-Manta Bay chapter 13-

A tired-looking painted dog slowly raised his arms up in the air and let out a pleased noise as he stretched his aching muscles.

He blinked a few times and looked at the computer screen with a pair of glazed-over eyes. The poor canine having just finished what felt like his 4th paper that evening.

Having recently returned to school to obtain a new degree the painted dog knew that all of this would pay off in the end. Sure the classes were challenging and he didn't have as much free time as he liked. It was vital though for him to keep pushing forward.

He reached over and picked up a cup that had been sitting next to his keyboard. As his eyes skimmed over his newly finished assignment he raised the glass to his muzzle and took a sip. The sweet ice tea tasted refreshing as the ice cubes clinked around in the glass.

The painted dog slipped slightly and a few drops landed on his blue Hawaiian shirt.

"Oh for the love of..." the painted dog grumbled as he quickly set the glass down and reached for a napkin.

There was a crash somewhere outside of the room which caused the painted dog's rounded ears to twitch. He looked over his shoulder, a curious look on his muzzle.

Another muffled thump made the canine tilt his head slightly. He began to wonder what in the world his girlfriend was up to outside the room.

The door suddenly burst open and a small bunny kit jumped through the threshold, a toy bow and arrow in her paws. The doe was dressed in a baggy blue hoodie and khaki shorts.

"Uh oh," The painted dog said as his eyes went wide.

"Blue!" The small bunny shouted as she drew an arrow out of its quiver and took aim.

"What are you doing here?!" The painted dog asked before ducking behind his chair, an arrow narrowly missing him.

"Where is it?!" The young bunny shouted as she drew another arrow.

"What? Where is- ack!" The painted dog asked before ducking again.

"The Halloween special?! The Christmas Special!?"

"I was busy with school and work!"

"No excuses!" The doe shouted as she fired another arrow.

"Sweetie! Little help in here!?" The painted dog shouted.

His pleads were met with a laugh from somewhere outside of the study room, "All hail the pumpkin queen honey!"

The painted dog's eyelids drooped and glanced over at the door where he could hear laughing. He had a feeling his girlfriend was somehow behind this.

I'm gonna get her for this.

"Oooooooh, Bluuuuuuuuue," The bunny cooed which brought the canine's attention back to the doe.

His eyes widened as he saw an arrow released from the bow. Its aim was true and the painted dog fell out of his chair as a nerf arrow smacked him right between the eyes.

As the canine laid on the floor and watched several pumpkins spin around his head he heard a pair of small feet approaching.

The bunny slowly strolled right on top of the larger mammal and stood on top of his chest, she leaned over and invaded his vision, a pair of bright blue eyes blinking down at him.

"So where are my chapters?"

"Trisha...I have been so busy that I couldn't write during the holidays. Plus its way overdue. I mean its almost Spring break."

"Correction," The young kit said with a smile. "It's almost-"

-Trisha's Spooky Valentine's Day Spring Break Christmas Special Part 1-

"We just passed the water tower!" Sarah squeaked excitedly as she bounced up and down in her seat.

"I see I see," Judy laughed as she reached over and put a paw on her excited sister's shoulder and pressed down. "Remember what mom said about bouncing on the seats?"

"I see Sarah saw the water tower," Came a deep voice from the isle of the train car.

Both Judy and Sarah looked over at a lion adorned in a train conductor uniform, a broad smile on his muzzle.

"Yeah…" Judy began as her ears drooped and she gave the large mammal a hesitant smile. "Sorry Roger."

The lion simply chuckled as he pointed at Sarah's seat, the small bunny following the lion's orders and plopping her butt down, however, this didn't stop her from wiggling in excitement.

"Sorry Roger," Sarah said sweetly as she smiled up at the lion.

"It's alright darling," Roger said as he took a knee so the girls didn't have to look so far up. "Just don't want you to slip and hurt yourself, I would feel so bad if my favorite passengers weren't allowed to come back."

Both the girls giggled as they beamed at the lion.

"So I just found out I will also be your conductor on your return trip," Roger began as he retrieved a small piece of paper from his vest pocket. "Looks like you two will be in Manta Bay for a while."

