What Comes Around Goes Around

After the confrontation with Jake and his friends, the brothers are separated, for now. Rud just reached his classroom. He opens the door and walks in. He is the first one to be in the room for the first time ever. He walks to his desk and sits down, leaning back and looking at the ceiling for a minute. Then he reaches to his bag and pulls out his exercise book. He just finds out he has left his books back at his locker....

Rudolph: Great....

His vision is starting to get blurry from the tears he is trying to hold back as much as he can. This day is not going easy on him and all he can do is to hope that things are going to get better. He hears someone coming towards the door hoping it's his bro. The door gets opened and his crush walks in...it's Madison Wilde. She is a hybrid of a fox and a bunny with dazzling characteristics. Instead of having the tail of a fox, she has a soft scut, just like a bunny. Although she is special, she still has orange fur, and upright triangular ears just like a fox, but her sparkling eyes with heterochromia having two separate colors are truly alluring and beautiful. One is green and the other one is purple, it's the colors she inherited from both of her parents. As soon as she walks in, Rud is struck by her beauty and tries hard to suppress his emotions. She stops for a moment before going to her desk...

Madison: Hi there! I almost didn't see you there.

Rudolph: H-hi Madison! I am sorry if I scared you a bit with my deathly silence.

Madison: There's no need to apologize. It's just...weird to see you here before me. I am the one who usually enters the class first. You beat me.

She walks down to her desk and sits down. Rudolph is unable to take his eyes off her. He watches her as she prepares her books for the first lesson. Once she finishes she turns around to talk to Rud while smiling at him....

Madison: Are you...always this silent?

Rudolph: It's this place that always turns me into this silent type of guy.

Madison: Are you saying you are an outgoing fox that likes to have fun outside of school?

Rudolph: You could say that....

She notices that Rudolph is actually in very low spirits....

Madison: So, Rudolph....did I get your name right?

Rudolph: Y-yes....

Madison: I am a fairly new student here who joined the class at the end of the second semester which is why I still didn't talk to the majority of my classmates including you. You can come sit next to me if you want so we don't have to yell at each other across the classroom....

Rud is absolutely stunned about Madison's willingness to talk to him....

Rudolph: But....but...I can't occupy Jessica's place just like that....she'll be here any minute....

Madison: She won't come to school today. She fell ill yesterday and I hate to sit alone....

Rud stands up while still shaking from the unpleasant experience he had with Jake earlier...

Rudolph: Can...can...can I really sit next.....to....you?

Madison: Well, I am waiting. Don't you just stand there unsure whether you should go and talk to a girl or not. Are you trying my patience? You got three seconds to sit on your butt right here on this chair next to me....

Rud acts quickly and runs towards Madison's desk and almost crashes into it. This makes him feel really embarrassed....but on the other hand....he did make Madison chuckle....

Rudolph: I am so sorry! I am so stupid....

Madison: You ran at supersonic speed just to reach the princess' castle in time.

Rudolph sits down next to her, feeling so much better already....I mean who wouldn't feel better next to their crush right?

Rudolph: Thank you for inviting me to your castle, Your Highness.

Madison: Make yourself comfortable Rudolph...

Rudolph: You can call me Rud for short.

Madison: Acknowledged. So, where did you leave your brother?

Rudolph: Cosmo?

Madison: Are you really asking me? You only got one brother if my memory serves me right.

Rudolph: I am so sorry Madison my poor head is so befuddled because I am going through a rough patch right now.

Madison: I am sorry about that. I noticed you were quite unhappy when I entered the room.

Rudolph: Thanks for allowing me to sit next to you. This helped me a lot. And about my brother, he'll be here soon.

Madison's eyes are boring into Rudolph which makes him nervous. He struggles to keep eye contact with her but tries his best to talk to her and think on his feet...

Rudolph: You aren't that type of girl who typically engages in conversations with boys...

Madison: Is that so?

Rudolph: I mean.....that's what I assume. It's just my subjective thought, an assumption.

Madison: It's so rare to hear you talk Rud. I must have raised your self-esteem a lot.

Rudolph: Maybe because you got this certain charm I cannot explain....

Madison: No explanation needed on that...

Rudolph: Why am I the first boy you talk to like...

Madison: Like what?

Rudolph: Like this....you let me sit next to you as if I was your bestie....

Madison: You wanna know why? While I didn't really talk to most of my classmates, observing them every day was enough for me to form a decent opinion about them. Every other boy in our class is a numbskull. They act in such a foolish way in between breaks or even during lessons that their juvenile behavior makes them uninteresting. That sums them up. I really don't see the appeal in them but you are so much different. I just want to be around someone who will not make me wearisome. I wanna live my life to the fullest and for that I need to strike up a friendship with someone who is congenial and acts his age.

Rudolph: You want to be my friend?

Madison: Yes...

Rudolph's heart leaps after hearing what she said...

Rudolph: This is the first time in fifteen years someone wants to be my friend....

Madison: Awww. As you may now, I came here about two weeks ago and I never got the chance to talk to you up close and personal.

Rudolph: I am one of those guys it's almost impossible to befriend because of how withdrawn I am.

Madison: Oh really? Despite your insecurity, it was so easy to make you engage with me and I wonder why. You are fairly approachable after all.

Rudolph: You wanted me to sit next to you, I couldn't simply just pass it up. So, are we friends then?

Madison: You bet we are! I have a very limited amount of friends and all of them are girls but none of them are anywhere close to being the best.

Rudolph: At least you got friends to hang out with, that's an undeniable fact. My only friend is my very own brother...

Madison: Only? I thought you had....two.

She winks at Rud...

Rudolph: Madison....this moment with you... I've always wanted to have a friend like you. You are just who I needed...

Madison: You're so sweet Rud....

He blushes hard...

Madison: I can see why. The stuff Jake does to you is beyond belief. I'll try my best to be the best friend I can be.

Rudolph: Thank you seriously!

The classroom door opens and Rud's brother Cosmo finally comes in...

