Epilogue
~One year later~
It was a crisp, brisk morning in early winter when Manuel Delgato found himself seated upon the broad flagstone that formed the front entrance and highest step to the Zootopian Police Department's City Central Precinct. Looking out across the vast plaza where countless mammals had gathered in rows of seats arranged between the steps and the grand fountain, the young lion also found himself shivering a bit despite the heavier formal pants and jacket he wore. Although many of the different districts of the city, such as Sahara Square or the Rainforest District, had carefully-regulated climates to maintain the same warm seasons year-round as the biomes they represented (in those cases, desert and tropical), and others such as Tundratown or the Conifer District were by the opposite token always cold, the majority of Zootopia and particularly Savanna Central had more varied, temperate weather…and hailing as he did from one of those hotter regions, he found that as usual his thinner coat did little to shield him from the contrasting extreme. Even his mane offered little protection; he did not relish having to bundle up when the first flurries came, though he did look forward to cups of coffee and hot cocoa to warm his paws in the days ahead.
Still, he could hardly have refused to appear, seeing as the gathering today was strictly mandatory, an order from Bogo himself that all of the ZPD's officers were to attend. What he didn't know was why, or why the public had also been invited. Even Judy and Nick, who always had their ears to the ground and noses to the wind when it came to investigating, tracking down information, or simply staying abreast of the latest rumors and workplace gossip, seemed to be in the dark.
Delgato would be feeling a lot more smug about that if the fox and bunny weren't so blasé about the whole thing—at best politely curious, but clearly both were content to learn what was up along with everyone else. (Well…he was certain the not knowing rankled the vulpine greatly, since he prided himself on being aware of everything possibly worth knowing. But even in his case, Nick had the best poker face of anyone Manuel knew, so he was certainly able to fake a detached, amiable air. Or if he did know anything, he was concealing that too, and with disgusting cheerfulness.)
Smiling fondly at his fellow officers, the lion reflected on the other reason he couldn't maintain even a brief annoyance toward them…because he'd managed to catch a glimpse of the two surreptitiously holding paws. There had been no open confirmation, of course, but like the rest of the precinct, Delgato was certain the two newest members of the ZPD were closer than ever to becoming an item.
There were no rules against it as far as he knew—if there were, Bogo would have raised holy hell, and even if he hadn't been aware of Hopps and Wilde's burgeoning mutual interest (and the Cape buffalo was more perceptive than most gave him credit for), Clawhauser would have informed him. Nevertheless, it was the sort of thing most preferred be kept downplayed, and it wasn't anyone's business in any case so long as it didn't compromise their work—and in point of fact, the two cops only seemed to become more in sync, better able to play to each other's strengths and weaknesses, more complementary, with each passing month as partners. Where this would lead in the end, he wasn't sure—in fact he didn't think they were, either—but he was sure they were the best friends a mammal could have asked for, and that was a wonderful place to start. But if Judy hasn't introduced Nick to her family yet…or they don't know what he is to her…mierda, will they be in for it…
That was a problem for another day, however. Watching the lapine tilt her head comically, flick an ear, and then begin to laugh at something the fox had observed, Delgato grinned, then gazed out across the audience once more. Here and there among the spectators seated in the shadow of Savanna Central Station directly across the plaza, and that of City Hall and the Natural History Museum towering on the right, he spied mammals he knew, or had at least encountered or heard of before. He saw Dr. Honey Badger, the wolf Gary, Mr. Big and his daughter with her child, Nick's friend Finnick looking even more incredibly irate than usual in his formalwear, and a goat he thought had to be Phil looking not much better (a rented tux, it appeared, and one that was rather ill-fitting and somewhat dingy).
Gazelle and her tigers were present, with some of the ZPD officers from the other precincts on duty to keep her fans at bay. The leonine nurse who had helped take care of Buckley and Leodore was also there, dressed in quite the gorgeous suit of glossy black (cream shirt and a tie of dark green that went well with his scarlet mane), all of it tailored perfectly to his powerful frame and showing off his build with dapper elegance. Next to him was an older female fox in a somewhat worn but well-taken-care-of dress of pale lavender and pink whom he didn't recognize, though there was something about her face and eyes that had his mind buzzing intensely. And next to them was Leodore's former attorney, Trisha Sleek—looking vivacious and fetching in her elegant but modernly-cut dress—holding paws with a shy-looking female raccoon he assumed had to be her special someone, whether girlfriend or more serious.
Even Xander and his nephew Tyler were there, the latter making Manuel squirm rather uncomfortably in his seat despite his being dressed properly for the occasion. Delgato had been far too shy and traditional-minded to take the white tiger up on his offer (for one thing, if he had and it ever became public knowledge, it would kill his parents), and Ty hadn't pressed the matter, but his boyfriend, on the other paw, had started asking him about private dances—yes, in the glitter shorts, híjole!—and there was no way he could say no to that sweet face…
Speaking of, Manchas was of course sitting right in the front row, gazing up at him with adoration and pride in his bright green eyes. When the black jaguar saw him looking, he waved a huge paw and grinned encouragingly; Delgato instantly felt his face go bright red.
Luckily for him, at that moment Chief Bogo approached the podium and tapped the microphone to get everyone's attention. "Ahem! All right, settle down now! Sorry for the wait, but if I could have some silence, we're ready to begin. I know none of you enjoy freezing your tails off any more than I do, so let's make this as swift and painless as possible, shall we?" A round of appreciative laughter swept across the plaza.
