I do not own Zootopia or The Lion King/The Lion Guard, that belongs to Disney. This a fan work made solely for the sake of amusement.

A Different Kind Of Pride

Chapter One: Lines of Communication

By: Gabriel LaVedier

'I'm not a coward, I'm not a coward...' Kion thought to himself as he stared down his furious father. The air was tense, almost choking. He had to admit, his father had presence. He could throw his weight around in the boardroom, and nothing stopped him from exerting the same force at home. Kion had will, he had strength, but he was just a kid, some preppy teen. He was dedicated to Jasiri. He loved her! But the hateful eyes burned into his, moment on moment. His father stood like a statue, stony and cold, unmoving. Resolute. His iron will was irresistible. He was a crushing boulder. His mere silent demand was enough, his certainty that he could command his son was not misplaced.

Kion gave only a little.

It was enough.

One little crack, and he was just a cub in his father's gaze. "I-I'll go to my room," Kion said, in a breathy tone, eyes falling. He had nothing left.

"I'll give your sister one last night with Vitani," Simba rumbled as Kion passed him. "She kept this from me, helped you, got her friends involved with those filthy..." he huffed and shook his head. "But that Vitani girl is still a lioness, and a decent one. Better a Happytown goth with cheap makeup than some rich spotted menace. You stay in there. We'll discuss how you'll break up with this hyena later." The corner of his eye caught his wife, just in the doorframe. He gave her a quick lift of his head and a self-confident look. She only gave a nod in return.

Kion was disgusted with himself, in hindsight. Outside of that fiery gaze, those piercing, wounding eyes and that suffocating aura of bigoted command he could chastise himself. With the experience over he could tell himself he was stronger than that. He wasn't the kind to give in. He hadn't given up! He had just... bent. A tiny crack. His father hadn't broken him. Just flecked off a chip. But that had never happened before. He'd never had to fear his father.

His eyes drifted around his darkened room, the low light of a small mood lighting orb suiting him. It had been a gift from his friend Fuli, something to awkwardly try to get something going. Much like with Zuri the attempt had fizzled out. It washed his rather ordinary room in pale light, illuminating his posters of musicians like Hyena Gomez, Dhahabu, Gazelle, Lady Maw-Maw. Awards he had won for gymnastics were scattered around, along with photographs of his friends and family. A bookshelf for his books and comics. A desk slightly too messy for its own good but it was part of the process.

His contemplation seemed to consume great amounts of time. He was lost in his own head, trying to figure out what happened, what he should have done and what he could do. His personal reverie was broken by his room's door slowly opening, the slight squeak just making him flick his ears. He looked over to see a familiar silhouette in the light of the door. "M-mom..?"

Nala brought a finger up to her lips and swiftly entered the room fully, partially closing the door behind her. "I don't think there's a lot of time."

"Are you gonna tell me to give up Jasiri too? Want me to go ask dad to forgive me?" Kion scoffed, turning away from his mother and looking up at the autographed Hyena Gomez poster Jasiri had given him, from right off her wall.

"Your father can be wrong. He is wrong this time," Nala plainly asserted, physically rolling Kion over to look at her. "I know he has a hard job, I know he had a hard life. But this isn't right. You can make choices like this. Even if it doesn't work out..."

"Mom, I know it'll work," Kion insisted, rather more quickly than he likely wanted. "It will."

Nala sighed, handing over a small envelope and a cell phone. "Prepaid cards, a little cash, my extra phone. I saw yours charging on the counter. I think... I think it will work. But you need to go. Use the cards to get a Zuber, call your sister, tell her to stay there with Vitani. It's not perfect, but it's something. You can slip out before he notices. I'll make sure..."

"Mom..." Kion rolled out of bed and hugged his mother, squeezing her tightly before stuffing the items she had given him into his school-marked messenger bag along with his wallet but not his keys. He wouldn't necessarily need to get back into the condo on his own. "I..."

Nala silenced the comment with a kiss on the forehead. "There's no time. Stay low, be quiet, and wait a minute so I can be sure he's distracted. Please... try to understand he... he has reasons sometimes. He does..." She let Kion go and slowly walked back out of the room, leaving the door open wide enough to let him sneak out without making any noise.

Kion pulled on his Savannah Prep jacket and trembled a little bit. A waft of scent came up and made his memory swirl.

