This is what happens when you catch Christmas fever when its months away. I am not responsible for anyone catching Christmas fever from reading this.
The year is 1914. The First Mammalian War has ravaged the continent since its outbreak in the summer. It had sparked on the continent's southeastern region which had been in a midst of crisis two years before the war. In the empire of Pawstria-Hungaury, a prey assassin shot and killed the heir to the throne and his wife, both predators. Once captured, the Empire discovered the perpetrator to be from Deerbrooke county in the neighboring Tri-burrows and a member of the Young Prey revolutionary movement in the region. An ultimatum was sent to Deerbrooke County in response, demanding retribution. When it failed, Pawstria-Hungaury declared war on its neighbor. From there and throughout the continent, regions of predators or prey in alliance with one another took up arms, but tensions between them were prevalent in the years leading up to the war.
One prominent feature of the First Mammalian War were the trenches built by the belligerents on the Western front. The predators constructed the trenches to protect themselves from losing further ground in response to the prey halting their advance and pushing them back. The prey built them for the same reason once the predators halted theirs. As a result, any hopes for movement ceased as both sides became determined to hold their ground. But the builders also suffered from the horrid living conditions of trenches that resulted from the weather and poor sanitary. Combining those factors led to diseases becoming problematic among the troops.
Warfare and carnage heavily devastated the area between the trenches and it made deadly to cross, thus earning the name No Mammal's Land. Anyone venturing into the barren wasteland risked artillery, mortars, or bullets from the opposing side. Crossing that section of land was necessary to advance, yet the chances of death were extreme. Many times, soldiers abandoned casualties suffered in No Mammal's Land and only took a chance to recover them when the fighting temporarily ceased at night. Despite orders from higher command to not permit enemy stretcher bearers from recovering their dead and wounded, both sides largely ignored them to the other side's mutual benefit.
At the beginning of the war, the combatants were informed that it would be over in a few months and would be able to return home to their families for Christmas. But when December arrived with no end to the war in sight, the soldiers realized they would be spending Christmas on the battlefield instead. Those on the front lines became resolved to not be discouraged at hearing the disappointing news but had split responses. Some vowed no rest for themselves and continued to fight as normal. But others decided to celebrate Christmas with their soldiers instead. Regardless of their decisions, they notified their families of the news to avoid having them assume the worst.
In one area of the Western Front, a unit of predators was being led by First Lieutenant Nicholas Piberius Wilde, a red fox born and raised in Foxburrow. Before the military, Nick applied in many career fields, but his species' unfavorable reputation made it difficult. After being denied multiple times and faced with the alternative of becoming society's view of foxes, Nick registered and enlisted into the army but still faced skepticism throughout his training and career. Eventually, he successfully proved his skeptics wrong and his value, paving the way to a bright future for foxes in the military. Out of all the predator units on the Western Front, Wilde's was the most successful until encountering heavy resistance and forced into a retreat. It was during the retreat when he developed the idea of building the trenches. The results were rewarding, and his tactic was eventually adopted by other predator units. But when Nick saw the enemy build trenches in response, he realized the war would become a battle of attrition.
The unit of prey responsible for Wilde's retreat was being led by the recently promoted Second Lieutenant Judith Laverne Hopps, a gray rabbit born and raised in Bunnyburrow with a negative perception of predators, especially foxes. Having the dream of making the world a better place, Judy first applied for law enforcement immediately after graduating high school. When she was denied, Judy applied for the military but was denied also. Despite the rejections, she continued to apply for both until the military finally accepted her. However, Judy too faced setbacks in her training from her small size but refused to quit and successfully completed it. The war allowed Judy to successfully prove her value through perseverance. In response to halting the predators' advance and forcing their retreat, Judy earned the promotions and the command recognized her invaluable leadership qualities. When seeing the effectiveness of the trenches, Judy realized if the prey wanted to win this war they would need to fight fire with fire.