Cosmo: Hi Madison!

Madison: Hi Cosmo!

Cosmo: Is that my bro next to you? No way! You two already bonded with each other! You should have seen him talk about you ardently almost every day ever since you changed schools.

Madison: Awww really Rud? Is that true?

Rudolph: Cosmo don't interpose yourself between us! You're ruining this moment and making me feel ashamed!

At this point, Rud is blushing really hard and turns a bit away to look out from the window....

Cosmo: Don't worry bro, I am not trying to sabotage this lovely conversation between you two.

Madison: Are you jealous he gets to sit next to me unlike you?

Cosmo: I'm actually happy my brother gets to talk to you. He needs someone like you more than ever now....

Cosmo walks to his desk and finally puts down the heavy bag full of books from his back....

Cosmo: It's time to unload the cargo....

He takes Rud's books he brought with himself...

Cosmo: Hey Rud, look! You forgot something!

Rud turns around to look at his brother....

Rudolph: Thank you so much! I was worried I would have to go back to pick them up myself....

Cosmo: Are you....really that worried about accidentally encountering Jake again?

Rudolph: Yes...

Madison: Did you two talk about this with your parents?

Rudolph: We did but...it's far more complicated than you think it is...

Cosmo: And guess what, he doesn't want their help, but I have to say one thing, you just monumentally enriched his life by letting him sit next to you!

Rudolph: C'mon bro....STOP! You are making a fool of yourself!

The distant voices of students are starting to get louder and louder. It's quarter to eight and the school is already crowded and busy. The classroom door gets kicked open and a couple of classmates come in screaming and laughing like crazy.

Rudolph: What did you say about them earlier? Numbskulls? You can say that again!

Madison: Some of these guys are really not in their right minds. It's ridiculous...

They don't even notice or bother commenting about Rud sitting next to Madison, but then a few more come and their eyes land on Rud and Madison instantly.

Classmate 1: Guys look! We've got a new couple in our class!

Classmate 2: I can't believe my own eyes! Rudolph had the guts to speak to her...

Classmate 3: He wants to get laid!

Madison: Keep your fatuous remarks to yourself!!! You are all so full of shit!

Cosmo: Do you all see this pile of books I got on my desk? I'll whack your faces one by one with them if you don't leave them alone!

Interestingly, Cosmo has some built respect in the class and his words are taken seriously by his classmates. They leave the "couple" alone and go sit on their respective chairs.

Rud effectively fixes Madison with his eyes...

Rudolph: Hey...I think I'll go back to my place. The lesson will start soon. Thank you for the talk Madison.

Madison: Okay...

She responded while feeling melancholy about Rud's decision to go back to his place. He leaves her alone and goes back to his desk taking small footsteps, feeling bad for her...he senses she already misses his company. He stops at his chair....

Cosmo: Welcome back! Take a seat!

Rudolph: I want to do something really bad but I am not sure if I have the strength and courage to do it...

Cosmo: I know what you want to do. Look, if I am not going to spend this part of the day with you, then there's still the second half of it that I can spend and enjoy it with you right after school so it's fine. Just go listen to what your heart says and don't listen to anyone. Fortune favors the bold.

That's when Rud does a brave move. He takes his books, puts them all in his backpack and goes back to Madison. Many of his classmates are shocked about seeing the silent, introverted yet very smart fox go and sit back to Madison. As soon as he sits down putting his backpack next to the desk, Madison's mood gets brightened up. He is the first student in the room to sit with a girl....

Madison: You came back! What made you change your mind?

Rudolph: I really enjoy your company Madison. Besides, you said you hate to sit alone.

Madison: It's so considerate of you!

Rudolph: This will help me go through this day...with you.

And thus Rud left his brother alone who is by the way very happy about Rud making friends with Madison. Soon after, the teacher came in and the first lesson started. Everything went according to Rud's expectations. After forty-five minutes, the teacher ends the lesson and walks out of the room, the break starts and the two continue conversing, getting to know each other.

Rudolph: That wasn't so bad but it sucks that we are taking a big exam on Monday two weeks before summer break.

Madison: Sucks? That's very unusual to hear from the best student in our class.

Rudolph: I may have the best grades but studying can get very boring. Some subjects are just really repetitive. Just because I get the best grades doesn't mean I enjoy studying. Plus, why do we have to have math every single day?

Madison: Remember, we are in school. We are taught many things as well as things that are impractical or are of little importance in our daily lives. As for math, it is by common consent, the worst subject we have.

Rudolph: I'll drink to that! It really pales in comparison to art for example.

Madison: Let me guess, you are an art lover!

Rudolph: Yup. I am super keen on drawing stuff in my spare time. I also enjoy taking professional photographs!

Madison: That's cool! It appears we have a common interest. Two, to be precise.

Rudolph: Whoa! Really?! Awesome! That's very exciting to know! Madison, before you changed schools, how was your life before? You know....before coming to our school? Has anything changed since then? Do you have any siblings?

Madison: Posing personal questions, are you?

Rudolph: You...you don't need to talk about it if you don't want to.

Madison: We are here to know more about each other as friends, right?

Rudolph: That's why I asked those questions, yes....

Madison: As an only child, I spent my early childhood in Bunnyburrow. My parents decided to raise me there because they thought Zootopia was a very dangerous place for me to grow up in after that brutal attack on the city. They said that the city was still crawling with detrimental mammals and it still needed some cleansing after defeating those responsible for the attack so they came up with this idea to retire from their jobs temporarily and move back to Bunnyburrow for my own sake. I used to have so many friends back then but as time went by, they kept going away, moving houses and so on making me lose contact with them. I spent ten years attending the local school in Bunnyburrow until my parents said it was time for us to move back to Zootopia. So, we moved back to this city and here I am!

Rudolph: Wow Madison, your life involved many ups and downs and traveling.

Madison: That's basically my life in a nutshell so far. I am so expecting a change here. I believe this change starts with people like you. Having friends is really important during your school and teenage years.

