Fabienne prepped up while waiting for the Prime Time jingle to play. Today was the first day of her return to the news room, and she felt a little nervous, having not read any news for so many days thanks to the savage predators scare. Well, it's in the past now. She then glanced around the news room as if trying to familiarize herself again with the atmosphere. Then again, this morning was a bit different.
The studio crew were largely the same, except that this time Peter was there, away from the camera. In his place now sat Oncardo, who was mumbling to himself, probably practising. Figures, he was usually a field reporter, but Peter suggested that he should be an anchor if just for today. To prove that predators were not just animals who lashed out for no reason, that predators were mammals too, no less civilized than preys. Especially once it became known that the predators had gone savage because of night howlers plants.
That some preys conspired to drive predators rabid just to show that predators were dangerous creatures to be removed from civilization gave her the chills.
Never mind. That was no longer a concern for her, for Oncardo, for predators and their prey friends.
The Prime Time jingle eventually played, and Fabienne turned to Oncardo and pointed to herself. The jaguar's puzzled look reminded her that he wasn't Peter, and she quickly tried to quell her snicker.
"Good morning, and you are watching ZNN Prime Time Morning. I am Fabienne Growley."
"And I am Oncardo Boi Cha."
"ZPD has arrested Mayor Douglas Bellwether, in addition to several other perpetrators, after declaring him as a suspect in a conspiracy to poison predators and turn them savage to have all predators removed from Zootopia. According to police investigation, Mr. Bellwether has funded the Bismarck gang at Rainforest District to find a way to implicate the predators as dangerous mammals, and they accomplished this using the plant Midnicampum holicithias, also known as night howlers, which is capable of artificially increasing aggression in all mammals. In addition, by pegging all predators as savage, Mr. Bellwether has also planned to usurp control of ZPD by replacing their forces, starting from the predators, with Bismarck gang members."
Fabienne turned towards Oncardo, who then realized that it was his turn.
"ZPD's investigation on Mr. Bellwether's plans to build a predator-only district at western Zootopia revealed that said project was fictitious. Mr. Bellwether has never planned to build any residential district to contain the predators, instead, based on ZPD's finding so far, the plan was to concentrate predators into Bismarck-controlled territories. In addition, ZPD has discovered a budding night howlers plantation at Tujunga, believed to be used to keep predators savage once they are contained by the Bismarcks until they see it fit to enact the removal of predators. When questioned on his motives, Mr. Bellwether only stated that predators are always inclined to violence by their very nature."
Fabienne could understand why Oncardo nearly choked on the last few words as she continued.
"Despite having just recovered from the effects of night howlers, Deputy Mayor Leodore Lionheart has made a schedule to give a press conference later today to explain about his previous dealings with Cliffside Asylum. It is understood that ZPD has discovered significant evidences that Mr. Lionheart was the true mastermind of the missing mammal cases, although he has stated that he has no knowledge about the night howlers."
Fabienne turned back to Oncardo.
"Based on the discovery that night howlers is responsible for driving predators savage, Zootopia General Hospital has managed to formulate a cure. The result has been positive so far, with ZGH reporting a 100% success rate for the antidote. Dr. Creekmare attributed the swift success of the discovery of the cure to Dr. Buckton, who has just recently been reinstated at ZGH, as well as Dr. Madge of St. Franz, who has been pardoned and bailed out of Zootopia Central Prison, to help create the antidote."
"Deputy Chief Thomas Higgins has announced that all predator police officers who were dismissed under then-mayor Bellwether's orders will be reinstated immediately, partly as a response to the discovery of the truth about savage mammals, as well as to fill back the gap left from the dismissal of all auxiliary cops who were recommended by Mr. Bellwether. Several of those auxiliary cops have also been detained under Mr. Higgins' order due to reports of misconduct during their duty."
"In addition to the shake-up at ZPD, Mr. Higgins has also liaised with Zootopia Police Academy to rework their admission process in light of the lopsided statistics of the cadets in recent times. Mr. Higgins has expressed his concern that the excessive number of predator cadets compared to preys may have played a significant role in inciting the recent savage predators crisis, thus this move is seen as preventive measure against any similar case in the future."