Sahara square was notorious for burning days, but few mammals ever remembered that night slammed down hard and a chill would take it, especially late in the year. The Vesper and Night periods called for some kind of proper clothing, which could get very complicated for those who were in the swingover between Day and Vesper, or who did a partial or full from Matin to Night. One of the quirks of the district.

Though largely marketed to adults with places like the Golden Palm hotel and casino, Councilor Fanak was well aware that teens could have lots of free time and some very deep pockets that could either be spent on video games or in things that her constituents could profit from. Hence her open suggestions and her legislation establishing safe zones for said teens, with proper police protection, cleanliness standards, and appropriate entertainment. It was a bit of a trip depending on where one came from in the city, but was reportedly worth it.

Kion hadn't wanted his relationship to change anything with his friends, he wanted his circle to expand, not just shift aside. So he had planned an outing with his Savannah sports friends along with his new Hyenahurst friends. They made for quite a pride. He and Jasiri at the front. Kiara with Vitani holding her around the waist almost constantly. Madoa resolutely leading a doe-eyed Cheezi along. Janja and Zuri grinning aside at each other. Chungu almost daintily holding Tiifu's hand and looking a little shy about it while the insides of her ears were nearly beet red. His three friends followed on slightly behind, still getting the lay of the land. Fuli, track star wearing her vinyl tracksuit with the jacket open to show off her Savannah tank top. Bunga the soccer phenom, in an almost embarrassingly flamboyant Dhahabu tee that his adopted fathers no doubt picked out for him. Last in line was wrestling team heavyweight Beshte, whose muted ensemble could not offset his personal quirk of almost requiring that he go everywhere with his beloved pet egret, Ono.

The last thing limited them to places where pets were allowed, which included a few outdoor cafes and a decent number of retro-style arcades. "How you holding up there?" Zuri asked, looking specifically at Fuli who rolled her eyes on noticing. "Gah, spare me the saltiness, Fuli. I didn't get him either. I got something better." She grabbed Janja's Hyenahurst Academy tie and yanked him forcefully in for a quick, hot kiss.

"Whoa! Hey! I'm not like these fur brains. I-I don't fall for that kinda stuff," Janja insisted, adjusting his tie with exaggerated casualness. "But, you know... feels good havin' a strong lady there for you."

"Sure, rub it in, Zuri. That makes you more endearing," Fuli hissed.

"Come on, don't fight. We can get along," Kiara insisted.

"It's like my father tells us, sisi ni sawa. It's more true than you might suppose. I mean, looks like we're all Inters here," Jasiri noted.

"Well, I'm not," Beshte said, reflexively reaching up to pet his preening bird. "And Little B's an Outsider. But I totally respect all of you."

"It's completely true. And someday, Dhahabu's gonna be my girlfriend," Bunga said, puffing up his chest and slightly stroking a claw along the picture on his shirt.

"Keep dreamin', squirt. Isn't she a little old for you?" Janja asked.

"Madoa's older than me and she's dreamy," Cheezi sighed, hugging up on Madoa's side and making the other hyena stand up a little taller. "It's just a year but look at her. She's got all that height and those big muscles."

"Oh don't lie for me. I don't have big muscles. But I'm glad you think I do," Madoa humbly said, kissing Cheezi on top of his head.

"Dhahabu's a teen star," Bunga loudly said. "She's not that old! I think she's a senior. And I bet she just loves a good sports star."

"I sure do," Jasiri laughed, hugging Kion's arm, and shivering a little bit. She was in her usual sundress, a bright yellow one that hung loosely on her form.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Kion asked.

"Should have dressed for the place," Jasiri laughed. "For all we're supposed to be tough, I'm kind of a softie in the cold. I put on like ten layers of clothes if we go anywhere near Tundratown."

"She seriously looks like a walking pile of laundry," Madoa concurred with a chuckle.

Kion whipped off his school jacket and offered it to Jasiri. "Here. I don't need it that much."

Jasiri slowly slipped on the jacket and hugged herself, leaning her head on Kion's shoulder. "Thank you..."

Kion wrapped his arm around Jasiri's back and hugged her to him.

"Hey! I think Ono could use some ice cream, I sure could," Beshte shouted, the comment drawing out a croaking call from Ono and a shake of his crested head.

"Zuka zama! Big B, you've always got the best ideas!" Bunga impulsively dashed forward, passing up everyone.

"I've got him, we'll meet you there," Fuli said, rolling her eyes as she dashed off in Bunga's wake.

"I think it's going well," Jasiri laughed, hugging Kion a little tighter as they walked along.

