The Zootopian Chronicles II: Darkness

by Menser

The Protectors: They came with promises of safety and protection from all the threats facing Zootopia but what if the greatest threat is The Protectors themselves? Nick, Judy and their Furless friend must forge an alliance with old friends and Legends from Zootopia's dark mysterious past to save their city and world against these invaders from within and new otherworldly threats.

24. Gazelle Concert – Part 2

Gazelle Concert – Part 2

Finally a chance to let your inner beast loose, let your fur fly free and party like it was… well… like you were Ben Clawhauser and Judy Hopps in their favorite dream ever. Wait! This wasn't a dream. It was actually real. And hmmm there was a special surprise for them on top of a whole day full of surprises. Ben might explode if we keep him in suspense much longer.

Well the huge Part 2 of this madcap adventure is quite a lot more lighthearted than the first part. Although the excitement and drama are still there keeping things quite interesting the entire time. We finally get to see a great deal of the angel with horns, that goddess with the sweetest voice known to mammalkind. But she proves she is a lot more than just a pretty face and voice as you will see. I could list so many things that occur in this chapter, but there would be so many spoilers it would take the fun out of it. Just know that it is one surprise after another until the very end. And we finally learn about this extraordinary surprise of the Mayor's for our special sextet. So let's get to it shall we.

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Zoodate: 130 P.C.

Drew held Judy's paw in his hand and kissed her again before grabbing their flash drives from the console and leaving the booth. Judy remembered something first she had thought of earlier and whispered to the human so that Nick could hear as well, "Play along with me okay?"

Drew looked at her curiously as she re-entered the booth and they heard a bang of something hitting wood. As she exited she began limping heavily as they headed over to the rest of their group waiting outside the Souvenir Room. A frantic looking cheetah's eyes went wide as he rushed over to her exclaiming, "Where have you guys been? We have been looking all over. You nearly missed it!"

As soon as the group joined them, Judy explained in a pained voice, "Ow! We've been in the photo booth taking some pictures. And we just got to talking is all. I want some pictures with all of you later okay."

Brian noticed Judy's limp and her strained voice, "Judy… what happened? Are you okay?"

Judy hated to ever lie, but after the day she has had she needed to stretch the truth to get what she desperately wanted, "Ohhhh… I hurt my leg on the bench in the photo room by accident. It hurts to walk." See not a lie. She remained lie free.

The bear asked her concerned, "What can we do to help you?"

The bunny was very ready for the question. Thank goodness for such a loving caring cute fuzzy bear that would notice another mammal's pain, "It will be fine as long as I stay off it for a few hours. Drew, I hate to bother you, but could you carry me?"

It finally dawned on the human what his sly little bunny was up to. And he quite happily agreed with this plan as he desperately wanted to be close to her after the afternoon's events. She was very clever this bunny of his and he noticed she had not lied either. No wonder she was a talented police officer, "Of course Judy. It brings back old memories. It was pretty much my only job running around the halls of evil human Earth companies and Covenant headquarters."

He picked her up holding her securely creating a comfortable seat for her rear with his arms as she held him around his neck and leaned against his chest. Now this was far better. She didn't want to leave this position if she could help it. Thankfully he kept in decent shape so he wouldn't tire holding her for long periods. She was sure they would have some opportunities for him to put her down and rest. She decided to respond to her modest mate though, "I think you did quite a lot more than simply carrying me around. But I very much appreciated it. I don't remember the stuff with the Covenant, but Tala said you kept me very well fed, protected and happy the whole time. Oh, it looks like Charlotte is motioning us over."

As they headed toward the entrance, she noticed her ZPD partner was keeping a close eye on their VIP Host with that nonchalant walk and sly grin of his pretending not to look at her. But she knew the fox well enough to know what he was noticing. Their host escorted them inside and they spread out looking at a huge variety of Gazelle merchandise.

"Is there anything left?" The concerned cheetah asked their red panda host.

"Of course. Nothing was sold out. There are plenty of each item for everyone. The only reason for the smaller groups is because of the tight space inside here. If you look on your lanyard each of you have a code you can enter for each item and they will be collected for you in a package in just a bit. We can have them delivered to your drivers or held for you when you leave the VIP entrance. The cost of each item will be added to your account." Charlotte gave the now happy cheetah a beautiful smile and everyone began grinning after her announcement. The host's charm, wonderful smile, and the ease with which she put everyone was infectious and it was like she could solve all the problems of the world. With her in their corner anything seemed possible.

"Oh… no… I didn't bring enough money for all these items. Bri how much money did you bring?" The now once again concerned cheetah asked his roommate and mate hopefully.

"I have some Benny, but not nearly enough for all the stuff you have been writing down." The cute little bear responding looking over at the list the cheetah was making trying to total all the amounts in his head.

"I think you are fine, Ben my dear." The red panda host gave the cheetah a big smile and then nodded her head at Drew.

"What? What is she talking about?" Ben looked quite confused.

"I believe she means everything is covered. All your costs are covered on my entertainment account while I am here. You are dignitaries are you not?" Drew smiled at Judy and went over and the two of them gave the stunned cheetah a group hug.

"Oh… wait… no… that is too much… dignitary?" Ben asked.

"Well every one of you guys are government officials are you not? Except Brian of course. But he is head chef, right, as well as your guest?" Drew prompted Ben to understand what he was getting at.

"I… so we are… important. But how much can I get? I would feel greedy." Ben did look guilty.

"Important to me which is all that counts. How about just limiting it to one item of each okay. And only things you really want not just because it is there." Drew cautiously prompted the cheetah. He could see Ben buying out the entire shop if left completely unchecked. This seemed to satisfy the guilt of their chubby cheetah friend. Drew even noticed the cheetah crossed over several items so Ben could feel he was not taking advantage.

That out of the way, everyone happily picked out different items they wanted. T-Shirts, bracelets, towels, tiger paw slippers, books, stickers, buttons, posters, limited edition signed cds, hats, key chains, jackets, hoodies, cell phone cases, lighters, necklaces, action figures complete with a stage and Gazelle jukebox, water bottles, post cards, pens and pretty much everything imaginable they could put a certain beautiful singer with hips that wouldn't stop and four of the most impressive tiger dancers ever on. Nick seemed to be much more interesting in chatting with Charlotte asking which items she recommended. Judy seemed to be happy watching everyone and grinning contentedly at the human.

"Judy, why don't you pick out some items. I know you would like some of these." Drew asked the happy bunny.

"I don't want to use up the budget so Ben can get what he wants. I am just so happy being here in your arms." She gave him a satisfied grin and nod.

"How about you let me not get anything to make up for Ben and you get everything you want. This is all for you as well you know. It would make me happy." He grinned back at her.

"Oh. Okay… well only because it will make you happy." Judy replied as she pointed him to each booth and told him which items needed her code entered. She insisted he get a few items so they had matching t-shirts, towels and a few other items.

The group enjoyed refreshments while they waited for another group to finish with the photo booth. Once they got their turn they wasted no time plugging into the console and snapping photos fast and furiously. If the other three had any idea of what had occurred in this room earlier they showed no sign of it. It certainly felt nice and safe having the whole group together and they had quite the time taking dozens and dozens of progressively crazier and crazier photos. Nick seemed to love posing for dozens of photos with him holding a light saber or laser blaster battling in space or in front of space ships. He especially enjoyed wearing a cape in almost every shot.

The group enjoyed dancing a bit together on the dance floor after requesting some of their favorite songs by the DJ. They lost track of time with Drew spinning him and Judy around a few times and then pretending he was ballroom dancing with her as his partner while she was in his arms. She really liked when he held his arm and hers out marching back and forth doing the Tango whipping their heads around to the music. The human even threw in some fun dips here and there touching noses with the bunny as he almost touched her head to the floor. Ben would clap his paws and squeal with delight watching this display. They caught Finley watching them a few times and they would wave to him smiling. He would grin and smile back. It was nice that the buck enjoyed observing Judy having a good time. They would just have to figure out how to deal with him at a later time. In the meantime their best option was to be as friendly as possible. But Judy vowed she was not leaving Drew's arms where she was safe not only from getting stepping on by the crowds of much larger mammals everywhere, but also safe from the amorous aggressive affections of a buck who had marked her all over as his.

The host Charlotte gathered everyone for an important announcement. It was time for the Sound Check Mini-concert, Meet and Greet Photo Opportunity with the talent and Question and Answer Session. There were thirty quite happy grins at this announcement with none bigger than a certain lovely doe and chubby cheetah. As the group excitedly headed toward the stage, Ben struck up a conversation with Judy, "Do you… will we get to meet her? Oh the suspense is scrump-delicious!"

The human calmly responded to his friendly cheetah friend, "It is a meet and greet and photo op Ben. That means you should at least get to shake her hoof. Just please be gentle with her and try and contain your excitement. We wouldn't want an incident where you get… well please just be very polite, okay." Judy knew Drew was worried about Ben being thrown out of the concert if he did something reckless like grabbing or kissing Gazelle.

"I… I will try…" Ben answered with difficulty.

"I'm really nervous as well." Judy admitted.

"I'll have you right here with me. We can meet her together." Her human assured her.

She smiled and got a satisfied smile pressing her face sideways against his chest hugging him tightly.

Drew thought of a question he had been meaning to ask for awhile, "Ben. What is with that unusual outfit you have on? I have to admit that I would have thought you would have something with a picture of Gazelle or her dancers on it."

The cheetah wore a large cream white knit shirt with some kind of straps over one shoulder and a wild looking sparkling multicolored sequined piece of cloth across the front with many small tassels hanging down his belly. On the end of each tassel was a tiny bell. The cheetah would lightly jingle when he moved. The human made a funny comment that it was like cats where he came from wearing a bell so everyone knew when they were coming.

"That's why you said you were coming with bells on yesterday right?" Judy exclaimed realizing now what he had meant.

"Hehe. You got it my gorgeous delicious bunny. Oh it is something very meaningful for me. Don't you like it?" The cheetah responded most pleased with himself and his outfit. They guessed it was some inside joke that amused their friend. It was quite unusual looking, but Ben was never one to be normal.

They got to the stage and the group of thirty was grouped to a far side of the stage and chatted amongst themselves primarily about the upcoming meeting. They then saw the body of a giant rhino and grizzly bear wearing security uniforms and behind them they saw the heads of four huge tigers that were instantly recognizable. The group slowly made their way towards the middle of stage.

Their red panda host then stood in front of them, "Well here we go everyone. Each group will meet the talent for a quick hello and some pictures. Each of you have been assigned a number of this event. In order to make this go faster, each group will have about three minutes for a meeting and pictures so make your time count. Each leader please have your group's flash drives ready so I can plug them into my camera in order to automatically receive each photo taken. Everyone please let's have fun, but remember to be very sensitive to the talent as they are doing us an enormous favor allowing us their valuable time for this special opportunity. Group One leader please bring me your flash drives and let us get started."

The five all gave Drew their flash drives so he had them all ready. Their group was number two this time. They watched as the first group with Finley and the Kodiak Executives as well as the two extremely excited bouncy gopher girls and their patient father. As the rhino and grizzly separated to the side they saw a tiny figure with a signature blonde wavy curl hairdo hanging down her face, two curving gray horns and lovely half lidded light brown eyes. It was none other than Gazelle herself! Strangely she was not wearing a fancy costume but simply some white leggings, a pink skirt and pink knit blouse. She was also not wearing fancy shoes, but simply some comfy white clogs. She looked very relaxed. It made sense that she was not in costume as this was just a sound check and the concert was not for several hours. Regardless of what she was wearing, she certainly had the trademark Gazelle attitude and presence. As she greeted the excited little gopher girls smiling and whispering in their ears, Judy noticed the four tiger dancers milling around just behind the star keeping an eye on the VIPs looking for any trouble. She heard the dancers also acted as bodyguards, and as a cop she could recognize the stance and casual appearing watchful eye of a bodyguard. They seemed to be relaxed and didn't seem to sense any trouble out of this group. She only worried that her cheetah might do something to make that relaxation turn into a tense moment.

Charlotte took pictures of each greeting, and then once the initial meeting was complete she began taking pictures of the group standing with Gazelle. Then the host took some individual photos and some smaller group shots like the father and his two little gopher girls. The photos continued for a couple minutes as Gazelle patiently posed and smiled for each one. She seemed so at ease with everything. Finally Charlotte let them know to wrap it up and she handed the flash drives to their leader, the gopher father, the CEO of FursNational Bank.

Charlotte then motioned for Drew and the group to come over, and Marvin and Nick walked over to meet Gazelle while Drew handed the VIP host their flash drives. She noticed Ben was just staring standing motionless next to them and Brian was trying to get him to move. Marvin greeted the pop star followed by Nick with Charlotte taking each of their pictures. She noticed Nick was acting extra cool as if he was just saying hi to an old acquaintance merely acknowledging her existence. He just kept his paws in his pockets and nodded his head at her not saying a word. How just like the fox.

"Come on Ben. We can't keep Gazelle waiting." Drew said to try to get the chubby cheetah with a wide open frozen face moving.

Finally with help from Brian, they got Ben moving and positioned him in front of her, but he didn't move or say anything. He just sort of slowly waved at her like he was a cardboard cutout and stared with his mouth open in an 'O'. They shifted him so Charlotte could take a photo and then Gazelle came over and gave Ben a kiss on the cheek.

"This happens from time to time." The singer said in a silky voice. She looked at his lanyard, "His name is Ben? Ben… it is a pleasure to meet you. It is always so wonderful to meet a special fan. I hope you enjoy the show."

Her only response was a slow nod from the virtually motionless cheetah. Marvin and Nick then helped to pull the cheetah back a bit with difficulty.

She then got a big smile and shook the paw of Brian as Charlotte snapped a photo, "Oh my, what a gorgeous adorable bear you are… Brian. Your sweet special friend in shock there is quite luckily to have you in his life."

The bear got a very surprised look on his face and stuttered, "How? How did you..."

Gazelle gave him a big smile and a wink, "Honey, it is obvious as the nose on your muzzle how you feel about him. Don't worry, your secret is quite safe with me… I just know my fans."

