5 Redemption(?)
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This is it, the final chapter of The Mission'. Enjoy….
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Three days later, with transfer papers and their few actual possessions in paw, CWO Nicholas P. Wilde and his new bride are on a civilian plane headed to the Tri-Burrow Municipal Airport.
After encountering (and ignoring) more than a few stares (both approving and disapproving) during the three-and-a-half-hour flight, the couple disembarks the aircraft and are met in the terminal by Judy's littermate Jasmine, a tan and white doe with a totally infectious smile, and a similarly colored male cougar.
"JAZZIE!"
"JUDE!"
While the does try to crush each other in typical Hopps hugs, the males smile and introduce each other:
"Nick, Nick Wilde…" begins Nick offering his paw.
"Brandon Catmull." replies the feline in kind.
"Looks like the girls might be a bit happy to see each other." snarks Nick as the two does do a typical Hopps blinkie in each other's embrace.
"They've always been close being littermates and all …." admits Brandon. "Jazz was a bit down after Judes got married and left. To say the she was curious when she found out that Judy's first hubby was suddenly out of the picture and that she's now married to a todd of all mammals is a bit of an understatement."
Seeing Nick's questioning gaze, the feline continues "I take it Judy never told you about her little tiff with Gideon Grey …"
"It's been mentioned, but that's been it so far." admits Nick.
"Well, you're gonna have to get her to tell you about it, it's not my tale to tell, sorry." states Brandon firmly.
"No problem. I'm sure the subject 'll come up again sometime, but there's no sense putting a wet blanket on the day."
"Agreed."
"So … you and Jasmine huh?" asks Nick.
"Ummm …"
"I take it that's NOT common knowledge?"
"No not … really. We've been trying to keep it under wraps, Stu and his anti-interspecies attitude and all. He has his suspicions I think, but …"
"Trust me, I get it all too well."
"Get what Nick?" asks Judy.
"Ummm …"
"It's ok Nick" says Jasmine "I told Judy that Brandon and I are seeing each other, I know you could smell my scent on him."
"Kinda late, but … Nick, this is one of my littermates, Jasmine. Jazz, my favorite husband Nick" (which creates an eyeroll from the todd). as Judy introduces the pair to each other.
As the two shake paws, Nick explains his and Brandon's conversation: "Brandon and I were talking about your father's irrational hatred of predators." admits Nick.
*SIGH* "Yeah" admits Judy "I guess you need to know the story behind it … how about we catch something to eat in the meantime, I'm starved. Afterwards, I'll by dessert." which causes Jasmine and Brandon to quickly glance at each other.
"Yeah … a bag of peanuts and a glass of soda on the plane wasn't much of a meal." admits Nick.
After loading their little bit of luggage into Jasmine's SUV, the four mammals get set to head out.
…
As the four pile into an older model Durango, the well-used red four-wheel- drive vehicle seems to be in very good condition.
Stopping at the local Subs and More, small talk was kept to a minimum in anticipation of a tasty desert.
One topic was one that Judy knows needs to be gone over before they leave…
"Ummm … Nick …" begins the doe somewhat nervously.
"Yes?"
"… Gideon Grey … ummm … when – when I was seven, I was in a skit during the Carrot Days festival. During the skit, Gideon heckled me from the audience. After the skit, I caught Gid stealing ride tickets from some of my friends … when I confronted him, he pushed me down…"
Seeing the todd's attitude take a turn for the worst, Judy has to hurriedly add: "Nick, please let me finish…" as the doe reaches out to gently place as small paw on her husband's arm. "Let me explain everything before you go off the deep end and do something that I'll regret … okay?"
Letting out a long, slow breath, Nick allows Judy to finish before going full beast mode on his wife's former tormenter. "Fine … go ahead."
*SIGH* Okay … after he pushed me down, I kicked him in the muzzle and he ended up clawing me on the left cheek, that's where the scars that I know that you've noticed came from. After it was all said and done, dad filed charges against Gid, who spent 90 days in juvenile hall. While he was in juvie, he got involved in cooking, baking to be precise. When he got out of juvie, he was a totally different kit. His grandad helped him to open his bakery after he graduated from high school. He's now very respected and the best pastry chef in the Tri-Burrows area. Most of us, myself included, have forgiven Gid for his earlier missteps. And just so you know … the main reason that mom and dad dislike you the most is because Gid is a red fox … Please … please give Gideon a chance to make a good impression. Everyone deserves a second chance. I forgave him long ago, now I'm asking you to give him that same chance. I want you to meet Gid and give him that chance ... if not for Gid's sake, do it for me."
Seeing that Judy was absolutely serious, plus the fact that she had managed to give him a second chance at having a different, better life after the military, Nick decided that she was absolutely correct … everyone deserves a second chance.
Exhaling a breath that he didn't even realize that he'd been holding, Nick tells Judy "All right, I'll go in with an open mind, I promise."
Reaching up and giving her mate a quick peck on the cheek, Judy then hops down and grabs his paw.
