Karma
Judy never made it back to Zootopia in time to find Nick after the disastrous press conference, and so never made up with him. What would happen after almost 20 years if they finally reunite under odd circumstances? Definitely NOT your usual WildeHopps story. All Zootopia and other Disney characters belong to Disney, and I take no credit for any musical group, artist or songs mentioned in the story. All OC are MINE so paws off without permission!
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A/N # 1 ~ The title is liable to change, as I'm not sure how it'll properly reflect the story as it progresses. I originally planned to post the story after it was finished, but I changed my mind … so sue me…!
A/N # 2 ~ This is an idea that popped into my head anticipating the upcoming annual Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota that I normally attend. Some folks may have an issue with the pace of the story or extended dialog at times, but I really don't care.
While in the middle of writing this, the great bike builder Arlen Ness passed away. This is in part dedicated to both Arlen Ness and Indian Larry, both of whom will be mentioned in the story…RIP bros!
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1: A Chance Meeting
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TUESDAY MORNING: WILDE RIDES CUTOM MOTORCYCLES MAIN BAY, AWESTON ~ SOUTH-WESTERN REGION OF ANIMALIA:
…
"C'mon Nick, what's the holdup?" asks a slightly impatient Midnight, a large black panther.
"Dude, we're not even scheduled to leave for an hour yet, what's yer hurry?"
"Look, we've been planning this gig for over a year, and packing for a month. I just wanna get started already ok?"
"And the fact that Amy Rose wants ta corner you in the parts room for a quickie before we leave has nothin' to do with it, right?" says Nick, smirk all to evident.
"I heard that Nick!" comes the reply from a thoroughly outed female lynx.
"Ok, fine yea. Then we'll both need a good shower and that'll lead to more-"
"Guys, I'm literally RIGHT HERE!"
"Alright, alright, I get the picture."
Turning to the assembled group of mammals, Nick raises an arm and motions in a circle several times "Fire 'm up, let's get this show on the road!"
Turning and looking at the scene, Nick observes the assembled crowd of what most 'civilized' mammals would consider misfits and oddballs, mount and start their machines.
As almost two dozen large engine motorcycles start up, filling the main bay of Wilde Rides Custom Cycles with a deafening roar, Nick contemplates the coming trip. The annual pilgrimage to the motorcycle rally in Stergis, located at the far edges of the Badlands and Hills regions of Animalia, far from the city of Zootopia is about to begin. Last year while at the rally, Nick sensed a great money-making opportunity that could be exploited at the rally, while giving the shop employees, their significant others, and a few close friends some much needed time away from the shop.
Bikes always needed to be fixed. Either through poor maintenance, abuse or just plain breaking down, this was a simple fact. Plus, mammals were always looking to upgrade something, and Nick wanted to take advantage of the situation. There were never enough shops or mechanics at the rally, so Nick had worked out a deal with the city council to bring his crew and enough tools and parts to fix most of the major brands of Animalian bikes that would show up at the rally. Foreign bikes weren't their forte, and most of his mechanics weren't familiar enough with the machines to be comfortable enough to work on them, so Nick would just send those to one of the established shops for repairs.
The fact that Nick, or rather 'Wilde Rides' had been chosen to participate in a live three-way biker build-off competition at the rally might have aided in the ability to get the space for the repair shop.
"So" asks Skye, an artic fox vixen "you're still planning on riding the custom softail?"
"Yea, why? You suddenly like tod's now?"
"Not on your life. You know, you've got to start getting over Krystal at some point, right?"
A quick look of anger crossed Nick's face, but was as quickly replaced buy one of sorrow.
"I know. Maybe someone will catch my eye at the rally."
"And just how are ya gonna ride double if that were to happen, when all ya got on that ride is a solo seat?"
"You really are a pain in my tail, you know that, right?"
"Nick, someone's gotta look out for ya, ya big dummy. It ain't healthy ta mourn for this long. Yea, Krystal's gone, but there's always room for another someone in your heart."
"I guess if anyone would know it'd be you" says Nick with a small, sad smile.
Gently placing her paw on Nick's cheek Skye gives a soft smile and agrees "Yea, it would. How about ya take the springer classic that's been sitting for so long and just gathering dust instead?"
"Kinda late in the game to be thinking about that now ain't it?" he asks.
