Zack and Zeerox have been deployed to Zootopia. They are now both in pursuit of mammals they need to protect, seize or even kill.
A few hours pass and morning hits. The animal kingdom is waking up to what it seems to be another beautiful sunny day. We take a look back at the Thunder household. Cosmo and Rudolph spent the whole night sleeping with each other cuddled up next to each other. Rays of light shine through the windows giving the ultimate vibes of a summertime morning. Rudolph slowly opens his eyes and finds himself lying on Cosmo's chest. He looks confused at first but then he remembers the night that he spent sleeping with his most favorite fox in the world. His brother opens his eyes too and they both end up staring at each other awkwardly.
Rudolph: Good...morning?
Cosmo: Hey...uh...is it normal if I say I feel a somewhat little discomfort right now?
Rudolph: We slept through the night together for the first time ever so yeah it's natural that it makes you feel uncomfortable....
Rud gets off from Cosmo's chest...
Rudolph: However, there's one thing I can't simply deny. Sleeping with my head laid on your chest is way better than sleeping in school....
Cosmo: With your head on the desk?
Rudolph: Yes...that's just wretchedly tiring, you get even more torpid in school if you sleep in a sitting position.
Cosmo: There's one thing I learned from our night. I am a soft ball of fur and I am certainly not embarrassed right now.
Rudolph: Just say you had the best night of your life!
Cosmo: Admittedly, I never slept this good in my life before but that might be because of that hot milk I drank last night.
Rudolph: Seriously? A milk?
Cosmo: Yeah? Doesn't it make you sleep better?
Rudolph: For me, it's the dreams that make me sleep better unless they are about scary flying numbers from a math book...
Cosmo: You do have some uncanny dreams, don't you?
Rudolph: I can thank school for that. What time is it anyway?
Cosmo: Just wait for it....
Rudolph: Wait for what?
Cosmo's alarm sets off on his phone....
Cosmo: For this....
He sits up on his bed and reaches to his table to grab his phone.
Cosmo: Ugh, I really hate this tune that wakes me up five days a week. It got way too sickening!
He stops the alarm and puts his phone back on his bedside table...
Rudolph: I thought it was the weekend....
They are now both sitting on the edge of Cosmo's bed, stretching....
Cosmo: There's one more day we need to survive...I mean...you need to survive in school...
Rudolph: Thank you for reminding me of that!
Cosmo: It's Friday, what could go wrong?
Rudolph: Jake and his bootlickers? My school life is like a song set on repeat. I wake up, go to school, get bullied, go home, eat and sleep. Then this endless circle repeats itself.
Cosmo: That endless circle will end soon bro. Oh and is your alarm ever going to go off?
Rudolph: My awakening is really dependent on your alarm clock Cosmo.
Cosmo: Wait, what? You don't have your own alarm clock set up on your phone?
Rudolph: Is that a problem? Yours is enough to wake us both.
Cosmo: What if it failed to go off?
Rudolph: Oh that's simple to answer. We would just oversleep and be late for school, that's it.
Cosmo: And get in trouble, no thanks I don't need that. I am going to shower now.
He stands up and leaves the bedroom...
Rudolph: Why is it always him who gets to shower first?
Ten minutes later, Cosmo comes back fresh and ready to eat his breakfast. While he was gone, Rud made both of their beds and prepared their school bags...
Cosmo: I see you already had your morning exercise.
Rudolph: I am just trying to be the best brother I can possibly be.
Cosmo: I am very appreciative of the things you do Rud.
He grabs both of their backpacks and heads out...
Cosmo: You better hurry up or I'll eat your portion of our breakfast too!
Rudolph: Oh look it's Cosmo and his voracious morning appetite...
Cosmo stops by the doorway...
Cosmo: What's that?
Rudolph: I'll be downstairs in a minute....
Cosmo: Don't take long! School awaits!
He leaves the room making Rud more anxious about what's to come.
About ten minutes later, they all gather in the kitchen to eat their breakfast. It's Rudolph, Cosmo and both of their parents sitting at the table. They talk while they eat...