"Great, let's go…"
As Brandon settles the bill, Judy suggests: "Let's just walk to Gid's, it's just down the street and around the corner. You shouldn't have any trouble with your leg, you've got your brace on after all"
As promised, the short walk to Gideon's bakery was short, and Nick calmed his inner demons to make good on his promise of keeping an open mind when meeting Judy's old friend.
"Gideon Grey's Real Good Baked Stuff. How … quaint!" thinks the todd to himself as they enter the establishment.
…
Hearing the tinkling of the small bell above the door signaling customers, Gideon makes his entrance from the back.
"H-hey there Jasmine, Brandon, Miss Judy, I-I see ya brought me a new-" but the portly todd quickly stops his greeting.
Seeing Gideon's sudden discomfort, knowing that he's had to have smelled Nick's renewed mark on her, Judy quickly explains: "Gid, just calm down, please. I know it's totally unexpected, but things didn't go well with Jack and I and it all ended on a very sour note. Nick came to my rescue; we became infatuated with each other and now we're married. I've explained things to him and he's promised that he understands how things are between you and I …"
True to his word, Nick takes a cautious step forward and slowly extends a paw, being sure to not intimidate the larger fox any more than he already is.
"Nick, Nick Wilde. I take it you're Gideon? Judy has told me good things about you. Says that you're one of the best pastry chefs in the area. Is that true?"
"Y-yeah, ah-ah'm Gideon. Ah-ah do'n know about the best in the Tri-burra, but folks seem ta lak mah food."
"Well, we just had a fairly decent lunch, and Judy has told me that you're the best around, so I'll take her word for it."
Looking at his mate, the todd asks "What do you recommend?"
Sensing that Nick is sincere, Judy knows exactly what to order "How about some blueberry pie for you and some strawberry cobbler for me, and whatever Jazz and Brandon want."
When the other pair orders a peach cobbler to share, Gideon hustles to the counter to fill their order.
Practically inhaling the pie, Nick tells Gideon "Gideon, this … is without a … doubt, the best pie I've ever had. I don't suppose you'd give out your secret recipe, would you?"
"N-no sir, sorry. Tain't nuthin' special, ah jus' use berries from Judy's folks farm is all."
"Oh …..!" was all that Nick could say.
"Wh-whut's wrong? Wuz it sumpin' ah said?" asks a now concerned Gideon.
"Mom and dad are strictly against my being with Nick." explains Judy sadly "In fact, I've been disowned by my folks and am no longer allowed on the property."
Cocking his head for a few seconds while trying to understand the problem, it suddenly hits Gideon "Wuz it 'cause a whut I done ta ya when we wuz younger?"
"That's probably part of it," answers Judy honestly "but I feel there's more to it than that. Neither mom nor dad 'll talk about it, so we may never know the whole story. Suffice it to way that I forgave you and Nick seems to have no problems with you, so I'd say we're good."
"And since Judy and I 'll be working at the Search and Rescue unit in town, I have the feeling that we'll be regular customers." adds Nick, much to Gideon's relief and delight.
"Th-that'll be great, Ah guess we'll be seein' a lot more of each other then …"
"I think you can count on it!" finishes Nick with a friendly smile.
…
After exiting the bakery with everyone on friendly terms, Jasmine asks "So, what next?"
"Well," begins Judy "we really need to go to the realty office and sign the paperwork for our home, then off to somewhere to get at least one vehicle. We've got to have a car of some sort to get around in."
"Well, we've got the car covered for ya …" admits a grinning Jasmine.
"What on earth are you talking about sis?" asks a confused Judy.
"This old Durango was a SAR unit vehicle and due to be decommissioned and replaced just when you called, so Brandon and I bought it to give to you both as a late wedding present. It ain't much to look at, but it's always been serviced regularly so it's in top shape mechanically. Four-wheel drive, automatic, air, the whole bit. Yeah, the paints faded 'sept for where we had ta peel the decals off, but you can always get it repainted if ya want. We figured that it'll do ya until ya can afford something better."
Stunned by the revelation, neither Judy or Nick can immediately respond…
"Sis …" as Judy finally finds her voice.
"I know Judes, I know." admits Jasmine.
"Bunnies…" begins a smirking Nick.
"Don't … you … dare …" cautions Judy, through a tearful smile.
While the two sisters hug, Nick and Brandon simply grin at each other, the statement unfinished but known nonetheless.
After releasing each other from their hug, Judy plops herself down in Nick's lap, then proceeds to wiper her tears and nose on Nick's shirt.
"Dang Fluff, do you know how hard it is to get bunny snot out of a shirt? OWWW!"
"Dumb fox…" answers Judy, who then plants a quick kiss on Nick's jaw.
"Tearful bunny…" finishes Nick.
"So?" begins Brandon "Where too again?"
"Deerbrook Reality I guess," ventures Judy. "I talked with a gal named Samantha over the phone."
