A/N: A special thanks to kt_valmiri for editing (and adding the bunnies!) and ScaraMedn for beta reading! Thanks for helping me every step of the way, my friends :)
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It seemed as though Judy had barely closed her eyes before morning arrived. Rena undid the rope that attached her to the support beam and helped her to once again clean herself. Through this she held vague wisps of her dream, but really all she remembered was the color green.
A bowl of oats and berries was placed in her paws and fresh water was given to her. Once her hunger was sated, Judy was lead to an open wagon pulled by a wolf several times larger than his kin. She said not a word as Rhea lifted her up next to supplies for the long journey.
Dorian brought the cushions she had slept on and set them to the floor. The bunny followed the wolf's motions, barely listening as he described the journey to Sahara Kingdom.
"We will be passing through the borders of the Savanna. King Adrian Bogo is attaching his gift to the prince with our convoy. His majordomo, Lionheart, will be escorting us to the palace." Dorian reached over the side of the wagon to adjust the cushions.
With a paw, he patted one invitingly. Judy, having stood at the edge of the cart, stared blankly at them. Were it not for the she wolf's paws on her shoulders, she would have bolted.
"Will it be a long journey?" Her voice was still hoarse with tears, the bunny sank once again to her knees onto the soft cushions. Dorian gently placed a paw upon her ears to sooth the still distressed rabbit.
"About three days. Two if the weather holds. I have meet King Adrian and Lionheart. They are both kind, Lionheart especially, if a bit loud. He may bring his assistant Benji." The wolf smiled at the thought, though his friend did not smile back. "He will make the journey much more enjoyable."
When she didn't respond, Dorian lifted his paw away and joined Rena at the back of the convoy with a small defeated sigh. The cart jerked, it's wheels giving a light groan as the wolf began to pull. With the motion of the cart, Judy's eyes grew heavy and very soon she drifted off once more.
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Judy slept most of the way through the Savanna, her dreams more vivid this time. She sat atop the grassy hills not far from the royal burrow. With smell the sea on the wind, her hilltop granting her a beautiful view of it, her mind grew peaceful as she took it in.
The canine whom had visited her previously, came once more. Still and silent, he merely sat with the homesick bunny and observed the comings and goings of the distant tide and birds. After a time, the stranger, with his green eyes and fiery fur, turned to her and smiled.
And to her surprise, she smiled back.
It was then that her body began to ache with the need to move, her consciousness drawing her into the waking world. The… whomever he was, faded as her eyes blinked open. Under a small awning that had been placed over her, she sat up and stretched. Her tired mind registered the voice of another and the stillness of the cart.
Perking her ears up to catch snippets of the conversation, she peeked her head out of her make shift shelter. A large cheetah was telling an animated story to a group of young wolves, their muzzles hanging open as they watched him act out his story.
Lips curled up as she watched the cat make faces and mannerisms for each different character of the story he was telling. The main character of the story was drawing his bow, only to have the string snap. One chubby paw when to his eye in mock hurt, while the other flailed the broken weapon at whomever he was aiming at.
Before she could stop herself, she giggled. Six sets of ears stood straight and flicked in her direction. The cheetah, his arms now raised over his head, turned his big brown eyes to her.
They grew wider the longer they stared at the bunny who stood frozen in front of the crowd of predators. Paws dropping to his chubby cheeks, his expression went from shock to a beaming smile of complete adoration.
"AWWWWWW!"
Scampering to the side of the cart, he gripped the edge to haul himself half way over the side. Judy had ducked back under her awning in alarm, starting at the paw jutted out to her.
"Oh. Em. Goodness…" He squealed in delight again as she overcame her trepidation and crept closer to cautiously shake his paw. "They really did find a bunny. Oohhh! You're even cuter than I imagined!"
As she had grown up in a kingdom whose population was almost completely bunny, the term 'cute' was used to describe only the most desirable. Beautiful, handsome, and gorgeous were used, as well, but to be called cute was for another to admit attraction beyond the physical. Someone being called 'cute' was a high compliment.