"All of the spring break!" Sarah exclaimed happily.

"Any adventures planned?" Roger asked as he slipped his schedule away and crossed his arms on his knee.

"Actually kind of," Judy said as she reached over for her backpack which was leaning against her leg. She reached inside and produced an odd-looking card and held it up for Roger to see. The lion, though large, had a gentle touch and was able to take the card in his grasp. He tilted his large head as he inspected the card.

The card was paw made from red construction paper with several paper objects glued to the front. It almost looked like the holiday section at a store had thrown up on the card. There was a Christmas tree, pumpkins, ghosts, hearts, and even some candy canes.

Roger's mouth was open as he looked at the card and then at the two excited does in the seat before him.

"Read the card," Sarah said excitedly.

Roger had some trouble thanks to his size opening the card. Judy, however, stood up in her seat and reached over, helping the larger mammal.

Once the card was open Roger let it lay flat in his open paw as he squinted and read the text written in crayon.

"The Pumpkin Queen requests that Moon Princess Sarah and Grand General of the Pumpkin Army Judy come to Manta Bay for our Holiday catch up celebration."

Roger chuckled as he handed the card back to Judy who placed it back in her backpack and began to kick her feet back and forth over her seat, unable to hide her excitement.

"So...a party?" Roger asked as his lips curled.

"With the Pumpkin Queen, it could be anything."

Roger stood up and let out a laugh, "Well please pay my respects to the Pumpkin Queen."

"Stickers are good respects," Sarah said playfully which caused Judy to look over at her little sister in surprise.

Trisha has really rubbed off on her.

Roger roared with laughter and put a paw to his forehead. He then reached into his vest and produced some stickers they gave to young riders. Some were of trains, others were badges saying they were junior conductors. He pawed over a sheet to Sarah who squeaked happily.

"Thanks, Roger," Sarah said as she put a sticker on her shirt.

"You save some for your Pumpkin Queen now," Roger said and with that, the lion strolled down the aisle to check on his other passengers.

The tracks leading to Manta bay were a bit busy that day as the train carrying Judy and Sarah was not the only one speeding towards the city sitting on the fog-covered bay.

"Come on Cop," Nick pleaded as he slowly reached towards a wicker basket currently sitting on the seat next to the fox. "Just one?"

"Nope!" Copper shot back as she swatted Nick's black paw away with her painted one. "Mom…. she said not until we got to your cousin's place. We baked them as thank you gifts for letting me stay with them."

Nick groaned and rolled his eyes as he sat back in his seat, his bright green eyes would occasionally go back towards the basket filled with sweet-smelling treats.

He understood though and was really just playing with Copper, trying to help the painted dog's nerves.

This would be Copper's first visit with Nick's family in Manta Bay. Like Nick, she had received a fun little card in the mail that looked like Trisha had put every holiday sticker she could find on it.

Nick's mother had then gotten a call from her sister in Manta Bay asking Vivienne if she had Copper's parents number. Soon plans were made and Copper would be staying with Nick's family in Manta Bay over spring break.

Copper was a little nervous. Not because she was heading to a strange new city. She had developed fears of being a burden to others. When she was just a pup she had been abandoned at an orphanage. She had spent her life wondering if she had done something wrong or been a burden which led to her surrender. Nick and many of Copper's new friends did their best to convince her such thoughts were silly. It was understandable though to have such thoughts though and everyone had been told just to give the painted pup some time.

"So how long did it take you to bake everything?" Nick asked as he got settled in his seat and looked over at Copper.

"Mom and…." Copper began but stopped as a smile graced her lips.

Nick had noticed this start a day or two ago when they had gotten together to prepare Copper for her trip.

Every time she mentioned her parents she would stop and smile. Apparently she had let slip just a few days ago, calling her adoptive mother "mom". From what Nick had heard there were a lot of happy tears after that. It was a sign that Copper felt like she truly was home.

He had overheard his mother on the phone speaking to Copper's mother, the sounds of joy coming from the call as even Vivienne shed a happy tear or two made Nick happy for his friend.

"Mom and I woke up early and baked everything," Copper continued, snapping Nick back to the present.