"Samantha Herrington I'll bet." recalls Jasmine thoughtfully. "If memory serves, dad had her run out of Bunnyburrow. She always seemed like a good sort to me, so I guess I was right about her."
Stopping in front of the realtor's office, the four exit the vehicle and enter the building.
Seeing the hare doe for the first time, Judy has her suspicions as to why she was forced to leave Bunnyburrow.
"Judy Wilde?" asks the doe.
"That's me!" answers Judy. "This is my husband Nick," indicating the todd "and these two are my littermate Jasmine and her boyfriend Brandon."
"Pleased to meet you all." says a smiling Samantha as she shakes each mammal's paw in turn.
"So …" prods Nick.
"Right, right. Right to it then." says Samantha. "I'm sure you want to get things sorted out so you can get settled as quickly as possible. I'm happy to say that the loan that you applied for on your new home was quickly approved. With Nick being a soon to be retired veteran, the closing costs were negligible, only five hundred dollars, and the interest rate is only three-point two percent. The house is ready for occupancy, so you can move in anytime you wish."
"We really don't have much except a few personal items." admits Judy. "and we'll be paying for it with cash if that's alright."
"Wh-why yes, cash will be fine, and I guess it's a good thing that the previous owners decided to leave most of the furniture and all of the appliances behind so you won't have to worry about that right away. Of course you can replace everything with whatever you choose once you get settled if you'd like!" admits the hare.
"It's all wolf sized and appeared to be in really good condition in the photos, right?" asks Nick.
"That's correct." concedes Samantha "I'm sure it would probably be a good idea to have everything completely cleaned before you move in, but otherwise you should be pretty much set to go."
"I think that I can have that taken care of as well." snarks Jasmine.
Seeing the confused looks that Judy, Nick and Brandon are giving her, Jasmine continues.
"Pretty much all of the 'J' litter are on mom and dad's shit list for one reason or another … especially since we've all seemed to buck the norm. Anyways, so all I need to do is call Johnny, Jason, Janelle, and Jenny and with their help we can have it done in no time. Give me a couple of minutes and I'll give them a group call…"
Several minutes later, Jasmine tells the assembled group "Okay … since you've got the keys, we can meet the rest of the litter and their respective mates at your place. With everyone doing their part, I figure that we'll have the entire place knocked out in a couple of hours or so. All that they ask is for some pizza, beer and some cold drinks. Jason's mate has volunteered to watch the kits in the back yard since it's fenced and has some playground equipment to keep the kits occupied."
"And Dominator's Pizza delivers out to that address, so no need to make a special trip" pipes up Samantha. "You'll go right past a Targoat on your way so you can get the beer and sodas on the way by. The power and water are on so you should be all set…"
As everyone stands and prepares to leave, pawshakes and well wishes are exchanged.
Address in paw, the crew heads toward the SAR headquarters so Brandon can pick up his car so he and Jasmine have a vehicle since the Durango will be left with Nick and Judy at their place.
While riding to the headquarters, Nick's phone suddenly rings…
"Hello? Yes, this is Nicholas Wilde …" as Nick takes the call.
Holding a paw over the mouthpiece, Nick informs Judy softly "It's the VA…"
"Yes, that's correct … yes … yes … the phone numbers are both correct. The updated address is 21987 Mockingbird Lane in Aurora … Monday? Just a second please …" placing the phone on mute.
"The VA wants to know if Monday is okay to start my rehab at the Deerbrook campus…" Nick asks Judy.
"I don't see why not." remarks Judy. "What time do you start and how long will you be in rehab? I'll need to know so I know when to drop you off and pick you up."
After asking, Nick replies, relaying the information "I'll need to be there ready to go by eight in the morning and will be tied up until around ten, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays."
"That'll work." With the doe giving her todd a thumbs up.
As Nick confirms the times and dates, Judy asks Brandon "When do I start training for the SAR team?"
"The next course starts two weeks from this coming Monday." answers the feline "I'll get you a list of what you'll need for the physical part, but the first couple of weeks 'll be strictly classroom, so you'll have a month or so to get your equipment ready."
"Sounds good. We'll have about that much time to find a way to get Nick to and from rehab once I start my training."
"Hopefully, Nick 'll be in good enough shape to be able to give you a ride to the training and back until then." Comments Jasmine.
"Or maybe find another car?" asks Nick hopefully.
"What?" he asks a Judy gives him the 'look' that all husbands know. "We knew we'd need at least one more anyway, this way we've got a month or so to find another."
"Sometimes you get on my last nerve, you know that … right?" asks Judy lightheartedly.
"Yeah, but you love me anyway …" admits the todd, kissing his wife lightly on her little pink nose.
*SIGH* "Gods help me yes I do, although I don't know why." she answers with a gentile smile.
"Is it because of my dashing good looks? My charming personality? My unending humor?"
"…. No, not that…"
"My overly large-"
"NEVER MIND NICK!" practically shouts the doe as she hurriedly clamps both paws around Nick's muzzle, much to the amusement of Jasmine and Brandon.