The stunned bear then walked over to stand next to his roommate and special friend.

Drew then stepped up with his little gray bundle in his arms who was also having problems speaking, but she was able to hesitantly smile and shake her idols hoof gently while Charlotte snapped a photo followed by Drew gently shaking her hoof. Judy noticed the tiger bodyguards gave the human a suspicious glance, but seeing Gazelle's friendly reaction to him they relaxed. The human leaned down low enough so that the star could give him and Judy a hug and a kiss on his and Judy's cheek. This was quite an unusual act as no one had received a hug.

"I don't need to read your lanyard to know who you are my dear ambassador. Who do you have there?" Gazelle smiled gently indicating Judy with a nod.

Drew smiled lovingly looking at his special passenger as he answered, "This is Miss Judy Hopps. She is one of your very biggest fans… next to Ben… the frozen cheetah over there."

Judy got really shy and turned her face away and buried it into Drew's shoulder. She was overwhelmed. This was too much to handle! Drew smiled and rubbed the top of her head and ears.

"Not exactly a talkative bunch of fans are they?" The singer grinned in amusement.

"Well normally I can't get the two of them to shut up about you. I guess they are just a bit tongue tied at the moment. Right Judy?" The human asked looking at his mate as she slowly turned back and nodded her head looking at the singer.

"Well they are lucky to have such a friend. I hope you have enjoyed everything so far." Gazelle gave the human and Judy a very pleasant amiable smile while Charlotte snapped a few more photos.

"Everything has been wonderful. Your host there, Charlotte, has truly been amazing. I know these guys can't wait to hear you sing in a few minutes." Drew answered while Judy slowly nodded in agreement hugging the human tight.

"Well toward that end, let's get some photos so we can get to that." Gazelle said as she motioned everyone over and got everyone in position. Drew used his hands to put a grin on Ben's frozen face and tickled his gray love until she giggled and grinned for the photos.

Charlotte snapped photos fast and furious to make up for their extra long meeting and got many quite quickly moving various party members in and out for quick individual photos with Gazelle. The red panda looked at the timer on her app with a slight concerned look, but Gazelle gave her a nod to let her know it was okay. They got all the shots they needed and Brian and Drew started to pull Ben away once he seemed to snap out of his stupor.

"Wait!" The cheetah exclaimed out of nowhere and turned around and headed toward the startled tigers who were now on alert ready to pounce on the mad spotted feline. But the chubby feline made a mad dash for the first tiger and shocked him embracing him in a giant hug, "Ravi!"

He then ran over and hugged the next one, "Zeus!" Following by the third, "Blaze!" And then finally going to the last one and giving him a huge hug, "And of course Saber. Can never forget Saber!"

All four of the tigers stood looking at the chubby cheetah while Gazelle got a very amused smile on her face watching the scene. "Is he right? They really all look the same to me." The human said softly to Judy.

She responded stunned by the scene as well, "I… I don't know. The names… are right but… I can't tell them apart."

A thoroughly amused pop star answered the question though, "He did get them all perfect. My sweet frozen fan seems to be full of surprises. I thought I was the only one who could tell them apart besides each of them of course."

"I must have a picture with them! Please." The cheetah pleaded.

Charlotte was pointing at her phone. Gazelle looked at their host, "It's fine. We can make an exception for such a special fan I am sure." Charlotte nodded and moved over to take several pictures of the cheetah and the tigers in several poses.

Ben begged them to do the heart symbol with their arms and several other classic poses of theirs like one where all had their arms out and forearms vertical showing off their biceps. They seemed to be impressed with their new fan and even improvised a few scary ones where they all pretended to attack him. Ben giggled gleefully at that. Judy whispered to Drew and he moved in and had several pictures taken of him and Judy with the foursome as well.

"We really must be going now guys. We are quite behind schedule now." Their host said with a very kind lovely smile and handed Drew their flash drives which the human promptly returned to their appropriate owners.

The group went down to the raised VIP seating area just a short distance from the stage and they sat with the first group in some very comfortable seats and watched the rest of the groups meet and take photos while chatting about their unusual meeting. Fortunately they made up time when Remy's group met the singer as they were all together right next to each other.

Some stage hands came out and checked the equipment with some calls of "Testing… Testing… 1… 2… 3…" Apparently they got an okay from the control booth and Gazelle walked over and picked up the microphone and her tiger dancers got into position. The lights in the stadium were lowered partially and the screens all around the stadium lit up in yellow. One of the stage hands counted down and music began playing all around them. The steady sound of a heart thumping resounded all around them and hearts appeared on each of the screens beating in time to the music.

Dancing through dreams
A whisper of day
Thinking of those special things
Of all the unspoken words you want say

They say our love is wrong
All those doubters
They say the odds are long
So many against us
But we ignore them all
We have no regrets
Let them talk
Let them jest
We know the truth
We are not like the rest

Follow the truth
It will never lie
Even in our youth
It is easy as pie

If you know what you want
They can talk all they like
You can rest easy
Three simple words
To set you free
And never lead you astray
Three words to live by
You know what to say

Follow your heart
Love who you want
Be who you want
Kiss who you want
See who you want
Only love… love… love…
Only one rule
Only one thing to do before you part
You have only one job
Follow your heart

Judy had come out of her haze as soon the music started and was grinning ear to ear clapping her paws with each heartbeat. She glanced at Ben and saw he too had come alive and was hopping up and down and clapping his paws. His tail was swishing around wildly. She glanced back and saw Drew grinning watching her and swaying to the music. They were all standing and dancing to the music. Even her ZPD partner was grinning and swaying a bit, but he still looked far too cool. How could you be so relaxed and nonchalant watching this?

The tigers danced and spun around making a heart symbol around Gazelle anytime she said the word heart. Then they made a bridge with their bodies for her to walk across. She seemed to walk over it fine without any problems, but once the song ended she gave a cut symbol across her throat and the music stopped. She turned the mic off and was talking to her dancers. Judy focused her hearing and heard that Gazelle had a few problems with the bridge. The tigers reformed it and she tested walking across it a couple times. The reformed it three more times and the singer walked across until she seemed comfortable with its stability.

The singer then signaled to someone Judy couldn't see and the music began again. She sang another new song off the album called "The Best Is Yet to Come." She knew the words by heart and sang along with the singer. She glanced at Brian and saw that he and Ben were having a blast with Ben signaling to the bear when to spin with him. Apparently you just had watch the cheetah's tail to know when to spin or when to rock back and forth. Drew's assistant Marvin seemed to be enjoying himself as well standing to their right grinning and swaying to the music. She finally caught Nick's eye and nodded her head a few times to encourage him. He just grinned at her and swayed a bit. Well she was going to get him going by the time of the concert or else. He had better loosen up.

Gazelle went into her third song called "A Miracle" which was a bit of a slower song, but was so beautiful and the singers voice belted out across the stadium with such passion and strength. Judy was in awe watching this display of amazing control of her voice and tone. The power and emotion of the song got to her and she had tears of joy in her eyes by the end. Gazelle's tiger dancers slid around the stage like ice skaters and the projection system displayed multicolored lights of the rainbow over the stage and out into the stadium as the screens around them showed patterns of colored light extending into space in a breathtaking display.

And then all of sudden it was over and the normal stadium lights came up. Gazelle thanked her dancers and Charlotte escorted the group back to the edge of the stage and gave a microphone to each group leader. She then let everyone know it was time for a question and answer session. Each group leader would hand the microphone to the selected mammal in their group and each group would get to ask a question in the same order as the Meet and Greet. If the group had no questions it would pass to the next group. Drew asked who wanted the first question. He looked to Ben and Judy first. But Ben seemed to have gotten nervous again. Judy was a bit scared as well even though she could feel the human feeding her with positive thoughts and confidence. He looked to everyone else in the group, but everyone shook their heads. Finally Brian let Drew know he had one. Judy wasn't expecting that.

The first group had asked a question she hadn't even heard as she had been so focused on who was going to ask their question. Apparently the answer was quite short as Charlotte indicated it was their turn already.

Brian hesitantly spoke into the microphone, "Ahem… um… on your second album on the song called The Forest when you referred to The Little Ones what were you speaking about? Was it the small lizards and snakes commonly believed or were you actually referring to the spirits of the forest?"

Judy barely remembered that song and reference. Where had the bear come up with question? It could have only come from something Ben must have mentioned at one time.

Apparently Gazelle was also quite surprised by the question from the bear, "Well that is a new one. But yes you are correct. I was referring to the spirit of the woods itself. I was speaking of the ancient trees who had watched the passage of time. The stream that traveled across it's borders. And the spirit of the woodland creatures acting as its eyes and ears."

She saw Ben slightly pump his arm in triumph. Ah, she had been right. This was Ben's question not Brian's. Drew whispered to her, "Do you want the next one?"

She was so nervous. She had not expected to have a chance to actually ask anything of her idol. But she had one question she had wanted to ask for quite awhile. She felt the waves of confidence and finally nodded her head and her love handed her the microphone. She barely could listen to all the other questions as she waited her turn. It reminded her of when she was in school and she was waiting on her turn to stand up in front of the class and do a report. Normally she always had more confidence than anyone else, but this time it was quite another thing. Before she knew it, her turn had come around and Drew nudged for her to speak.

"Ah… hello... I wanted to know… who was your greatest influence when growing up? What made you want to become a singer?"

Judy knew that her moment had come seeing the innocents of her youth being bullied and picked on needing someone to stand up for them. She saw that the little guys, the weak, the timid, all needed a voice and someone willing to face those dangers and terrors on their behalf. The thing that helped her get up everyday was seeing those same faces smiling and appreciating her giving them that voice they so desperately needed.

"It is so good to finally hear from you Judy. And a question I have not gotten in awhile. My answer has changed a bit since the last time I was asked it." Gazelle smiled at Judy and continued, "Initially I thought my Mother was my greatest influence and the reason I became a singer as she was a great singer in her own right. She never had a professional career, but she would sing for us every night growing up and lead us in songs around the piano. Instead of watching television we would sing together for entertainment. But looking back, I believe the real reason I really became a singer all came down to a single moment from my youth. My friends convinced me to enter a talent contest. I remember I sang my heart out singing a song I had written called "Moments in Life" which appeared on my first album. I think that was the instant I knew for sure what I wanted to do with my life."

"What did you win?" An excited cheetah blurted out loudly and then immediately covered his mouth with his paws.

"Actually I didn't win." Gazelle admitted.

"What!" Ben and most of the VIPs exclaimed.

"Winning the contest was not why I became a singer. It was the joy I felt and the love and energy from the crowd that made me truly a winner that day. I only came in third and rightly so. I had not put in the required work to become good enough to deserve to win. The song you heard on the album was from a vastly different singer than the one that entered the contest. I then had the motivation to change and improve a song and make it a thing of beauty that could touch each and every mammal in a different way. What I wanted was to write songs that meant something unique and personal to everyone hearing them. I didn't want to tell others how to interpret them. I wanted to encourage everyone to find their own meaning."

"Great Job" Drew whispered to her with pride. Judy got a big smile.

After a couple of rounds Ben finally got the courage to ask a question and questioned the singer about the interpretation of a song off her first album. Later even Marvin asked a question about her creative process.

"I take moments from my life, my family, or friends and pretend I am writing them a message. For many artists the music comes first and then the words. But for me I form the words in my mind and speak my message. I then try speaking that message many ways until I hear the music in my head and then on the piano. My composer takes the piece written on the piano and turns it into a full song. We then work together to blend the words and harmonies." Gazelle finished answering the question and took the remaining few and then thanked everyone for their insightful questions and hoped they all enjoyed the concert in a couple hours.

The security and tigers escorted her off and Charlotte let them know they would be going to a ballroom for some entertainment and a dinner. As they were leaving, a badger Judy had recognized from earlier came over and spoke to Drew. He was Gazelle's manager and wanted a word in private with him. Drew did not want to leave Judy, but she told him it was okay for a few minutes. So he put her down carefully and made sure she could stand okay and was not in any pain. She pretended to feel a bit sore putting pressure on it, but assured the human it was okay to stand for a bit. He wandered a short way from the group and Judy strained her ears to hear what they were talking about. It sounded like she heard the badger ask about a meeting. She could make out Drew mention the words group and friends. The badger shook his head but she couldn't make out what he said. Drew then pointed in their direction and she heard the words not without and trust. The badger seemed to argue with him and Drew had a frown on his face and crossed arms. She knew he was upset about something. The badger seemed to be pleading with the human, but he was not accepting whatever the badger was telling him. Judy thought this quite unusual as Drew always was one about compromise and finding common ground where everyone was a winner. Apparently whatever the badger wanted there was no common ground to be found. She heard Drew say private, friends and "no deal". Whatever he wanted he was not budging from his demands whatever they were. The manager seemed to lower his head in defeat and nod his head and then shake his hand. Her love gave him a slight smile and a pat on the back.

The manager went over to talk to their VIP Host. Judy saw her eyes go wide and then question the badger for a minute. He nodded and she seemed to accept whatever was said. Charlotte then came over to their group and told them, "Your group needs to wait here while I escort the rest to the dining room. I will be back in a couple minutes."

Ben seemed to protest, but a look and gentle smile from Drew seemed to calm him down. They watched their fellow VIPs leave with the VIP Host much to the sadness of her foxy partner. But she noticed the fox quite enjoyed watching her leave. Drew picked Judy up and she asked him what was up.

"Charlotte will tell us in a minute. Didn't you hear her just now?" Her annoying human answered her with an impish grin.

"You know I was listening to you and the manager right?" Judy let him know so he would come clean.

"Well then you already know everything." He said with a frustrating grin.