"You must be tired," Nick said with a smirk.

"A little, but I will be ok," Copper said with a yawn.

"If you want to take a nap," Nick began as he glanced at the basket containing all the sweet treats. "I can watch the-"

Nick stopped mid-sentence when he glanced back at Copper who was looking right at the young tod, her eyelids drooped in a questioning manner.

"Did you think it would be that easy?" Copper mumbled.

"Was worth a try," Nick said as he gave Copper a hesitant smile.

Nick and Copper arrived at Manta Bay first. Delta and his father were waiting for them at the station. Copper eagerly hurried over. Her uncle took a knee and gave Copper a gentle hug before offering to take some of the young lady's bags. She allowed him to hold the basket of treats before she hurried to her cousin.

Delta and Copper acted like they had been family their whole lives with the way they acted. Copper nearly leaped into her cousin's arms and buried her head against his. Both their white tip tails wagging happily as they took a moment to greet one another.

"How is it going, Nick?" Larry asked as he walked over and gave Nick a pat on the back.

"Good sir," Nick said as he looked up at the larger canine.

"Seriously kid," the adult chuckled. "Call me Larry, sir is for work. Names are for friends."

Nick grinned. He didn't normally get this kind of casual treatment back in Zootopia so it was refreshing to hear.

Delta trotted over and held his paw up. Nick gave his friend a high paw as his tail swished back and forth.

"So you kids ready for some lunch?" Larry asked. "We have to wait here for the girls-"

"Dad!" Delta barked, causing the larger canine's eyes to go wide. "What?"

"They didn't know yet," Delta growled.

"That we are waiting for Nick's girlfriend?"

It was amazing just how quickly Nick had gone from really liking Delta's father to being completely embarrassed by him. The way the young fox's eyes went wide and how he couldn't look at anyone made Copper giggle.

"You ok Nick?" Larry asked with a smirk.

"Yeah Larry, I am fine," Nick grumbled, looking at the ground.

"You notice how his tail swishes whenever you mention a certain bunny?" Delta chuckled.

"Your one to talk Romeo," Larry said, looking at his son. "Or how every time we pass the library you start getting all embarrassed."

It was Delta's turn to not want to make eye contact with anyone. Copper enjoyed herself thoroughly as she tried to make contact with Delta and Nick. The female skipping about as she tried to look them right in the eyes.

"Yeah someone mentioned something about libraries once," Copper said as her tail swished back and forth. She then looked up at Larry. "Uncle Larry, what happened at the library anyway?"

"Oh let me tell you," Larry began with a chuckle.

"NO! Leets not!" Delta shouted as he charged at his dad and began to push him, trying to get the larger canine to move away.

Once they all had had their fun at Delta and Nick's expense Larry led the young canines out of the main train station. There were a few food spots just outside of the station that provided mammals of all shapes and sizes with different options while they waited for their connecting trains or arrivals.

Larry treated them all to some sandwiches. Nick and Copper trying to pay for their meals but Larry wouldn't hear any of it, insisting on treating the kids.

"I have money for food though," Copper said as she tried to retrieve some money from her backpack.

"Nope," Larry said simply.

"You sure?"

"Very, if you try then I will tell your parents you were trying to bribe a police officer," Larry said with a sly smile that made all the kids laugh.

They sat at a picnic table in a small park just around the corner from the train station. Enjoying the crisp air as they snacked.

"Delta why don't you tell them about the plans for today," Larry said as he took a bite of his sandwich.

Delta who had just finished with some chips took a second to sip as his drink before scooting in his seat and looking at the two new arrivals.

"We are waiting for Nick's girlfriend and her sister to arrive," Delta began with a sly smirk.

"Then are we heading to a library to meet with your girlfriend?" Nick shot back instantly.

The two young males looked right at one another as Larry and Copper shared a laugh.

"This is going to be a fun spring break," Copper said excitedly as her tail swished back and forth.

When it came time for the gang to head back into the train station there was an air of anticipation coming from a certain young tod.

Delta would occasionally poke fun at his friend but was quickly silenced by his father who didn't hesitate to mention a certain blue-eyed monsters name.

