Bogo woke up suddenly to the sound of the alarm clock alerting 2: AM. He decided to keep his eyes open for a while and look about ready for the next visitor. The lights didn't switch off like the other times it happened. Bogo eventually allowed his to slowly close, but he felt he was hearing voices, for a deep majestic laugh was rising and ringing the house. But it was very pleasant which even found a way into Bogo's heart. At that point, a glow began to surround the bedroom door and flashed before Bogo's eyes. His room was surrounded by everything relating to Christmas; wreaths, food, candles, ornaments and standing in the middle of it all, was a huge, majestic lion with a fierce red mane. He was wearing a green robe expect for his naked shoulder on the right and on his head, he wore a grown made of leaves and berries like a wreath and on his hand was some sort of light torch with not fire but a glow. Upon his he worse a rich, jolly smile.
"Come here!" he boomed joyfully. "Get up and know me better, man!"
Bogo clambered out of bed and tried to look up at the huge lion, though he couldn't really eye him either.
"Are you anything to do with saving your cub from a stampede?" asked Bogo, trying to begin a conversation.
The lion burst into rich laughter.
"Mufasa and I are of the same race," he replied, 'but I he never sees though he feels. I am the Ghost of Christmas Present. Look upon me!"
At this, Bogo finally eyes him completely.
"You have never seen the likes of me before I wager!"
"Not really," said Bogo. "Unless you are related to Mayor Lionheart."
The ghost erupted with laughter again.
"Even a pompous buffoon as Lionheart knows of me through the spirit of the season. It's been long ever since we wandered through time of Christmas together, Bogo! Of course, you worship a false spirit within this on who stand before you!"
He produced and empty bottle of Buckweiser.
"Tut, tut," he remarked. "I never took you for a nincompoop, being chief of the ZPD! You have no idea of the realremedy of joy. But you soon shall."
Form this the bottled crumbled into flakes of snow that scattered on the floor
"Take me where you must, Spirit," accepted Bogo. "I am eager to learn what you must teach so this shall be over and done with – and I already regret what I've been showed."
"Come hither and touch my robe."
Bogo stepped forward hesitantly and clenched it.
Light beamed all around them. The light was hurting Bogo's eyes, so he clamped them shut, but sooner had he did than he heard the sound of chattering and laughing. He opened his to find him and the spirit in the city of Zootopia, Christmas joy being spread everywhere, predators and preys wishing each other a happy holiday and playing snowballs with each other. Everything was as it was form what he remembered on his back from his coffee break with the merchandise, the festivities, the gingerbread and animals and Gazelle wishing everybody a season greeting from the big screen upon the city. Hus eyes looked down upon a young bears badger, raccoons, wolves and beavers were playing together in the snow; snowballs, snow angels, sliding, all at the same time.
"But why is it, Spirit?" asked Bogo. "Predators play with prey and fraternise?"
"You speak of the shadows of your own experience in childhood," remarked the spirit wisely. "The past scars one that has been affected, but present offers alterations of how life works, be it good or bad."
Bogo reflected at the children playing and sort of understood what the sprit was speaking about. Looking up as the lion, he raised its torch and swung it, flames sprinkling and hitting those who were passing by.
"I thought you were the Ghost of Christmas Present!" reprimanded Bogo. "Not the Ghost of Christmas Arson!"
"Look at those impacted," said the spirit patiently, "and you will find the answer."
The animals who were tending to themselves seemed to glow with happiness and smiled at everyone around them and greeting warm Merry Christmases to all. Bogo recalled these people having grudges at one another and always fighting. He recognised one or two who had been booked some years ago and they were laughing and blessing one another.
"And even with your loss, Benjamin manages to stay strong," the spirit explained. "Come."
He whisked Bogo to the very house set foot in as a calf. He remembered the feeling of love he felt laying eyes on it for the first time. He recalled the very day Gloria had opening the door and felt real warmth for the first time in his life. But he felt unwelcome somehow, most likely he had been disowned long ago, for he had not come to this abode since the loss of his beloved sister. Neither was he there when his stepparents were on their deathbed. It seemed very likely he was disowned by everyone by now. Much as he remembered the loved this house, he decided it would be best to stay away from where he wasn't wanted.