He was being just as bad as Nick now. He has been hanging out with the fox too often. Maybe she better rethink this roommate situation if this kind of behavior was going to continue. She got a kiss on her head and an ear rubbing for her trouble. Well at least she wouldn't have to wait too long to find out. She did have ways of making him talk but unfortunately those only really worked in private. She might have even tried a few of those methods if it had just been Nick or Bren. Ah well it couldn't be helped so she waited for Charlotte to return. She listened to her group discussing the Sound Check Concert and the questions that were asked for a bit. She admitted she was distracted by what Drew had been arguing about. He is usually not so stubborn and usually quite amenable to any situation. It was a mystery and was driving her crazy at the moment. Finally she saw the cheery red panda come walking briskly back to them and she led them backstage and then through a door in the back and through two security checkpoints. Apparently all the security knew Charlotte quite well and they had no problem going through, but had to all check in at each point. Finally they arrived in a room filled with many mammals. There was a large container of ice filled with numerous bottled drinks as well as a tray full of snacks. There were some hot drinks next to the bottled ones as well. The room had mirrors along the walls and there was what appeared to be a hairdressing chair and hairdresser, the badger manager was sitting in a chair engrossed in a heated conversation on the phone. There were a few desks with different mammals typing on laptops or tablets. Some were talking on mobiles. They were led to a door on the far side of the room and told to wait there. Judy looked to Drew for some clue, but he just smiled at her gently. Well she would find out soon enough as whatever it was seemed to be on the other side of the door.

Finally Charlotte got a message on her phone and opened the door and told them to go in and that she would collect them in a little while. They entered the room and saw a familiar figure sitting in a high backed white cushioned chair in the corner. The figure who was none other than Gazelle herself motioned them over to her and indicated that they sit in the chairs surrounding her. She motioned to Drew and patted the seat of the chair adjacent to hers. He sat down with Judy on his knee so she could lean comfortably on the side arm with her back to her human's chest. Ben and Brian sat in a love seat adjacent to their chair and Nick and Marvin sat in similar chairs on the other side of the singer.

Gazelle: relaxed "Relax everyone. This is not a formal get together like earlier. Everyone is free to relax and speak freely. I have to admit that I had wanted to speak to the ambassador privately, but he was quite adamant that he would only come with all of you. He seems to place quite a lot of faith and trust in you all. I would wish that anything said in here remain only among us if that is agreeable to you all."

Everyone nodded their heads. So this is what the manager was asking Drew about. And he would not compromise on meeting her without them all. Well isn't that just like her love. She was proud of him. She was very nervous being right next to her idol, but everything seemed to be relaxed and informal like she had said. And Gazelle was talking just like a normal mammal. Like you would talk to your friends not fans.

Drew: "I am glad you agreed. I trust everyone in here completely. You may say anything to any of them that you would say to only me. They are all my good friends and I love them all dearly."

Gazelle: "Very well, I trust your judgment. I wanted to first let you know how much I appreciate all you have done for the Mayor and the city during these very troubling times."

Drew: "I didn't do it alone. Several of those in this room were key in doing exactly that."

Claw: gulps "Who?"

Drew: "It's not important."

Brian: "He is talking about Marvin, Nick and Judy, Benny."

Claw: shyly "Oh."

Gazelle: "Well I would like to thank all of you for all you have done. As well as all the things you have done in the past."

Gazelle seemed to look at Nick and her. She knows me! Well Judy knew she wasn't exactly unknown with everything she had been involved with in the past, but it was nice to know Gazelle knew who she was and what she had done.

Gazelle: "I am just thankful you have helped turn things around. Things had looked so very bleak earlier."

Drew: "I am assuming you are referring to The Protectors?"

Gazelle: "I don't even like hearing the name uttered. But yes. I have been a supporter of The Mayor for sometime now and she told me much of what you had done. I know quite a lot is secret, just know I have some idea what you have been facing."

Judy: smiling "We are up over 10% now last I checked."

Gazelle: "12% actually which is wonderful, but there are several days to go and who knows what this group could pull in the last few days. I am hopeful though. But still, even if this group doesn't completely take over they will surely gain a lot of council seats which could cause many problems."

Marvin: "What would be the exact impact of that happening do you suppose?"

Gazelle: "They would still have an impact on the governance of the city. They could easily pull other councilmammals over to their side to get their agenda passed. I can only hope that councilmammals supporting the Mayor will stay true to her and not be swayed by any tactics they use."

Nick: smirking "Look, Your Worshipfulness, you are a singer not a politician. What do you care?"

Nick! How dare he say something like that to Gazelle! She recognized that phrase. The fox had watched too many space movies. He seems to think he is a rogue smuggler now.

Gazelle seemed to smile and give the fox a coy look.

Gazelle: "I appreciate the honesty for a change. I said this was an informal meeting. So many are afraid to speak to me like I am a normal mammal thinking I am some precious flower that will bruise and wilt at the first sign of trouble. I think you will find I am made of much stronger stuff. Yes Mr. Handsome Fox, I am merely a singer, just as you and Judy are merely cops, just as The Ambassador and his assistant are merely diplomats. But I am also a concerned citizen and care deeply about the future of this city and world. If you merely thought of yourselves as only what you are, would you have found yourselves at the center of so many of the greatest events in Zootopia's recent memory?"

Nick: grinning "Fair point. But what can you do to help? At least Carrots is good with a tranq and quick on her foot. And even Furless proves all humans aren't completely useless every once in awhile."

Gazelle: "I take it your talent is getting right to the point my cool crafty one. I suppose one area in which I excel is that for some reason many mammals want to know my opinion on everything. It is silly I know. Why the public seems obsessed about every little aspect of the lives of those that are fortunate enough to be celebrities is beyond my understanding. They seem to think we are some prophets or seers with the knowledge of the universe which we can impart to the masses when the truth is quite the opposite. But the fact is that I have that voice gifted to me and so I am obligated to use it when I feel it necessary to help those things and mammals that I love."

The informalness of the environment, the annoying frankness of her partner, and comfort she felt from her mate helped Judy get past her prior shyness around the singer and throw some hard hitting questions.

Judy: "What do you want from us? Why did you want this meeting so badly with Drew?"

Gazelle: winking at Judy "Welcome to the party my lovely fluffy fan. I knew there was something quite special behind those lovely eyes of yours. That is truly the heart of the matter. I had wanted to keep in touch with the ambassador and his office and be involved in any way I could be of help. I wanted to offer my assistance in any way he thought I could with regards to the entire political situation as well as all he was doing to attempt to help Zootopia."

Judy: disappointed "You didn't want to talk to us?"

Gazelle: "It is lovely talking to you Judy dear, but I must admit I was interested in the ambassador himself. He is quite unusual you must admit. And quite handsome as well."

Gazelle flashes her huge eyelashes and lovely light brown eyes at Drew winking at him. Her human seemed to be a bit embarrassed by the attention as she saw he had gotten a bit red. Was Gazelle flirting with her man? No, she couldn't be… she was just flirty by nature. At least Judy hoped that was the case.

Drew: "Well I think you might be exaggerating there just a bit. But I appreciate the interest. What is it you were interested in specifically?"

Gazelle: "Well… it is more curiosity. And things best said in private. But I will adhere to your wishes and say the things in front of your friends."

Drew: nervously "Um… how private?"

Gazelle: "Things of a more personal nature. Such as how human relationships work. How comfortable you are with say… other species… male or female."

Drew: looking a bit uncomfortable "I see. Ummm… human relationships really range widely from very traditional to some wild extremes. I really don't have a lot of experience in that area. I am really just kind of learning as I go. As far as the other… I will say I was quite resistant to the idea at first. This was more just me personally than say what most other humans would do. Some I can see having no problems at all while others would never accept it. But as I have come to see other species here like normal people, just as if they were humans, that has changed. I have merely learned to accept all mammals here as if they were humans with just different sizes, shapes, personalities and quirks, and learned to try and see past any species. As far as the other, I haven't really ever felt anything… well… romantic… for a member of the same sex. But I am never one to say I refuse to accept the possibility of it happening. I have friends that do and I love them the more for it. But from all my life experience it is females than have been my interest as well as my undoing. They are very much the part of me that is missing… that seems what I need to complete me."

Gazelle: "So you are embracing the freedom of love here in Zootopia?"

Drew: "Um… well let's just say I am open to it."

Gazelle: "Well that is good. But you haven't tried sampling any of the love offered in the city?"

Drew: "Well… "

Nick: grinning "Well you wanted all of us here Furless. Keep your promise and answer the lady."

Drew looked like he wanted to strangle the fox and was intentionally avoiding any eye contact with or touching Judy.

Drew: "Maybe I have… I will have to admit I wasn't expecting this line of questioning when I discussed the meeting with your manager."

Gazelle: flashing her eyes at the human "You underestimate your worth then. So none of the fine citizens have wished to explore such possibilities with you?"

Drew: gulps and gets a bit uncomfortable "Umm… no they have. I just… well…"

Gazelle: "I suppose none have met your standards. Well you need to open yourself up to such possibilities to truly know what you want. Don't be afraid to give or receive love as that is what life is all about. Life is too short to be so hesitant."

Nick: grinning "Would you consider giving the human a try? I know he isn't quite as famous as you, but who is. At least he is unique if a bit funny looking."

Gazelle: "I think we could find something we could do together. He is very handsome and quite interesting. Would you be willing to entertain that possibility my dear ambassador?"

What is she talking about? Wait… does Gazelle want to… with Drew? My Gazelle? That hussy! How dare she! How could she be so bold and brazen! She is acting so loose and easy… throwing herself at him! Well in a sexy gorgeous way. Why does she have to be so amazing at everything. It's not fair.

Drew: sweating nervously "Umm… well…"

Gazelle: smiling coyly "I am quite certain you would enjoy yourself."

Judy: blurting out "Hey! Wait..."

Oops! Did I just say that out loud? Oh no, everyone is staring at me in shock.

Drew: hesitantly "Umm… Judy… are you jealous of the attention? She has wanted to meet you for so long. And she is right in that this should be about her and everyone else, not me. How about we discuss this topic at a later time if that is okay? I am quite flattered and will definitely give it full consideration."

Whew... good save love. That was a close one. He came through thankfully.

Nick: "Well I think we would all like to see you two together. The public would love it, I am quite sure. It would certainly make some headlines. Go ahead and set it up now Furless so we can get onto another topic."

Nick you… why are you doing this? We were just home free. Why does he insist on messing with my relationship every chance he gets especially after the mess that just happened with the buck?

Drew: surprised "I… are you okay with interspecies relationships?"

Gazelle: laughing "Of course. The more species the merrier. You really don't know me very well do you? I like that. It is so refreshing."

Drew: explaining "Oh… well I have only lived here a short time and have been fairly busy the whole time to notice."

Gazelle: alluringly "The more reason to get to know me. I hope you like tigers."

Drew: "Oh… um… I don't know any really well. I have met Officers Fangmeyer and Jackson but I don't know them or any others that well."

Gazelle: resolved "Well we will have to fix that then. I will have my manager get in touch with you."

Drew: hesitantly "Oh… okay… um… well..."

What? Say something. I don't know what. Oh, how do you turn down that kind of offer from… Gazelle? Oh No. Sly fox I am going to throttle you. Judy thought it was amazing Gazelle wanted her mate, but… he was hers! Gazelle can have whoever she wants. Why does she have to take my love? It took me forever to find him.

Gazelle: "Well now that bit is out of the way. I noticed the bunny… Finley… staring at Judy here. He seemed to have quite a strong attraction to her. Did you notice him Judy dear?"

Oh No! This is so embarrassing. Will it never end?

Judy: hesitantly "Umm… we talked earlier."

Gazelle: "I suspect more than talked if my senses are correct."

Claw: shocked "What! Judy! How could you?"

Judy: squirming uncomfortably "I… no… I mean..."

Gazelle: confused "Ben dear… why shouldn't Judy explore those feelings? He seems like quite a nice match for her."

Claw: looking at Drew then Brian and Nick in desperation "But… but…"

Sigh. Ben is not the best in this kind of situation. Subtlety is not his strong point.

Drew: "Ben… I think Judy was just getting to know him better. Everything is fine."

Claw: "Oh. Ummm… you sure?"

Drew: "Yes… everything is fine. Judy did nothing wrong."

Brian was watching the entire exchange quite closely. After watching Drew and Judy, he seemed to try and calm Ben and whispered something in his ear.

Gazelle: "Well it appears there was quite a lot of excitement I was not privy to apparently. It sounds quite interesting. I am all ears as things have been quite boring lately."

Judy: looking down "It's private."

Gazelle: "That is understandable. I never meant to make you uncomfortable dear. Just listen to those three little words for the answer you seek."

Claw: exclaiming "Follow your heart!"

Gazelle: "Exactly Benjamin."

Judy: "That I can promise I surely intend to do." And she intended to.

Nick: "Have any more couples you want to set up?"

Gazelle: "Well it is my nature Mr. Fox. And why yes in fact I do. Officer Wilde… don't you have something you wanted to ask me concerning of our good VIP host?"

Nick: eyes wide "What?"

Gazelle: "You like to be sly I know. But I told you I have a sense for these kinds of things. For love is my expertise. Do you need me to get her contact info for you?"

It was time for Nick to be on the hot seat.

Nick: gulps "Oh hey, oh no, you must be mistaken."

Gazelle: "I know what I saw. Unless you were quite attracted to a ladybug landing or her tail or hindquarters."

Nick blushed… well as much as red fox could blush. At least he made the motions as if he had.

Nick: embarrassed "I… oh… well just give it to me. I might be needing a host for a party or something."

Gazelle wrote something on the back of one of her cards and handed it to the fox.

Gazelle: winking at Nick "Of course as you host so many special celebrity parties, right?"

Nick: taking the card and deftly slipping it into his pocket without glancing at it "It could happen."

Gazelle: "Well I will be sure to let her know you plan on being in contact soon. Soon… if you understand my meaning."

