Hi everyone, I meant to get this chapter up sooner but I had to rework some details which resulted in re-writing chapter 8. Which resulted in more feels.
I won't spoil it but you will just have to trust I have a plan for this story and be sure to hang in there and see how the story turns out.
Zootopia: Ghosts of you and me
Chapter: 8
The skies were clear of clouds over Precinct One as a casket covered in the Zootopian flag rested in the center of the honor guard. Local media had stationed their cameras to record the event of the funeral for Officer Judy Hopps. On the stage was Chief Bogo, Officer Wilde, Judy's parents, followed by other government officials along with former mayor Lionheart. First up was the current Mayor Robin Locksley a male fox similar in color markings to Nick with differences only other foxes could really notice. Judy kept her distance for the most part not wanting to get any closer while she watched the mayor give his speech commemorating her actions as ZPD's first rabbit officer. "And now I hand the mic to Chief Bogo" The fox steps down from the podium as aforementioned water buffalo steps up and re adjusts the microphones height to accommodate his stature.
Clearing his throat as he places his reading glasses on as he takes out his prepared speech. "I first met Officer Hopps when she was assigned to me by then mayor Lionheart. One of his decisions that in hind sight proved to be one of his better choices." This earned a smile from some of those close to Judy before he continued. "And so in first couple days assigned to my precinct she had managed to wrap up a case we had been working on for two weeks. Needless to say I was impressed by her dedication and fortitude. She never knew when to quit and I saw was equally impressed by her partner Nick Wilde who wasn't an officer at the time but the way he stood up to me told me he had potential and while I was taken aback at the time I see it was the foundation of a partnership that would turn out to be one of the best in my precinct. And since then her time with us was filled with honor and achievement. Her arrest record surpassed some of my more veteran officers and formed a positive reputation with the community."
Turning his attention to Judy's parents he gestured them to rise and come forward. "And now I'll let the parents of Officer Hopps say a word or two." he kindly set the microphone down to their height as he went to take his seat further back as Stu and Bonnie took position at the podium. Bonnie was having trouble forming the words she wanted to say so Stu spoke up. "As the father of Judy Hopps I had always been proud and scared for our little girl. but she always was a trier, someone who always pushed the envelope to break boundaries. And she certainly did that and took the reigns on her life and in the process proved to the world that even Foxes more then what they seemed to be." he pointed to Nick who looked somber sitting in his chair, he smiled a little at Stu trying to keep a brave face and of course was honored by what he had to say. "And she ...died..." he stumbled on his words as he recomposed himself. "She...even died protecting him..." he started to cry a little. "That's our Jude, always standing up for her friends...Sorry its just been rough these past couple weeks...thank you all for coming.." he drifted off before walking back with his wife to their chairs.
Nick began to stand up to give his speech next. AS he passed Stu he shook paws with him and spoke low enough for him to hear. "On a personal note sir, its been an honor serving with your daughter and I loved her dearly." Stu and Bonnie wiped away their tears as they realized he was hurting just as bad as they were if not more. He had lost his mate and partner. "Thank you, we know you two were very close." Nick nodded before he pulled his paw away and nodded at them before going to the podium. "I like to start by saying that if it weren't for Judy I'd still be living as a low life on the streets of Zootopia not making a difference and only further proving the stereotype of foxes. And little did I know how much she would change my life when I met her and I wouldn't change a thing about it. Ever since joining the force and becoming her partner it was the best thing that could ever happen to me." He took a deep breath before continuing, by this time Judy had started to make her way closer to the stage to see Nick close up.
Wiping away a tear he spoke up. "Judy… Judy was..." He took a moment to compose himself again. "She was the best partner and girlfriend in the whole of existence and... and ..." he started to break down again as he fiddled with the ring box in his pocket and then it fell out and onto the stage, it became apparent why he was having trouble with his composure. Even though she was his girlfriend but to lose her before taking the next bug step in life is heartbreaking. Nick stared in silence at the ring box before he looked back up the people in attention and the casket with the flag on top became too much for him. "Excuse me." he said before walking off stage and toward the back, Judy followed and watched as he sat on the ground starting to let it out and not hold back his tears. He bumped his head against the siding of the stage a couple times in frustration then placed his head in his paws sniffling and crying as Judy watched on as she started to cry too as she reached out but her hand phased through him again. "Nick...I..." That was as much as she could take before she bolted and ran as far and fast as she could not caring in the direction she took.
As she ran off in the distance Nick remained wiping away his tears as he composed himself he heard footsteps come behind him causing his ears to turn slightly to the noise but not turning his head. "Nick?" It was a feminine voice but still he didn't look back just holding its face in his paws. "Nick, don't close yourself off. You have friends here." He finally started to turn his head a little. "We are all here to support you." Turning his head all the way he could see it was Allison the arctic fox. Her white fur glistened in the light as she walked up to him. Not moving from his spot he tried to hide the fact that he was crying but not doing such a good job at it.