Rudolph: I am happy to be your friend Madison. I was never that lucky to be surrounded by friends but I regard the future with hope. This hope....YOU...sparks the beginning of a better life.

Madison: I'll try my best to be the best hope in your life.

Rudolph: Thank you seriously. I am really hurt inside and you are helping me a lot right now.

Madison: I can now really understand your desire to have a best friend or friends and the reasons for that. I'll be here for you.

Some of the classmates are trying to catch what they are talking about....

Classmate 1: Yo, look at them two talking with such enthusiasm! I wonder what boring things they are talking about....

Classmate 2: That weird looking fox girl is trying so hard to seduce him...

Classmate 3: Poor Rudolph. Is he gonna ask her out on a date? If yes, then that's just such an imperfect choice. Who would want to date a fox...a rabbit like mutant right?

We found out that Rudolph not only has to deal with Jake and his gang but also some of his really rude and unlikeable classmates.

Madison: Just ignore them okay?

Rudolph: See? Welcome to my life.

Madison: Too bad your brother dozed off.

Rudolph: He would kick their asses if he heard what they just said...heh.

Madison: It's time to prepare for the next lesson!

Rudolph: We've got six more lessons ahead of us. Man, I can't wait to go home and flop on my bed.

The next lesson started shortly after....

Five lessons later, the students are having a break right before the final lesson of the day. Rudolph and Madison thoroughly enjoyed every hour that passed by up until this very moment. Even some of the teachers were surprised that the two were sitting together in their lessons.

Madison: One more to go and we are out!

Rudolph: Out of prison?

Madison: This "prison" ain't that bad with you.

Rudolph: I swear once I get home, I am going to goof off like never before.

Madison: Hmmm someone's inclined to be lazy...

Rudolph: After five days of school? I always become a sloth.

There are still five minutes left till the final lesson starts. A small ferret enters the room who is from a much lower grade. He walks right to Rud and Madison's desk...

Madison: Oh hey...you are?

Rennie: Hi....I am Rennie...

Madison: Okay...Rennie. What do you want here?

Rudolph: I kinda know this kid.

Cosmo notices Rennie from the far back of the room....

Cosmo: HEY! RENNIE MY BOY! What brings you here?

Rennie: I just came to ask your brother for a little help with something.

Rudolph: You want my help?

Cosmo: Why him? I can help you with whatever you want. Leave him be. He had a difficult start of the day.

Rudolph: No, it's okay. Madison already made me forget about what happened in the morning.

Madison: I am low-key his therapist, you know?

Cosmo: A professional therapist. I haven't seen him that lively in school for ages. You're good at your job! Keep it that way!

Rudolph: What do you want me to help you with?

Rennie: Listen closely, there's something I want you to do for me but it's something we need to do behind closed doors, you know in a private place like the toilets.

Madison: That sounds oddly suggestive to me. Do you like each other that much?

Rudolph: Oh my god Mad.....

Rennie: No! I've said it a bit inappropriately. I am not trying to make him....do... you know what... I just want him to come with me to some place where I can tell him something very important.

Rudolph stands up....

Rudolph: Let's go before Madison says something that will make me look like I am fond of doing dirty things privately in school.

Madison: Just hurry up. You haven't got much time before the teacher comes in. Also, who is this Rennie kid?

Cosmo: Rennie is a cool dude! MY friend. You can trust him!

Rudolph: You got your answer.

Rennie then leads Rud out of the classroom....

Rudolph: Is this really that urgent?

Rennie: Yes. I am sorry for coming late...like just a few minutes before the next lesson. I promise it's going to be fast. You'll be back in your class in no time!

Rennie leads Rudolph to the toilets. As soon as they walk in, the doorway gets closed and blocked by a bear and a small group of older students surround Rud with JAKE!

Jake: SURPRISE YOU LITTLE WIMP!

Rudolph: NO! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME RENNIE?

Rennie: I am sorry. He offered me money to bring you here...

Jake: And I am a man of my word. Here's fifty bucks.

Jake gives Rennie the money he was offered...

Rudolph: YOU'LL REGRET THIS AFTER MY BROTHER FINDS OUT WHAT YOU DID!

Rennie: I am sorry Rudolph....

Rennie then runs out of the room quickly....

Jake: SHUT THE HELL UP!

Jake grabs Rudolph from behind and throws him into the far corner of the room....

Rudolph: WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU SERIOUSLY?

Jake: Bob, guard the door and don't let anyone in! I am going to beat this fox up with burning passion!

Marcus: And I am going to enjoy watching him weep as you teach him a hard lesson!

Rudolph: You really want to do this here? Why not in my class? Who is the one being scared now?

Jake: Can you believe it? One of the teachers spoke to me earlier today and I was restricted from walking into your class! So, I had to look for some crafty means of bringing you here! I got you where I want you to be!

Leeroy: It's a real bummer your brother is not here to see us do some really nasty stuff to you while keeping him seized!

Jake: His turn will come soon after this scum had a taste of my wrath!

Rudolph: We don't need to do any of this! What did I do wrong to deserve being treated with pure contempt from your side? Why is it always me who has to suffer?

Jake: Calling me and my friends losers...and PUNCHING ME! HOW DARE YOU MAN? That just added more fuel to the fire kiddo! I already hated you for being an annoying lone fox without any real value or friends but now you gave me yet another reason to hate you more!

Rudolph: Here we go again, I already got used to this well-established routine. You always bring your subservient friends to help you either deride me because of my personality and traits or just to make me feel sad and depressed! Go away and leave me alone! You are literally destroying my life! JUST STOP!

Jake slaps Rudolph across his face hard. He remains standing on his feet, backing away from Jake until he touches the wall with his back. He is petrified and actually really scared, he is unable to utter a single word now...

Jake: It's YOU who needs to stop! Stop with trying to sound so smart and manly! You think I'll just go away and leave you alone after what you have done? You think me and my friends will listen to your meaningless words? They are all coming from a little immature trashy child!