Cosmo: You know that feeling you get when you are served some really delicious food? I really love mornings.
Rudolph: Yeah, so appetizing...
Regina: I am glad you like the food I make for you guys...
Cosmo: Why be a nurse if you can easily become a chef in some kind of luxurious hotel and reach fame there for your cooking skills?
Blake: That's what I've wanted her to be. You boys are lucky you got such a smart and diligent mother who cooks with love!
Regina: While I greatly value your opinions about me, I still don't think I would ever come close to being a successful cook or even a head chef. It's a job I would enjoy but it wouldn't be something that would satisfy my needs. Being a doctor is different because I can make use of my extensive knowledge about medicine from my medical studies.
Cosmo: That's good because if we ever get hurt you can easily cure us, right?
Regina: Let's just pray it doesn't come to that.
Cosmo: How about you dad? What were you before you became you know...that someone we talked about yesterday...
Blake: Oh....so we are going to dig up the past again....
Cosmo: I am....sorry I didn't mean to make you ill at ease...
Blake: No, it's absolutely fine. After yesterday's horrific events, we can now talk about anything.
Cosmo: But still, I think I owe you all an apology. I shouldn't have misbehaved like that yesterday. I didn't intend to stir up a hornet's nest. I just wasn't the son you two deserve or the best brother in the world you need, Rud.
Blake: Hey, you opened my eyes and made me bring the facts to the light about who I used to be. It was about time I told you two everything.
Regina: Your father is right and we are not mad at you. You sought the truth you wanted to know since your early childhood. Your father did his best to tell you everything even though it was painful. We should never approach a serious family conversation like that ever again.
Blake: So, you want to know about me? Before my life turned into a shitshow...
He is interrupted there by his love....
Regina: Blake....language!
Blake: C'mon hun, they are old enough to know what mild profanity is...
Regina: But mommy disapproves of using bad language in front of her kids!
Blake: I thought as much...but anyway, before my life turned into that aforementioned thing, I served the ZDF as one of the youngest mammals to ever join the force. I outshone everyone back at the training fields. I was on a mission for a year, away from my family, fighting for our nation, killing terrorist filth. After my homecoming, my family and I went to a shopping center just before our planned vacation. That's where we got attacked by mafia members from the Golden Fang Clan. My unfaltering desire to avenge my family formed there. I lost them all that day. I lost everything, including myself. I wasn't who I was before those events. And that's how your dad became a ruthless hitman.
Regina: I think that's enough honey. We should rather talk about life-affirming things.
Blake: He wanted to know my story so I told him what he wanted.
Cosmo: Thank you for speaking openly about your past.
Blake: There's no reason for me to be indiscreet anymore. I got more to tell you if you are interested but more on my past after school.
He looks at Rudolph who is engrossed with thoughts about school and the bullies...
Blake: Your brother seems to be miles away...
Cosmo: What? My brother? He is that little cute silent type of fox that doesn't really talk during breakfasts especially when there are problems in his life right?
Rudolph: What? Are you... talking about me?
Regina: Sweetie you've been silent ever since we sat down to eat our breakfast. Is it because of school?
Rudolph: I thought you already knew about what's bothering me. It's the school stuff that's been weighing me down for months now.
Regina: See? This is what I wanted to talk about. This problem needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. In fact, we discussed this with your dad and came to the conclusion that I will take you to school today and visit the principal's office so we can sort this bullying issue out once and for all.
Blake: Remember, your problems are also our problems...
Rudolph: But...but dad it was you who was supposed to help me with this....
Blake: Change of plans. You know I can't go with you today because I am still not allowed to leave our house until twelve o'clock and your mom wants to come face to face with those bullies right today!
Regina: You two are the greatest gifts I've ever received in my life and I can't simply sit idly home knowing that those jerks push you around daily.
Rudolph: Mom...just don't. Everything will be fine. It's Friday after all. You don't need to take up rash actions without thinking about the consequences. Things will settle down after the weekend.