As Delgato regarded the Cape buffalo with curiosity, the horned mammal adjusted his glasses, then removed them and put them away in his breast pocket. "Now then, although this concerns certain members of the ZPD, you've actually all been gathered here today at the request of City Hall. So I'll just turn things over to their representative." Stepping away from the podium, he gestured with a hoof toward the shadowed alcove of the precinct doorway behind him. "Mr. Lionheart?"
Manuel wasn't the only one who gasped, and he wasn't surprised the collective inhalation was followed by a stir among the crowd and an incessant chattering as everyone discussed what this attendance could mean. Of course the Hispanic lion knew that after serving his time and doing his community service, the former mayor had resumed many of his activities in working with and caring for the interests of the public, wherever he was needed, useful, and welcome, and also that he had specifically begun acting as a spokesmammal and assistant to Buckley Stagmire. There had even been talk of the Barbary running for political office again, although which one and whether he had any support in the government was unknown.
Why was he here now for such an august occasion? Was he making some sort of announcement for his candidacy? But no, Bogo had said this had to do with the police department…which also ruled out anything about the lion's impending nuptials with the deer—not that he believed even Leodore would call such a massive gathering of press and public just to make it all about him yet again.
In point of fact, when the big feline approached the podium, he looked as humble and self-effacing as he had since his trial. He was still dressed appropriately, of course, but there was something different about his suit—the cloth was a muted brown, Manuel realized, instead of regal blue or even rich black. It also lacked a silken lining, he wore no cufflinks or tie, and his shirt was open-necked rather than tightly buttoned, allowing much more of his voluminous mane to puff out from his chest. Everything about him seemed to indicate a relaxation, a retreat from formality and elitism to something more self-aware, a personable and trustworthy charisma that was natural now, not affected as it had sometimes seemed before. His face, however, bore a look of determination mixed with…excitement? Pleasure?
Lionheart cleared his throat, made certain his muzzle was distant enough from the mike that there would be no feedback, then gazed out across the square. "Good morning. Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I will try not to take up too much of your time, for a number of reasons, but I hope you will forgive the intrusion and interruption when you hear the purpose of this event." He did not seem to have any papers or cue cards, but then, gifted orator that he was, the maned cat had never seemed to need them. The speech he launched into certainly sounded polished and articulate, yet not rehearsed.
"Our city has been through extremely trying times over the last two years, and the fact we have recovered so well and are continuing to push on to new heights of prosperity, unity, and progressive achievements is a testament to many things: the resiliency and strength of law and order, our government's checks and balances, our willingness to hold all accountable for their actions—not their species or heritage—and most of all the outstanding moral fiber and character of Zootopia's citizens…their commitment to her stability and their liberty, their belief in both those precepts I have just delineated and the rights and inherent worth we all share.
"We owe everything we have now, and the future still ahead of us, to a plurality of views that yet can come together to agree on certain inalienable truths…to mammals who not only believe in justice, equality, and civilized laws, but are willing to abide by them and even help to carry them out. And it is my view that no one exemplifies the intersection of all these values more, when they are honest and committed to integrity, and when they follow through on their training, than the members of the ZPD."
He paused, then smiled softly as the audience broke out in heartening applause; Delgato felt a lump form in his throat, and he knew he wasn't the only officer who sat up straighter and prouder in his or her seat. When all was quiet again, Leodore resumed. "Now of course, in the months immediately following the Pred Scare, Chief Bogo already—and rightfully—awarded Officer Judy Hopps with the title of Officer of the Year, and after Cyrus Bellwether's last terrorist attack, both Officer May Swinton and Officer Nick Wilde received the Medal for Heroism and the Distinguished Service Citation, respectively. But I believe—as does the chief, and as does Mayor Stagmire—that more recognition than this is deserved.
"Partly the delay in rectifying this lies in the awards in question, which are in the jurisdiction of City Hall to give, not the ZPD. And partly it is due to my request that I be the one to personally grant them. Not because I am in any way special, or attempting to regain notoriety or popularity, but because I owe everything to one of the recipients, while the other has in such a short time done more for this city than anyone other than Miss Hopps…so that I and everyone else owe him a debt which can never be repaid as well."
Lionheart stopped, and it was not an artful or rhetorical flourish, his voice was genuinely shaking. "Officer Wilde…Officer Delgato. Would you please step forward?"
Silence seemed to envelop the world, or what sound there was became muffled and diffuse, for all he could hear was his thudding heartbeat and his pulse rushing in his ears. How he got to his feet and made it up beside the podium without tripping or stumbling, he had no idea—but beyond question, it was only his extreme sense of discipline (and a refusal to embarrass himself so publicly) that held him upright when he got there.
He wasn't sure how Nick felt about all this, since as usual the fox kept everything hidden behind that world-weary gaze and irrepressible grin…but something about the way his ears twitched, and a certain cast of those green eyes, told him Wilde was as stunned as he was. What award this was being offered, he hadn't a clue—he certainly hadn't been aiming for one, as he had only been doing his job as a law-abiding mammal. But he had a feeling his life was about to become much less quiet.
