22 Family Court
…
AN: In many states, adoptions are actually heard in family court, or whatever the parent state calls it.
…
After a quick shower and changing from their gi's to street clothes, Nick, Judy and Sarah all leave karate practice and load up into the SUV to head out to meet with the officials at the Deerbrook Orphanage.
With it only being just short of eleven o'clock and a full two hours to go before their scheduled meeting time at the orphanage, the trio decide to grab an early lunch at the local McDougals.
While Judy and Sarah share a large chef salad, Nick enjoys a deluxe fish burger … and almost manages to sneak a small piece to Sarah without anyone except Judy noticing.
"What's this?" asks an unnamed rabbit doe. "Why on earth are you giving that kit a bite of fish? Aren't you aware that-"?
"Rabbits can't handle a lot of protein?" asks Nick as he finishes the does sentence. "Why yes I am, and furthermore-"
"Furthermore, you need to mind your own business and leave us alone … you old-" interrupts Sarah.
"Sarah, enough" says Nick quietly, gently touching her shoulder.
"Fine!" as says with a huff as she crosses her arms.
"Madam" says Judy, inserting herself into the conversation to hopefully diffuse the situation at least a bit "if you don't mind, my husband and I will raise our daughter as we see fit, so please mind you own business and leave us be."
Slightly aghast "Do you mean to tell me that this kit is a-a-"
"A mixed species kit? A hybrid? No, she's not." interrupts Judy, beginning to get a bit of an attitude "She is my and my ex-husband's biological kit and my current husband is adopting her. And before you try to get all high and mighty, Nick has treated she and I better than her biological father ever did. Now you can either leave us be or I can call the police and report you for harassment … your choice…'
'So, what's it gonna be?"
"Well I never…" as the thoroughly outed rabbit doe turns and walks away.
"Maybe she should sometime …" snarks Nick…
"Nick, really?"
"… just sayin' …."
"Ok, enough of this" huffs Judy, rolling her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose "let's finish up here and head to the orphanage. I'm sure it won't be a big deal if we get there a bit early."
After hastily finishing their meal, Nick, Judy and Sarah load up again and head to the orphanage, arriving at the orphanage slightly before twelve thirty.
…
Finding the administrator of the facility ready for them when they arrive, they are shown to her office to begin the interview.
"So" begins the white-tailed deer doe "my name is Bernadette Deerbrook. Yes, I am related to the Deerbrook's who founded this town and facility. And I take it you are mister and missus Wilde?"
"And Sarah …" says Sarah, not wanting to be left out of the conversation.
"Yes … well … umm, the adoption of these two totally different species kits is highly irregular at best, especially with them being predator and prey... However, under the circumstances it seems that since Rose refuses to be parted from Aja, and the fact that you are already a mixed species couple, it does certainly make things a bit easier.'
'Tell me … Sarah is it?" looking at the small rabbit doe, and seeing Sarah nod the affirmative, Ms. Deerbrook continues "what do you think of having Rose for a sister and Aja for a brother?"
"I think it's great! Rose and I already know each other and get along. And since I'd really like ta have a brother, but since mom and dad can't actually make one-" which of course manages to get both Judy and Ms. Deerbrook to blush at least a bit, further aggravated by Nick's smirk "I'd love ta have Aja as my little brother!"
"Ahem … yes, well I guess that settles that. Umm, mister Wilde, I don't suppose you'd care to share your financials with the orphanage, it would-"
"I'm truly sorry Ms. Deerbrook, but I'm only obligated to provide my financial status to the family court, which I have already done. Suffice it to say that I, that is we, are well enough off that finances are not a problem."
After thinking a moment, Nick continues "I will however offer you a counter suggestion … how many other 'at risk' young like Aja do you have at this facility that are currently not readily 'adoptable' due to medical conditions?"
"There are currently three young kits of varying species with grave medical concerns, why do you ask?"
"If I were to offer to fully pay for the treatment of those kits, would that be enough to satisfy your concerns?"
