The Nick Wilde Chronicles
Book 1: A Fox in the Burrow
Chapter 2:
Outskirts of Bunny Burrow, 8 a.m.
Nick woke in an unfamiliar bed, struggling to remember last night's events. Then he recalled how he left the city and his cheating ex-girlfriend, and also needed work and a place to live. With that in mind, Nick cleaned himself up, put on his best white t-shirt and jeans, and set out on his job hunt. He drove into town, and what a town it was. From his view of the main street, there were at least 10 different shops and stores.
"This should be easy," Nick thought to himself. By the time he had finished at the ninth store, he was certain he was wrong, and that only a miracle could get him a job. He stepped into his last stop, a small bakery known as "Gideon's Sweets." Looking around, he found the front counter manned by a slightly chubby red fox. Walking up, he straightened his t-shirt, so as to look slightly more presentable.
"How can I help you sir?" the fox asked.
"Yes sir. My name is Nick Wilde, and I'm kinda new to town, and I happen to be in search of a job. Maybe you could help me out," Nick answered, trying to be as humble as possible.
"Well sir, I'd love to, but I'm afraid I've already got enough help," the fox replied. Nick felt his heart drop. He turned to leave, his gaze downcast. As he was making his way to the exit, the fox spoke up.
"Wait! I may know a local farmer who needs a new farmhand," he said. Nick whirled back around.
"If you go about ten miles outside of town, on the road to Zootopia, you'll see a dirt road with produce stand next to it. Turn onto that dirt road, and follow it to the end. When you hit the big white farmhouse, you're there," the fox said.
"Thank you sir," Nick replied.
"Shucks, ain't no biggy. Oh, and you can call me Gideon," the fox responded. Nick shot him a grateful nod, and left.
The Hopps Family Farm, noon.
Judy Hopps made her way through the blueberry patch, incredulously inspecting every blueberry she picked for sign of defect. She carefully picked each one and placed them in her basket. She made it to next row of bushes when the sound of a truck started up the road.
"Who could that be?" She asked herself as she glanced down the road. She could see a beat up, sky blue Furd truck being driven by a bright orange fox.
Nick
Nick drove slow on the old dirt road, carefully watching for any wandering cubs or kits that might appear in the road. He glanced over to his right to see a bunny standing at the edge of a field of blueberries.
"Yep, this is definitely gotta be the right place," Nick thought to himself as he drove on.
Pulling up to the large, white farmhouse, he took a deep breath. He'd never worked for a rabbit before, but he knew of the deep rooted prejudices held towards foxes and other predators. Nick stepped out of the truck, and walked up to front door. He firmly knocked on it, and was answered by a middle-aged looking rabbit in a simple white dress and apron. She seemed slightly taken aback to see a fox at the door, but still welcoming.
"How can I help you?" she asked.
"I heard you're looking for a new farmhand," Nick answered.
"Just let me get my husband," she replied as she shut the door. Nick could hear scurrying behind the door, and a short minute later, it opened again to reveal a bunny dressed in a plaid shirt and overalls, sporting a red and white baseball cap.
"How can I help ya son?" he asked.
"I was just checking to see if you needed any help around your farm, sir," Nick answered. The bunny looked him over, as if to survey his trustworthiness.
"Typical," Nick thought to himself.
"Son, you think you can handle hard work, from sun up to sundown, six days a week?" the rabbit asked.
"Yes sir," Nick answered.
"Alright. I'll give you a test run today, then, if I like how you do, we'll discuss something more permanent," the rabbit replied.
"Thank you sir," Nick said. The rabbit chuckled.
"Don't thank me yet, son," he responded as he led Nick around the side of the house, towards the barn.