Disclaimer: I do not own Zootopia or any of its characters, they all belong to Disney.
Zootopia Reversed
Chapter 3: Revelations and Investigations
The van stopped and Judy looked at the mail box – Wilde 1955. They got out and walked to the door, but she noticed that Nick lagged a bit behind. Judy knocked and after a few seconds Catherine opened the door. Then she stepped back and held it open.
"Please come in and have a seat."
They sat on the couch and Judy saw Nick hang his head. Catherine only stared at him without expression for a few moments. Then a small smile came to her face.
"Nicholas," she said then dropped to her knees.
Tentatively she reached for her son and touched his arm. He flinched and the vixen gently, but firmly pulled him into her arms. She rubbed her face against his and then licked his cheek. Judy watched the tears come to Catherine's eyes and she rocked back and forth with her son. Nick slowly put his arms around her and then relaxed. She looked up at Judy and then smiled. Then she mouthed the words 'thank you' and Judy felt tears come her eyes too. She put her hand on Joe's and watched for few minutes. In that time they knew they could truly see a mother's love.
"Nicky, you're lucky to have a friend like Judy."
His mother released him and he looked up smiled at the beautiful Rabbit.
"Judy, I'm sorry for things I said," he said and touched her hand. "Please forgive me."
"Of course Nick," she said and hugged him.
Somehow this felt right to her and she kissed his cheek. Green eyes met purple ones and they both smiled. The tableau held for a time until Catherine cleared her throat.
"I made some lunch if anyone is hungry," Catherine said and smiled at the now self-conscious pair.
"I'm hungry," Finnick declared unabashedly. "What are we having?"
Catherine laughed.
Over lunch Judy explained what she knew about the 14 missing mammals and why she'd needed Nick and Finnick's help. Catherine politely listened and waited until she'd finished.
"You're going to need my help too," she said and smiled. "I read what newspaper said happened yesterday, but I have a feeling there was more." Judy sighed and stared at the vixen. "Please tell me what really happened." Judy reluctantly related the story. "I knew Leonard thirty years ago when he was a beat cop here in Foxtown."
"Leonard!" they said in unison and the vixen chuckled.
"Yes, Leonard," she confirmed and smiled. "He couldn't control his temper back then either and he really didn't like Foxes. Apparently the same went for bunnies too … sorry Rabbits."
"It's OK."
"Then can I call you cute?"
Judy growled and Catherine laughed.
"Nick, you'd better be on your best behavior when you're working with her."
"Mom!"
"Then can I call you sly?"
The vixen smiled and winked at the Rabbit. Then she moved closer.
"I don't mind since I am only sly when it's necessary."
They both looked at each other and then burst out laughing.
Finnick took them back to the Meter Maid cart.
"I'll keep in touch," Finnick said as they exchanged phone numbers.
Judy shook her head as the loud music faded into the distance. Then she looked at Nick and smiled.
"So do you where Mr. Otterton go after you sold him a popsicle?"
"It's kinda embarrassing."
Nick explained and her eyebrows went up. They did tell her at the academy she'd see a lot disturbing things, but this sounded like one she'd rather have avoided. She sighed and they got in the cart.
"Why are riding in this thing?" Nick asked as he climbed in. "Carrots, couldn't you get a regular car?"
"Carrots?"
"Sorry," he said with a bit of a smile.
"It's OK," she said and felt his warm body pressing against her. "Anyway after yesterday every reporter in Zootopia is after me I figured that none of them would be looking for Meter Maid."
"You're one cleaver bunny!"
She wondered why that made her feel so good. She peeked up at Nick and he smirked. Then she buckled up, started the cart, and pull away from the curb. Since Nick didn't have a seat belt he reached around her and hung on to the other side of the cart. Of course she felt his arm around her shoulders. She took another peek and he looked up at the ceiling. It was a quiet ride to their destination.
They stopped and she read the sign - The Mystic Spring Oasis. Then she looked up at Nick and he actually looked a bit embarrassed.
"Judy, if you don't want to go in I could …"
"Nick, I'm a police officer," she said removing the Meter Maid vest and hat. "Let's go!"
Nick opened the door for her and she went ahead of him and pushed the strings of beads aside. It was a bit dark and waited for a moment for her eyes to adjust. Then she looked around and strolled up to a desk were a Yak sat loudly meditating with flys buzzing about his head.
"Excuse me," she said and waited. "Excuse me."
The second time she spoke a bit louder and tapped the desk. He shook himself, scattering more flies, and then looked down at her. Then he started to open his mouth.
"Officer Judy Hopp ZPD," she said touching her badge, "and this is my friend Nick Wilde."