Cosmo: You can't be serious bro. Do you think you can really brave it out without someone who can finally end what you like to call "an endless circle?"
Regina: Rud, listen...
Rudolph: NO! You listen! I am not a little kid anymore! I can take care of myself and face my problems without your help. What do you think they are going to think about me when they see you next to me? It will not make me look any stronger or braver. I'll be the same little hapless weak fox to them who can only defend himself behind his parents' back.
Regina: Rud, your happiness and safety hinges on our intervention! This ain't going to get any better if we won't do anything about it!
Blake: Your mom is right! This is going to get worse and worse!
Rudolph: Cosmo, what time is it?
Cosmo checks his watch....
Cosmo: It's quarter past seven, why?
Rudolph: It's time to go....
Rud stands up leaving an empty plate on the table. He grabs his backpack and walks up to the entrance door...
Regina: Rud, where are you going? You still have plenty of time!
Rudolph: I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation as always. Cosmo, let's go....
Cosmo: I still haven't finished my breakfast...
Rudolph: Then I am going alone. Thanks for the breakfast mom. See you soon.
Regina: RUD COME BACK NOW!
He doesn't listen to his mother's order and leaves the house...
Blake: Just let him go. If that's what he wants to do, let him have the freedom to do so.
Regina: You're going to let him leave just like that? Do you even care about what he is living through in school?
Cosmo: Mom, dad, I am going after him. I have to be my brother's keeper. Sorry for this rushed morning. Love ya!
Before Cosmo leaves the house too, Regina stops him....
Regina: Cosmo, your lunch boxes...
Cosmo: Oh...I almost forgot! Thanks mom!
He grabs his and Rud's lunch box from the table....
Regina: You two look after each other okay?
Cosmo nods his head and leaves the house running after his brother.
Blake: Mistakes were made....on our part.
Regina: What mistakes?
Blake: He was so different yesterday after our family meltdown. I told him I would go to school and take care of his bullies. He agreed with my decision to help him with his school problems and was happy about it but this sudden change of plans was a bad idea. I hate to say this because this should be already under heavy investigation in school, but let's just wait one more day. He doesn't want you there due to the fear of you being way too easy-going. It's me who he wanted by his side, not you.
Regina: You know what I am capable of! You know how savage I can be! But it's NOT about that. Our son is being mistreated in school and being callous is not always the best solution. Do you even care?
Blake: Should they lay a hand on my son one more time, they will be filled with remorse for the rest of their lives!
Moments later, Cosmo catches up with his brother....
Cosmo: RUD! SLOW DOWN!
Rud stops and turns around to look at his brother gasping for air, sweating from the heat....
Cosmo: What.... are.... you.... doing?
Rudolph: I am going to the best place in the world....
Cosmo: Instead of....being out here....in this....blistering heat, we could have still sat home....for almost half an hour!
Rudolph: And talk about my problems? I'll rather face them personally than talk about them....
Cosmo: You forgot your lunch, here...
Cosmo hands Rud his lunch box....
Rudolph: You brought that for Jake?
Cosmo: He will not get it. I'll defend it with everything I can.
Rudolph: You can defend a plastic box but not your own brother....
Cosmo: No... I mean...it will be safe in my bag.
Cosmo puts the two lunch boxes into his backpack and then the two will resume walking....
Cosmo: I know how you feel bro and I wish I could defend you and make them stop harassing and bullying you, but I...
Rudolph: You what?!
Cosmo: I am just the same fox like you are from the inside who is trying to stay out of trouble...
Rudolph: Of course you are. We are the same age and they are a few years older and dumber.
Cosmo: Whatever will happen today, just remember that we've got something they don't have.
Rudolph: What is it?
Cosmo: Love.
Rudolph: Awww. You're very sweet Cosmo. I wish everyone was like you.
Cosmo: You can only dream about a world with my qualities...but hey one day you'll meet a friend far greater than me who will not only care about you and love you like me, but will also defend you from any obnoxious pests like that deer...
Rudolph: But the unpalatable truth is that there's nobody like that. Nobody wants to be my friend. It's probably because nobody likes me or it's just my introversion. If I didn't have you, I'd be forever lost in this world.