December 24, the day ended in the area of the Western Front where Hopps and Wilde's unit had been fighting. The predators and prey retired to their respective trenches to celebrate Christmas, thankful for another quiet day. The moon shined brightly among the stars in the clear night sky on this particular night. Snow from the previous days covered the bodies and the ground of No Mammal's Land, but the trenches remain mostly clear of the white powdery substance thanks to the constant maintenance.
On the prey's side, Lt. Hopps' unit had gathered in a wide area of the trench with various drinks, food, and instruments out. Meanwhile inside a bunker, Judy Hopps sat alone in silence at a table being lit only by a single light bulb, dressed in her uniform with her peaked cap on the table. She held a picture of her parents and a fraction of her siblings in her paws with an open book and a carrot-shaped pen sitting in front of her. After another glance at the photo, Judy set it aside and picked up the carrot pen.
December 24, 1914,
Today is Christmas Eve. This is the time of year I would be at home on my farm with Mother, Father, and my 365 siblings celebrating Christmas with our tradition. First, we spend the morning and afternoon finishing up preparations and gathering the family together at our residence. Next, we begin the evening with a large dinner and listening to stories from the family. Later, we gather around the large Christmas tree erected in our living room to listen to the various Christmas stories from the Nativity to A Christmas Carol before finally ending the night with caroling. Christmas morning is chaos with the younger ones searching for their gifts and showing them to the others as the older ones try to contain them. Finally, we spend the rest of the day resting. Having done this every year since I was old enough to remember, the ongoing tradition never gets old. But now this year—
Judy stopped writing momentarily as the harsh reality set in her mind. She closed her eyes as her breathing slowly increased and became heavy. A few sniffles managed to escape as the bunny continued on with the entry.
This year I'll be continuing the tradition…just in a cold, dirty, and dangerous trench with mammals I've only known for a few months instead of a warm, clean, and safe home with family. But it is better than the alternative of spending Christmas alone.
Two teardrops fell on the page at the conclusion of the sentence. Judy set the carrot pen down and reclined back in the chair. The thought of spending Christmas without her family saddened the bunny immensely. She desperately held back her tears as more sniffles escaped, not wanting to ruin the festive mood for the others. Ever since Judy announced her acceptance into the military, her parents were understandably terrified for her safety. The outbreak of war only increased their fears. In the end, Judy promised to come home for all the holidays if allowed to enlist and has upheld that promise since completing her training. But now, she sat in the battlefield heartbroken at not being home with her family for Christmas and wondered how they must feel about her absence. Judy had sent a letter home earlier that month with the disappointing news and hoped that it arrived safely before Christmas Day. She could only imagine her family's devastation from reading it.
"Is everything all right Lieutenant?"
Judy's ears perked up at the sound of the voice. She turned around in her chair to see a concerned Dawn Bellwether standing at the bunker entrance. Judy understood the sheep's worry as she herself had stayed in the bunker since retiring for the night. The bunny sat up and revealed the picture to Bellwether. "Just thinking of my family, Sergeant. I promised my parents before leaving that I would come home and celebrate every holiday with the family."
Dawn nodded in understanding and approached Judy to place a hoof on her shoulder. "We all do, Lieutenant. That's why we agreed to celebrate Christmas together, and you don't have to hide your feelings. We like you for that."
Her comment brought a smile on Judy's face. "Thank you. This is actually my first Christmas without my family. I knew it would happen, but not this soon."
"Then make your first time a happy one," Dawn said. "Come on. We're going to start singing. You could use it."
"Okay." Judy closed the book and put the picture away in her coat. She then put on her peaked cap and followed Dawn out to the prey gathering. Among them, Francine the elephant and McHorn the rhino saw Dawn and Judy joining them.
"Glad of you to join us, Lieutenant!" Francine exclaimed while offering a cup to Judy.
"Sorry about the wait," She said, trying to hide her sadness before accepting the cup.
"We were ready to begin but wanted to wait until you joined." McHorn reasoned.
Judy smiled as she sat down. "Well, I'm here now and ready sing!"