"It-it would be like a gift from god himself…"
"Ms. Deerbrook let me make one thing perfectly clear … I do not and will not compare myself to god in in any way, shape, form or fashion. I am simply offering to pay for whatever treatments these young mammals require because I have the means to do so, anonymously of course. I seek no recognition for this, I merely want to help. Now, do we have an accord?" asks Nick extending a paw.
"My stars yes mister Wilde, we certainly do." asserts the deer who eagerly returns her hoof and shakes with Nick.
"Can we go see Cream and Aja?" asks a very excited Sarah.
"Who?" asks a confused Ms. Deerbrook.
"I'm sorry, Rose lets me call her Cream 'cause we're friends and that's kinda her fur color…"
"Why certainly my dear. By all means, go and see your new siblings, they should be out in the back yard playing as we speak."
Off like a shot, Sarah heads out of the door towards the large yard at the back of the building.
"I guess she's not excited" comments Judy.
"If you'll follow me, I'll take you to where they are."
…
Several minutes later in the large back yard of the facility, Nick and Judy see Sarah and Rose in a very excited conversation, with Aja shyly hiding behind Rose.
"Mom, dad, c'mon …. Ya gotta meet Cream an' Aja! Hurry up!"
"Clam down Punkin', we're here already…" says Nick.
"Rose, this is my mom and dad, Judy and Nick Wilde … mom, dad this is Rose … my bestest friend in the whole world."
"Yer dad? I thought ya din' have a dad…" says a slightly confused Rose.
"I called you when I was at that motorcycle thing, 'member? That's when I met Nick … he's the coolest dad I could ever have…!"
Kneeling so he's pretty much at eye level with Rose "Hi Rose, I'm very pleased to meet you." says Nick as he introduces himself. "I'm Nick and this is Sarah's mom, Judy."
"H-hello mister and missus Wilde … umm … if you 'dopt me do I hafta call you mom and dad?"
"Not if you don't want to, no you don't sweetie." answers Judy.
"And who's your little friend?" asks Nick.
"That's Aja. He's kina shy 'cause the other kits make fun of him … like they do me."
"And like they do Sarah too, isn't that right?" asks Judy.
"Yea…"
"How would you like to go somewhere where other kits don't make fun of kits like you, Aja and Sarah?" asks Nick.
"I'd like it a lot, and Aja would too. Is there really such a place mister Wilde?"
"We just moved to a town called Aurora. Aurora is a town that has a lot of interspecies kits, so you and Aja and Sarah would be as normal as the rest of the kits."
Looking at Sarah, Rose has to ask "Is that true Choc'late? Is that place really like that?"
"Yup, we've been there and I never even got a second look. 'and they've got a really nice ice cream place" she whispers.
Just then, to everyone's amazement, Aja slowly comes out from behind Rose and approaches Nick.
Carefully extending a tiny paw, he reaches out and gingerly touches Nick's fur.
Looking up at the wide-eyed fox "Papa?" comes softly, hopefully from his small mouth.
Not knowing what else to say, Nick says the first thing that comes to mind "Yes Aja, I'm here…"
Clutching Nick as if his very life depended on it, Aja starts crying "Papa, I missed you, where you been?"
"Papa had to go far away for a while, but I'm home now. you'll be ok, because Papa won't leave you again … ok?"
"Promise?"
"I promise."
"And Mama?"
"…Um, Mama's here, but she looks different, she was … hurt but she's ok now."
Looking at Judy, the young kit tentatively approaches her "Mama?"
Barely holding back her tears "Yes Aja … I'm right here…"
Suddenly grabbing her in a tight hug that rivals one of Sarah's "I missed you too Mama…" through the tears.
Knowing that they wouldn't be able to take Aja with them today, Nick moves over and joins Judy and Aja in a family hug with the rest of the mammals looking on.
"Aja" begins Nick "Can you do Mama and Papa a big favor?"
"I-I think so…"
"Mama and Papa have to go and get rooms ready for you and Rose in our new home. Can you watch Rose and take care of her for us until Monday?"
"Rose is gonna live with us?"
"Is that ok with you?" asks Judy.
"Yea … Can she be my sister? I don't have a sister an' I like her."
