Having found the Thunder Brothers by accident, Zack is now on the right track as meeting with his "best friend" Blake is imminent. The three are walking in the middle of a street, just a couple of houses away from the Thunder family household.
Cosmo: Aren't you going to take off your hood? We still haven't fully seen your face...are you that shy?
Zack: Let's say I am trying to keep my identity hidden. There's a pretty seamy history between me and this city's citizens.
Cosmo: Let me guess, you're a criminal.
Zack: A....former criminal.
Cosmo: That's nothing surprising. Our dad used to be one too.
Zack: So, he told you about his past. Interesting....
Cosmo: Yeah, the wound is fresh.
Rudolph: We've been through a lot recently....
Zack: I am sorry about that. Did something change during these past fifteen years between your parents? It's been...another decade of separation. I failed to be his best friend twice....
Cosmo: Dad has spent fifteen years in home imprisonment and mom... she is just a proud and happy mother of two silly kids....
Rudolph: And there's also this rags to riches story about them.
Cosmo: Yep, we are rolling in money...but they aren't particularly proud and overjoyed about it....especially dad. How about you....Zack? Where have you been all these years?
Zack: Me? My life has been brought to a halt those long fifteen years ago upon failing to overtake this city with my forces. I was working for Zootopia's biggest single enemy back then, The Odynhood Empire, more about this later okay? It's a very sensitive topic. My reminiscences are not a laughing matter unfortunately.
Cosmo: Me and my brother thought our dad committed the worst crimes in this city and now you came into view with your untold perturbing story. Is our mom really the only one that has no criminal record?! It's really scary to live in a world where you can potentially get killed with every step you make. Why can't we all live in harmony and love each other?
Zack: You may want to ask your mom about her past too. I am sure she has her own untold story you guys have not heard about yet. She was once working for me....
Rudolph: Our mom too? No....what did she do?
Zack: The answers to that question must be sought from your mother herself. Now, look at me, both of you...
Zack stops in place and so do the brothers...
Zack: I consider our sudden meeting a real fluke, you guys just helped me a lot with finding your father and since I unraveled my deeds from the past, I want to give my assurance to you. I am not here to settle scores or anything in regards to bloodshed. I am here on my last mission, to protect your dad from that super soldier who was sent to capture him and deliver him into the hands of the enemy. Just don't fear me okay?
Cosmo: You'll get my full trust IF that dude who's after our dad appears. I just hope he doesn't because our lives are already difficult and I don't want them to get even harder.
Rudolph: If you wouldn't come, I don't think we would come home today. I trust you with my heart Zack...and to be honest I am here walking with you with a sense of foreboding. You are here for a reason. I do believe everything you say is true, it has to be.
Zack: I will not let any of you down. I am yet to prove my virtues here.
Rudolph: I feel like you're my guardian angel....
Zack: Hypothetically speaking, I am indeed your guardian angel. I hope I can also be your devoted friend.
Rudolph: A friend....
Rudolph finds it hard to believe what Zack just said and turns rather emotionless for a second....
Zack: Is there a problem with that?
Cosmo: My brother here hasn't been that lucky with being in good company his whole life. He is extremely stoked to have a new friend....
Rudolph: That's a bright spot in my life....
Cosmo: Don't forget about me....and Madison....we are already making it better for you.
Rudolph: Of course you are...but making yet another friend is really a dream come true.
Zack: I'll be whatever you want me to be, your guardian, your friend or even bestie. If things in your life are really that dreary, I promise I'll take you on an adventure after my mission is over, that's if your dad will allow me to be with you....or mom.
Rudolph: The future is already shaping up to be great for all of us. Thank you seriously Zack. I hope you know what you're doing.
Cosmo: I can see us become friends but like I said, you aren't getting my trust until we see that guy come after our dad. Only then your point will be proven. Anyways, our house is right there....you want to come in with us directly or you'd prefer to take it slowly....going in like a ninja...I mean I have no idea what your relationship is with our parents and that's why I am afraid you may induce some pretty big emotions....like terror and shock depending on your relationship with them....
