouted out again.

"Now, run along." Finnick while tilting his head.

After the kids left, Finnick actually started to look emotionally happy.

"Those kids all gonna grow up to be mighty entrepreneurs one day." Finnick said looking happy.

"Is... that... a... tear?" Said Flash who happened to be there the whole time with a sly grin.

"S... shut up!" Finnick shouted out.

Meanwhile, Darson walked around the shelter, he was looking for Darlene. When he found her, he noticed that she was packing up what she had in a brown suitcase and backpack.

"Darlene?" Darson asked as he tilted his head.

Darlene heard the young coyote and turned around to face him.

"Oh. Darson. Hello again, Moon Lotus." Darlene said greeting him.

"Why are you packing up your things?" Darson asked.

"It would seem that fate is still all in my favor." Darlene said as she smiled. "I finally got approved for my own apartment."

"Woah! Really? That's amazing!" Darson said looking happy for Darlene.

"The place not much, but it's somewhere I can rest my weary head." Darlene stated. "Took a bit longer than I would have wanted, but..."

"Who cares so long as you got a place, right?" Darson asked.

"Right." Darlene said as shes put her backpack on. "I'm leaving today, so this will be the last day of me staying here. But don't worry. I'll still be in the city."

"That's good. It means that we can see each other again." Darson said smiling.

"Oh. Before I go..." Darlene said. She then took off her crystal pendant and put it around Darson's neck. "... I want you to have this. It's one of the last things I got from your mother."

"Your charka crystal pendant? I... don't think I can take this since you got it from my mom." Darson said sounding uneasy.

"Now now. It's was fate that we just happen to meet each other again. That... and I truly believe that your mom would have wanted me to give you these." Darlene stated. "You wouldn't want her to haunt you from the great beyond, would you?"

"Ah ha ha. I think I said something similar to one of my friends a long time ago." Darson said laughing and recalling that he said a similar thing to Nick when they were younger. "In that case, I'll take it. Thank you, Darlene."

"It was nice to finally get to know you and I hope it won't be long before we meet again." Darlene said as she places her paws on Darson's shoulders. "Take care, Moon Lotus."

Darson was pretty close to crying. Darson didn't really had many family members. But from knowing Darlene and the friendship she had with his mom, it was like she was his aunt. Darson then hugged her. Darlene happily the hug and hugged him back.

Now for Nick and Judy. The two still had to speak with Richard one more time. Like before, they found him alone in his wheelchair. They could tell that he was pretty sad. Even with what they knew, even if he wasn't going to say anything about it, they had to speak with him. The two slowly walked over to him.

"Mr. Grimey? Richard?" Nick asked.

Richard turned around and saw Nick and Judy.

"Of course it's you two again." Richard said.

"We know you don't want to talk about it, but..." Judy said before getting cut off.

"If this is about how I got to be in this wheelchair, I don't want to talk it. So drop it and go bother someone else." Richard said as he looked away from Nick and Judy.

Nick then let out a sigh before telling Richard what he knew.

"You know, old-timer, there is this thing called the internet. Ever heard about it?" Nick asked. "It has information on almost anything in the world. Including... info on certain people if they are famous enough. Like you."

Hearing that, Richard turn back to them with a surprised look on his face.

"So... you know?" Richard asked.

"We do. But we would still like to hear your side." Nick said.

Richard took a deep breath before speaking to Nick and Judy.

"Guess there was never a real way to avoid it." Richard said. "Call all your little friends and find me in 5 minutes. I'll tell you everything about what happened to me."

Seem like Richard was ready to talk about everything. A few minutes later, Nick and Judy called all their friends, as Richard requested, and they all sat in chairs in front of him. Once, everyone was here, Richard spoke to them.

"I've been alive for a long time. I've seen this city changed quite a lot and times were much different than they are now." Richard said. "I was a young fox with a normal childhood for a fox. I lived with my mom and dad, went to school, had one or two friends... if any. Ever since I was a young tod, I loved music and wanted to be a singer. My parents didn't like the idea and said I should just do a more stable job. But I wanted to prove I could make it happen."

"Sounds a lot like me." Judy stated.