…
"Okay, here we are … announces Brandon as he pulls up in front of the station. "Jazz 'll head out with you guys, while I follow along with our car."
"Nice ride!" comments Judy as Brandon pulls in behind the Durango in a newish bright red Camaro.
"Yeah" admits Jasmine "We went together and got it as a sort of anniversary present for each other about a year ago."
"Why…"
"You didn't know?" asks Jazz "Simple, mom and dad knew I was going out with Brandon and I was treated like you were when they found out about Nick. I tried to text you, but evidentially the folks have some sort of filter on the fluffle's phones so they can edit who gets texts from someone outside of the initial group. I got an 'attachment not sent' message on my phone at the time. When I changed services I lost all of my old numbers so I couldn't get ahold of you."
"Well just damn…" says a now irritated Judy.
"Anyway, here we are…" announces Jasmine as she pulls into the rather impressive structure that Nick and Judy can now call home.
The imposing two story structure is quite impressive, even more so than the pictures indicated. Eggshell white paint with dark tan colored shingles and shutters provided a nice contrast. The attached two and a half stall garage would easily hold two vehicles, a small shed large enough to hold a riding mower and whatever other yard equipment that would eventually need to be purchased and finally a two bay shop with overhead space completed the property.
The inside of the home was well kept, with pastel colors making all of the living areas easy on the eyes. The master bedroom, complete with a lion-sized bed (or adult playground as Nick dubbed it) with a full bath (including a cast iron tub) was just off the well-appointed kitchen, with three more bedrooms and two full bathrooms finishing off the upstairs. Each of the upstairs bedrooms contained single size beds and small desks.
The fully finished basement was divided into three separate rooms, all empty except for the largest which contained a large chest freezer.
After around twenty minutes, Judy and Jasmine's siblings and their families began arriving.
With the younger kits being entertained in the large back yard (the property was just under five acres, with roughly half of it being fenced in with a chain-link fence), washing what needed washing, and airing out the rest, only two and a half hours later the entire home was good as new.
With the work done, kits mostly worn out, and pizza delivered, the entire crew takes a break in the spacious and well-appointed living room.
Looking around at the happy gathering, Judy can't help but wonder what all she had missed out on while being over protected and insulated from the rest of her family by her parents:
Jasmine and Brandon for instance … another Hopps doe happily mated to a predator, this time a cougar.
Johnny - married and mated to Marianne. The sandy colored doe appears to be a normal rabbit doe who was simply born on the wrong side of town. Johnny was ostracized because his doe didn't help to elevate the Hopps clan in social status. The pair had yet to have any kits, mainly because they were barely able to eke out a living for themselves, let alone be financially able to afford to have kits.
Jason – married and mated to Sasha, a medium brown and white hare. Their kits look physically to be more like a hare than a bunny, with slightly longer ears and a slimmer build, all with the same basically muddy brown coats.
Janelle – with no mate and no kits, the all black doe was simply outed because she refused to be mated with any buck that her parents sent her way, preferring to find love on her own terms.
And finally Jenny – youngest of the litter, a pretty much dead-ringer for Judy if it wasn't for her ice blue eyes. The doe is a single mother with four kits. A drunken one-night stand with an out-of-town buck (who immediately disappeared) produced a litter of six kits, two of which were stillborn. The incident caused her parents (mainly Stu) to expel her from the burrow because of the social fall-out.
Since the kits were familiar with Gideon's and Brandon's families, they were simply curious (but respectful) about Nick, who allowed the kits to approach and play with him, much to the delight of Judy, her siblings and their families.
…
As the weeks grow into months, a steady routine is established.
For the first few weeks of Judy's training, Nick is able to chauffeur her to her SAR training and himself to and from the VA. Realizing that they would eventually need a second vehicle, the pair looks to the Tri-Burrows Buy/Sell/Trade section of the interwebs.
Finding an older model (1957) Fairlane for sale, Nick is elated to find out that it was nearly identical to the old car that his dad had owned before everything was taken by the ZPD.
…
After finally finishing his therapy with the VA and receiving his honorable discharge and his disability and retirement pay, the stage was set for Nick to attend Judy's graduation from the Search and Rescue Academy.
To say that the doe was elated would be an understatement. Although it wasn't exactly the occupation that she had been hoping for as a young kit, as long as she could make the world a better place with Nick at her side, she was content.
…
With almost six months of service behind them, earning a stellar reputation with the SAR unit, Nick and Judy as partners easily earned the respect of all the members of not only the Tri-Burrow station, but assisted several times with difficult efforts when sent to Zootopia to aid in a few very difficult searches in the Meadowlands and Rainforest districts of Zootopia.
After spending the last week in the Meadowland District looking for a four-year-old lion cub, which happened to be the nephew to Mayor Lionheart, Nick and Judy are spending a relaxing day in the Tri-Burrows stationhouse when a call comes down:
"ATTENTION ALL UNITS, ATTENTION ALL UNITS: SEVERAL KITS REPORTED MISSING IN THE CAMPGROUND AREA OF SYLVAN LAKE. UNITS ONE AND TWO RESPOND, UNITS THREE AND FOUR ARE ON STANDBY."