"Of course." says Judy. And Sarah can be to if it's ok with you…"
Looking at Sarah "Yea, I guess so … she's pretty like Rose. Can she be my sister too?"
"Would you like that?"
"Uh-huh."
"Well then" says Nick "I'll make you a deal ok? You take care of Rose until Monday, and when we get you and Rose home you can have your own room."
"All to myself?"
"Yup, but Rose and Sarah will be in their room right next door so you can see them any time want to or if you just need a big sister for support. Ok?"
Looking first at Rose, then Sarah and finally to Judy and back to Nick "…O-ok…"
"Then how about a biiiiig family hug?" says Nick, opening his arms in an invitation "Then Mama and Papa and Sarah need to go for a little while to get yours and Rose's new rooms set up. We'll see you again on Monday and then we'll be together forever … ok?"
"I know you aren't my real mama and papa," whispers Aja in the tight hug, just low enough so only Nick, Judy, Sarah and finally Rose can hear "but I don't care, I just want someone to love me…"
As a thoroughly flabbergasted Deerbrook looks on, the soon to be entire new Wilde family is totally absorbed in a ginormous, albeit tearful, hug.
Leading Nick, Judy and Sarah towards the front entrance, Ms. Deerbrook can't help but comment "I don't believe I've ever seen anything like that in my life. Both Rose and Aja have been so withdrawn … and now … it's just amazing!"
"It's strange that you say that" remarks Judy "because basically the same thing happened when Sarah met Nick."
"Really? How odd!"
"I resemble that remark" kids Nick.
"Not the time Nick!" scolds Judy.
"Mom" pipes up Sarah "chill, ok?"
"Why you little…"
"Maybe we should go now?" suggests Nick.
As the Wilde's disappear towards their car, Ms. Deerbrook could only smile and shake her head as she hears Judy scolding Nick and Sarah "You just wait 'til I get you two home …" fading off into the distance.
…
"What the hell were you two thinkin' back there?" asks a thoroughly ticked off Judy as they get to the car.
"What?" asks Nick "So I told a dad joke-"
"Really Nick? Calling yourself odd in front of Ms. Deerbrook?"
"Mom-"
"And as for you …"
"Gheese mom, lighten up or you're gonna have a coronary. You mean ta tell me ya didn't see Rose and Aja smilin' when me and dad were goofin' off?"
"W-what?"
"It's true Fluff."
"Mom, were you so wrapped up in tryin' ta be so straighlaced, that you missed that?"
"I-I never even thought about that … I-I'm so sorry… I hope Rose and Aja don't think I'm too strict! My god …"
"It'll be alright Fluff, trust me."
"Nick, what am I gonna do?"
"Just remember … I was small and emotionally unbalanced like you once." comments Nick, smirk fully in place.
Instantly Judy remembers the conversation from the gondola almost 20 years ago, so she rolls her eyes and looks away - just like back then "Har har!"
"See, not so bad anymore. I even got you to smile a bit."
"Dang it Nick" as she leans in and gives him a quick peck on the cheek.
"Ick mom … really? Aaaaanyways … mom, how about an attitude adjustment?"
"What? Where?"
"I think I know just the place." says Nick looking at Sarah who just nods and smiles.
The twenty-five-minute drive does little to soothe Judy's funky mood, however upon seeing their destination: "Nick, you absolute shit!"
"Language mom…"
"Fine…"
…
Entering Jumbeaux's, the trio is greeted by Jumbeaux himself "Hey there, I see yer back already, welcome!"
"It's just one of those places that a mammal can't stay away from I guess" comments Judy.
"I've been meaning to ask you" she adds softly while Nick and Sarah place their order "just why you decided to move here of all places? I mean, business should've been good in Zootopia and all…"
Giving the small doe a sage grin, Jumbeaux confesses "Well, to be honest, after you and the fox-"
"Nick" interrupts Judy "his name is Nick…"
"Right, I apologize … anyway, after you and Nick stopped in that day, things changed for me and the shop.'
'Then later, when you and your police partner managed to show that the predators were only going savage because of Bellwether and her scheme, business seemed to slow, so I figured that maybe a move out of a prey heavy neighborhood was in order.'