When both of them were in position, Leodore nodded gravely to each, then declaimed once more in his stirring but now modest voice. "Nicholas Wilde, I do not have to enumerate what all here know, how you have proven yourself to be an intelligent, capable, courageous, and trustworthy individual—showing all of us yet again how wrong and outdated species stereotypes are. You are as much a great gift to the city and to the ZPD as your partner. But I particularly feel that your dedication to justice, safety, and the common good is testified to by your actions in subduing Cyrus Bellwether. Many in your place would have failed the test, given in to vengeance and even darker desires. Others would have frozen up at the crucial moment, allowing him to escape or end their life instead.
"You, however, have displayed cunning, loyalty to the rule of law and your partners, honor, and sheer nerve. If not for you, the full truth might never have come out, Cyrus might have gone on to carry out greater and more deplorable acts of terror, and we would not have received the closure necessary for Zootopia to heal and move closer to achieving her promised dream." While the fox stood poleaxed, eyes wide, and revealing more open, emotional vulnerability than the young lion had ever seen from him, Lionheart turned to him.
"Manuel Delgato…everyone owes you just as much. Particularly myself. While others had their roles to play, it was you who kept either myself or Mr. Stagmire from escaping and raging through Animalia while under the Night Howler's influence. If not for you, one or both of us would likely be dead. The same is true of Miss Gazelle and the Asmita Brothers, Miss Hopps, and who knows how many countless more among the concertgoers. Even if Zootopia did not fall into the unrest and chaos Cyrus wanted, nothing which followed from that would have been good, to put it lightly. You prevented this, and you did it almost entirely alone; I've seen the footage, I know you held me back longer than anyone else. Such incredible bravery, selflessness, and devotion to duty must absolutely be commended."
Delgato's breath rasped in his throat, and his ears burned with the absence of sound—not because his pounding blood blocked it out this time, but because the entire audience was watching, transfixed and awed as they hung on every word. All he could hear in fact, other than the faint hum from the microphone, was Leodore's claws clicking softly on the marble as he turned to gesture back at the row of chairs where Bogo sat with the other officers. Eagerly, Clawhauser rushed forward at the Barbary's summons (much faster than usual for him, though still nowhere near a cheetah's top speed), then reverently handed over two velvet-covered cases he'd apparently been entrusted with earlier. These Lionheart set on the podium and opened to remove their contents.
"Therefore, it is with deepest respect and gratitude, and with the authority vested in me by Mayor Stagmire and the City Council, that I give to you both the highest award this city can bestow on her citizens: the Zootopian Medal of Honor."
From each velvet case, Leodore removed two items—the first a beautiful gold medal cast in the shape of the ZPD shield and marked with the arms of the city as well as Chief Bogo's name, and the second a green breast bar embossed with five golden stars. Carefully, with slow and solemn ceremony, the Barbary hung the medal around Delgato's neck from its blue and white lanyard, then pinned the bar to the chest of his dress uniform. Then he turned to bend down and do the same with Nick's (which Manuel observed with a distant amusement were half the size of his own, the medal comparable to a silver dollar and the lapel bar more like a quarter, just as the box which had held them was more like a jewelry box for a ring than the palm-sized necklace box that had held the lion's).
After this had been accomplished, Lionheart faced them both and firmly, sincerely shook their paws. "Congratulations, Officers. You have earned this, and more than we can ever give to you. Thank you."
Now the audience exploded in both applause and cheers, with all their fellow cops joining in (he could even hear Judy giving an ear-splitting whistle). Delgato instinctively saluted with his other paw, aware of Wilde doing the same beside him. But he could only focus on Lionheart's visage, so regal and approving…or what he could see of it through the film of his brimming tears. Dios mio…I can't believe it…I never thought I would…and he actually…
He also realized, dimly, that he had lowered his saluting paw, clapped it on Leodore's shoulder and upper arm, then drawn him close in a half-embrace, though this would not be visible to most of the spectators and easily construed as a more perfunctory gesture than it was. He managed to lock eyes with the other cat, hoping his heartfelt gaze conveyed his sentiment, that he would be receiving a full and powerful hug as soon as privacy and decorum permitted. Then, as the Barbary leaned toward him, the Hispanic lion heard him whisper in his ear under the cover of the crowd's celebration: "I hope, Manuel, that this can make up, even in a small way, for what you have endured. It was my idea alone, although Bucky of course signed on enthusiastically once I told him what I had in mind. Now…now perhaps everyone can see what a lion can be, and who you truly are."
Delgato swallowed several times, moistening his mouth and forcing his voice to be as steady and level as he could, though it still shook when he spoke. "It's more than enough, I think. And if they're gonna see that, sir, I believe it'll be because of both of us."
Everything passed in a haze after that. There were a couple small speeches from Lionheart and Bogo, though he didn't hear a word of either. More applause, the flashes of camera bulbs, and the buzz of many voices raised as reporters began speaking breathlessly to their viewers at home. Then as the ceremony broke up and informality took over, mammals were swarming around him: Grizzoli playfully punching his shoulder, Jackson throwing his arms around him and lifting him off his feet with a noogie, then Clawhauser doing the same thing—sans noogie, but shoving him in his soft, fluffy chest fur instead.
He saw his parents standing in the front row, beaming and bright-eyed…the look on his father's face so intensely proud it made his heart seize up…and beside them now was Manchas, so much love in those emerald eyes he thought he would drown in it. Even Mr. Big was clapping politely, though Fru-Fru was practically capering on the pillow Kevin held for the two shrews, tossing her bouffant hair and throwing her tiny paws up like a cheerleader. (She'd told him, after Manchas had introduced him to the family as his boyfriend, that she'd longed for the black jaguar to find someone special for years, and as long as he treated him right, she was totally in Delgato's corner.) All of this…for me? I never dreamed…how can I ever thank him?
