A/N: Finally, have an idea of how to proceed. Day 4 / Monday
Chapter 38: Rumors Abound
A living blanket that's what I had to cover me for the night. A living blanket of siblings all concerned for me. I am grateful towards them that they didn't run away after hearing what I did. I want to stay like this forever, siblings on top of me providing me comfort. As morning comes, life goes on. They wake up. One of them asks, "Judy, are you going to spend more time with family now?" They look at me with sad eyes clearly trying to sway my emotions.
Even they noticed my absence. How could I deny this kit's request? "Of course."
Nick apparently, heard that too and decides to give his input. "I will hold you to that Carrots."
Oh great, my partner is going to control everything I do and it doesn't help that family perceives he is right and that I am wrong. "Why? We should be together."
"We have all the time in the world to be together." He also asks, "Are we going to be released soon?"
"If there wasn't school today, I don't think we would be. Thankfully, there is."
A brown rabbit named Terry asks, "Can we skip school today? It's the first time in a long time that you spending time with us." One of them leaves to seek permission and approval for that.
I shudder at the thought, what if they were allowed to skip school? What happens to us then? Surely, mom and dad would not allow it.
Stu and Bonnie both come into the room. Stu says, "Alright, kits. It's time for school."
The fluffle doesn't concede immediately. One of them says, "We have to spend an entire day in close contact with Nick for superpowers. We can't leave yet."
Bonnie comments, "Now, would be a good time to clarify misunderstandings."
"Foxes don't give superpowers? We want to be just like her." They look at Bonnie hoping to that she would tell them that Nick can give them superpowers.
"All of you misunderstood Judy's tale yesterday. Foxes don't give superpowers." Bonnie breaks the truth to them.
They turn to me for confirmation, to confirm if Bonnie is telling the truth or not. I have kept the truth from them yet they want me to confirm if it's true or not. I'm the most untrustworthy animal in the room. I begin to cry. That wasn't the reaction they expected. "What's wrong Judy?" One of them asks with concern.
I reply, "Nothing at all. I love all of you." My ears stand up indicating happiness.
Nick's voice is filled with relief. "I think this worked out pretty well. Don't you?"
The fluffle demands an answer. One of them asks again, "Do foxes give superpowers?"
This meeting attracts the attention of the Prime. He says, "Yes they do, but they can only give it to one rabbit at a time. Nick already gave away his."
I won't let this rumor fly, "You liar, you know that's not true."
"It's partially true."
Stu tries to control this. "It's time for school."
The fluffle finally lets us go and gets ready for school. They all leave the room. Bonnie says, "Yesterday, you told us your secrets. Now, I believe it's the best time to tell you ours."
Nick was right, they did keep something from me. Nick says, "Are you sure now it's the best time?" He's uncertain if I am ready for it. My ears droop once again.
I say, "I'm worthless. I don't deserve to know anything. I can't handle the truth. I can't do anything right."
The Prime watches this and gives his input. "Judy, you sway from one extreme to another. One where you're extremely sure of yourself, the other where you think you can't do anything. We are flawed, that's why we have partners to watch over us. Nick simply, wants balance. Something, that you had before."
Balance, what does that mean? I ask, "What do you mean?"
"Nick wants you to be normal once again."
"What secret is kept from me that even Nick thinks I can't handle?"
The Prime replies with the cold hard truth. "The death of four of your siblings."
Stu says, "Really? You just said that?"
"I am more experienced in dealing with us than you. I lead them all for a reason."
Bonnie reprimands, "You didn't have to be that direct."
My wings flare up. My fur bristles. I ask, "What happened? Who did this?"
"Judy, calm down. Don't get angry."
"I'm not angry, I want justice. Justice for them."
The Prime says, "She will likely seek out the one you spared, Bonnie. Be careful with your words."
My wings recede. "You don't trust me?"
"Trust isn't the word you're looking for. I simply, don't think you have that much control over your actions at this point."
Nick says, "I will watch over her and make sure she doesn't do anything rash."
I indignantly remark, "You all talk as if I'm not even here! I am IN this room you know."
The Prime says, "You think you can handle the truth? Fine. Bonnie, go and tell her." The Prime taps his foot on the floor indicating annoyance. His tail lashes from side to side.
Bonnie's ears droop. She says, "Judy, you have a right to know. Please don't hate yourself for this, I don't think any less of you." Me? What is she going to reveal? "Wanda, Winston and Zoe died in the fire you created to escape. I also lost Scott shortly after that because Saberclaw ate him."