'After looking around and seeing that Aurora was and is predator and prey friendly I decided to move here. You and your hubby changed a lot of minds, especially mine and I really want ta thank you for that."
"And I'm glad that you did. I have a feeling that you'll be seeing a lot more of us in the future."
"I certainly hope so. Anyway, enjoy your treats, I've gotta get back to the counter…."
…
After Nick, Judy and Sarah share a large scoop of pistachio ice cream at Jumbeaux's, the mood during the short drive home is much improved.
"So, what did you and Rose talk about before we got there?" asks Judy
"Well" begins Sarah "we got to talk a little about our room."
"Really? And?"
"Umm, I'm gonna take the right side of the room 'cause I'm right pawed, and Cream's gonna take the left 'cause she's left pawed."
"Logical … I guess" admits Nick.
"And we'd like two desks, one for each of us, set in the middle of the room … in front of the window, please."
"For your homework I suppose?" asks Judy.
"Yes … pleeeease? And … umm maybe Wi-Fi access?"
"We'll see about the wi-fi." cautions Nick. "I'll need ta be able to set restrictions on your laptops…"
"But we will need to go get some stuff tomorrow." says Judy. "Like a bed and dresser or chest of drawers for Aja-"
"And curtains, and some bedspreads, and maybe-" interrupts Sarah.
"Ok, we get the picture" says Nick. "We'll get up reasonably early and make a day of it, ok?"
After getting home, Judy gets supper started while Sarah helps Nick do a bit more rearranging in the shop.
…
Following a light supper, while Nick, Judy and Sarah relaxing in the hot tub, Sarah becomes thoughtful. "Mom…"
"Hmmm?"
"You never did explain how you got dad ta help you with that missing mammal's case …"
With droopy ears and a sad face, Judy answers, figuring that sooner or later Sarah will find out the truth. "That's … something that I'm not overly proud of."
"Really? Why?"
"I ... I basically blackmailed him …"
"What? Really?"
"Gods, it's so difficult to explain-"
"Maybe I can help with that…" interrupts Nick as he exits the hot tub "be right back."
A short minute later, Nick returns with an object that Judy had totally forgotten about, but is horrified to see.
"Nick, no … please. I can't believe that you've still got that thing … after all this time!"
Pawing the carrot shaped pen to Judy he leaves it up to her "Here Judy" with Nick using her real name, Judy knows that while it's a moment of truth, Nick has already forgiven her so there are no lingering hard feelings. "I'm leavin' it up to you…"
Deciding to go ahead and play the recording of her blackmailing Nick into helping her work on the missing mammals case, Judy explains how she had frantically tried to find Nick to apologize, to no avail.
"So, you basically out hustled dad?"
"Again, it's not something I'm especially proud of." Looking at her mate "I'm sorry Nick … not one of my best moments …"
"I actually think it is Fluff."
"W-what?"
"You out hustled a hustler. Well done."
"You're really not angry?"
"Of course not! Do you really think I'd be sitting here with you and Sarah right now if I was?"
"I guess not…"
"Look, I was over that an hour after we got started, so give it up already and stop beatin' yourself up about it, ok?"
As a tearful Judy approaches Nick, Sarah tries to break the moment "If you two are gonna start makin' out, I'm gonna go ta bed…"
"G'night honey" responds Judy in a sultry voice, with eyes only for her husband "turn the lights out on your way, ok?"
…
Up and moving at sunrise, Nick, Judy and Sara take the SUV out to look at their berry fields. (I'm not sure what roughly a section - 640 acres or 1 square mile- of various kinds of berries would be called. I do however think that a patch would be kind of understating the size so…)
Arriving at the fields, the three exit the vehicle and wander through the various sections of differing berries.
Seeing the sad state that the fields are in Judy looks at Nick "Are you sure this was a good idea?"
"I talked to a couple of different mammals, and according to them, it'll probably take a couple of seasons before they produce like they were when we first met, but-"
"Umm" interrupts Sarah "Cream is kinda into this stuff, so maybe she can help?"