Then, as Judy came up beside him to hug his leg, then Nick, and the fox was looking up at him with an odd expression mingling sheepishness with cockiness, the latter's gaze shifted to something past Delgato on the steps down to the square…and his face abruptly changed. He'd never seen Wilde look like this, a soulful and vulnerable yearning in his eyes—and when Manuel turned to follow his line of sight he spied the vixen he had noticed earlier, with a mirroring expression on her face. Flicking his eyes back and forth between the two to compare features, he knew who she was, and he twisted his head to stare back to Leodore for confirmation. The gentle smile, followed by the beatific countenance directed at the two vulpines, said everything.
For a few more silent moments, the canids kept their gazes locked on each other; the vixen shied away briefly, then lifted her chin as she regarded the shiny new medal and bar her son wore; some mutual sense of understanding seemed to pass between them. Then she moved across the marble and climbed up to place her paws, lightly dusted with silver among the red, on Nick's narrow shoulders, staring deeply into his eyes before embracing him tightly. No words were said for some time; none were needed.
When those gathered about did speak at last, it was in a hearty, amusing, rough-and-tumble mix of overlapping voices, chuckles, and outright guffaws. He caught Mrs. Wilde teasing the fox officer that his uniform needed ironing, after which the two of them bantered for some time over who loved whom more ("I've got plenty more years of experience on you, kit." "You said it, not me."). He heard Leodore call the vixen Helen, then reveal that he'd encountered her at Zootopia General when he was doing his community service, and that as it was coming to a close he'd personally delivered to her an invitation for the ceremony today.
He heard the older mammal admit she hadn't known of Nick's part in what happened at Animalia until now ("Too tired to pay attention to the news when I should. And still married to my work, you know. Well, now."), but that of course she'd known of his becoming a cop long ago and couldn't be prouder. He'd seen Nick give a brief but eloquent bow as he respectfully thanked the former mayor (whom he pointedly called "Mr. Lionheart") for ensuring his mother knew of the festivities. And he'd watched as a laughing Judy, violet eyes bright and shining with her happy tears, joined her partner in the bosom of his family.
Huh…that just might come true in more ways than one, soon! He wondered how this strong-willed, extremely capable, and clearly opinionated vulpine matriarch would react when she learned of how close the rabbit had become to her son…whether she would be like a mother tiger in defending him, or if she and Judy would hit it off and instantly join forces. Somehow he suspected either way could be viewed as a disaster, especially from Wilde's point of view…
But Delgato didn't have long to watch with aching heart and a muzzle just as sore from his huge, prolonged smile—fondness turning to mischievous schadenfreude—before he felt a paw slip into his own. It was, of course, Renato, looking up at him with affection and excitement on his guileless, youthful face. "Mi amor…sabes que te daría el mundo entero para verte sonreír. I cannot begin to tell you how much this means to me. Estoy muy orgulloso de ti, mi leoncito. Y soy todo tuyo." And then, as naturally as breathing, while he was still blushing at the jaguar's pet name for him, they were kissing.
When he finally came up for air with a decidedly goofy grin, Manuel Delgato looked around him once more—at his parents, Fru-Fru, Clawhauser and Bogo watching from a discreet distance (the former with eager, bouncy joy, the latter with a small nod and a slow, approving smile)…Nick and his mother, Judy and Lionheart. He looked down at his medal, at the words inscribed on the back: "For acts of extraordinary bravery performed in the line of duty at extreme risk and danger of life." Then he looked up again to fix his gaze on the former mayor.
Anyone can be anything here. Even you, and even me. He wiped away his tears, stood up straighter. Time to make the most of what I've been given, eh?
~Two months later~
"So? How does it feel to be back here again?"
Leodore Lionheart turned around slowly in the middle of the Mayor's Office, surveying the room from every possible view and angle. In so many ways, it was unchanged and unchangeable, with only a few additions here and there to mark its new occupant—a painting of a forest glen where sunlight speared down in shimmering shafts like a benediction; a set of shed antlers from decades in the past, before the accident that claimed Frederick Stagmire's life, mounted on the wall; photos of his parents, including ones where the elder stag posed with his closest friends from college, a rather hyperactive rabbit and a somewhat shy but devilishly handsome skunk. (Leodore had been told that while the fellow had been something of a quiet, bookish, even effeminate sort when he and Frederick had first met, he had blossomed in time into quite the manly heartthrob…and now, many years later, had settled into a long and very healthy marriage while blessed with a bulky physique that Bucky had described most emphatically as a "dad bod." "Rather like you, Leo," the deer had said, to the lion's deep blush.)
Shaking his head to snap himself out of that train of thought, the Barbary reflected that while otherwise the office around him did look the same, what made it most strongly different now was himself—he had changed, and saw it with an altered eye. All to the better, he believed, but it couldn't be denied there were still a few pangs from the past. "How does it feel, Bucky?" he murmured at last. "It feels like coming home…finding out your parents turned your old room into a study or a library…then realizing it works much better that way, and finding a new place to stay while you're there. Because you were deeply missed, and they wondered why you hadn't bothered to come visit sooner."
The stag came to stand beside him, one eyebrow lifted suggestively. "Well, that metaphor certainly got away from you, didn't it? Something about subtext becoming text, I believe I've heard it said."
