AK74FU2- Guess so!
Crazyanimaltlou- Thanks, and will do!
HeyitsTwinDrake- Yes, my two stories are two opposites in terms of styles. Sure, some people may like both, which is awesome too. Thanks, and glad you're looking forwards to it!
- Don't worry, it's all planned out!
Guest- Romance happens when it happens, right? ;)
Zootopians- Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it!
Lemon Moons- Me too. I mean, what's a Zootopia story without some WildeHopps?
dbzgtfan2004- Thanks, will do, and same!
jjbecca- Thanks!
CipherFiveZero- Yep, poor Nick :(
Muzzono- Glad you're liking it, and thanks! :)
Guest- Repost?
Hello readers! First of all, for those worrying about the Tales of Turmoil ending, it's still happening, lol. I've been very busy the past few days, and haven't gotten too far on it yet.
Anyways, I've been very busy lately, hence the late (for me) update. Without further ado, please enjoy chapter two!
"You can do this" my mother reminds me in encouragement as she opens the front door for me.
I'd like to say that I'm thinking positive as well, but I can't help but ponder the worst-case scenario vividly.
"O-okay" I stutter, trying to keep myself steady.
I take a step outside, and witness the school bus screech to a halt in front of my house, my shoulders already aching from my comically heavy backpack.
I take a deep breath and continue my walk to the bus.
"I love you, Nick! You can do this!" she yells to me.
"Thanks mom" I respond, nearly shaking now at the sight of eyes peering at me from inside the bus windows.
I approach the door with caution, feeling conflicted and something more than nervous; more than fear, and more than apprehension. It's absolute terror, except to an even further degree.
My breathing changes from quick to extremely swift and shaky, as I clench my hands into fists impulsively, and the bus doors open before me.
I don't even look the bus driver in the eye; I simply walk quickly up the stairs, staring at the floor of the bus.
"That's right fox. Walk fast!" the driver commands.
I shuffle my shoulders in order to reposition the straps of my backpack, and I begin my treacherous trek down the bus aisle, feeling quite humiliated at the bus driver's words.
In a cliché manner, the students who happening to be sitting alone cover the seats to their sides, indicating that like everyone else, they want nothing to do with a fox like me. It's sad, obviously, but it's something that I'm used to seeing. That's not to say it doesn't affect me; I just don't show it.
I reach the end of the bus, trying my absolute hardest to block out the snickers and jeers that echo around me, and plop down in the back seat.
The smart students stare straight ahead, or converse with their friends; but of course, there's a few people who just have to stare at me in the usual condescending manner, some covering their mouths in attempt to hold in their prejudiced words.
I place my backpack in my lap in order to feel a bit more secure, but even a barrier does little to lessen the shockwaves of sadness that seem to rock me with every second that passes.
I sigh and sink further into my seat as the bus accelerates, and play around on my phone to divert my mind from thinking of the uneasiness that currently oppresses me.
Normal people receive texts from their friends every day it seems, but I'm a bit different. Considering I've never had a real friend, well...it's not hard to imagine my phone being a completely ghost town. My mom texts me quite a bit; probably because she feels sorry for me, and wants me to feel less isolated from the world. I can't say it works, but I do appreciate having someone who actually cares for my own well-being.
"Yo" a lamb in front of me whispers, and I glance up at him with a face prepared for hurtful words.
"Huh?" I ask, also shocked that someone has actually taken a moment to speak to me.
"You look sad" he informs me with a sympathetic expression, tilting his head curiously.
"Do I?" I question, still suspecting the child of concealing his hostile intentions.
"Sure do. And why was everyone laughing at you?" he asks me with innocent eyes, obviously having seen the situation from moments earlier.
"Erm...you mean you don't know?"
He shrugs.
"You look normal to me" he states, "Is it some sort of inside joke? I'm new here" he tells me.
He's new, but it won't be long before everyone has him on the dark side.
"No, nothing like that. I-I mean, I don't think it's anything like that. It's all because I'm a fox. That's why no one likes me" I admit.
His eyes narrow a bit in confusion, and he rests his arms on the top of his seat in confusion.
"Wait, so people avoid you because you're...a fox?"
I nod sincerely, and he stares at everyone around us.
"Wow, that's dumb, isn't it? Like that's next-level stupid, if you ask me" he declares, not seeming to pay any mind to what everyone else thinks of his words. Several of the animals around us sneak glances of annoyance, offended by the words of the small lamb before me.
"Um..." I trail off, not wanting to speak my mind due to the backlash that would result.
"What's your name?" he asks me nonchalantly.
"Oh, it's Nick. Nick Wilde" I speak.
He nods with a toothy grin.
"I'm Melvin. Just moved in down the road" he informs me, motioning behind us.
"This is my neighborhood too!" I declare incredulously.