Judy could feel Drew was very uncomfortable and tense. No wonder he was being so silent compared to how he usually was. She could tell by the way he clutched his hands on the chair arms. She could tell by the extra set of his jaw. She knew by his scent. She knew by the dozens of the other subtle signals how he was feeling. No one in Zootopia had a tiny fraction of her experience on how to read a human as she had been next to one almost constantly living with him for five months. So fortunately no one else knew what she knew and what to look for. She realized why he would be so upset. He was still dwelling with what had happened earlier with Gazelle. But a chance to date Gazelle? That would be the greatest thing she could think of. Apparently not to Drew. Well he needed to know she was okay and they would figure it out just like the situation with the buck later. She took her paw off the arm of the chair and began rubbing his leg quite firmly until he recognized what she was doing and then she patted it several times. She could sense he wanted to hug her as he involuntarily moved his arms but caught himself and gripped his hands on the arms of the chair with a squeeze and finally seemed to relax releasing the tension. She knew if he was sure she was okay he would be fine. This secrecy thing was sure complicating their lives every time they were out in public.

With that taken care of it was her time for revenge. Gazelle let the fox off far too easily.

Judy: "So what is it about her Nick? Could it be the fact that she is a red panda? Does everything have to be red with you? Do you have some prejudice against other colors of fur?"

Nick: "What, such as gray?"

Judy: "Gray is nice. So is brown, and tan, and yellow and many other colors."

Nick: "Well I can't deny her coloring is quite fetching. I mean hey… you can't go wrong with red. Think how nicely we would match. Her big fluffy beautiful tail even reminds me a bit of Marvin's with those amazing rings. But in red of course." He grins at the raccoon.

Marvin: grinning back "I noticed that is well. Quite a gorgeous caudal appendage. It was mesmerizing."

Nick: confused "Caudal what now?"

Marvin: "It means tail."

Nick: "You and Furless and your fancy words."

Judy: "So let me get this straight Nick. She is reddish and has a big fluffy beautiful tail. So that is why you like her? You know how shallow that makes you?"

Nick: "Well she is quite cute as you very well know… and you've met her… she is quite a whole lot more. She's not just a red tail. Shame on you Carrots. And what about Finley? You just looked at him because he is a gray bunny. You're no better."

Judy: "You know very well it is not because he is a bunny. I've been around so many bunnies my whole life. I have seen them everywhere I looked. He is handsome, charming, sophisticated, sweet, smart, clever, successful and sees the value in me as a mate. It has nothing to do with the fact that he is gray and has a nice white fluffy tail."

Ooops maybe I shouldn't have said all that and so vehemently. Darn that fox. He just gets me so angry sometimes.

Nick: gives Judy an impish grin like you are all mine now cotton tail "Well sounds like there is no time to waste Carrots. Should we have Finley brought in here so you can prove your love to him right here for everyone to see? I am sure we would all love to see some baby bunnies made right before our eyes. I know Gazelle would love to see her match being consummated right in front of her. You wouldn't want to disappoint Gazelle would you? We can tell the little bunnies we were all there when Mommy and Daddy made you. We can even show them the video. Just be sure to smile for the closeup shots. We can even get Gazelle posing in the background smiling while he is humping you… you know you have to do it now."

Judy was so angry at the fox she was steaming. She clenched her paws into fists and desperately wanted to hop down and punch the fox out right then and there and keep punching and punching. But she is here with Gazelle and the fox knows it. He thinks he can say anything with her idol in the room. But she had let him bait her. And her temper had gotten the best of her, and worst of all in front of the beautiful mammal she loved so much. She could feel Drew trying to calm her without touching her. It helped a little bit. Finally she felt she was able to respond.

Judy: shaking trying to control her anger "You know I don't love him. I was merely saying I didn't look at him as suitable because of something simply superficial. It was the whole package."

Nick: "The whole package do you say. I saw you admiring his package Carrots. You even said he had quite an impressive one for a buck."

NO! Darn him… he did it again. How? How could he.

Judy: faltering "I did not… I…"

He was trying to make her lie. The fox was grinning at her and gave her a point with his paw digit and then pointed it up with another to his mouth and blew on it like in those western movies Drew had shown them after they shot the paw gun things. He was soooo full of himself. Couldn't she ever win one?

Well she better think of something fast before all her friends were convinced she was a complete sex crazed slut.

Judy: defensively "I was not admiring that and you know it. I never said he wasn't a handsome buck. But I need more than that. I need to love him."

Nick: impudently "Did you not say his buck part was quite big for a buck? Remember Carrots you are under oath."

All that was in confidence. This was too much! That was all highly personal and something that should never be repeated among friends or anyone… especially Gazelle. She couldn't answer that without lying or having everyone think God knows what about her.

Nick: cheeky "Answer us Carrots. Did you say that or not?"

Gazelle: gently "Judy darling did the bunny show you his… well not to be indelicate but… his arousal? Or was it not completely aroused? And was that part of what was bothering you earlier? And Mr. Fox… if she told you that, I am sure it was said in confidence. You are being a terrible friend to bring this up when you know how it would make her feel. She should be free to express her feelings and tell private things to a friend without fear of them throwing them back in her face later."

Exactly. You tell him Gazelle. He was being a tailhole and quite cruel. Using such tactics was low and base and even beneath him. And it was a complete breach of trust. She would never do such a thing to him or Drew.

Nick hung his head in shame realizing the truth of Gazelle's words.

Judy: "It was quite embarrassing and only some of what happened. And part of why things were a bit tense. It is not something I wish to discuss. Let's just say signals and feelings got quite mixed up okay."

Gazelle: "I am quite sorry for trying to coerce you to discuss this. I imagine it would be very hard to talk about it in such company. But sometimes signals do get crossed when it comes to expressing love. So often those feelings each party has are not the same, and that can cause problems like I suspect may have occurred. But I caution you that feelings do change on both sides all the time. You might find you quite like this Finley a lot more in the way he clearly likes you after you get to know him better. You have to be willing to risk it. For example I know the ambassador here is a bit hesitant to get to know me better. But until we try, we will never know how things between us really are. You can't just base things on a single incident, meeting or even a single date. If you can see even the tiniest possibility, you should be open to exploring those possibilities."

Was Gazelle trying to get rid of me trying to convince me to give Finley a chance? No. She was just trying to look out for me. If she figured out Ben and Brian, Nick and Charlotte, and Finley and… well his feeling for me, why did she not figure out me and Drew? Does she not think we could even be anything more? Isn't she supposed to be the self-proclaimed love guru? Well apparently Ben is the only one it seems. Perhaps she just can't read the human and that was the problem. That would make sense as she was convinced Drew wanted to be with her or was at least interested. At least she hoped he wasn't really interested. Well no… every indicator she has gotten from her love since Gazelle even broached the subject is that he is terrified and extremely uncomfortable. She hated for him to feel this way but… she was glad he did. Fighting Gazelle for her mate's affections was probably the last thing in the world she would want to have to do. But if it came down to it. She knew she would.

Nick: rascally "Well how about Marvin here? Raccoons don't deserve love?"

Nick you are having way too much fun. But at least his target wasn't her or Drew for a change.

Marvin: "I am fine dear fox. No need to add me to the drama."

Nick: "Nonsense… everyone gets to play here."

Gazelle: "My majestic raccoon friend I certainly didn't mean to ignore you. I just sensed you didn't need help in that department."

Marvin: "You are correct. I am quite happy."

Drew: "Marvin, I didn't realize."

Marvin: "You never asked. You haven't ever asked about anything personal. I was not hiding anything from you Drew. I would have been happy to answer."

Drew: "I just figured you would tell me if you thought it was important. It is not that I wasn't interested in your private life. I think of you as a friend and very much would be. But I am one that respects my friends privacy. Unlike certain foxes." The human gave Nick a glare.

Marvin: "I know. And that is why I never asked you the same. We are the same in that respect."

Gazelle: "Well you two just needed me to bring everything out. See how nice it is to share."

Nick: frustrated "But nothing was shared."

Gazelle: "I suspect they will when they are ready. You are an impatient one Mr. Fox."

Nick: "Well I never get to hear anything if I don't push things a bit."

Judy: annoyed "A bit? How about more like shoving things down the stairs to see what happens?"

Gazelle: "Nick dear… have you been naughty lately?"

Judy: "Lately? Have you not been listening to him? Try all the time."

Nick: chastising "Carrots… you know things would be boring without me to push them along."

Judy: "Boring can be quite enjoyable when everything else is going to droppings."

Gazelle: "Things must be quite interesting I imagine."

Nick: "You should see how much of a mess they get into without me to keep them straight."

Gazelle: "They who?"

Nick: "Oh… hmm… Carrots and… Furless."

Gazelle: "Ah I see… good friends… I wish I had more friends like that."

Judy: surprised "You don't have any friends?"

Gazelle: "I have many friends… but not with the kind of relationship you three seem to share."

Nick: grinning mischievously "Maybe Furless can be that kind of friend for you."

Nick I swear I am going to strangle you!

Gazelle: "I expect that what we would be wouldn't resemble what you have. It is just one of those special things that happens as if by magic and is truly extraordinary."

Claw: wide-eyed "How… how could you not have friends? You are the most beautiful, spectacular, scrumptious, adorable, amazing thing that exists. Who would not love to be your friend?"

Gazelle: "Ben dear it is not so simple. When you are a so called icon or celebrity, mammals treat you differently. They don't treat you as a friend, but as an idol or as a means to something. They don't see you as a normal mammal with the same feelings, insecurities and foibles as everyone else. I know you mean well, but you could never see me as a friend until you saw me as flawed and normal. It is not your fault. But it is why I don't have that kind of relationship you all share."

Judy: sorrowful "I… you are right. I have so mistreated you by not seeing you as a person. I apologize to you Gazelle. It was wrong of me."

Gazelle: reaching over and touching her arm "It is certainly fine Judy precious. It is hard I know. I had the same reactions to several others I looked up to. The same thing happened to me as I couldn't see them for what they actually were either. But I do think you and I could be good friends. If it is something you would wish."

Gazelle was asking me to be her friend? Is this a dream? Am I going to start flying next? What do you say when the person you love… well the one you idolize asks you to be her friend. But what if she is right? What if I can't see past who I visualize her as? This will be very hard, but I need to be honest with her.

Judy: "Gazelle, I would love to be your friend. But I am unsure if I can get past seeing you as something to worship. I am willing to try though, but I may not be able to succeed."

Gazelle: "Well that is all I can ask. All the normal mammals in my life want something from me in one way or another. It would be nice to be with someone who doesn't want something from me. That is the impression I got from the ambassador there, and why I am so interested in him. He is not a fan. He doesn't want anything from me personally. He is not one who is phased by celebrity. He only wants to make you five happy. He would never be here on his own or without most of you I suspect. That is why someone like him could be what I need. There are so few like that."

I never thought of it that way. Everyone in Zootopia would have a strong opinion of Gazelle. Most would only worship her and almost all would want something from her. Fame, money, prestige, power, influence, pride among so many other things. She is right that Drew would want none of those from her. But he is mine. He doesn't want any of those things from me either or from anyone. Could I make him happier than Gazelle? I don't know. I think so. I think I make him very happy. No, I know I do. I have been reading humans for all this time and I know he is very happy with me. That is why I have not worried about anything like this happening as long as Nick is not involved. And once again Nick IS involved. This is so complicated.

Drew: "I will say that Judy is the greatest friend you could have. The only thing she would want from you is the ability to help you and share your life."

Awww… that was so nice of him. I wish I could hug him.

Nick: "Yep, he is right. Sometimes she likes to help and share too much. But she means well."

I'm gonna share my foot in your rear slick fox. But for him this seems a compliment.

Claw: excited clapping his paws together "She's the sweetest most adorable delightful loving friend in the whole world!"

Thank you so much Ben. Now that is how you give a compliment fox. That was touching.

Gazelle: "Well a ringing endorsement from the assembly. It seems the votes are unanimous. How about we toast to this newfound friendship?"

Gazelle enters something on her mobile and almost instantly a reindeer entered carrying a tray of different drinks. Everyone grabbed one to their tastes and also some of the snacks hanging in small boxes from the antlers of the reindeer. Once everyone had grabbed something he was out the door before they even realized he wasn't even there anymore.

Everyone raised their drink and toasted to a new friendship for all. They shared a common goal and a similar love for all the mammals of Zootopia and the freedoms they enjoyed.

Gazelle: "Ben… "

Claw: stunned and wide-eyed "Huh… who me?" The cheetah seemed unable to realize Gazelle was talking directly to him.

Gazelle: "I meant to ask you. That shirt or design you have there. It really looks familiar."

Judy wondered about that strange colorful design with tassels and bells. Why was Ben wearing something so strange to the concert?

Claw: "Oh it's… it's the first outfit you ever wore in concert."

Gazelle: "Ah… that's where I recognize it. May I get a closer look at it?"

The cheetah stood up and slowly turned around and walked quite gingerly over to where Gazelle was siting. He seemed hesitant to approach, but she kept waving her hoof at him until he finally got close enough for her to examine the outfit. She checked it all over and even looked at the tag inside.

Gazelle: "This is marvelous. I had no idea they made a replica of that outfit."

Claw: "Replica?"

Judy: shocked "Ben? That is real?"

The cheetah slowly nodded his head at her.

Gazelle: "Well… that is a shocker. I wondered what happened to it after it was stolen."

Drew: shocked "Ben, you stole it?"

Nick: grinning impressed and shaking his head "Nice, you do have some orbs on you there buddy. Respect. Didn't think you had it in you. I thought you only stole donuts."

Claw: with a shocked open mouthed and wide eyed stare "I didn't… I would never… from Gaz… Gazelle."

Gazelle laughed at him and gave him a little grin and a wink.

Gazelle: "I'm teasing my sweet special fan. It was sold at an auction to help mammals who had lost various parts through accidents to get realistic replacements. It is called We Complete You. Whether damaged limbs to just missing ears, antlers, tails and many others. It is one of my largest charities."

Drew: "Ah nice… so a play on 'You Complete Me,' clever. You replace antlers, ears and tails?"

Gazelle: "Of course… it is important to the self-confidence of each mammal. Many like myself would never judge anyone missing something, but others are not so kind. It is important to the self-esteem of each mammal that they feel comfortable with who they are. And what they look like and how they are perceived by others is part of that. I realize it may seem shallow, but looking good is part of feeling good. You have to love who you are to help others love you as well. Not in a conceited way, but just in the way of one who is confident in themselves and what they have to offer others."