The scent still clung to it, puffing out as he squeezed the jacket. That lavender bath scrub he had bought her, a little touch of the breadfruit ice cream she had spilled on it, and her. Her personal scent. The warm smell, a hint of some spicy tinge mixed with a warm earthiness and musk. It was her. No other hyena smelled like her, not to the most minute trace. They had been very chaste together, given they were often around her family, but he had buried his muzzle in her neck, lips pulled back to make every snuffle fill his senses with her.

He tried not to lose himself in the memory and the feeling of pleasant warmth rolling through him. He'd see her again. Soon. He wasn't sure how much time he needed, but he gave himself a few minutes and moved when he heard wine glasses clinking. His father wasn't an alcoholic like his grandfather had been, but he could get very distracted by a good drink. He still cursed that weakness, and resolved to never even touch the stuff himself, but it certainly had some uses.

His paws softly padded along the carpet, his gymnastic training serving him well. He balanced perfectly, stepping in a long crouch, his eyes sweeping around. There was a decent amount of space in the condo, and his father was no longer in the main room. His mother had probably taken him into the private den that was just off the larger more public use living room. He had to pass the entrance to the den to get out the front door, which made him tense up and stretch out every motion.

Reaching out for the doorknob, Kion looked aside into the den. His parents were both on their paws, talking in low tones. His father's back was to the doorway and his mother was casually swirling the dark wine in her glass, keeping her eyes mostly on her husband's face.

Turning the knob was a slow, tense process. His fingers wrapped around it, twisting it as quickly as he dared, wincing as the works ground slight, squeaking and straining. His father's head started to turn, but Nala sensually slid her hand along the back of his head, bringing him in for a kiss. She looked into her son's eyes before vanishing behind Simba's mane, eyes flicking in the direction of the door. That was enough, Kion twisting the knob more firmly and rushing out the front door. He kept the knob turned, grabbing onto the outer knob before releasing the inner one. He closed the door quietly and let the knob go back to a closed position incrementally.

Once he was out of the condo he couldn't think of anything except running. He made for the elevators, hitting Zuber app on the phone he was given. He quickly punched in the details and confirmed it while he rode down in the elevator. Once it was done he pulled up the contacts and his his sister's name.

It was only one ring before Kiara's bubbly voice popped through on the speaker. "Hey mom! What's up? Did I leave something..?"

"Kiara! Are you at Vitani's place yet?"

"Koin? Why do you have mom's phone? And... no, the driver was late, and we had a little thing about going anywhere near Happytown. What's wrong? You sound stressed. Did dad yell at you?"

Kion hesitated in his answer, staring blankly at the ground. "I wish he had just yelled..."

"Kion..."

"When you get there, stay there," Kion almost whispered. "Mom helped me get out of the house. She knows dad's wrong about this. He... he wants me to break up with Jasiri."

"What? Oh no... no... Kion... Wait! Is he gonna make me..?"

"No. He said he prefers a poor goth from Happytown to... he said disgusting things about hyenas. He used names that..." Kion shivered and sighed. "But he's angry that you kept it from him. Mom said to stay over there and I was thinking about it too. I got out of the condo and I'm on my way to Tender Fisi's manse."

"You said he was fine with her. He was just mad I hid it from you."

"I don't know what to think anymore..." Kion said, head snapping up as the elevator reached the bottom. He stepped out of the elevator into the opulent lobby of the building. All the gold leaf accents and polished marble wasn't as impressive in that moment. "He said he'd give you one last night. I don't know what he's doing."

There was silence from the phone, lasting through Kion's going out the front door, under the stern eye of the rhino in his fancy attire that opened the door for him. "Her mom doesn't get scared. Vitani takes after her all the way. I can't believe this happened. Want me to warn anyone?"

Kion stood on the curb, eyes out for the Zuber car. "Oh no... I... I told him that Zuri and Tiifu weren't going to be trying to date me anymore because they're seeing hyenas too. He was so angry, he said he'd force them to break up, make them both marry me. I don't know if they can stay with Janja and Chungu, but you need to warn them dad's gonna make their parents get on them about it."

"I thought he was just a bigot. He'd yell and then get over it. Listen, I'll call Zuri and Tiifu. I'll... I'll see you really soon, okay little brother?"

"Asante, sis. I'm sorry I dragged you into this mess," Kion sighed.

"I kind of knew what I was getting into. Vitani's turning me into kind of a bad queen and I think I like it. Zuri won't be the top tough one for long. Zuri... I can't believe this."