"Now arriving on track 2, Bunnyburrow, Deerbrook, and Misty Gulch," Came an announcement through the station as a train pulled into the interior track of the station.

"Watch watch watch," Delta whispered to Copper as the two leaned against one another and stared at Nick who was paying little attention to the painted goofballs behind him.

Nick's brilliant green eyes scanned each window as the train slowed before them. Car after car went by before he finally spied a familiar set of faces. He tensed up slightly as he waved at Sarah who was eagerly bouncing up and down inside the train, waving at the young fox. Sarah was not alone in the window for long. Judy appeared and the happiest of smiles graced her cute face. She beamed as she waved at Nick whose tail began to swish back and forth on the ground behind him.

"See," Delta whispered.

"Library," Copper chuckled before getting a playful slap on the arm from her cousin.

Judy and Sarah were escorted off the train by Roger who helped the young does with their bags.

Larry took a moment to meet Roger halfway, taking the girl's bags and throwing them over his shoulder.

While the adults took care of the bags both Judy and Sarah ran over to Nick who opened his arms and laughed with joy as the two small does leapt up together and hugged the tod.

Sarah let go of Nick first and giggled happily as she scurried over to Delta and Copper, receiving an affectionate greeting from her painted knights. Judy, however, remained in Nick's arms and buried her face into the young fox's neck.

"Alright you two," Came a chuckle from behind the bunny and fox couple.

Both of them looked up and even with Nick's russet-colored fur you could tell he was somewhat embarrassed as Larry gave them a playful look.

"Let's get everyone loaded up, we have to drop you, trouble makers, off and get you out of my fur," The larger painted canine said with a smirk.

"Thank you again for picking us up sir," Judy said as she slid out of Nick's arms. "My parents promised during the next harvest to send you more blueberries as you asked."

"Score," Larry said as he gave a thumbs up. "It isn't necessary though Judy, I am more than happy to pick you two up whenever you are in town."

With that, the gang proceeded towards the main entry hall to the train station. They passed a small wooden booth with an odd homemade sign sitting next to it.

Atom's hugging booth. Closed for Spring Break.

"Awww nuts," A lovely looking she-wolf grumbled as she read the sign. She then turned to a gathering of different ladies of all shapes and species. "Sorry girls...looks like he is out."

There was a collective series of awws and whines from the disappointed looking group of females.

"Atom's business seems to be booming," Judy muttered as they strolled past the hugging booth.

"Don't get me started," Delta grumbled. "He has been so smug about it lately."

Once outside the group made their way towards the parking.

"All right you bunch of trouble makers," Larry said as he fumbled for his keys before walking towards a parked Manta Bay Police vehicle.

"What?!" Judy asked as she froze mid-step, her eyes widening with excitement. "We- we- we get to ride in a squad car?!"

"You want to ride shotgun?" Larry asked as he glanced over his shoulder at the small gray bunny, not realizing what it would mean to Judy. The doe nearly exploded with excitement as she hurried over to the squad car with her friends.

Larry helped Judy into the passenger seat while everyone laughed as they piled into the back compartment of the squad car which was normally reserved for less favorable passengers.

"This is so cool," Judy exclaimed as she wiggled in her seat and looked around the front of the squad car.

Being from a sleepy little place like BunnyBurrow meant she had not seen such a sophisticated set up before. Most of the law enforcement vehicles back home were fairly low tech compared to what Manta Bay PD had at their disposal.

"Ouch watch the tail!" Came a yelp from the back area.

"Painted pile!" Copper giggled as she leaned against Sarah who let out a squeak before she burst into laughter.

"Copper you're squishing me!"

"Alright calm down you trouble makers," Larry said as he looked over his shoulder into the back section of the squad car. He then glanced over at Judy whose eyes were wide with excitement as she slowly looked over the series of control panels that had been installed into the front of the vehicle. "Ready to go, officer?"

"Yessir!" Judy said as she nearly burst with joy.