Cosmo: You are way more worthy than you give yourself credit for bro. You just need to have a positive mindset.
Rudolph: It's really hard to have that one given how foul my school life is.
Cosmo: Things will be better bro.
They reach the pedestrian crossing.....
Cosmo: Now don't repeat the same thing you did yesterday. Just take a look around first.
Rudolph: Are you tutoring me now?
Cosmo: Just trying to keep you SAFE!
Cosmo looks around, only a few cars pass...
Cosmo: Time to go!
They safely cross and continue walking towards the school....
Rudolph: Here we are again....
Cosmo: Keep your chin up bro. This day will be soon over.
There are some older students standing in groups outside at the fence and near the entrance of the school. The Thunder Brothers walk past them and enter the school. They get to the hallway with lockers. Since they arrived a bit too early, there aren't many students around just yet.
Cosmo: It's so weird to see this place half empty considering how busy it gets ten to fifteen minutes before class starts. Thanks to leaving early, our day here is going to be much longer now...
Rudolph: You can go back home and come back later if you really miss the high babble of voices...
Rud opens his locker to grab the necessary books for the day and so does his brother. Then they hear a familiar laughter full of mischief coming down the hallway from the entrance of the school. It's Jake and two of his friends having just arrived.
Rudolph: Is it who I think it is?
Cosmo: Yes, just ignore him completely.
Rudolph: Out of the small number of students who go to school early, why does he have to be one of them?
Jake and his two friends, an opossum (Marcus) and an antelope (Leeroy) walk dangerously close to the Thunder Brothers. Jake doesn't even see them first or even bother looking at them standing near their opened lockers until Marcus spots Rud and alerts Jake about him...
Marcus: Jo, Jake, hit the brakes. Look who's here!
And that's when the poor fox gets the attention of the most unpleasant person in his life, Jake Wanderhaal, a churlish deer that has been feeding on Rud's misfortune and fear for a year now...
Jake: Well, look who it is! You didn't even say hi you little wretch!
Rud doesn't even take no notice of Jake and continues picking his books, but now fretfully...
Jake: Hey, dumbbell, I am talking to you! Don't turn your back on me!
Leeroy: Yeah! Don't turn your back on him! That's so impolite!
Jake: You need to be taught some good manners. I guess your mommy failed to do that!
Cosmo: Knock it off Jake and leave!
Jake: Keep your lips sealed Cosmo! Nobody is talking to you!
Leeroy: Yeah shut it or you're next!
Jake: So, aren't you gonna greet your friend Jake? No?
He gets no response from Rud which makes his hackles rise. He grabs his shoulder from behind and turns him around by force, making him even drop a few books to the ground. He does not look directly into Jake's eyes as the poor fox shakes because of being under a great deal of mental strain...
Jake: I missed that worthless face of yours! Are you....afraid of me? SAY IT!
Rud then says something under his breath....
Jake: What was it? I didn't hear ya shrimp!
Rudolph: No! I am NOT afraid of ANY OF YOU!
Jake's friends dissolve into laughter....
Marcus: That's cute!
Leeroy: And terrifying at the same time!
Jake: Really? Not afraid of us? Then why are you shaking as if you took a heavy dosage of stupidity drugs?!
Cosmo: You are so desperate that you need to bully students smaller and weaker than you. It's a solid proof you are a poltroon that pressures and bullies others. It's just way over the fence! Stop it, Jake!
Jake: Someone's asking for a real beating! If you don't want my fist in your face Cosmo, just shut up. I am not talking to you! If I were you, I'd make myself scarce!
Rudolph: Why....
Jake: Huh?
Rudolph: Why are you doing this to me? What did I do to deserve being treated like this?
Jake: This place is sucking the energy out of me with its boring environment and a small daft toothpick like you is my only source of entertainment.
Rudolph: What are you trying to prove? I am not scared of you anymore! Grow up already and leave me alone! JUST GET OUT OF MY LIFE!
Rud's breathing intensifies...