"That's us, move it fox!" announces a thrilled Judy bolting for their vehicle, with Nick grinning at his wife's unbridled enthusiasm.
With Judy driving the updated newer model Durango that had been assigned to them, the trip to the campground area takes just under forty-five minutes, where they and Jasmine and Brandon meet up with the campground director, a smallish brown bear named Baloo.
"There are three bunny kits that seem to have gotten separated from their parents at campsite four." indicates the bear "I've got the parents and the rest of the kits isolated on the main shelter area so they won't hinder your efforts to locate the kits."
"And do we have the kits names, so we can call out to them?" asks Nick.
"The kits are Clarissa, Casandra and Cotton … Hopps." announces Baloo. "Is this gonna be a problem?" he asks slightly concerned, given that he knows Judy and Jasmine's past difficulties with their parents.
"Of course not!" assures the todd "We've got nothing against the kits, and would do our jobs even if it was Stu or Bonnie themselves."
"Good to know." replies the bear with a touch of relief in his voice. "Now, go do what you do and I'll do my best to make sure that Stu and Bonnie aren't aware that you two are the lead responders."
Pawing a small violet hoodie to Nick, the director tells the pair "Here's an article of clothing that the parents provided, I hope it helps."
Taking a strong whiff of the hoodie and passing the article to Brandon who does the same, knowing that the kits would all be carrying the same basic scent since they were all littermates, Nick tells the bear that it will do just fine.
The ten-minute drive to campsite four was filled with quiet anticipation … Nick knew that Judy was worried because the missing kits were three of her sisters.
"We're gonna find them Fluff, they're gonna be fine…"
"You can't know that Nick, not for sure…" responds the worried bunny.
Look Judy …" answers Nick, using her given name to emphasize how serious he is "I know they're your sisters and you care for them, but you can't start thinking that bad things will have happened to them. You still need to be the positive doe that I married, the one that never had a negative thought about anyone … well except for you know who."
*SIGH* "I know, but it's hard Nick…"
Stopping at the campsite, Nick pulls his bunny into his lap, gently stroking her ears to get her to calm down.
"Deep breaths, then we need to get busy, okay?"
"… Okay. Thanks Nick. For … pretty much everything…"
"You're more than welcome. Now, c'mon, let's find your sisters…"
With Judy leading Nick towards the thickest part of the woods around the campsite and Jasmine leading Brandon, the two teams split up basically cutting the size of the search area in half.
"This way!" indicates Nick as he quickly picks up the kit's scents.
Just a few short minutes later, the four searchers converge on a small clearing just off the beaten path, where the three five-year-old bunny does were playing in a mud puddle and making mud pies.
"Cassie, 'Rissa, Cotton!" shouts Jasmine, startling the small bunnies.
Seeing all three of the tiny does jump in fright, Jasmine has to quickly apologize "I-I'm sorry girls, but you liked to have scared everybunny half to death! Mom and dad are worried sick about you…"
While not crying out loud, the three were tearful nonetheless, causing Nick to lean down and pick the sisters up and cuddle them, not caring a lick that he was now (almost) as muddy as they were, with not a word of complaint coming from a single one.
*SIGH* "What are we gonna do with you?" asks Judy shaking her head "You three look a fright!"
"I think I can take care of that…" answers Nick with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Heading to his left, Nick's nose knows that there is a small stream nearby.
With the other three curious adults following the fox and his new companions, Judy suddenly realizes his plans "NICK, I know you aren't planning on do what I think-" was as far as she got when she's interrupted by a large splash, preceded by playful screams from the three tiny bunnies.
As Judy, Jasmine and Brandon look on in amazement, Nick and the small does are splashing around in the stream like they don't have a care in the world.
"You are such a kit sometimes Nick…" Judy playfully admonishes he husband.
"What's that?" questions the fox "I can't quite hear you…"
As Judy approaches the stream, Jasmine gives her a sudden push, causing her to fall face first into the same stream.
When Judy sputters and turns to give her sister what for, Jasmine emits a scream of her own when Brandon picks her up and jumps into the stream to join the rest of the mammals who are equally drenched.
With four adults acting as silly as the three young kits, the splashing and laughing goes on for several minutes before Nick gathers three kits and his wife and heads for shore.
With modesty mostly out the window, all mammals strip down to their underwear (bras and panties for the older does, panties for the kits and boxers for the males) everyone relaxes for a bit in the shade before Jasmine brings up the fact that they really need to get dressed and head toward the main lodge of the campgrounds.
Radioing in that the kits have been found safe and sound, both teams head towards the main lodge, with the young three does electing to stay and ride with Nick and Judy, with Judy driving and the kits camped comfortably in Nick's lap.
…
After finding the three missing kits and returning to the lodge, Nick and Judy unfortunately come face to face with the kits and Judy and Jasmine's parents, Bonnie and Stu.