Zack: I was just about to propose this idea of you getting me into your house from the backyard...or from the garage and reuniting me with your dad first before your mom.
Cosmo: Good thinking Zack. So it's our mom we should avoid first before making dad know about you. I have this feeling your relationship with our mom isn't anywhere cordial.
Zack: True, me and your mom still have to bury the hatchet.
Cosmo: I see. There's a cessation of hostilities that needs to be done. What on Earth have you done to her before?
Zack: Ask her yourself. That will guarantee you a nice worthwhile response.
Rudolph: The plan has been devised. Can we finally go home? I am tired and I want to get some rest...like I don't really feel good right now....
Cosmo: I thought you were feeling better....
Rudolph: Not anymore....I'm still in pain.....and it's getting worse...
Zack: You need a medical checkup. Those assholes did some really nasty stuff to you. Let's get off the street. I don't want to dally too long here.
The three reach the house....
Cosmo: Rud, stay out here with him while I open the garage door from the inside.
Rudolph: Okay, just please hurry up....
He responded while looking weary. Cosmo enters the house...
Zack: You don't look good Rudolph....
Rudolph: We got Jake to thank for this condition I am currently in.
Zack: You have to see a doctor or go to the hospital.
Rudolph: There's no way I am going to the hospital. My bed should nurse me back to health. I am not going to let this pain stop me from enjoying my time with my family, AT HOME.
Zack: Where does this pain come from?
Rudolph: My stomach....most of the time and then there's this tiredness and feeling nauseous. My head also received some punches, I can't believe he didn't break my muzzle...
Zack: You better not underestimate these symptoms of a serious injury. You said that the deer beat you up, he could have caused you internal bleeding.
Rudolph: I am not going to be crippled by that deer. That's not happening....
Meanwhile inside the house....
Cosmo walks through the living room and when his dad greets him with joy....
Blake: Cosmo dear! I am so glad to see you back home! Tell me, do you see something unusual?
Cosmo: Hey dad. What's new?
Blake: Can't you see? My neck? No collar?
Cosmo's eyes settle on Blake's neck for a moment....
Cosmo: Oh I am so sorry for being ridiculously oblivious of that!
Blake: You got your head in the clouds boy! How could you not notice this? My punishment is finally over!
Cosmo: Oh yes this is that special day...
Blake: And where's your brother?!
Cosmo: He...failed to keep pace with me but he'll be here soon.
Blake: How? You kids are full of surprises.
Cosmo: Just a quick question, where's mom?
Blake: She's outside in the garden. She hasn't been feeling well ever since you two left in the morning....
Cosmo: What do you mean she hasn't been feeling well?
Blake: She grew plainly concerned about you two. You should go say hi to her now to set her mind at rest.
Cosmo: We will, but before we do that, we got a....surprise for you.
Blake: What? A surprise? For me? Should I be keyed up about it?
Cosmo: It's something really mind-bending....I don't know how you're going to react to this "surprise" but it's something that happens once in a blue moon.
Blake: Show me to this "surprise"...
Cosmo: Wait here okay?
Blake: Okay, just don't keep me waiting for too long. I am an impatient fox...
Cosmo then walks down the room and goes into the garage to open the door from the inside. He presses a button and the door starts opening slowly. Cosmo is looking rather nervous, checking the door behind him making sure his mom and dad don't come in just yet. The door opens completely. Zack is standing there with Rudolph being leaned against him while he holds him with one arm. The little fox looks really frail...
Zack: What took you so long? Your brother over here is feeling giddy as hell.
Rudolph: Look, it's nothing...I'll walk it off or just take a cold shower and I'll be fine.
Cosmo: Bro you don't sound good. This is bad....
Rudolph then walks taking unsteady steps and stops next to his brother...
Rudolph: Give me....one day to recover. This is nothing, don't worry about me okay?
Cosmo: One day....something is patently wrong here with you and it's a serious thing. I am afraid you'll be laid up in bed for several days....in hospital even...
Rudolph: Keep on dreaming Cosmo....
Rudolph then continues walking with a stagger and leaves the garage...