"That's right!" says Judy remembering an earlier conversation "Rose is into plant husbandry. She'll be a big help!"
"Fluff" says Nick "I thought you grew up with this stuff."
"Nick that was over twenty years ago. Plus, I've never seen the fields this far gone."
"Well, we'll have our work cut out for us, that's for sure. Let's load back up and head into town."
…
After several hours of furniture shopping, and then to the Bed and Bath store and finally to Computer World to get a laptop for Rose, the Wildes head back home to await the delivery of their purchased items.
Two hours later, a truck containing their assembled furniture purchases arrives and is taken upstairs and placed into their respective rooms.
With new sheets and comforters in the wash, the rest of the day is spent just lounging around the house, trying to not get too worked up about the pending adoption hearings in the morning.
"What is it?" Judy asks Sarah, noting an overly concerned look on her face.
"I'm just worried about Gerald…"
"Sweetheart, we're no gonna let that asshat do anything to you, you know that, right?" asks Judy.
"Besides" adds Nick "with the warrants that're pending, I'm pretty sure that he'll be in prison until you're old and gray … just like your mom…" winking at his daughter.
"HEY! I ain't that old…. just grey, dumb fox…"
"Aaaaanywhoooo" says Nick, trying his best to distract his mate "How about we go watch the sunset and turn in early. It's gonna be a really stressful day t'morro, regardless of how it turns out."
…
Up and moving early the next morning, Nick, Judy and Sarah all get quick showers and dress in some of their best clothes for court.
Arriving at seven thirty, even though the proceedings were scheduled for nine, the Wildes are called into the private office of the judge presiding over the adoptions.
"Please be seated" invites the judge "I just want to go over a few details that while pertaining to the adoptions that normally do not need to make it into the public light of day. Unless someone files a FOIA (Freedom Of Information Act) request, this will be as far as anything goes."
"OK then, let's do this" says Nick.
"To begin with, judge Bunz has retired and I shall be taking his place in family court. My name is Judge Roy Bean. And for the record, you are …?"
"Nicholas and Judith Wilde, and this is Sarah Hopps, Judy's daughter." answers Nick.
Looking at Sarah, judge Bean asks her "So Sarah, since you're the subject of this first adoption by mister Wilde, what are your thoughts?"
"What can I say? Nick is the dad that I've always wished I'd had."
"Are you aware of your personal financial situation?"
"Excuse me?"
"I have documentation here that indicates that you have a bank account with a current balance of fifty-four thousand dollars."
"I … wait, what?"
"Actually" interrupts Nick, who produces a slip of paper which he passes to the judge "I have an update on that figure."
"Hmmm. Ok, a total of 30 commissions, worth seventy-five thousand dollars. After taxes, sixty thousand dollars. And I see here that Mrs. Wilde is the sole adult custodian of the account. Is this in fact true?"
"That's correct." answers Judy. "Nick thought it would be best, so there wouldn't be any thoughts that he was after Sarah's money as a reason for the adoption. We also agreed that the money will be held in trust until Sarah turns eighteen."
"After looking over your financials mister Wilde, I can see that there would be little reason to think that!"
"Still" returns Nick "Better safer than sorry."
"With a net worth of just over fourteen million-"
Pawing another slip of paper to the judge, Nick adds "Actually, with the sale of another vehicle, the total is more like around seventeen million."
"And you will still have a continuing source of income, is this correct?"
"Yes, your honor. I retain fifty-one percent of a very profitable custom motorcycle shop in Aweston."
"And we have purchased a section of my family's farm that used to produce some of the best berries ion the Tri-Burrow area." adds Judy.
"I see… and you are aware of the financial burden that the treatments for Aja Tarron will place upon you and your family?"
"Absolutely, yes we are your honor" replies Nick "I'd like to point out that I have offered to provide monetary assistance for three more kits in need of medical interventions that are currently in the care of the Deerbrook orphanage as well."
"That's very noble of you mister Wilde. Now, can you tell me briefly just why you and Mrs. Wilde want to adopt … umm Rose and Aja?"