They died because of me… they kept this secret from me because they didn't think I could handle it. I remember the Prime's words. He thinks I would seek out the one she spared. I reply, "Saberclaw is still alive? Why?" My wings appear again.
Bonnie embraces me in a hug. "I don't think I can take a life. I've heard everything that they've all been through. Nick included. Forgive and forget. A new beginning for them all."
"You could and should have killed Saberclaw. You just implied you had the chance!"
She slaps me on the face hard. "You think I don't know that? You think it's easy to do what I did? In terms of deaths, you did far worse than him." She lets me go coldly.
Stu says, "Now honey, that's a bit uncalled for."
"Is it? That's how the Prime always dealt with them."
Nick chimes in, "Judy needs support from everyone after what she's been through."
The Prime makes his remarks, "She needs both support and a dose of reality. The world doesn't revolve around her alone." He declares, "This meeting is over. Nick will watch Judy for further developments. Judy, you are forbidden from trying to kill Saberclaw."
A devious plan forms in my mind. The Prime said I couldn't kill Saberclaw not that I couldn't retaliate. I know … connections. I'm sure I could possibly mention it to Mr. Big. I also know that the justice system is corrupt. Maybe, I can send Saberclaw there.
They all leave, and Nick remains here. Nick says, "How do you feel?"
"I feel fine… I feel like I have a new purpose."
"You really shouldn't hide things from me. We are bonded and together forever."
"So, what's next on the itinerary?"
"A shower for me to get rid of all their scents."
"Oh right, we haven't had a chance to yet. Then breakfast I suppose."
"Your siblings are adorable you know and really accepting."
We showered, got dressed and ate breakfast to keep up the illusion that we need food. It's all a part of blending in. Nick denies me the right to use a cellphone. He has two, mine and his. After breakfast, we walk through the corridors and hear an agonized scream. We open the door and step into the room. The room contains a bed, a few books and some games. It's currently spattered with blood as if someone died. A naked white vixen with multiple bruises called Frostfang is currently in the process of leaving claw marks on Tom, a brown rabbit. I exclaim, "Sweet cheese and crackers! What's going on here?"
Tom replies, "One of our games… didn't go as planned. She's expressing her displeasure. The only way she can." By his voice you can tell that he's in great pain. His body is adorned with cuts.
Frostfang says, "This would be so much easier if he was collared!" Oh right, because collars aren't mandatory for the prey counterparts. Not all of them are collared. It's strange that this couple isn't given their interests.
I take charge. "This is my house. Both of you will stop right now."
Nick replies, "That's the Judy I know. Good to have you back."
Both of them grumble but cease this activity. "Clean this room up."
Frostfang says, "Please report us to the Prime. I need your help."
What kind of madness is this? She wants all of this broadcasted and known? "Are you not going to clean this up?"
"Not yet, I want this room preserved for evidence."
Nick gladly calls the Prime and tells him that he is needed here. We all wait for the Prime's arrival. The Prime says, "What happened here?" The Prime seems annoyed that he has been called here.
I say, "Frostfang and Tom can explain."
"Very well."
Frostfang and Tom tell of … an extremely disturbing story of how their activities got out of hand and why all of this happened. The Prime, I suppose manipulated by Frostfang once again. He changes one of the laws for us. Now, all the prey have to be collared as well. Prey usually weren't although some were by choice.
Frostfang says, "Thank you, this was worth it." Her tail lashes from side to side indicating extreme happiness. Tom's ears droop realizing the potential implications of this…. deal.
I comment, "Why do you allow this?"
The Prime replies, "Why not? It's entertaining and it's reasonable."
"But she used you to change the laws for us all and probably set all this up."
"If you make a convincing case for a change, I will listen too. Don't be jealous, our laws aren't set in stone."
Tom says, "You actually approved this…"
"Did you think something otherwise would happen?" The Prime seems annoyed once again.
"I thought you would take my side."
The Prime is holding in a lot of anger. "Keep your games amongst yourselves… or ones willing to participate and never directly involve an unwilling participant."
I remark, "You don't approve of all their activities yet you let them continue."
"We are family, we support each other."
The Prime departs again and I watch Tom and Frostfang clean the room. Tom does most of it and Frostfang just watches. I ask, "Aren't you going to help him?"