"So" begins Stu "You're Judy's fox."
"That's right." admits the todd a bit forcefully. "I'm Judy's husband."
"Mom, dad…" begins Judy.
"And you're allowed to work with the search and rescue unit?" interrupts Bonnie.
"Both of us, yes." admits Nick.
"Well, I'll bet I can put a stop to that…" says Stu in a menacing tone.
"Mister Hopps, you might want to rethink what you're about to commit to." warns Nick.
"You presume to warn me about something FOX?" asks a now angry Stu, the wealthy and highly influential buck not being used to any kind of push-back.
"Mister Hopps, I still maintain connections in the military, pretty much all the way to the top in fact as a former member of the Teams. If you threaten to defund the search and rescue unit, or have Judy or myself or anyone else fired, I can assure you that you will lose a good portion if not all of your very lucrative government contracts. If anything happens to Judy personally, like say an accident, whether it's directly tied to you or not, I can assure you that I can and will destroy everything you've built."
"Listen here fox-" storms Stu.
"Dad, that's enough!" as Judy tries to intervene.
"Keep quiet Judith, you know better than to interrupt your father!" scolds Bonnie, raising a paw.
"Mrs. Hopps!" loudly warns Nick "If you strike Judy, I'll have you arrested for felony assault."
"We own the law here fox," asserts Stu smugly "No one is going to be arrested unless it's on my say-so."
"For your information" snarks Nick "my former commander happens to be the brother of Adrian Bogo, police chief of Zootopia, who also has jurisdiction over the entire Tri-Burrow area. A call from me will bring the entire Zootopian police force here in a few hours, and you and everymammal that you 'own'," (making finger quotes) "will be in jail along with your wife as well."
Narrowing his eyes, Stu tries another tact "Listen here fox, in the time it takes the Zootopian police to get here, you and your inter loving wife could just disappear…"
Now wearing a full-on grin with his long sharp fangs on full display and leaning in close, Nick plays his trump card "Hopps, maybe you've forgotten what I used to do when I was in the military. I was member of one of the most elite black ops units in the world. Since I was a teen, I've been paid to kill mammals. Day or night, with a gun, knife or my bare teeth and claws. Do you really think that I'm afraid of whatever local trash you can find to do harm to Judy or myself?
"Judy and I are legally married and mated, and I've claimed her as part of vulpine tradition. I can and will protect my mate with my dying breath, even if I have to totally destroy everything you own and kill every member of your family to do it! My suggestion to you is to turn around and walk away. There are going to be a lot of changes around here, and you're not going to like any of them. If you cause harm to any individual or business that we see fit to associate with, which includes your own family members, indicating Jasmine, I'll be there to right your wrongs. If I feel that there is a situation that I can't handle alone, all of my former Team members are at my beck and call. And they will answer that call, trust me."
Realizing that Nick has the upper paw, Bonnie prods Stu "Come on Stu, we need to get the kits and head back to the burrow. Let the fox have this round."
After only a few seconds thought and remembering how tightly the kits held on to Nick after being rescued, Stu makes a decision that changes everything … "No, leave them. They wanted to be friends with the fox, let him have them… we can make more."
Taking a slow glance at the three young kits, a shocked Bonnie sadly follows Stu to the waiting limo, leaving Nick, Judy, Jasmine Brandon and all three kits stunned, however Nick observes the elderly doe mouthing the words 'I'll call later', which is unseen by both Stu and Judy.
"Momma? … Poppa?" cries a tearful Cotton as she and her littermates reach for their rapidly disappearing parents ….
…
"I … think it'll be ok" quietly comments Nick to a now totally flabbergasted Judy. "Let's calm the kits for now and I'll clue you in when I get a chance."
"C'mon kits" implores Nick "Your mom and dad have a lot to take care of back on the farm, so they thought that you might like to spend the night with Judy and I."
"Really? asks a wide-eyed Clarissa, with Casandra and Cotton staring wide eyed at the todd as well.
"Yes, really…" Judy offers a tight smile as she assures the young does, although not all that certain herself.
"Since you did so well, how about a quick stop at the Dairy Stop for some ice cream before we all go to the station so Judy and I can file our paperwork and then head home?"
With three young bunnies nodding so hard at the idea of spending the night with their older sister and her fox (as well as some ice cream) that their long ears flopped wildly about, Nick has to (mostly) suppress a grin.
After a short trip to the local ice cream store, Nick gets the kits a booth of their own so that he and Judy can have a quiet adult conversation.
While keeping a close eye on the kits, Judy's curiosity and impatience short-circuits her desire for the cold treat. "Okay Nick spill. Why did you just let mom and dad go without so much as a goodbye to the kits?"