After the Prime Time, the news room erupted into applause upon Peter's urging. Fabienne smiled contently, while Oncardo sheepishly rubbed his head.
"Bravo. Flawless as ever," Peter gave his praise.
"Thanks, Peter," Fabienne bowed, then turned to Oncardo, "How's the first day on the camera?"
"Oh, well... I guess I can try getting used to this."
There was a mild chuckle in the air.
"Tell you what, Fab, Once," Peter continued, "I'm thinking of celebrating your return to ZNN tonight at The Vistas. You know, celebratory dinner and such. That ok with you?"
Fabienne and Oncardo traded gazes, then contently replied together, "Sure."
"Awesome!" Dennis chimed in, "It'll be a big gala for us ZNN. Ya know, we need to do this more often."
Everyone laughed at Dennis' usual gusto. Fabienne scanned the room, delighted to see that her coworkers were looking at her, and also Oncardo, with the same old friendly gaze that she had been accustomed to. Even Rutger no longer looked at her with fear. The nightmare was all but over.
Leo took his seat, slightly frowning that it wasn't very comfortable. Then again, this wasn't his usual office chair, or study chair, or even a chair for that matter. This was no building he had visited before, an improvised den away from public, with only Mr. Purrton in the know about his business here, and he had implored the snow leopard to keep quiet about this. Or it might also because his recovering body just wasn't very receptive of the crate he was sitting on, and the weather outside wasn't helping either.
After looking downwards for some time, at a briefcase he was holding, Leo threw his gaze upwards to meet the eyes of a brown wolf and a white wolf. Leo huffed. Time to make this quick.
"So, anyway, Larry," Leo then offered the briefcase to the wolves, which Gary then picked up, "I'm sure that should cover all the fee for your services."
Gary gestured to Larry after counting the money inside, and the brown wolf glanced at Leo.
"In case you find that a little excessive, consider it a tip," Leo could roughly guess what Larry wanted to say.
"If you say so, sir," Larry accepted, "It's just pretty generous of you to add this to your deal of helping to get my pack out of that."
Leo recalled that while recuperating from his kidnapping and being turned savage by Douglas, he had arranged to have Dr. Madge and the wolves bailed out and cleared of as much charges as possible given that ZPD had found out that he was the true mastermind of the Cliffside Asylum case anyway. Sure, they all would still be branded as accomplices, but at least he could argue he strong-armed them into working for him. Besides, compared to anything Douglas had done, his transgression was mostly keeping the savage predator away from the populace, keeping both sides safe. It sounded pretentious, but Leo knew he had the moral high ground.
"How are the rest?" Leo's voice softened, "I know the prison hasn't been kind to them."
"They will recover, sir, now that they are out of the prison."
Larry inhaled, as though he had just said something wrong.
"No, better yet, they're out of town. Full recovery is only a matter of time."
"I'm sorry that I end up getting you pretty much exiled like this."
"Apology is not required here, sir," and Leo could swear both wolves chortled, "We've just done our job, and you've fulfilled your side of the deal. That we end up being fugitives for our role in your scheme is just occupational hazard."
"Seriously, Larry, just how many life-threatening things your pack have gone through that you just brush aside as mere occupational hazard?"
It wasn't an intentional humor, but everyone in the room chuckled all the same.
"Anyway, I have something else to do," Leo stood up wincing, but held out a paw when Gary wanted to prop him up, "You may leave now."
"Um-"
"Gary."
Gary glanced at Larry and nodded. Leo could roughly guess what Gary wanted to say.
"Don't sweat it, Gary. We all have our own problems. My imminent imprisonment, versus your exile probably until I get out and can clear your names..."
"Yeah. Ok," Gary conceded.
"Thank you, sir."
Leo smiled as the wolves flew into the hinterlands. After Mr. Purrton draped a jacket over him, Leo beckoned the snow leopard to leave with him. His time was up. Well, he could hope that the next few weeks behind the bar would be better than cowering in fear due to the savage predator scare and whatever Douglas had planned about it. Would they stuff him into the same cell as Douglas? Maybe. That would be funny.
