9: The Build Begins
XxX
"Excuse me, do I know you-"
"You should you lying sack of shit! Do you mean to tell me that you don't recognize the bunny you stabbed in the back almost twenty years ago?"
"Hopps?"
"Yea, that's right, Judy Hopps. Remember now?"
"Is there a problem here Liz?" asks her wolf partner.
"And Wolfard. Big surprise. You two still screwing in the equipment bay?"
"You need to back the fuck up a bit Hopps" warns Wolfard.
"Or what asshole?" asks Nick making his presence known "Ya gonna try to rough up a bunny, tough guy?"
"And you are?"
"Wilde, Nick Wilde. I'm the same Nick Wilde you told to fuck off when I was frantically trying to find Hopps all those years ago. And here's some really bad news for ya… you'll have to go through me to get to her, but it'll be the last mistake you ever make in this life if you try…"
"Wilde? The same Nick Wilde that my brother Jeremey served with in Special Forces?"
"The same. Now do you wanna get otta my girlfriend's face, or do we need to figure out how much my bond's gonna be?"
"Wait" interrupts Fangmeyer "You two are…?"
"Yea we are. So the fuck what Liz?" asks a confrontational Judy. "Did you finally screw your way to the top of the ZPD like you planned?"
"That's enough Hopps!"
"Fuck off Wolford. You two fucked over my career in the ZPD, but I've managed to move on with my life, unlike you two losers. Some things were bad, some were good but I've managed to reconnect with Nick after all these years, no thanks to you two asshats, and I've finally got a chance to be happy, while you two are stuck still being shit. Dirty cops then and probably dirty cops now-"
"I'm warning you Hopps-"
"Try warning me instead asshole!" interrupts Nick, quickly stepping between Wolford and Judy. "You two may be cops, but I've got a feeling that I've got a lot more pull around here than the both of you put together. I know mammals that can look as deep into your lives as need be to completely ruin the both of you. The best thing you can do right now is turn the fuck around and walk away…"
Looking at each other, the two Zootopia cops knew when to call to call it quits, so they both simply turned around and left without another word.
"Thanks Nick, but I could've handled it myself" says Judy, with just a touch of attitude.
"That's not how it works, remember? Others before self, Fluff …"
"I'm perfectly capable of fighting my own battles, I've been doin' fine-"
"Without me? Is that what you were gonna say?"
"No, I was gonna say on my own… before I was so rudely interrupted!"
"Really? That's sure what it sounded like to me!"
"MOM, DAD, THAT'S ENOUGH! Stop it right now you two!"
Turning their attention to Sarah, Nick and Judy can only stare open mouthed in shock.
"Really? Why do I have to be the voice of reason here? Why do I have to be the adult here? What the hell is wrong with you two all of a sudden?"
"….."
"Don't tell me that both of you are gonna get all bent out of shape over those two assholes? Arguing about whose responsibility it was to defend mom? Really? Well, you're both wrong, it's supposed be a team effort NOT a damned contest!'
'And I don't want a lecture about language from either one of you right now, not after the piss-poor display I just heard."
"But-"
"But my ass, dad, I thought you'd know better after almost stompin' the shit out of that tiger earlier-"
"Wait" interrupts Judy "What tiger?"
"Some tiger harassed me and dad when we were at the Tower just after we finished out talk. Dad had to literally threaten to kill him before he'd leave us alone."
"It was the same one who caused trouble our first night at the motel." added a despondent Nick.
"And you put my daughter in danger like that?" Judy's voice rising even higher.
"MOTHER, STOP ALREADY!" It wasn't dad's fault! We were just gettin' ready to leave and come back to town when they stopped. Look … I know there's been a lot of stress for you two lately … new relationship, not having anyone to be able to lean on - to rely on other than yourselves. Dad's got the build-off thing, and now this crap with the cops for you both, but come on… really? I finally get someone besides you to trust, to love and you're gonna get stupid over this stuff? I am NOT gonna have you two fighting like this and that's that!'
'You two are gonna go back to the room and figure this shit out and I don't wanna hear a word from either of you until you do … do you understand?"
As four knowing sets of eyes look on Sarah in shock, she finally realizes that she has just cussed out her parents - in public no less … basically in front of hundreds of mammals. Bracing for the lecture that she is sure that is to shortly follow, she is amazed when she hears-
"She's right Fluff … we really do need to step back a bit and take a quick breath."
"We could do it tonight after the concert…"
"No, this is a lot more important than some stupid concert. If Sarah wants to go, she can go with Snow and Nickie, they can watch her.'