"Unlike most foxes, I had a lucky break. I got an audition for the lead singer in a night club called Tappers. Of course, they didn't feel comfortable about a fox being the club's singer. But they said I had an angelic voice that was too good to pass down." Richard stated. "I later got that job and lived my dream. I performed every night at that club and loved each night as much as the next. I became pretty popular and even recorded a record or two."

"Sounds like you lived a pretty good life for a fox." Finnick said.

"That... was the problem. It was too good of a life for a fox to have." Richard said. "That's what a few mammals thought and NOT the good ones. A mole who wanted to be the club singer before me asked me to quit so he could take my spot. Of course, I told him off and said no. The mole wasn't too happy with my answer as he left. I thought that was it after that. But... clearly, I was going to be wrong."

The group could tell that the sad part of his story was coming. Nick and Judy already knew what happened, but not the other characters.

"What happened?" Falisha asked looking a bit scared that she asked.

"*sigh* I remember it all too well. It's something I can't forget... no matter how much I tried." Richard said sadly. "That night, I just finished a show and was on my way home. Then... a mixed group of mammals followed and surrounded me. One of them was the mole from before. Clearly he called his friends to 'teach me a lesson'. That's when... they all beat me senseless."

The kids all flinched when he said that. Everyone except for Nick and Judy. They already knew about that part.

"It wasn't that had a real reason to fight me or that I did something wrong. It was only because they believe that a fox shouldn't have anything good. I can still feel the punches, kicks, and hits with a stick. At least until I blacked out." Richard said shaking a bit.

"They really did that to you?" Ronnie asked.

"That's... horrible and inhumane." Falisha said looking sad.

"In my time, I wasn't the only one who suffered from something like that. Truth be told, I was only lucky to be alive after that night. Yet... when I woke up, I was in a hospital bed. When I tried to get up... I realized... I couldn't move my lower body." Richard said with a grim expression on his face. "That's when the doctor came in and told me... that I would never be able to walk again."

There it was. The reason why Richard is in a wheelchair. He was actually beaten up so badly that he was paralyzed from the waist down. A sad thing for the group to hear.

"Oh my gosh. That's awful." Benji said trying not to cry.

"Those jerks actually hurt you so much that they caused you to lose the ability to walk?" Audran asked. "All because you were living your dream?"

"Grrr! Those guys must be the worst people in existence." Ronnie said angrily.

"Did they at least get those guys for what they did?" Finnick asked looking angry as well.

"Luckily, yes." Richard replied. "They even put them on trail. But it took longer than it should have."

"Longer than it should have? But with everything they did to you, it should have been an open-and-close case." Falisha stated.

"Believe me, those punks used every dirty trick in the book to try and get away. It also didn't help that I was a fox. But... eventually, after 1 week, which if I recalled was close to 2 weeks really, they were all convicted and sent to jail. If I recall that too, they all never got out either." Richard stated.

"Hmpt. Well, good." Finnick said looking firm, but relieved. "Mammals that would do something like that, don't even deserve bail."

"I agree with you there." Darson said to Finnick.

"It may have taken a while, but at least you got some justice, Mr. Grimey." Mimi stated.

"Justice? Do you call getting those conniving mammals locked up justice? I call it a hollow victory. My life was never the same after that." Richard stated. "Even with me not being able to stand or dance, I still sang. While my singing was the same, my soul wasn't in it. So after thinking hard about it, I decided to quit. Then... life really went downhill for me. You think it hard to get a new job as a fox? Try being a fox that's crippled. Some mammals even have the nerve to think you're lying about it. Why would I lie about THIS?" Richard's tone started to sound angrier and angrier. "I became a burden to my family because they have to take care of too often. Then as I get older and older and couldn't leave on my own anymore. So I later got put into a retirement home. But the funny thing about retirement homes. They don't tell you that getting old costs money. So I had to leave there too. Spending day after miserable day on the street until I made it here."

Richard really much had the worst life for anyone to live the way he had to. The teens really didn't know what they say. They just all had their heads down and were silent.

"Most people say to live as long as I have is a blessing. But with my life, it's a curse. Why live on if I have to keep suffering?" Richard asked tearfully. He then took a deep breath before speaking again. "With everything I've been through, I should have been dead long ago. Cause dying now... wouldn't be the worst thing for me."

Richard looked at the teens can tell that he really brought down their mood.

