Everyone was in Studebaker's study room. Judy and Nick were sitting next to the shelves, while Professor Trunks stood standing with Sapphire. Studebaker sat in his own chair behind the desk.
"Okay, let me get this straight," Sapphire sighed in attempts to calm herself.
"You're saying that you, my mom and dad, found a dimension that leads to another world...another earth that's populated by animals with no humans?"
"Yes."
"Only this time my parents were the first humans to actually live there..."
"That's right."
"And to top it off... I was born and raised in Zootopia and not here?"
"Correct."
Sapphire couldn't believe it. To think that she was actually born as a human, but lived in a different world. Studebaker fixed his posture as he placed his hands on the desk.
"Why didn't you say this before? I don't get it..."
"You wouldn't understand because you were still too young," he replied, "but first...I should tell you everything from the beginning."
"..."
"Before you were born...your parents weren't married at the time, but they were engaged. Their names were Chase and Jade. You may not believed it, but they were police officers as well. They came to visit me one day in my study room when I was working on my invention. Your parents were the only people I trusted to keep my invention a secret, and sometimes they would give me the supplies to build it. Finally...it was complete...my portal was functioning well. However...once I opened the portal, the air was circulating and somehow blew your parents right into it. Luckily I was able to contact them through the monitor and onto a video camera they brought with them. When they showed me their location, I was shocked...it was more than I could imagine. They traveled to a different world that was only inhabitant to animals. At first, the civilians there where startled...panicking even when they first laid eyes on your mother and father...and there were complications that had to be resolved. I had a discussion with their scientists, along with making a speech for the citizens and their whole world to understand about us humans. I told them that we were very much alike, even your parents stepped in and explained who they were and how they were no threat to anyone. After weeks of constant struggle and, surprisingly, support from many mammals...your parents did not suffer from any consequences and were free to live among them. They even had jobs as officers of their police department..."
"Wait a minute," Sapphire interrupted, "if that's true, then were they stuck there forever?"
"Of course not," he said, "after your parents were legalized citizens of Zootopia, I had a discussion with Professor Trunks to build an exact replica of my invention. That way, your parents could travel from our world to their world whenever they want to. Although, your parents were so much in love with the city they not once went through the portal, and decided to live in Zootopia. Soon after, they got married and were living a happy life...and that's where you come in..."
"Wow...its unbelievable," Judy said, "if they were officers in our station, then why didn't the chief tell us about it?"
"He usually doesn't tell anyone about stuff like that," Nick implied.
"Well...there was one reason why he didn't," Mr. Trunks sighed, catching their attention.
"What do you mean?" Judy asked.
"Well, its not that things weren't going smoothly. In fact your parents were loved by many...even when you were born, you were the biggest topic of the news, and everyone was happy for them. Then, one day...your mother and father made the biggest sacrifice."
"Sacrifice...?"
"Your parents were working on a missing mammal case," Trunks continued, "during that time they found the culprit responsible, but he would always escape every time. Then...during an investigation they...well...uh..."
"... You don't have to say it," Sapphire said, "I think I know..."
"I'm so sorry Sapphire," he put his trunk on her shoulder, "but they did it to save the city."
"So...what happened after that? What about me?"
"Well," Studebaker spoke, "after the incident, the police never saw the criminal and closed the search. Even so, everyone feared that something might happen to you now that your parents weren't there to take care of you. So they made the decision to bring you back here...so you can have a normal life with other humans."
Sapphire sighed. She slowly paced around the room, trying to put all the pieces together.
"I know its a lot to process, but everything we said was true."
"Okay, so...earlier... Professor, um...Trunks...said something about 'today is the day'. What did you mean by that?" She looked at the elephant, who only looked back at Studebaker. The old man got up and walked towards them.
"Sapphire," he began, "before you left...the dimension, I mean...I also made another promise to fulfill."
"Which is..."
"To bring you back home," Professor Trunks interrupted.
"Back home? You mean-"
"Yes. When you were old enough, we would come and take you back home."
"What? I...but wait, you can't just make that decision! What about me!? You didn't even ask if I wanted to go or not!"
"Sapphire calm down...I know this is all confusing to you."
"Well yeah! I mean, its not everyday you just wake up and realize-'oh, your parents found a different dimension and you were born there too!' Now how does that make me calm down!? If you told me about this sooner, then I would've taken some thought about it! Are there any more secrets I should know!?"
"That's all I can tell you...but you should be happy to know this. There are mammals over there that were once friends with your parents, and the news have of your arrival have already spread. Everyone is excited to see you."