"Let us venture inside," said the spirit.
"In pyjama shorts and a vest?" said Bogo earnestly. "Besides, I'm not welcome."
"Like the past, you will be invisible and out of ear-shot," assured the ghost and bellowed with laughter again. "Unwanted?! Balderdash! How many books have you judged through your life?"
In they entered through the door though the similar green, cosy hallway and the same living room with the same fireplace and the couch where Bogo first met baby Ben his Mrs. Clawhauser's arms. By the fireplace was a huge Christmas tree where Bogo saw four cheetah cubs in Christmas pyjamas admiring their presents as Ben and Shirley stood under the mistletoe staring at them.
"Santa saw how good we were!" cried the middle kitten ecstatically.
"Indeed he did," said Ben. "He's standing here don't forget" as he playfully shook his belly making the cubs giggle in delight and tumbling over one another, making Shirley chuckle at this.
She and her Mister were both wearing dressing gowns of red with white linings to present Santa Paws and his Mrs. They looked up at the mistletoe, looked back to down each other, smiled and kissed.
"Our turn!" cried the cubs excitedly as they leapt into the arms of their parents who kissed each and every one of them. Subsequent to that led to a huge pick bring their father to the floor as their mother stood up chuckling as they sprawled on Ben's huge belly.
"My little doughnuts!" chuckled Ben as he father all in his huge cuddle, purring and nuzzling.
"Can we play basketball later?" asked the first.
"Will you listen to my stories with my new notebook?"
"Can we film a family Christmas vlog?" asked the third.
"Can we cuddle with my you and my big cuddle kitty?" asked the fourth?
"Will Uncle Fernando come?" the four cubs asked simultaneously.
Ben looked unsure.
"He doesn't find Christmas his favourite time, kiddo," he explained as they all listened.
"But why?" asked Fletcher.
"Christmas is the time everyone is supposed to love," explained William.
"It's weird why he hates Christmas," said Andrew.
"Well, you see kids," said Ben as he sat up, the kittens sitting close to him, "your Uncle Fernando had a tough upbringing and it's difficult to explain. I'll tell you when you are older. Right now, I got my gazelle and my four little doughnuts!"
And they all rolled about on the floor with their soon-to-be father.
Bogo smiled softly at this, admiring the skills of father that Ben had. He somehow became a father in early events while he remembered he was a failed father whose calf was now residing at the same orphanage and here, a flabby, doughnut, loving cop in the embrace of family and knows what it meant.
The cubs went upstairs as Shirley and Ben sat on the couch.
"He loved Gloria then?"
"Very much," Ben replied. "She gave him a chance and her loss has seemingly embittered his heart. The day I tried to phone him he just cancelled the call. Maybe that's why he stays away. Memories can hurt once in a while."
"I think he's very lucky to have you in his life, sweetie," replied Shirley as she kissed his cheek. "Someone who doesn't give up so easily."
Ben returned the favour and squeezed her in a hug.
"Guys!" called Andrew from halfway down the stairs. "Daddy's giving more hugs!"
And the other three kittens joined in the hug of their big, fluffy father, the couple chuckling at this advantage, since life should be about warm cuddles on a cold, Christmas morning.
Bogo wanted to congratulate Ben but was pulled away out of the door and found himself standing on a drive up towards a big house, smaller than the orphanage.
"The home of Nicholas Wilde and Judith Hopps," replied the spirit.
"Impossible! Not even their salaries combined could afford a place like this." spat Bogo.
"Maybe not. But Noah's wealthy inheritance could."
"Oh, yes. Now I remember."
Bogo followed the lion indoors. It was very grand foyer; a big lobby with a staircase leading up to two wings with a red carpet to serve as a path and fresh brown doors on the ground floor and on the ground was a black and white linoleum lining like a chess board. In one of the rooms came happy noises. They peered in and there was Officer Wilde sitting down with a fox cub in a leg cast playing a video game, shouting and laughing. They were also surrounded by amazing Christmas presents; the fortune that must have been spent on them. A collection of Fox Warrior figurines, adorable shirts, a green Hawaiian shirt just like his father's just down to his size, a blueberry hoodie, a cuddly fox tail to sleep with at night and a collection of videogames, the one they were playing was presumably one of those games.
