Sorry, it has been a while. This took some time to write due to procrastination and technical difficulties. In other words, my PC got fucked. I attempted to write this on phone, I hope it goes well. If you are wondering what happened my CPU got overclocked and fried. I am a gamer and I push my PC a little too hard sometimes. Whether it be gaming, video-editing for YouTube, or animating with Blender. Sorry for the rant but, that left me seriously pissed since this is my PC for work, school, and gaming.
I DO NOT OWN ZOOTOPIA NOR THE CHARACTERS ONLY OC'S
*Warning* Gore, drugs, cursing, and later sex-scenes.
"You answer their question with your own question and answer that question", Nick finished. Using a pointed digit to prove his point and to express his "words of wisdom" according to him. I just waved him away while adjusting my new uniform. Hesitantly delivered by Bogo. "Ok, I got it", I answered annoyed at Nick's repeated mantra. He just scowled at me equally annoyed while crossing his arms.
I am currently behind a door that leads to a stage. The audience... bloodthirsty press and a very expectant buffalo. With a power complex, I might add.
"You sure?", Judy pressed. I just sighed and nodded at the giddy rabbit. They have both been hounding me to make a good first impression. Judy has also been commenting on how proud she is non-stop. The first few times it is flattering but, after about fifty and counting it gets slightly irritating.
I finished my adjustments to make myself semi-presentable and gave myself a quick check in the mirror. I then turned towards the lagomorph and vulpine while gesturing towards myself. "How do I look?", I asked already pleased with my own appearance.
"A bad impersonation", Nick stated smugly to try to get on my nerves. I just deflected and said, "At least I don't dress like a tropical douchebag".
He gave me an exasperated look and exclaimed, "I do not!". He then turned towards Judy and sought her support, "Tell him I don't".
Judy just chuckled and agreed with me, "Nathan is right, you do dress like one from time to time". I gave him a triumphant grin and he just growled like a kit, "Whatever".
I heard the scampering of tiny feet on the hardwood floor. I turned towards the door and it burst open. It flew open and nobody walked through ultimately confusing me, until, I spotted the assistant mayor.
She was a young mouse. She was a small brown mouse with typical black eyes. She wore a skirt with a dress shirt, looking more like an accountant than anything else. Or she just nailed the middle-aged librarian look to a tee. The glasses didn't seem to help her case either.
She came in holding comically sized folders and was panting furiously. "It is almost time for the ceremony", she announced frantically. She had trouble holding her folders and started to wobble at the legs.
Judy hopped across the room and assisted the small rodent. The rodent made sure to be vocal about her appreciation, "Thank you! That damn Lionheart has me running more than my wheel back at home".
Nick snorted at that and Judy shot him a glare saving the rodent from a smart-ass comment. I decided to check my phone and indeed saw two minutes were left.
The mouse gathered her bearing after a small conversation with Judy and returned outside. Nick made sure to announce his departure, "I better sit down with the rest of the force before Chief Buffalo Butt has a conniption".
I nodded as he left through the same doorway the assistant mayor used to reach the stage. Judy glanced back up at me and let out a nervous breath. "Well, here we go", she commented clearing her mind.
A minute later, I heard the mayor start to speak while me and Judy made ourselves present. My eyes slightly shut in pain but, readjusted to the sun's harsh light. I stood on a stage in front of a pretty large crowd.
I tried to fake a smile when I saw the waves of camera flashes and new teams zooming in on me.
I saw mammals of many species operating cameras or holding a microphone. They moved in a frantic gate trying to record or one-up each other with a story or report. Some people looked happy, neutral, but some looked pissed. Guess I have to still when them over.
Lionheart was currently delivering his opening lines, "I would like to recognize Nathan King as an official officer of Precinct One". The crowd cheered which brightened my spirits a bit.
The microphone slightly cackled as he removed himself from the podium and Judy hopped on. He quickly returned to the sidelines where he, the assistant mayor, Chief Bogo, and various other influential and political figures sat.
Nick with the rest of the precinct sat in their designated row ready to stand at attention when they are needed.