Zack: Cosmo, if he is left unattended, it will cause an emergence of even more problems!
Cosmo: I know.....and he will just keep this under his hat. He won't be able to hide this from mom though, or even dad. I mean it's obvious he is really hurt. Now, are you coming in or not?
Zack: It's time to restore friendly relations....
He walks in the garage nervously....
Cosmo: If you are ready I'll go after my dad and bring him here with me....
Zack: I am ready...
Cosmo: I feel the tension....I am curious myself how this is going to work out...
Zack: What are the chances he is going to accept me back in his life?
Cosmo: How am I supposed to know that? You were with him fifteen years ago so only you know the answers to that question. You should know how he viewed your separation or what your relationship looked like the last day you saw each other.
Zack: Just go bring him here....please.
As Cosmo leaves the garage to get his dad, Zack gets more flashbacks from fifteen years ago, one is from the top of Zootopia's skyscraper, where the animal kingdom almost met its doom. Cosmo returns back to the living room....
Cosmo: Alright, come with me.
Blake: Wait a second....your brother. What's wrong with him? He came in and went upstairs without saying anything.
Cosmo: He's...
Regina comes in from the backdoor....
Cosmo: Hey mom!
Regina: Darling! You have no idea how happy I am to see you back home!
She comes up to Cosmo and gives him a big hug....
Cosmo: Oh mom! You almost squashed me!
Regina: Hey, I just wanted to make sure you feel the power of love!
Cosmo: I know...I know. Your love towards me and my brother will always be immeasurable.
Regina: Sorry if I still treat you like a little child but parenting is the best part of my life and I am just really enjoying it you know?
Blake: Our lives...
Regina: Yes honey. Where's Rud?!?!
Blake: He went upstairs without saying anything looking really strange...
Regina: Is it because of school Cosmo? What's wrong?
Cosmo is no longer willing to keep secrets from his parents and goes out with the truth...
Cosmo: He's not doing well after what happened today in school. I think he needs your attention more than ever!
Regina: I knew it! I had this uncanny feeling ever since afternoon about something being wrong...
She does not say anything else and goes upstairs after Rud. Blake is about to go too but Cosmo grabs his paw and stops him...
Cosmo: Hey, what are you doing? Aren't you forgetting something?
Blake: No, but my son is more important than a surprise that you got for me.
Cosmo: You need to see something, come with me!
Blake: Okay...just make it quick. Whatcha got in the garage for me? A new car that actually works?
Cosmo: It's not an object. Come....
Blake follows Cosmo to the garage....
- Upstairs -
Regina knocks on Rud's bedroom door and gets in, but her son isn't there, only his backpack next to his bed...
Regina: Sweetie? Rud?
- The Bathroom –
Rudolph is standing in front of the bathtub shirtless while holding his stomach. His condition is deteriorating. He leans forward and vomits blood in the bathtub.
- The Garage -
Cosmo steps into the garage, making Zack stop looking through Blake's items and car....
Cosmo: And....we.....are....here....
His dad appears right behind him, at first he doesn't notice Zack as he only glances at the car....
Blake: What do you want me to do? I don't see anything new of interest...
Zack: How about reuniting with an old friend....for the second time?
Zack pulls down his hoodie, fully revealing his head as he feels safe and much more comfortable within Blake's presence. The two stare at each other fixedly, both having mixed emotions....
Cosmo: Maybe I should have told you some key details about this "surprise" before dragging you in here right? You two are totally dumbstruck!
Blake: Cosmo, leave the garage and close the door behind you....
Cosmo: Merry reunion I guess....
He leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Now it's the two "best friends" in one room....
Zack: Your sons are really graceful and surpassingly helpful, without them....I'd be still wandering the streets looking for the best person in my life...how have you been my friend?
No words come out of Blake's mouth, he just starts taking small steps towards Zack with tears collecting in his eyes....
Zack: I am not asking for much....I just...want to be accepted back in your life.....if you...still love me like those many years ago.....or you probably don't anymore. Please just don't kick me through the door....