"Well, what about you? What are you going to do?"
"Nothing," Studebaker said, "if you enter through that portal, I have to stay here, shut the machine and destroy the portal for good. I don't want anyone to discover this...I had too close of encounters now and even before this was complete. Destroying the portal will make sure that no one uses this for experimentation or harm anyone in Zootopia."
"So you want to get rid of me!? That's not fair!"
"Its safer! I have to do this to protect you!"
"So you're saying that I should just leave you here by yourself!? Is that it!?"
"Sapphire listen! I can't stand seeing you put up with your job here when they don't even respect you. This is not your home...the other world is, and they treated you better than anyone one of these people could throughout your lifetime. You going there will help me feel relieved to know that you're safe and away from those dictators. You deserve a better life than this."
"... Unbelievable..." She power walked her way out of the room.
"Sapphire wait!" Before Studebaker could reach out, Professor Trunks stop him.
"My friend, let me talk to the girl," he insisted, "it would be best if she had someone else's opinion." The old man sighed, and then nodded his head.
Down below, Sapphire was in the hidden base, standing in front of the giant portal machine. She stared at it for a long time. Just then, she heard someone from behind.
"I thought you would be here," Professor Trunks smiled at her. He stood right beside her, facing staring at the portal like she was.
"So...how are you feeling?" he asked.
"... I don't know...confused?...a little shocked maybe?"
"Well then, I guess we have something in common," he chuckled, "you know, when I first laid eyes on your parents, I was pretty shocked myself, including the other mammals. To find out that we weren't the only ones to ever exist is very peculiar...but I always knew that there was something out there...more to discover and learn then what we thought we knew."
"Um...I hate to be rude but...is there a point to this?"
"Absolutely," he nodded and put his trunk on her shoulder, "you may not remember, but you had friends, and knew their families when you were a child. They were very sad when you had to leave...and some of them still remember you now, and are probably waiting for you. I understand that this is very sudden...but if I may ask..." She looked at him.
"Do you feel alone?"
"Alone?"
"Yes...because when I look at you, I can tell that you are displeased of some things..."
"Well, I'm not sure about displease but...okay, maybe I do. Don't tell Mr. Studebaker, but...I don't really show my emotions that much. By that I mean all the stress, the anger, and frustration I deal with everyday. Ever since I got my job as a police officer, I was happy and I felt like I accomplished something that only a few could do...but not everyone appreciated my efforts. I hated how I was being treated different than the rest. I didn't want to cause any trouble, so I just walk away and act like nothing ever happened."
"That explains the bruise right there," he looked at it with concern. Sapphire gave a weak smile.
"Its not that bad," she shrugged, "so to answer your question...yes. When you don't have much friends at this age, you do get lonely sometimes."
"I see. Then, what about this...are you afraid of what others say about you?"
"Of course not," she shook her head, "it hurts a little bit, but that's because they don't know who I am."
"Then its no different to how a mammal like me, can say things about you."
"Yeah, but you're a mammal mammal...and if every mammal in your world saw me, then you can imagine how they can be weirded out or afraid to approach me..."
"That may be true, but as you said...they don't know who you really are. You be very surprised by how they can change their opinion if they got to know you. Also...you were never alone because you once had a life there. There are mammals that once cared for you...and they have been very patient for when you would return. To make a point...I have a few suggestions for you."
"...Okay..."
"If what you say is true...then I believe it will continue like this and nothing will ever change. On the other hand...I believe that you feel as if a part of you is missing, and that you are curious to know what my world has to with yourself, and why your parents loved it so much to protect it. It is your decision to make, and I won't object to whatever your answer may be...but I hope you find what you're looking for. In the meantime... I will wait outside with the others until you're ready." The elephant left through the tunnel. All was quiet now, and Sapphire was alone again. She looked back at the invention, slowly making her way to sit on the ground and laying her back on the wall.
Fast Forward
The grandfather clock was turning its wheels. 'Tick-tock' it rang as time went by; only two hours passed and all except for Sapphire was still in the study room. Studebaker had his hands over his face as he sat on his chair.
"Hah...Goliath," he sighed as the elephant looked down, "do you think I made the wrong decision?"
"Of course not," he said, "it was bound to happen either way."
"I hope Sapphire is okay," Judy said with concern, "she seemed really upset about this."
"Well would wouldn't you be if you were in that situation?" Nick implied.
"I'll go check on her," Studebaker stood up and walked out. He probably knew that she would be in her room, and he was right. When he got there, she was sitting on the side of her bed, her back facing him. The old man sighed and just stood in front of the door.