"I never thought I'd be friends with Hyenahurst athletes. Now I wanna keep being friends. This just isn't fair," Kion huffed.

"Great-uncle Taka always said life wasn't fair, we have to make it fair for everyone. Kion, we're coming up to the Happytown border. I see Vitani waiting for me. I'll tell her what's going on and call Zuri and Tiifu. Get to Jasiri's place safe, little brother."

"Thanks sis. I'll see you... soon, I hope," Kion said, ending the call and leaning back against a lamppost with a sigh. He leaned there for a while, before seeing headlights approaching his position.

The driver's side window on the moderate-sized sedan rolled down and the zebra behind the wheel regarded Kion oddly. "Really? A kid? How absurd."

Kion pulled out one of his cards, a large denomination one. "It scans the same as a credit card. I just need to get to the main Peaceground Sanctuary, at the gate to the Manse if you can."

"Well, the app is the app. Get in, youngster," the zebra said with a shrug.

Kion slid into the car and buckled himself in. He checked the other apps on the phone and found MuzzleTime. Kiara mentioning great-uncle Taka drove him to start the app and plug in the details. He remembered that well enough. It would be unusual to get a call from a strange number but if he was available he'd likely pick up.

"You've got my number. That is enough to grant you one minute of... Kion! What a surprise! You got a new phone, did you?" Taka Pride's cultured, rich voice came through the phone speaker loud and clear. His mature face still held the handsome cast of his younger days and his mane was still as dark as ever, with only a few silver streaks running through it, making him look extra distinguished. His scar was likewise the same as ever, never masked or treated by surgery. From the way the screen was filled with light it was day wherever he was. "Well, a bit of conspicuous consumption always kept the family in bucks. I just hope that nephew of mine isn't using it as a way to buy your assent or forgiveness."

"It's mom's phone. She gave it to me for a while. Things are... things are kind of... uncle Taka... you, um... you dated. And you, um, you had... did you ever..." The words wouldn't come. Couldn't come. He wasn't even sure what he was asking. Taka had been an open book, and the question he was trying not to ask would have been settled ages ago.

"Oh great-nephew... you are getting to that age, aren't you? Well, you should be able to discover what suits you. Who suits you," Taka said with a chuckle, the sounds of male and female voices making him turn his head. "Both of you, I'm talking to family. You're free to be elsewhere." He turned back with a smile. "How many. But only if it truly, truly comports with your emotional capability. You can't train that, or force it. Remember that, Kion. If you learn nothing more, follow your heart, the purest kind of love that feels right, not what someone insists."

"Even dad?" Kion asked quietly.

"Oh my... ominous. What has your father forbidden to you? No... who? What precious mammal that no doubt was right has he forbidden?" Taka asked, his face falling to a look of concern and sadness.

"She's a... h-hyena," Kion said, wincing just slightly.

"I should have been able to guess. That brother of mine put that poison in his head. It is fortunate that such toxicity has not passed from sire to son. Don't worry. I may be drawn to my own species but I have no animus toward those who are not. Least of all family," Taka said with a good natured chuckle and a smile. "The population of the city is vast, but still, would I be acquainted with her lineage? I knew your sister's belle through her mother."

"She's from the Fisi family. Her dad's the Head Tender of the sanctuary here. Her aunt used to be on the board of directors at the company," Kion said, a touch of pride moving through him.

"Well now!" Taka said with a sudden energy. "There's a name I haven't heard in a long while. Yes, Shenzi Fisi and her brother Faraja. She had just gotten married back in those days. Some charming and ornamental fellow. A grand one, took care of his... special brother. A man worthy of a firecracker like her to be sure. How are they these days?"

"Living in Hyenahurst. Jasiri and I go over a lot. She cooks us meerkat food and we hang out in the wadi with our friends. Her husband is always dressed up pretty, he says he can afford to be in drag all day every day. The brother is still there, and he's really well taken care of," Kion said.

"Yes, to be expected. Even with the funds they'd never send him to even the finest institution. Family means everything to the Fisis. Jasiri, you say? What a lovely name. Jasiri Fisi-Pride. It has a powerful ring. It echoes across history. That dark hyena fur might reach in and prevent another red generation. Strong lionesses with spotted hides or black-maned lions with barrel chests and strong jawlines. Oh, though you may be a trifle young to think of that. Perhaps. Mm, I hope you've taken precautions."