Claw: "So I'm not in trouble?"

Gazelle: "No silly kitty. You are adored and lovable."

Drew: grinning "He is that."

Gazelle: "Speaking of that. I was looking for someone fairly knowledgeable about me to help run my website. Would you be interested?"

Claw: nearly catatonic (hehe) "Would I… I…"

Ben looks woozy and Brian helps him sit back down in his chair.

Drew: "I am thinking yes."

Gazelle: "Well… it has to be earned. There is a rigorous challenge to be undertaken."

Claw: reluctantly "Wha… wha… what do I have to do?"

Gazelle: "You have to beat me in a game of Extreme Gazelle Trivia."

They had played a standard version of the game when Drew and her had been over visiting Ben and Brian a couple of weeks ago. Ben had never missed a question, but that was the standard version of the game. And to play against Gazelle herself. Gazelle was no clueless celebrity. She appeared quite intelligent and knowledgeable. This really could be a challenge. But if anyone could defeat her, it would have to be Ben.

Gazelle entered something on her phone and a koala that have been busy writing something on a laptop earlier just outside entered carrying a box. She wordlessly handed it carefully to Gazelle and left.

Marvin was chosen to referee the game choosing the cards and asking the questions. He was selected as he had just met Ben as well as Gazelle. He assured everyone he would act impartially as his reputation as being an honest impartial diplomat was extremely important to him.

The match then started in earnest. The questions were quite difficult. It was not called extreme for nothing. Judy thought asking the names of Gazelle's teachers in grade school was quite ridiculous. She couldn't even remember but a couple of her own teachers. But Ben got one point for getting all but two of her teachers correct while Gazelle missed three. Normally different players got different questions but since this was a challenge Drew negotiated new rules. They would be asked the exact same question and had to write down their answers within a maximum one minute time limit. If both wrote their answers in less than that time they would immediately go to the reveal. Drew contended that it was unfair they be asked different questions as any chance of luck determining the winner should be removed. The contest was only scored if a player got a question right that the other got wrong. One question in five would be like the grade school question with multiple correct answers and the player with more correct would get a point for each answer they got correct over their opponent's correct number. Those questions could really swing the balance if say a player got five correct and the other player only got say zero or one. Those multiple answer questions had a two minute time limit. They chose to play to a total score of thirty points. But the winner had to win by two points or more. So it was possible the game could go into sudden death.

The questions were all supposed to be ones where the information was available via legitimate sources. Any questions where the source could not be verified would be thrown out. This rule of Drew's saved Ben three points on some facts involving Gazelle's family members as the answers could not be proven to be available for Ben to even know. Judy was thankful Drew had added that stipulation as the game seemed grossly unfair if only Gazelle could possibly know some answers. The match was taking quite awhile as both players would either get the question correct or neither knew it. They were quite evenly matched. I hope Ben doesn't remember we have a dinner to attend as that would be quite an unfair distraction to him. But the chubby cheetah seemed to be on a hunger strike for the first time in his life as he was battling for his dream and his future. The normally always jolly happy cheetah had a serious game face on and the battle raged for quite awhile. They each had a few refreshment breaks so everyone would be properly hydrated.

Gazelle was up 26 to 24 but Ben caught up on back to back questions about Gazelle's date to the Junior Prom and her second favorite book. Apparently she forgot that she had gone to the prom with three different dates at once and only had listed two of them. She said that the third might as well not have been there, but she still lost the point. Apparently the order of her favorite books had changed since the interview the question was based off of. She argued that the question was invalid, but there was no way Ben could have known the new list since it was never posted anywhere but in her head so the objection was disallowed.

Nick: chastising "Gazelle you can't cheat a cheetah! Oh the answer changed in my head! Ben isn't a mind reader you know."

Judy: "She had a right to challenge Nick."

Nick: "Well it would be like I was taking a test. And then argued to the teacher. Hey I changed the answer in my mind. So give me credit."

Judy: "Oh… well… um..."

Gazelle: "I was just trying to explain why I missed it. I would not try and cheat. But you have a valid point with your example Mr. Fox."

It was to no one's surprise that the match then extended to an extra session. By the time it was thirty-eight all, everyone began to get nervous that it would never end. It seemed every time one player got one ahead, the other caught up next. It was 42 to 41 in favor of Gazelle when it appeared Gazelle had won. She had gotten the next question correct and Ben had missed it. Because of the critical nature of every question in overtime they had to all be verified and it was determined the information published was confusing and the actual answer ambiguous. They even ran it by a couple assistants and a publicist for the singer and found the answer listed was different in several places one of which was the one Ben had answered. This invalidated the question and the game continued. Ben was now up 45 to 46 over the greatest singer of their lifetime, an angel with horns as he was fond of saying. But his pride as a Gazelle fan was on the line, and nothing was more important than that. Not even his stomach.

Marvin: "How many weeks was Try Everything in the top spot on the Zootopia Billboar Top 100 total?"

Gazelle got a smile on her face and wrote down her answer confidently. Ben didn't look so confident. He wrote down his answer but didn't concede he was done and wanted the full time which was his right. Uh Oh! This didn't look good. With 10 seconds to go Ben got a frantic look and quickly scratched out his answer and wrote another number.

Marvin: "Time! Reveal."

The raccoon looked at the answers.

Marvin: "Gazelle has written 54. Ben has written… wait… Ben had written 54, but changed it to 58."

Oh NO! Ben had it right but changed it at the last second. Gazelle looked quite smug.

Marvin: "Try Everything was number one for 54 consecutive weeks."

Nick: disappointed "Aw come on Claw."

Judy: "Leave him alone. You'll see your darn hostess' red fluffy tail soon enough."

Nick: "I'm not really interested in your opinion, Carrots."

What! Did I just get Nick Soloed? I swear I'm gonna hide that movie from that pain in the rear.

Gazelle got a big smile on her face. Ben looked stoic staring carefully at the raccoon.

Marvin: "BUT… the question was total weeks… the total number of weeks was 58. Ben is correct."

Gazelle: shocked "What! Try Everything never went back to number one after it dropped from the top spot."

Marvin: "Six months after it was released it was re-released on a soundtrack and single regained the top spot for four straight weeks due to the popularity. It was the first time in history this had happened."

Gazelle: shaken "I… I forgot about that."

Marvin: "Benjamin wins 47 to 45! Congratulations my new cheetah friend. Truly a match for the ages. Congratulations to Gazelle for an amazing match as well."

Everyone excitedly got up and congratulated Ben on an amazing match as well as Gazelle. They all seemed quite amazed by them both. Then Gazelle gave Ben a hug and a kiss on the cheek stunning the cheetah who then gently hugged his idol back.

Gazelle: impressed "Congratulations on an amazing game Ben. I am quite in awe at your skill. You certainly deserved to help manage my website. I will send you the information for my web techs now. You can contract them on Monday and I will let them know you will be calling. You won the spot about 100 questions or so ago. But it was a well fought victory."

Drew hands Gazelle Ben's email address and she uses her mobile to send him the information he needed.

Ben: upset "What! I didn't need to defeat Gazelle? I could have gone to dinner?"

Gazelle: smiling "Of course. No one has ever come close to beating me. No one has come within even 10 points. I was fighting for my pride. No one should be able to beat me at that game. It is not even publicly available to anyone. But you somehow managed to. You are truly my greatest super-fan."

Ben kept mumbling about dinner and they could all hear his stomach rumbling.

Drew: "I don't think you could possibly have a better mammal for the job. But this match has turned into a marathon and I am sure you have a concert to get ready for and… well we need to get Ben something to eat or we won't be able to hear anything over his stomach rumbling."

Ben: "It… it's not that loud is it?"

Just then the cheetah's stomach let out a huge rumbling sound like an angry mountain with shifting rocks right before an avalanche.

Everyone laughed at that except for the embarrassed super-fan who tried to hide his face.

Nick: "Well I think that question has been answered."

Gazelle: "Well before you go I want to give each you a token of my friendship. Something that is personal to me. Not something for a fan, but something for a friend."

The pop-star demurely got up and went into her private dressing room in the back for over five minutes and emerged carrying six rectangular boxes. Each box had their names written on them. She handed the top one to her new website manager.

The cheetah carefully open it and pulled out the contents. It was a clear glass see through picture frame about the size of a standard sheet of paper on each frame in an all gold elaborate design around the edges and on the hinges separating the two sides. Ben's paws shook as he pulled the two sides of the frame apart. Brian instantly grabbed his paws and helped steady them so that his love could continue opening the frame and not drop it. The super-fan gingerly placed the frame on his lap and everyone gathered around examining it's contents.

One side had several photos of Gazelle and her family, pictures from her childhood, even a picture showing her on stage with other mammals proudly grinning holding her third place ribbon from that very contest that influenced her whole career as a singer. On the other side at bottom was a picture of her with Ben that had been taken at the Meet and Greet earlier. In the center of the glass on that second pane in a black velvet background framed by an elaborate gold leaf pattern was lock of curly blonde wavy hair standing sharply out against the black background.

Ben: in shock "That… that… hair…"

Gazelle gave him a big smile.

Gazelle: "Yes that was from a small handful of hair I had trimmed six months ago. I had just enough for each of you."

The locket of hair was the ultimate symbol of intimacy and love. In superstitions and religions possessing it meant you had some supernatural power over the person. Giving it in this way was the ultimate symbol of trust. It was something you would only give to a special longtime lover or someone extremely close to you.

At the top of the page was a handwritten note.

Ben,
To my gorgeous special super-fan. Meeting you has been a highlight of my life. Your enormous heart and joy of life and all it has to offer is an inspiration to me and to everyone. You prove to us all that there is still hope and true beauty in this world. May you hold on to the love you have in all its forms and never stop your willingness to see the love and good in everyone.
With love, your friend and own fan,
Gazelle

Ben stood shocked staring at the note softly re-reading it out loud. He looked up shaking and had tears in his eyes. He tried to speak but his open mouth only uttered silent whispers.

Nick: impressed "Wow, now that's how you give a personal gift."

Nick then began examining the outside of the frame sniffing it and then licking it.

Judy: shocked "Nick that is priceless! How dare you lick that!"

Nick: "Well I don't know about priceless. The contents inside the glass I suppose. The outside is quite pricey. That is a very solid 18K gold frame and hinges. I estimate around 300 grams worth. It's worth a fortune."

Judy: "Nick! That doesn't matter. That gift… the gift from a friend… that is worth far more than all the gold in Zootopia!"

Nick: grinning "Maybe to you. I'm a bit more practical."

Judy: "If you ever tried to sell that… I… I… I would NEVER forgive you."

She had tears in her eyes and meant every word.

Nick looked a bit shaken by her vehement response and even backed away looking in her eye.

Nick: smiling nervously "I was kidding Carrots. I was kidding. You can't take a joke."

Judy: sternly "That is not something to ever joke about."

Gazelle touched Judy's forearm gently to calm her.

Gazelle: "It is so wonderful to have a friend with such passion and fire. You truly do know the value of a friend. Please take a look at yours."

Judy carefully took her box and gingerly opened it pulling it out and placing it on her lap. Drew helped keep it steady in her paws. She glanced at her wonderful personal picture of her and Drew next to Gazelle. She then carefully read her note.

Judy,
To my delightful bright newfound friend. You prove that the size of the mammal in no way reflects the immense heart inside as yours seems bigger than all others. The impact you have on those close to you demonstrates the unbridled love, wonderment and passion you spread to those that are lucky enough to know you as a friend. I am so lucky myself to have met you and to have the opportunity to call you my friend as well.
With love, your friend and admirer,
Gazelle

Judy stood in stunned silence staring at the note. Drew read the note over her shoulder and could not help himself and embraced her in his arms as she held the frame tightly. He even kissed her neck. Luckily no one saw or noticed his reactions as they each were examining their own.

Nick read Judy's note upside down and whistled.

Nick: impressed "I have to admit I have gained an amazing respect for you Your Worshipfulness as an artist and writer. You were only back there a short time."

His statement was met with a smile by the pop-star and new friend.

Gazelle: "I was inspired by you all. I only wish I could be so inspired to write normally. But I merely opened my heart and what I truly felt and shared it on paper. You don't wish to open your own?"

Judy: "Nick, don't be rude after all she has done. Open it."

The fox looked at Judy and then sighed and opened his box looking at the frame and reading the message. He froze and then looked embarrassed and slid it back inside pretending not to notice Judy staring at him.

Judy: curious "What did it say?

The fox looked a bit uncomfortable.

Nick: pretending to be casual "Nothing much."

Judy: forcefully "Pull it out Nick!"

Nick got a huge grin at that. He glanced and saw that Gazelle was busy talking to Marvin about his note and started to unzip his pants.

Judy glared at him angrily. Fox you are really on thin ice.

The fox was determined to continue unless the bunny stopped him. But she was stubbornly glaring at him. He continued unzipping and glancing at Gazelle and unbuttoned his pants and started pushing them down.

At that moment the human witnessing this exchanged realized someone had to be an adult and stop this before his roommate made quite a scene in front of their new famous friend.

Drew: curtly "Nick Stop! Show us your frame please. And please zip that."

The smile on the fox's face turned into a satisfied grin and he pulled the frame out and handed it to his roommates for them to read and then readjusting his pants to their original condition.

They looked at the picture of the almost bored looking fox barely noticing Gazelle giving his normal self-satisfied grin.

Then they read the note.

Nick,
To my most mischievous devilish dashing friend. The disinterested impassive emotionless outside you show us all belies the truth that at the inside of that soul lies one who is most loving and caring about those special mammals he chooses to call his friends and the world around him. Don't be afraid to open yourself to the love you so desperately need and deserve. Your heart is truly precious and something to be cherished and shared.
With love, your friend and devotee,
Gazelle

Judy looked up at Nick who was trying to avoid her gaze. That was so very beautiful. Gazelle seemed to look into his soul. She was such an amazing mammal. Even more so than she ever thought before if that was even possible. She carefully folded and transferred the frame back to it's embarrassed owner. She then turned her attention to her furless one looking at him. Once she got his attention she looked at his gift.