The Yak closed his mouth. She produced the picture and handed it to him.
"That's Emmitt Otterton," she said and he sneezed on the picture dislodging an even larger number of flies. Judy made a discussed face. "Do you know him?"
"Yea old Emmitt!" the Yak said and giggled. "I haven't seen him in a couple of weeks. But hey! You ought to talk to his yoga instructor. I'd be happy to take you back."
He stood and went to the doors.
"Thank you," she said and saw that he was naked.
Thank God Nick had told her what to expect or she might've embarrassed herself.
"Sorry about that, Carrots," he said and bit a grin came to his face. "I did warn you that these guys be naked. I could still go back if you'd like."
"As long as you don't get any funny ideas I'll be OK," she said and poked him in the ribs. Nick chuckled. "I mean what could be any worse than seeing his hairy butt?"
A moment later the doors opened and her hands when to her mouth.
"Judy," Nick said putting a hand on her shoulder, "if this makes you uncomfortable I'll go and talk to them."
She took a deep breath and steeled herself.
"I'll be OK."
"Boy, that's the spirit," he said and followed.
Judy had lived in BunnyBurrow all her life and Rabbits were a bit more open about their bodies than most other animals. She'd thought she'd seen just about everything in her 24 years, but as she walked through the Naturalist Club she found she was truly mistaken. It was hard to keep a straight face. Then she felt her ears begin to grow warm. Nick came up beside her and she felt his reassuring hand on her back. She smiled.
The Yak kept up a running commentary about the Naturalist Club which mostly tuned out.
"Here we go," the Yak said. "As you can see Nangi's an Elephant. So she'll totally remember everything. Hey Nangi! These dudes have a few questions about Emmitt the Otter.
"Who?" Nangi asked.
"Emmitt Otterton been coming to your yoga class for like six years," the Yak said.
"I have no memory of this beaver," Nangi said.
"Ma'am, he's an Otter," Judy said and held up the picture. "Please have a look."
"He was here a couple of Wednesdays ago, member?" the Yak said.
"Nope."
"Yea, he was wearing a green cable knit sweater vest and a new pair of corduroy slacks. Oh and paisley tie – sweet Windsor knot. Real tight. Member that Nangi?"
Judy looked up at him in surprise and took out her notebook and the carrot pen. Then she began to take notes and tried her best not to smile.
"No."
"Yea, we both walked him out and he got into this big old white car with the silver trim. Needed a tune up. The third cylinder wasn't firing. Member that Nangi?"
"Nope."
"Sir, you didn't happen to catch the license plate number, did you?" Judy asked.
"Oh for sure," the Yak said. "It was 29THD03."
"Thank you," Judy said. "You've been very helpful."
"Told you Nangi has a mind like a steel trap," the Yak said and put his hands on his hips. "I wish I had a memory like an Elephant."
After the door shut Judy burst out laughing and leaned against Nick. She felt his hand on her back.
"Oh God!" she said and smiled up at him. "I needed that! It's hard to be embarrassed and amused at the same time. I glad you told me, Nick or I probably would've made a total fool of myself!"
"No problem, Fluff."
"Fluff?" she asked and chuckled. "I like that one better than Carrots, but let's just keep that one between us. OK?"
She reached over and squeezed his hand.
"OK."
Purple eyes met green ones. Her ears came up and she smiled. Then her ears turned just the slightest bit more pink. Nick cleared his throat and looked away first.
"Nicholas P. Wilde the streetwise popsicle hustler, are you blushing?"
"No! Of course not!"
She snorted and then giggled.
"Now we need to run this plate number," she said holding up her notebook.
She put on the Meter Maid vest and hat.
"And you can't go back to the station."
"Nope!"
"Well, old Nick has a buddy that works at the DMV," he said and smile, "but it may take a little time."
Judy raised her eyebrows and Nick smirked. They got back in the cart and again Nick reached around her and hung onto the other side of the cart. Sneaky old Fox, she thought feeling his warmth. Nick directed her and ten minutes later they pulled into DMV parking lot. She was still wondering what he meant by 'taking a little time' when they walked in. She took one look and poked him in the side.
"They're all sloths," she said rolling her eyes and looking at Nick. "I'm glad I'm not on a tight schedule."
"You'll like my buddy," he said and grinned. "He's the fastest guy in the place."
She looked at him and sighed. They walked toward a desk that said 'Next Window.'
"Flash … Flash hundred yard dash! Buddy, it's nice to see you.
"Nice to … see you … too," Flash said looking up.
"Flash, this is my friend Judy."
His friend? She looked at her Fox and smiled. Again just that one sentiment made her feel special. Her ears grew warm too.
