MrAndersIversen- Thanks! Glad you liked it! :)
Zootopians- Love is a painfully patient thing... ;)
the Red Omega- Oh, yeah. He's had quite a bit of...problems.
Showwiie-23- Sadly, yes, things like this happen in schools, and it isn't as uncommon as you think! :( Glad you like the way I portray it so far!
syhsnakey- A psychopath? Yes, yes he is.
lillyRdalton- Guess we will find out eventually! I'm glad you're liking the story (even if it caused sleep-loss ;)
Baneblade- Thank you!
JG Girl- Well then, I guess this chapter won't be a problem either! :)
Goldyx- It'll happen eventually! Right? Glad you're looking forward to chapter eleven!
Crazyanimaltlou- Yes!
Jar3d-o3- I apologize for my bad habit regarding cliff hangers! It's just...yeah, it's a bad habit. ;)
Lemon Moons- Thank you so much!
WingsOfBronze- Indeed!
- All a matter of perspective, I guess!
Vivanai- Indeed it is!
The Mexican- Thanks, and will do!
Guest- Thanks, and glad you're looking forward to future updates!
hrg2damax- Yes, talking animals aside! ;D but thank you!
just-a-guy-having-fun- Here's a question for you, though: Did Nick's dad shoot the child to spare his son of a villain in his life, or to simply...well, no spoilers.
CipherFiveZero- I'd say he's 100% psychopath now, lol.
Nick- Thanks! :) Means a lot to hear that. Glad you like both of my stories!
That One Guy- It's true! Love cannot be rushed!
Donald Truck- Me too! And thank you!
Cheech and Chong- Sadly this isn't the case for a lot of people! :( Always be there to stand up for people who struggle with these types of conflicts. Remember that, even if you yourself aren't being victimized. :)
tacoman360- Thank you!
Guest- Sorry 'bout that!
Ethan the Yoshi- Hmm...a glimpse at the near-future?
Number66- Things are about to escalate for sure.
Uboat4- Thank you a lot! And even more of a thank you for complimenting how I write! Means a lot to an aspiring writer to hear such uplifting things from readers! :)
SoulMore- :D
HeyitsTwinDrake- I won't chew you out, lol! Guess we will see- things are about to get interesting!
SeekerofAura- Thank you! I'm happy you're looking forward to it!
The USSR- Will do! (And I'm glad you like it!)
Alan- No question? I guess...yes? I don't know, lol.
Alan- Breaking the fluff? Hmm...
Sorry for the late(r) update! Busy weekend, to say the least. Happy Memorial Day, also! Anyways, enjoy chapter eleven!
Judy POV
"Wh-what?" I stutter, disturbed at the news.
"He's on his way to the hospital...he's not...I don't think...not gonna make it..."
I can see Nick staring at me curiously, interested in what his mom and I are conversing about. It breaks my heart that I will have to be the one to break the news to him.
"Did they..."
"They got him" she answers my question before I even finish it, "He's been contained".
I don't dare speak to Nick although he plainly needs to know, but I just can't bring myself to it.
"That's...good" is all I manage to say in response.
"Wait until the morning to tell him. He needs rest" she advises me, and I gladly oblige. I would hate to be the bearer of such terrible news.
"Okay, I will" I speak, trying my best to sound cool and collected in front of Nick.
After an ordinary goodbye, I end the call, gazing back over at Nick.
"What was that all about?" he questions quizzically.
"Just...your mom was checking up on you" I lie.
Come to think of it, I've been lying a lot more than usual lately. Perhaps that's a habit that I should cut off now...
Nah, it can wait.
"You sure? You sounded pretty nervous".
You can't lie to a face like that.
"Well...umm...you need to get some sleep!" I recommend, trying to change the subject, which thankfully he goes along with.
"Well, it is five thirty in the morning" he mutters, grinning at me again. I don't think he's doing it to try and impress me; I know it's just a reflection of his adorable self. He doesn't even have to try.
I sit beside him as he falls back to sleep with ease, and I lean against him, deep in thought.
Apparently, I may be missing school on Monday, Tuesday and maybe even Wednesday due to the seriousness of his injuries. I can tell this will be no quick recovery.
Violet and Melvin both texted me to let me know they'll be coming by for a visit before school; about two hours from now.