It was something she had never been called.
Having a mammal who was most likely ignorant to the meaning bunnies had for it only made her feel patronized. She wanted to correct him, but how could she, knowing that he meant no harm by the statement? The silent debate she held in her head did not get far before the cheetah's face dropped in horror.
"Oh, that's right!" His other paw lifted to trap hers. She was suddenly pulled forward into a tight embrace, the air being crushed from her lungs as he squeezed.
"I am such a ditz! Everyone knows you can't call a bunny cute! And here I go, insulting the guest of honor. Me, Benji, whom everyone thinks is just a flabby, court jester."
The doe extracted herself, taking in a deep gulp of air once free.
"It's quite all right," she gasped out, rubbing her ribs. Looking around at the dusty land, she turned back to the cheetah. "Where are we?"
"The Savannah!" another booming voice called out. "At least, within the outskirts of it!"
Judy felt her eyes go wide at the sight of the mammal approaching. She had never seen a lion before and found herself unprepared for it. Towering over the little bunny in her cart, he stood proud as he beamed at her. One paw, easily the size of her whole body, stretched down, though it hesitated when he realized just how small she was.
Deciding just finger would have to do, the lion's grin grew when she accepted it.
"Welcome to the convoy, my long-eared friend!" He laid his paw flat, allowing her to cautiously climb onto of it. Raising it eye level, he winked at her before turning his attention to everything around them. Her gaze followed his, a little gasp escaping her at the sight.
Giraffes as tall as trees carried large baskets and picked ripened fruit from the trees surrounding them. Rhinos carried spears that they brandished at each other, always prepared to protect the travelers, while graceful gazelles and antelope practiced intricate dances with their long limbs and mesmerizing sways of their hips.
And, of course, the wolves.
The pack rested amongst the travelers, exchanging stories of past glories and feasts. Even a few young ones who were making their first trek towards the Sahara were allowed to challenge the rhino guards to spar. Others played music for the dancers, helped prepare food or challenged each other to spirited games of tug of war using only their muzzles. It was quite humorous to watch a grown wolf become frustrated when their opponent refused to concede.
"Are they all here for-" Judy's words were cut off as the lion navigated the crowd.
"For Prince Nicholas' birthday?" His laugh was more roar as he threw his head back at her nod. "But of course, my dear! The whole of the Zootopian Market comes together for moments like this. It is an honor to representing King Bogo. Oh! You would love the king! Fine male, he is!"
"Why are we stopped here?"
"This is the Watering Hole!" Came the voice of Benji. The friendly cheetah grinned up at her as he pointed towards the small body of water not far from them. "Not the main one, mind you. But traders who head towards the Market stop here."
"Indeed!" The mighty lion came upon the water, lowering himself to allow her to hop off his paw. "Here, we shall await Emperor Big and his entourage. When they arrive, we carry on to the Sahara."
"And how long until we arrive?" Judy stepped into the cool water, paws dipping down to scoop up a healthy drink of it. Her body relaxed at the sensation of it trickling down her throat and refreshing her body. Already she felt more alive.
"This time tomorrow."
"Lionheart!" Turning their heads, the trio looked to see Liam striding towards them, a large smile on his muzzle. "My wolves spotted the emperor. They estimate his approach to be over the pass, within the hour. Have your mammals refreshed and ready to move!"
"Aye, Liam, you old dog!" Lionheart reached back down and scooped Judy up once more. He turned them both towards the alpha who gave a polite nod to the young doe. "Benjamin and I were just enjoying the company of your bunny. A fine gift for the prince, I must say!"
At his words, her ears dropped as she was carried back to the waiting cart. Liam's expression went slightly dark, though he did not comment, instead leaving to ensure everyone else was ready to move out. Benji seemed to understand the sting she felt as the oblivious lion lowered her once more. He gave the fur on her head ruffle before heading off to gather his group. The chubby cheetah stood beside her just outside the cart.