Judy cleared her throat and began, "I am humbly excited and honored to officially name Nathan King an officer of the ZPD. During the Nighthowler case, he helped solve it whilst being brave and tactful at the same time. Although, I didn't agree with all his tactics he still enforced the law and justice. He has shown bravery and does not back down from danger nor a challenge as far as I can tell. He can sometimes be a stubborn ass though".
This rather crude remark brought chuckles from me and some of the audience.
She cleared her throat and began again, "Therefore, you are now an official officer of precinct one and are now Officer King".
She hopped off the podium and to me while taking the badge from the strained assistant mayor. She hopped up on a chair and pinned it to my chest. The crowd cheered and me and Judy shared a small smile. I quickly saluted and the rest of the officers stood at attention and returned it.
Judy hopped to her seat next to Nick and the rest of the precinct took one as well. The crowd continued to cheer and the abundant flashes of cameras would make a blind mammal look away in discomfort. This carried on as Bogo took the stand and it ended up earning a quick outburst from him
"SHUT IT!", he yelled in the mic.
It went quiet and his voice echoed a few blocks because of the sheer size of the speakers and the densely packed buildings. He smiled to himself at the desired effect and calmly stated, "Thank you".
He put on his goofy-looking glasses and pulled out a set of last-minute scribbled note cards.
10:00 A.M. Precinct One
I am sure you didn't want to hear twenty minutes of blah blah blah so here we are.
Nick has continued to piss me off with off-handed comments and jabs. I know he meant nothing by it, I just reacted and he liked teasing mammals.
Judy was scowling as we were throwing stuff at each other in the waiting area. It may be immature but I am bored.
On the other hand, I am getting a new partner today. I will miss being partnered up with the duo but, we will still see each other at work and hang out afterward.
Speaking of my new partner, where is he? I have been waiting for a good hour or two.
I don't know who it will be but, I know a little. He is a senior cop, not an elderly mammal. When I was first told I thought I would be partnered up with a grumpy old mammal.
I didn't know what to expect but, it may be hard to get on their good side considering what happened. They transferred his partner he had since day one to another district. That must be tough.
Anyways, I was about to throw a whole damn book at Nick's head and knock some book smarts into him but the chief walked in.
I quickly set it down and acted awkwardly to play off my attempted assault and battery. Nick shot me a smirk and I mouthed 'You will get it later'.
The chief didn't seem to notice and looked rather nonchalant and this relaxed me a bit.
He walked in with his signature clacking sounds that his hooves made with the marble floor. It was a sound of impending doom that scared many mammals when they hear its dramatic crescendo approach.
He approached holding his clipboard and grunted at the sight of us lounging around. He then turned towards an entryway and ordered, "Officer Wolford, come meet the newest recruit. Your new partner".
Judy and Nick looked a little bit shocked but had a sense of familiarity plastered on their face. This indicated they knew the guy.
I heard the usual clicking of claws that most predators here in the precinct make with each step. Soon a gray wolf in an officer uniform walked in. He looked about forty years old, I could see age in his face but he still looked spry. He had an annoyed look on his muzzle and walked with a confident posture that was firm but did not show arrogance.
Judy waved towards Wolford and greeted him, "Oh, hey Wolford". The wolf cracked a slight smile on his approach and nodded towards her in a friendly way. Nick just nodded and casually greeted himself, "Sup moonie".
The wolf raised a brow and huffed at his dad-joke. They did not seem to like each other all that much. He was cool with Judy though, pretty much everyone I meet is.
This all transpired in his short walk towards me. He finally stopped in front of me and eyed me critically. The chief watched with curiosity but managed to not comment and just crossed his arms in anticipation.
Ok, this dude didn't like me already.
I awkwardly decided to greet him as well. " Sup... Wolford was it?". He just crossed his arms and decided to answer not bothering to hide his disdain, "Yep. You are Nathan, we all attended your little ceremony. We are partners, see you for patrol in an hour".
He quickly turned around with one swift motion and padded out the room. Bogo just cleared his throat and looked to not care, "As he said. Patrol in an hour". Bogo then walked away going through a separate doorway branching off towards an elevator to the top floor.