"I guess it boils down to a couple of reasons" answers Judy. "For one, Sarah and Rose are friends from school. They were both picked on for their fur color and just for basically being different."
"And after talking to the chief administrator for the orphanage" says Nick, taking up the conversation "Aja was treated the same way by the other kits at the orphanage, not to mention the fact that with his medical condition, he stood little chance of being adopted before…"
"Before he passed away prematurely." interjects Judge Bean. "Yes, I can see why that would be a considerable problem for someone of a less substantial income.'
'So you don't see any issues with such a diverse family?"
"Your honor" says Judy "kits are gonna be kits. Sure, there are most likely gonna be a few squabbles along the way, but there is one more thing that we really need for you to understand."
"And that would be?"
"Rose has already indicated that she will not consider or consent to any adoption that doesn't include Aja. She has appointed herself as his guardian of sorts and will not leave him behind. We see this as a win-win situation all the way around for everyone."
"I wholeheartedly agree. Unless there is something unexpected that comes up during the hearings, I see no valid reason not to grant the adoptions … all three of them."
"YES!" shouts an ecstatic Sarah.
"Chill Punkin" says a grinning Nick "we still have one unresolved issue to deal with before it's all over."
"Ah yes." comments Judge Bean. "That would be the arrest of one Gerald Eugene Fluffson."
"Yes. Well, that and one other minor issue…" amends Nick.
"That being the legal guardianship of Sarah Leigh Hopps … Wilde, I quite agree. That being said, according to the documents provided to me, as well as the considerable research done by myself and my staff, mister Fluffson gave up all parental rights as conditions of the divorce settlement. Therefore, he has absolutely no legal standing as a parental unit in my court. Any objections that he and or any attorney appointed by or hired by mister Fluffson will bear no legal weight of any kind. Any claim will be immediately null and void."
"That" interjects Judy "is a huge load off of our minds."
"As well it should be. Now if you'll excuse me, I believe we all need to prepare for the hearing. I'll be with you directly. And thank you for meeting with me early, the several questions that I had earlier have all been answered."
"Thank you for seeing us your honor" answered Nick as the trio left the judges office and headed for the courtroom proper.
…
Entering the courtroom gallery, Nick and Judy spy two mammals in attendance that surprised them.
"Skye, Nickie, what are you don' here?" asks a flabbergasted Judy.
"You din't think that we was gonna miss this did ya?" asks Nickie.
"AUNTIES!" came a yell from a very excided Sarah, which gave the vixens just enough time to brace for the chocolate colored missile that attacked them.
"Hey there Lil' Bit" crooned Skye "how ya been?"
"Just great so far … we got our stuff from our old house and …"
As the young doe caught Nickie and Skye up on the latest happenings, Judy noticed her brother Larry and sister Debra, along with several other of her siblings enter the courtroom as well.
"We just wanted you ta know that we're here for ya sis" says Larry "after the accident, several of us got t'gether, and … well, now we know that things ain't as black and white as mom and dad led us ta believe. There's actually more of us on your side but, you know, the farm and all…"
Givin Larry and Debra quick hugs "It's ok Larry, we understand, right Nick?"
"Sure do. It means a lot to us, I ain't lyin'."
Just then, Judy spots her ex and his lawyer enter the courtroom.
"There's that … pompous … bastard now!" says a slightly irritated Judy indicating Gerald as he and his lawyer take their places.
"Why in the world would Anastasia Bumpus be taking Gerald's case when she knows better?" wonders Larry out loud.
"I wondered that as well" adds Debra. "They don't like each other, and she surely knows that there's no possible way that she can win … unless …"
"Unless?" asks Judy.
"Unless he's promised her a ton of money, win or lose." Finishes Debra.
"So … she's basically gonna take him to the cleaners…"
"Yup, that's the way I see it!" finishes Debra.
"Well, we wanted him here anyways, right?" asks Nick.
"Yea, but still, I really din't wanna see the little shit again…"
"And just look who else has walked in!" remarks Sarah.
"Well damn, I never expected to see him of all mammals today!" says Judy indicating a certain striped hare on the other side of the courtroom.