"Not really" she answers with a sly grin "It's all prepped and ready to go."
"You planned this all along, didn't ya?"
"It was actually Nicholle's idea, I just helped keep it a secret."
Placing both paws on Skye's cheeks, Nick placed a soft kiss between her ears. "Thank Nicholle for me please, and … thank you. It's nice to know that some mammals do care."
"We've all got each other's backs Nick, you should know that by now."
"Yea, but I guess a good reminder is needed from time to time-" as he notices Skye's significant other wheeling the afore mentioned bike to the forefront.
Gathering Nicholle into fierce hug, Nick breathes a deep sigh and looks deeply into his twin sister's emerald eyes "Thanks sis, I don't know what I'd do without ya."
"You'd be a slobbering mess, of course!" teases the vixen as she breaks the hug and heads for the shop truck. "Now, gear up, plant your sorry ass on that bike and let's get moving."
Staring after Sky and Nicholle as they head back to the large cargo van full of tools and shop equipment, Nick decides that maybe … just maybe, they're both right and it's time to replace the hurt in his heart with some happiness.
…
After letting the bike warm up for a couple of minutes, Nick dons his Roaring Thunder vest and leads the pack out of the shop and onto the main drag of Aweston.
The roughly 1200-mile trip would take them around three days to complete. While only an eighteen-hour trip driving straight through by car, the more frequent stops for gas and other necessities, it made more sense to break the journey up and stop overnight twice. Riding a custom motorcycle, while physically more relaxing, could be mentally stressful, particularly when in cities and town where cages (cars) seldom looked for bikers, made it especially dangerous.
Having successfully navigating through the city of Aweston with no mishaps or stops by local anti-biker cops, it was a leisurely cruise at seventy miles per hour up Interstate 35.
After stopping in Waaco, then Forts Worth for gas (not to mention fighting the much-hated traffic in both cities) the group set their sights on Gainesville to stop for the night.
Their usual stop for the trip, Gainesville was a small town just off the Interstate that never seemed to mind Nick and his bunch. The Wilde Bunch as they were referred to, was always respectful and more times than not, overly friendly to the locals, regardless of their species, but especially so to the children.
…
XXX ~ WEDNESDAY: Road trip in progress to the Stergis motorcycle in the Badlands/Hills Regions:
…
Bright and early the next morning, after a healthy breakfast at Mel's Diner, their usual haunt, it was back on the road.
'This is freedom' thinks Nick, wind in his fur, bugs in his teeth and all 'this is what we fought and died for.'
As the group continues north, through Aardmore, Pauel's Valley, they finally roll into Noorman for the night, more than a little bit road weary. Even though the trip had been uneventful for the most part so far, the Highway Patrol (yes, the officer in question was an overweight pig) at Enid managed to sour the trip a bit by hassling them because he thought they were some sort of biker gang
After finding out that all members of the group that wore 'colors' were affiliated with various military veterans' groups and not biker gangs, the totally embarrassed cop apologized profusely and let them get back to their ride.
Rolling into the Howliday Inn in Noorman, the Wilde Bunch decided to let their fur down a bit. After having Skye and Nicholle make a beer run, they all sat around the pool, with the vets (who comprised the bulk of the group) both male and female, swapping lies about their various sexual conquests. Since this happened on a regular basis, no one got offended or embarrassed (unless, of course, the story happened to be about one of the current members of the group).
With none of the group being overly rowdy or disorderly, the management left them pretty much to themselves, better to do so than provoke something they thought.
Around midnight, the partiers policed up their trash and disposed of it in the numerous barrels that management had thoughtfully provided for just that purpose.
THURSDAY: Road trip in progress to the Stergis motorcycle in the Badlands/Hills Regions:
Up early, in spite of a few hangovers and after another good breakfast, it was back on the highway for hopefully the final leg of their journey.
After traveling as far north as they needed to, the group turned and headed west on I90 just east of the small city of Sue Falls, in the Midwestern Region
Not far out of Sue Falls, the group comes upon a lone bike parked alongside of the interstate, well away from traffic on the shoulder of the road, with the small rider sitting on the road with her back leaning on the bike.
Always ready to help a fellow biker, the decision to stop is never in question.
With the entire group behind him, Nick rolls to a stop just behind the apparently crippled bike.
