I've just had this around for nearly a year and I don't want it to go to waste. It's been awhile since I've actually looked at these so there might be a few problems with them, but shouldn't be too bad. I most likely won't add anything else to it, unless everyone likes it to which maybe I'll do more, though it's unlikely. Anyway, enjoy these four chapters.
"Another day, another uneventful patrol," Nick sighed dramatically, looking out and about at the city from where they were parked.
It's a mid-August Friday with the sun beating down on Judy and Nick who were sat in their squad car. Nick was dying from the summer heat, leaning as close as he could to the air conditioning, while Judy, though also hot, kept an eye out for anything that would need them to intervene. They'd already been out a couple of hours, it being four in the afternoon. They still had two more until their shift ended.
"Oh come on Nick, No need to be such a downer. Besides, it's a good thing that things are uneventful; otherwise we wouldn't be doing a very good job," Judy stated optimistically as always.
"I guess, but that doesn't stop me from being board," the fox complained. "And it definitely doesn't change the fact I'm starting to get cooked into a fried fox!"
Judy chuckled, "You can be such a kit sometimes." She teased.
"Yah, but you still put up with me for some reason, fluff," Nick said playfully, turning his smiling gaze over to his partner.
"I still wonder how I've done it all this time," she responded dryly.
It had been around a year since the fox known as Nick Wilde had graduated from the academy as the first fox officer and had become partners with the infamous Judy Hopps. The two had already made a name for themselves around the precinct with solving the Nighthowler case, but ever since Nick joined the force they've gotten even more of a reputation. Nick was known to be a witty, sarcastic animal, who tended to cause mischief, but would always get the job done. Judy gets the rep for being an energetic workaholic who loves her job. She's also the one that others expect to keep Nick in line.
"Can you believe it?" Nick wondered aloud, changing the subject. "That it's been almost a year since we became partners." This had been something swimming in his head for awhile, and the reality of it for him was quite mind blowing given his past.
It was hard for Judy to believe as well. It seems like it wasn't to long ago that she gave that whole speech and presented Nick with his badge. Good memories, Judy thought to herself. Who would have thought that a bunny like me, and a fox like Nick would work together so well. It was true that the two of them seemed to work perfectly together, their personalities perfectly complementing each other's. Judy always being the pushy, demanding one who'd make sure the work got done, and Nick keeping the mood lightened making sure Judy wasn't too overly stressed.
"Yah. We've had a lot of good times haven't we?" She asked.
"If you count work as a good time, then I suppose so," he replied with a half-hearted laugh.
Judy rolled her eyes, "Come on Nick, you know you've had some fun with this. Remember when we chased and took down that bear?"
"Obviously we have different memories from that. I couldn't get the stench of garbage off of me for a week," he said with much distaste.
"Oh yah," she giggled, "It was terrible sharing a car with you."
"But I know what you mean, and yah I've had fun doing this with you," the fox admitted.
He had actually really enjoyed working on the police force. Never thought I'd ever say that, he chuckled to himself. He looked over at his partner with a soft smile. Hard to believe she's caused so much change in my life. He couldn't believe how far he'd come from being that hustling fox Judy found about a year and a half ago. He tended to wonder what he'd be doing now if he hadn't had the pleasure of meeting his rambunctious rabbit.
"So what are you planning to do after work?" Nick asked.
"I actually have a date tonight," Judy replied offhandedly.
"A date?" Nick questioned surprised. "Who are you and what have you done with Carrots?"
"Har, har, har," she fake laughed, already knowing this is how he'd act when she told him. "But yah, I met a nice buck the other day and he asked me out on a date," she explained happily. She hasn't had a date since before she entered the academy, and was actually excited to go out for a night. She usually would only hang with friends she's made in the city, or hang out with Nick. Mostly the latter of the two. This would be a good change of pace for her, and she was looking forward for tonight.
"Ohh, my little Carrots is growing up," Nick teased. On the outside he seemed fine and made it look like he was having fun with her; getting her to think that he was happy for her, but the truth was he felt a little pang in his heart when she brought up her date. It's just a date, you don't have to freak out, he told himself. Besides, why should I care.
"Better be careful with what you say Wilde," she playfully threatened.
"Or what, you gonna muzzle me," Nick instigated.
"Don't temp me," Judy smirked.
While those two were doing some friendly flirting with one another, they happened to miss the large black SUV pull up to the bank that was right across the street from the officers. Out from the vehicle jumped two mammals: a raccoon, and a honey badger. The raccoon was dressed in a nice expensive business suit, whilst the badger wore a brown leather jacket.
"We'll meet with the other two in the building. Rendezvous with us back here in about twenty minutes," the raccoon told the driver, "And don't be late." The driver nodded and drove out of sight.
The raccoon turned heal and walked up next to the badger confidently with a devious smile. "You ready for step one?" He asked him.
"You know it," the badger grinned patting the bulge in his jacket. "What about the police?" He questioned with slight concern, motioning over to the cruiser across the street.