Lionheart crossed his arms and lifted his chin slightly. "Blame it on my elite education. And don't deny it works because it's true." He sighed heavily. "I do belong here…just not at all in the way I thought I did. If only it hadn't taken so long, and such pain and hardship, to get here."
Bucky relented, resting a hoof on his shoulder. "Would it have meant as much if it hadn't? Would you have appreciated or even accepted it?"
The feline flattened his ears; he hated how well his beloved knew him sometimes, and when he was right. "Point. Still…it would have been better for the city, for so many in it, if I had realized my place, and admitted the truth, to begin with."
Those dark eyes he adored so greatly were solemn, understanding, and kind as they fixed on him unwaveringly. "There's a quote I ran across in a very meaningful and life-affirming book this past year, one that I think speaks to this. 'Everything you want is on the other side of fear.'"
"Jack Caninefield, of course." Lionheart let out a long, slow breath. The words held great truth and insight indeed; while everything he had done, in the end, had been because of fear, he never would have achieved what he had if he hadn't faced and overcome that fear. He had hidden from it, denied it, pretended that he would not allow it to have any bearing on his life. He had taken his status and wealth for granted, acted content in the knowledge Bellwether had been to blame in the end for everything. And by believing he could get away with his actions because of his more altruistic motives, he had failed even more utterly, letting down everyone who believed in him.
Now…now all this was behind him. But it would never have occurred if he hadn't bitten that bullet, owned up to his mistakes, and gone through the crucible of his fears. It had exacted quite the price…but because he had, both he and Zootopia were stronger for it.
"Thank you, love. As always, you see to the crux of matters far better and quicker than I, and don't let me forget it." He paused, then chuckled wryly. "Still…who would have guessed that where we'd end up was right back here—simply in opposite roles? God does have a sense of humor."
Indeed, Buckley had already filed the paperwork to run for election under his own banner near the end of Leodore's community service, to win the public's approval and earn his own term as Mayor rather than simply finishing the feline's. And after the award ceremony—when it would not distract from or overshadow Nick and Manuel's heroic honor, and which had also allowed him to present their medals as his own citizen and a simple City Hall employee rather than part of the full administration—after this, Lionheart had submitted his forms and run for Assistant Mayor, just as Bucky had requested. And after the short but intense campaign of the last two months, they had just the previous evening won re-election and election.
It had been hard-fought, and not at all a foregone conclusion. The other candidates, a goat from the Conifer District and a tigress from Tundratown, had been excellent options for the offices with much to offer the still-recovering city. With the knowledge of what Lionheart had and had not done firmly in the public consciousness—offset by Bucky's own experiences—and with there being no law denying his participation (since he had been neither impeached nor recalled as Mayor), all involved had run clean campaigns, based on only the issues and policies.
Gazelle had not endorsed either side, both out of solidarity with her dancers and to keep from tipping the scales with the unfair advantage of her popularity—though she had otherwise stressed in several public statements the need to learn from the past without dwelling on it, yet also make the right choice for what lay ahead. And although there was no rule against it as there was for other political positions, neither Judy nor Nick had given any statements of support one way or the other either…so that everything really came down to what it should: the voters and their awareness of what was at stake, their understanding of what both sides were offering and their weighing the respective merits versus their willingness to trust and have faith in whom they thought would lead them best.
The Barbary's sins and how he had redeemed himself, his just punishments and the recognition and good he had brought during and since his sentence, the highly-publicized and rather sensational dismantling and prosecuting of Koslov and the rest of the mafia, the fact both he and Bucky had fallen prey to the Night Howler and then been cured…it had all canceled out, for the most part. While no one could be certain just what had been discounted and what had not, what had been the key deciding factors, how much Lionheart's past—both the good and the ill he'd done—had been pitted against the near-universal goodwill the stag now enjoyed in Zootopia, the end result had been a more-closely balanced and contested election than any in recent memory. But as close as it had been, no recount had been deemed necessary, and if no one could be sure whether the results were an indictment or an exoneration, because of Leodore's actions or in spite of them, or how much their sexuality had impacted certain sections of the populace's votes…the Stagmire administration had been certified.
Once, Lionheart could not have accepted this with such grace and humility, believing as he had that it was his vision, his bold plans, his daring and charisma, that were needed to achieve progress. But even without all his errors, misjudgments, flaws, and criminal acts—he knew now that it was prey who had to be looked to for hope and guidance; that Bucky was far more of a light and inspiration than he could ever hope to be; and anything he could do to aid this from a lesser—though no less important!—position, and show how all mammals could come together without arrogance or hidden agendas…this would be his true legacy. This was how he should serve, and there was so much good, so many programs and initiatives and respected duties which fell within the boundaries of his new office, that he was determined and only too pleased to do.
As if his thoughts had been following the same track, Bucky smiled sidelong at him as he walked past the desk toward the great windows overlooking the city. "Well, He does work in mysterious ways, but I think He knew what He was doing. The real question is, will you be able to handle all of this and still have time for your charges?"
Leodore laughed, as he knew what the deer was referring to. "I'll make time if I have to. As important as it is being Assistant Mayor, I'd have learned nothing if I weren't there for those who need me."
