Long time no see everybody! Today, exactly six years from the date of my last update, I'm elated to announce my return to FanFiction with "An Angel With Horns"! Here's hoping my writing has improved since then! In this work I'll be experimenting with some unique plot dynamics and examining the character interactions between them. So I understand if it's not for everyone. All I ask is that you give it a fair chance. Conversely, if you find yourself interested in the concept and want to see more, please drop a review and follow!
Looking forward to getting back in the swing of things, and I'll hopefully see you all on the next one. -Wilde
Savannah Central was electric. The air pulsed with anticipation as thousands of mammals poured into the city's main square, each of them eager to catch a glimpse of a once in a lifetime celebratory performance by Gazelle. Nine enormous screens, each three stories tall and half a city block wide had been erected in a circle around the area, forming a decagonal arena with the city fountain in the center. The fountain, which itself had been adorned with countless lights drummed vibrantly with color, adding to the already mesmerizing display of its concentric water jets.
The spectacle had drawn in visitors from all surrounding districts to celebrate the end of the night-howler terror. Furthermore, the unifying event would serve to ring in a harmonious new beginning for the city—one wherein the differences of each mammal would be celebrated—all curtesy of the biggest pop star in Zootopia.
Few were so needing of the night of relaxation as those in the Zootopia Police Department, who for many months had been trying in vain to crack the case. But at long last, with the crisis averted and having been granted one night's leave for the occasion, virtually every officer from every precinct stood amongst the crowd, waiting excitedly for the show to begin. Even precinct one's Chief Bogo, who held a reputation as being the most serious animal on the force, could barely contain his giddiness at the night's offerings.
Also in attendance was officer Clawhauser, the ZPD's front receptionist and debatably the biggest fan of Gazelle in Zootopia. Some distance away, Flash Slothmore and his coworker Priscilla Tripletoe were weaving their way through the crowd, slowly but eagerly seeking out a good spot to catch the performance. Behind them, even the notorious crime boss Mr. Big and his daughter Fru Fru could be seen waiting comfortably in the palms of their polar bear bodyguards.
Standing at the edge of the fountain in what could practically be described as front-row seating, an enamored Judy Hopps pressed her paws against the fountain lip, observing the spectacle before her with bright eyes. She hadn't been this speechless since her initial arrival in the city. The rabbit struggled to take in the incredible cacophony of sensations that enveloped her; the flickering colors, dancing lights, intoxicating smells, flowing music, and growing cheers that swept through the square. The beautiful chaos of it all was overwhelming, and she loved it.
"You alright fluff?"
Judy's ears raised instinctually, as they always did when she heard that familiar voice. She turned to face the smiling fox to whom it belonged.
"Didn't mean to snap you out of your moment, just making sure I hadn't lost you." Nick gave a small chuckle, his paws pressed relaxedly into his pockets.
Judy laughed. "I'm more than alright, dumb fox. Just taking everything in, that's all. I've been dreaming of this since I was a kid."
"What, dreaming of partying the night away with yours truly?" The fox said jokingly as he swayed his hips. "I'm flattered."
"Oh har har. You know what I mean. Though now that you mention it, I am more than inclined to see your moves, Officer Wilde."
Nick snickered at the thought. "Careful what you wish for darling. This fox has charmed more than a few with his expert rhythm and step."
"Charmed, or hustled?"
"Yeowch!" He pressed a palm to his chest, faking offense through an obvious smile. "A slight like that to a ZPD officer could land you in quite the tangle Ms. Hopps. I'd tread carefully if I were you."
"You know you love me." Judy said, leaning in his direction.
"Do I know that?" Nick replied, placing his paws on his knees before lowering his face to hers. "Yes, yes I do."
Judy's gaze, which had been focused keenly on the fox in front of her, quickly moved to the sudden flash of sleek brown fur in her periphery. She turned her head to meet it, finding herself face to face with a bright pair of green eyes.
"Officer Hopps?" spoke a gentle feminine voice.