"Officer Judy Hopps ZPD. How are ya?"
"I am … doing … well. What … can I … do … for you … today?"
"Flash, I really hoping you could run a plate for us."
"What's the plate … number?"
"29THD03."
Flash begin to tap on his screen.
"2 … 9 … T … H … D … 0."
"Hey Flash, you wanta here a joke?"
"Nick," she said and raised an eyebrow.
He grinned at her and she shook her head.
"What do you call a three humped Camel?" Nick asked holding up three fingers.
Judy smirked.
"I don't … know. What … do ... you call ... a three humped … camel?"
"Aroused," Judy said straight faced.
Nick looked at her surprised and then burst out laughing, leaned back against the divider, and slid to the floor holding his stomach. A few seconds later Flash's eyes grew wide and he laughed too tapping the counter with his claws.
"Hey Pricilla."
"Yes Flash," she said turning to look at her friend.
"What … do ... you call ... a three humped … camel?"
Judy waited patiently until Flash typed in the last digit. Then she smiled as he slowly tore off the printout.
"Here … you … go," he said and handed her the printout with the information.
"Thanks Flash," Judy said and smiled. She patted the sloth's arm and then started to read the printout. "Tundratown Limo Service."
"Way to hustle, Bud! I love ya! I owe ya!"
They walked to the door and it opened. Judy looked out.
"Its night," she said and sighed. Then she got out her phone to check on the limo service. "Come on, Nick. We might just make it over there before it closes."
Judy stood before the locked gate and then looked at her Fox.
"Judy, I'm sorry it took so long," he said and touched her shoulder. "Maybe if I wouldn't have told that stupid joke we've made it before closing time!"
"Actually, I liked your joke," she said and chuckled. "And you did warn me, sorta."
"Your punch line was better than mine," he said and laughed.
"What was it?"
"Pregnant."
"You're right mine was better," she said and gave her Fox a wink. Nick stuck out his tongue and then they both laughed. "Let's have a look around before we give up."
Nick rolled his eyes.
"We can't just go in there that would be breaking the law," he said and smiled, "and you're a police officer."
"But if I have probable cause …"
They walked along the fence and Nick stopped.
"Carrots, I think I saw something," he whispered and pointed.
"I …," she began looking in the direction he indicated.
Then she saw a wisp of white moving across the yard between two limos and smiled.
"Probable cause?"
Nick started to climb the fence, got to the top, and hopped down.
"Probable cause," Judy said standing before him.
Nick's eyes got big and then he noticed the hole Judy dug under the fence.
"Clever bunny!"
"And don't you forget it," she said poking him in the chest with each word. "Come on."
She grinned at her Fox and turned to lead the way. Nick followed his bunny with smile on his face. Each time she'd touched him he felt warm and wished she wouldn't stop. He hadn't felt like this in a long time. They searched around looking for the limo and what they thought they'd seen. Judy dusted off the license plate and smiled.
"29THD03 … Nick, this is it!"
They opened the doors and Judy immediate found Polar Bear fur. Nick opened the glove compartment and only found a couple of CDs. Then he crawled up and opened the panel to the back of the car. He saw the clawmarks.
"Fluff, I think Emmitt had a really bad day!"
Judy scrambled up next to her Fox and shown the light from her phone around. Judy noticed the claw marks which confirmed with Dawn had told her. Then Judy saw a wallet and they both crawled though. She picked it up and found Mr. Otterton's License.
"Well he was here," she said and looked at Nick. "At least Dawn told me was true before she died."
"Dawn Bellwether?"
"Yes," she said and sighed. "I told you that she died in my arms, but before she died she told me and Mrs. Otterton that she'd caused the 14 missing mammals to go savage."
"That wasn't on TV or in the papers."
"No, it wasn't," she said and signed. "I guess the Mayor decided to wait and tell that part of the story until the missing mammals are found."
Nick noticed a glass and reached to pick it up. Just as he turned the glass and noticed the 'B' cut into it the back door of the limo opened. Judy saw the Polar Bears, leapt back, and drew the 9 millimeter. They froze as she took careful aim.
"Gentlemen, you're going turn around, lay in the snow, and put hands behind back, and then grab your ankles," she said, but they only stared at her. "Now!" She took more careful aim grabbing the pistol with both hands and just stared at them. They quickly did as she asked. "Nick, there's a pocket knife in my belt. Cut off the seatbelts and tie them up. Also, go through their pockets."
Just as her Fox finished tying their hands Judy's ears came up and she heard running feet. She leapt out of limo and skidded in the snow. She brought the 9 millimeter up just as the third Polar Bear came around the limo and stopped staring at Nick.