I just stood a little dumbfounded and commented, "Allllrightyyy then". Judy cast me a sympathetic look and said, "He will warm up to you. His partner Nadine Fangmeyer was transferred".
I just nodded not bothered because of his rude encounter and understood his attitude. Hopefully, it won't last too long because it would hinder our effectiveness at the job.
After the whole ordeal, Nick and Judy went on a stakeout in a shady neighborhood to watch for minor drug deals. To be honest, I wouldn't go after the mammals selling dime bags but the bigger sellers. You could achieve this by capturing the smaller ones and interrogating them for intelligence.
Sadly this is not the military and I just shrugged the thought off.
I was now currently keeping Clawhauser company and leaned on his desk watching the time on a clock on the opposite side of the room.
"Have they done it yet?", he asked me out of nowhere. I just gave him a confused look and he repeated with clarification, " Have they started dating?".
I just deadpanned with my hands crammed in my pockets and answered with a monotone voice, "Nope".
He sighed impatiently and crossed his arms. "I was hoping they would soon". I got curious and decided to ask, "How is the betting pool coming along?". He leaned back in his squeaky chair and tapped his chin in thought.
He formed an answer and said, "Nicely. You're the highest bidder betting if you win you will get paid the biggest cut". I just nodded not caring for money with my steady flow of income already.
It got silent as both of us were held captive by our thoughts. I soon had an idea to get along with my partner.
I turned towards the cheetah and asked him, "Do you know anything about Wolford. It is a question for him, not you but, I am trying to get along and remain professional".
I asked Clawhauser this because he was the blabbermouth and drama queen of the station. You need information he is your go-to cat.
Clawhause looked hesitant in answering but gave in because of the circumstances, "Well, Wolford has been with us a long time. He was here before I replaced the deer who worked my post. We have exchanged a few friendly conversations but, not much. I can tell you he has a wife and two pups. He also enjoys eating at BuggaBurga a lot".
It wasn't much but Clawhauser scrounged some conversation starters and his favorite food. This should at least get us on good-terms. If we get separated I could lose my job, the chief is always putting up with some problem involving me.
I sighed a little disappointed and thanked Clawhauser, "Thanks man". He hummed and replied in his usual cheery voice, "You're welcome". I spotted the clock and read it was noon and it would be five minutes until patrol starts.
Speaking of the devil, I spotted Wolford near the exit to the lot waiting for me sipping a coffee. I nodded towards Clawhauser and grunted, "See you later". Clawhauser nodded himself and waved me off as I approached the wolf.
I approached him and he simply turned around and led me into the lot. I followed him out of the side door and my eyes readjusted to the sun's harsh light. It was slightly cooler outside and the wind was blowing gently. It felt pretty nice to be out and I took a breath of fresh air.
We walked through the lot to the opposite side to retrieve our cruiser. We approached a similar cruiser to Nick's and Judy's but this one didn't have size adjustments.
I walked to the driver's side and he cleared his throat and stopped me, "I'm driving". I just raised a brow and shrugged going around to the other side. I opened the door and looked inside. It was similar to the duo's but this one was much more spacious and smelt pretty new.
The duo's cruiser always didn't smell good because Nick would leave trash in the car. Judy would end up chewing him out and forcing him to clean the car. Judy could be scary at times and Nick would always give in.
Anyway, I made myself comfortable in the new cruiser and really stretched in the passenger seat. It was really a step up from being in the back of one with the criminals. That had led to some awkward moments and a fight or two with the perps that were drunk or just didn't care.
He got in after me and buckled up. He soon started the car after finding a cup holder nearby to stash away his caffeinated drink.
He shot me a small glance and started the cruiser in silence. The engine rumbled to life and woke up the air conditioner and radio with it. The engine hummed its normal tune and the air turned on, this started circulation making it cooler and easier to breathe.
He quickly turned off the radio annoyed and a little embarrassed when it shortly started to play some R&B.
I made sure to make a mental note to pick on him about that when we get on better terms with each other.
He put the cruiser in drive and slowly pulled out. I wish I could roll my window down with the nice weather but, for safety reasons we are not allowed.