Blake just opens his arms and welcomes back his best friend with a big embrace....
Zack: I'll take it as a firm acceptance in your family.
Blake: Did you really think I was done with you after Operation Thunderbolt? I never stopped loving you as my best friend. Where have you been? How are you alive?! Did they send you here for some reason?
Zack: I didn't expect such a fervent reaction from you my dear friend.
Blake: Shit, Regina....she needs to know about you too...
Zack: Yeah, a wholehearted reconciliation with her is definitely needed.
Blake: This may not be an easy topic to talk about but what did they do to you after you were transported back to Gryphonia?
Zack: You still remember that city's name?
Blake: It's a city controlled by an empire that tried to take over or even destroy Zootopia so its name will remain fixed in my mind forever.
Zack: You wanted to know what happened to me after Operation Thunderbolt, Neyla....my former Empress punished me for my failure by putting me into a hibernation. I spent all these years frozen in a chamber with sub-zero temperature.
Blake: I see....you spent all these years on a cold vacation. Now that's what I call a retirement!
Zack: Blake, that's very sardonic....
Blake: Oh, I am sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I need to work on my social skills. You may now think that I finally got the life I wanted because of having a family but it's been really tough for me. I also got punished for my crimes from fifteen years ago. Home imprisonment for fifteen years is what my sentence was. My movement was very limited and what breaks my heart the most is that I couldn't go to places with my kids like all the other parents. They never experienced something such as going on a family tour, you name it. There's nothing memorable for them to remember me by. This punishment....ended today, the day you reappeared in my life Zack...
Zack: Blake....it's never too late to give your sons a lifelong experience that will be forever engraved in their hearts. And about our second reunion, it feels really serendipitous, I know but this is rather pivoted on destiny. I am here to carry out my last mission, to protect you from a genetically modified advanced elite force, a supersoldier whose goal is to capture you and deliver you into the hands of the Odynhood Empire.
Blake: No...not again. I thought this was over. Why can't we finally live peacefully as one big family? I don't want another war...I have a family now....
Zack: I know you wish things were different, but you can't leave the past behind without facing our biggest enemy to date, the Gryphonians. They won't rest until their emperor is resurrected. I am here to prevent this from happening by protecting you and killing that thing which is coming for you...
Blake: My blood....they need my blood....
Zack: You are right. You know what the Reinvigorator did to you....it's in your blood and they need it to bring their emperor back to life....
Blake: I thought they already had one ruler....
Zack: Turns out Neyla lacks self-assurance and she rather places all her reliance on her late father who by the way used to exude a lot of tenacity and inflexibility so we better not let them have your blood or this city will never see another sunrise. Please....embark on a journey with me one last time until we find a way to end this ongoing antagonism between the two kingdoms once and for all. I hope you trust me....we are best friends after all...at least I hope so.
Blake: You are lucky this Gryphonian stuff isn't anything new to me. Nobody would ever believe you if you weren't their childhood friend. I'll do whatever you ask me to do if it means my family remains safe and this threat is subdued.
Zack: Thank you for still believing in me. Your family is now under my protection.
Blake: You always had a special place in my heart Zack. How did you even reach Zootopia? Who sent you? Did you escape or what?
Zack: I got released from my cryo chamber by this scientist bunny...Lyra. She is....my creator. It was her who briefed me about the plans of the Odynhood Empire and sent me here to protect you from Zeerox, also codenamed Project Zeta. I don't know when he will strike, but we should be on full alert.
- Upstairs, Cosmo and Rudolph's bedroom -
There's something that caught Regina's eyes. She found a piece of paper on Rudolph's desk that wasn't there before he came home with Cosmo.
She is holding it in her paws, looking at it with a big smile on her face. There's a phone number on it with a beautifully drawn heart below it and a text saying "Call me anytime, cutie!" She just knows Rudolph found a female friend and is very happy for him, but that doesn't quite diminish her feelings of great concern about him. She then hears someone coming from outside the room. Thinking it is Rud, she quickly puts the paper down back on the desk just like it was before she picked it up. The person walking inside turns out to be Cosmo.