Marcus: Our lives at school would have been so much nicer without you...and also...eh...boring...

Leeroy: Your parents made a mistake by "making you"!

Jake: Your mom should have aborted you....this world doesn't need anyone of your worth!

At this point, Rudolph's poor heart is being consumed by extreme sadness and dejection. That's when he lets his emotions flow freely....

Rudolph: If...this is really what you want, then I don't care anymore. You can keep hurting me all you want but one day, the blame will be laid on you all for making me end my own suffering. That's when you will realize you've been getting the wrong idea about me. I am just a fox who wants to make friends. You never gave me a chance to be yours!

He is talking to Jake with so many tears in his eyes, his face is all wet from them. He does manage to silence Jake for a while as he listens to him with full interest....

Rudolph: All you did was reject me from your group when we first met and now here you are tipping me over the edge....just do what you must and let's get this over with....I can't take this anymore!

Jake's friends look at each other after finally feeling sympathy towards Rudolph and they try to make Jake feel the same....

Marcus: Hey...Jake....let's leave him be. I think he had enough. Let's go...

Leeroy: He did not do anything so ridiculously bad to us to deserve to be treated so harshly. I don't think he would do anything like this to us if we were in his position. Let's just get back to our class....

Marcus: We went way overboard with making him our toy to play with in cases of extreme boredom....

Jake: You two don't dictate here and we are not leaving him alone! Can't you see he is playing upon your feelings to get out of this mess? I didn't wait all day for this moment just to walk away without getting a feeling of gratification by thrashing this whiny brat!

Jake then pushes Rudolph against the wall forcefully, knocking the wind out of him....

Jake: Remember, YOU asked for this! Don't you ever touch me or mess with my feelings! What? Having trouble breathing?

Rudolph: Screw...you...loser!

The poor fox gets punched in the face hard and immediately falls to the ground.

Jake: WANNA KEEP PISSING ME OFF?

Rudolph is knocked on the ground holding his muzzle as blood starts dripping out of it. Jake's friends are speechless with indignation...

Marcus: What the hell man? This was NOT a part of our plan!

Leeroy: You have lost it! You can't just attack him physically like that! Are you crazy or what? We are in school! Remember?

Jake: You two better shut the hell up and let me get the job done. This little shit just inflamed the anger within me by punching me!

He looks down at Rudolph...

Jake: STAND UP! NOW!

Rudolph: I can't believe...what...you just did...

Jake: SHUT YOUR MUZZLE AND STAND UP! FIGHT ME LIKE THE MAN YOU THINK YOU ARE!

Rudolph: I am sorry...please....leave me....I don't want to do this....

Jake grabs the fur on Rudolph's head and pulls him up back on his legs by force. He hits him several times while holding his shirt with one hand. Rudolph is just not strong enough to defend himself and he collapses back down on the floor after receiving a great deal of punches to his body and face.

Marcus: JAKE! WHAT THE HELL!

Leeroy: WHAT THE F@&CK ARE YOU DOING?

He kneels down next to Rudolph who is shaking and groaning, spitting out blood...

Jake: Have you had enough?

Rudolph: Is that....all...you got? Pathetic.

Jake: That's enough!

He stands up and this time, he really snaps. He starts kicking Rudolph into his stomach and head. The defenseless fox is unable to do anything at this point except cover his head from the kicks. It doesn't take long before Jake's friends step in and stop him from inflicting more harm to Rud by pulling Jake away...

Leeroy: JAKE WHAT THE HELL MAN! HE HAD ENOUGH! Look what you did! We'll be dead meat if the teachers find out what you did!

Marcus: The next lesson just started and he'll be absent thanks to this bullshit. Do you want to...kill him or what?

Jake looks around himself and at the half unconscious fox he nearly killed. Rudolph is moaning and sniveling while holding his stomach...

Jake: His brother is next.

Marcus: You wanna do the same to him too?

Jake: In a slightly different way, yes. This is where the fun comes from. They piss you off but in the end you delight in their pain and misfortune.

Leeroy: I am not going to support you doing things like this. It's illegal and once this reaches the police, you're going to get locked away.

Marcus: I absolutely agree with Leeroy pal.

Jake: I hate to say this but I think you are right. He had more than enough.

He takes one more look at Rudolph....

Jake: So pitiful! C'mon, let's get out of here.....

Marcus: Leaving him here almost beaten up to death like that? Dude, if some random student comes to have a piss or drop some bombs in the toilet, they are gonna see him and alert the teachers. What will you do then?

Jake: What do you want me to do with him goddammit? Flush him down the toilet?

Marcus: I dunno. We...I mean YOU really screwed up. There will be consequences to this asshole!

Leeroy: I swear to god if I turn out to be blameworthy along with Marcus thanks to you, I'll never speak or interact with you ever again.

Jake: Don't be a bunch of pussies! Everyone is in their class right now. Nobody will step into this room for the next forty minutes or so and even if someone comes here, he will already be standing on his legs. I barely touched him. Anyone would easily recover from this beating. It's just his delicate body that can't withstand a deserved beating...

Marcus: Dude, he is like five feet three inches tall...what did you expect? There's a big height difference between you two.

Leeroy: You really excelled yourself, in a bad way....

Jake: Are you coming or not?

Jake gets out of the toilets....

Marcus: Shit, I hope he's going to be alright....

Leeroy: He will face the consequences....I mean look at the poor guy, he destroyed him....

Rudolph is lying close to the wall in the corner of the room in a little puddle of blood that dripped from his muzzle. His vision is distorted and he has trouble trying to hear what Marcus and Leeroy are talking about. The only thing he hears is humming and his faint heartbeat. Soon, he is left all alone....

A couple of minutes later, Cosmo is sitting in the class in the middle of the lesson worried the whole time about his brother when he feels a unique, weird and strong pain in his chest indicating that something went wrong with his brother. He asks the teacher if he can use the bathroom.

He raises his paw....