…
As Nick dismounts to talk to the rider, he observes first a look of apprehension on the bunny doe's face, which quickly morphs to one of quiet defiance.
"Problems there beautiful?" he asks.
"Maybe" she answers cautiously "who's asking?"
Slowly reaching out his paw "Name's Nick … Nick Wilde, with an 'e'. And you are?"
Carefully reaching out and returning the pawshake "Julie … Julie Hopperson"
Suddenly recognizing Nick, Judy can only hope that Nick has a short memory.
Looking briefly past Nick at the assembled group behind him she asks "You always travel with such a large group?"
"Not usually, no. We're headed to the rally, like I assume you are."
"And you stopped because….?"
Looking a bit perplexed, Nick gave the only answer that he could "Because it's the right thing to do. It's part of the unofficial code, bikers always help other bikers. Yea, I know a lot the wannabes don't, but we do, ok?"
Not getting much of a reaction from the small doe, Nick continues "Look, the way I see it ya got three choices here" says Nick firmly, crossing his arms in front of his chest "First, you can tell me, us, to fuck off and hope someone more 'reputable' (making air quotes with his fingers) comes along, you can sit here until … whenever and end up abandoning the bike and walking or hitchhiking to either the rally or wherever home is. Or you can let us look at the bike and see if we can fix it. It's totally up to you!"
With her long ears flat against her back, Judy realizes that Nick's right, so she resigns herself to her fate. "Fine, look at the bike … please."
Putting his fingers to his mouth Nick whistles "Midnight! Get yer ass up here, lady in distress!"
While Midnight makes his way forward, Nick asks "Ok, do you have any idea what the problem is? What happened? Did it just run out of gas, suddenly stop? What?"
With fire in her eyes, Judy gets in Nick's face "No I didn't run out of gas damnit! I'm not some typical airheaded dumb bunny! It just suddenly quit. I may have flooded it trying to get it started, but it won't start! Won't even try."
"Ok, ok, ok, I had to ask the most obvious question so we know where to start looking."
"S'up boss?" asks Midnight.
"Lady says that it just quit runnin'. There's plenty of gas and may be flooded, but otherwise she's got no clue. Give it a quick look-see will ya?"
"Sure thing." Flashing Judy a quick, genuine smile, Midnight begins his diagnosis of the problem.
"So, first rally?" asks Nick.
"It's that obvious?" Judy answers.
"Yea, it kinda is" he says, looking over everything he can see that she has strapped to the sissy bar "the gear ya got there is a bit excessive, typical of rookies."
Noting the fire coming back into her eyes, and the look on her muzzle, Nick quickly puts both paws up in a defensive posture.
"Nothing personal Cottontail, just an honest observation, chill out ok?"
"Sorry … I get a bit … defensive when I hear negativity. I've put up with so much shit in my life that it gets to be a normal reaction sometimes."
"I get it, I really do. Most of us" indicating the large group of mammals behind him "have dealt with that same type of crap. We're cool, yea?"
Stuffing her thumbs into her jeans and letting out a short huff, Judy nods "Yea, we're cool."
"I really hate break up this lover's quarrel" interrupts Midnight "but the lady's got some serious, and I mean serious problems here!"
Getting some astonished looks for both Nick and Judy, Midnight quickly continues "To begin with, the wirings totally fried. Lady, you're extremely lucky you couldn't get this thing started. If you had, with the carb leaking gas like it is, you would have probably gone up in a ball of flame.'
'The oil is low, not critically, but low nonetheless. These old EL's drop oil like nobody's business, so ya gotta keep a close eye on it. Along with that, at least one cylinder seems really low on compression. I don't know where you came from, but you're extremely lucky to have made it this far."
Plopping down on the ground Judy groans and quietly mutters, mostly to herself "What am I gonna do now? Can't get to the rally, can't get home…" and begins to sob softly.
"Hey, Cottontail … JULIE!" says Nick trying to get Judy's attention.
Giving Nick the most devastated look that he has seen in a long time "…Yes?"
"We're headed to the rally. Since you seem to be headed that way, how about we load your bike into the trailer? You can ride there with us, and you can at least get that far."
"You'd do that … for me?"
"Well, yea."
"And … you'd want what in return … exactly?" she asks, more than a little suspicious about his intentions.