"Oh jeez. Looks like I really got you young'uns down with what I said." Richard said realizing that. "I mean, why should you kids care about the life of an old tod myself. It's not like you all had to deal with hardships like I did." He then looked at Nick. "Especially you, boy. A fox your age and this many friends, you never had to deal with any problems or woes. "

Richard could not be more wrong. Nick has had more than his share of problems. Nick then broke the silence from everyone else.

"I was only 9 when I got muzzled for being a fox." Nick said to Richard.

"What?" Richard said surprised to hear that.

"It's still the most traumatizing thing that's ever happened to me. The only reason why I was able to have a good life... was because of Judy. It's how I was able to make all these friends here." Nick said. "Yet... even if that moment's over, even if I forgave the boys who muzzled me, even if I'm friends with them now,... that moment still haunts me."

"Richard, we haven't been through as much as you have, but that doesn't we haven't had hard times." Judy stated. "Whether it was dealing with bullies..."

"... Going through a traumatizing experience, like Nick..." Mervin said.

"... being angry with the world because of what you are..." Finnick said.

"... almost losing a parent for something they didn't do..." Falisha said.

"... or losing a parent and thinking it was all your fault." Darson said.

"We all have problems in our life. Big and small. But in the end, we still had hardships the same as you." Audran stated.

"But that's how we all became friends." Ronnie said. "It's because of those hardships that we all understand each other."

"I'm still new to the group, but everyone here is the first real friends I've ever made. You must have been lonely for a long time. That's something I know." Mimi stated.

"See Richard, things may be different now, but some things didn't change. Like you, I'm still judged for being a fox. Things might not always go our way. But all we can do is live on and be hopeful that one day, things will be better." Nick stated. "At least that's what we think."

Richard looked at the group of teams. Never in his life that he has seen a group of friends like Nick has. It was so weird to see other mammals trust a fox so much. Richard's attention then went to Judy. He listened when Nick said he had a good life because of Judy. So he started to wonder...

"Nick, Judy, you two are together for real, aren't you?" Richard asked while raising an eyebrow.

"WHA... WHAT?!" Nick and Judy shouted red-faced.

Nick and Judy's friends assumed that they didn't want the old tod to know that they were a couple since they are different species.

"Sir, we have known Nick and Judy for years and we assure you..." Benji said trying to cover for them.

"Stop. I may be old and near-sighted, but I ain't dumb." Richard stated. "I could tell that these two really care about each other in a deep way."

"You can?" Nick asked looking surprised.

"I can and honestly, I'm okay with it." Richard said shrugging.

"But... we thought..." Judy said assuming he would be against it.

"Ehh. Truth be told, I fell in love with a bunny once upon a time." Richard admitted.

"... Wat?" The group of teens went completely stunned to hear that.

"Did you honestly believe these two were the first fox and rabbit to fall for each other?" Richard asked with a smirk.

"Actually, yes." Finnick replied.

"It was the bunny that nursed me back to health from my ordeal. She even saw a few of my shows. It was a different time, so I never acted on it." Richard stated. "Maybe one of my biggest regrets."

"Do you know if she's..." Judy said asking if this bunny was still alive today.

"She never married, but she's long gone now. So I'll never really know how things would have been." Richard stated.

"Oh." Judy said looking sad.

"Clearly, the younger generation knows when to take chances. So, I hope two can make each other happy at least." Richard said.

Nick and Judy looked at each other. The two really did make each other happy just being together. That's the important thing in a relationship.

"We do make each other happy." Judy said blushing a bit.

"Then... that's all that really matters in the end, right?" Richard asked.

"Right." Nick and Judy said smiling.

Richard then gave out a 'come here' gesture, wanting Nick and Judy to come a little closer. The fox and bunny then walked over to the old tod. He then slowly reached for Nick and Judy's foreheads and patted them.

"You two... are alright." Richard said with a smile. "You have a good set of friends and you two seem to bring the good in everyone. Clearly, since you wouldn't quit leaving me alone for the last few days."

"We kinda don't when to quit." Judy said proudly.

"More like she doesn't and she infected me with it." Nick said with a sly grin.

"You know you're fine with it." Judy said as she leans her head on Nick.

"Whatever." Nick said as he looking away blushing a bit.

"The compliment each other so well it's uncanny." Richard thought. "They are still so young, yet... it's like they were meant for each other."