Judy: "Go on."

Drew: whispering to her "I'm kind of afraid to."

Judy: "It can't be that bad. Well I hope not. Open it you big baby." She grinned at him.

He finally seemed resigned to his fate and opened his box and unfolded it and laid it before the two of them for examination. The picture at the bottom was the same as hers so she looked at the handwritten personal note.

Drew,
To my most fascinating handsome complex human friend. The mystery that surrounds you makes you almost unreadable which is actually something quite amazing and refreshing as you present a riddle which I am sure holds the secret that shelters the most breathtaking and truest heart and soul imaginable. To share in that special circle of those fortuitous enough to call you friend and a chance to experience any amount of the boundless love you offer is a dream from which I never hope to wake from.
With love, your friend and ally,
Gazelle

Drew: looking at Judy and speaking softly "Well that wasn't as bad as I was expecting. She is quite poetic isn't she?"

Judy was not especially pleased with the part about experiencing her mates boundless love, but other than that everything seemed amazingly accurate and true to her lover's heart and soul. The part calling him complex and mysterious did seem to explain why her idol had not picked up on her and Drew's relationship. It also made sense why the pop-star didn't sense the extreme discomfort and uneasiness he displayed with regards to a sharing of love with her. She was afraid Gazelle had decided to intentionally steal her man in a wanton and reckless manner trampling on her feelings underfoot and treating her as insignificant and something to be overlooked. But the star seemed to be a completely genuine friend and only wanted to share love with someone who would treat her as a normal mammal and be open and honest with her. She could very much understand and respect this just as she understood Finley's actions. The one problem with all of this was she wasn't really into Gazelle's philosophy of sharing that love with everyone else. She figured she should be allowed just one thing to be greedy about in her whole life. I deserve that don't I? Just a tiny slice of happiness just for me? Do I have to share everything all the time? Gazelle could afford to share lovers and experiment. She could have virtually anything and anyone she wanted. Judy loved her idol and her philosophy, but she was traditional on certain things and this was one of them.

Judy: whispering to Drew "It is fine. At least she is not knowingly trying to steal you. That eases my mind quite a lot."

The human decided to risk a kiss on her head and a bit of an ear rubbing for the bunny. Judy knew if they were alone right now she might have to worry about him accidentally hurting her as she could sense he wanted to share quite a lot of that love Gazelle had mentioned with her. Probably all over the entire room and possibly the one next door. She grinned thinking of what the others would think if that were to happen at that moment. She was sure it wouldn't be something they would soon forget that was for sure. We could chalk it up to something like The Spirit of Gazelle came over us. It was such a naughty thought. Well after the day's events just one naughty thought would be okay.

Gazelle told them they would have a couple security guards take the boxes with the frames as well as all the merchandise ordered from the Souvenir Room and have it delivered to their driver outside the VIP entrance. Drew texted Sammy to expect it. That way they would be completely unencumbered for the evening's festivities. They all said goodbye and thanked Gazelle for the most memorable meeting of their lives. This was certainly the case for Ben and herself. Gazelle excused herself as she needed to get to the hairdresser and have her costumes prepared. Charlotte arrived and started to escort the group so they could rejoin the rest of the VIPs.

The anxious cheetah nervously asked her, "Is the dinner over?"

The cheery host answered, "I'm afraid so. But we are working on something for you."

The pudgy faced feline looked crestfallen, "I can't believe I missed the dinner."

The fox appeared to be the optimistic one for a change, "A meal lasts just brief while, but a victory last forever. Savor the sweetness."

It took a moment for the cheetah to realize what the fox was talking about, "But I didn't want to beat Gazelle. But I thought I had to… it was terrible, truly terrible. To even make that angel sad for any reason is unforgivable."

Judy had to wash such a thought from her friend's head, "Ben, she was impressed. She was not sad at all. You showed her what a special super-fan she was truly blessed with. Did you not see the message she gave you on that personal gift? Did you not see her face and how she hugged you and kissed you? Don't you realize she wanted to be your special friend?"

Perhaps Judy had overdone it. Perhaps the cheetah had merely thought he was in one of his dreams. Perhaps he had previously forgotten everything that had happened over the past hour. Or perhaps the stresses of gravity on the body of such a large and out of shape mammal finally caught up with him all of a sudden as the cheetah began to make gasping noises clutching his chest.

Those in the room began to stare at the feline as he struggled to speak, "Gazelle… wants to… my friend. She… hugged… she… kissed… she selected… website… she..."

Their rotund spotted friend then collapsed on the ground clutching his chest. He made ragged breathing sounds coughing and choking. He looked terrible. Drew immediately put Judy down and embraced his spotted friend. Judy felt his forehead. He was sweating but was shivering. He retched trying to vomit but the feline seemed to have an empty stomach at the moment. Drew was trying to talk to him but he seemed woozy and lightheaded. He didn't appear to have any idea where he currently was. He was clammy and shaking. Someone had called for a doctor. She could sense Drew was preparing himself in case he needed to perform CPR on the massive cat. The human was probably the only mammal large enough close by that had a chance at pressing hard enough to try and keep the cheetah alive if it came to that. Judy wondered if even with all his strength, weight and adrenaline from the moment if her mate could revive their friend if it came to that.

Fortunately a large male chital also known as a spotted deer arrived with a large duffel bag and appeared to be a doctor. The buck with impressive antlers who identified himself as Doctor Bambee Erx immediately pulled out a high end Defibrillator with a large monitor and began attaching electrodes from the machine to the cheetah. The doctor then began talking to their spotted friend while checking all his vitals. He also examined the ECG pattern on the monitor watching the felines heart pattern and oxygen levels. He had Ben chew up an aspirin and wash with a hastily grabbed water bottle from the bucket of ice. Several nurses arrived a few minutes later and Judy saw the doctor had a shot of morphine and a GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) tablet ready. They put an oxygen mask over their friends muzzle and let him breath desperate gulps of air into his lungs. The doctor then removed the oxygen mask when the cheetah appeared calm and he was satisfied with the oxygen readings.

Ben seemed to be sitting up now and looked calm and coherent. Drew was asking him if he knew where he was and what had happened. She could sense the human was carefully monitoring the cheetah's emotions for any sign of distress. She could tell when her love was focusing on sensing such things intently as he would get quiet and close his eyes while placing his hand on the subject. When he did that he could sense even the tiniest of fluctuations and changes in any emotions identifying any pain or distress. After several minutes the human opened his eyes and pulled his hand away. Judy figured her spotted friend must be okay as her mate looked concerned but relieved. The doctor continued to check Ben over and sent one of the nurses off to retrieve something. The nurse arrived a few minutes later wheeling an automated wheelchair for a large mammal. It would not make it through the door but Judy saw it sitting out in the hall.

Drew, the doctor and four other medium sized mammals all helped lift Ben to his feet and helped him out the door and into the chair. The doctor then told their cheetah friend something that caused his eyes to go wide and his face to became a mask of horror, "NOOOOOOOOO! No. I won't go! I am fine."

Judy rushed over to see what the problem was as she was extremely concerned he was being harmed, "Ben, what's wrong?"

She saw the terror in her friend's eyes as he exclaimed, "They… they want to take me to the hospital!"

Judy put her paw on his knee since that was all she could really reach at the moment. Drew saw the problem and immediately lifted her up into his arms and carried her next to her friend, "Ben, you might have had a heart attack. You might be in trouble. They need to make sure."

The cheetah shook his head, "I am fine. It was just… so much excitement at once is all. More excitement at once than ever before. My… my mind… it didn't realize everything that happened until… until… all at once. It came to me… all at once."

Judy understand now or thought she did. It was like at Ben and Brian's apartment when they had told him they had a VIP ticket for him. He took the information in initially, but the impact of the information didn't actually hit him until several minutes later. And that was just insignificant compared to the entire day's series of events and all the revelations that had hit him all at once. It was her careless comment that caused this. She felt so guilty. She was just trying to make him feel better.

Apparently her furless one sensed her thoughts and kissed her neck and whispered in her ear, "You did nothing wrong. It was all going to hit him sooner or later. It's fortunate it happened here instead of a more isolated section of the stadium."

He just knows exactly what to say sometimes. Judy felt a lot better. She realized she had no reason to blame herself. Ben had plenty of opportunities to realize what all had occurred. But she could understand why the cheetah was so upset. He had waited his whole life to be here at this moment. To see his idol perform and be as close to his angel with horns as possible while she did so.

They heard their friend again still quite upset, "I am fine. I promise. I swear… I swear on my love for Gazelle I am just fine."

For Ben to swear on Gazelle he must fully believe that with every fiber of his being. But it doesn't mean his mind was deluding him just like it did for the VIP Ticket or how it had for all the events over the past hour. She could see her mate listening carefully to the discussion between the doctor and her cheetah friend. He then took the doctor down the hall and seemed to have an intense discussion with him. She couldn't really make out much they said over Ben's pleading next to her, but Drew seemed pleased about something once he returned.

The human decided to inform her and Ben what their discussion was about, "Ben, I told the doctor you had me convinced you were fine. But they are right to be cautious and take proper procedures. However I was able to gain a special concession on your behalf. You may remain here at the concert..." The cheetah's face went from downcast to incredibly wide eyed and hopeful, "only if you agree to be tested for a possible stroke, heart attack or something else."

The cheetah looked at the assembled bodies and nodded his head.

Drew then outlined his plan, "I am going to have the doctors here start tests and a full examination in the ballroom where we were headed originally. You will be right with us the whole time. I am having Sammy pick up a PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) machine and a technician from the closest hospital up the street. They will also bring any other equipment or personnel needed to test you and make sure you are completely okay. Now if, and I mean this. IF they find you have had a stroke, heart attack or any coronary episode, or have had ANYTHING life threatening occur, I will accompany you immediately to the hospital. Everyone else can remain. You have to agree to this or you will go directly to the hospital now. Your life is much more important than anything else. Do you understand this and accept it?"

Ben looked extremely despondent, but he finally agreed to Drew's conditions. Drew then called Sammy and told him the complete instructions of what they needed him to do. This request was far too complex and important to try and express in a simple text. They then wheeled Ben into the Ballroom against his protests that he was fine to stand and walk. They sat him at an empty table next to the other VIPs some of whom were sitting and talking while others milled around the room. They all seemed quite excited to meet the new arrivals and were also very curious why there were medical staff with them. The doctor and staff continued to monitor Ben doing all kinds of tests and checking him all over.

Charlotte arrived and informed them that they were having some new dinners brought in since their group missed the formal dinner. This brightened the cheetah's mood quite a lot. It actually brightened all their moods as they all had gotten quite famished and could use some energy before the concert was due to begin. While they waited on the food and Sammy's return, all the members of the group except Ben tried to fill the rest of the VIPs in on where they had been and what had taken place. Most of the details of the meeting were confidential, but before they left Gazelle had informed them what they were permitted to say. They were also allowed to mention Ben's battle with Gazelle for supremacy of Extreme Gazelle Trivia as well as a general outline of some of the topics covered. Most of the VIPs were then convinced that trying to defeat Gazelle had been too much for the cheetah and that was the cause of his episode. Judy couldn't argue this as it most likely was a contributing factor.

The food arrived and they sat down to eat with Ben. The meal was phenomenal as apparently the finest restaurant in the city had prepared a variety of entrees, appetizers and desserts for them to all share and sample. It was actually quite a lot of fun for them to make their own private buffet at the table and sample a bit of everything. It was a unique bonding experience. Judy was of course given first priority on every vegetarian entree or appetizer and once they were sure she had plenty to enjoy the rest took their share of what remained. It wasn't as if all the predators were rushing to gobble up all the vegetarian meals anyway. Drew was the only one that really actually didn't mind the taste. He loved all the fish dishes, but anything with insects he usually tried to avoid. Ben appeared quite a lot happier with scrumptious food in his belly. Once he was sure everyone else had gotten plenty of dessert and were fully stuffed, the cheetah decided to go for seconds and thirds of the absolutely incredible desserts that were offered. Judy could tell Drew wanted badly to rein in the cheetah's appetite on many of the more decadent dishes. But this was a special day and Ben should enjoy himself as much as possible until they found any reason otherwise.

Sammy had texted Drew he had arrived and a few minutes later a doctor and a technician came in wheeling some large equipment. They set up a private area with a curtain and portable table meant for larger mammals to fully treat Ben and test his heart using a cardiac catheterization for a diagnostic angiogram to test the blood flow to his heart and make sure everything was working perfectly, or as perfectly as an extremely obese cheetah could be. Everyone else excitedly preparing themselves for the concert. Judy finally convinced Nick to chat with Charlotte for awhile. Every time she saw Finley head in her direction with a purposeful gait, she hugged Drew around the neck for dear life and tried to appear to be engrossed in an important discussion. She seemed to discourage his attempts thankfully. But she kept her eye out while intently scanning for signs of gray fur or long ears. They finally got the word from the doctors that Ben had checked out fine, and it appeared he had only had a major anxiety episode. They then made sure to schedule a follow up visit to the hospital the next day. Ben tried to protest but Drew was quite insistent that Ben follow the doctor's orders regardless of how the cheetah thought he felt. Their spotted feline friend finally relented and promised to go for further testing.

Drew offered to pay for all the costs involved in Ben's care, but apparently they were informed Ben was now technically an employee of Gazelle's, and all the medical care was covered by the stadium budget as per her contract with the promoter which stipulated that any employee's of hers had all medical care covered while on the stadium property. The supposedly brainless superstar was quite shrewd and brilliant. She told them later that once she had sent the email to Ben with the information on her website while the group was currently meeting with her, it confirmed their verbal contract and put it into effect immediately. So Ben had become her employee mere minutes before he needed the medical care. Thank goodness for an electronic paper trail.

