NOTE: I am a writer who supports Black Lives Matter, LGBTQIA2+ Rights, Trans Rights, and Liberal Feminism. If you don't like any of that, don't read my stories. Thank you.
Welcome to 'working title' Zootopia 2: Electric Boogaloo. This had been in the wings for some time now, and I finally had the time to write it. Finally, I can answer a question I've had in my head for a long time. How does that fox, as shifty as he is, become an officer? And, better yet. . . What happens after it? I hope everyone here enjoys it. In the later chapters, I will be including little 'tidbits' of policing theory, which I hope will be as informative for you as it was fun for me to talk about.
Rated M for mature themes and language. Reader discretion is advised.
I own nothing here, it all belongs to Disney, it's all fictitious, get your vultures off my back or I swear I will cry or something.
Prologue: Sometimes, the end can be a beginning
"Y'know, you're a pretty good actor."
The red and blue lights of emergency vehicles flashed brilliantly in the front windows of the National History Museum. The strange group of mammals were at the ambulance, with the rabbit seated on the transport bed. The fox, on the other hand, was pleasantly sitting down on the step.
"I'm pretty good at a lot of things, fluff." The fox replied, haughtily, as an EMT flashed a bright light into his eyes. Instinctively, he closed his eye and shook his head. "I'm fine, seriously."
The female porcupine rolled her eyes. "You fell into a pit. Checking for a concussion is the least I should do." But they seemed to be satisfied with the brief check they got, as they put away the flashlight.
The rabbit nodded along, unsurprising to Nick. Of course, Miss Hopps would want to ensure he was 'safe'. But he knew he was fine. Judy had her own EMT checking the gash on her leg. Nick had been on the street enough to know that it was going to need stitches, at least.
Of course, that wasn't the only kind of wounds that would need to be mended. "So. . . Do you think they'll give you your job back?" Nick asked the question that had hung in his mind. . .
Judy shook her head, wincing when the EMT applied a proper pressure bandage to her leg. "I don't know. . . I officially resigned, so, I might have to reapply. . . If Bogo's willing to consider it. . . They might not be happy with me for not coming to them first with this."
Nick nodded slightly. She had a good point. Of the few interactions he'd had with Buffalo Butt, it was clear he was pretty easy to anger. "I'm sure they'll just take you back. You're the best they have, after all."
The rabbit laughed, as the EMT finished binding the cut. "Well, I guess we'll see, won't we? But, what about-"
"I'm sorry to have to cut this short, but we need to head to the hospital to put in some stitches. . . And, you're going to need a prescription of antibiotics and pain medication." The EMT anteater interrupted, as she stood up and helped the rabbit shuffle further up onto the bed.
Nick was pretty sure she might need crutches, too, considering that she had trouble walking. And, the last thing she needed was torn stitches. Nick's EMT stood, shaking her head at the uncooperative fox. "I'm afraid you'll have to stay behind sir. Family only, and I'm sure the ZPD officers here will want to talk to you."
Nick nodded and stood up. "Fair enough."
"Nick!" The rabbit shouted, sitting up on the bed as the other EMT helped her buckle herself into the bed. "I just wanted to. . . Thank you, again. For, everything."
He smiled and shrugged. "Think nothing of it, Carrots. Have a fun trip." He responded as the EMT closed the back doors. He could barely see her slight wave, but it made him snort slightly.
Then, the porcupine EMT turned to him. "She'll be at Zootopia Central if you want to visit. But she won't be there long." Before waiting for a response, the EMT slowly sauntered her way around the ambulance, towards the door.
Nick shook his head. "Thanks." He muttered, as he turned and started to walk back towards the front of the Museum. Most of the ZPD officers were there, taking interviews from subway employees, and dealing with all of Bellweather's lackeys. One officer was even talking with the curator of the museum, likely trying to get access to the CCTV footage. If there was any.
In Nick's experience, CCTV footage often looked like it was taken on a potato. When his cellphone had a better camera, that was pretty bad. But, that's why police needed witnesses.
Smirking, he found it rather hilarious to be on this side of things for once. To be needed, and wanted by the police.
He didn't have much time to gloat, though, as the light of the sun suddenly disappeared. The fox turned, to see the large, somewhat familiar form of the police chief, looming over him.
"Hello, sir." Nick responded cheerfully, as he turned to face the bovine. He crossed his arms, looking up at the monolith of male attitude. Chief Bogo didn't look like the happiest man, but, maybe that was just his relaxed state.
"Mr. Wilde. Would you be willing to provide a statement to the police about what you have seen today?" The buffalo asked, cautiously. Generally, there was something to be said for that consideration. "You were the only other witness to the Night Howler serum farm and the suspects there. Your testimony would be essential in ensuring their conviction for their crimes."
Nick bobbed his head, considering it for a moment. While certainly a gruff individual, he really liked to slather that butter all over, didn't he? The fox was very impressed, honestly. "Yes, sir. I would love to provide my testimony to a officer."
At that moment, he saw a slight twinge of relief on Bogo's face. Clearly he'd suspected the fox to be more difficult than that. "Good, uh, thank you, Mr. Wilde. I will have Officer Fangmeyer-"
Bogo was right to suspect that. "Ah, no." Nick interjected, waving his hand dismissively as he closed his eyes and shook his head. "I said I would provide my statement to a Officer. Not 'an'. As in, one of my choosing, not yours."
Bogo's head jerked back slightly. "Sir?"
"Y'see, I had this unfortunate experience. Yeah, I was with a group of officers, and some superior said something like. . . 'You'd think I would trust the words of a fox'. . . Right in front of those officers. Oh, wait, that was you, wasn't it? I surely wouldn't want to be interviewed by someone who feels that way about a fox, right?"