"Ah, well..." Kion's ears had gone dark red and his eyes darted around. "We don't have a lot of time alone. We're with her dad and mom, or her aunt and uncle, or with her sister, her boyfriend and our friends."

"Yes, at that age I suppose it's more about your friends being close. But we've lost the point. So, your father has taken my brother's poisonous vindictiveness and forbade you to see this girl. I hope you don't think I could have significant influence over him. Those days are gone. You'd be better contacting that lovely couple that raised him. They seem to have luck with him, if only some."

"I talked to Kara and she mentioned something you said about fairness. I thought you might have some kind of advice. How to change his mind, or how to make him see Jasiri is great or something," Kion pleaded.

"My dear boy... I hate to steal hope from you, but my compassion drives me to it. I can't lie to you. There is no changing his mind. It was made up ages ago, long before you were even a glint in anyone's eye. He will feel how he feels about hyenas, presumably forever. I can only advise you to escape from his clutches. I see you are in a car, I presume it is not one of his?"

"I'm in a Zuber, on my way to the Sanctuary. Tender Fisi won't let anyone get me. Kiara's going to stay with her girlfriend's family. You know that Zira can keep her safe."

"Indeed. Another real firebrand. I provided micro-loans and eased the way with obstructive bureaucrats but she provided the passion and drive to get that boarding house for single mothers and other cast-offs. Your sister should be well-defended. But what of you? How did you get out?"

"Mom knew dad was wrong. She gave me her phone because mine was charging. She helped distract dad so I could slip out and told me to tell Kiara to stay away. I'll be fine as soon as I get to the manse. Shouldn't be too long."

"Good. I wish I could offer more help but I have so little power over your father. I would invite you here but that would be worse. I could not take you away from your belle nor her from her family. I am merely a distant family member, my heart full of aches for your plight," Taka sighed, looking aside at another sound. "No, lovelies. I won't be brought up from this so easily. But you are a comfort no matter what. I'm so sorry, Kion."

"It's okay. I needed someone to talk to on the trip. Hug Antonio and Georgina for me. If all of this goes alright I'll be able to go out and visit for the Solstice," Kion sighed.

"Chin up, nephew. You're a resilient one, to be sure. And you, hug and kiss this lovely Jasiri of yours. In fullness of time I'm sure you'll be bringing her 'round so I may dote on a brand new niece," Taka said with a smile, the call cutting out as the hired car drove smoothly though the Savannah Central night.

o o o

After hanging up with Kion, Kiara swiftly paid her driver with a swipe of a card and leaped from the car practically into Vitani's arms. The dark lioness was in her casual best, lightly naturally tattered baggy jeans and a mesh shirt over a black top. She had taken a little effort to safety pin full arm sheaths to the shoulders, the lower part held in place by having a hole for her thumb separated from the area for the rest of her fingers. "Hey, princess! I know I'm great but you don't need to go full-on make-out. Mom's strict but she never stopped us before."

"I... I need to call my friends. I'll explain later but trust me, it's an emergency," Kiara insisted, quickly pulling up her contacts and finding Zuri's name on top of her recents. "Zuri! Please pick up..."

Zuri's laughter came through before he greeting, clear and properly amused. "Hey, Kiara! You change your mind, wanna come along? Well you-"

"Zuri! I don't know if there's a lot of time. Is Tiifu there close by?" Kiara asked.

"Oh! See, I was gonna tell you. I'm at home. We planned the night out, and Tiifu still went with Chungu, and Madoa, and Cheezi. But Janja felt like coming around to our place again. He's got a crazy good relationship with dad, all that swapping jock stories about rugby and soccer. They're in there right now talking trick plays and great evasions."

"Oh no, oh no, oh no... listen... can you go with him to his place?"

"Kiara! I kinda expected that out of Tiifu. She's the one on heat over Chungu, figured she'd be-"

"My dad knows!" Kiara shouted, instantly drawing Vitani's gaze and a curious tilt of her head. "Kion told him, and he did not act like I thought. He wants Kion and Jasiri to be over. He... he wants you and Janja and Tiifu and Chungu over. He wants you both with Kion."

"Yeah, good luck with that" Zuri said, her tone practically screaming her eye-roll. "Are you serious? Did Fuli put you up to this? That's beneath her."

"I'm serious, Zuri. I didn't know he'd be like this. I thought he'd get upset and just yell a lot. He... you need to go to Janja's house," Kiara insisted.

"Why? I mean, sure, I don't mind, I'd love to go to his place. But what's wrong with my place?"