"Who?" asks Nick.
"The artic hare with stripes on his face and ears…Special Agent Jack Savage of the ZBI … and his … our kits."
…
Just then the bailiff announces the beginning of court!
"HEAR YEE, HEAR YEE, HEAR YEE. ALL RISE! THE SPECIAL EDITION OF FAMILY COURT IS NOW IN SESSION, THE HONORABLE JUDGE ROY BEAN PRESIDING …. YOU MAY NOW BE SEATED!"
"All right then" begins judge Bean as he takes his seat "I see we have three items on the docket today. The first of which is a petition from a Nicholas Piberius Wilde to adopt one Sarah Leigh Hopps. Are all subjects pertaining to this matter in attendance?"
"I am Nicholas Wilde your honor." says Nick, standing "and this is my attorney Anthony Scaramuchi.
"I am Judith Wilde, formerly Judith Hopps your honor." says Judy, who stands.
"I'm Sarah Hopps your honor" says Sarah also standing.
"After looking over all of the submitted paperwork, I see no reason as to why mister Wilde shouldn't be allowed to adopt miss Hopps. As long as there is no objection from either miss Sarah Hopps or the former Judith Hopps, the kits mother, I herby-"
"Your honor, I object to this!"
Looking up from the documents on his desk, judge Bean addresses the complainant "Please step forward and identify yourself sir!"
"Your honor, I'm Gerald Eugene Fluffson, father of Sarah Hopps."
"Mister Fluffson, are you entirely sure that you want to do this?"
"Absolutely, yes."
"Mister Fluffson, you are aware that when you were divorced from the former Judith Hopps, you signed away any and all parental rights, are you not?"
"May I speak your honor?" asks Judy.
"Judy" interrupts Gerald "you were my wife, the mother of my kits, you were mine! How could you allow this … this fox to adopt my daughter?"
"Let me be perfectly clear about one thing Gerald … I was your lover, your wife and the mother of your kits, I've been a lot of things, but never yours… you were never concerned about Sarah when she was born and actually disappointed that out of six kits, only she, a doe survived. Nick couldn't be a better role model for a kit of any species if he tried. Nick loves Sarah for who she is, not what she is. It's too bad that you weren't half the mammal that Nick is.'
'That's all I've got your honor, thank you for letting me speak my mind."
Returning his attention to judge Bean: "But-but this is a special circumstance, your honor-"
"Speaking of special circumstances, under normal circumstances, I would not take the action that I'm about to take, but I believe that the end justifies the means in this case.'
'Sherriff Justice, if you please…"
Stepping forward, the sheriff identifies himself properly "Sheriff Buford T. Justice at your service your honor! And with me today is Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane of Tri-Burrow county, just to be sure that there are no legal missteps."
"Sheriffs, I believe you have in your possession a little something for mister Fluffson, do you not?"
Stepping up to the unfortunate buck "Gerald Eugene Fluffson, you are under arrest." begins sheriff Justice.
"W-what?"
As the sheriff pawcuffs Gerald and leads him from the courtroom, all attending hear some of the charges "You are under arrest for stalking, attempted incest, attempted rape of a minor, attempted statutory rape, …"
"Damn that felt good!" admits the judge. "Is there anyone else who objects to this adoption?"
"No? Is there anyone here who wishes to affirm this adoption?"
With that, Larry and Debra Hopps step forward, along with the over fifty other Hopps members that were able to show up for the hearing.
When Skye and Nick, along with (surprisingly enough) Jack Savage step forward, the judge has to quell the crowd.
"Then I declare this adoption to be confirmed. As a small side note" looking directly at Sarah "I see here that young miss Hopps wishes to legally change her last name to Wilde. Is this still the case?"
Standing proudly, Sarah answers "Yes your honor sir, it is!"
"Then so be it!" and promptly bangs his gavel, which unleashes a small spate of pandemonium in the courtroom.
Banging his gavel several times, judge Bean tries to get a semblance of order in the courtroom "Order … ORDER! I'll have order or I'll have the courtroom cleared! Is that understood?"