Cosmo: Hey mom. Are you looking for something?
Regina: It's not something....it's someone. Where's your bro sweetheart?
Cosmo: I think he is taking a shower. I heard some noises coming from the bathroom.
Regina: Tell me, what exactly happened to school today?
Cosmo: I'm going to be very candid with you now. I am not going to be silent about this. The bullies....they went too far this time and beat him up real bad.
Regina: WHAT?! My poor boy! And how about the teachers? Was there anyone who was willing to interfere?
Cosmo: Nope....they picked a place that is seldom visited by teachers where they beat him up. It happened on the toilets, mom....and I wasn't there to help him. I really wish I spiked their guns but it all happened out of the blue. He was absent from the last lesson because of this. The teacher didn't even bother looking for him, they are all just so careless in that school. Minutes before the end of the lesson I went to look for him only to find him in a pool of blood.
Regina: Okay that's enough. I've heard enough. I just knew something was wrong all along. WHO ARE THESE BULLIES?!
Cosmo: Please mom....just don't overreact...they already got what they deserved...
Regina: DON'T OVERREACT? That's such an overstatement coming from a fox who has no idea what parenthood is and what concerns and responsibilities come with it! I am his mother....YOUR MOTHER....and hearing you describe what happened in school is absolutely upsetting!
Cosmo: I am so sorry mom. I shouldn't have said that. I know this situation is a whole different for a mother. I understand you...
Regina: You clearly don't understand that but you'll know what it is like when you become a parent too in the future.
Regina leaves the room and closes the door behind her leaving Cosmo alone in it. She reaches the bathroom door and gently knocks on it....
Regina: Sweetie? Are you in there?!
Rudolph: M..mom? Y-yeah....right here...
Regina: Your brother told me what happened today at school....
Rudolph: It was....nothing. I got out with just....a tiny scratch.
Regina hears him talk with a low voice, obviously in pain...and tries to get in but the door is locked....
Regina: Open the door!
Rudolph: Mom! No....can't you give this fox some privacy? I am trying...to give myself a fresh feeling here. Whatever my brother told you, it's not that serious like you think it is...believe me....
Regina: This is not how you dispel my feelings of worry. I need to see you! NOW! Please darling....open the door.....I know you're in pain. I am just as hurt as you are...
Rudolph: Give me a minute....
Rud puts on his shirt after cleaning the blood from the bathtub and opens the door for Regina. She walks to him, putting her paw on his shoulder....
Regina: Dear...what have they done to you?
Rudolph: I am sorry mom...I couldn't defend myself...I am such a weakling.
Regina: How could they do this to you? Please don't call yourself weak. It's the bullies who are weak and foolish enough to hurt such an innocent and beautiful fox like you.
Rudolph: Mom...there's something wrong with my stomach....this pain....is making me dizzy and nauseous.
Regina: You need to rest right now. I am going to school on Monday to personally confront your bullies and the head teacher! I am NOT going to let such a violent physical attack on you slide!
She notices blood on Rud's mouth....
Regina: Is that blood on your muzzle?
Rudolph: I....just vomited blood not so long ago....
Regina: You did?! This is far worse than I thought then! Let's get you to your bed! Rest a bit and if this pain will keep persisting, we're going to have to get you to the hospital. Vomiting blood signifies something bad and that should not be overlooked! I am thinking about taking you to the hospital....like...NOW!
Rudolph: Mom...that won't...be necessary. I can...just recover by....having a good...sleep....
Regina: You can barely talk and you look and sound very enfeebled. You know what my profession was before and I know exactly the process that will follow if we don't take care of this major problem in the best way possible. I am going to assume that they punched you and kicked you hard, especially around your abdomen area. There has to be a tear somewhere which causes bleeding. Are you sure a simple sleep is going to heal you?
Rudolph: Mom....I am going to be alright okay? I don't feel like I am dying or bleeding out to death....
Regina: Listen closely, I don't have the proper equipment to run a diagnosis on you nor know how acute this internal injury is but I know one thing....this cannot be left untreated sweetheart. Listen to me please....I can take you to the hospital. This is not going to get better.