Bogo stared both in envy and in delight; Officer Wilde certainly loved his kid judging from the very scene displayed. But his envy turned to anger when he realised what he made him di: Come in at one-thirty on Christmas Day when this was supposed to be his day off to spend his first Christmas with his son. Bogo look at the child sadly as his eyes fell upon the cast on his leg.
"How did he break his leg?"
"The thug," said the spirit. "Wilde tried telling you," replied the spirit. "You didn't listen. So here's the outcome."
"We're here!" came a voice outside.
Bogo turned round and went into the foyer to see a huge, sloth bear with a young bunny and fox cub.
"Phil Beariss?"
"Well look who's out of hibernation!" reacted Nick happily.
"Uncle Phil!" cried Noah.
The cub walked up to him with his crutch and hugged him.
"How's the weather up there, big guy?" said Nick to Phil.
"No bananas waiting to fall sadly," he chuckled. He then picked up the two foxes and brought them into a missive bear hug.
"They know each other?" asked Bogo in confusion.
"Indeed," said the spirit. "Elementary school, both good friends until Wilde's life turned around. Involving muzzles and prejudice. Something you don't seem to understand, Bogo. Friends come and go, some friends come and stay. What have you seen when not in your lonely office?"
Bogo looked sadly at them both, as he began to relate more and more to Officer Wilde – and as for his long-lost best friend, seeing him as the same character from many years ago, it was a wonder how he managed to maintain it after everything Orangstrong taught him, while Bogo himself pursued Isaiah Larvix.
"I got a surprise for you, Little Britches," smiled Phil as they walked out into the snow and up to his car. Bogo and the Spirit, including Nick, followed. The bear placed the fox down and opened the car. There inside sat a fox slightly older than Noah and a small rabbit wearing grey winter coats.
"ALEX! SKIPS!" Cried Noah happily.
"Hello again, young covey!" greeted Skips.
They got out of the car and they shared a gentle hug.
"Merry Christmas!" greeted Noah.
"We missed you so much, pal!" Alex cried.
"And what's covey?" asked Noah.
"British term for pal," explained Skips.
"I'm glad you're alright," said Skips. "Dad told us about the incident with your leg."
"I'm okay," replied Noah. "In such situation, you always gotta put your best foot forward."
"That was terrible," laughed Alex.
"He sucks worse than you, Fluff Tail," Skips chuckled at Noah.
"You're cruising for a bruising, Bunny Butt!"
"They are thieves!" Bogo declared. "Why are they living with an honest bear?"
"Children deserve chances to see the world," replied the spirit. "Chances open to all children, preys or predators. Young Alex suffered long enough for that. Furthermore, not many see the light as you do. Isaac Carrotford there also redeemed himself saving young Noah's life which was jeopardised."
"What?" said Bogo. "Why him? He's a thief, all kids should be in for a good period. That's how I'd put it if Zootopia belonged to me. I should discuss matter with the Mayor."
They all re-entered the house, Alex and Skips marvelling about the area.
"For a kid form Mudway's orphanage, you've really got it made!" reacted Skips.
"How much pocket money do you get exactly?" inquired Alex, though rhetorically.
"So how did you guys meet Phil?" asked Noah.
"He adopted us," explained Skips as he and Alex admired Noah's presents, especially the fox warriors.
"I was playing with my granddad's flute, earned a few pieces and Phil just so happened to be passing by and inquired where I was from and all that crap."
"Bear ears are all ears, young fox," lectured Phil from outside the door with a strict but mischievous grin on his face.
"Sorry, Papa Bear," said Alex.
"Eat more tangerine," he joked. "Your breath will smell better after that language."
After he left, Alex resumed. "He took me home, gave me food and we had quite a lot in common where music is concerned. My own Papa Bear, gives me all the attention I deserve."
"I was let out for good behaviour," said Skips. Just days of community service, until I saw Coop here. My final days was the same we met I was taken home."
Bogo reflected again on the spirit talking of redemption and his own views of people, foxes etc. He felt a strange emotion. Guilt? Regret?