"Look lady" says Nick, attitude suddenly in plain view "we do this kind of shit for mammals every day because we can, and because that's who we are. If you don't wanna go with this bunch of misfits, just say the fuck so and we'll be on our way….!"
Realizing that she had said exactly the wrong thing at exactly the wrong time, Judy could only try to defuse the situation as best she could.
"Ok, I'm sorry. It's just … it's just so rare that someone is willing to do something for nothing out of the goodness of their heart. I-I'm sorry…" and with that she bursts into tears.
Suddenly unsure of exactly what to do, Nick impulsively stepped forward and took the sobbing bunny into tight hug. "It ok, Cottontail, it's ok-"
"All of my life" she says softly into Nicks chest "I've been put down, laughed at or shit on. I can't remember the last time someone was just good to me for no real reason. It's always been something, some excuse, some expectation of a reward of some kind."
"To be clear" returns Nick just as quietly "I have no expectations of receiving anything in return for fixing your bike, except maybe a heartfelt 'thank you'. That's not who I am. It's not who any of us here are. If you're concerned about paying for the repairs to your bike, we can work something honorable out. Something agreeable to the both of us, ok?"
Pulling out of the hug a bit, Judy answers "Yea, I guess. Sorry, I'm not usually this emotional."
Giving the doe a soft smirk Nick starts to comment "Bunnies-"
Punching Nick gently in the chest, Judy quietly warns him "Don't. You. Dare…"
Just then the pair are startled when Nicholle steps up and interrupts the moment "You two wanna get a room or somethin'? Beefallo Gap is just up the road and we've got a few minutes to spare-"
"Damn sis, don't do that!" exclaims Nick as both animals jump slightly.
"So, who's the lady friend Nick? Keeping secrets from your favorite sister now are we?"
Rolling his eyes, Nick makes introductions "Julie, this is my twin, and only sister by the way, Nicholle Wilde. Nicholle, Julie Hopperson. Julie Hopperson, Nicholle Wilde. There, happy now?"
With a thoughtful look on her muzzle, Nicholle extends a paw.
As Judy slowly extends her paw in return, she suddenly realizes 'She knows. She knows who I am'!"
"Are we gonna sit here all day and watch you two play 'happy paws' or what?" Midnight asks.
Turning to address Midnight and seeing a broad grin, all Nick can do is tell him "Just … shut up and roll her bike into the trailer."
"I guess you've got a choice to make Cottontail" addressing Judy "You can either ride in the truck with Nicholle and her girlfriend, you can walk the rest of the way to the rally, about 400 miles, or you can ride with me. Everyone else is paired up. What's it gonna be?"
With walking being out of question, and being sure that Nicholle knows her past, Judy makes the obvious choice "I guess I'll be riding with you. I really don't fancy walking that far, and no offense, but I don't swing that way Nicholle."
"None taken" answers the vixen, who then leans in close and whispers "Don't. Hurt. my brother … again!" confirming Judy's worst fears, and then walks off towards the waiting truck.
"You comin' Cottontail?" asks Nick, holding out his paw to help Judy get on the bike.
"Umm, yea, just a sec" she replies a bit shakily, reaching for Nick's proffered paw.
…
With Judy's bike loaded into the trailer and with her securely on the back of Nick's bike, the Wilde Bunch plus one gets back on the road towards the annual Stergis rally.
After riding hundreds of miles on the old Knucklehead with its hardtail frame, Judy marveled at the smooth ride of the softail that Nick was currently piloting. It was so soft in fact, that Nick soon felt Judy's head occasionally contact his back as she would nod off to sleep, then suddenly wake up, only to repeat the cycle time and again.
Stopping in the town of Walls for their final gas stop, Nick quickly gases the bike and excuses himself, disappearing for several minutes. Meanwhile everyone, including Judy, takes turns filling bikes, then swapping off going to the bathroom, getting drinks and a quick bite to eat, buying lottery tickets and maybe a trinket or two.
Upon Nick's slightly late (and unapologetic) return, everyone starts the bikes and revs them, much to the delight of a lot of younger kits (and dismay of their parents) and head out for the final one-hundred or so miles of their journey.
Riding just past the town of Rapids City, Judy is still marveling over how much farmland there has been. Growing up in Bunnyburrow, she thought that there could never be anyplace that would rival her folks' farm. And the sheer variety of the crops was another wonder to her. Wheat, corn, barley, soybeans in such great abundance. And the sunflowers… fields and fields, mile after mile of sunflowers. She could only stare in amazement.