The others nodded and together, they made a toast. Those with instruments picked them up and started playing a song from their native region. The instruments led first before the lyrics followed.
I hear the mountains birds
The sound of rivers singing
A song I've often heard
It flows through the snow
So clear and so loud
I stand where I am
And forever I'm dreaming of home
I feel so alone, I'm dreaming of home
When the second stanza arrived, the festive mood and music amplified, and soon Judy happily joined and joyfully sang along. Hearing the lyrics of home and being part of the celebration brought Judy the much-needed comfort and the wonderful memories of her home. Despite it not being her traditional celebration, Judy knew this year's Christmas would be a special one.
In the predators' trench, they had also gathered together to celebrate Christmas and erected miniature Christmas trees decorated with candles and ornaments around them. The predators too spoke of their home and themselves while eating and drinking. Unlike Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde sat with his unit from the beginning, but he secretly hoped no one would ask for his stories. Nick felt that his tales would ruin the festive mood rather than enhance it.
Singing from the prey's trench suddenly interrupted their chatter. The predators immediately became silent and listened to the music. It was during the second stanza that they could actually hear the lyrics. Slowly, smiles appeared on the predators when they realized the song was about home, but Nick's remained unchanged. The predators heard the prey applaud themselves when the caroling finished.
Wolford finally spoke after the applause died. "The prey sing very well. Don't they?"
The others nodded in agreement.
"I think we all can agree about them not wanting to fight tonight as much as we do. We should return those sentiments."
Clawhauser became excited at the thought. "Ooh, I like that idea!"
Everyone else returned those sentiments until their commanding officer spoke.
"What are you suggesting?"
The other predators looked at Nick who sat with a serious face. It was the first time their Lieutenant had spoken since they first gathered together.
Wolford began thinking until his eyes fell upon the Christmas trees and pointed to one. "We can put these up and then sing a carol of our own. That will certainly get their attention."
The predators looked at Wilde for permission. Nick was understandably hesitant and had every reason to believe this could be a trap by the prey to lure them out and slaughtered. His military experience taught him about interpreting enemy actions and to see this side of the prey was certainly unusual. But his unit was already devastated by the news of not seeing their families for Christmas. If there was an opportunity for a respite of peace in this dreaded war, it should be taken. After a few anxious moments, he reluctantly nodded.
"Very well. Put them up."
Happy at the approval, the predators stood up and each took a Christmas tree to plant them above the trenches in view for the prey to see. Their actions did not go unnoticed as Bellwether saw this.
"Lt. Hopps! Come look at this!"
Judy immediately joined Dawn and cautiously poked her head out the trench. The other prey soon followed and they saw miniature Christmas trees planted all along the predators' trench.
"What should we do, Lieutenant?" She whispered.
All eyes fell on the bunny. Judy looked back and forth between her troops and the Christmas trees. Technically, the predators did not attack which would make any retaliation from the prey unwarranted. While it appeared to be an innocent gesture as the prey heard the predators in their own Christmas celebration, that did not rule out any hostilities. But until someone fired a shot, no action was to be taken. That much Judy knew and understood.
"We wait. If nothing else happens, we stand down."
The prey watched carefully in anticipation of the predators' next move. What happened next was unexpected to them. They heard the sound of singing and a harmonica playing coming from the predators.
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Your branches green delight us!
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Your branches green delight us!
The predators watched and listened as Wolford sang a carol from their homeland while Delgato the lion played the harmonica. As the prey silently listened on, one of the musicians, a red deer, recognized the carol and an idea formed.
They are green when summer days are bright,
They are green when winter snow is white.
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Your branches green delight us!
As Wolford began the second stanza, music from the prey's trench interrupted his singing. The red deer musician had begun accompanying him, surprising both predators and prey. Encouraged by the response, Wolford sang along when the music reached the next verse.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure!
How oft at Christmas tide the sight,
O green fir tree, gives us delight!