Rudolph: I...don't like hospitals.....I am scared of being alone there....I don't want to go there mom....
Regina: You have to listen to me, please!
Rudolph: Excuse me...I really don't feel like talking right now...my head is spinning....all over the place....
Before he is able to take one step out of the bathroom, Regina stops him and grabs his paw to lead him into his bedroom....
She leads Rudolph back into his bedroom. Cosmo sitting on his bed.
Cosmo: I see you found the hidden treasure mom.
Regina: A treasure in need of serious medical attention...
Cosmo: Oh no....is it that bad?
Regina: The situation is looking precarious. Please look after him while I get dad, where's he?
Cosmo: He's in the garage....but...let me go get him okay? Rud is in need of motherly love and attention so you better stay with him....
Regina: Just hurry up....
Cosmo leaves the room and goes after his dad. Rudolph approaches his desk and the first thing he does is hide the piece of paper in the drawer from Regina which makes her smile because she already knows what the paper is all about. He lies down on the bed holding his stomach....
Rudolph: Mom...
Regina: Yes sweetheart?
Rudolph: I am scared...
Regina: Scared of...what?
Rudolph: Of not seeing you again....
Regina: C'mon sweetie don't say such things, everything is going to be okay. You just have to stay hopeful. You know that mommy is never abandoning you. I'll go anywhere with you and I'll never let you out of my sight. I must keep a treasure like you as close to my heart as possible.
Rudolph: A reassuring, caring and kind mother is what gives me hope.....
Regina: You're going to make it my little angel. Once your brother brings your dad in here we will decide what we are going to do with you.
She sits down on the edge of Rud's bed and softly rubs his belly with her paw.
Regina: So....did something....worthy of mentioning happen in school...except....you know....this?
Rudolph: Not...really.....every day feels...the same.
Regina sighs as she empathizes with her son...
Regina: Since your dad is now a free fox....a change is bound to happen, trust me. We are going to go on all kinds of vacations and adventures as a family together. Can you imagine all the spectacular photos you can take during our trips? Your photo album is going to get so big!
Rudolph: I've...always....been that....adventurous fox....but I never got a chance....to travel to places with you all.
Regina: Your entire life is ahead of you. There will be many opportunities for you to visit breathtaking places and form beautiful memories with us.
Rudolph: I really hope so mom....
- The Garage -
Zack reveals his futuristic highly advanced weaponry given to him by Lyra. He puts the TRX400 plasma rifle and TA10 hand cannon on the table. These weapons are considered as one of the best weapons in the Gryphonian army.
Blake: Is this everything you have?
Zack: What did you expect? A heavy truck loaded with strong newfangled weaponry this city has never seen? According to Lyra, these will be comparatively good to inhibit Zeerox's actions.
Blake: Only inhibit? I am not going to keep running away from that beast forever. There has to be a way to stop him, permanently.
Zack: That's why we should always be on the move until I figure out how to kill this guy. We should get a move on.
Blake: What about Regina? She still doesn't know about your return.
Zack: How about leaving that for another time?
Blake: It's been so long since I left this neighborhood and I am afraid I'll have difficulties to conform out there. It's not easy for me....
Zack: And I am trying to adapt to this brand new world you animals are living in. This ain't easy for me either. Blending in with these animals is not easy, not after my crimes from the past.
Blake: I know. We have a common history and that makes us understand each other even more. Let's just get this over with!
Zack: Good. We need to find a desolate place with zero animal activity and wait for Zeerox there, that's if he doesn't find us before that.
Blake: I hate to say this but as you can CLEARLY see....the government seized my weapons, how do you expect to defend myself?
Zack: I do not require you to fight this thing. Only I have the ability to vanquish this creation. I only ask you to stay behind cover when he comes.
Blake: But you don't have any special abilities except....your supernatural strength...
Zack: I've recently discovered my true power that I carry deeply inside me. It's not always about the power I have in my fists...
Blake: Show me then. What will you use to bury that guy underground while also defending me?