Feeling Nick throttle back the bike, Judy was brought out of her thoughts. Hearing about the rally, and seeing documentaries on EweTube, Judy was surprised to notice that there were really very few motorcycles to be seen as they pulled off of the highway and onto the exit.
…
Expecting a right turn to head towards the center of the small town, Judy was surprised once again when Nick turned to the left and headed south for a few minutes.
Pulling into a seemingly abandoned automobile dealership parking lot, the entire group formed up in front of the building.
While everyone dismounted their rides, Nick pulled out his cellphone and called a number from his speed dial.
After a very brief conversation, Nick closed the connection and addressed the assembled mammals "Ok everyone, listen up! Mister Deery will be here in about half an hour. We need to go around to the back and get ready to unload the truck and the trailer, so get moving and open 'em up. Chop, chop!"
Seeing the confusion on Judy's muzzle, he briefly explains "We're setting up a repair and customization shop here this year. I got the idea a couple of years ago when so many mammals had issues with their bikes, or just wanted to upgrade something simple. Besides the authorized Hurley shops, there really aren't enough shops or mechanics around during the rally to keep up with the demand, so I contacted the city fathers and worked out a deal so we could set up a shop and catch the overflow.'
'You probably hadn't noticed the name on the side of the truck or trailer, but I own and run a shop out of Aweston called 'Wilde Rides Custom Cycles'. We, my employees, their significant others and a few friends and I, usually just ride here and enjoy the rally. But there are enough of us that made the trip this year that we can change up every so often, enjoy riding in the Hills, see the sights and still make a bunch of spending money."
As Judy opened her mouth to speak, Nick adds softly "I know it's you Judy. I knew it from the moment I saw you on the side of the road."
Gently placing a finger on her lips before she could speak, he continues "It wouldn't have made a difference, like I told you on the highway, this is what we do. If you had been a total stranger, we would have done exactly the same thing.'
'And yes, I know you recognized me, and I know that Nicholle recognized you for who you were. The key word there is were. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since that fateful day" chuckling quietly at the unintended pun Nick continues "I think we've both seen an awful lot of life, both good and bad since then, so at least for now let's just leave things be ok? We can sit down later and have a heart-to-heart if you want, but for now let's just do what needs getting done and get something to eat. Sound good?"
With a truly sad look on her muzzle, Judy could only nod in agreement.
About that time, a fairly new Cowdillack pulled up and an average sized black-tailed deer buck climbed out.
Handing Nick the keys to the building and a legal contract which Nick read and quickly signed, the deer quickly got back into his vehicle and left.
Turning to the assembled mammals, Nick barks out commands "Ok, listen up! Skye, pull the truck and trailer into the main bay and drop the trailer. Everyone else, help offload everything and set it up just like we talked about back at the shop. Then pull all of the build bikes out of the front of the trailer and set them to the side, we'll decide which to use for the competition sometime later tomorrow. Move it mammals, move, move, move!"
Turning and seeing the curiosity on Judy's face (again) Nick quickly commented "I may have forgotten to mention that I, or rather we've been invited to participate in a three-way bike build off this year. Injun Barry, Artie Ness, and myself were invited to go head to head, live, in public, on the main stage at the city fairgrounds. The winner, determined by a popular vote of all of the mammals attending the event will receive a trophy and all three of the build-off bikes. It's not the trophy that means a lot, but the publicity and prestige that the shop will receive not only by just participating but by winning, would put the shop on the proverbial map!"
"And you think you have a chance at winning, really?"
Sensing that Judy is merely being inquisitive rather than being sarcastic, Nick answers honestly.
"I figure that at worst I've got a one in three shot at it, so yea it's possible. Not likely, but if the producers of 'Biker Build Off' thought that the shop was good enough to at least make a good showing, I'm all in."
"Well, believe it or not, I really hope you do Nick. You seem to have come a long way since …"
"It's ok Fluff, really. We'll talk later, I promise. If you want to that is. Of not, then-"
"No Nick, I really do want... no, need to talk with you, to set a more than a few things straight. But for now, let's help your mammals get things organized and worry about that talk later, deal?"
"Sounds like a plan, let's go."