"I apologize for Lionheart," he said nervously. "He's a good mammal, really. He just doesn't think before speaking."
"He's right though."
Judy crawled back under the bit of canvas that had shaded her thus far. Curling up in misery, she buried her nose into the cushions, paws over her head to hide herself further.
"I am to be nothing more than a glorified pet," she mumbled.
"No!" Exclaimed Benji pulling the canvas back to let the sunlight shine down. "No, no, no, no, no."
He gently took her paws and tugged her to her feet.
"I'm guessing you were brave before this. Back in your homeland." He smiled at the nod she gave. "But what I know of rabbit clans, your life was never your own. Had you been born a buck, you would be a prize amongst your family. As a doe, you are a burden."
Her eyes rose to meet his, silently conveying the truth of the matter.
"And now!" The cheetah huffed and quite suddenly tossed her into the air, pulling an undignified squeal of surprise from her. Catching her with skill, she was twirled around as her happy new friend brought her away from her cart once more.
"Now! You are on an adventure! The sights you shall see, the new foods you shall try, mammals of every species, coming together in harmony! And you shall meet them all! Just look at what this world has to offer you!"
They paused by a giraffe, who smiled down at them before leaning over slowly to present them with a basket of figs. Judy accepted one and groaned in delight as she took a big bite. She smiled her thanks at the strange creature, who beamed back.
"Figs for a bountiful harvest and healthy future," the giraffe explained. With a final nod, the tall creature passed the basket a group of meerkats waiting for them.
Benji pulled her away towards the rhinos, eyes wide as they wielded their weapons and readied themselves to march once more. One paused mid-stretch and made eye contact with her. His resting scowl made her ears drop with nerves as he tugged his helmet off and strode towards the pair.
Judy was placed on the ground in front of him, the large mammal considering the doe for a moment before plopping the head piece on her. It completely covered her small form, much to everyone's amusement, though Judy felt flushed she was given a chance to try it on.
Amidst the chuckling, the rhino leaned down to peek at her through the opening.
"A fierce warrior needs a fierce war face," he explained, showing off his own with deep growl. "Show me what you got."
Trying to swallow her nerves, she scrunched up her face and gave a timid growl. The others watching only laughed harder. Even Benji couldn't resist the squeal of delight.
"Oh, I think my bunny slippers just ran for cover." The rabbit scowled at that, only for the rhino scoff. "Show me your real face!"
She took a deep breath and jumped forward, teeth bared and eyes narrowed.
"RAWR!"
"That's a little better."
With a grunt, the helmet was picked back up and put into place, the rhino's expression never changing. Though she could have sworn he gave her wink before rejoining his team. Her half smile was more genuine as she was pulled and tugged from mammal to mammal, each gifting her with a warm smile.
With shy eyes, she paused in front of the group moving in such beautiful ways to the music. She watched their hips shake, hooves and sashes moving as one, while they smiled at their diminutive audience. One young gazelle bent over to grasp Judy's paw, pulling her in line with them. Tentative at first, the dancers taught her their steps, applauding as she mastered them quickly. The rabbit doe grinned as she followed their lead, until she eventually misstepped and landed in a laughing heap on the sidelines.
"The wee rabbit can dance!" Cried a wolf with a loud, barking laugh. "So let's see if she can play! My mandolin, Gari!"
To her astonishment, the instrument was plopped into her lap. It was far to large for her, but the wolf guided her through a few simple chords. Liam himself applauded her performance, stating what a pity it was Garrett would not be able to learn from her. And, as she was placed back in her cart and they started moving again, Benji told her stories of how their world was formed.