The car ride to was a little rowdy as the kits in the back all laughed and snorted whenever Larry took a turn, the large painted dog would cut close to the curb causing the kits in the back to slide about. Judy occasionally looked in the rearview mirror and watched as several different pairs of ears would slide back and forth. While she would have loved to be sitting next to Nick the sight was rather amusing to the young doe.

They arrived at Nick's cousin's place first. Emily was standing out in the driveway with Nick's aunt Jean. The two vixens waved at the squad car as it approached.

"Judy see those two switches," Larry began as he pointed at a set of switches on a black box. "Flip them up and down real quick."

Judy followed Larry's instructions and was pleased when she heard the siren blare real quick. The lights on top of the vehicle flashed for a second before shutting off once more.

Emily began to jump up and down in the driveway as she waved at her friends. Jean put a paw on her hip and shook her head at the painted dog in the driver seat who on occasion acted more like a child than anything.

"Alright all stinky canines out of my car," Larry said as he put the car in park in front of Jean's driveway.

"Look who is talking," Delta grumbled which caused Nick and Copper to share a quiet snicker.

"I heard that mister."

Everyone piled out of the car and helped Nick and Copper gather their things from the trunk.

Judy and Sarah, who would be staying at Trisha's, still clambered out of the car to greet Jean and Emily.

"My goodness look how you have grown Sarah," Jean said as she took a knee and opened her arms for the small bunny who happily scurried over for a hug.

"My ears have gotten longer," Sarah said happily as she raised her ears upward.

"And more adorable too," Jean said as she reached out and booped the young doe on the nose gently with her paw.

Meanwhile, Judy was trying to get some information out of Emily who seemed to be just as clueless as everyone else about what was going on.

"Come on you must know something," Judy pleaded.

"Seriously Jude I have no idea," Emily said as she gave the bunny a shrug. "I haven't been allowed over at Trisha's place since last week."

"What?" Nick asked in surprise as he lugged his overnight bag over and joined his cousin.

"Yeah I tried to go around but she said it would ruin the surprise. I even tried to sneak over but Trisha was waiting with a nerf gun."

"Emily came home covered in darts," Jean chuckled as she strolled by and helped Copper carry some of her bags. "Oh my goodness what smells so good?"

"Mom and I baked some stuff as a thank you for letting me stay ma'am," Copper said happily.

"Oh that is so sweet of you," Jean said as she put a paw on Copper's shoulder. "Thank you Copper, we are so excited you will be staying with us."

Sadly it eventually came time for Larry to drive Judy and Sarah over to Trisha's house. Which meant they would have to part from the others for a little bit.

"Better say goodbye to your girlfriend," Copper said playfully as she, Emily, and Jean headed up the driveway.

Nick grumbled something under his breath at the smug painted pup currently strolling away. When he turned to look at Judy he was surprised to see her hop up and gently plant a kiss on the tod's cheek. The young fox froze and seemed to seize up as Judy blushed and rolled on the balls of her large feet.

"I'll see you later right?"

"Uhh...huh…." Nick said as a stupid grin crossed his lips.

"Bahahahaha," Delta let out as he and Sarah headed back to the squad car.

"Ewwwww," Sarah let out as she covered her eyes with her paws, it was obvious though that she was peaking through them though and watched as Judy skipped towards them.

Once Delta, Sarah, and Judy were back in the car Larry took a moment to look over the roof of his vehicle.

"You want me to come round and pick them up for tonight Jean?" The painted dog shouted up the driveway.

"I can drive them, Larry, thanks though. Once they are all set up in their costumes I was going to drop them off."

The last part caused the three young canines next to Jean to stop in their tracks.

"Costumes?" Nick asked as he looked at Emily who looked equally confused.

"We didn't bring any costumes," Copper said nervously.

"Oh don't you worry," Jean said with a smirk. "Trisha has taken care of everything."

"Is that suppose to calm us down mom?" Emily asked as she waved her paws about. "It's Trisha after all."

Larry chuckled and took his spot in the driver seat and started the car's engine.

"Dad," Delta began as he sat up in the backseat. Sarah joined him but sadly the doe was just a little too short so all that could be seen was a pair of white ears with a black spot going up the side of one of them. "What's this about costumes?"