"Don't move!" she said and he looked at her surprised. "Nick, tie their feet too. You, get on your knees and then on your face."
The third Polar Bear complied and Nick brought more seatbelt.
"Find anything interesting?"
"No. Just phones and wallets."
"No guns?"
"Judy, you've watched too many gangster movies."
"Tie him up and search him too."
Nick found a gun on him and Judy smirked. He handed it her she put in her holster.
"Now we're going to see their boss."
The Polar Bear removed the chain and her Fox drove through gate like he owned the place. It was lucky that the car's windows were tinted so dark that they couldn't be seen from the outside. They parked and using the keys took off the Polar Bears snuck into the house. As Judy rounded a corner she almost stepped on a Shrew wearing a wedding dress. They stared at each other for a moment.
"You're the bunny that saved my life yesterday!"
Judy blushed.
"I love your dress," she said and then knelt not to tower the Shrew.
"Thank you."
"Judy, that's Fru Fru, Mr. Big's daughter!"
"Fru Fru, we're like to speak to your father," Judy said and held out hand.
Fru Fru stepped on and Judy brought her up to eyelevel.
"Judy, come with me for a minute."
"We'll be right back."
Ten minutes later they returned and Nick came out of the closet he'd been hiding in.
"Where did you go and what took so long?"
"Fru Fru needed help with her dress."
Nick opened his mouth, saw Judy's expression, and shut it.
"Come on, Nick. Let's go."
Fru Fru directed them to the reception and Mr. Big just stared at them.
"How did you …" he began.
"Daddy, this is bunny that saved me from the giant donut yesterday!"
"This bunny!"
"Yea."
"You've done me a great service," he said. "Why are you here?"
"Sir, could we talk in private?"
"Please enjoy yourselves and we'll talk after the reception."
"Thank you, sir."
Mr. Big held his arm wide and Judy leaned in to kiss him. Then she turned her face and he kissed her. Judy smiled and Nick made a face. They enjoyed the rest of the reception and after the guests left they were served small cappuccinos. Then they sat down to talk.
"Judy, please tell me why you're here."
"Thank you, sir."
Judy started with what had happened the previous day and then their investigations that day. When she told him of Nick's mother the Shrew smiled.
"I was young 'businessman' and my territory was Foxtown," he said. "Kathy was a beautiful vixen and I always liked her. I liked her husband too. Too bad he died so young. They'd only been married a few years."
"I never knew my father," Nick said and Judy put a hand on her Fox's arm.
"Nicky," he said and held out his ring. Nick kissed it. "About what happened before it's forgotten."
"Thank you, sir."
"Please continue."
When she got to the part of about the Tundrarown Limo Service and what had happened there Mr. Big looked at the tallest Polar Bear. He looked at the floor and left the room for a moment. He return just she explained how that had gotten in the house. Mr. Big looked at the Polar Bear again and he sighed.
"So we are here about Mr. Otterton."
"Otterton was my florist and he's like part of the family. He told me that he had something important that he wanted to discuss and that why I sent that car to pick him up, but he never arrived."
"It was about the Night Howlers," Judy said and sighed. "He attacked your driver, didn't he?"
"Yes."
"That's what Dawn told me," Judy said. "He'd found out about the Night Howlers and she had him shot with that derivative making him go savage. We need to talk to your driver to find out where it happened and then maybe we can find some clues to find where he's being held. As I said I don't think they're dead or the bodies would have turned up by now. So we think that are being held somewhere in or near Zootopia. I was thinking that you might be able to help us too sir. There's only so many places that you could hold 14 savage animals safely. A businessman such as yourself must have resources that we don't."
Mr. Big chuckled.
"Are you trying to flatter me?"
"Did it work?"
"Yes, it did."
"Then I am."
Mr. Big chuckled again.
"It's refreshing to meet and speak to an animal as intelligent and beautiful as yourself."
Judy smiled and then blushed.
"Sir, are you trying to flatter me?"
"Did it work?"
"I think so."
"Then I am."
They both laughed and Judy leaned in a kiss him again. Mr. Big looked surprised and then smiled.
"Maybe you should come work for me."
"Doing what?"
"I could always find something for intelligent animal like you."
"Sorry sir, I like being a police officer," she said crossing her arms.
"Yes, I believe you do," he staring at her. "Since it's getting late I'll offer my hospitality. There are rooms upstairs and you'll join the family for breakfast. I'll send for Manchas in the morning."
"Yes, of course sir," Judy said and smiled. "Thank you very much."