Judy looked through the array of folded clothes strewn on her bed. She was finalizing whichever she would carry to Zootopia. Eventually she made her choices, stuffed what she wanted into her luggage and put the rest back into her wardrobe. Or would it still be her wardrobe next time she returned home? No matter, she giggled as she strode outside with her packed luggage.
"You sure look great, dear," Bonnie remarked as soon as Judy showed up at the living room.
"Ah, yes, mom, definitely," Judy then giddily embraced her mom, "Finally."
"Yeah," Bonnie nodded, "Finally we have our bunny cop in the family."
Judy reminisced about that sweet, blissful news. Thanks to her help in uncovering the night howlers conspiracy, Deputy Chief Higgins of ZPD had asked if she would like to join the force, an offer she accepted before he even finished his sentence. And with several other mammals vouching for her, such as Nick, Friedkin and McHorn, Mr. Higgins had arranged that so that not only she was admitted to the academy, but that she would be among the first cadets who got the chance for internship at ZPD. It might sound like bragging, but she felt so special.
"Jude the dude, how are you feeling?" Stu greeted on his way back in.
"Absolutely fantastic, dad," Judy hugged her dad, "You know how long I've waited to become a cop."
"Absolutely dear," Stu wiped his eyes, "But you know, police job is dangerous. Though I guess I shouldn't be saying that considering what you've gone through."
Ah yes, Dawn and her lackeys. Judy agreed that she wasn't quite ready for such an altercation, but she was simply glad that everything worked out fine. Thanks to Nick.
After what felt like hours, Judy, her parents and a few of her siblings arrived at the train station. Judy looked back at her family when the train arrived and gave them one more hug before scampering in.
The city eventually came into view. The desert had never been so inviting. The snow-capped panorama looked like a blank sheet on which she could chronicle her experience. The rain in the lush jungles seemed to wash her clean of her anxiety. And the spires in the city invited her to try her fortune once again.
"Welcome to Zootopia."
This wasn't the first time Judy heard that greeting of course. But today, she truly felt like she was welcomed.
Officer Hopps is ready for action.
Mrs. Wilde was peeling and cutting apples, glancing upwards at times. Once she finished the apple platter, she put it on the bedside table as Nick looked on smiling. The two foxes traded gazes, happy to see each other.
"So I heard the doctors said you can be discharged in three days," Mrs. Wilde spoke before pausing.
"Yeah," Nick replied, "I kinda miss work already."
Both foxes giggled. Mrs. Wilde then huffed and looked longingly at the window, and Nick knew what his mom was thinking.
"I... thought I was prepared when you said that time that you wanted to be a police officer," Mrs. Wilde let out another sigh before turning back to Nick, "I've seen and heard the sort of cases police work on. Rough and gritty works, handling violent situation, that kind of dangerous stuffs."
Mrs. Wilde then held Nick's paw, and he caressed hers in kind.
"I'm sorry," came his reply.
"Don't say that," Mrs. Wilde shook her head, "I guess I, uh, never really considered the thought... the possibility of actually losing you. I always think you're a good cop who can take care of yourself... Just..."
Mrs. Wilde sighed again.
"I guess some days are worse off than the others, right?"
Both foxes chuckled again.
"I'm just glad that you managed to get through this," Mrs. Wilde wrapped herself over Nick, "Good work, sweetheart."
"Thanks, mom."
After a while, Mrs. Wilde made her exit, and Nick leaned backwards. He could still feel the aches of his injuries from that night, but with Zootopia returning to normal, recovery would be just a matter of time. Not just for him, but also his fellow officers. It was indeed as he said; He couldn't wait to get back to work, surrounded by fellow cops.
With satisfaction in his heart, he began snacking on the apples.
Frank was sitting on the side of his bed, his head low and his paws restless. His mind had felt blank for the last few hours. Or was it days? He wasn't even sure if he had ever slept for some time.
Every time he closed his eyes, he could see someone in his jaws.
He at least remembered that Thomas visited him this morning.
Everyone's doing fine, Frank. That was a big busting and a few got hurt, but everyone's fine.
And how many were hurt by... me?
Frank... that wasn't you.
It was me, Tom.
There was a knock on the door.
"Chief, may I come in?"
Frank listlessly threw a "Yes". Whether or not that actually was audible, Ben then barged in with a gift basket.
