Three Little Misfits

Just Like You

Alex and Peter smiled proudly in the mirror at themselves, and Nick stood behind just as, if not, even more proud. They were in their new junior ranger scouts uniforms. Behind Nick, came Clementine, his mom. She leaned down to her grandchildren who looked back at her with big cheeky smiles.

"Look grandma Clementine! We're gonna be ranger scouts!" Peter said cheerfully.

"You sure are!" She happily replied as she snuck her paws to his sides to give him a little tickle. Peter laughed loudly and backed away from her attack.

Nick grinned and rubbed the top of his head.

"You look just like Nicky when he was your age." She said as she pinched her son's cheek, revealing a few of his canines.

Nick knelt down and held his phone in front of them to take a picture. "Alright, scouts. Head into the living room with Mom and Jojo." Nick ordered.

"Yes sir!" Alex and Peter both swiftly replied with a quick salute. They giggled and ran out of the room.

Nick turned to his mom and smiled, but it soon turned to a frown. Clementine did the same seeing her son like this. The fox thought back to that day. Him, in the same uniform, his mom, those bullies. God, how he prayed it wouldn't go the same for his boys.

That's why they now hosted the initiation during the day. And with adults. Nick felt his chin being picked up to stare back at his mom.

She grinned and stroked his cheek. "They'll be fine."

Nick's smile returned as he took a hold of her paw, then brought her in for a hug. "I know."

...

The building quickly filled with animals of all kinds. Nick walked through the crowds with Peter and Alex close by. The two see their troop members calling to them. They both look up at Nick.

"Hey Dad? Can we go over with them?" Alex asked.

"Sure you two. Go ahead."

The two quickly run over to their pack and exchange high fives. He took note of the pack. There was Patrick, Alex's best friend. A lion. Things sure have changed. Peter's gazelle friend Caleb was in the troop too. They all looked as happy as can be.

Nick wandered through the crowds again. He stood out in his ZPD uniform. He watched dads with their sons, smiling and embracing their shared pride. Nick felt his heart sink again. How he wish he had that. Maybe it wouldn't have been as bad.

He wandered around again until he bumped into someone and nearly fell over.

"Oh I'm so sorry-" Nick blinked and his words caught in throat. He couldn't believe it. It was the woodchuck who bullied him so many years ago. He was in the Chief ranger's uniform.

"Nick?" He said just as astonished.

"Yeah." Nick replied.

"Wow. I never thought I'd see you here again. Whatcha doin here?" His voice was compassionate. Not like the way it was when they were kids. Something in him obviously had changed.

"I'm here for my sons' initiations."

"Ha. Mine's here too. Hey, listen....I would just like to apologize for the way we treated you back then. It was not right of us to do something like that."

Nick smiled and put his paw on the woodchuck's shoulder. "I forgive you man. Its all in the past. Today is for our boys."

The woodchuck smiled. "Yep they were so excited for today."

"I remember them seeing my ranger uniform. They both said 'Dad, when I grow up, I want to be-'"

"-Just like you." They both say.

The two shared a laugh, and it seemed all past pains were finally mended. Now it was time for the ceremony. Parents took their seats with cameras at the ready.

It was Nick's boys' turns. He began recording as they stood forward.

Alex raised his right paw, as he happily delivered the oath. "I...Alex Wilde...promise to be brave, loyal, helpful, and trustworthy!"

The crowd applaud loudly. Now it was Peter's turn. "I...Peter Wilde...promise to be brave, loyal, helpful, and trustworthy!"

Nick felt tears forming in his eyes as the crowd happily celebrated his son's initiation. He felt like he was watching a dream he once had finally come true. Even though it wasn't him. He felt unbelievable pride as he applauded his two little Ranger Scouts.