Judy woke and reveled in the warmth. The bed had been perfect and she'd a wonderful night's sleep. Then she looked at the clock – 6:37. Maybe she could lay her just a bit longer. When she woke the second time it said 7:02. She got out of bed and stretched. Then she looked longingly at the bathtub. Breakfast was at 9am. So she had time and started to run the water. When it was half full she slipped in and sighed. Half an hour later she'd just toweling off when she heard a soft knock on the door.
"Who is it?"
"Can I come in?" Nick asked.
"Just give me a minute to put some clothes on."
"OK."
She looked at the door and smiled. Then she put on her panties and grabbed a bathrobe. It was just a bit short, but it was perfect for she had in mind. She opened the door and watched her Fox's eyes roam over her body. She smiled to herself.
"Come on in," she said and handed him a brush. Then she turned, dropped the bathrobe off her shoulders, and tied around her waist. "I wonder if you wouldn't mind brushing my back."
She looked back and her Fox just stood staring just as Ben had.
"Please," she said and smiled. The brushing started very lightly. "Nick, you can do harder than that." He finished her back and started on her legs.
"Done."
"You forgot something," she said and wiggled her tail.
"You're a cruel bunny!" he said, but couldn't keep the smile off his face. "Taking advantage of me like that!"
Judy giggled and squeezed his hand.
"And you hated every minute of it."
"Especially that part where you forced me to brush your tail!"
Green eyes met purple ones and they both burst out laughing. They stopped and impulsively Nick hugged his bunny and she returned it a moment later.
"Nick, maybe next time I can brush your tail," she said innocently and looked up her eyes twinkling. "It's so nice and fluffy." She reached over and ran a hand through it. "I could do this forever."
"We Foxes are particular who we let touch our tails."
"Like?"
"Close friends."
"And lovers?" Judy asked continuing to stoke it and then smiling up at her Fox.
"Uh yea."
When they entered the dining room along with Mr. Big's family a black Jaguar was seated at the table.
"Judy, Nick, this is Mr. Manchas."
Judy winced when she saw his eye.
"Officer Judy Hopps," she said and held out her hand. "So Mr. Otterton attacked you."
"He was a savage!"
Judy gave him a brief description of what Dawn had told her and missing mammal case.
"Bellwether must have been insane!" Mr. Manchas said and touched his eye. He noticed the concern on the Rabbit's face and smiled. "Judy, it's not permanently damaged just swollen."
"You'll have scars," she said and touched the side of her face. "But eventually your fur will cover them."
"Yes," he said.
Judy smiled and patted his arm.
"Mr. Manchas, we'd like you to take us where it happened," she said and looked to Mr. Big. "Maybe we can find a clue to who took him."
"After breakfast some of my bodyguards will take you there," Mr. Big said. "Please have a seat."
They were taken by two Polar Bears in the same car they borrowed last night. Mr. Manchas sat in the passenger seat directing the driver to the accident scene.
"I remember those trees!" he said. "Pull over here."
The Polar Bear pulled off the road and they got out. Mr. Manchas walked along the road and then crossed it.
"Judy!"he yelled and they ran across the road. "This is the spot. See these are the ruts the limo made when I spun out."
"So which way did he go?"
"Back across the road and into the forest," he said pointing.
They walked past the car and into the forest. After half a mile they walked across a dirt road.
"Looks like this doesn't get used much," Nick said and pointed to several muddy spots in the road.
"Tire tracks," Judy said examining the mud.
She got out her phone and hit the positioning app.
"This road's on the map," she said and smiled. "Let's see where it comes out." She ran her finger across the screen and the road ended intersecting another road. "Got it! Let's look around and see if we can find anything."
"Like what?" Mr. Manchas asked.
"Anything that's not grass, trees, or dirt."
They wondered off the road on both side for an hour."
"Officer Hopps!" one of Polar Bears called.
They all ran toward the voice and found the Polar Bear holding a large piece of fur.
"I wonder …" Judy began.
"It Timber Wolf fur and there's blood on it," the Polar Bear said.
"How?" she asked.
He tapped his nose and smiled.
Judy cringed.
"Let's go and see where this road ends," she said.
Judy directed them with her phone and pulled over near the dirt road. They got out and found only one set of tire tracks coming out.
"How's this going to help us?" Nick asked.
"I don't know," Judy said frustrated.
"Everyone look around."
Judy and his walk back to the paved road and stood there. Then Judy looked up and smiled.
"Mr. Manchas!" Judy yelled and he came running. "What time did this happen?"
"It was 8:15pm," he said. "I remember seeing it on the dashboard right before Otterton attacked me."
Nick looked at her and raised an eyebrow. She pointed up and across the road. Then a little further down the road. Nick smiled.
"Jamcams!" he said.