Zack: Its manifestation is far more complicated than you think.
At that moment, Cosmo comes into the garage...
Blake: Geez, didn't I teach you to politely knock on the door before coming in?
Cosmo: I am sorry dad! There's a matter of urgency! My brother is not doing well...
Blake: What?! What's wrong?!
Cosmo: He's been hurt by the bullies in school. That's what happened.
Zack: Don't forget about our plan Blake...
Blake: Just hold that thought Zack. I know our lives are at stake but my son's health is more important than anything else on this planet.
Blake and Cosmo leave Zack alone in the garage and head upstairs into the bedroom....
- Cosmo and Rudolph's bedroom -
Cosmo and Blake enter the room and signs of great concern immediately develop in him about his son...
Blake: What's the matter?!
He comes close to the bed and kneels next to it to look at his son....
Regina: I believe he is bleeding from the inside, the bullies beat him up and I am afraid the blows he received from them may have caused him internal bleeding from around his abdomen area.
Rudolph: I am so sorry mom and dad. I didn't mean to cause all these unnecessary problems to you....
Blake: Rud, none of this is your fault. Who did this to you?
Rudolph: Just one deer....goes by the name Jake....
Blake: Nobody is allowed to hurt my son like this. Whatever that deer was thinking when he did this to you, he will learn what true violence is.
Regina: Honey....you can't just go and do nasty stuff to someone again. You just earned your freedom!
Blake: And he can't just beat up our son like this! He is not a goddamn punching bag! This Jake guy is nearing the end of his days!
Blake becomes really upset...
Rudolph: Dad...don't. Zack already beat him to a pulp for this...
Blake and Cosmo look at each other nervously because of Rudolph saying that specific name in front of Regina by accident....
Regina: Who? Zack?!
Cosmo: Our classmate, mom.
Blake: It's not that Zack you knew personally darling...
Regina: Do not say that name ever again....
And then all of a sudden Zack appears behind Cosmo....
Zack: Those are some persuasive lies. I hate to bring out the truth but this Zack guy is actually their new friend who saved their necks.
Blake: Ah shit....prepare for a meltdown....
Cosmo: Are your ears faulty? Because my dad clearly told you to wait in the garage!
Regina jumps up from the bed as she hears a voice that brings nothing but terror for her. She turns around hurriedly...
Regina: YOU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN OUR HOUSE?! COSMO COME HERE RIGHT NOW!
Cosmo: Mom...he is a friend....
Regina: I SAID COME HERE! THAT THING IS A MENACE TO OUR FAMILY!
Zack: I expected a bit more welcoming attitude from you Regina. These fifteen long years weren't enough to shrink your intense hatred towards me to zero it seems. I am not here to cause any harm or damage.
Regina: I DON'T CARE! YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN A HEARTLESS, CYNICAL, WARMONGER WHO KILLED THOUSANDS OF ANIMALS! THE DEPREDATIONS OF YOUR ONSLAUGHT ARE UNFORGIVABLE! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE RIGHT NOW! LEAVE US ALONE!
The boys have never seen their mom so angry before...
Blake: Darling....calm down. Just hear him out...
Zack: I am fully aware that my appearance engendered some really negative emotions in you Regina and that you don't want me around in your life. I am not asking for your forgiveness because I don't deserve it. All I am asking for is a second chance, a chance to prove that I am not who you think I am, not anymore. I am here on a mission, to protect Blake from being captured by a super soldier that has been dispatched shortly after my arrival to the city by the Odynhood Empire.
Cosmo: I've never seen you so furious before.
Rudolph slowly sits up and jumps off his bed...
Blake: Whoa! Rud! Stay in your bed! You shouldn't be walking right now!
He starts walking towards Zack without saying anything until Regina grabs him quickly by his arm....
Regina: STOP!
Rudolph: Let me go mom....
She slowly releases his arm....
Rudolph: I don't like....how you behave towards my new friend....mom....
He stands in front of Zack, feeling very comfortable next to him...
Rudolph: I don't...care what your history...is with Zack. He saved us from....the bullies.