Wolford slowly made his way up the trenches while continuing to sing. The act shocked and made the other predators worry for his safety, yet they remained captivated by his performance to intervene. Wolford stood next to a Christmas tree for all to see as he finished the stanza while still facing the predators.
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree,
You give us so much pleasure!
"Wolford!" Nick finally yelled. "Get down before you get yourself killed!"
Nick pushed forward to the wolf when he and the rest of his unit heard applause and cheering. Wolford turned to see numerous prey appearing from their trench and giving him an encore. He smiled and humbly bowed in acknowledgment. The red deer who accompanied Wolford then made another bold move and climbed out the trench. Standing with the instrument in his hooves, he began playing a carol that was hopefully familiar enough for the wolf to recognize and join along. In the middle of the first stanza, the red deer stopped when Wolford remained silent. A few seconds later, the wolf smiled.
O Come All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Wolford then grabbed a Christmas tree next to him and entered No Mammal's Land. Smiling at the response, the red deer and the remaining prey musicians: a beaver, a mountain hare, and a roe deer, finally joined Wolford as he continued forward into No Mammal's Land.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Despite a predator approaching them with unknown intentions, the prey continued to watch and listen to the impromptu performance.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Chriiiiiiist the Looooooord.
Wolford stopped near a haystack in the middle of No Mammal's Land while drawing out the last verse. He raised the Christmas tree before placing it down on the hay bale.
"Good evening, everyone!" He shouted.
"Good evening, predators!" The red deer responded. "We're happy you enjoyed our performance and we enjoyed yours as well!"
The other prey acknowledged the musician's statement.
Wolford smiled at their response and remained by the hay bale as Nick finally came out of the trench and stood next to the wolf.
"Are you certain this will work, Sergeant?" Nick asked, still cautious.
"I'm positive, Lieutenant. This is already more than we could hope for. You being here shows them that we're willing to speak. Now we must wait for their response."
Nick sighed. "I hope so."
Judy had been watching the entire scene unfold and was shocked to see a fox as the commanding officer for the predators. Everything taught by her parents and school about foxes immediately came to her mind: shifty, untrustworthy, and natural predators to rabbits. Would her life be endangered if she revealed herself? Would she be putting her unit in danger as well? Despite her hesitation, it would be improper for her as a soldier to not respond if the predators are willing to speak to them.
"Bellwether, come with me. I need a witness for this."
The sheep, who had been hiding in the trench, became frightened at meeting their natural predators. "Are you sure, Lieutenant?"
"Yes, they wish to speak to us. The least we can do is listen to what they have to say."
Since it was a command, Dawn hesitantly agreed. She and Judy exited their trench and proceeded to where Nick and Wolford stood. The two arrived at the hay bale, and the four stood in silence with Wolford sporting a smile and Nick sporting a smirk. Despite the predators' non-threatening appearance, Judy and Bellwether still felt nervous around them but hid it very well.
Nick finally broke the silence when he saw Judy's uniform and rank. "Good evening. Are you the commanding officer?"
Judy nodded and saluted. "Yes, Second Lieutenant Hopps and this is Sergeant Bellwether." She motioned to the sheep beside her who hesitantly saluted.
Nick returned the gesture. "A pleasure to meet you. First Lieutenant Wilde and this is Sergeant Wolford," He then motioned to the wolf beside him who also saluted. "We wish to negotiate a truce." Nick continued.
The request surprised Judy and Bellwether. This was not what they expected when coming to meet them. The two briefly looked at each other before returning their attention to the predators.
"Any reason?" Judy asked curiously.
"It has come to our attention and understanding that you wish to celebrate Christmas," Nick said. "We also wish for the same thing. On behalf of the predators, I propose a ceasefire so we may celebrate the holiday in peace. We can resume our normal fighting once it's over."
Judy carefully considered the proposal. "How can you be sure this will be upheld?"
"As you can see Lt. Hopps," Nick continued. "My unit was disheartened at the news of being unable to return to their families for Christmas. I assume yours feel the same from the caroling we heard. Which I must say, you and the others sing very well."