Teacher: What is it, Cosmo?

Cosmo: May I please go to the bathroom?

Teacher: Cosmo the class ends in like ten minutes.

Cosmo: I know but I can't hold it in myself anymore! Do you really want me to...

The teacher sighs and gives Cosmo the OK.

Teacher: And tell your brother he is late to class while you are at it wherever he is...

He stands up and walks out of the class hurriedly. Madison is quite concerned too....

Back on the toilets, Rudolph is slowly recovering from the beating he received from Jake. He slowly sits up and leans against the wall while breathing intensely. He is very close to having a panic attack. Rud manages to keep himself under his control and stands up while holding his stomach. He wobbles up to one of the sinks and looks at himself in the mirror. What he sees is a reflection of himself, but not just a simple reflection, he sees a warrior that survived a bloody battle. He washes his bloody face over the sink when his brother runs in and the first thing he sees is a pool of blood on the ground but then he quickly looks around and spots his brother....

Cosmo: RUD! What have they done to you?

He runs to his brother fast to check up on him....

Rudolph: Don't ask me how I feel....

Cosmo: Who did this to you? Jake?

Rudolph: You were right Cosmo....this is not getting any better....

Cosmo: I told you! I frickin' told you! Our parents wanted to help but you strongly denied their help and now look at the results! Where's Rennie?

Rudolph: Your fake friend lured me into a trap....they were waiting....

Cosmo: Wait, so Rennie leading you here was all part of Jake's plan?

Rudolph: Sadly, yes....

Cosmo: Rennie....you motherclucker...

He examines Rudolph up close...

Cosmo: Are you in pain? You got beaten up real bad....

Rudolph: I'll be fine. My stomach really hurts though. I just...want to go home...

Cosmo: We are not going anywhere until I have talked to this gigantic asshole who did this to you.

Rudolph: If you want to get the same treatment, be my guest.

Cosmo: WE CANNOT TOLERATE THIS ANYMORE RUD! WHAT IF HE KILLED YOU? THIS IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH!

Rudolph: Nobody would miss this worthless fox that I am....

Cosmo: What the hell are you talking about? You are loved! I love you! You aren't worthless! Don't you ever bring up that word in front of me!

Rudolph: But have you ever wondered why I don't have any friends? It's because nobody likes me! I am so tired of pretending to be happy and trying to be nice to others. I am what they said, worthless. I wish I wasn't born....

Cosmo: Rud....this world we live in got a heavenly gift when you were born. You changed the lives of many people in your life, including mine and this was just the beginning. Don't let a bunch of crooks get you down. They say you are worthless because they are afraid of you. They use it to make you their vulnerable target. You are more important than you think. I will NOT let them harm you anymore! IT'S NOT HAPPENING EVER AGAIN YOU HEAR ME!?

Rudolph: Maybe....I underestimate myself way too much....if I didn't have you, I would've already ended it myself by doing something irreversible, something that would make this world forget me forever.

Cosmo: You...are suicidal!

Rudolph: Congrats on finding out. It's not worth living in a world where you are unwanted and everybody ignores you. And even if you get someone's attention they will make jokes about you and take whatever happiness you have left in your heart. I can't cope with this anymore!

Cosmo: Come here...

He gives his brother a really comfy hug, patting him gently on his back....

Cosmo: Things will get better bro. I promise you that. Pain is only temporary and remember that there's always a rainbow after a heavy thunderstorm.

He releases him...

Rudolph: I don't believe in a better life, not after what just happened to me.

Cosmo: Jake is at the bottom of your suffering and unhappiness and I will make him pay dearly for that! He went way too far!

Rudolph: Sure you can go and punch his face in for all I care. It will not be enough to heal the wounds on my heart....the stuff they said....I just want to erase this day from my life....this will never get any better. I am all hurt both mentally and physically....

Cosmo: Rud....you are forgetting something. Madison, she likes you.

Rudolph: Doubt it...

Cosmo: She wouldn't sit with some random guy in our class. You know that everybody is an ass there and she would never want a worthless fox to sit next to her.

Rudolph: That's....true.

Cosmo: See? You are worthy. Those assholes...they are just jealous of the strength of your character and qualities. But enough of this. Actions speak louder than words in my case. I really feel like killing that sucker. Where is he?

Rudolph: I don't know bro....I don't even know what to do right now....

He is barely standing in one place, shaking tremendously...

Cosmo: I gotta get you help bro, right now!

Rudolph: NO! Don't!

Then he groans in pain and holds his stomach again....

Cosmo: You are hurt Rud! Alright, that's it, I am calling mom then!

He pulls out his phone from his pocket. As soon as he is able to dial their mom, Rudolph grabs his paw....

Rudolph: Please don't....let's just go home....please....

They hear the school bell ring. The last lesson ends and everybody gets out of their classrooms screaming in pure joy as they finally go home.

Cosmo: We are telling everything to mom and dad. There's no way I'll keep this a secret and act like it never happened. Not this time!

Rudolph: I don't care anymore what will happen next. I just want this to be over...argh....this hurts...

Cosmo: Our parents can end this. Let's go get our backpacks from the class. Here, let me help you...I see you are really weakened. What did they do to you?

Rudolph: Believe me....you don't want to know and it was only Jake who did this. It's not only his physical attack that enfeebled me....it's also the hurtful stuff he said with his friends....

Cosmo: I see. So, his ass-lickers just stood there providing him with some mental support.

Rudolph: More or less...

Cosmo looks at the pool of blood in the corner of the room...

Cosmo: I wish I had something to clean up your blood but I suppose the janitor will have a right to ask for a pay rise after they clean this up.

Cosmo grabs his brother and helps him walk, after a few steps, Rudolph drops on one knee groaning in pain....

Cosmo: Rud, what's wrong?

Rudolph: My stomach....it really hurts with each movement I make...just like the rest of my body....

Cosmo helps him stand back up...

Cosmo: How am I going to get you home? Calling our parents to pick us up is the only favorable way I can think of to get you home, a real feasible plan, nothing else.