"Because I think I saw your mom mouth to me that she'd call later. Give it a little while and wait. In the meantime, I had my camera mode on on my phone and recorded the entire exchange. While we wait for your mom, I'll call Senior's brother and let him know what's transpired…"
After a slightly animated call that lasts around twenty minutes, Nick tells Judy "Okay, in a nutshell here's what's happening – the ZPD is sending several officers from each precinct to deal with your dad and the corrupt law enforcement officers here, as well as kit's services. Bogo himself will be in charge of the entire ordeal and will make the final determination as to what happens with the kits. The main reason I want to wait for your mom to call is simply this … if she can prove to us and to Bogo but especially to kits services that she actually was against leaving the kits and was unknowingly being coerced onto having so many kits just to keep the cost of running the farm down, then we can probably keep your family together. Otherwise, kits services will send all of your underage siblings to gods know where – foster homes, orphanages, wherever. Maybe some of your older sibs would be able to take in younger ones …"
"My God Nick…"
"I know Fluff, I know."
About that time, Judy's phone rings …
"It-it's mom …" announces a slightly shocked Judy.
"Answer it, and … be kind, she's your mother after all." instructs Nick.
"H-hey mom…" tentatively answers the doe.
"Judy … Judy … I … I'm so sorry sweety. You tried to tell me when your father and I were overseas, but … I don't know, I just …" comes a heartbroken Bonnie's voice.
"It-it's gonna be okay mom … I think. Just take a deep breath, calm down and-"
"Judy, your father … Stu's gone crazy. He-he's called in those crooked cops of his and I'm-I'm afraid he going to do something stupid." comments a very emotional Bonnie. "And the kits … I'm so afraid for my kits …"
"Mom, Nick and I have the kits now. We're at the ice cream shop and will be heading to headquarters to do our paperwork when we're through here, then we'll be heading home unless we have to do police interviews."
"The police?"
"Yes mom, the police. Nick contacted Chief Bogo and the Zootopia PD is headed this way now. You need to get yourself and as many of the younger kits as possible away from dad."
"That's no problem, he left a few minutes ago to meet with somebunny, so the kits and I should be okay."
"Just in case, get yourself and the kits into the burrow and lock all of the doors. Don't come out or let anyone in until either Nick or I call, please"
"I-I can do that. And … thank you Judy." as Bonnie severs the connection.
"Not a word Nick …" Judy admonishes a grimly smiling todd.
…
Shortly after returning to the SAR headquarters, and about the time that the bunny and fox were finishing their AAR (after action reports), two UH60 Blackhawk helicopters land on one of the large helipads, quickly disgorging a large bull water buffalo dressed in tactical fatigues and several other similarly dressed mammals.
With Judy staying close to the kits, Nick greets the imposing bovid "Chief Bogo I presume?"
"You must be Wilde? My brother warned me about you…" says a grinning Bogo as he extends a friendly hoof.
"Nice to know that Senior still has his sense of humor…" offers the fox in return.
Seeing the twenty-seven additional heavily armed policemammals gather around Bogo, Nick has to ask "Is this all you brought with you? My intel suggests that Mister Hopps has rallied most of the entire Tri-Burrow police force and a fair number of the local sheriff's department as well as some of the area Highway Patrol and a few other assorted mammals to his aid."
"I think that this should suffice for the moment, there are more on the way, but we could only commandeer these two birds. What intel do you have for us, Adonis told me about your background, so I figured you'd have some sort of plan figured out by the time we got here…"
"Good old Senior … bring your next in command, I'll give you a brief rundown…"
Showing Bogo a large topographical map of the entire Tri-Burrow area, Nick points out the local law enforcement headquarters (local police department and sheriff's office) and the most likely spots that Stu would use as rally points.
"One last bit of advice" suggests Nick as Bogo and a large hippo named Higgins get ready to leave "Judy told her mother to barricade herself and her young kits inside of the family burrow and to not come out or let anyone in unless it's on our say-so. It might be wise to send at least a few of your mammals to the burrow to make sure that mister Hopps doesn't try to take any of the family hostage."
"Good point." admits Bogo. Turning to the hippo "Higgins, have the officers from Precinct Two dropped off at the main Hopps burrow, the rest of us will proceed to the main police station and to the sheriff's office. Take your chopper to the sheriff's office while I take mine to the Burrow's police station."
As the choppers lift off, Nick tells Judy "You need to call your mom and let her know that the ZPD will show up soon. When they do, have her call to have us verify that they're actually good guys."
With a quick nod, Judy calls Bonnie and lets her know that help is on the way while Nick entertains the young kits, not wanting them to be concerned with the goings on.
Not wanting to take the chance that Stu and some of his minions might target their home, Nick has Judy and the kits go with Jasmine and Brandon to their place while he stays at the SAR headquarters on the off chance that he might be able to lend a paw to the ZPD, with Judy stating that she'd return after helping get the kits settled.
…
Several hours later, Stuart Hopps, several of his siblings along with some of his elder kits, both male and female, are apprehended, along with dozens of assorted area law enforcement mammals, all without a single shot being fired, much to everyone's relief.
Using several of the Tri-Burrow sheriff's office prisoner busses, all detained mammals were loaded and ready for processing and incarceration in Zootopia save one.