Judy immediately blushed at the compliment. "Uh, thank you."
Nick smile at her gratitude. "You're welcome. Now your reluctance is understandable, but I can assure you that this will not decide the outcome of the war. I doubt anyone will criticize us for this ceasefire to celebrate Christmas." He held his paw out. "So do we have a truce?"
Judy was still hesitant about the proposition. The thought of celebrating Christmas with the enemy along with how foxes tend to be with their words disturbed her greatly. Her instincts were telling her to refuse and use the opportunity for the prey's advantage. But Judy had second thoughts when she realized the fox was doing it for the other predators and not just himself. The fact they were trusting him for this succeed surprised the bunny. If the predators were willing to lay down their arms and give them a chance, so should she and the prey. Judy finally brought her paw forward and shook Nick's.
"Truce."
"Excellent," Nick said with a smile. "We should toast for this occasion. I hear you rabbits produce such fine wine. Will it be all right to announce the ceasefire with it?"
Judy cautiously nodded. "Sure. Bellwether, bring us a bottle and two cups."
"Yes, Lieutenant," She said with trepidation.
"Wolford, bring us two cups as well."
"Yes, Lieutenant." He eagerly answered.
The wolf and the sheep returned to their trenches, leaving the fox and bunny alone. Wolford and Bellwether informed their allies of the truce and were met with positive responses to the delight of Wolford and the shock of Bellwether. The predators and prey prepared themselves for when they would leave their trench and meet in No Mammal's Land.
Meanwhile, Judy and Nick stood in silence watching each other. Their thoughts on this moment were completely opposite.
Nick's face showed no reaction as Judy curiously looked at him. This rabbit is too easy to read. Her scent and behavior definitely give off her nervousness from being around me. I wonder if she's afraid of me. She is attractive though. Those amethyst eyes shine with beauty. The way her nose twitches is too cute. WAIT! Where did that come from?! Keep it together Nick. You can't let her see she gets to you. Besides, there is no way I'm falling for a bunny. Am I?
Judy, on the other paw, grew more nervous as her eyes gazed on Nick. Her entire body was heating up and her nose was twitching madly. Were she not wearing her cap, Nick could see Judy's ears turn red with blush. Why is my body behaving this way? I'm supposed to fear the fox, and yet… NO! I can't possibly have feelings for him. Could I? Those emerald eyes…A girl could get lost in them. That smirk…so infuriating yet…Stop it, Judy! Remember what happened to you when you were nine!
Their train of thought was interrupted when Wolford and Bellwether returned with the requested items. Judy and Nick quickly resumed their authoritative appearance before their sergeants noticed anything amiss. The four mammals now held a cup as Judy had the honor pouring the wine in each of them. When she finished, Judy raised her cup for a toast.
"Merry Christmas."
The other three repeated the gesture.
"Merry Christmas."
They clinked their cups together and drank the wine. At the conclusion of the toast, lights shined from the predators' trench as they appeared in the night sky. Judy and Bellwether flinched in response, thinking they fell for a trick since the predators used them to spot prey at night upon their first arrival to the trenches. But then they heard the predators chanting 'Merry Christmas'. The prey applauded at the display and returned the chants. After the lights dimmed, the predators and prey quietly entered No Mammal's Land. Nick, Judy, Wolford, and Bellwether watched the two sides come face to face and stop within a step of each other. A few moments passed with no interaction. It was certainly an unusual situation.
Finally, Clawhauser stepped forward with a box in paws and a smile on his face. "Hi, I'm Benjamin Clawhauser," He opened a box to reveal the contents. "Do you want some of my doughnuts? I have plenty more if you happen to eat them all."
The prey near the cheetah looked at the variety of desserts presented before them, waiting for one of them to go first.
A hippo finally reached and picked up a doughnut. "Higgins." He said before eating the treat. The hippo nodded in delight and then offered a drink to the cheetah.