'You two good with that? Can we trust you to not mess this up?"
"Yes, you can" answers Skye "We can use the time to do some bonding ourselves, right Little Bit?"
"I can go to the concert with my new aunties? For real?"
"But …" interjects Nick "If we gotta bond any or all of you out of jail…."
"Not to worry" says Nickie "I've got a feelin' that Lil' Bit 'll keep us in line."
"Great" says Judy, rolling her eyes "trusting a fourteen-year-old bunny doe to keep two grown vixens in line … what could possibly go wrong with that plan?"
Just as the group was about to go their separate ways, Nick recognizes the Stergis Chief of Police headed directly towards them.
"Great, something else to deal with!"
"Wilde" begins the large North Animalian Bison "I got word of a brief altercation between you and a couple of my out-of-region officers. Care to explain?"
As Nick and Judy both explain in detail the confrontation, the chief's expression is totally unreadable.
"Don't worry about a thing" the chief remarks after the pair finish their narrative "you two aren't the only ones to have run-ins with that pair. When I get back to the station, I'll call Commander Bogo and let him know why they're being sent back to Zootopia."
"Wait" says Judy "Commander Bogo?"
"Yea, Bogo is commander of all law enforcement in Zootopia now. You didn't know?"
"Never paid it much attention to be honest" replies Judy "After Fangmeyer got me booted off the force I turned my back on Zootopia and never looked back."
"Sorry to hear that, I'm sure you'd have made a good officer. Anyway, let me get back to the office so I can get rid of those two. I'm sure you all have better things to do than stand around talking to me all day. Have a safe rally now, and good luck to you on the build-off, Wilde."
"Thanks chief, I appreciate it."
Watching the Bison retreat, Sarah speaks up "Don't think you two are off the hook!"
"Wait, you're really gonna send us to our room?" asks Judy in amazement "Do I sense a bit of a role reversal here?"
"Call it what you will, you two 've still got to work things out so this don't happen again. Aunties and I can take care of ourselves I believe."
"You're not the least bit concerned that a bunny kit being with a pair of grown vixens isn't gonna cause a bit of concern on some mammals radar?"
"Does it look like anyone's overly concerned to you?" asks Nickie "I mean, look around … except for that ruckus you caused a little while ago, no one has paid any of us even a little bit of attention…"
"… Well no, not really …"
"Then it's settled. Snow, Sarah and I, along with that poor tigress that we picked up by the Tower earlier, will be going to the concert while you two 'work' things out."
"NICKIE!"
"What? do you really think that anyone here, including Sarah, doesn't know what you'll end up doing? Get real Judy…'
'Look, you two need to get things straightened out as far as this who's the 'alpha' business in your relationship, and get a bit more caught up on the … umm … physical part as well. Over seventeen years apart is showing, and evidently every one of us can see it but you two. We'll try to record what we can of the concert and maybe try to get you a couple of t-shirts or something as well. But the key thing here is that Sarah need's two good, stable parents, and that's you two, both of you. So, just deal with it, ok?
Looking at each other, both Nick and Judy realize that Nickie and Sarah, are both right. Being apart for so long, Nick's stint in the military and loss of one love already, and Judy's being a single parent, coupled with the stress of the build-off, recent dealings with specieism and her former co-workers has been totally stressing the pair out, mentally and physically, more than they'd imagined.
"Ok, you're all right, we get it. We'll head for the motel and try to – no, will definitely, work things out. I doubt if it'll take much, but the time alone together will probably be the best medicine anyway. And ... thanks."
Kneeling and taking Sarah into his arms, Nick whispers "Thank you sweetheart, I couldn't ask for a more thoughtful daughter. I love you, you know that, don't you?"
"Yea, dad, I do. And I love you too. Now, get going, and take care of mom please…"
"SARAH! I heard that!"
"Gheese mom, get your mind out of the gutter, that not what I meant, ok?"
Mounting the trike and starting it, then helping Judy up, Nick has a few words for the three "Try not to get in too much trouble, and if things go the way all three of you are figuring, maybe Sarah should stay with her aunties tonight?"
"NICK!"
"What?"
Rolling her eyes "C'mon, let's get going and leave these three trouble makers to whatever mischief that've got planned."
…
As Nick and Judy head for the motel, Skye, Nickie and Sarah wander around through the sidewalk vendors checking out the various souvenirs as they wait to head for the concert that is in about three hours.
Heading back to the hotel themselves, to begin freshening up and making sure that Sarah's new clothes fit (they needed to get her a completely new wardrobe for tonight since Nick and Judy would most likely be 'busy') then get ready to pick up the tigress Adelle, in time to make the meet-and -greet before the concert.