"Don't worry, they'll be taken care of," the raccoon ensured pointing over to a hare that was approaching the cruiser. The badger nodded knowingly, giving a devilish smirk. They then proceeded to walk into the building both thinking the same thing. This is going to be fun!
The hare casually strolled over next to the cruiser and stealthy tossed a bag underneath it. He stopped for a moment, hearing the partners playfully arguing. "They seem lovely," he said with a clear British accent. The hare walked down a nearby alley and met up with the SUV that had just dropped off the other two, jumping in and being driven off.
Around the back of the bank were two other mammals, a fennec and a wolf. The fennec was wearing a strange combination of purple and orange colored cloths and a cowboy hat; The wolf wearing a black leather bikers jacket as well as a creepy looking dark-gray skull mask. The fennec stood guard as the wolf dragged the bodies of dead guards out of sight.
"We better get going, Geoff and Michael will be waiting for all the equipment," the fennec said, picking up a duffle bag with their 'equipment'. The wolf dropped the last body, turned to the small fox and nodded.
Back with Judy and Nick, they had just gotten done pestering each other. "It's a miracle that we get anything done," Nick chuckled.
"You mean it's a miracle that you get anything done," Judy jeered.
"How dare you," Nick acted hurt. "I'll have you know I'm the perfect example of professional," he stated matter-of-factly, gesturing to himself. There was a split second of silence before Judy broke down laughing. Nick himself couldn't even keep a straight face and broke into a grin as he watched his partner have her fit of laughter.
"That's probably the funniest thing you've ever said," she laughed out. Nick just sat there waiting patiently for Judy to calm down.
"You done?" Nick asked as she began coming down from her fit of laughter.
"Yah, yah, I'm done," she breathed out.
"Good, because I'm honestly feeling so attacked right now," Nick said.
"Oh you're such a kit," she reemphasized.
After that, Judy decided to move along the conversation to something more personal about the fox. "So how's your mother doing?" Judy asked.
"She's doing great," Nick replied happily. "We had a day out with each other last week on my day off."
"That's good. You've come a long way with her, considering how your twos relationship used to be," Judy said.
"Yah, it's nice having her back in my life," he sighed happily.
Judy was a little more reluctant with the next question, knowing full well of Nicks feelings on this subject, "Any word on your dad?" she wondered.
"No," was the quick blunt answer she got; not that she really expected anything else. Nicks father left him and his mom when he was very young. He wasn't very happy about it then, and still isn't enthusiastic about the topic.
Nick felt a little bad with how harsh his answer was. "Sorry about that Judy, I didn't mean to be so hostile," he apologized.
Judy ignored him and stared across the street towards the bank. Something doesn't feel right. Nick caught on to this and looked across the street with her. Judy could have sworn she heard some shouting coming from inside the building, but she could be mistaken.
"What's wrong?" Nick inquired.
"I don't know, I just have this feeling," she replied.
"Then we should probably check it out, your gut feelings tend to be right," the fox said opening up his door ready to go and check out the bank. It's probably nothing, but it gives us something to do, Nick thought.
Judy and Nick climbed out of the squad car and started walking across the street, Nick being a few yards ahead of Judy. They got about halfway across the street when there was a sudden explosion from behind them. The concussive shockwave from the blast threw Nick to the hard burning asphalt, and sent Judy flying forward landing a few feet in front of Nick with a hard thud. Then came the wave of heat that gushed at their bodies, singeing their clothes and fur.
Nick lied on the ground groaning in pain. His body aching from the shockwave and his ears ringing from the deafening explosion. What the hell happened. Nick crawled up to all fours and surveyed the area, trying to asses the situation he is in. He glanced behind him to see the squad car completely blown up, leaving nothing but a charred shell. Dust thrown up from the explosion enveloped the street, and animals were running and screaming in a mass panic. Through the smoke and dust he could make out a few nonmoving silhouettes lying on the ground. He shuddered at knowing those were the bodies of animals who were to close to the explosion. He looked down to his side, away from the gruesome sight, gasping at seeing Judy face down on the road not moving.
"Judy!" he shouted in a panic, crawling speedily over to her side. "Please tell me you're okay," he pleaded rolling her onto her back. He became relieved to see her breathing, but he still needed to get her to a safe area. He looked around trying to spot a secure area where he could put her. However, Nick's attention was brought back to Judy as she started coughing.
"What the… Nick?" She asked, confused as to what was happening. The last thing she remembers was walking towards the bank, then a sudden pain all over her body. She tried to sit up but received a sharp pain in her head.
"Take it easy, Judy. We need to get you somewh…" Nick was interrupted by the sound of screeching tires. He looked to his left to see a SUV come speeding down the road towards the bank. It took him a second to realize it was driving straight for them. Nick reacted quickly, grabbed Judy and flung them out of the way just in time from getting smeared all over the road and becoming road kill.
Nick and Judy looked over at the SUV that tried to kill them, just in time to see four animals run out of the bank and make a beeline to the vehicle; all of whom were carrying large bags. Suddenly, the alarms in the bank started blaring out. Everything started to piece together for the two cops as they realized what was happening; a bank heist.