The door knocked again. Nick opened it and a smile spread across his face as two elderly foxes stood before him which Bogo also witnessed. The male wore a brown winter coat and expensive-looking spectacles and the female in a violet one, also wearing spectacles.
"Mom! Dad!"
He hugged them both tightly.
"Merry Christmas, son," said his mother.
"Merry Christmas, boy," said his father.
"Merry Christmas," he said tearfully. "I can't believe it's been so long."
He took a step backwards after the hug and presented them the small fox cub in the leg cast. "I want you both meet your grandson, Noah."
"Merry Christmas, Grandpa and Grandma," said Noah.
His grandmother came forward, knelt down and hugged the little cub as she let tears stream from her eyes. Tears of joy that she was a grandmother. She looked into the little fox's green eyes and his face. "you're so beautiful," she smiled as she kissed her grandson, cradling him again, sobbing gratefully at the best Christmas gift she had ever had today; being a grandmother. Grandpa Wilde joined in the hug. Looking into Noah's eyes, he also felt as though Nick was a cub again. Bogo himself was moved at this scene, reflecting on his own lonely childhood. The little fox cub had spent five years in an abusive orphanage and muzzled only to experience evil and fall into a good family. At least he as a calf had warm clothes and good food, yet happiness was there to express for this little child.
"You'll never guess what, guys!" said Noah to Skips and Alex. "I'm going to be a big brother!"
"Shut up!" cried the two friends simultaneously with surprised expressions.
"Mommy!" called Noah.
"Yes, sweetie?" called Judy from out the kitchen.
"Will you show them the baby?"
Judy entered, wearing a pretty Scarlett dress for the occasion (made by her mother), revealing them the beautiful bump soon to come into this world to witnesses the love it would be treated to by rabbits and foxes and bears, as Noah stroked it.
"Oh my!" cried Skips as he eyed the baby.
Judy and Noah suddenly felt big kicks coming. "Yes, baby, kick your big brother," said Noah.
"It's moving?" asked Alex.
"Come over here and feel for yourselves," said Judy granting them permission as they each took a turn to feel the baby's life and the three other foxes watched in delight.
"Must be very active indeed," remarked Mr. Wilde chuckling.
"I remember when I carried you, Nicholas," replied Mrs. Wilde. "You were a big kicker."
"He shoots, he scores," Nick quipped.
"Officer Hopps? Officer Wilde?" said Skips. "Me and Alex would just like to say we are very sorry for out mistakes and we assure we have become much better kids. I hope you'll forgiver us."
"We already have, kid," said Nick. The day you both saved Noah."
What impacted his heart also, was the acceptance the elders had given towards the two former pickpockets, for saving Noah's life and helping him find his father – and their gratitude for Officer Hopps motivating their son. Gratitude was everywhere, no matter how different these animals were. Judy then had the idea for a selfie with everybody to send to her family and wish them a happy Christmas.
"Such a shame how he broke his leg on such a time," lamented Mrs. Wilde as they watched him, and his friends riding on Phil's back.
"I know, Ma," agreed Nick. "But he says the strangest things out of optimism. He once told me he hoped everybody in Zootopia saw him as he was, so it would be pleasant for them to remember upon Christmas of the one who made lame beggars walk and blind men see."
His parents smiled at the idea of how a child could be so wise beyond his years, only five years old.
"It seems he's stronger every day," Mr. Wilde observed as he watched his grandson and his two friends playing video games, three controllers for them all the join in.
Soon the whole family was set at the table and beginning Christmas dinner, consisting of a rich turkey in cranberry sauce, drinks of wine and blueberry fizz. They all sat talking and joking and discussing their lives; Alex and Skips speaking about the good times they had with their new adoptive father Phil learning to live like bears, Phil explaining that he and Nick reunited at the naturalist club with Noah there. Nick's parents explained how they still live the same quiet life and that they were happy to be back with their son and meet their grandson. Things however took a different turn; Bogo enjoyed their fun and the smell of the feast and the laughs displayed, but when Noah presented them a card he made for "Chief Bogo" …
"Why a card for someone who hates Christmas?" said Alex.
"I pity him," said Noah. "I thought it would work to show I care. Nobody deserves to be alone on Christmas. There must be some good in him. He knew I didn't …"
He cut what he said, since the real thieves were sitting on the table and it would be unfair to bring up their stupid mistakes.