"Everyone at HQ wishes you quick recovery," Ben then placed the basket on a desk, then ran up to Frank, "and they pooled some to get you that."
Frank merely glanced at Ben for a second before dropping his gaze again. Ben was almost ready to sit on the bed beside Frank when he noticed the cheetah's paws bleeding and the bandages undone.
"Oh, wait, gimme a minute."
Frank almost didn't feel Ben dressing up his paws.
"I just know it's good to have first aid skills," Ben chuckled in satisfaction before sitting beside Frank, "So, Chief... are you ok?"
Frank slowly swiveled his head towards Ben, as if not believing that he saw Ben right beside him.
"I... am."
Ben drooped as Frank tried to avoid his eyes.
"Chief... please?" Ben patted Frank's bandaged arm, "I'm proud of having you as a chief who cares about our wellbeing, but we think about you too."
Ben then leaned on Frank, and that seemed to jolt the cheetah.
"We got hurt because we're doing our job as cops. But that just doesn't compare to what you've gone through."
In what way, Ben? Frank buried his face in his paws.
"I just... can't imagine... being turned into a mindless animal like that," Ben continued, "Unable to think... unable to... be with your friends, your loved ones... It makes me cry just thinking about it."
Frank inhaled deeply, unsure what to say.
"So, please, Chief? We're just happy that you're back with us. Ooh, I should throw a welcome-back party?"
Same old you, eh, Ben? Frank chortled and reflexively reached for Ben's head.
And he abruptly pulled away his paw, his breathing became panicked when he looked at his claws.
And just as promptly Ben held his arm. Frank wasn't sure what Ben was thinking until he saw the buffalo pick his arm and drape it over his shoulder, caressing it along the way.
"Ben?"
"Chief," Ben paused as he continued patting Frank's arm, "You're our chief. Our best chief. You always care about us, always there to support us, do your best to keep us safe... Can I return the favor?"
"What?"
Frank wasn't sure what surprised him more: His quick reply or Ben's words.
"I spoke to Higgins earlier," Ben continued, "that I want to take a few days off."
Frank wondered what that meant.
"To take care of you."
A silence.
"Like everyone else- no, more so than everyone else, he's worried about you. So, um," Ben shifted closer to Frank, still keeping the cheetah's arm wrapped around him, "I asked him earlier after he got back from here. Asked him if I can watch over you since he'll be busy with the recent cases on Mayor and the Bismarcks. If not because of those, I'm sure he'd want to watch over you himself, so here I am in his stead."
Frank, you're my friend. My best friend. And I want you back at ZPD because as a friend, I know that you know you belong there.
Those were Thomas' words before he left earlier. And looking at Ben, Frank couldn't help but think the buffalo actually wanted to say the exact same thing.
"But... Ben..."
A pause.
"Chief, please understand just one thing," Ben then looked up to Frank, "We don't hold anything against you. None of us do. It's just... well, if I may call it... occupational hazard?"
Frank looked down and noticed Ben smiling.
"I mean, we are cops. Considering what we do, things just happen. I... I'm just glad that we all make it through in the end."
Ben then met Frank's eyes.
"So, please, Chief? We- well, especially I... want to see you back. Not just at HQ, but also back to the same great, wonderful chief who has been with us all this time."
Frank didn't know what to say. But the more he looked at Ben, the less he could refute the buffalo's intention. He closed his eyes for a while, his mind sorting itself out while he saw nothing. A smile crept up on him.
"Thanks."
Ben's squeal prompted Frank to muss the buffalo's head.
Okay. I'll come back, guys.
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Author's Note:
Ah, finally the story is all but finished. In light of this, maybe I'd just like to mention one more thing.
I did say early in the story that I wrote this as a reimagining of Zootopia story if there were swaps here and there, in particular, Bogo and Clawhauser species swap. But there's another important reason why I wrote this story, and the reason is to try to answer one question that the movie posed but never fully answered:
What would happen if the higher echelons of Zootopia were to go savage?
I hope this story is a decent answer to that question :)
Anyway, there's still one more chapter to go, but it's mostly a closing chapter, light in narrative, but I hope you'll enjoy it all the same.