At the dawn of time, greats gods and goddesses, in their fury and pride, each tried to outdo the others in their creations. A powerful god pulled the earth up by its roots in anger at his daughter's elopement, creating the mountains that framed their view. A little goddess, proud of the tiny pond she made, cried the oceans into being when the others tormented her for it. The stars were fire arrows, shot up by the first wolf alpha when he lost his way in a snow storm. And the winds were those who lived before them, reminding those still living of their presence.
Judy felt her sadness melt away for the time being as Benji told her story after story. So different they were from the ones she grew up with. And stories of the goddess Serendipity were what really held her attention the most. She had heard whispers about her; the goddess of fortune and random occurrence. Stories of her painted the rabbit goddess as playful and influential.
Her clan, when it was first formed, had celebrated the goddess. Does especially had followed her example, being spirited, headstrong and ready to take chances. From her sprouted Easter, who brought fertility and life to the land they called home.
But the bucks feared the strength their does found in the powerful goddesses and, in their fear, had toppled the statues and destroyed the shrines devoted to their matrons.
Texts were burned from the meager collections the clan had gathered…
But they were not forgotten. Whispered was the correct word for how the stories were now told. Judy had listened as she grew from a little toddling kit to potential pawn within her kingdom. It was to Serendipity that Judy spoke her prayers. And it was she who received the best offerings the doe had.
The messenger god may had been called upon for council the night before, but she was a servant of Serendipity. Although, the canid who had been visiting her dreams was cause for curiosity.
"Benji," she called softly. The cat had fallen into silence as his brown eyes focused on the still approaching entourage of the emperor. "Do you know of a dog or wolf god or goddess?"
He actually shuddered slightly at the question. "Several, actually. A few of them the wolves hold dear. But the foxes of the Sahara prefer Karma, Goddess of Balance."
"Karma?"
With an absent nod, Benji kept his eyes on the on the large polar bears approaching. They were due to join paths and carry on to their destination.
"Indeed." Once again, the cheetah shuddered. "I'm not too fond of the canine gods. They always make me nervous."
"You get on quiet well with Pack Wolford."
"That is only because I have known them all my life." He leaned over to her as he walked, paw held up to keep his words a secret. "And usually Lionheart or King Bogo is around, so I know they won't try anything."
Judy giggled at his expression.
"His imperial majesty, Emperor Big!"
The call brought their attention to the polar bears they were now marching next to. The two largest carried a litter between them, a heavy looking thing that the pair bore without a single hint of fatigue. Pausing, another stepped forward to swing the door open, revealing a small, plump shrew.
Finely dressed in lighter layers, he allowed the bear to lift him up. The marching was paused, allowing the heavily dressed bears to shed their winter clothing. Lionheart and Liam were both greeted as the crowed fell into low bows.
"Oh…" Said Judy in low voice.
Benji looked up from his bow towards her. "What?"
"I was expecting someone…." She paused on the next word. "Well, bigger."
He grinned at her while straightening as the three leaders conversed quietly. Before he could respond, however, a low nasally voice was raised.
"Bring the rabbit to me," was all she heard before her vision was swallowed by the polar bear in front of her. In her surprise, she scrambled back only to be scooped up by the scruff of her neck and carried over to the minute emperor.
An uncertain glance was cast towards Liam, who gave the shrew a disapproving look at the way she was being handled. With a small wave of his paw, she was set before them, Lionheart beaming down as Emperor Big regarded her.
"My child," he began, obviously still appraising her. "You are a creature of beauty. A fine prize for the prince. I feel you shall bring much fortune to my godson."
He beckoned her closer, reaching out his paw for her own. She cautiously accepted, her ears blushing as he pressed a kiss to the back hers. The emperor simply smiled as he released her.
"I have a daughter your age," he continued. "She rests in our litter. Once the princess awakens, she shall keep you company for the remainder of the journey. I feel you will get on well with her.
"Go now my child," he gave a regal nod as Dorian stepped forward to escort her back to her spot.
Casting a glance back, she met the hooded eyes of the Emperor one last time. He gave her a nod before gesturing the lion and wolf closer to him. The awning was replaced and the wagon began to move once more. Benji went back to walking and talking as she laid back and observed the clouds moving over head.