"Can you give it to him when you go to work later please, Daddy?"
Nick looked inside it as did Bogo as the former read aloud:
Dear Chief Bogo.
I know you find Christmas difficult so I thought this card would show that we care for you despite what you're feeling. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God bless you,
Noah Wilde.
Nick looked at it and smiled. "It might prove difficult, but I'll bribe him champ."
And he kissed his son's head before returning to the table as Judy presented the huge pudding.
Bogo find a seat next to the child and he sat on it watching him. A little fox who had concerns for a big grump like him. He remembered that horrid fox from the orphanage and how he gave him a false vision, but that card seemed to have woken him up. As Bogo reflected on this, he noticed a vixen and a leopardess standing next to Noah and stroking him affectionately.
"Who are they?" Bogo asked getting up suddenly.
"They who he knew, but gone," the ghost explained. "The fox is his mother who died in childbirth and the leopard saved his life."
Bogo remembered the unfortunate leopard who was murdered by her own brother just so Noah should be spared of his life.
"Then why can't I see my mother or Gloria?" Bogo criticized. "I knew them, so where are they?"
"No one can see their own family when they are gone," the spirit explained. "They live inside one who witnesses other spirits".
Bogo was deeply saddened at the idea. He never knew his mother and he didn't know what she was like – and as for Gloria, he possessed none of her gentility, though a very long time ago. The only way he could now see her was through Ben – and he thinks of it, Shirley too.
When the meal was over, they had some entertainment from Mr. and Mrs Wilde as they sang Barbara Allen, for they were very popular singers in their day. Noah played his video game with his two friends as Bogo saw the others go into another room and sit down, but Officer Wilde was in his unform.
"It's bizarre, dear," said Mrs. Wilde with a glass of sherry in her hand. "How a child as sweet as yours can care for someone as bitter as Bogo. Why?"
"Kimberly's nature I'm guessing," said Nick. "But I think we can benefit from such kids."
"Indeed," said Mrs. Wilde, "but nobody would be willing enough to wish greeting to such a stingy, odious, mean, hard unfeeling man as Chief Bogo. You know he is, Nichola. Nobody knows him better than you or Judith, poor darlings. That so-called chief is almost as evil as the criminals you loyal ZPD recruits chase every day."
"His problems are not really our business," said Judy. "He might have good reason for it."
"And he makes people unhappy with it," Mr. Wilde debated. "Look at the lunatics that snapped Noah's leg. When's Bogo gonna see to it?"
Nick looked on sadly. "I'll have to try even if it means jeopardising my safety. He knows nothing of being a daddy."
These words stung Bogo sharply in the heart as he reflected their argument in the office, but Officer Wilde was right. He was ignorant of his calf alone in a cold, gloomy orphanage and felt unworthy of the name Daddy.
"The truth hurts," said the spirit who seemed to have read his mind.
"Did I ever tell you we worked alongside each other?" said Phil out of the blue.
They all looked at the bear was sitting close by towards them, even though he was involved in the conversation.
"You know Buffalo Butt?" asked Nick incredulously.
"We worked there as young people at Old Orangstrong's, a good soul that Orangstrong. But after business failed, he moved to Jungle Islands with his good wife. Always put a swinging part especially at Christmas. Me and Ferdy were usually the first to dance. We were like brothers."
"Does Orangstrong know of Bogo's ways then?" asked Mr. Wilde curiously.
Phil looked uncomfortable as he sipped his glass of coconut milk.
"I didn't tell him," he replied guiltily. "It would break his heart to learn the truth."
"We understand, Bed Buddy," Nick sympathised. "It's never easy to tell the truth."
"I just hope one day he'll come to his senses. I don't plan to give up on him. The blame falls on that polar bear who destroyed him. He's clearly one of the bears who never had a good back scratch."
They all sat together quietly for a few minutes, until Nick finally broke the silence as he got up from his chair.
"Well, I'd better get going. Almost one."
"Nick no!" cried Bogo as he said goodbye to his parents, rabbit and bear. "Forget what I said! Stay and play with your son!"