Could this actually be my first friend?
"So, what do you like doing?" he asks me nicely.
"I like exploring, and watching movies. Oh, and reading too. And-"
"What about stealing?" he asks me, his grin now looking more sinister than sincere.
My body feels like it's free falling, and my stomach fills with ice as I clutch my fingers.
"W-What?" I ask him blankly.
He simply snickers and motions for his friend to pop up beside him, which he does. They then proceed to high-five one another and point and laugh as I fight hard to keep my tears from overflowing from my eyes.
Please, anything but this again.
"You-You actually thought someone would want to be your friend?" he asks me hysterically, his friend rolling around in his seat in tears from laughter.
"Yeah, that's real funny" I mutter, hiding the pain inside me that is all too real.
I then stare down at my backpack, not even knowing what to think anymore.
After a few more minutes, we finally reach the school, and I stumble out of the doors of the bus onto the concrete of the drop-off lot.
I walk fast to the entrance of the school building, not wanting to be caught in the crowd of the bus; especially not near "Melvin", or whatever his name was.
Who even cares what his name was? He's just another "them".
I open the door roughly, and I'm faced with yet another gut-wrenching sight.
I never imagined middle school to actually be this crowded and intimidating; even with all the talk I've heard about how horrible it is. Honestly, nothing could prepare me for this sight.
Animals, large and small surround me in every area imaginable. All the corners where I'd usually hide are filled with the stench of every drug imaginable; and trust me, I know. My dad never really stopped smoking or drinking something.
I rip my schedule out of my pocket anxiously, and glance at my classes with haste.
Homeroom- Ms. Bronson
Upon viewing my schedule, I immediately rush for the classroom, desperate to escape the hoard around me.
I've never been one to deal with crowds, and it shouldn't be a mystery why. This, however, is a whole new level of uncomfortable for me. I can feel the judging eyes of the souls around me burning holes into my skin, into my bones, into my very being.
After a near-jog through the hallways, I hurry into my classroom, and discover that I'm the only one here.
I'm early.
"Well, hello!" my teacher, a gazelle speaks without looking up from her desk.
"H-Hi" I choke out, but I realize that she hasn't noticed my appearance yet.
I sleek to the back of the room, and drop my backpack beside my desk with a startling "thud", and then sit down with a deep breath.
The room is silent except for the clicking of the stapler that my teacher is now using, and I bite my lip as reality dawns on me with something far from grace.
I'm in middle school.
Honestly, I couldn't be in a worse place. Middle school, it's unforgiving to say the least, and I've only been here for ten minutes.
It takes a few minutes, but one by one the kids begin pouring in. I "know" some of them from fifth grade, which makes the tension in the room a bit more strenuous for me to deal with.
I simply try to keep to myself, looking anywhere but around the room. I observe the scratches formed on my binder from my constant anxiety, and cringe mentally.
Why does school exist? I mean, seriously? I know we need to learn and all, but I just can't deal with this.
I glance up as I witness Violet, the only other fox in our class, enter the room. No one dares tease or mess with her; not out of consideration, but because they don't want to die a slow, painful death.
"Alright class, we'll begin in five minutes, so...get to your seats!" my teacher speaks in an authoritative tone.
Nearly no one in the class listens, but simply continue speaking loudly to one another, spread throughout the room.
The teacher rolls her eyes.
"Everyone sit down!" she yells loudly, and the class finally obeys.
The room isn't quite full yet, so naturally there are two empty seats in front of me, and beside me. Well, I'd rather be alone than surrounded by a bunch of idiots. At least I can try to learn, something.
I take out my materials, careful not to attract attention, and try to prepare myself mentally.
Ok, school. Learning, listening, trying, effort, grades.
I sigh quietly.
A few moments pass before the entire class is here, and only then would someone dare to sit in front of me, as it is the last remaining seat. Well, besides the desk to my side, which hasn't been occupied in years.
"Well, class, you've managed to make it to school! The world of wanna-be's and people who try too hard to be cool. Yep, I remember my Middle School years" she speaks, staring up at the ceiling with a pondering expression.
A giraffe on the left side of the room raises his hoof high in the air, and Ms. Bronson points at him.
"How old are you?" she asks curiously.
She rolls her eyes.
"Old enough" she answers dully, "Any more questions that have no place in the classroom?"
Another student raises her hand, and Ms. Bronson reluctantly points his way.
"You're hot!" he informs her.
Ms. Bronson simply stares at him in disgust for a moment, and then shakes it off.
"Okay, no more questions...ever" she mumbles.
Class goes on as most might expect; a few syllabuses here and there, a few lectures about drugs and such, a bunch of childish laughter at the most random moments, and a bit of mathematics; which I dread. It's not until near the end of my second class that I am targeted in a negative sense.