"Mrs. Otterton?"
"Oh goodness, it's you!" the otter exclaimed as she embraced the bunny, to which Judy smiled brightly and returned the hug. "See? I told you they'd be here Em."
Standing behind them, a slightly taller otter waited patiently, his distinct glasses and green sweater vest immediately betraying his identity.
"Judy, Nick, allow me to formally introduce you to my husband, Emmitt." Mrs. Otterton said as the second otter stepped forward. "Emmitt, these two fantastic ZPD officers are the ones that brought you back to us."
"Emmitt Otterton?" Nick asked while trying to reconcile the image of this docile otter with the savage one he had seen in the past.
"In the fur." Emmitt replied with a sheepish chuckle. "I know our initial encounter wasn't exactly on the *ahem* best of terms… and for that I feel I owe you both my sincerest apologies."
Judy shook her head. "It was no fault of your own Mr. Otterton. I think I speak for all of us at the ZPD when I say that we're just happy to see you well and back with your family."
Emmitt smiled. "And for that you have my deepest thanks. Not to mention the thanks of my wife and family for everything you did to reunite us." He said, taking his spouse's paw in his.
Nick looked at Emmitt curiously. "I know this may be slightly forward of me to ask, but… during our investigation, Mr. Big had mentioned something about fetching you in one of his vehicles. You know him?"
He nodded. "Of course I know Mr. Big! I'm a florist you see, and he sent his driver to pick me up so we could discuss decorations for his daughter's wedding. You'd be surprised to know how extensive the flower variety is for smaller scale mammals. You know him as well?
"I certainly do." Nick said, nodding. "Mr. Big and I go way back."
"Oh, that's great to hear! Funny you should mention it, I remember Mr. Big telling me about another fox that sold him a fur rug made from the butt of a skunk." The otter shook his head with a chuckle. "Man, do I pity the poor vulpine that tried to cross him in that way."
Nick's eyes darted to Judy for a moment, and her eyes to his. "Heheh, c-crazy the nerve of some people right?" The fox feigned a smile.
"You can say that again!" Emmitt laughed. "But I digress."
The otter slipped a paw into the side pocket of his corduroy pants, drawing out two business cards and handing them to the officers. Judy inspected the card, reading the print aloud as she did so. "Otterton Floral & Design. Located on Vine & Tujunga, Rainforest District."
Emmitt nodded proudly. "We supply every native variety from Tundratown to Bunnyburrow, not to mention the most diverse array of exotic floral specimens citywide."
"Judy, Nick, should you find yourselves in the market for anything of the sort, please come by our shop and we'll cover it free of charge." Mrs. Otterton said, smiling. "It's a small gesture, but it's the very least we can offer for everything you've done for us."
Judy's tail fluttered with excitement. "Aww! That's really nice you guys!" She said, clutching the card close to her chest. "If we're ever on patrol that way, we'll stop to say hi!"
A wave of cheers and howling swelled amongst the crowd as the lights atop the screens began to dim, rapidly filling the area with darkness.
"Oh! Looks like the show's about to start! We should find our spot Em!" Mrs. Otterton exclaimed, reaching instinctively for her husband's paw.
"It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr. Otterton!" Judy said, smiling brightly.
"Stay out of trouble now you two." Nick added with a wink.
"You both do the same!" the otter laughed, being led away by his partner. "Don't forget to come by the shop! Enjoy the show!" He waved, before vanishing into the sea of animals surrounding them.
Soon it was too dark to see much of anything. The cheers died down, and the sound of thousands of murmuring voices hung over Savannah Central. This brief stillness was quickly shattered as every jet on the central fountain fired in unison, producing vibrant columns of water all around the stage. The spotlights returned, shining skyward and intensifying on the center of the arena.
A familiar yet energetic tune swept throughout the square, immediately followed by a euphonious feminine voice.
Ooh oh oh ooh
Ooh oh oh ooh
Four tigers had emerged around the circular stage, each posed with their paws in the air. And in their center, rising through the fountain; Gazelle herself.