"He can't hear you," the spirit reminded him sternly.
"I'm sorry," Bogo said softly to the fox as he walked into the room where Noah and his comrades were and Noah hugged him tightly, close to tears
"Promise you will smile for Daddy?" said Nick. "It's hard for him as well, bit keep Christmas alive by being happy."
Noah sniffed and hugged him again.
Skips and Alex watched sadly and left the room so the two foxes could have some moments.
"That buffalo is a duffalo!" said Alex angrily.
"I hope his life is as lonely as it now," agreed Skips. "I hope he dies of jerk disease."
Bogo would have had words with those two children, but deep down he agreed. He felt unworthy of living right now. He couldn't even bring himself to the ZPD if he even tried, even if he was expected.
Bogo hung his head in shame as his own words rung in his head. As he did so, he heard individual laughter in a nearby room. He was no longer in the Wilde's house but a regular one. He was standing in a dining room where a plump fox sat at the table looking up in the air breathing heavily from the Christmas dinner he ate. It was Gideon Grey, the baker. He was wearing the same jumper he saw him wear yesterday.
From the doors came a pudgy little fox cub, the very fox cub he scared away for singing carols outside his office.
"Come on, Daddy! Let's play the new video game!"
Gideon burped and yawned.
"Sure son, let's do it!"
Bogo watched both father and son playing their paws of their game regardless of Gideon Grey's half-drunkenness and full stomach. The buffalo reflected on their strong relationship especially through Christmas. Gideon suddenly collapsed as the fox cub laughed and snuggled into his father.
The spirit chuckled at the sight as he shined the torch upon them.
"Why are they relevant?" Bogo inquired.
"For you to learn," said the spirit sternly. "There's no other relative for the Greys. At least he has a father to enjoy Christmas with."
Bogo continued watching as the drunk fox and his son chased one another all around the room.
"I'm a scary, stone age fox and I'm going to eat for you for my feast!" growled Gideon. He chased his squealing cub all around the house until he caught him and tickled him everywhere. Soon they returned to the room where they were playing, sat down and the cub buried into a massive cuddle with his father. Bogo also agreed that Gideon Grey was everything a father should be.
The picture went all dark and moonlight shone in from a window, shining on a sobbing little fox in his bed.
"Daddy," he whimpered. "Daddy."
Bogo peered over and saw that it was no one but Noah Wilde. Deeper regret hit Bogo's heart nastily as he remembered what he had robbed the little fox cub of his father, whom he had only reunited with just this year. His own angry words rang in his head when he robbed Officer Wilde that evening.
The ghost was chuckling rather darkly.
"Why do you laugh as such sad things?" said Bogo angrily.
"I laugh at your triumph, Bogo," he said, evil now glinting in his once warm eyes. "You are doing Zootopia a favour to see that foxes really can be trusted."
"I didn't want to stoop to this," said Bogo with humility.
"Well, you have," remarked the spirit.
Bogo looked at the fox's alarm clock that read two-thirty. The fox was wearing no clothes and was sobbing into his sheets, until he heard the front door open downstairs. The door was being locked and coming up the stairs. The footsteps padded closer and into the room. In came Officer Wilde himself.
"Daddy?"
Nick smiled sympathetically.
"It's okay, son. Daddy's here."
At these words, the fox began to strip himself from his uniform and climbed himself into his son's bed as they shared big cuddle from their naked, warm furs.
"Why are they so disgusting?!" snapped Bogo.
"Once upon a time," said the spirit wisely, "All animals were free. Their warmth underneath was the best anyone could ever feel."
"I'm sorry, Daddy," Noah sobbed. "I broke my promise. I missed you so much today."
"It's okay," whispered Nick gently nuzzling him. "It's okay. It's okay. Daddy's here and he's not going anywhere tonight."
Bogo watched as the father kissed his cub seven times as the cub slowly drifted off to sleep in his father's warmth, made up for all the hours stolen from both of them.
"And when this thug is caught," Nick whispered. "This will be safe world for you once again. Merry Christmas, sweetheart."
Officer Wilde kissed his son's little nose and closed his eyes, bundling his cub in his big, fluffy tail for all the warmth he needed. As for the buffalo, he wondered there about the idea of the thug and the young fox before him whose leg was broken because of it.