Finally the moment was here after all this time. The groups were all getting ready for the show. They were informed it would start in ten minutes and they all began to gather their things and say their last goodbyes to their fellow VIPs in case the didn't see them again after the concert. Judy's rabbit ears heard some interesting words coming from the mouth of her mate. He had placed her down safely next to Ben and Brian to keep her safely away from anything bunny shaped and had gone off to talk to Gazelle's manager again. Judy thought it was to line up contact information with his office as they were definitely sharing something as both had their phones out. But her ears heard something about Gazelle going on stage and Drew mentioned the Mayor and everything being set. She now remembered the phone call he had gotten earlier in the day. In the madness involving Finley and the dozens of other non-stop events she had completely forgotten to extract this secret information out of him. She usually could get to the bottom of anything he was hiding from her if she set her mind to it. But dodging sexual advances from a horny buck and worrying about Gazelle stealing your boyfriend could be quite distracting. Well she had a few minutes to work on him once he got back.

Charlotte gathered all the VIPs together and Judy saw her sly partner had subtlety gotten in a bit of chat time with their lovely hostess. She loved Nick to death, but Charlotte seemed far too sweet to be able to deal with Nick. She knew this firsthand. Another unique human expression. She enjoyed using these now. Well at this point she would be quite pleased if Nick found anyone to satisfy that melancholy of his, and help find his happy place so he wouldn't be so determined to make her miserable. Oh carrot sticks! She realized she had another naughty thought. The fox was definitely trying to corrupt her. Well she rationalized to herself that happy place could mean all kinds of things. At least that is what she told herself to absolve her guilt.

Drew had returned to the group and picked her up just subconsciously. She figured she had pushed the excuse about her supposed injured leg a bit too far, but everyone was crowded together and larger mammals were not watching carefully where they stepped so being up high and safe in the human's arms was preferable to getting stepping on and having a real injury to deal with. One that would keep her from work for awhile. Her fox partner might not mind being on injury leave, but she loved being out there on patrol and the excitement of catching bad guys. It was what she had been working towards her entire life. The thrill of a chase or solving a good case was a rush, and Judy realized she was an adrenaline junkie when it came to police work. And being able to spend that same time with her best friend all day was the greatest feeling… well… it was great let me put it that way. She also loved spending time at home with Drew just hanging out with him, cuddling or doing things involving happy places equally as much. She had the best of both worlds and never wanted it to end. But there were lots of potholes in their path that had just opened up and she was quite on alert now to avoid stepping in any.

She tried to start wearing the human down to tell her what the Mayor had called about, but he kept pretending to not hear her. He was being frustrating. Not close to fox level frustrating. Not remotely close. But for him he was being annoying. Charlotte had positioned their group last among the VIPs for some reason. Ben had been upset that they had not been given a lottery pick for the event like the other ones. He was afraid they would get the short end of the stick when it came to the concert.

His bear love attempted to calm him, "Benny… we were out there before at the sound check. All the seats are excellent regardless. It will be just fine."

"I hope so. Ooooooooo I just can't wait for it to start finally." The spotted feline exclaimed excitedly clapping his paws together and swishing his large tail.

They had followed Charlotte for a short ways until they were approaching a stadium entrance and the other VIPs were heading down the walkway to the special seating section. Judy was still working on getting her annoying human to 'fess up when they saw a rhino security guard approach their group with a determined look.

---

They were so high at the top of the stadium that everything below looked tiny. Her cheetah friend was a nervous wreck. Her boyfriend was being extremely annoying not telling her what was going on. Her ZPD partner was enjoying everyone's discomfort immensely. Brian was trying to console Ben that the world was not ending, and Marvin was just looking at Drew curiously.

It was she that had spotted the figure ahead of them in the shadows as if it was a ghost haunting the rafters of the stadium. Brian had commented on the view in an extremely unlikely attempt to pacify the despondent cheetah when the dark figure stepped out the shadows revealing an older gray squirrel who cryptically told them in an amused voice, "You sure got that right. You must have an amazing friend very high up."

"What do you mean by that?" An irritated Judy responded quite vexed. Her patience was wearing thin. She hated to be uninformed and liked to be in control of her environment. And this was certainly far out of control for her tastes.

The squirrel introduced himself as Robert Nutter a stadium technician who finally got around to answering her question, "I just mean that I've never heard of a request like I received. And the only one that would have that kind of clout would have to be someone of amazing prominence and power."

Judy was getting even more frustrated, "What request are you talking about? We are supposed to be watching the concert up close and personal yet we are as far away as you can get up here."

The squirrel looked confused, "Oh, no one told you? None of you know what you are doing up here?"

"He does… the annoying furless one." An exasperated Judy pointed at the human holding her.

"Ah, keeping them in the dark eh?" Robert laughed at his joke as he indicated the shadows surrounding them.

"How about surprising them and letting them find out as we go?" Drew requested.

"Well… I have to give the safety talk at least." Their amused squirrel remarked.

"That's fine. Just keep it at that and go. We only have a couple minutes." The human requested slightly urgently.

The squirrel escorted them down the catwalk a distance until they came to some kind of rectangular box which had two rows of seats and a guard rail around the outside. The back row was elevated a bit higher than the front. In the floor in front of their seats was a small hole that just happened to be large enough for a squirrel.

"Any seating preference?" Their guide asked Drew.

"Have Ben, Brian and Marvin in the back row and Nick, Judy and myself in the front similar to how we were situated in the van. Nick and Judy are shorter so they won't block the view of the guys in the back and my seat is offset enough so I shouldn't block any guys in the back either." Drew instructed.

Ben was going to ask a question when Brian reminded him the concert was about to start and he quickly withdrew anything he was going to say. The squirrel then instructed them on proper safety procedures and had them sit.

He then disappeared down the hole in front of them.

"Where are you going?" A shocked Judy asked.

A voice from below answered, "To operate the camera."

"The camera?" A very confused cheetah inquired.

"Hang on!" They heard from below.

And with that the entire box began to move as they lurched forward and Judy's stomach began to drop as they felt weightless for a moment. It was then Judy looked up and saw the box was attached to an elaborate cable system running above the stadium. All of a sudden they heard the thumping sound of the heartbeats echo all around them and saw the screens below light up in the familiar yellow from earlier. They could see the floor below the stage start to slowly rise as fog crept from all around obscuring the contents of the rising platform as they began to speed down toward that same stage at breathtaking speeds. Judy was scared out of her mind as it appeared the were going to crash into the stage and flatten her idol and tiger dancers obviously hidden behind the mist below.

But just as they approached the ground heading toward a certain impending crash, the box began to slow and suddenly they found themselves right above the stage facing that gorgeous vision and her personal quartet of awe-inspiring feline accompaniment. Judy recognized their opening pose for this introductory musical performance. They were positioned nearly level with and directly in front of Gazelle a mere twenty meters away. Gazelle appeared to stare right at her and wink with those luscious eyelashes of hers. She actually winked at me! This was too much. And then the opening started in earnest as hearts appeared thumping in time to the music all around them. Judy could see the others VIPs off to their left and could even make out most she knew. She even saw some large gray ears attached to a bunny shaped face looking up at her with an expression of amazement.

As the song started and she watching intently as her idol performed her opening song to perfection, she glanced around and saw five pairs of eyes transfixed on the five figures on the stage in amazement. Apparently even her human was stunned by the spectacle. She had to admit as far as surprises went this was colossal. This kind of view was absolutely stunning. She was even close enough to see the sweat glisten off Ravi… or was that Zeus? She still couldn't tell them apart, but they were all glorious and gorgeous. Her admiration wasn't remotely sexual in any way. She was just a huge fan of their amazing talent and their impressive stage presence. Those massive tigers could hold her in their one paw. As she was admiring the tigers, she realized now that the surprises were not done as a voice below them once again yelled, "Hang on!" And the box began to move. And move fast! Now they were seemingly moving around the stage in a circle watching Gazelle from all angles. Then they were moving up in the air retreating as they watched the huge crowd below. Judy could see all the different mammals below dancing and the spectacle of soaring over all their heads was absolutely breathtaking. Then once again they zoomed in as if to crash into the singer stopping short and the box and 4K high resolution cameras below followed her as she marched around the stage pointed out to the crowd in each successive direction.

Judy squealed in delight and bounced up and down as they heard the very familiar chorus.

Follow your heart
Love who you want
Be who you want
Kiss who you want
See who you want
Only love… love… love…
Only one rule
Only one thing to do before you part
You have only one job
Follow your heart

All six of them clapped their paws (or hands) with the heartbeats. Since it seemed they were stable now they were all up and dancing to the music grinning at each other like school kids. Even Nick had a much more amused look than normal. Everyone was dancing to varying degrees as they watched the tigers on stage making hearts with their arms as they heard that magic word. Then they saw the tigers make the bridge as their box lowered slightly and they saw Gazelle walk across it flawlessly. They were a lot closer than when they were watching this during the sound check. Judy couldn't help herself and she leaned forward over the edge waving at Gazelle.

Gazelle seemed to smile at her and wave back!

But… Gazelle never did that during the sound check.

It was then that Judy realized she was waving at her alone. Out of the many thousands and thousands of fans at that moment Gazelle was performing for her and her alone. She giggled with delight with a smile reaching across her entire face. Her love seemed to sense her jubilation and was grinning just as wide as he picked her up and both of them waved at Gazelle together and the singer gave them both a wave of her hoof and a slight bow and nod.

Magical didn't begin to describe the experience. Judy really couldn't think of any words sufficient enough. During "The Best Is Yet To Come" Drew put her down and she danced away bumping into her ZPD partner with her rump just to make sure he was alive. That got her some amused grins as he even tried a few dance moves she had been begging for. She hopped up and down excitedly holding her paws in together in front of her as he showed off some things she had never seen. Her human also showed a few new moves of his own as she delighted in a sandwich of her guys performing dueling banjos with their dance moves while the song continued. One roommate would finish a little move and challenge to the other waving their paw or hand in a circle then presenting it to the other as if to say see if you can best that my good fellow. Judy declared the battle a draw at the end of the song hugging her fox friend and then her human one.

During "A Miracle" Judy hung on to the edge of the box guard peering over enjoying the power and majesty. The squirrel below gave them another warning and Drew grabbed Judy by the waist and pulled her back to the safety of the chair as they went for progressive rotations around the stadium even spinning a bit for some wide crowd shots to the cheers of the crowds below. It was like they were flying, soaring above the stadium like the were on the back of a massive majestic bird that could spin in an impossible 360 degree pattern while rising or lowering at will.

Judy never wanted this experience to ever end. Glancing back her giddy cheetah friend was exchanging looks of awe with ones of wonderment, and she was quite sure he shared her sentiment. She smiled at her new friend Brian, the more subdued but lovable companion of her spotted buddy, who was currently grinning and rubbing the large spotted tail currently wrapped around him. Drew's assistant Marvin gave her a wink and an amused look behind his mask and patted her shoulders. She hugged his paws and arms in response raising her shoulder to capture them between her shoulder and neck petting them affectionately. This was something she could never have imagined in her wildest dreams! Rarely would an event such as this ever live up the expectations of super-fans like Ben and her, but this was the truly rare exception.

As the concert continued Gazelle played songs from several of her albums now each gorgeously choreographed and sung with precision and passion of such depth and intensity it sent shivers down her spine ending at the tip of her fluffy white tail. The performance was like a painting by a master but was a living thing evolving and expanding touching the hearts and souls of every mammal in attendance. The camera and box now moved all over getting shots from high above and sometimes they would turn to face the audience and watch their response as they jumped and cheered each time they focused on a different group in the crowd. One time they saw a wave in the crowd and looped around following it from start to finish.

One memorable moment after over an hour occurred when Gazelle switched up the tone and mood to play one of her powerful sad songs about unrequited love titled "A Kiss For You." Even as the speakers intoned those opening notes she knew so well, Judy instantly began to tear up as it was heart wrenching. But Gazelle stood for truths and many loves went through the experience where you loved someone so much, but the love returned was only a small fraction of the love given or love wasn't even returned at all. The message was that it was just part of the process. It was okay to feel sad, sorrow and pain. Love was hard. But to have never made the attempt was far worse than never having loved at all. The angst was truly deep but part of the process as her mournful voice broke the silence.

I reach for you
But you're not there
I want to hold you
But only clasp air

I dream of your presence
But it's all in the past
Your heart I would take
But said it will never last

The love I created
Were simply words to you
The joy for countless others
You say it can never be true

Tears on my pillow
Love in my heart
I want you near me
Even when we're apart

Just out of my reach
Just a hairs breath away
So close I feel your heart
But how far I can not say

You say it's in the past
You scream that we are through
But lied swearing our love was built to last
That it would always carry you

Were those just lies?
Were those untruths?
Or were they more false promises?
The dalliances of youth

Whatever you say
Wherever you go
My heart will search for you
That you have to know

I have something precious
Something I wish to give
A promise meant to share
One needed to truly live

A kiss for you
A precious gift of love
A kiss for you
My gift from one above

It is part of my heart
It is a piece of my soul
My lips are like honey
Though your heart is black as coal

A kiss for you
Seems like a simple thing
A kiss for you
Not like I asked for a ring

I only wish to share
The love in my heart
Your rejection my pain
Your denial rends my soul apart

A kiss for you
My offer stands alone
A kiss for you
My soul I bare
A kiss for you
My heart is breaking
A kiss for you
The journey is for one
A kiss for you
My love for the taking
A kiss for you
But the final nail is done

I will remember you fondly
Though you forget me tomorrow
A part of my heart torn from my chest
Though you only give me sorrow

One day soon your mistake you may see
Regrets of an action
Quite ill-conceived

For love fills me still
I refuse to abandon hope
My life still has meaning
Thus I refuse to mope

Pain is part of love
Suffering part of life
It says you're still alive
Out my back I take your knife

As I cry myself to sleep
I dream of a day coming soon
When mocking jeers don't fill my ears
My love you don't impugn

One simple message
It calls to thee
One simple promise
You can not flee

A kiss for you
A precious gift of love
A kiss for you
My gift from one above

It is part of my heart
It is a piece of my soul
My lips are like honey
Though your heart is black as coal

A kiss for you
Seems like a simple thing
A kiss for you
Not like I asked for a ring

I only wish to share
The love in my heart
Your rejection my pain
Your denial rends my soul apart

A kiss for you
My offer stands alone
A kiss for you
My soul I bare
A kiss for you
My heart is breaking
A kiss for you
The journey is for one
A kiss for you
My love for the taking
A kiss for you
But the final nail is done

Judy sobbed uncontrollably. The anguish was unbearable. Her thoughts were of moments in her own life with similar visions and remembrances. The despair filled her. The power of the song took her over. Then she felt large arms in front of her. Furless arms with only light hairs and a neck nuzzling her from behind as her love had crouched down hugging her tightly. She turned back to him looking mournfully in his eyes only to be met by a kiss of deep passion and understanding. For her furless one knew all too well such thoughts as these. He had admitted such feelings were far too common, and the despair had been nearly too much for him as hope had left him and love an empty grasp. But he had told her he had somehow found her when he needed her the most. She was a life raft in the open ocean, a port in the storm, a rope on a cliff, a parachute to one falling, he had told her she was all of those things to him and so much more.