With Sarah riding with Nickie on her bike, and Adelle riding with Skye, the four made their way to the VIM entrance to the concert. Since the announcer from the Broke Spoke was checking the tickets at the gate, there was initially a bit of concern as to whether they would be allowed to enter, until Sarah and Nickie showed them their identification. With the names Hopps and Wilde easily recognizable, they were all allowed access to the back-stage festivities, including a full buffet, fitting for both predator and prey alike.
While Sarah had no idea who George Thorogood was, or who the Destroyers were, she was thrilled nonetheless. After the meet-and -greet, the four were escorted to their front row seats and informed that they would each be receiving a complementary copy of the DVD recording of the entire live concert.
As the concert begins, the leader of the group, George Thorogood himself made a brief announcement: "The band and I would like to dedicate this opening song to all of the military vets out there, as well as all police, firefighters, EMT's and other first responders…"
When the opening strains of 'Bad To The Bone' began, the crowd immediately cheered, with Sarah being the loudest knowing that it was for both of her parents.
At the conclusion of the song, George called for a moment's silence for the fallen males and females that had fought and died to preserve the way of live that all in Animalia presently enjoyed.
After the moment of silence, he made a request that not only momentarily shocked the crowd, but especially one of the members of the 'Wilde Rides' group.
"I have it on good authority, that two very special members of the VIM group that were supposed to be here tonight couldn't make it due to some personal issues. In their stead, would Sarah Hopps come up on the stage please!"
Encouraged by Nickie and Skye, Sarah carefully made her way to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemammals, I present to you miss Sarah Leigh Hopps! Miss Hopps is the daughter of Judy Hopps, a former member of the Zootopia police department, and the step daughter of Nicholas Wilde, retired member of the United Animalia Special Forces unit Section Six, and competitor in the upcoming biker build-off challenge beginning tomorrow morning at the Stergis fairgrounds!"
While Sarah is a bit intimidated by the thunderous applause, she remains relatively nonplused.
"Sarah, it was revealed to me backstage, that your folks are working through a sort of difficult time, is that correct?"
Not trusting her voice, Sarah could only nod.
"It's ok sweetie, I promise. I also understand that your dad's quite an accomplished guitar player at least according to his sister."
Removing his personal guitar, he hands it to Sarah "As a token of our appreciation and respect for all that both of your parents have done for every mammal here, the band and I have all personally signed this guitar and we would like for you to present it to him when you can. Can you do that?"
Again, unable to find the words, Sarah can only nod. Although a single tear presents itself, she finally finds enough voice to whisper 'Thank you' to George as she exits the stage, handing the guitar to Nickie.
"Ladies and gentlemammals, Sarah Hopps!"
Returning to her seat, Sarah looks squarely at Nickie "Auntie Nickie, you did this didn't you?"
"Yes sweetheart, I did. While you were busy stuffing your face at the buffet and trying to decide which free t-shirts to get for your mom and Nick, I got a chance to talk to the band leader one on one. I told him about Nick's time in the service and your mom's stint in the ZPD. He decided to dedicate the song to all first responders and to give the guitar to your dad on his own. You're gonna have to get him to play for you and your mom, he's really quite good!"
"I'll do that, I promise. In the meantime, let's enjoy the show…"
…
Meanwhile, at the motel, Nick and Judy begin their time alone with a serious heart-to-heart talk.
Sitting on the bed, and staring straight into Nicks eyes Judy begins: "Look Nick, I'm sorry about earlier. I was just so used to having to do everything by myself and not having anyone else to rely on that I guess I just got carried away in the heat of the moment."
"I guess I didn't make things any easier with my usual 'others before self' bit either Fluff."
"You know, this is strangely reminiscent of the situation we found ourselves that time back in Zootopia, so many years ago…"
"Thank goodness for that level-headed daughter of yours, she really saved the day."
"OUR daughter Slick, unless you've changed you mind…"
"There's not a chance in hell that that'll ever happen, so put your mind at ease, ok? Umm, but while we're on the subject, maybe this is a good time to explain a few things, that might make stuff like this easier to deal with in the future…"
"Ok, let's hear it."
"In a traditional fox relationship, the vixen always has the final say about everything, from sex, to raising kits (yes, fox young are sometimes referred to as kits) to who does what and who goes where. My time in the military kind of rewired my brain when it comes to stuff like that, which is why I tried to take charge of the situation like I did. I'm not trying to make excuses, just offering an explanation is all."