"So, we need to remember to be considerate of everyone around us. Don't insult other people, even in a joking sense. Please, don't get the stupid idea of stealing from people" she advises us.
However, upon the uttering of the word "steal", nearly every pair of eyeballs turn my way, including the eyes of Violet, another fox.
I stare back at them, feeling like I want to melt into nothing, and be gone forever.
"Isn't this school? How about you guys study something besides me? Please and thank you" I tell them loudly, not daring to show any form of weakness.
They slowly turn back around, but one young grizzly bear in the opposite corner from me continues staring at me in a nearly threatening manner, narrowing his eyes. I narrow my eyes at him too, mocking his attempt at intimidation, and he smirks at me, proceeding to mimic a throat slash with his hand.
My heart begins pounding in terror, but in reality I just stare back up at the teacher, who is looking a bit flustered.
"Well, moving on from that..." she begins, but my mind immediately tunes out.
I'm already done with this place, and the day hasn't even ended. I just don't get it, and I never will. I'll never understand why every judges me before they know me, and why no one gives me a chance. Who knows, maybe I could be an awesome friend? Maybe I could be the best there ever was...
I'm not sly or sneaky, and I'm not shifty. Why is it so hard for people to get over the stupid stigma that surrounds me everyday?
I'm just so lost.
Judy POV
It's strange how my parents are acting so optimistic towards moving into the city. Until now, they've despised the idea of moving into any sort of urban area. It may just be delusions in their heads that tell them: "Since we're moving to the city, we have to like it!"
I sit up, and glance at my clock.
10:33 AM.
Guess I slept in longer than usual. After all, I don't have school until Wednesday, so why not?
I hop out of my bed, and bounce down the stairs, straight to the refrigerator for breakfast.
So, first I eat breakfast. Then I head out to say bye to everyone, and then...then I watch movies! Yeah, and then I'll...
I continue planning my school-less day in my mind as I pour milk into my bowl of "Carrot Flakes" with a small smile.
I walk over to the kitchen table, careful not to spill my cereal, and sit down to begin my meal.
I think about my dreams of being police officer; something I seem to do quite a bit on a daily basis. Honestly, I don't think anything can keep me from accomplishing my goals in life. I'm a very determined bunny, to say the least. I'm small, sure, but that doesn't mean I can "never be a police officer", as my father tells me.
I glance back down at my bowl, and notice that I've already finished my cereal, and I briefly raise my eyebrows in shock.
Apparently I'm a fast eater too.
As I place my bowl in the dishwasher gently, I hear the back door open, and frantic, heavy breaths from the back of my home.
I edge my way over to the hallway, and peer down towards the back door.
"Judy! Judy!" I hear a voice calling that I instantly recognize as my father's.
"Dad?" I ask in confusion.
"Judy!" he says, finally locating me, and he rushes over to me, pulling me into a hug, and I realize that he is indeed crying.
I have no idea what's going on here, but I certainly don't think that it's good.
"Dad?" I ask carefully, "What's wrong?"
He releases me from the hug and simply stares at my face, not speaking.
He motions for me to follow him, which I do, out of the back door.
Immediately, I see an ambulance in plain sight, and a group of paramedics crouching around something...or someone.
The sight causes me to panic, and I walk faster towards the scene, hoping that this is just a small incident or something. I see my mother beside them, her face buried in her hands, not daring to look at the sight in front of her.
"Mom!" I call to her, and she immediately looks up.
"Judy!" she screams, and runs my direction as I approach her.
"Mom?" I ask, noticing the extent of her reaction.
She slams into me, pulling me into a tight hug.
"No, Judy! Don't look, please don't look!" she begs me in a very shaky voice, which confuses me.
"Who's hurt?!" I ask her, beginning to panic even more.
I feel her sobbing, and she tries to speak.
"Judy..." she speaks weakly, and pulls me the other direction from the scene.
"Mom! Tell me! What's going on?!" I demand.
"Bryce, Judy. It's Bryce" she squeaks, obviously in pain just from the words.
Bryce, my brother, is obviously hurt pretty bad judging from my mother's reaction.
"Mom, why can't I see him? Maybe I can help!" I tell her, trying to escape her grasp.
"No, no Judy! He skipped school, and he got hit..." she chokes, "a truck, it just...came out of nowhere...he's...he's..." she begins.
"He's what?!" I ask her, now close to tears.
"He's not going to make it, Judy. The injuries...they're...too much" she cries.
He's not going to make it. My brother is going to die. If my mom won't even let me see him...the injury must be gruesome. Extremely gruesome.
My mind is lost in a desert of hot, disorienting heat.
"No! He's not going to die!" I tell her, thinking too optimistically, finally escaping her grasp.
I rush over to the paramedics, still hard at work, and glance over them.