…
As the courtroom gradually settles into a semblance of quiet:
"Thank you!Now, for the next ... two cases. Will Ms. Bernadette Deerbrook, chief administrator for the Deerbrook orphanage please step forward with her two charges and identify yourselves!"
"Your honor" begins Ms. Deerbrook "I am Bernadette Deerbrook and the bunny kit is Rose Marie – no last name I'm afraid, and the young fox kit is Aja Gaylen Tarron."
"Will the petitioners please step forward and identify themselves!" asks the judge.
"Your honor, we are Nicholas and Judith Wilde." answers Judy.
"Mister and Mrs. Wilde, do you still intend to adopt these two unrelated kits, regardless of their difference in species, and especially considering young mister Tarron's medical history?"
"Yes, your honor." answers Nick.
"If it's ok, I have a request." suddenly asks Rose.
"Ok, go ahead."
"If I'm adopted, I'd really like to finally have a last name…"
"And what might that be?"
"Umm … since Sarah is gonna be my sister, and mister and Mrs. Wilde are willing to take a chance on not just me but Aja too… I think I'd like to be a Wilde….?"
"Mister and Mrs. Wilde, your thoughts on this?" judge Bean asks.
"Sounds good to me." responds Nick.
"We'd love to have Rose become a Wilde!" adds Judy.
"Me too!" pipes up Sarah.
"Then I guess that settles that, Wilde it is" indicates judge Bean. "Which brings us to young mister Tarron. What would you suggest for him?"
"In my opinion" speaks Nick "I think that Aja's last name of Tarron needs to be left as is until he's of an age to make the decision as whether he wishes to retain his birth name or not."
"I quite agree mister Wilde. Unless there is need of further discussion, I will consider these two adoptions to be granted. There will be a brief delay in change of custody so that the kits may return to the orphanage to gather their things-"
"Your honor, if I may" interrupts Ms. Deerbrook "in anticipation of the adoption, both Rose and Aja have brought their few possessions along with them to the hearing. There is no need to delay their transition to the Wilde's."
"Then by all means" as judge Bean looks directly at Rose and Aja "you may accompany your new parents! Best of luck to you all! These proceedings are closed!" and bangs his gavel signaling an end to the session.
…
As congratulations are offered to Nick and Judy from Judy's sibs and Nickie and Skye gather around the three kits, Judy tentatively approaches Jack Savage.
"Jack-"
Holding up a paw "It's ok Judy, I'm not here to cause trouble. In fact, I'd like to congratulate you on finally finding your true love. You'll get no grief from me or the kits. Enjoy the rest of your life, you deserve it."
With that, Jack gathers in the kits and leaves the courthouse.
"Problems?" asks Nick.
"Quite the contrary actually" she answers only slightly dishonestly "Jack simply wished me, that is us, good luck and hopes we have a good rest of our lives."
"Hmmmm-"
"All right you two, we've got a special surprise fer y'all!" says Nickie, joining the couple.
"Really?" asks Judy.
"Yup" answers Skye. "Load up our nieces and nephew and follow us."
Looking at each other and shrugging, Nick and Judy manage to get the kits (and their few worldly possessions in Rose and Aja's case) loaded into the SUV and follow the vixens down the highway.
XxX
AN: First off, a big shout-out to Cimar of Turalis WildeHopps for the suggestion to give Jumbeaux a bit of backstory, a subject that I originally never even thought about.
Next, there is song name and a short line from that song hidden in the chapter somewhere. If anyone can correctly identify the name of the song and the artist (without cheating and using Google or any other search engine), I'll give that person 5 gold stars and name my next child after them. If you cheat, I'll still give you 3 gold stars….
There is at least one, maybe two more chapters left in this little story, and considering when I started it, it was going to be Nick and Judy getting together and riding off into the sunset after bike week, I think it turned out fairly well. When this story is finished, I'll turn my attention to finishing Life Is A Highway and perhaps throw in a series of unrelated one shots thrown in when I get stuck on Highway.
There is also one other small quote from another Disney movie that fit the circumstances perfectly…
Enjoy and please drop a review ….. GhostWolf88