"So, what are we gonna do about the whole 'alpha' thing? We can't continually have breakdowns like this or we'll never make our relationship last."
Pausing to think for several long seconds, Nick offers a possible solution: "How about a compromise-unless it's something major that one of us absolutely can't handle, you would take charge and make all of the household decisions and responsibilities, while I handle the public stuff, with the same points being valid! If one of us can't handle a situation alone, the other would jump in and help, then we'd be a team, and not in competition with each other."
"You know, I think that'll work … let's put it to the test shall we?"
"What on earth are you talk-"
"Nick … I'll go start the shower, while you find a good station on the radio for some nice mood music."
"Oh, you naughty bunny. I should've known you'd take charge like this…"
"You complaining fox?"
"Nope, not for a second."
"And you'll do what I say, right?"
"What do you have planned in that fuzzy head, rabbit?"
"Not telling. Ya gotta wait to find out. So, you game or not?"
"It's not like I really have a choice. I'm in this for the long haul, come hell or high water. Go get the shower started and I'll find a good station on the radio.
…
After a lengthy shower, with neither keeping their paws to themselves, the action moves to the bed where things really heat up!
"Judy, if we don't take this down a notch or two, I'm gonna end up knotting you…"
Catching her breath for just a few seconds "Would that really be such a bad thing?"
"I just want you to understand the implications is all. Once I knot you, we're mated for life. This is more binding than a marriage license, it's a life bond. It's forever."
"Then get with it Nick, we've both waited far too long for this as it is, and I … AAAHHHH!"
…
Sometime later, while in their 'mandatory cuddle time'.
"My god Nick, I had no idea…"
I did try to warn you, remember?"
"Yea, I know, but still … you know what?"
"What?"
"I think it's something I could get used to after a while."
"You are one strange bunny, my love."
"Flattery will get you anywhere fox!"
As the two lay quietly, a song comes on the radio that both immediately recognize and begin to sing along…
"Sometimes when we touch ..." (Mandatory listen on YouTube® - 'Sometimes When We Touch' by Dan Hill)
Tearing up "You know, if there was ever a song that describes this moment, this new relationship, perfectly, I think that his is it…"
"I agree Fluff, I totally agree. What say we get a bit of sleep, it's gonna be a long day tomorrow. The build starts remember, and we've gotta be there, at least for the beginning of it."
"Wake up is … when?"
"With the condition we're in now? Probably around four thirty, five at the latest so we can get a good shower in before we head out. Build starts at six, remember?"
"Better set the alarm then … a lot can happen between now and four thirty…"
…
When the alarm goes off at four thirty, two very tired and worn out mammals drag themselves out of bed and slowly make their way to the shower.
"Damn Nick, I never dreamed that I'd be this sore … especially in places that I've never been sore before… and wipe that smirk off-"
"Or what Fluff?"
"Never mind you, we don't have time for that right now!"
"Spoil sport."
…
SUNDAY Morning: First official day of the annual Stergis Motorcycle Rally:
…
The short ten-minute ride to the shop finds most of Nick's employees already there, with at least six notable exceptions – Sarah, Skye and Nickie which figures, Midnight, Nick's next in command and main overseer of the build-off bike, and finally Bolo and Lefty, Nick's chief mechanics.
Much to Nick and Judy's surprise, the tigress from the first night and subsequent confrontation near Devils Tower is also present in the office, waiting to talk to Nick.
"Is there something I can help you with, umm-"
"It's Adelle mister Wilde. Actually yes. I seem to be without any transportation, and probably without a job once I return home after the rally. You see, I was a secretary in Norman's construction company as well as his wife, and I'm pretty sure that even if I wanted to go back, he would most likely have me escorted off the property."
"And just where is home?" Judy asks.
"I live in Rounded Rocks, a suburb of Aweston."
"That's just twenty minutes from my – our shop in Aweston."
Looking at Nick "Nick-"
"Way ahead of ya Fluff. Unless you have any objections, how about if Adelle hires on as an additional bookkeeping secretary here, and then back in Aweston after the rally? She can train here and will have enough experience to lend a paw at the shop there later. It's not like I couldn't use the help here, especially during the build-off, and with the exposure the shop 'll be getting from the build-off, it'll probably increase business.'
'Wadda ya think Adelle, you up for a job here and a short drive from Rounded Rocks to Aweston once we get back?"
"You-you're offering me a job … just like that?"
"Kinda sounds like it to me" says Judy.
"And you don't have a problem with it, after all of the trouble my soon-to-be ex-husband has caused?"