"Tell me, Spirit," said Bogo to the lion. "Will Noah be okay?"
The spirit observed in his flame torch for a few minutes and gave the answer:
"I see a vacant bed in a boy's bedroom carefully preserved and a baby without a big brother."
Bogo's heart was thumping as the spirit continued its diagnosis:
"If this rogue responsible for his injuries is not before next Christmas, the cub will die."
"NO!" Bogo shouted in horror. "No! He won't die! Please say he won't! He must be spared somehow!"
"Who are you to decide what shall happen?" snapped the spirit.
"He cares for everyone, including people like me!" said Bogo desperately. "He doesn't deserve to die! Tell me he will be spared, please!"
"Unless the future is confronted. If he is to die," added the spirit coldly, "then die he must, and decrease the surplus population of careless young darers."
This was more than Bogo could bare; hearing his own words used against him. He felt anger. Anger upon himself for such words to use.
"Maybe you'd like to see your offspring?" asked the spirit.
Bogo nodded and he was whisked around to see the young buffalo singing carols quietly to himself holding the Bible, the very same thing his father did and sleeping in the very same bed. Bogo shed a tear wishing his son knew he had a father standing right next to him, who loved him more than anything. Just like Noah to Officer Wilde, Frank was Bogo's entire Zootopia.
"It's always the choice of one to alter the future. He too is in danger," said the spirit.
"Of death?" Bogo gasped.
"Of innocence," responded the ghost seriously. "Look below you."
Bogo reacted in fright as he was met with two young black panther cubs. They were both horribly skinny, anorexic and diseased and no clothes whatsoever. They were walking on all fours in the style of wear animals began. They hissed at Bogo who made him aback away.
"Who are they? Are they yours, Spirit?" he inquired.
"They are the children of all," the spirit replied. "People of this earth deny their existence. They cling to me. Beware the she-panther but most of all, the he-panther. For he symbolises your doom and possible eternal domination, Fernando Bogo."
The spirit smiled darkly.
"But look at them!" Bogo concerned. "Have they no families? Not shelters to help them?"
The spirit began to chuckle evilly as his muscular body shrivelled into a skinny form, dark orange-brown with a scruffy, black mane
"Are there no hospitals?" he growled menacingly, looking down into Bogo's face. "Are there no institutes?"
The ghost began to cackle loudly and repeated Bogo's words over and over, until it began to fade as the panthers began to prowl upon Frank.
"FRANK!" cried Bogo. "DADDY'S COMING!"
The panthers pounced and screaming could be heard from the calf and Bogo trying to fight the cubs off him.
"BACK AWAY!" bellowed. "KEEP AWAY! STAY AWAY FROM MY SON!"
From that, the panthers immediately vanished and Frank stayed in his bed, shivering. Bogo climbed into the bed with him and bundled him into his dressing gown. He kissed the calf gently on the head.
"I'm sorry, son," whispered Bogo. "Don't worry, when this is over Daddy is coming for you. You'll see. You will never be lonely again. I love you, Frank."
And he kissed the calf over and over until he began to sob at the possible future for both Noah and Frank. What could he do? He wanted to do something to protect them both. What went wrong with him? All because he lost a sister and gave in to a polar bear for profession? What would he be like if he could relive his life again, even if it meant going through grief once again, the same grief his son was currently suffering? With what these two spirits have taught him, would he take it all differently.
Bogo eyed something lying on Frank's side; A piece of paper. Bogo picked it up and read the heading; Franklin Fernando Hays: Birth Certificate.
"It's always the choice of one to alter the future. He too is in danger," came the spirit's voice from somewhere, back the gentle, wise voice Bogo was used to after what had happened. The buffalo pocketed the paper when, low and behold, a clock rang. Bogo looked over at a desk that read Three O' Clock. A cold chill filled the room and he planned to leave the area, but there was someone already at the door. A huge, cloaked figure in a hood covering its face except for two strong tusks.
Credit goes to BrutusDeagon for the idea of Ignorance and Want being panthers.
RIP
Tom Lister, Jr.
(The voice of Finnick)
1958 – 2020
God Rest His Soul