Reminiscing on Violet, I remember her striking light brown eyes; almost to the point that they are red. Her fur is usually messy and spiffy, and her claws sharpened. She's trying her best to be our friend, feeling quite a bit of sympathy upon Nick being brutally beaten, but she's still a dark person it seems.
Melvin on the other hand has turned out to be a pretty nice guy, although quite quirky. According to him, there's a joke for literally everything, so that's pretty exhausting to deal with each day.
I'm really glad adult animals aren't just as aggressive towards foxes as the children are. Considering the growth rate of the animals, they'd be able to stomp on Nick with ease in the future. Prejudice against foxes and other minorities are discreet in later years, although hate crimes are not unheard of, even in this city.
Banning foxes from restaurants, stores, events and the like are modern methods to tell foxes they aren't worth as much of the rest of us, and it truly sickens me.
As I stare at Nick as his breath slows down to a calm, flat, peaceful noise, his eyes closed tight, sparing him the sight of the gruesome, unforgiving society around him. Still, there's one thing that matters:
He knows I'm here beside him.
I glance at my phone again tiredly, noticing that my post online is continuing to gain tons of attention. The comments are full with hostility and arguments, some that result in rather crude remarks or the same discrimination that continues to plague Zootopia.
I do see encouraging comments, however. I see the words of some other animals cheering me on, reminding me about how bold my stance is. They explain to me that making my experience known will help a lot of people, and hopefully make a push for equality in our society.
Someone as amazing as Nick doesn't deserve anything less than absolute equality. He's been through so much and he's grown accustomed to discrimination, but that ends now.
As long as I'm by his side, no one is going to get to him. I can promise that.
My eyes start to feel heavy, but I remind myself of the risks.
What if I don't wake up before my mom walks in? Or Nick's mom? She'll get the wrong idea! She'll totally ban me from ever seeing him again!
But then again, how can I build my life off of "what if's"?
I take a moment to assess the warmth Nick spawns within me, and I close my eyes again.
Never mind.
7:27 AM
"Oh, wow!"
I snap awake and sit up quickly, cringing as I acknowledge the presence in the room with us.
"Oh, Melvin! Violet!" I speak nervously, scooting away from Nick a bit and hopping off the bed.
I totally forgot they were coming! I knew this would happen!
I'm still a bit dazed from waking up so suddenly, so I nearly tumble onto the cold floor of the hospital.
"You could have told us to knock" Violet speaks in a snarky tone, and I bite my lip anxiously, wondering what Nick thinks of this situation.
"I was just...I fell asleep...and..."
"It's fine Judy, we just wanted to stop by to say hi to Nick" Melvin interrupts, sensing my mental stress, and I unclench my fists.
"Right" I say, and I know I'm blushing quite a bit.
The two of them stand beside Nick as he looks quite confused at the situation.
"Hey, how ya' holdin' up, kid?" Violet asks casually, leaning over the side of the bed slightly as Melvin slinks behind.
"Um...I'm doing better" Nick replies, still obviously dizzy from waking up with me basically cuddling with him again, "Still, some ice cream wouldn't hurt".
What were you thinking Judy?! Falling asleep against him! Now he's embarrassed, and he's probably mad or something! No, not mad. He wouldn't be mad at you.
"You're so lucky you missed school" Violet speaks, "It's honestly been hell. Oh, and there's these-"
I know what she's about to speak about. She's about to mention the "Anti-Fox" groups that students have formed around the school in order to stand up for their "beliefs".
"So how's life been for you?" I ask her, interrupting her before she has the chance to get into any details.
She glances at irritably, her deep eyeliner causing her eyes to look quite fiery.
"It's been uneventful" she mutters dully.
Well, that makes one of us. My life has been so eventful lately that I almost wish there was a "calm down" button or something. But then again, I would go through anything as long as I don't lose the fox in front of me.
"Wow, opposite of mine" I reply, and she blinks.
"Isn't that lovely".
Honestly, I don't think Violet likes me very much, but I'm still going to act nice to her.
"Your sarcasm is totally unmatched, Violet" Melvin speaks to her, and she rolls her eyes.
"Please never compliment me again" she tells him flatly, and he purses his lips.
"Whatever you say".
"Watch it, sheep!"
"What'd I do?"
Nick chuckles at the two arguing, which evokes a smile from me as well. Admittedly, it's very difficult for me to see Nick smiling and not fall victim to it's contagious nature.