The singer's appearance was stunning, comprising of a sparkling red top that beautifully contrasted her golden fur, as well as a matching skirt worn around her wide hips. A gold bangle hung off each of her thin wrists, accentuating the fluid movements the gazelle was capable of.
"Good evening, Zootopia!" She said, stepping out onto the stage and smiling into her microphone. "Come on, everybody, put your paws up!"
A frenzied cheer arose from the crowd in response as everyone, officers included, threw their arms into the air. Gazelle swayed her body, her eyes surveying the ocean of idolizing fans as she segued into her first verse.
I messed up tonight, I lost another fight
I still mess up, but I'll just start again
I keep falling down, I keep on hittin' the ground
I always get up, now to see what's next
The ground thumped underneath as the music crescendoed into the refrain.
I won't give up, no, I won't give in
Until I reach the end,
and then I'll start again
No, I won't leave
I wanna try everything,
I wanna try even though I could fail!
Judy squealed as she bounced up and down to the beat with an exhilarated grin. She turned to Nick, beaming from ear to ear.
I won't give up, no, I won't give in
Until I reach the end
And then I'll start again
No, I won't leave
I wanna try everything
I wanna try even though I could fail!
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Gazelle moved her hips from side to side in sync with the beat, keeping her arms raised as she addressed the crowd directly. "Put your paws in the air, come on! ¡Con las pezuñas arriba, vamos! ¡Eso!"
Look how far you've come
You filled your heart with love
Baby, you've done enough to could rest
Don't beat yourself up, no need to run so fast
Sometimes we come last, but we did our best
Judy could make out officer Clawhauser and Chief Bogo owning the dance floor in the distance, to which she laughed. It was difficult to tell in that moment who was the bigger fanboy for the singer.
I won't give up, no, I won't give in
Until I reach the end
and then I'll start again
No, I won't leave
I wanna try everything,
I wanna try even though I could fail!
I won't give up, no, I won't give in
Until I reach the end
and then I'll start again
No, I won't leave
I wanna try everything,
I wanna try even though I could fail!
Gazelle lifted the mic in one paw, casting her powerful voice into it as she rolled her shoulders back. She flipped her hair to one side, smirking as her eyes scanned the audience surrounding her.
I'll keep on making those new mistakes
I'll keep on making them everyday
Those new mistakes.
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Gazelle strutted across the stage, stepping in perfect rhythm as she matched the choreography of her background dancers. "¡Con las pezuñas arriba! Come on! Shake your tails with me, come on! Yeah!"
As Judy continued jumping with her paws in the air, she noticed Nick had started to bob his head up and down to the beat, but still wasn't dancing. 'Can't have that' she thought, smirking as she bumped him in a not-so-subtle manner with her hip.
Nick looked to the bunny with slight surprise, shaking his head as an enthused grin shifted across his muzzle. He immediately took the hint and began breaking out his own moves alongside her.
I'll keep on making those new mistakes
I'll keep on making them everyday
Those new mistakes.
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
The podium Gazelle was on began to lower as the song wound to a close, and the lights began to dim. A single powerful spotlight descended onto her position, illuminating the singer in an almost angelic glow. She turned her back to the audience, before tilting her face over her shoulder.
Nick was still rolling his arms and nonchalantly swaying his tail when his gaze collided with hers. He stopped dancing, standing rigidly for a moment as he wondered if the lighting of the arena was playing tricks on him. There were, of course, thousands of animals in the audience behind him. 'She couldn't be looking at me… right?'
Gazelle smirked and raised the microphone to her lips.
Try everything~
The fountain exploded into life around the podium, obscuring the stage temporarily from the fox's view. Meanwhile, the entirety of Savannah Central erupted in applause, cheering and howling into the night as they chanted Gazelle's name. Though Nick felt slightly perplexed at the interaction he'd just had, this was only the first of many songs, and the night was still young.