"Why dad?" begs a tearful Judy as Stu is standing in the doorway of the last bus "Why? I don't understand…"
"It started so your mother and I could make a go of the farm." slowly admits the elder buck "As the farm grew, so did the need for more paws."
"But … how could you have such a disregard for your own kits and such a hatred for predators, especially Nick after had literally saved my life … a life that would have ended in slavery, being continually bred for the sole purpose of having more and more kits … just like mom?"
"Predators, bah…" answers Stu with as much disgust as he could muster "After Gideon clawed you, I decided then and there to do what I could to rid at least the Tri-Burrow area of them."
"But I forgave Gideon dad, I was the one that he clawed, not you. Nick forgave him after I explained everything to him. We all do stupid things when we're young."
With a shake of his head, a disgusted Stuart Hopps simply turns without another word and enters the bus.
Holding his now emotionally drained wife, Nick makes a suggestion "Let's stop by the burrow and see how your mom is holding up on the way home. I'd suggest taking the kits back to the burrow, but we did promise them they could stay with us tonight if they wanted to."
"But … dad …" softly intones the still shaken doe as her tear-filled eyes follow the prison bus as it heads down the driveway towards Zootopia.
"You can't save everyone Judy," quietly replies Nick "it sucks but that's not how the world works. I saved you and you saved me, then we both helped save three of your siblings. Then we saved your mom and most of the rest of your sibs. Your dad and the rest might come around eventually, but it'll take some doing."
"I-I know, but … he's my dad."
"He'll always be your dad Judy, that'll never change. All you can do now is hope for the best and carry on. Let's go check on your mom, then pick up the kits from Jazz's and go home. There's nothing to be gained by standing here and moping."
*SIGH* I guess …."
…..Later at the main Hopps burrow:
Opening the front door to the main burrow, Bonnie Hopps is surprised to see Judy and Nick standing there.
"Judy … Nick … is everything alright?" asks the elder doe.
"As good as can be expected I guess" answers a still downhearted Judy. "Dad and the rest are on their way to Zootopia, and we thought we'd stop and check up on you and the rest of the kits before we pick up Cotton, Clarissa and Casandra from Jasmine's on our way home. We kinda promised to let them stay over to take their minds off what was happening with dad and the rest. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all sweetie … it'll probably do them a world of good to spend some time with their older sister and her fox … no disrespect Nick…"
"None taken Mrs. Hopps."
"And … I hope that sometime in the future, you'll be forgiving enough to call me Bonnie."
Giving the doe a soft smile Nick offers some reassurance "Sooner that you think … Bonnie, sooner than you think. You realized your mistake and corrected things, so as far as I'm concerned all is forgiv-" was all the todd got out before being wrapped up in a tight hug by not only a tearful Bonnie, but Judy as well.
"Fluff …" begins Nick "You know that bunny snot us hard to get out of these shirts, right?"
Playfully hitting Nick on the shoulder "Way to ruin the moment Nick…" quietly snarks Judy.
"But … why the worried looks mom?" asks a now concerned Judy noting the apprehensive look on her mother's face.
"I-I don't know anything about how to run the farm, taking care of the finances or anything … your father saw to all of that …" bemoans Bonnie.
"Mom," begins Judy "Josh, Duane and Debbie are all certified accountants, while Thomas, Allen and Calvin and a few others all have degrees in agriculture. I'm sure that if you ask, and promise to pay everyone what their worth, everything 'll work out. I know that I have agriculture and accounting degrees, but it wouldn't be fair to Nick or to your other kits to come in and just take over everything. Besides, the farm was never the place I wanted to be in the first place, remember? I can do a lot more good with the Search And Rescue unit than running the farm."
"Well, give the girls my love and come by early enough for breakfast. I'm sorry I don't have any protein for you Nick, but I'm sure that that'll be remedied soon enough in the future."
"It's okay Bonnie, foxes are omnivores, so whatever you're having will be fine. I'm sure that Judy 'll be happy to clue you in to some of my favorite meals and how to prepare them."
"And since I've mended fences with Gideon, maybe I can talk him into opening a shop in the Burrow again, now that things will be different." adds Judy.
"That would be wonderful … be sure to tell him hello for me … please."
"We'll do that…" promises Nick as he leads his wife out of the burrow door.
…
Finally, a few days later, things in the Tri-Burrow area return to reasonable semblance of normal, and Nick and Judy are enjoying a fresh peach cobbler (not exactly Nick's favorite) when:
"ATTENTION ALL UNITS, ATTENTION ALL UNITS – REPORTS OF AN OVERTURNED RAFT IN KINGSBERRY CANYON – UNITS ONE AND TWO, REPORT TO BOAT DOCK ONE STAT-"
"Looks like another job for the best SAR team in the area!" snarks Nick.
"Not if we've got anything to say about it Wilde!" responds Jasmine, as she heads for her truck with Brandon in tow…..
~0~ THE END ~0~