Rudolph: Our house is just around the corner. I am not that weak to not be able to walk such a small distance.

Cosmo: We'll soon see about that...but first I need to strangle someone to death...

Rudolph: Not Jake....are you serious? You are going to blow this out of proportion!

Cosmo: After this shit? Nobody touches my brother! They've messed up BIG TIME!

Cosmo helps his brother and leads him out of the toilets. They reach their classroom's door when Rud stops...

Rudolph: Are you sure about this? I don't want them to see me like this....

Cosmo: Rud, the classroom is empty. The last lesson ended almost twenty minutes ago! They all went home already.

Rudolph: That's....a huge relief to know. I wouldn't want Madison to see me like this. Now, release me...I can walk on my own. We don't need to attract the attention of the teachers or anyone else that might question my wrecked body...

Cosmo: Are you sure you're not going to kiss the floor if I release you?

Rudolph then pushes his brother away from him lightly.....

Rudolph: No...but I have to admit I still feel pretty woozy.

Cosmo: You need to rest....but we have to get you home first.

Cosmo opens the door....everybody left already except one person. There's Madison still sitting on her chair. When the two enter the classroom she jumps up and runs towards them....

Madison: GUYS! FINALLY! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

Rudolph is rendered speechless. He did not expect Madison to remain in the class and wait for them to return and neither did Cosmo....

Cosmo: You sat there the whole time waiting for us?

Madison: I couldn't just go home like the others after you two didn't come back. And the teacher, he didn't really care. What happened to Rudolph? Oh no...

Rudolph: Hey....your....new...friend got a nice present from Jake as you can see...

Madison: What did he do to you? Oh my dear god....did you report him to any of the teachers along the way?

Cosmo: We didn't. But I am going to take care of this asshole personally.

Madison: Cosmo, don't submerge yourself in trying to avenge your brother otherwise you may end up in the same boat. This is something that needs to be tackled by adults.

Cosmo: Madison I won't rest till that bastard gets what he deserves! Look at my poor brother! It pisses me off so much to know that he beat him up and walked away like it was nothing! He is so drained he can barely stand and I don't know if he is going to be alright after this....

Rudolph: I am...perfectly fine....I just need to....

Rudolph loses balance and starts falling but luckily enough, his brother manages to catch him just in time...

Cosmo: See? This does not look rosy at all...

Madison: He needs to go to the hospital...

Cosmo and Madison then carefully sit him down on one of the chairs....

Rudolph: Anything but the hospital....I just need some time to bounce back.

Cosmo: Bro, you don't seem to be on the road to recovery...

Madison: Do you think he has a minor concussion?

Cosmo: I am not a doctor. Our mom is...was...

Madison: Then if he doesn't want to be hospitalized then your mom might help. What did he do to you Rud? Can you recollect what exactly happened?

Rudolph: He punched me several times and...sent me falling to the ground.....I must have hit my head as I fell...then he started kicking me like a psycho. I felt my bones crack with every kick...

Madison: That blasted deer! How can he be so insensitive and sadistic?!

Cosmo then explodes in anger and hurls one of the chairs across the room....

Cosmo: I AM GOING TO SMASH HIS FACE IN FOR THIS!

Madison: Calm down Cosmo!

Rudolph: Bro....don't do anything I wouldn't do...let's head out. We're going home.

Cosmo: How long before you faint? We can't risk it.

Rudolph: I said we are going home!

He stands up in pain making Cosmo and Madison grab him in case he hurts himself even more by fainting...

Cosmo: Okay, but let's move with caution!

Rudolph: Madison, why did you not leave just like the others?

Madison: Because I care about my friends....

Rudolph: You have my eternal thanks for that.

Madison: I try my best not to let down my friends.

Rudolph: Guys...can we please leave this appalling place?

Madison: Yeah we can toddle off, one step at a time.

Cosmo: Good, let's just keep the carelessness to a minimum okay? It's time to go home.

Cosmo offers his paw to Rud....

Rudolph: That's not necessary. I'll do it myself....

He stands up slowly and picks up his backpack....

Madison: Off we go!

And so they headed out of their classroom and took their books back into the lockers. Many of the school's students left already. Some of the students and teachers who still wandered around the halls stopped the trio to ask them about what happened to Rudolph, the three assured them that it was nothing too serious and that he was going to be just fine. They didn't go into the details...

Moments later, the three finally leave the building and walk down the stairs. Just when they all thought that the worst part of the day was already behind them, they notice Jake and his party near the school gates talking and smoking. He appears to be with older students, Marcus and Leeroy and nowhere to be seen.

Madison: Oh no, that's him....

Rudolph: Let's steer clear of that group...

Cosmo: There he is....wait here.

Rudolph: Bro! No! What are you doing?

Cosmo: I am going to skin him alive! WAIT HERE!

Madison: Cosmo! Vengeance is a fool's errand!

He doesn't listen and walks down towards Jake's group.

Rudolph: I thought this was over...what are we going to do?

Madison: I don't know. I am a girl. I am profoundly helpless in situations like this. We are caught in dire straits!

Rudolph and Madison watch Cosmo as he determinedly confronts Rudolph's bullies. He comes up close behind the unaware group, turning Jake around and delivering a satisfying punch right into his face, he almost lands on the ground but unfortunately he manages to stand on his feet. His friends look confused and shocked....

Cosmo: SURPRISE JERK! IT'S ME!

Jake: Well...well...well...get an eyeful of the brother of that wretch Rudolph guys. You're as weak as your brother. Your punches just tickle my face!

Cosmo: I AM SICK AND TIRED OF SEEING YOU BULLY MY BROTHER WITH THIS BUNCH OF LOWLIFES! FIGHT ME BASTARD!

Jake: You hear this guys? He wants to fight me! You....my boy don't have what it takes to even the score. You're just as feeble as your brother!

Jake's friends are about to seize Cosmo for Jake....

Jake: NO! Don't touch him! He is mine!