"Its a surprise," Larry chuckled as he pulled the car into drive and lazily pulled back onto the street.

"Oh come on dad!"

"You want to swing by the library?" Larry asked which instantly shut his son up. The painted dog looked over at Judy who giggled. "I plan on using that for a long time."

When they arrived at Trisha's house the brown bunny was standing in the driveway with a mischievous smirk on her lips.

Larry pulled the car up to the driveway and put the car into park which signaled the others it was time to get out.

Judy and Sarah rushed from the car and ran up to their friend who opened her arms and was wrapped up in a little group hug with her favorite bunnies from BunnyBurrow.

Delta trotted up the driveway with his father who was carrying the girl's luggage. Larry stopped though and set the girl's bags on the driveway before giving Trisha a curt salute. His son froze and gave his dad a questioning look.

"Team members have been picked up, requesting permission to enter and drop off their luggage Pumpkin queen," Larry said in an official tone.

Sarah and Judy watched in amusement as Trisha took a step forward and gave Larry a salute with a smirk.

"Permission granted officer," The bunny said as her tail gave a little wiggle.

With that, Larry scooped up Sarah and Judy's bags and proceeded towards the open garage doors.

Delta shook his head and began to follow his father before Trisha hopped in front of the young painted dog, holding up a paw in front of the canine.

"Sorry Delta but you gotta wait," Trisha said with a grin.

"Se...seriously?" Delta asked, looking a little taken aback.

"It's all about the surprise," Trisha said with a broad grin. "You...wouldn't want to ruin my plans would you?"

Judy watched in stunned silence as Trisha tilted her head and lowered one of her ears. The way she spoke made it obvious she was using her cuteness to trick the painted dog.

Delta had a nervous yet silly grin cross his lips as he looked at the ground and then back at Trisha.

"O...ok," Delta mumbled.

"Good," Trisha said happily as she turned to look at Judy and Sarah. She then reached into her baggy blue hoodie's pocket and produced two black strips of fabric. "As for you two, put these on."

Trisha skipped over and held up the two pieces of fabric in front of the girls.

"What? Why?"

"You wouldn't want to ruin-" Trisha began as one of her ears lowered.

"That won't work on us," Judy chuckled.

Trisha let out a sigh and smirked. She then held one of the strips of fabric out to Sarah.

"Will you hold that for a second Sarah?"

"Sure," Sarah said, sounding happy to help.

Judy watched as Sarah took one of the blindfolds in her paw. When she glanced back at Trisha though she saw a pair of big blue eyes heading right for her as Trisha propelled herself at Judy.

"Put it on Judy!" Trisha shouted as she grabbed onto Judy and wrapped the fabric around Judy's eyes.

"Ah, Trisha!" Judy shouted between fits of laughter.

It took a minute or two but eventually, Trisha managed to get the blindfold onto Judy. Both does panting as Judy crossed her eyes and grumbled.

Judy tried to reach up and move the blindfold only to have her small gray paw swatted by a brown one.

"No peeking!" Trisha shouted. She then turned to Sarah whose bright pink eyes went wide."Now as for you."

Sarah, however, took the hint and quickly put the blindfold over her eyes and tied the fabric behind her head.

Delta chuckled at the sight before glancing at Trisha who gave him a playful wink that made his tail swish back and forth.

Trisha then grabbed Judy and Sarah's paws and led them towards the garage.

"So we heard something about costumes," Judy mumbled as she was blindly led through the garage and towards the inside of Trisha's home. "We didn't bring any."

"Don't worry about that."

"Why do we need costumes?" Sarah asked with a chuckle.

"You want candy don't ya?" Trisha shot back with a smirk neither of her friends saw. "You got to be in a costume when trick or treating if you want candy."

Hey everyone!

So it has been a while. Wouldn't ya know it school was a little hectic and now the world seems to have followed suit. However just like a certain blue-eyed trouble maker I am not going to let this get me down. I hope to start posting more content soon. Give you all something to read while we are shut indoors.

I hope you are all staying safe out there. Wait till you see the silliness Trisha has in store for her friends.

Till next time.

Cya in Manta Bay!

-Blue