There's a bit more of casual conversation between us and Nick, along with arguments between Melvin and Violet as the time passes. Eventually Melvin's mom walks in and tells the two it's time to leave, which they do.
"Get better, Nick!" Melvin says as he exits.
"What he said" Violet adds.
"I'll try my best" Nick replies semi-weakly, and then the door shuts.
I pull out my phone and read a text from my mother as I walk back over to Nick.
"My mom says she'll have the video game console when she stops by in a few hours" I tell him, and his face brightens a bit.
Come to think of it, he looks very happy to be a beaten fox with and abusive dad and a majority of his school against him.
"Sounds like fun" he replies, and I sit next to him again.
His eyes don't leave me as I sit down beside him.
"So, I'm sorry about that" I mumble shyly, and his eyes widen just a bit.
"About what?" he asks.
"You know...I mean, embarrassing you and-"
"You didn't embarrass me, Judy" he admits honestly, scratching the bandage on his face with a sheepish smile.
"Are you sure?" I ask cautiously.
"Yes, I'm sure. Don't you think if I didn't...you know...like you being there...beside me...don't you think I would've told you?" he stutters slightly.
Liked? Did he like me being there beside him? Am I overthinking it?!
"Oh, well, that's true" I say in response, holding back my other numerous questions that I'm dying to hear answered.
There's a moment of ear-piercing silence.
"Guess there's no point in going back to sleep" he recommends, and I nod, trying to hide my blush with my arm, to no avail.
He gazes at me innocently, and asks a painful question.
"Why're you blushing so much?"
He's totally just teasing me! He knows I like him! Why am I even playing this game anymore!? Just tell him!
"Oh, sorry, I didn't realize I was...you know...I didn't know..." I trail off, and he giggles softly, wincing as he does so.
"I'm just messing with you" he tells me, and I nearly breathe an audible sigh of relief.
"Oh, right, of course! I knew that!"
I sit down beside him again, and I notice that he's laughing again.
"Nick, you're gonna hurt yourself if you don't calm down" I advise him.
"You're probably right" he replies, and I lift my phone in the air, taking a picture of both of us.
"Why not?" I ask him teasingly.
"I probably look like I've just been beaten half to death" he jokes
I receive a text from Nick's mother perhaps a second later, and I feel numb at the news.
"Evan, the buffalo that attacked Nick passed away a few minutes ago. I think you should talk to Nick about this. I'll be there soon!" it reads.
I come to the realization that he needs to know about his father.
I can't keep this hidden until it builds up enough to cause future harm.
"Um, Nick?"
"Yeah?"
"So, something happened late last night that we need to...talk about" I speak timidly.
"Wait, what?! Don't tell me I sleep-talk!" he panics, and I place my paw on his arm in reassurance.
"No, no! Nothing like that! It's...it's something to do with your father".
Immediately Nick holds his breath and his mouth stays open just a bit.
"Huh?" he asks in fear.
I take a deep breath as I slide a touch closer to him, his eyes following mine.
"So, you know that buffalo who hurt you?" I ask him, which completely gives it away.
"Judy...did my dad...did he...hurt...or kill him?"
"Yeah" I reply numbly, "And I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. That's what I was talking to your mother about.
He nods slowly and stares ahead at the hospital wall, his fingers rubbing together with shock.
"And the buffalo, he's dead, yes?" he asks me, and I nod.
"I just...I really didn't like that buffalo but...I didn't...I mean, how could he kill him?"
"I don't know, Nick" I reply, but inside I know the truth. Nick was his "property" to beat up and toss around, not anyone else's. Nick's dad thought his son was his territory.
I don't dare suggest this to Nick, however.
He gasps upon realizing something, and I feel my heart sink simultaneously with his.
"Now...it's going to be on the news, Judy. Everyone's going to look at his picture and say: "Oh, of course it's a fox! That's what they all do! Just put him in the electric chair and take another of these...pointless creatures off the planet!"
"Nick, don't say that! You're...you...you're amazing to me, and you know that!"
"But why?! Why did I have to be born as a fox? I don't get it! Why couldn't I have been born a rabbit like you?" he asks, his eyes filling with tears.
"Nick, please listen to me. You are perfect to me, and don't you forget that! No...species-issue is going to change that! Whether you're a fox, a goose, a zebra...I don't care! You're still Nick to me, and I...I..."