Cosmo: YOU HURT THE FOX THAT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME!

Jake has never seen Cosmo speak with such outrage. He perfectly resembles his father, who would act the same way in this particular situation - like father, like son. He lams into the deer and eventually knocks him onto his back and then he starts striking him with fist blows....

Jake: AGH!!! DON'T JUST STAND THERE IDIOTS! DO SOMETHING!

His friends quickly come in to help him. They grab Cosmo and pull him away from him.

Cosmo: RELEASE ME! I WANT TO SHUT HIM DOWN COMPLETELY! IT'S NOT OVER YET YOU SCUM!

Jake's Friend: You alright Jake?

He tries to help him stand up....

Jake: Back off! I don't need your help!

And so the deer stands up without help with a bloody face....

Jake: You weak miserable git! There can be only one dominant warrior and that's gonna be me! I already won by making you come after me! You're here because you are afraid, afraid of me causing even more harm to your brother. You'll get double the beating your brother got! Punching my pretty face several times with your pillow fists was a big mistake!

Cosmo: WANT MORE? I AM NOT DONE! I'LL KICK THE LIFE OUT OF YOU! JUST RELEASE ME ASSHOLES! I WANT TO SHOW YOUR BULLISH POOH-BAH THAT HE PICKED THE WRONG GUY TO FIGHT! I'LL WIPE UP THE GROUND WITH YOUR BLOOD JAKE! JUST TELL THEM TO RELEASE ME!

Jake: Just shut up. You're drawing way too much attention! Fine, I'll do this in a not so traditional way...

Before he is able to pull out something from his pocket, Rudolph stops him by shouting at him from behind....

Rudolph: STOP! He's got nothing to do with this. It all started between you and me so why not to finish it with me? Just let him go and if you want to vent all of your rage on someone so badly, then I am all yours.

Cosmo: Rud what do you think you're doing? You can't take another beating like that!

The tension is escalating quickly between Jake and the Thunder brothers. But then, a hooded person appears to be walking nearby...his ears perk up as they listen to the conversation between the two sides...

Rudolph: NO!

Jake: Stay out of it! You had your share of beating! It's his turn now!

Madison reveals herself too behind Rudolph...

Madison: Let him go or I will call my parents and you'll answer for your disgraceful behavior!

Jake: Your parents? Don't be so silly! If you expect them to save his neck, don't hold your breath!

Jake's Friend: Jake....her parents are cops!

Jake: Then I better make this quick. We don't need this Thunder filth among us!

Jake pulls out a pocket knife ready to deal with Cosmo using utter violence...

Cosmo: So....a knife. How laughable! You are the one here who's truly weak, afraid to face me like a man without your friends or weapons. My father will rip your heart out once he finds out what you did to Rudolph, just go ahead and stab me! That will bring about a series of events that will seal your fate!

Rudolph is trying his best to stop Jake from hurting his brother but is way too powerless to do so. The poor fox drops on the ground landing on his knees and hoping this nightmare will soon end. Madison stands right next to him...looking at them helplessly.

Madison: This is really spinning out of control! I am calling my parents!

She is about to pull out her phone to call her mom. The mysterious hooded person strives away from his path and walks towards the group to confront the troublemaker.

???: HEY! KID! STOP RIGHT THERE!

Jake: What the....

Jake is distracted instantly and turns around to see who it is. The stranger stopped right beside Rudolph and Madison. He looks down at Rudolph and gives him his paw. The poor fox grabs it and the stranger pulls him up....

???: Are you going to be okay little one?

Rudolph: Please....help my brother....

He responded with a pleading voice while looking into the stranger's blue eyes...

???: Fear not, Zack is here to help you.

Rudolph: Zack?

Madison cancels the call....

Madison: You....know this guy?

Rudolph: I don't...but it looks like someone sent down a guardian angel to save the day.

Jake: I don't know who you are but your big loathsome ass is absolutely not needed here right now! Can't you see you are greatly outnumbered? You can't do anything to stop THE FUN! Just go and take a running jump, will ya?

Zack: Stay here, I'll handle this...

Cosmo: Just how long are you going to hold me like this you assholes? Can't you see you've come up against a brick wall? It's over!!!

Zack walks towards Jake and his group of friends who are still holding Cosmo....

Zack: I never thought a schoolboy would be so thuggish and haughty altogether telling me what to do. Minors these days....ugh...

Jake: Minor? I am eighteen years old, you big pile of shit!

Zack: Don't care, you're still inferior to me and so are your contemptible featherbrained friends behind your back. Tell them to release that fox or I will have to conduct disciplinary action against you!

Jake: MAKE ME!

Zack proceeds closer to Jake who then points his knife at the wolf...

Jake: HEY! DON'T YOU COME ANY CLOSER!

Rudolph: Please...Zack....he is a major thorn in my side, get rid of him....

Jake: I see you still haven't had enough Rudolph! Just wait till I dispatch this ODDITY!

Zack: I want to get to that fox! Get out of my way, NOW!

Jake: I am....NOT MOVING TOUGH GUY. YOU TAKE ONE MORE STEP AND I'LL TEST THIS SHARPENED LITTLE THINGY I GOT FOR MY EIGHTEENTH BIRTHDAY!

Zack then does one more step despite Jake's warning. That's when Jake thrusts at Zack with his knife in an attempt to hurt him. Zack then grabs his arm quickly grasping it so strong that it makes his bone break. Jake drops the knife on the ground immediately in agonizing pain. Zack shows his true power and savagery as he grabs Jake's antlers and breaks them both. As if it wasn't enough already, he lifts him up in the air and smashes him against the ground repeatedly several times leaving everybody at a loss for words. Jake then ends up tossed in front of his friends in extreme distress. His friends immediately release Cosmo to pick him up from the ground....

Zack: Who's next? Just step forth and let me do the work!

Jake's friends are filled with fear and respect and the only thing they do is pick up Jake from the ground who is basically a ruin at this point.