Clawhauser gleefully accepted the bottle, and they shared drinks and doughnuts as the nearby prey helped themselves to the treats.
Meanwhile, a polar bear took out a picture and showed it McHorn in front of him. "My name is Snarlof, and this is family."
McHorn took the photo and looked at it along with those nearby. The rhino smiled and nodded at the photo of the polar bear, his wife, and cubs. "You have a beautiful wife and wonderful children." He returned the photo and then showed his own. "Here is mine. The name's McHorn."
The polar took the photo and looked at it as well along with others close by. Snarlof smiled at the photo before returning it. "They're beautiful too."
From there the predators and prey continue to interact with one another: sharing treats, drinks, photos of family, and even gifts. A few predators took interest in trying the instruments from the prey musicians and were met with mild success but all in good humor. Wolford and Bellwether had gone off to mingle, leaving Judy and Nick alone once again.
"So Lt. Hopps," Nick said. "Do you have a first name?"
"Judith, but my friends call me Judy. You can too during the truce. Yours?"
"Nicholas or Nick for short. Same thing applies."
Judy nodded. "A pleasure to meet you, Nick. Where are you from?"
"Foxburrow. It's to the north of here. You?"
"Bunnyburrow. That's south of here."
The two continued to stare at each other as their situation remained unnoticed by their platoons. Their attempts to start a conversation has so far ended fairly quick and left them in awkward silence with their thoughts. Despite the ceasefire, an air of uneasiness remained for the Lieutenants. But if they wanted this ceasefire to work, then Judy and Nick would have to put their perceptions aside for the sake of themselves and their troops.
"So Judy, tell me about your military career and why you enlisted," Nick finally inquired. "It's not often for one to see bunnies leading their troops into battle so you must have done something worthy of promotion."
"Oh well," Judy began. "I was raised on a farm that grew carrots and other produce, but I wanted to do something different. My personal goal is to make the world a better place so I applied for law enforcement after graduating high school, but they rejected me. I then applied for the military, but they also rejected. I kept reapplying for both and, that cycle continued until I finally got accepted into the military. Unfortunately, most thought a bunny wasn't fit for the military life. Those that did make it weren't often promoted, but my rank is evidence to the contrary. Having everyone outraged over the assassination of the heir and his wife does change things."
"Ah the cry for war, it never fails to put down any resistance."
"As for my military career, my time in service was not an issue, but my time in grade was. Before the war, I received just enough experience to be promoted to Sergeant. Once the war began, time in grade no longer became an issue. Needless to say, I was responsible for halting your advance and adopting your strategy for using trenches. I became Second Lieutenant for that, but I think the promotion was compensation for remaining on the battlefield during Christmas. What about you, Nick?"
"I enlisted in the military after graduating high school as well. You know what they say about foxes: shifty and untrustworthy. Most jobs refused to hire me because of that. But in the military, their skills are useful when it comes to developing operations and creating battle tactics. The work environment is also more friendly since it's our duty to protect each other. Still, it doesn't mean I faced hostility when I first joined. It would be many years before I attained the rank of First Lieutenant. I have no hard feelings and attribute the harsh treatment to more of roughing up the new recruits."
Judy felt sympathy for Nick after hearing his brief history. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't know life was so harsh for foxes. But I'm happy you proved your value and to a very important group no less. I always give every mammal a chance, but even I still make mistakes. Especially when you're raised by parents who would more likely shoot a fox on sight just for looking at them. Who also, by the way, were not very supportive of my decision to enlist."
Nick placed a paw over his chest at the comforting words. "Why thank you, and you must have lovely parents. That is a very impressive military record if I must say, Carrots."
"Carrots?" Judy said while furrowing her brow.
"A little nickname for you since you did grow up on a carrot farm. I think it's appropriate." Nick said with a wide smirk.
Judy huffed as she placed her paws on her hips. "You do know there is a thing called fraternizing with the enemy right? The punishment is court-martial if reported."