We pulled out into the daily traffic and finally started to patrol. Luckily, it would be in Savannah Central and close to the precinct.
Wolford was boxed between two giraffes' cars and couldn't get around them. He grumbled a few curses under his breath annoyed and gripped the wheel.
If you think old people drive slow, oh man, you have to see these mammals. We were stuck behind them for about ten minutes before Wolford pulled into a carwash and circled around to an intersection.
Everything seemed relaxed and there was no criminal activity or suspicious mammals in the crowds of mammals.
I decided to break the tense silence between us with some lighthearted conversation. "So, Wolford, how long have you been with the ZPD?". He looked at me annoyed to be speaking and answered, "Twenty years". I just nodded and continued, "You've been here a long time. This is my first day as an official officer, so, you could show me a few things if you like". He just rolled his eyes and nodded sarcastically.
I just sighed and pulled up my phone.
I checked my messages and sure enough, Winter left one. This made me smile a bit.
What'cha doin' I just smirked and replied.
On patrol rn. My new partner does not seem to like me very much I saw Winter begin to type and she replied with a small jest.
Who does? I just snorted and typed in my response.
I know you do Wolfie She typed back playfully.
What did I tell you about calling me that? ;) I laughed and replied myself.
You know you like it I could see her eye roll in my head as she changed the subject.
Anyways, see you later :)I just replied with a simple response.
See ya
11:53 A.M. Highway I-54
We have just pulled over a drunk mammal and Wolford insisted on me to write the ticket to test me. I obliged and left my comfortable seat to deal with the problem.
I approached a blue car that was pulled to the side on the highway.
I came to a window and could see a pig through the glass but, not much else. I tapped on the window with my knuckle and it slowly rolled down to reveal a male pig. The inside of his car was trashed and I could see bottles of alcohol lying about.
He looked very worried and I could already tell he was shit-faced drunk. I bent down to put my face in the window and asked him, "Sir, you know why I pulled you over today?". He shook his head no and I explained amused, "You were swerving and rode the middle of the lanes. I assumed you are under the influence of alcohol".
He went wide-eyed and tried to deny it slurring his words, "I'm not fucking drunk". I snorted and said, "Okay buddy, then tell the time". He pointed at the digital clock on his dashboard with a hoove and said with an authoritative voice, "I am not fucking drunk".
I bit my cheek not to burst out laughing and quickly responded, "It's time to get out". He nodded defeated and slowly got out wobbly at the legs. He could barely stand and I had to catch him. I turned him around and began to cuff him. I sighed before restating the few words everybody knows, "Sir, you are intoxicated and being detained. You have the right to remain silent anything you say can and will be held against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney". I slowly walked him to our cruiser as he grumbled under his booze drenched breath.
I put him in the back and walked back to his car. I wrote down the VIN number and information as I could hear Wolford running his I.D. and driver's licenses.
I shortly returned to the cruiser and took a seat next to Wolford. The pig had already passed out and I took the cruiser radio and clicked the speak button. "This is Officer King, we have detained a drunk driver on I-54 near exit 321 on the right side and shoulder. I would like to request the car to be towed".
A few seconds later Clawhauser cackled over, "10-4, sending the call to a tow company. Bring him on in". I quickly replied, "10-4".
I was about to set the radio down but, a voice crackled through, "Lucky S.O.B". I groaned when I recognized Nick's voice. I butted in, "Blue, get off our channel". He smugly replied, "I'd rather not". Judy then joined the mix and grilled him, "Nick, I go to the bathroom one second and you're messing around on the radio". Judy was somewhere else but, had her radio as well. "Heyyy Carrots", Nick answered smoothly much to her annoyance. She began to argue with him and I just clicked the radio off.
I looked towards Wolford and apologized, "Sorry about that". He just grunted and we began our way back to the station.
Bugga Burga 3:21 P.M.
We decided to go to BuggaBurgga and we were chowing down on a burger. I originally thought this bug stuff was nasty but, I came to like it.
I was chewing silently as Wolford did the same while watching a ZooTube video. I decided to conversate a little to build mutual trust. "You liken' the food?", I randomly asked. Smooth just smooth Nathan. He paused the video and made a so-so while chewing. I nodded awkwardly and thought of something else to say.