"Dad's not subtle. He wants you to break up with him. He'll bribe your parents to make you. And he has... the suits," Kiara said, whispering the last words.

"Like I give a hack. Dad can't be bought. He works with enough good mammals who'd gladly ruin your dad! Oh... s-sorry. Just... I'm not giving up Janja! He's handsome and smart and he's got a little attitude. You probably should have called Tiifu. Her parents like Chungu but they're kinda skittish. They'd listen to those sandpaper queens. Look... I'll call her. I thought you were on a date with Vitani. I know she wants to latch onto your muzzle, neck or ear and not let go until that mother of hers squirts her with a water bottle. Worst case, she goes home with Madoa. Tender Fisi should be happy to have her."

"That's where Kion's going right now. Might be a full house. But okay... okay. Talk to Tiifu. And tell me what happens later. I really want you two to be okay."

"Relax, Kiara, I've got this. We've got this. Just enjoy your night as much as you can."

"A-alright. Bye," Kiara whispered, ending the call and slumping, Vitani right there to hold her up.

"Better give me the scoop while we walk, princess. I don't like the sound of this, and I'm sure mother's gonna hate it even more..."

On the other end of the line, Zuri watched the call end and looked out into the condo. She was standing in the kitchen, able to look over the bartop into the main room. Janja was there in his letter jacket and slacks, laughing and elbowing her father, the large, brown-maned lion in his own slacks and a polo shirt heartily laughing right along. "And he's down on the ground, holding his leg, wailing like only a cougar can, writhing and whipping his tail. And the ref's there so all I do is roll my eyes and say, I hit the other leg, you idiot."

Janja cackled extra loud, slapping his knee and sucking in a breath. "I never hit a cougar without getting' a face fulla scream. Can't ever turn it off."

Her mother entered the kitchen, pulling a bag of roasted crickets out of a cabinet, pouring them out into a bowl and giving Zuri a pat on the cheek. "Hey, what's wrong? You never stop smiling when Janja's here."

"Oh just... there's some drama to deal with. You know how it is. Just need to call Tiifu to deal with some stuff," Zuri replied, putting on a wide smile.

"Well, alright..." her mother said.

"I can... it's fine that I'm dating Janja, right?"

"Baby... we wanted you to date a good mammal. Janja is a wonderful boy, and we're happy that he makes you so happy," she said, giving her daughter a kiss on the forehead.

"Thanks mom..." Zuri sighed, bringing up her contacts and hitting Zuri's number.

"So, changed your mind? Getting bored of listening to your dad tell his old stories and Janja laughing at them?"

"Are you still out with Chungu, Madoa and Cheezi?"

"Yes I am, mom. It's not like I'm in any danger, I'm with a walking wall of muscle and a dark mane in one of the safest places in the city. We're out at a cafe lounging and abusing their politeness. We keep buying pastry and hot beverages so they won't kick us out but they could probably turn over the tables. Then again, the percentages aren't being hurt that much, and given the day, the time and the population density and general visitor traffic..."

"Tiifu! I need you to focus on something besides accounting. I know you're just trying to get Chungu to give you goo-goo eyes, I can hear him panting in the background."

"Sorry. It's too much fun. What's up? Want me to give you the address?"

"Don't bother. We've got a problem, sounds like a serious one. Mr. Pride freaked out when Kion told him he was dating Jasiri. He went so nuts he not only wants Jariri out of his life, he wants both of us in it."

"Uh... we're both dating. Even if the first part worked, how would the rest of it?"

"Kiara says he's gonna try bribing our parents or sending out his suits. I'm not worried, but I'm a little worried for you. It's probably not the best idea but you should go home with Chungu. Or Madoa. Somewhere that won't be affected by Mr. Pride's money."

A long silence followed, the emptiness filled with jovial talk and the crunch of exoskeletons. "Please be a joke. Please, Zuri. Start laughing. Please."

"Go with one of them when the date's over. Hide. Don't answer when your parents call. Just wait for me or Kiara. It's going to be fine. He's not going to get us. Trust me. Mr. Pride can't bribe daddy, not with all the bucks in Zootopia. Trust me, this will all work out."

"O-okay. I'll just... I wait to hear from one of you. B-bye."

"Bye..." Zuri said, ending the call and looking up to find herself surrounded by her parents and Janja.

"All the bucks in Zootopia..." Her father said slowly. "No, Mr. Pride can't bribe me. But I'm very, very interested in knowing why he would want to try..."