Jake: MY ANTLERS! MY BEAUTIFUL ANTLERS!

Cosmo: That payback was so sweet! I hope I'll never see you bully my brother or even threaten us anymore! What were you thinking about using that knife against me?

Jake: I WAS NEVER GOING TO STAB YOU OR ANYTHING YOU IDIOT! I JUST WANTED TO MAKE YOU FEAR ME! BUT I AM DONE! THAT GUY RUINED EVERYTHING! NOW I AM GOING TO ROT IN SHAME! HOW AM I GOING TO ATTRACT GIRLS WITHOUT MY ANTLERS?!

Cosmo: You might as well consider dropping out.

Zack: I hope you learned a hard lesson, deer. If I catch you doing bad things to weaker and smaller kids again, I'll make sure you'll never see your antlers grow back ever again.

Jake: I AM SO DONE WITH SCHOOL LIFE. HELP ME GET HOME!

Jake's friends help him walk by holding him carefully from both sides...

Jake: DON'T TOUCH MY BROKEN HAND YOU ASS!

Jake's Friend: My bad...

Jake's Friend 2: Let's just get outta here real fast!

The group then disappears from sight and the situation gets so much calmer. Rudolph walks up to Zack....

Rudolph: Hey....

He turns around....

Rudolph: I can't thank you enough for helping us.

Zack: I was never a fan of witnessing cowards like him bully others whom they perceive weak.

Cosmo comes closer and stands next to his brother....

Madison: What a day. That big dude just saved us all. Well, I think I'll wend my way home now guys.

Rudolph: Madison, before you go. Can I ask you something?

Madison: Anything...

While still in pain, Rudolph finally breaks through his limits and does something he always wanted to do ever since Madison came to his school...

Rudolph: This day has been sunny for many mammals but it wasn't anywhere closer to being sunny for me. It was rather dark and gloomy for me but when we first sat together and talked throughout the day, it got so much brighter. You were my beautiful sun that kept me warm and happy while keeping the storm at bay all day until this very moment. Tell me....would you like to....uh...go out with me this weekend? I.... I'll understand if you reject my offer....because who would like to hang out with this fox right? You still have my heartfelt thanks for staying with me. You could've left already just like everyone else but you didn't. You stayed here and....and you were my sunshine throughout the day.

Cosmo and Zack just idly stand there letting Rudolph take advantage of this very moment. Rudolph gets no response first, but it is clearly visible that his words really overwhelmed Madison with the best feelings in the world. She opens her backpack, pulling out a little notebook. She tears out a piece of paper from it and writes something on it.

Madison: Stretch out your paw....

Rudolph does what she said and she places the paper in his paw, and closes it tightly while whispering something to his ear...

Madison: You were my sunshine throughout the day too!

She puts her stuff back in her backpack....

Madison: See you two on Monday....or maybe sooner.

She winks at Rudolph and turns around walking home....

Zack: Your brother just got rewarded after surviving this day like a true warrior....

Cosmo: He's got absolutely no excuse now to not feel chipper...

Rudolph: She is a sight for sore eyes....

He is just standing there looking at his crush walking away in the distance....

Cosmo: Hey, what did she write on that piece of paper? May your big brother know?

Rudolph: It doesn't really concern you, so nope.

Cosmo: Okay then. As long as it makes you happy then it can stay secret. Whatever it is, I can already see you gushing over her more than ever! Oh and thank you dear stranger for your help!

Zack: Please don't call me a stranger. I go by the name of Zack and it seems like I am on the right track now that we met by accident.

Cosmo: What? What do you mean?

Zack: You two bear a striking resemblance to your parents.

Cosmo: You know our parents?!

Zack: Yes, but it's been fifteen years since I saw them....

Cosmo: Where have you been all this time?

Zack: This is something we need to talk about in seclusion. Does the name Zack Wolfward sound familiar to you?

Cosmo: Never heard of it before you showed up to save our butts.

Zack: How about you little one?

Rudolph: Me? My answer is the same as my brother's. I am just thankful there was someone who came and helped us.

Zack: Blake didn't tell you anything about his best friend or anything about Operation Thunderbolt?

Cosmo: Our dad only told us some sketchy stuff about that attack on our city from fifteen years ago but other than that we know nothing more.

Zack: Listen, I was sent here to protect your dad from a genetically modified super soldier, a walking weapon that only I can stop. You two need to take me to your parents where I can plan my next move.

Cosmo: And why should we trust you?

Rudolph: Cosmo...he saved us from Jake. He's got my undying trust for that.

Cosmo: Zack, just a second...

He takes Rudolph a few steps away from Zack and talks to him quietly....

Cosmo: Bro, we have no idea who this guy is and what his true intentions are. What if he wants to kill mom and dad? He just came in and helped us because he overheard our conversation and thus found out our name. He will use this opportunity to find mom and dad using deceit!

Rudolph: You can keep being distrustful of him but remember that he was the one who stood up for you, not me.

Zack: You know I can hear you two talk about me. I know what I said about this super soldier is not credible at all and that anyone could make up such a fairy tale but I am what stands between peace and war. You have to trust me. I don't know how much time I have left before he finds your dad but we better act quickly if we want to prevent this kingdom from submitting to living under the heel of a power hungry empire from far beyond the horizon.

Cosmo: Why is he after our dad so badly?

Zack: I'll tell you everything once you get me to your dad. Deal?

Cosmo reluctantly responds...

Cosmo: Deal. I mean what's the point of not leading you to our house or making you leave us alone? You'd follow us all the way to our house anyway if the matter is that critically important.

Zack: Clever. Let's get going.

Cosmo: Rud, are you going to make it home on your feet?

Rudolph: That piece of paper Madison gave me really empowered me. I am still in pain...but I feel much better now, just a bit tired....

Cosmo: That must be a special thing then. Let's head home.

In spite of Cosmo's lack of trust in him, Zack is now on the right path to his best friend. The three leave the school area. It will soon be time for a second reunion.