I decide to ask a question I have been struggling with. This would build trust since it was something personal and he would know.
He went back to what he was doing and I interrupted him again. "Wolford, I have a question to ask", I asserted more than asking.
He grumbled annoyed and said, "Shoot". I gave him a serious look and asked, "What is the best way to ask out a she-wolf?". He proceeded to choke on his drink and started to cough. I gave him a minute as he stopped choking.
He looked at me again and asked, "Did I hear that right? You are from somewhere else and a different species at that, and, you are going to ask out a wolf?!". I nodded with a serious countenance and it got quiet. He looked thoughtful as he probably pondered on whether to tell me or not.
After a minute of awkward silence, he spoke up.
"Well, that is something you don't hear every day".
I just continued to stare waiting for him to inform me. He caught my stare and sighed with his nose flaring before continuing again, "I propose that is an odd one but, I'll bite. They are like every other mammal just ask them out. There really isn't much tradition to it considering most families don't practice the old ways anymore". I nodded in response and hummed thanks and felt quite frankly ... like an idiot. I mean, the question I asked was dumb.
He saw my agitated look ... it was directed more at me and he suggested something, "Why don't you ask her out with a gift. I did that with my wife and it distracted me for the most part. It really helped with the nervousness". I nodded again at that good idea. I ultimately decided to thank him, "Thanks man". He just gave me a respectful nod and started the cruiser because we were about to be back on duty.
Precinct One 8:23 P.M.
I was watching the clock with growing anticipation. I get off at 8:30 p.m. and I was currently doing paperwork.
I always knew paperwork was in the job description when I accepted but, still. I could sit still for hours with my rifle anticipating my shot but, sit at a desk with paperwork. Fuck that! When the first minute passed I wanted to blow my brains out. I was sitting at my desk with a pen in my hands glaring at the paperwork. They took the computer away from my desk for a day or two. The chief got upset when me, Nick, and Clawhauser were sending each other stupid images on the internet. He took away my and Nick's privilege like we were two or something. I can see why he got mad, a mound of paperwork was untouched and a rather specieist joke about bulls was "accidentally" tagged with Bogo's name.
I was tapping a mindless rhythm with my foot as I stared at the clock like I was clinging to it for survival.
The clock finally hit its mark and I sighed in joy. I quickly gathered up my things and ran across the office. With a quick vault over a cubicle and a few narrow dodges around other mammals that earned me a few curses, I made it to the receptionist. I ran past Clawhauser and threw a folder at him which he narrowly dodged. "Clocking out!", I called out to a surprised feline.
I busted through the doors and felt like I won the Nobel prize. I took a quick intake of fresh oxygen and sighed in pleasure. My trek to the nearby bus station I found was delightful, I loosened my collar and removed my tie that made me sweaty. It felt good to air out my clothing and I would have removed my shirt but, considering I have no fur. It would probably draw attention and be considered indecent exposure.
Luckily there wasn't much traffic and the bus ride was fairly short. The bus ride was normal and included the rude stares I was used to by now. There was a particular elderly pig who congratulated me and held a short conversation which delighted me. Goes to show, at least not every person I didn't know personally hated me.
I stepped off of the bus and tipped the driver. I had to quickly dive out of the way though, due to a pack of elephants sauntering down the sidewalk. This resulted in me dropping the change and scrambling to pick it up off the ground. I was having trouble with it all and smiled when a familiar white paw began to help me. I looked up to greet Winter and she was crying with matted fur. My heart stopped and I was very worried at this particular moment.
"Winter?", I asked slowly rising kind of scared.
She was sobbing and choked out, "My cousin. They got him". I was confused and slowly approached her. She dove into my chest where a bullet was once lodged and hugged me. I began to stroke her back and asked, "Who?". She looked up at me pulling away with a heartbroken look before answering, "Crimson Fangs". I didn't know who they were but, judging by what she told me, I deduced they were a gang. I groped the handgun in my pocket instinctively with rage and whispered, "You will get him back".
Hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Feedback always appreciated! Sorry, about the wait, I will try to get back on it.