"I don't remember you personally causing any trouble, do you Nick?"
"Nope, that's why I offered her the job in the first place. How about I do a brief intro to Leena, our regular secretary and bookkeeper? She can put you in the system and show you the ropes here while the pace is relatively slow. There'll be plenty of time to take in the sights during the rally so you really won't miss much. That sound ok to you?"
"I-I don't know what to say, except thank you …" and immediately wraps Nick up in a tiger sized hug.
Quickly remembering that Judy is standing right there, Adelle quickly releases Nick and apologizes. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"It's ok, really" responds Judy "I understand the gratitude. But … we really need to get going if we're gonna make intros for the build-off on time. C'mon Nick let's get movin'."
…
Arriving at the fairgrounds just ten minutes before the introductions were scheduled, the pair end up facing a slightly upset Sarah.
"Really you two? Everything's just about to start and you finally show up! And mom why are you walk-"
"Oh. My. God." interrupts an awestruck Nickie "Nick, don't tell me you actually-"
With Judy blushing so red she almost caught fire and trying to hide behind her ears (as usual), Nick firmly answers "Yea, I did, we did, whatever. Do you have a problem with it?"
"Hell no, it's about damned time!" and Nickie quickly grabs Judy in a vixen super hug "Welcome to the family Judy." shewhispers.
"Well, if this ain't a drastic turnaround…"
"Ummm, yea, I know. I don't think I can ever apologize enough for my behavior earlier…."
"Look, it's all in the past, so let's just leave it there. Second chances, remember?"
As mister Kings calls Nick and Midnight out to the main stage for introductions, Nickie and Skye gather Judy and Sarah together for a little girl time planning session.
…
On the main stage, introductions begin with Kings introducing the three competitors on by one.
After introducing Injun Barry and Artie Ness, Kings introduces Nick: "And last but not least, we have, from the city of Aweston in the South-Western Region, Nick Wilde and the crew of Wilde Rides Custom Cycles! Let's give them a hearty Stergis welcome!"
Turning and motioning to the back-stage crew King continues "Ok mammals, without further ado, lift the boxes and let's see what extra parts and pieces the competitors will be having to work wi-"
And King's speech is cut short when the boxes are lifted to reveal … nothing!
"What … what … what's going one here?" he asks totally at a loss. "There is supposed to be tons of extra parts in each box for the build crews to work with! Where is the security firm that was hired to keep an eye on all of this?"
Just then the shows director of operations runs out on stage and whispers something to Kings.
"Ladies and gentlemammals, it seems that the security firm that the owners of the fairgrounds hired to protect everything has apparently stolen all of the spare parts for the build, leaving only the bikes themselves since those were constantly being eyed by rallygoers.'
'I'm sorry but it looks like we're going to have to call off the competition this year…"
"If I may suggest" offers Barry "there are at least a couple of options left here."
"I agree" adds Nick. "We can always go ahead with the initial plan of using the bikes that we brought with us for the build-"
"Or we can use the bikes provided with a bigger budget for needed parts-" adds Barry.
"Or … we can do both!" adds Nick finally.
"Both?" asks Kings, more than a little confused.
"Sure, why not?" says Barry. "That's a great idea Nick! Hear me out for a second. If we choose, we can use the bikes that you provided for the build and use our spare parts or anything that we can find in the vendor or swap meet areas.
"Ok, umm" says Kings looking out at the sea of expectant faces, and not wanting to disappoint the thousands of bikers who are waiting to see a build-off "let's ask the fans out there…who of you out there want to see the competition continue under those conditions?"
And the crowd goes wild cheering and whistling with its approval. A lot of them came to see the build-off and anything will do at this point.
"And who does NOT want to see this happen?"
While very few voiced their objection, the biggest surprise came from on stage…
"That would be me" stated Arleen Ness.
"What? Why would you of all mammals object?" asks Barry.
"Accidentally losing parts? Changing the conditions of the build, not one but twice? Too much bullshit for my comfort. Who's to say you won't change everything up again? Have your little build-off, but have it without me, I'm taking my crew and we're otta here!"
And with that, Ness and his entire crew exit the stage and the fairgrounds.
"Well, that changes things … again" states Kings "How about it y'all" he asks the crowd "do you still want the build off?"
The roar of the crowd answers his question, leaving no doubt that the build is still on even though there are only two competitors.
"All right" shouts King "let the build-off beg-" was as far as he got!
…
"Hold up a second" yells Judy as she runs onto the stage "I've got something to say before this gets started!"
"Judy, what on earth-"
"Zip it Nick, this is important!"
"….."