I first spot his legs, wearing light blue jeans, as bright as the ocean itself. I see his dark gray fur that covers his arms and hands, and I see his shirt, originally blue, now more scarlet. I see his head, not quite looking the same as it once did. His eyes are blank, as they stare at me, filled with pain he cannot speak because of his crushed jaw. His breathing is fast, and my heart hurts worse than perhaps he does.
"Bryce..." I whimper, and he simply stares at me, silently telling me; "It's okay".
The paramedics notice me, and usher me away from the scene, now sickened at the sight.
I stagger back to my mother, now understanding the powerful pain that consumes her.
"Mom..." I utter, and she leads me back to the house.
"It's going to be okay, Judy" she forces out as I am now in tears.
We enter the house, and she sits me on the sofa, hugging me tight.
"Don't we..." I begin, "Don't we need to be there while he...he dies?" I ask pitifully.
"Stu is down there, it's okay. I...just couldn't look at him anymore. All the pain..." she whispers.
"It'd almost be better if he just died already" I speak through my tears, causing me to feel shock towards myself at my words. After seeing all the pain he was in, he would be better off resting peacefully.
"Oh my god" my mother whispers, and I turn to her, "Josh, Draco, Maddie" she speaks, listing my other siblings, "they don't...even know yet" she finishes softly.
My heart sinks even further down as I imagine the reactions of my siblings after being told of the abysmal news. The shock in their eyes, the pain in their hearts as well, and the true horror written across their faces.
My face sinks back into my mother's shoulder, and I cry even harder.
How am I going to do this? Bryce, and school, and leaving everything I know.
I'm just so lost.
Nick POV
3:00 PM
At last, the final bell rings, and I rush out of the classroom, scampering through the crowds of the hallway.
Please let me get out of here alive.
The crowd feels much like a giant body of water, covering me, drowning me, and causing me to panic.
My breathing becomes much more quick than the healthy norm, and I at last see the doorway to the outside. The flood of children pour out the small doorway, and I become squashed between several animals as I move closer and closer to the way out.
The closer I get, the harder it get to move, and I can barely breath. My vision is becoming blurry, and my thoughts hazy.
At last, I spurt out of the doorway, stumbling out of the path of the stampede. I finally get a second to recover, but next thing I know, I am thrown to the ground with contempt.
I gasp as my breath is knocked out of me, and I lie on the ground, staring up in fear.
"Betcha' don't feel so safe now, huh?" the bear from earlier asks me, surrounded by three of his henchmen.
"Oh, don't tell me" I begin, coughing, "You're the classic bully who can't feel secure about himself without three zombies around him every second! You shove kids in lockers because you really feel that bad about yourself. That's just crazy, isn't it? You dunk kids' heads into toilets because you feel like a toilet, don't you? You aren't actually a confident, secure bear, are you?" I ask him tauntingly.
"Shut up! Yes I am!" he screams at me, trying not to lose face.
"Oh, and look! You even have the classic sports jacket that literally every bully in the movies wear! Oh, aren't you just special! That's the thing, bear. You aren't. You can hate me because I'm a fox all you want. I'm used to that, and trash-bags like you" I speak to him, ignoring my fear.
He looks offended for a moment, almost sad even, but then laughs and stands over me.
"Where'd you get that backpack, fox? You take it from some first grader?" he asks me, attempting to come back.
I try to stand back up, but he simply pushes me back onto the ground, hard.
"You ain't getting' up today, foxy" he tells me grimly.
He kicks at me with brute force, and I hold back my grimaces.
"Ooh, that one hurt! Too bad you can't kick away that awful looking face of yours!"
The entire crowd around us yells "OH!" at the same time, and the bear before me is now steaming in anger.
"Stop talking!" he rages, grabbing me by my shirt collar, and throwing me to the ground.
He claws at me, punches me, throttles me, throws me.
The pain, however, doesn't faze me in the least. I've been beaten up nearly daily for being a fox, so I am completely accustomed to it. The mental pain that lives within me is much worse than some jerk beating up on me just because he's insecure.
At last, the beating ends, and I hear laughter as the bear walks away.
My entire body aches terribly, and my face is covered in gashes from the young bear's claws. My arm hurts terribly, and I notice the stab marks in my arm.
He literally took the time to stab his claws deep into my flesh.
I may have insulted him, yes, but words are really my only defense.
I finally stand on my feet again, and ignore the small crowd around me as I grab my backpack and walk away.
I feel tears gathering in my eyes again, but I simply wipe them away.
That's a day of middle school for you.
Nick and Judy aren't living the happiest of lives, are they? How can Judy stay optimistic through the death of her brother, and how is Nick going to survive middle school? Even I don't know. Or do I?
Anyways, thank you for reading, and please leave any thoughts in the reviews! I'll try to answer any questions, also, if you have any. Anyways, until next time!