"I know you're mad at me," he began, "and I don't blame you for being upset. Before you say anything, just listen to me...your parents wanted to give you a place... where you could live without having to fear anything. Believe it or not...all those dreams you had until now...they were memories of those who cared about you. That's why I couldn't answer your question earlier...I thought it wouldn't make any sense if I told you then, but, I guess it doesn't matter now. Anyway...I'm sorry for putting you on the spot like that...and...if you choose to stay here, then that's fine. I only wanted what's best for you." He stared at her back, still not moving from her spot. Just then, she slowly began to stand up.
"If you say that...then I won't argue anymore," she said in a low voice. However, turned around and showed him a small smile.
"But...I think I depended on you long enough..."
"..." Studebaker watched as Sapphire placed her duffle bag down and walked towards him.
"Sapphire..." he was surprised, "are...are you sure you want to...?"
"If what you say is true, then...I shouldn't be afraid to find out. I have to know if this place is what you said it is. Even if I'm the only one of my kind...somehow my parents learned to cope with everyone so...why can't I?" Studebaker sighed again before smiling. He gave her a hug as she returned it.
"You are growing up to be just like your parents..." he stated.
"Will you be okay? Even after you destroy the portal...you won't forget about me?"
"No, of course not. How could I forget such a beautiful, and courageous young woman like yourself? No one can outdo your personality." Sapphire laughed as tears fell.
"I'll miss you."
"As will I..."
Fast Forward
"Are we all ready?" Professor Trunks looked back at Judy and Nick.
"All set," Judy said.
"Sapphire?" He looked at her. She was wearing a white v-neck shirt and shorts and boots, while carrying her duffle bag.
"Yes sir," she smiled. She then looked back at Studebaker, who was at the controls.
"Good luck Sapphire," he smiled, "take care of yourself." She nodded her head.
Sapphire had confidence in herself as she faced the portal. Taking a deep breath, she and the other mammals walked up, their bodies disappearing and now traveling into the portal. Studebaker shut the machine off as the humming of it died down. He sighed, and then looked up.
"We did it," he said to himself, "we made your last wish come true Chase...Jade... I think your daughter will be okay." He pulled out a switch. Once he pressed the button, the machine, and every equipment there started to break down. They crushed and bent, twisting itself until in one swoop, it all sucked itself and disappeared, as if nothing was ever there.
In the other world
"Aaaahhh!" Sapphire popped out from the portal and landed on the ground. Soon after it was Nick, and then Judy landed on him, with Professor Trunks still standing.
"Carrots, can you please get off?" Nick groaned.
"Well excuse me if I'm too heavy," she sighed as she got off of him. Sapphire grunted and stood up.
"Well that was a fun trip," she joked. Sapphire carried her duffle bag and looked at the elephant.
"So where are we?"
"In my basement," said the professor, "my house is a mile away from the city. Alright now, stand back..." he pulled out a control button.
"What's that for?"
"For the portal. It will be the last you'll ever see of it." He pressed the button. Instantly it did the same reaction; bending and twisting as it sucked itself. Within a flash it was gone, and everything else was untouched. The others were baffled.
"How did you do that?"
"Mr. Studebaker also made me replicate the remote to destroy the machine. Now that that's taken care of, let's head up stairs." He led them to the top of his house, where they ended up in the living room first. It was very nice; the red furniture, the wooden floors, and even the coffee table was all decorated in a Victorian style. The only difference that it was twice as big than a regular house.
"I love your house," Sapphire said.
"Thank you. Its been with my family for three generations. I value and care for it as if it was living and breathing like we are. Now then..." He walked towards the front door.
"You three must be off. Its seven in the morning and the train will be arriving in thirty minutes."
"You're not coming?"
"Oh no. I have my own ride there. Besides, its best if you experience Zootopia by traveling the fastest route there. Now off you go." The elephant opened the door and out they went.
The sun was shining, and Sapphire put her hand up to her face to shade herself. When she got a clear view, her eyes widened, catching her breath. There laid the lush and green fields that stretched over the countryside. The ocean to her right was calm and peaceful. The scenery altogether was amazing, leaving her speechless.
"There's the train station," Judy pointed in front of her.
"Let's go then," Nick jogged in front.
"Sapphire, are you coming?" Judy looked at her as Sapphire blinked.
"...Yeah...I'm coming..." she smiled as she followed them. Its a new world now, and Sapphire's journey will start here.