Jake: Really? You think raising your voice will help you? That's not how an unafraid fox sounds like. Just look at you! You look like you're about to collapse and your eyes are already getting watery. I just can't help myself. I love seeing you like this, really. You came very early today and I can't believe I already made you a whiny toddler. Where did you leave your momma? You don't belong...
Jake's excessive blathering gets interrupted unexpectedly by Rud himself when he punches Jake in his face and makes him hit the lockers on the other side of the hallway. It's something he didn't expect from someone like Rudolph. This draws the attention of some nearby students but they don't really come any closer to see what's up...
Rudolph: YOU'RE TRASH! STOP PICKING ON ME ALREADY AND LET ME LIVE!
Jake and his friends are speechless about what just happened including Cosmo...
Jake: Did you....did you really just hit me?
He rubs his face, shocked and really mad. He rolls up his sleeves getting ready to beat Rudolph to unconsciousness but before he even comes any closer to him, his brother steps in front of him to protect him, growling furiously....
Cosmo: STAY....AWAY...FROM...MY... BROTHER!
Marcus and Leeroy join Jake's side to support him. Before they clash, a teacher appears walking down the hallway in the distance....
Teacher: What's going on there?
Rudolph: You three are a bunch of shameful losers, MAINLY YOU JAKE! GET OUT OF MY LIFE ALREADY!
He grabs his backpack and runs off going upstairs to his classroom...
Jake: LOSERS? THIS ISN'T OVER YOU LITTLE BASTARD!
The teacher is coming closer to the group from the hallway....
Marcus: He called us losers....he's going to pay for that!
Leeroy: That was so insulting! How dares he disrespect us older students!
Jake: And I can't believe he walked away in front of my eyes after punching my face...ugh...that mousy little shit will face my wrath real soon!
Cosmo: He wasn't so mousy now, was he? You three need to stop bullying my brother. You can't do this to him forever! I am so tired of seeing you mock him and treat him unfairly!
Jake: Oh look! His slightly less inept brother has now found some courage to stand up for him....
Marcus: Jake, the teacher's coming. Let's get out of here. We'll deal with these two simpletons later.
Jake comes closer to Cosmo and the two stare at each other menacingly...
Jake: Tell your weak-minded twitchy brother I'm gonna dust him off so badly for this and send him home crying his eyeballs out!
As he finishes talking he punches the door of the locker with his fist and then walks away quickly with his friends to avoid the teacher. Cosmo sighs in relief knowing that the situation didn't get any worse. The teacher stops by him....
Teacher: Cosmo, what was that all about?
Cosmo: Nothing.....
Teacher: Jake and his friends are at it again, aren't they? What exactly happened between you and them?
Cosmo: We were just bickering over some things...
Teacher: I'm going to have a word with him later in his class. He's a big troublemaker.
Cosmo: Yeah, I figured.
Teacher: Those books on the ground, are those your brother's?
Cosmo looks at the floor with Rudolph's books...
Cosmo: Oh yes, he left....in a hurry.
Teacher: Why?
Cosmo: Because he couldn't stand looking at Jake's face anymore so he went to his classroom...at least that's where I hope he went...
The teacher is about to pick up all the books from the ground....
Cosmo: Oh, please don't bother Mr. Anderson. I'll do it myself.
Mr. Anderson: Okey dokey. If they happen to bully you or your brother constantly, we can bring them in front of the principal but first, you should tell your parents about this. Understood?
Cosmo: I'll see what I can do.
Mr. Anderson: Alright, have a wonderful Friday!
Cosmo: You too, Mr. Anderson.
Mr. Anderson walks down the hallway. There are more students coming in from the entrance door. The hallway is about to get really busy. Cosmo then proceeds to pick up all the books Rud dropped before getting away from Jake's sight. He puts them all in his bag, they barely fit in there.
Cosmo: My bag is almost full...oh boy.
That wasn't the best start of the day. Rudolph was forced to face his nightmare in school once again. Now, the question is, how long will it take them to break this endless circle? This can't keep going forever....