Cosmo: I agree with my brother, mom. I do not approve of how you conduct yourself right now given how serious this situation is....
Rudolph: And....I ....would...appreciate if you....left me....alone....I need...to get some...rest....
Rudolph is about to hit the ground again from faintness before Zack catches him in his hands....
Zack: I got him!
Blake, Regina and Cosmo quickly come close to check up on Rudolph....
Blake: Rud! Son! That's it. I am calling the ambulance!
Regina: I'll take him to the hospital myself!
Blake: What?!
Regina: It will take ages for the ambulance to come here. I can get him to the hospital much quicker!
Cosmo: Mom! He is unresponsive! Is he going to be alright?!
He said it while looking at his mother with teary eyes....
Regina: Let's hope for the best! After this is over, I don't want any of you to keep any secrets from me anymore! IF there's something that is giving you trouble, you tell ME!
Blake picks up his son from Zack's hands....
Rudolph: M-mom....
Blake: It's me son. I got you! We're going to get you to the hospital okay? We'll be with you!
Blake kisses him on his forehead and takes him out of the bedroom. Cosmo follows him out while Regina makes Zack stop and listen....
Regina: This....is all your fault! When we come back, I want you to be gone! FOREVER! Stay away from my kids and NEVER DARKEN OUR DOOR AGAIN! DID I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?
Zack: I cannot comply with your wishes girl....not until I have accomplished my mission. You're so unyielding...
Regina: It appears my request wasn't lucid enough for you to understand. Your mission is to VANISH!!! I'll NEVER forgive you for what you did fifteen years ago! You damned megalomaniac!
She pushes him aside and walks downstairs after her family members....
Zack: That's....not...me....
- Outside in front of the Thunder household -
Blake opens the back door of Regina's car and puts down Rudolph on the backseat. He has regained his full consciousness already, but he is still not doing any better...
Regina: How is he doing, Blake?
Blake: He is responsive again.
Regina gets in the driver's seat....
Blake: Cosmo, stay with Zack while we take your brother to the hospital.
Regina: You want to leave him alone with that THING? NO WAY! He's coming with us!
Cosmo: Dad, are you serious? We brothers are inseparable! Rud desperately needs my company!
Zack comes out too holding his rifle....
Zack: He's right. He is going with Regina. But you...you need to stay with me! You can't have possibly forgotten about Zeerox who is out there somewhere getting ready to chase you down! If you go with your family, you'll imperil them all!
Blake: Regina...I am sorry.
Regina: It's okay. I'll handle this alone.
Cosmo: Not really alone. I'll offer you my assistance!
Cosmo enters the back of the car sitting carefully next to his brother....
Regina: You're so sweet! Okay then, Blake, keep your mobile phone with you at all times. I'll call you after Rud receives his treatment and YOU Zack....don't think I'll ever come to terms with your unwelcome appearance at our house! Your unsolicited help won't change my mind either. I want you to be GONE when we return! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!
Blake: Are you sure you're going to make it without my help? I feel like I really shouldn't be missing there....
Zack: This is nothing she can't handle Blake.
Regina: See you soon babe.
Regina starts the car...
Cosmo: You two keep a watchful eye on this Zeerox dude okay? I hope to see you soon dad...I really do. Please be extremely careful...
Zack: I am his impenetrable bulwark. Nothing will get past me. Your dad will be safe.
Regina then drives off to take Rudolph to the hospital for a medical checkup, leaving Blake and Zack alone.
Blake: Dude....you can't just come out on the street with a weapon like that! Let's get inside!
Zack: These beautiful weapons are of incalculable worth and are necessary for keeping our enemy at bay.
Blake: It's going to be extremely difficult for me to batten down the hatches because of my son...I just can't stop thinking about Rud....
Zack: He's a tough fox. He'll be okay Blake. Come on...
Blake: I still need to speak to this Jake guy sooner or later and butcher his ass for this.
The two head inside to talk about their next move. Zeerox could be very close now and it is a matter of time before he shows up to bring total chaos upon Blake and Zack.