Sirens could be heard close as three of the bank robbers jumped into the SUV; the masked wolf was about to follow in suit when he looked over at the partners. He took out a pistol and aimed it at the two. Fear washed over the cops as they stared down the barrel of a gun.
"We don't have time for them, just get in," someone yelled at the wolf from inside the vehicle. He didn't seem pleased, but decided to listen. He jumped in and the car sped off.
Quickly, Nick and Judy drew there sidearms and unloaded at the tires and back windshield of the vehicle. Unfortunately for them, they were bullet proof.
"Damnit," Nick growled, holstering his weapon. Judy wasn't much happier.
Eventually, just about every cop in the district were swarming the area. Ambulances raced in to help any injured, including Nick and Judy. Officers Fangmyer and Wolford were the first on the scene, clearing out the area, then attending to their fellow officers and helping them over to an ambulance.
An antelope paramedic was working on the two when Chief Bogo walked over towards them. "Are you two alright?" He asked his rabbit and fox officer.
"Yah, we're fine chief," Judy assured him.
"Not quite, officer," the paramedic stated. "You both have slight concussions, and minor bruising, as well as first degree burns." He told them.
"Can they still do their job?" Bogo questioned.
"I wouldn't recommend it. I'd give them a couple of days," the paramedic advised.
"Fine, but I do need to ask them some questions," he stated. The antelope nodded, walking away.
"Alright, now can you please tell me what in God's name happened here," he demanded sternly. He wasn't angry, but this was just going to be a nightmare for him. He could already feel the hours of lost sleep affecting him.
"Honestly, it's all fuzzy for me. I thought I heard some shouting in the bank, so I told Nick we should go check it out. Last thing I can remember was walking across the street," That's really all Judy could recall. Well that, and waking up looking into Nicks eyes, but she didn't think that was important to the story.
Bogo looked over to Nick who was in a small state of shock. "Wilde, are you alright," Bogo asked him, a little concerned for his fox officer.
Nick looked up at him, "Yah, I'm okay," he said. He was just contemplating that he almost died three times in a matter of two minutes . Bogo looked down at him expectantly, so he relayed everything that went down.
By the end, Bogo was looking stressed out. "I'm glad you two are alright, I'd hate to lose you both."
"Oh chief, no need to get all sentimental," Nick pestered. The buffalo glared down at his subordinate with a frown, and shook his head. Even in the worst of times, Nick still finds a way to be sarcastic.
"Anyway, I want you both to take the weekend off. I'm going to need you a hundred percent on Monday. I have a feeling this isn't the last we will see of these mammals," Bogo sighed. "And no acceptations, Hopps," he cut Judy off from complaining. "I'll get someone to take you two home." Judy was displeased, but decided it be best not to argue with Bogo in his currant mood.
Bogo left, going into the bank; leaving the two alone in the ambulance. The shock continued to set in for Judy and Nick. It's been awhile since someone had tried to kill them. The last time was when Bellwether tried to get Nick to tear Judy to pieces by shooting him with a 'Nighthowler'. Of course, they had everything planned out for that, so they weren't really that scared during that. But to have someone try to blow you up, run you over, then almost shoot you; its not the greatest thing to happen.
"Well, you did say you were bored," Judy pointed out, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yah, and I think I got my fair share of action for awhile, how about you?" Nick asked.
"Yah, I think I'm good," Judy agreed.
"I'm going to take the chief's advice and go home. My head is starting to pound," Nick complained, holding his head in his paws.
"As much as I hate sitting out, I'm going to have to agree with you," Judy said. But come Monday, I'm doing everything in my power to put those bastards behind bars. She declared to herself. There is no way I'm going to let these mammals get away; if we cross paths again, they are going down.
"Hey Judy, you think I can stay the night at your apartment?" He asked a little shyly. It wasn't unusual for them to stay at each other's apartments on occasions, but Judy wondered why now. She decided not to really pry and told him that it wouldn't be a problem. With everything that happened today, she'd actually really enjoy his company.
"Why is it when there's a tragedy in the city, you two are always in the center of it?" Nick and Judy looked over to a pair of coyote cops approaching them.
"What can we say, danger just loves us," Nick shrugged.
"We're glad you guys are okay," the male said, bringing Nick into a hug; the female did the same with Judy. Conner and Kelly Dakota, the twin officers of precinct one who also happen to be best friends with the fox and bunny. When they first arrived, Judy and Nick decided to take them under their wing and they eventually became really good friends.
"Guessing Bogo sent you to take us home?" Nick assumed.
"Yah, and good thing too," Kelly said with a slight shiver.
"Yah, we still aren't very comfortable with dead bodies," Conner admitted. Judy couldn't blame them; she remembers the first dead body she ever saw that was apart of a murder case. It was a homicide case about six months ago; the poor koala had been stabbed nearly thirty times in his own home. The scene was a lot more gruesome then Judy had anticipated, and it ended with her rushing to the toilet. Luckily, Nick had been there to comfort her.
"Anyway, let's get you guys home," Conner said, leading them to his and Kelly's cruiser. They all hoped in and Conner took off to Judy's apartment.