"I know, but this is a ceasefire. None of the legal stuff matters until it ends. I studied the laws of war and the rules of engagement enough to know my way around," Nick then winked. "Trust me."
Judy relaxed her stance. "You do have a point, but I don't think—"
"What is going on here?"
Judy, Nick, and their troops turned to see a gazelle and four tigers dressed in winter clothing approaching them. The soldiers' expression changed to one of surprise at the mammals in their presence.
Clawhauser, in particular, froze at the sight and nearly dropped the doughnuts and drink. "Is that…GAZELLE?!"
Gazelle was famous throughout Mammalia for her singing career as well her unbiased views toward predators and prey. Having four predators accompany her supports her views. Born and raised in Zootopia, she strives for to keep the harmony between predators and prey the city itself presents. At the beginning of the war, she launched a tour to remind the mammals of the peaceful times. When that failed, she changed the purpose to providing moral support for the troops, but it was denied by the leaders of Zootopia after the failure of the previous campaign. After much persistence and persuasion, they agreed to let her perform only under the condition that there was to be no fraternizing with the enemy and granted her the necessary documents to present herself as neutral when traveling. The singers stopped in front of Judy and Nick and Gazelle stepped forward.
"Are you two the commanding officers here?"
"Yes," Nick answered. "I'm First Lieutenant Wilde for the predators."
"And I'm Second Lieutenant Hopps for the prey," Judy responded. "What are you doing here?"
Gazelle and her tigers saluted in respect.
"I received permission to travel around and perform on the battlefield for either side," Gazelle continued. "But my hope is to perform for predators and prey. Everywhere we went it has either been one-sided or there was fighting going on. Some places outright refused us if we attempted a combined audience. We came here expecting the same. What happened?
"A ceasefire Ma'am," Judy answered. "To celebrate Christmas."
Gazelle's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "W-what did you say?"
"A ceasefire, or truce if you prefer," Nick repeated. "When we heard the news of having to spend Christmas without our families, Lt. Hopps and I decided on truce so that we may celebrate the holiday together in peace before resuming the war."
"Oh my..." Upon hearing the reason, Gazelle placed her hooves over her mouth as tears formed in her eyes.
The soldiers immediately noticed her sudden behavior change. Distressed at the sight, Clawhauser and other fans of her made to move when their Lieutenants motioned them to desist. Nick and Judy focused back on Gazelle and asked why she was crying.
"Is something wrong Gazelle?" Judy asked with worry. "Did we make a mistake with the ceasefire?"
Gazelle shook her head and wiped her tears. "Absolutely not! In fact, this is the most glorious thing I have ever seen."
Judy and Nick were astonished at her answer.
Gazelle brought her hooves forward as the tears continued to flow. "Here in the midst of all the carnage and destruction, a small group of predators and prey were willing to put their differences aside to celebrate Christmas with one another." She then placed her hooves over her heart. "As much as it pains me to know this is only temporary, this alone makes the entire tour worthwhile. You give mammals like me hope that there is light in the darkness."
Judy blushed with embarrassment as Nick smiled in delight. A warm feeling of happiness overcame them and their troops.
"Your words bring great joy to all us of here," Nick said. "Right, Carrots?"
Judy nodded and they turned their back to their troops. "Right, everyone?"
They all happily nodded in agreement.
"Then let this be my Christmas gift to you," Gazelle offered. "If you would please follow us to a more large area,"
A short distance away from where the two sides met and where the ground was undisturbed from the fighting, the predators and prey gathered in front of Gazelle, her four tigers, and the prey musicians. Most sat down in the snow while the taller mammals either sat or stood in the back or to the side to avoid blocking the view of those smaller. Judy and Nick sat together front and center before the performers. With everything set, Gazelle looked back at mammals behind her and nodded. The tigers crooned the chorus and the musicians produced the sound before Gazelle began.
Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Her angelic voice radiated throughout the audience and moved some to tears. Clawhauser did his best remain still and silent so to not disturb the performance. While the others focused on Gazelle's singing, Judy carefully looked at Nick out the corner of her eye. The fox was focused on the performance and not paying attention to the bunny staring at him. Judy looked down at his paw resting on his knee and hoped no one else would notice to what she planned to do.
Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
Judy's mind and heart raced as her eyes remained on Nick sitting next to her. Nick was right. It is a ceasefire. There is no harm in a little fraternizing. Judy slowly moved her paw and carefully placed it over Nick's. The fox looked down at the bunny with a blank expression. Judy grew nervous at his impending response before a grin formed on the fox's face. Nick then spread out his fingers and grasped Judy's fingers. This caused Judy to blush immensely and her nose to twitch madly. She quickly focused back on the performance while Nick remained silent, still grinning. The act did not go unnoticed, but no one else dared to ruin the atmosphere.
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light;
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
"One more time! Everyone now!" Gazelle exclaimed.
The predators and prey smiled and joined in, singing to their heart's delight. All the while, Judy and Nick remained conjoined by their paws and growing more comfortable in each other's presence by the second as they sang along.
Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
At the conclusion of the last verse, the audience erupted in thunderous applause, especially with Clawhauser whistling and squealing in delight. It was only then Judy and Nick finally released their grasps to join the encore.
Gazelle, her tigers, and the musicians bowed at their encore. "Thank you for blessing us with this beautiful moment everyone. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas!"
December 24, 1914,
I have never been more thankful for this journal! It has been an excellent method to vent out feelings without breaking my mantra. If there is one thing I learned tonight is that Christmas miracles do exist. First, this preposterous truce was actually successful! I was honestly shocked over how well it was received by the prey. Well, except for that sheep sergeant named Bellwether. She appears to take issue with the ceasefire, but with an overwhelming majority support from the predators and prey, I doubt she can voice her objections successfully. Christmas miracle number two. I found out that the commanding officer for the prey is a female rabbit! Judith "Judy" Hopps is her name, but I prefer calling her Carrots. I have to give credit where it's due. That sly bunny not only managed to halt my advance but also used my tactic of trenches against me. But it doesn't end there. The way Carrots looked at me as we negotiated the truce and how she placed her paw on mines during Gazelle's performance. I know she loves me but appears to be afraid and is holding back. I will have all day tomorrow get her to confess it and to find out why she is afraid. This will certainly be a Christmas to remember and that performance by Gazelle was a perfect conclusion to Christmas Eve.
Nick Wilde reclined in his chair as the evening's events flooded his mind. While he only hinted at it, he too realized the feelings for Judy. Why else would he give her a nickname or allow her to do these things to him? An internal conflict raged inside him between his military instincts and his personal feelings that have been locked away for many years. Nick covered his face with his paws and groaned. How is it a cute bunny of all things managed to break down what years of military training and combat experience build up?! Tomorrow will be his most interesting Christmas to date. Not wanting to dwell on the matter further, the Lieutenant closed the journal and turned off the light before retiring to his cot for the night.
My first romance story which I admit is not my strong suit so let me know how I can improve on it.
This story was inspired from the Christmas Truce of 1914 during World War I and the dramatized 2005 movie Joyeux Noël. I highly recommend watching the movie! I also suggest watching it with English subtitles since the movie is in English, German, and French for the film's entirety and Latin for the Christmas carols. Once I imagined the truce with the world of Zootopia, the plot bunnies were too strong to resist.
For Judy and Nick to be 24 and 32 at the time of the meeting with their ranks, I had them enlist when they turned 18, the legal age where one can enlist without parental consent in the United States, and estimated their time in service and time in grade from there. Their age gap does affect those two factors. A lot of research went into this small but important detail so hopefully, I managed to get everything correct. If not, let me know and I will fix it.
The Christmas songs used were the ones that would have been around in 1914. Though I'm not sure whether I'm Dreaming of Home was written when the movie came out or during that period despite the research or is even considered a Christmas carol.