All the while, she pondered the life she being brought to.
"I recognize her…" Emperor Big had been moved to Liam's shoulder. The alpha kept his head high and ears straight as his companion mused out loud. "There's something you're not telling me and it makes me nervous. Why do I feel she is not some random rabbit found as all the others were? I shall organize my mammals after the celebrations, on the off chance the Sahara needs them. Should the need arise, we march beside King Taiem. Remain alert when you and your wolves return to the meadow lands."
"Already done, your imperial Majesty." Liam cast his eyes towards the shrew as he walked.
The group marched well into evening, torches lit to guide the way. Most of the predators stayed in the lead, using their night vision to best advantage. It was late when they stopped to make camp, the emperor's daughter having woken up hours before.
She and Judy had spent the time dancing in the back of the bunny's cart, the music having played nonstop during the march. As Big had predicted, the two got along beautifully. And as Francesca had never traveled to the Sahara either, they speculated on what they would see.
Princess Francesca jabbered away with the chubby cheetah while Judy lay half listening in her cart. Once more, she was secured to her sleeping spot, with a wolf standing guard to keep her from sneaking away. Though they needn't have bothered.
The Savanna was long gone. Daunting sand stretched for miles making the doe positive she would not get far. No matter how tempted she was. Instead, in an attempt to draw her thoughts from escaping, she allowed her eyes to close and her mind to be consumed with green eyes and red fur.
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A ragged creature pulled himself out of the cave he had taken shelter in. When the sudden storm had released it's fury, the miserable little thing had been battered by it. The winds blew leaves, dust and tree branches into his face. The latter caught him sharply on his long ears with their jagged ends.
He was left with only a shallow scratch and mild pain, but in the darkness such a thing only heightened his confusion. Pure luck had him stumbling into the cave, effectively sheltering him from the heavy rain and deafening thunder. After a day and a half of sleep, he stepped out into the sun and scanned his surroundings.
Days had passed since he and seven others had left the Burrows in separate directions, each in search of the missing princess. All had expected to find her within hours of departing. She was, after all, just a doe. Pampered and spoiled and raised to be obscenely obedient. The buck was entertaining the thought of the price she would have to pay for putting him through this. He was a male with needs and, for her disobedience, she would satisfy them.
The thought becoming more and more appealing, he traveled over the cragged landscape, ears up and listening for signs of his prize. Having never ventured far from home himself, he figured that he was in the outskirts of the Savanna. The old Pride Lands they had been called, before the lions that ruled it were conquered by the cape buffalo.
Sounds of loud, jovial voices, jumbled though they were, bounced off the dry ground and rocky terrain. Angling his ears towards the noise, the scout dropped to a crouch, creeping along the ground until he came to rest upon a steep incline. Peeking over the edge, his wide eyes watched a curious procession of mammals.
Several carts, all pulled by strong mammals that would easily tower over the bunny, were dragged across the Savannah. Three were loaded with casks and barrels, no doubt filled with liquors, while others were filled with baskets of fresh produce and others foods to sustain the travelers.
What looked to be a full pack of wolves pulled a cart at the end of the line, this one smaller, as an enormous cheetah walked by its side. His animated voice and laughter echoed up to the unknown observer, who was unwilling charmed in spite of the creature's species. But the sight of a familiar face poking out from the back of the cart in response to the predator's antics, caused the feeling to evaporate.
Brown eyes narrowed greedily upon Judy, watching as she smiled and laughed back at whatever was said to her. A voice called out to both, causing her to straighten and look towards the speaker. Taking in her small curvy form, the hidden bunny cursed the group that found her before he did. His pleasure would have to wait to be sated until he returned to the king.
Knowing there was no way to sneak in and take the princess back while surrounded by all those noses, he turned and left in the direction of the Burrows.
"Gotcha," he muttered with a grin.