It had in fact been extremely difficult saying good-bye to both Lanny and Helen when his time with Doctors Without Species came to an end—even beyond what a dedicated and skilled worker he had become so that both nurses had stated plainly what a regretful loss his departure was, he had come to know both of his handlers very well, and come to care for them very much. It hadn't been a surprise that his last day had involved many tears and extremely tight hugs exchanged (although more of the latter for Lanny, who could withstand his strength better than the vixen). That had been an additional reason he'd made certain to invite them both to the ZPD commendation ceremony, just to be able to see them one last time.
Not that he expected them to vanish. Mrs. Wilde would continue to be a fixture in her son and Judy's life, and since the latter had made it quite clear she intended to make good on the offer Dawn had made almost two years ago (save that she would be the ZPD-City Hall liaison for Buckley and Lionheart instead), there was a good chance the Barbary would be seeing the two foxes often as well. That he would be seeing the rabbit on a regular basis (particularly in this capacity) pleased him just as much: not only had he managed to earn back her respect as he had hoped for so fervently, she had proven to him over and over again how right he'd been to be proud of her police academy achievements. Pulling a few strings to ensure she would be placed at City Center rather than one of the other precincts, or even the sheriff's office in Bunnyburrow, hadn't just fulfilled her dream for Zootopia, it had saved them all...and now he'd get to repay Judy's heroism, and her trust and faith in him, for many more days to come.
As for Lanny, Leodore of course remained committed to the deal he'd made with Corlione—who after some months lying low from any possible retaliation had re-entered his nephew's life in the new identity of another, more distant uncle—and had already provided the younger feline with contacts, recommendations, and financial assistance, as had Bucky. The dockworker had only accepted, naturally, if Lionheart would promise to similarly make sizable donations to both hospitals as well as the larger philotherian organizations that supported them, an act that naturally enough he'd unhesitatingly, and with generous gratitude, complied with...since he'd intended to do so anyway.
And while the former mayor (now Assistant Mayor!) had become close to countless children at both Lions Gate and Zoo Gen, he had made it a special point to continually visit and lavish attention upon young Morris. As the days and weeks had gone by, the cub's cough had faded away entirely—not only due to the high-quality care and medicines he received but the time they spent together gaming, reading, chatting, and so much more. Needless to say, Leodore had quietly ensured that any of the polar bear's outstanding health care bills were paid in full (something that had the lad's fisherman father thanking him effusively)…and also needless to say, seeing those excited eyes staring up at him in awe and hero worship, growing brighter each day as Morris's strength returned to him fully, holding him close and tucking him protectively in his rich layers of mane…all of this had awoken something deep inside the Barbary's heart, something he knew more than ever was the right thing to do and could only bring new fulfillment and joy to his life—and Bucky's.
Looking up from his rapt reverie while contemplating southern Zootopia far below their vantage point, he finally spoke again, warm but insistent. "I may not burn my candle at both ends like Dawn did, but I am bound and determined to do things right this time. And that includes my own personal obligations to Mr. Wild."
The cervine's eyes twinkled shrewdly. "Would that be with, or without, the 'e'?"
"Without," Lionheart retorted. "Nicholas is a good friend, but thanks to his mother we are even—which is all for the good, as he is the last mammal I should wish to owe a debt to. I like him, Bucky, and I think he is as honorable and good-hearted as can be, but I don't trust him, at least not to that extent. You don't give a mammal like that a hold on your soul."
"A fox?" Bucky drawled sardonically.
"No, a schemer. A master of strategy, insight, and deduction who can plot you right out of your pelt."
"Don't forget troll," the deer observed.
"Indeed. We are very lucky he is on the side of the angels, even if his halo is badly tarnished and permanently at a rakish angle." Leodore grinned, even as he was quite serious in assessing Nick's skills—and just how they made him dangerous. But thank God he wasn't around to hear us just now!
Still, it had been heartwarming to learn some months ago, when he had befriended Helen enough to feel comfortable asking, that she and her son were not estranged, avoiding each other, or even unaware of each other's existence as he had feared. "We've had our differences in the past," the vixen had acknowledged ruefully, "what with his not-calling for weeks on end and his…barely-legal activities, but that's behind us. I'm a nurse after all, a medical professional—I have to be detached about these sorts of things." She'd been wryly amused, if also touched, by his concern, teasing him about his leonine nobility in "always having to fix everything" but also knowing he'd meant well. "It is a small world, us happening to meet like this, but I like to think it's a sign you're on the right path—and if a fox, or a bunny, can become a cop, then you can pick yourself up, too." Her eyes had flashed somewhat fiercely, and then she'd added, "Doesn't mean I'm going to go easier on you now, though."
And she hadn't, that was for certain! But he was a better worker, and mammal, for it, he repeated to himself…and if his intervention hadn't been necessary to repair the Wilde family, at least he'd still enabled Helen to be there for Nick on his big day, which was the least he could do for her as well as the one who had brought down Cyrus Bellwether and helped in so many ways to rescue Bucky. It's just a shame Mr. Wilde is long gone—from what Helen said, he'd have been proud of Nick, too…
Coming back to the present, he continued. "Anyway, no, I meant Lanny. It is because of him, though he will never know it, that we brought down the mob." And how satisfying that had been, watching each and every don, underling, racketeer, and petty criminal being led into court with Koslov right at the head of the line, each of them smug and cocky in the certainty they could once again defeat or cleverly evade the charges, only to have the confidence turn to fear, the smirks melt right off their muzzles, as they heard the evidence arrayed against them or saw Corlione emerge from hiding to testify to the truth!