He nuzzled her head in his neck and rocked her until they both felt better. That moment they shared together and to heck with what the world around them thought. Nothing else mattered. As long as they had each other, they could survive the challenges ahead and the darkness that seemed to always surround them now.

As Drew finally released her and stood up behind her, she had realized she had lost track of time completely and Gazelle had nearly finished another song. It was a good song, but fortunately not one of her favorites entitled "The Heart of a Hero" as she had missed all but the end of it. It was a bit maudlin for her tastes as it didn't have the real depth and angst of "A Kiss For You". Perhaps it should have come before and built to the power of "A Kiss". But she supposed Gazelle wanted to start deep and slowly back the audience to more lighthearted fare. She was not the expert, but she knew what she loved and pure unrestrained emotion is what she craved. Anything in between was mere fluff as far as she was concerned.

And indeed a few more melancholy songs continued slowly building to much happier, playful and whimsical songs. Gazelle finally ended on a strong catchy song from her new album called "One Love to Bring Us Together" which had them all clapping their paws and dancing like mad. At one point Drew led them in something she had heard called a square dance move where he put his right arm into the crook of her right arm swinging around and releasing her and doing the same with Nick and swapping again. It did surprise her fox partner but he was in a good mood and seemed game for anything. Normally the fox was quite reticent about anything involving touching from either herself or Drew, but he seemed unperturbed by the brief contact and silly playful moves.

Then Gazelle and her dancers waved to the crowd and the stage lowered as everyone watched their singer of a lifetime and her quartet of feline companions disappear from sight. Then the concert ended.

Well it did seem anticlimactic. But she had thoroughly enjoyed herself and everything couldn't be perfection. Her cheetah friend did seem to be a bit dazed as if unbelieving the concert was actually over. He looked around the milling crowd which was much more visible as the lights had come up partially. Some had begun to head toward the exits. He stared at Judy and then smiled gleefully and she grinned back at him.

"Is she doing an encore?" Her human mate asked.

"An on what now?" The seemingly disoriented fox asked.

"En-core. You know… where they come back and sing a big finale number… like their biggest hit and all." He explained.

"I've never heard of that. Is that a human thing?" She asked wondering.

"I suppose. It was extremely rare over forty years ago but has become standard now for human rock concerts like these. I had just assumed you had that here as it wasn't anything that we really thought to import. Was anything missing from the show? Any important songs?" The human asked inquisitively.

Ben listed off a lot of songs that were quite good that had been missed, but nothing she would consider critical. Not until she thought… she thought… "TRY EVERYTHING!" She exclaimed loudly as the realization hit her. How could she possibly have forgotten that? Staring into the eyes of her cheetah friend and witnessing his expression of stupefaction like he was staring at the most shocking event of his life. She realized he had missed it as well. As if in response to her exclamation and the clapping from the crowd they heard music playing, the screens all lit up and the lights came down. Glancing down she saw the mass heading towards the exits looking around in complete confusion and the mass began to switch directions moving back towards the stage and all eyes seemed to turn and stare as lights began to flash around the inside of the stage as many patterns of light pulses from its surface and mist rose from the depths of the ground and the top of the stage rose up. All was black and hidden until a large spotlight flashed on the center of the stage and four others on positions just outside dramatically revealed who else by Gazelle, Ravi, Zeus, Blaze and of course Saber. You can never forget Saber!

A voice then broke the silence. A clear beautiful sensual and soothing voice. The voice of her idol.

"I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight and giving me and my gorgeous tigers an amazing welcome."Gazelle told the crowd.

A roar of cheers and also rear roars greeted her proclamation.

"I have been so blessed to be able to perform for you all. It is I who has been so privileged to have had you share my thoughts and music in the form of songs that hopefully touch all of you in a special way just as every one of you touch my heart uniquely." She continued.

"Here are a few of my old favorites I have dusted off and brought back for you to enjoy one more time. I hope you like them." Gazelle spoke humbly and hopefully.

The crowd began to cheer wildly as the music started.

"I recognize that… it's…" The wide-eyed cheetah said in a hushed reverent voice staring at Judy.

"Moments In Life!" Judy squealed barely containing her excitement.

And the song began in earnest with Gazelle taking the song that had started it all belting out the beautiful melodies and piercing notes with that of a practiced polished musician, no longer a young girl with big dreams. Judy couldn't ignore the parallels of her own life. Of how she came to dream of being a ZPD officer to help mammals live happier and safer lives. How her own dreams grew and grew as she kept reaching for that elusive goal and worked impossibly hard to achieve it overcoming impossible odds just as Gazelle had done. For every young singer starting out, there are so many thousands and thousands that fail to achieve anything close to the success of her idol. But Judy knew how much work it had taken. She knew that it was not handed to her. It had to be earned with incrediblely hard work and attention to detail. She could never just rest on her laurels, but had to keep trying to improve and become better each and every day. The thoughts applied to Gazelle and Judy equally. Each had overcome the impossible and had an important role to play in the lives of others. From those close to each of them… to all those they touched in one way or another… to the decisions they made every day that impacted everyone.

Judy was too stunned to even dance or clap as she just enjoyed the beautiful song and voice. It wasn't until the next song off Gazelle's second album called "Stuck on You" that her dancing feet awoke and she excitedly clapped her paws and hopped up and down in a circle which generated big smiles from her fellow companions. It was such a catchy and danceable song and it seemed everyone in the box and the crowd below agreed as they all swayed back and forth. Ben gleefully held on to Brian hugging him and dancing face to face with the happy bear even sneaking in a quick kiss.

The chorus began in earnest.

Stuck on you
Your smile impossibly bright
Stuck on you
It leads me safely through the night
Stuck on you
A kiss on the cheek, Another in bed
Stuck on you
I can't get you out of my head
Stuck on you
A magical journey we take
Stuck on you
My feelings I couldn't possibly fake

Judy's joy was unrestrained and she danced with wild abandon and happiness. As the notes of the song ended she gave her surprised ZPD partner a big hug. His eyes got wide in astonishment and then he gently hugged her back with a big smile. She bashfully released her grip from her best friend and moved over reaching out and clasping her mates hand in her paw as he glanced down at her with a gentle smile. They all looked at the singer on the stage as the music faded out.

"Thank you for such a memorable night. I love you all. Please don't forget to vote on Tuesday. The fate of our city is at stake. Every vote counts and everyone needs to make sure their voice is heard. Please do not be swayed by any desperate last second antics. Please remember those three words when you make your decision. Follow your heart." Gazelle delivered the message and promise she had given all of them in their meeting. She wished to use her voice to reach her audience. She didn't tell them directly how to vote, but any true fan of the singer knew where she clearly stood on the matter.

"And now for a little number I think you all know. A message very near and dear to my heart. Good Night Zootopia!" Gazelle exclaimed as the entire stadium and screens on the outside went pitch black.

Then the harmonic voices and synthesizer sounds they all knew better than themselves rang out as small spotlights began to scan all over the stadium…

Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh
Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh
Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh

The screens outside lit up in different colors with different floating shapes. The sound of bass drum beats then started before the final set of harmonic vocals.

Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh

I messed up tonight
I lost another fight
I still mess up but I'll just start again
I keep falling down
I keep on hitting the ground
I always get up now to see what's next
Birds don't just fly
They fall down and get up
Nobody learns without getting it wrong

Judy was so happy she couldn't contain herself hopping up and down and smiling wide closing her eyes and showing her huge front teeth. She felt all her friends with her dancing to the catchy beat. Drew spun her around and handed her off to Nick who couldn't avoid her and she grabbed onto his paws and moved with him. Ben, Brian and Marvin all grinned and danced their hearts out with Ben wrapping his tail around both the bear and raccoon and then pulling out some dance moves never before seen like one running in place one and a few power side poses. Gazelle wiggled her amazing hips back and forth mesmerizing the crowd. They never seemed to stop shaking. The group then dancing like mammals gone mad through the following lyrics.

I won't give up, no I won't give in
Till I reach the end
And then I'll start again
Though I'm on the lead
I wanna try everything
I wanna try even though I could fail
I won't give up, no I won't give in
Till I reach the end
And then I'll start again
No I won't leave
I wanna try everything
I wanna try even though I could fail

Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh
Try everything
Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh
Try everything
Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh
Try everything
Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh

Gazelle then yelled to the crowd, "Put your paws in the air. Come on!"

Gazelle then did something strange and made some waving motions while staring seemingly right at them and all of a sudden they felt their box move towards her and downward! What was happening? Judy decided to just go with it. She was too happy to care at the moment actually. She barely noticed what was going on as she closed her eyes swaying her hips to the music when suddenly she felt the box hit with a soft solid thud and a voice from below yelled, "OUT OUT OUT!" as the door they had used to enter earlier popped open and the confused group walked out and suddenly found themselves on the ground. The box that had been their home for the last couple hours pulled away to it's normal distance and Judy could barely make out three large camera lenses all staring at them from it's lower section.

The music and steady base beats continued and the crowd continued clapping in time to the beats. The lights were blinding and Judy and her confused group looked around and they realized they were on the lower stage just below the middle section where Ravi, Zeus, Blaze and Saber all grinned at them as they danced around Gazelle. As Judy squinted she could only vaguely make out the crowd. She then looked up at Gazelle who was smiling and waving at her and the rest of her stunned group. The four tigers then came down to the lower level dancing around the six of them and encouraging them to dance. One of them (She found out later from Ben it was Ravi) told them "Face the crowd and show them what you've got guys!" They spread out with Marvin, Brian, Ben, Drew, herself and Nick in that order all spread out and dancing in front of the cheering crowd. It was truly a surreal experience. Judy decided to go with it and grinning and encouraged all her friends to follow suit and smile and dance. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Brian and Nick were a quite a bit more reserved than they were previously while in the box as they merely grinned and swayed. Marvin and Drew were somewhat more enthusiastic with their dancing. She and Ben had completely lost their minds. Ben's tail was switching everywhere and Judy was bouncing all over hopping up and down nearly as high as the human in time to the music. Ben then convinced Brian to try some back to back mirrored dance moves with him. Gazelle smiled and continued the song once the music caught up to the right point.

Look how far you've come
You filled your heart with love
Baby you've done enough that cut your breath
Don't beat yourself up
Don't need to run so fast
Sometimes we come last but we did our best

I won't give up, no I won't give in
Till I reach the end
And then I'll start again
Though I'm on the lead
I wanna try everything
I wanna try even though I could fail
I won't give up, no I won't give in
Till I reach the end
And then I'll start again
No I won't leave
I wanna try everything
I wanna try even though I could fail

I'll keep on making those new mistakes
I'll keep on making them every day
Those new mistakes

Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh
Try everything
Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh
Try everything
Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh
Try everything
Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh

Try everything...

Jungle drums and whistles could be heard as beats and song continued. As Gazelle shook her hips and she came down next to Nick smiling at his amused and shocked expression as he stopped moving completely staring at her with his mouth hung open.

The singer then yelled into her microphone to the crowd, "Shake your tails with me Come On!"

She then grabbed the stunned Nick by his tie and started to pull him slowly around the stage dancing and shaking her hips. Judy quickly realized what was going on and followed her partner grinning like a mad bunny hopping and spinning in the air followed by Drew grinning skipping and shuffling along and then Ben, Brian and Marvin. Once they were all going in the circle Gazelle reprised the chorus. As Nick walked coolly behind the star with his paws in his pockets looking like he was out for a relaxing stroll being tugged along by that beauty with impossible rockin' hips, Judy hopped along poking him and grinning. Drew clapped his hands to the beat shuffling his feet in a jig doing a spin every once in awhile trying to time it with Judy's hops. Judy noticed the box they had been using was now spinning around the outside of the stadium for a wide moving shot. The four tigers continued their perfect synchronized dance up on the level just above them. Gazelle indicated to Nick to continue his march around the lower stage while she gracefully moved back to her spot in the middle of her tigers and continued her vocals. Judy finally convinced Nick to quit being too cool and sway his hips and do some little dance moves with his paws as they moved around the stage.

Gazelle continued the reprise to a unique energetic mix of the music.

I'll keep on making those new mistakes
I'll keep on making them every day
Those new mistakes

Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh
Try everything
Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh
Try everything
Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh
Try everything
Oh oh oh oh ahhhhh

Try everything...

The four tigers stepped down and gently escorted them up the steps to the middle level and they all waved to the crowd as the music ended and the crowd cheered roaring and seemingly losing their minds. It was a feeling Judy would never forget as long as she lived. Then a wall of mist and fog shot up from around them and she felt the floor move under her and they all descended into the stage, the sound of the cheering becoming fainter and fainter.

A small hoof grabbed her paw and those beautiful light brown sensual eyes with those gorgeous long lashes winked at her as her idol smiled, "So how was that for a surprise?"

---

Author's Notes: Finally it is finished. Whew! These Parts 1 and 2 are virtually a large story in itself at 48K total words. I really hope you enjoy them as I wanted to provide an ultimate concert experience for our characters. It was written to truly allow you to enjoy a unique VIP concert experience through their eyes with lots of the craziness, drama, humor and tears you all now expect from me.