Frostfang replies, "Nope. He knows he has to do it all on his own."
Tom says, "It's fine really." Fear is felt within his voice.
"That's my bunny." Frostfang senses an opportunity. "Do you want to join in on our games now?"
I reply, "No thanks."
Nick remarks, "She has trouble controlling her emotions how would playing on of your games help?"
Frostfang replies, "A way to channel her anger and desire to cause pain towards something productive and enjoyable for both." Nick seems aghast at that suggestion. "Oh, I see you're not into that. Such a shame. Maybe, you'll give it a chance in the future."
We leave them trying not to get entangled in their schemes for one another. My cellphone rings which Nick has. Nick replies, "Hello, this is Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps."
The Principal is visible on the other side. "Olivia is wanting to talk to you again. You know the drill."
We set off for the school. When we arrive, we are greeted with madness. Foxes are cuddled up with six rabbits or more all rubbing themselves over them. I ask, "What's going on?"
One of my siblings say, "Foxes give superpowers and we want some."
Nick says, "This is incredibly cute. We should take a picture." He snaps a few incriminating shots of them. "All done."
The foxes involved aren't really complaining about the treatment either. Just what has this rumor done? We walk to see Olivia in the principal's office. Olivia's ears were down but they perk up upon seeing me. She sees me and exclaims, "Judy, you're alive! You're here."
I ask, "What's she doing here?"
The principal says, "She started insulting anyone trying to befriend a fox. Saying it's wrong and everything."
Olivia says, "It is wrong. It shouldn't happen. They ate us in the past and everything." Her ears droop indicating adness.
I remark, "What about me and Nick?"
"You two saved me multiple times. That makes you different."
"Why today? What happened the other days?"
"Overnight acceptance. Foxes that barely had friends before became popular in the blink of an eye. This is why it's a problem. No one cares for what happens to me at home at all."
Nick asks, "What is happening at home?"
"My parents still blame me for what happened." Olivia is now depressed.
"What do you want?"
"To live with anyone else."
"You can live with us. You must start liking foxes though. After all, I am one." Olivia experiences a sudden burst of joy from Nick's statement.
I say, "Nick, you can't just offer that!" Olivia starts to cry a bit.
"I just did, look how happy it makes her. She's the one you saved and went through so much trouble for. She deserves better, an accepting family would be a start. You wanted to improve the lives of individuals, let's start with her. We looked after two rabbits in Everlight. I'm sure I can look after two here."
"Two? Don't you mean one?"
"Two, you're both emotionally unstable and needing support."
"Is that really what you think of me?
"Until you prove otherwise."
Olivia seeks my approval. "Is it okay if I live with you?"
"You know the answer to that Carrots. Don't make the wrong decision."
His tone implies threats if I denied her. Despite my own misgivings, I reply, "Yes." Olivia is thankful for that. Olivia's mood changes from being depressed to extremely happy.
"Don't cause any more trouble Olivia or else."
Rumors that started this mess, is it for the best? I don't know. We now have Olivia that should be living with us starting immediately. The principal says, "She can follow your siblings home when time comes."
I ask, "You're just going to allow this? Isn't it breaking some laws?"
"What does it matter? Breaking laws is all you two ever do. I like this change, I'm not going to inform her family of it either." So, starts the birth of yet another rumor.
That matter is settled, Nick and I go on a secluded roof for quality time. I feel the embrace of his fur. It's extremely comforting to me. He says, "You're improving. You haven't focused on your plan at all today." Oh right, my plan. I decide to get up and start heading for the city hall. There's tons of planning to do. Nick shocks me. "Don't do that now. Enjoy, relax, bond with others."
I reply, "But my plan is important."
"I will allow you a few hours tomorrow if you apologize to James which you tried to kill the day before."
"Apologize? He already forgives me."
"Yes, but you still need to do apologize regardless. We also have Olivia coming over to live with us. I expect you to bond with her, like you once did back in the chasm."
"Fine," I grudgingly give in.
"Not good enough, you must actually want to do these activities for real."
"Can't you just accept I changed and all these things don't seem to matter?"
"Not yet, not until you actually try. You displayed improvement today. Don't give up now."
How could I bring myself to display genuine interest in activities I don't care about? I suppose, I'll just fake enjoyment and hope that Nick doesn't mind. A fake apology, fake quality time, a fake rumor that I actually care.
A/N: I wonder if Judy will actually end up enjoying life again.