"And he is also the one who made my service such a productive and meaningful experience. Not to mention introducing me to Helen and Morris. I won't rest until he achieves everything he wants from life. He's already said he will go back to school to get his Master's and PhD…I do believe he's going to become a full-fledged doctor. He might even run Lions Gate one day!" The Barbary beamed; he couldn't be prouder if Lanny were his own son or nephew. And speaking of…
Reaching over to place his paw on Bucky's shoulder, the sunlight gleaming from the garnet of his engagement ring, he squeezed the deer firmly and rumbled with a low earnestness. "He also believes he can help us out with our own future. If…if you're ready, if you want it as much as I do, we can see about having a cub of our own to raise."
Bucky stared at him, utter confusion and shock in his dark eyes. "Wh-what? How in the world…?"
Leodore knew he shouldn't, but he couldn't resist. Affecting a grave air and a tone that urged trust and belief, he said, "Well, you see, Bucky, when a daddy deer and a mommy deer love each other very much…"
The stag's expression slowly changed to one of understanding, contorted into indignation, and finally sagged into aggrieved hilarity. "Why, you—how could you—you know very well what I—" At last he dissolved into laughter, the paroxysms making his entire antlered head shake as he leaned on the desk with one hoof for support, so as not to collapse on the rug-covered marble. The lion threw back his head and laughed as well until he cried; they had both needed this greatly, and he knew he would remember this day, and this moment, for years to come. You're only furious you didn't think of it first!
When they had both recovered sufficiently, the Barbary wiped the tears from his eyes and took Bucky's free hoof in his paw. "Seriously…you know what I'm talking about. We can use a surrogate mother if you wish, or we can simply adopt. Either way, Lanny knows someone in social services who can help us, whenever you give the word. I know we haven't talked much about this, and you'll probably want to wait until we get married, but…"
"That would give us better prospects, and render us far more attractive to the agencies and their staff." The cervine regarded him with eyes aglow and a rumbling thrum in his own chest that he only produced when at his most content and devoted. Partly he suspected it was simply because of how happy it made his beloved to hear him speak so openly of their relationship, as he had in the many days and months since walking out that prison gate to join him. But he also knew it was because of how much more certain such a change in their status was for them now: when they had chosen to run for City Hall again (albeit inverted), Lionheart had looked into the legalities of the matter with Burnram's help and discovered Zootopia did not, in fact, have anything on the books forbidding the Mayor and Assistant Mayor being spouses.
The only thing which might work against it, other than lingering prejudices (including in the city government, although Bucky had dismissed everyone he could who had proven to harbor such sentiments), was whether the citizens would accept their highest government officials in matrimony, particularly after the previous (though misunderstood, and now adjudicated) scandal. After their winning the election, he rather thought tacit approval had been given (since many had to have seen this coming, after the true depth of their commitment to one another had been revealed at his trial).
But if not, they could still wait until their term ended. What was four more years compared to the life they had ahead of them? Either way though, it would happen, he knew it and swore it would be so, even if the District Attorney himself had to approve it to make it possible.
Once again, as if their minds were linked, Bucky responded, "It's a good thing we know someone in high places in the law then, isn't it? Not that Russ can do anything himself, of course, conflict of interest and all…"
"No, but if we'd lost the election, or he hadn't won his own term as DA, I would have asked him to recommend a justice of the peace who has experience with our sort of situation. I still can, and I will." The lion swallowed. "When the time is right."
The Mayor of Zootopia looked at him meaningfully, tears in the corners of his eyes, his heart in his throat, and then nodded. "Yes. I do believe it is, now. And yes, Leodore, I would want nothing more than to start a family with you. It's what I've always wanted, and I've seen you with children…with Morris… And you did, after all, tell me it would make you a hit with the ladies. That goes for both of us, you know." The momentary, wicked gleam in his eyes faded and he smiled softly, wistfully. "Thank you. I love you."
"I should certainly hope so, after everything we've been through," Leodore chided gently.
"Don't be uncouth, I still know all your weak spots." Rapping his knuckles smartly, he paused, a thoughtful expression on his face, then seemed to decide something. "In any event, we've spent enough time on the past, and on our personal lives. Let's do what we were chosen to do, and focus on everyone else's well-being."
"Absolutely. Doing good is why we're here, and it feels so wonderful to devote my life to it again." As it had giving those medals to Delgato and Nick, though the honor and comity he'd earned by that act was nothing compared to what they deserved.
"Mm-hmm. Then hadn't you better get to your desk, Leo?" There was something in that tone which sounded very familiar.
Frowning a bit, Lionheart crossed to the door which led into the adjoining (though no less well-appointed and luxurious) office. When he opened it, he saw immediately the reason for the deer's odd behavior—sitting on top of the indicated furniture's wooden expanse, right in front of its chair, was a small wrapped package. Quickly he wheeled back to narrow his eyes accusingly at Bucky, who had his own gaze elevated innocently to the ceiling. "You didn't."
"Well, I wasn't going to at first," his beloved said impudently, "but it was just too perfect an opportunity to pass up. And after that terrible joke you played on me a few moments ago…"
"Touché." Besides, he had to admit, if only to himself, that the gift really was fitting. He had only himself to blame, after all.
Crossing over, the sense of déjà vu stronger than ever, the feline picked up the box, opened the tissue paper coverings and then the lid…and there it was, clearly fetched from among Dawn's things: the novelty coffee mug from what seemed another life, its message forever altered by his own paw to read "World's Greatest Assistant Mayor."