A while later, the gang was about to take their leave. Everyone said their goodbyes and went outside. Except for Nick and Judy. They wanted to speak with Richard one last time.

"Richard, we hope that you take care of yourself." Judy said.

"Worry about yourself, little bunny. This old tod doesn't have many days in him anyway." Richard stated.

"Please. I wouldn't be surprised if you outlived us all since you're already so ancient." Nick stated joking around a bit.

"When I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last day we see each other." Richard said boldly.

"Hmm. Is that right?" Nick asked while raising an eyebrow.

Over the last few days, the three have formed a bit of a liking to each other. Nick and Judy were the first people Richard liked in such a long time. Yet, he still had his mean demeanor.

"What are you two still doing here? Scat! Run along now." Richard said to the kids.

"Fiiiine. See ya, old geezer." Nick said with a smirk as he walks off.

"Nick!" Judy said thinking he shouldn't call Richard that in front of him.

"Please, like he doesn't already know." Nick said to Judy.

As Richard watched Nick and Judy leave, he smiled.

"In the end, I'm happy that I was able to meet you two." Richard thought.

It was the next day and Nick was by himself as he was about to visit the Shelter again. After getting off the bus, Nick was a few minutes away from getting there.

"Heh heh! I beat the old geezer wouldn't expect to see me a 4th time." Nick thought with a sly look on his face.

As Nick walked by, he saw an ambulance vehicle drove by.

"An ambulance? Did something happen?" Nick thought.

He tried to let it bother him and walked over to the shelter. As he makes it insides, he sees quite a bit of the residence making a commotion. Most of them looked sad and upset. Some were even crying. It was a bit of a different mood than before.

"What's going on?" Nick asked himself. He then spotted Ms. Fay and walked over to her. "Ms. Fay, did something happen?"

Ms. Fay looked sadden as everyone else did.

"Nick... this morning, something did happen." Ms. Fay said with sadness.

At that moment, without even saying what, Nick already knew what Ms. Fay was going to tell him. And the reality of it hit Nick really hard. That moment, Richard Grimey had passed away in his sleep. He was over 94 years old... and now he was gone.

After finding that out, Nick went back home in a depressing matter. He even looked sad when he was playing with the twins. Seeing that his big brother was sad, Todd offered Nick his teething ring.

"Thanks, Toddy. But I'm good." Nick said trying to smile, even if it was a fake smile.

Nick then heard his mom call him.

"Nick, Judy's here." Frankie said.

Judy came into the room with a saddened look on her face. There were also signs on her face that she was crying a bit. It looks like she heard the news too. She walked to Nick and hugged his right arm as she sat with him.

"We shouldn't be sad. He... lived a long life." Judy told Nick.

"But not a good one." Nick replied. Nick then took something flat wrapped in gift paper. "Ms. Fay said he left this for me. Wanted me to have it."

"Open it up." Judy said to Nick.

Nick unwrapped the present as Judy, Todd, and Vicky watched. The wrapping revealed a box and opening the box, was cotton and a record.

"An old record?" Nick said as he takes the record out.

Todd and Vicky tilted their heads as they look at the record. They didn't know what they were looking at.

"An old record is how old people listened to music back in the day." Judy said explaining to Todd and Vicky.

"Mom! Pop!" Nick shouted out calling for his parents.

John then got out an old record player from the basement and set it up in the living room. He put the record into the player and carefully put the needle in the record. Nick held Todd, Judy held Vicky, and John and Frankie held each other as they waited for the record to play. They all started to hear a smooth melody play and angelic singing. Nick and Judy could tell it was Richard's voice.

"Is that... actually Mr. Grimey?" John asked.

"Yes." Judy said.

"He's actually a very good singer." Frankie said impressed.

"Yes, he was." Nick said smiling a bit.

The Wildes and Judy then continued to listen to the record.

Finally finished this chapter after too many days of working and my non-stop procrastination. Sorry, you all had to wait nearly 3 months. I really need to do better. Anyway, sorry for the semi-sad ending for this chapter. This chapter was a bit decided to my granddad. Last time my brother and I visited him he died less than a week after. We knew he was very sick, but we still felt that we should have seen him more. Anyway, after this chapter, no more chapters gloomy chapters for a while. Promise. Alright, that's all for now. Until the next chapter.