Say it Judy!
"I'm privileged to call you my best friend, no matter what".
He sniffs lightly.
"So, you promise that if I was a rabbit...or a duck...or whatever, you wouldn't think of me any different? You'd still like me all the same?"
"Of course! I promise!"
He nods with his usual expression aside from the gathered tears.
"I'm sorry about that" he says after a few moments.
"Sorry about what?" I ask him, propping my head up on my elbow.
"You know..."
"Nick, you don't have to apologize. I can't even imagine how hard it is to be in your position...and opening up is completely fine. You can't hold it in forever, you know".
He nods, staring at me again as if I are the most mystical sight in the entire galaxy.
I stare back at him for a moment and I begin to feel nearly surreal as I slide a bit closer to him.
"Oh, and by the way, you're famous" I tell him with a grin, displaying the screen of my phone to him. He reads through my post with a look of sadness mixed with hope, as well as gratefulness for me posting it in the first place.
"What?! Thirty thousand likes?!" he asks in shock.
"Yeah, and in the comments you have tons of people supporting you!"
His eyes are truly lighting up regarding the unforeseen joy I just introduced him to.
"Wow, Judy! This...that's..."
He's at a loss for words.
"It's the least I could do to help" I say, not wanting too much glory for what I posted with good intentions; to help my best friend.
Neither of us speak as I look at his battered face again; seeing nothing but the Nick I daresay I am beginning to fall in love with.
This is perfect.
Well, was perfect.
My phone suddenly rings, causing me to lift my head up quickly, realizing how close I was to Nick's face. My head hits against one of the bars on the hospital bed, and I grimace in pain.
"Ouch" I murmur, lifting my phone up to my ear.
Nick simply continues staring at me with a bewildered expression as I answer the call.
"Mom?"
"Oh, hey Judy! I'm here with your dad on the lobby. We're coming up to see you" she informs me in an overly-cheery tone.
"Bonnie, are you sure about the fox repellant?" I hear my dad ask my mom.
"Yes, dear!" she responds hastily.
Oh, gosh. My dad.
"Oh, okay! Come on up!" I say in response, pretending I didn't hear him.
This should be interesting.
Nick POV
I'm simply entranced right now. For a moment there, I swear I felt the tension rising. I felt like Judy and I could've...kissed or something. Well, she probably only likes me as a friend, but it's still a thought...a imaginative one.
"Nick, did you hear me?" Judy asks me; I, suddenly able to take in her words.
"Hm?" I ask.
"I said my parents will be up in a second, and I'm warning you...my dad is sort of adamant about foxes being...devious or whatever" she tells me.
Even if I do care about everyday acts of prejudice, I usually just brush it off. Well, I did break down in front of Judy just a few minutes ago. Perhaps that was a good thing, though.
Judy is the only being I've ever met over the course of my twelve year life that has given me a chance, and truly cares about me. She's willing to listen to any problems I may have.
The doors to my room open, and Judy rushes to the door to greet her parents as I lie helplessly.
Oh, how I miss the days when I could walk.
"And this is Nick!" Judy speaks clearly, her parents taking a look at me, and all I can do is stare back at them.
"Hi" I say plainly, and they smile.
I can't decipher whether their grins are those of plasticity or those of true empathy.
"Hello there!" her mom speaks, proceeding to elbow her husband.
"Hey" her dad speaks simply, "Judy has said a lot about you".
I nod, looking over at Judy, feeling a touch uneasy.
"Really?" I ask, not suspecting Judy of talking about me that much.
"Sure does" her mother answers.
"But we're sorry that...you know...stuff like this has to happen" her dad speaks lowly, and Judy glances at him, clearly hiding a thousand words behind her mouth.
"Well, it doesn't have to happen" Judy says, looking my way, "Nick is a really awesome fox".
"Well, you kn-"
"Stu!" her mom interrupts him, and he sighs.
There's some silence for a moment, which is then broken by Judy's mother.
"I'm going to talk to Judy for just a second" her mother speaks, and then pulls Judy out into the hallway, leaving me alone with her father.
The door closes with an echo, and then her dad clears his throat, looking my way.
"So, are you and Judy...close?" he asks, and I mentally groan.
"U-um..." I stutter bashfully, "I-um...I guess you could say so".
He nods with a straight face.