Setting it down on the blotter and shaking his great maned head with mock despair, he yet turned with good humor and another round of laughter to see Bucky standing in the doorway, smirking openly, extremely pleased with himself and yet still every inch the mammal he loved—and he wouldn't have it any other way.
"Never change," he ordered, even as he opened his arms to him.
"I wasn't planning on it," Bucky noted as he strode back to his side. "And now that you're back to who you used to be…only better…you shouldn't either."
Then they were kissing…soft, tender, affectionate. And Leodore Lionheart knew that whatever came next, for them and for Zootopia, it could only be good—and he couldn't wait to get to work so he could see it.
(A/N: So, that's a wrap! As you might imagine, very few references here at the end. The biggest, really, are the Spanish translations for Delgato and Manchas. Híjole means [depending on context] "good God", "for goodness' sake", or "jeez", while the jaguar's little speech translates to: "you know I would give you the whole world to see you smile. I'm very proud of you, my little lion. And I'm all yours." Also, for your edification I have finally decided who I would cast as a VA for Delgato: Gael Garcia Bernal, the voice of Hector in Disney's Coco. Frederick Stagmire, Bucky's deceased dad [to replace Bambi's iconic dead mother], shares his name with his original VA, Fred Shields. In an amusing twist, despite the fact I based Bucky off of the Great Prince's looks and gave him Patrick Stewart's voice from the midquel, I thought it'd be fun to give Bambi's friends to his father instead. So of course the rabbit and skunk in question are Thumper and Flower. [And no, I couldn't resist taking what the skunk was originally like and turning him into a DILFy hunk. :P]
Jack Caninefield, of course, references Jack Canfield of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame. While Russ becoming the DA is another shout-out to Luna Goldsun's "Wilde Card", the deceased Mr. Wild is not supposed to be Redd, seeing as I suggested he was a good and upstanding citizen who was a fine father and role model for Nick. As much as I love 6wingdragon's rendition, I'm afraid that probably my Mr. Wilde is based on his, John the tailor [who was depicted or hinted at in Art of Zootopia]. Basically, the common fan theories on Mr. Wilde are either that he was a no-good fellow who exemplified the worst of fox stereotypes, or that he's dead. Since I wanted him to have been a decent fellow, and I didn't want to tread on my friend's creation, and somehow the Wildes divorcing didn't feel right, being deceased was really the only option left. [This also fits the image of his tailor shop in Art of Zootopia, looking all run-down and overgrown.] As for Helen, I bet some of you might have noticed the shout-out in her dress's colors to Maid Marian, who along with Robin Hood has [with varying levels of seriousness] been claimed to be Nick's parent. [This also provides another poignant explanation for the fate of the Wildes: Monica Evans is still with us, but we lost Brian Bedford in 2016. :( ] And for anyone who's interested, the Zootopian Medal of Honor I created is based off the award of the same name given by the New York City Police Department.
On a side note, I know many people criticized the movie for this when it came out, and since my fic addresses the same topic [particularly with the award ceremony and Leo's speech], I should add that I am of course well aware of the many complex, unsettling, and corrupt issues with various American police departments across the country, and how badly reform is needed; while never experiencing such things myself, let's just say that acknowledging these issues and insisting things need to change cost me some friends and other loved ones in 2014. That said, I am hardly one to throw the baby out with the bathwater; the police force, or something like it, is absolutely essential to a safe and lawful society, and I fully believe that when its members are truly held accountable, when those who commit such acts are removed from their jobs and given just, legal punishments, there can be true honor and integrity in their ranks again. And there should be, because we do still need protection, and heroes. Call me old-fashioned, nostalgic, or privileged, but I still believe there is hope for them...and if we can give them role models to look up to, reminders of the best they can be, so much the better. Like so much else in our world right now, and as Bogo stated, they are broken...but they can and must be repaired. And personally, I think someone like Judy Hopps [and for that matter, Bogo and Delgato] would be all over that, don't you? ^_^
Finally, Leo's ultimate fate. Since I believe in happy endings after one is made to work hard for them, he and Bucky planning to get married at last and even their hopes to start a family together should come as no surprise. His political fate, however...this was basically my way of allowing Lionheart to make up for what he did, and still do good for Zootopia, as well as a nod to the [apparently canonical] comic which came out after the movie, depicting Leodore as being the Mayor once again. Since I wanted to be realistic and show actual consequences and punishment for what he did wrong, I couldn't go that far, but by making him the next Assistant Mayor I could provide an under-the-table hint as well as the layers of irony already commented on in-story. Not to mention, set up for that Chekhov's Boomerang of the mug coming back one last time. ;)
Anyway, so that's all she wrote! I hope you find this a proper wrap-up for the major plot points and character arcs, and that it's satisfying both in terms of story and in the specific denouement given to Leodore, neither too punitive nor too evasive of karma. Thank you for sticking with me, you few but faithful readers...I know my long-winded style isn't for everyone, that there are certain story choices or character interpretations which are unpopular, flawed, or at least slightly problematic, and I know there's a lot of very important reasons right now why people might not be around to read fanfiction at all, let alone ones as complex as mine. But I appreciate everyone who has faved and reviewed, I look forward to those who have been kept away returning and telling me their thoughts, and I am generally quite happy and proud of the work I've done here—if not quite so much as ADL! Thanks again to you all, R/R!)