Taking a few steps to bring herself in front of Nick and knelt down to look him in the eyes she reached out and brushed his cheek. "I am here to give you support." Brushing away the tears he looked her in the eyes appearing red eyed. "I know you mean well Allison but I'm gonna need time to let mammals get close again." With that he stood up and brushed himself off making sure he was nice and presentable. "I'll see you later Officer Mckendrick" With that he left her standing there as he made his way to find somewhere private before Judy's body was taken to the cemetery for burial.
As the ceremony finished up, Nick joined the pallbearers as he carried her casket. It was a task no one asked him to perform and even Bogo insisted he let the others take care of it. But he insisted if anyone were to take Judy to her final resting place he would be there to help. It pained him deeply but he did it out of respect and love. He tried not to think of how he last saw her and instead focused on her smile she would give him and her laugh. Tears began to come back as he remembered their many stake outs and arrests they made. His life had certainly changed since she entered his life those years prior when she hustled him into helping her on a case. He let out a sigh as he walked and carried her one last time.
It took all his strength as he walked with the other pallbearers before they set her casket into the hearse and closing the door they each saluted as the vehicle drove away and they would meet back up at the cemetery to continue their duties. A short while later Nick was back with the other pallbearers including Marco. The wolf stood on Nick's right as they picked up the front end of the casket and walked toward her final resting place. A trumpet played in the distance as they walked steadily before placing her down and stepping away placing their white gloves on the casket handle rail as they did so. Stepping aside the services continued as a pastor spoke about Judy and gave her a send off into the afterlife as they saw it. Once it was finished the color guard approached and removed the Zootopain flag and folded it in a special manner.
They approached Mr. and Mrs. Hopps and present it to them. When they accepted the flag Bonnie looked over to Nick who stood at a distance and gave him a weak smile. They had talked about it earlier that since him and Judy weren't officially married they would have the flag presented to her parents. The couple only reluctantly agreed since they knew how close they were and that Nick was planning to ask her paw in marriage. But in the end Nick felt it was best for her parents to receive the flag. Taking the flag they thanked them and were led away toward their car as everyone was leaving to head to the reception while Judy was lowered into the ground. Nick was the last to leave as he watched her descend into the earth.
He did all he could from collapsing to the ground. After years of being alone he had relied on him and only him for his strength but since meeting Judy, she became the source of his strength. Once she was out of sight he hesitantly turned to see Marco still there leaning against the black funeral car. "Come on Nick, they're waiting for us at the reception." Letting out a sigh he walked up to Marco and patted his shoulder and nodded not saying a word as he walked around and got into the front passenger seat as Marco took the driver seat and drove off, the two of them heading to the reception that was being held at City Hall in the main reception hall on the ground floor.
When they walked inside he kept his distance from the others as Marco went to join the others. Around the hall was offices and family sharing memories and telling stories of Judy's time with the ZPD. A small cough shook Nick from his solace as he looked to see Stu in front of him but his wife wasn't with him. "Nick" Trying to keep his composure. "Stu." he said plainly not putting any emotion into it. "Look I know we gave you a hard time when we first met, not every day you find out your daughter is dating a predator. But when you fought to earn our respect I knew Judy was in good paws." By this time Stu took a seat next to Nick and patted the back of his paw. "For what its worth Nick, you gained a family in Bunny Burrow" Nick couldn't hold back his smile as he nodded at Stu. "Thanks Stu" He remarked as the elder rabbit smiled "Don't let yourself get drowned in sorrow Nick, I know Judy would hate for you to shut yourself off from all contact.
Nick nodded again as his smile faded away as he contently looked upon the ground his mind blank for the moment not wanting to summon any coherent thought. "Well.." Stu began to stand up again. "You take care of yourself Nick." he couldn't help but smirk at that but stayed silent as Stu walked off but soon replaced by Chief Bogo. "Wilde" the deep voiced made Nick realize who was now standing near him as he looked up to see the cape buffalo towering above him, "Wilde, I'm giving two weeks bereavement leave." he was about to object when Bogo interrupted him. "Its not up for debate, your on two weeks leave." he sighed softly as he seemed to let his tough mammal demeanor to come down. "Look Nick, I know what you were planning and this can be hard on any mammal, these kind of scars never go away and they run deep. You may learn to deal with it in your own way and I know you'll find that way in time. Report back to the dept in two weeks for evaluation, just to make sure your ready to return to duty." Not giving him much of a chance to argue he walked off to join the others. Nick remained in his seat the rest of the night thinking of his life without Judy.
So Judy left not being able to watch Nick in such dispair, we will see her come back in the next chapter and begin to find out what happened very soon.
Also I had some experience with this as I was a pallbearer for my grandfather, who was a WWII veteran so the U.S. Army sent out a few people to do the funeral.