"And do you guys ever talk about dating or anything?" he questions, sounding more like an interrogation than a friendly interview.
"Oh! Um, no, we haven't" I clear my throat, "We haven't talked about that!"
You sound too nervous, Nick! He'll think you're lying!
"Have you thought about it?"
Why does he have to choose the absolute most awkward subject to talk about?!
"Umm..." I trail off, "I...I don't think this is a good subject".
He chuckles lightly.
"Just teasin'! I don't think you're exactly Judy's type anyways".
"Her type? What's her type?" I ask instinctively.
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe you should ask her about it!" he recommends, and I immediately toss the idea in my mental trash can.
"I...don't think that'd work out too well" I speak in downcast fashion, to which her father takes notice.
"You sound down now" he says.
"So, how is your family doing? Like after the incident with your son?" I ask, changing the subject.
He looks at me as though he's shocked I know about the "Bryce" situation.
"It certainly hasn't been easy" he mutters, "It's not easy to...to lose a child".
I can see that the loss of his son has caused him quite a bit of torment.
The door to the room opens again, and Judy and her mother re-enter, noticing that her dad and I were in conversation.
"Sorry about that!" Judy says, mostly to me as she resumes her spot beside me.
"It's okay, I-"
My voice is cut off by the door opening once more, and a doctor enters.
"We have a serious problem" she tells us sternly as she closes the door behind her quickly, locking it.
"There's a mob of protesters outside the hospital, so listen to me; the police are on the way, and we will try our best to keep you safe. It's not looking good down there" she warns us.
"Why are they here?!" Judy asks, but I think she already knows the answer.
"If you've been on social media lately, Nick has become the face of the "Fox-Rights" campaign. It's a campaign against prejudice and discrimination involving foxes, and they also want equal pay and things like that. Now that they've adapted Nick here as their centerpiece...it's safe to say that a lot of animals want Nick..."
She doesn't even need to speak the final word.
"Dead".
Well, it's not something I'm shocked by. Kids at school used to tell me to kill myself nearly every day, even encouraging me so avidly as to give me bags filled with fatal doses of pills and such.
"Oh my gosh" Judy says, ripping our her phone.
"I have to warn your mom" she says, speaking to me.
My lungs hurt for a moments as I hold my breath at Judy's words, imagining the harm the crowd could inflict on my mother.
"Hello? Ms. Wilde?" she asks into the mic nervously as her parents stand beside her, not knowing what to think.
"Yes! Don't try going inside! They have protesters and stuff and...I'll explain later. Wait until the police get here to come insider or anything".
The entire phone call is quite intense, and the second she hangs up, the otter-doctor in front of me receives a call from the front desk.
"Teresa! Oh my god! One of them! He...he...he"
"He what?" she yells into her walkie talkie.
"He's coming! Lock the doors and windows! Cops are almost here!"
Chills go down my spine like an avalanche, and I tense up, causing pain in my arm.
"No, no, no Nick! Don't even worry about it!" Judy encourages me standing by my side.
Perhaps we should have taken the voice's warning more seriously.
The window to the room smashes and Judy's parents jump back, screaming.
A mid-sized buffalo, looking much like the deceased, leaps into the room, eyes filled with rage.
"Everyone stay back!" he screams, pointing a gun at Judy's parents and the doctor.
The room is eerily silent as I stare into the face of hatred; his unstable voice accurately portraying the sound of insanity. It's unbelievable how quickly the situation has changed.
"Now, your dad killed my son! Correct?!" he screeches my way, and I blink.
"He...he did..." I stutter.
"And to think, that foxes are supposed to be equal to us?! Killing innocent children?! Stealing car keys to provoke attacks, and then act like you're being victimized?!"
Judy doesn't look as worried as I thought she would, and she seems to be scanning the room for something.
"Don't worry" the buffalo speaks, aiming the gun at my head, "This'll be quick".
Ha. Ha. Ha. The cliffhangers. They drive me mad.
Anyways, I'm sure a ton of you are all thinking the same thing: "Oh, isn't it obvious! Someone will run in with a gun and save them at the last second in cliché fashion because...it's a FanFic, right?! Don't be so certain... ;) There's always room for surprises, you can trust me on that!
Anyways, I hope everyone enjoyed chapter eleven! I'll try to have chapter twelve up soon enough! Please leave any thoughts in the reviews! Until next time...