He watched, as the police chief seemed to shrink as his shoulders dipped. Nick smirked, smugly. That was right, Nick hadn't forgotten. And, Nick was pretty sure that Bogo saw where this was going already. "Okay, sir, what officer would you like to interview you?"
The big buffalo's voice was straining slightly, their displeasure leaking through. But, Nick was the one with the power now, wasn't he? "Officer Judith Laverne Hopps."
Bogo let out a sigh, lifting a hoof to his forehead. "Ms. Hopps is not an offic-"
"Oof, that'll look bad. . . First, a certified newbie solves a crime you can't in 48 hours. . . And then, she quits, and finds the ringleader responsible? All with the help of a 'shifty fox', not the ZPD? Not taking her back after that. . . That'd be quite a headline, wouldn't it?" He muttered as he rubbed his chin curiously, looking at the reporter vans parked behind the emergency vehicles.
The buffalo was obviously pissed, as his eyes narrowed at the annoying fox. But, he was a smart fox. He knew exactly what he was doing. "It's not that simple, Mr. Wilde. . . But, I will talk with Ms. Hopps about her possible reinstatement."
Nick snorted. as he pulled out a small slip of card paper. As a street hustler, it always paid to have a business card handy. . . Well, at least one with only your first name and phone number on it. "Well, when you've got that sorted out with Carrots, have her call me, and we'll set up an interview."
The buffalo reached down and took the card. Glaring. "Sir, the sooner we get your witness statemen-"
"Ah!" Nick interrupted, as he began to walk backwards. "I think what you mean, sir, is 'the sooner Carrots has her job back'. . . I'll be waiting." He spoke sarcastically, watching as the buffalo crushed the card in his fist, glaring at the fox.
But, as he turned around and started walking down the street, the fox was smiling heavily. There wasn't much the buffalo could do if he didn't want to give a statement. Forcing him to open the ZPD to criticism of speciesism, if he complained.
The buffalo didn't have many choices. It might take a week. Maybe a few days. But, he'd either have to cave, or lose valuable help. . . He'd feel bad for dicking over Judy, though. This was her case, after all. . .
Eh. There was no way Bogo wouldn't rehire her. And, at minimum, he'd get to see her again then. As he walked the slow walk back to his house, he internally patted himself on the back. He was a sly fox, after all.
Nick flicked the switch on, the weak light flickering as it illuminated his small room. The wallpaper was yellow; whether by original colour or time, he couldn't tell. Not that it mattered much, as he shuffled around his small studio.
It was barely a studio, really. In the basement 'suite' of the apartment complex, it was both the cheapest and possibly the worst apartment in all of Sahara Square.
He could've stayed somewhere else. He could've afforded a much better place. But, people didn't go looking for you in the dingy places. And, the landlord here never asked any questions, never questioned any of his comings or goings, or even noticed that he existed most of the time.
But it was home. It had been home for a long time. He threw his keys lackadaisically on the kitchenette counter and wandered the few short feet to his bed. And, with a sigh, he fell into it.
And groaned, heavily. The fox ached. All over. In every limb, in every muscle he had. That fucking rabbit was horrible. And on top of all of that, his mattress was literally trash.
What had she gotten him into? Just today, specifically? Fighting with criminals. Thrown from a train. Running all over the museum. Being tossed into a pit, violently. And on top of that, any emotional grief he had from having to deal with the rabbit who. . .
Nah, now wasn't the time to think about that kind of stuff. She apologized. She cried. And she had blueberries. That was the important thing, right? Yeah, sure, that's what mattered most.
Now, everything in Nick's life could just get back to normal. He could call up Finnick, get the racket going again. Go back to the simple, easy life of a fox. Like he was supposed to.
Still. . . The adventure with that rabbit was a fun one. He'd honestly miss her maybe when all this was over. That wit, that charm. That personality. It was some of the most fun times he'd ever had in his life.
But, who knew? Maybe he'd run into her again. Face planted into the bed, he smirked at the thought. Seeing her on patrol, in that nice uniform. Probably being talked to, checked to see if he was doing anything too shifty. . .
He'd probably have to start doing his taxes. . . Eh, maybe not. . . He could suave his way out of that bunny's clutches. . . He could imagine the kinds of conversations they might have. And, a few interactions. . .
His imagination was limitless with that rabbit, as he slowly dozed off.
Bzzzzzzzz-bzzzzzzzz
Nick let out a groan, as a strange sound began to rouse him from his sleep.
Bzzzzzzzz-bzzzzzzzz
Was that his. . . Phone? He lifted his head, blinking painfully as he reached for the nearby side table. But, a quick pat around revealed nothing.
Bzzzzzzzz-bzzzzzzzz
Oh. . . . That was right. He hadn't taken any of his clothes off before he'd dozed off. . . He reached into his pocket, and pulled out the offensive object. He glared at the screen, noting first that the time was 8:30 in the fucking AM.
Who the fuck wa-. The obvious name flashed on the screen. Oh, the ZPD. . . What could they fucking want? Did that damn buffalo not understand a damn thing he'd said to them? He hit the answer button and held it to his ear. At the very least, he needed to take the opportunity to complain to the person that they were being disturbed.
"What?" The fox demanded, growling into the phone. He was too tired for tact. And, if the buffalo was on the other end trying to beg him into coming in, then the buffalo was going to learn what happened when you annoyed the fox that early in the morning.
Generally nothing. . . But, hey. He could at least be mad about it.
"Hello sir, my name is Officer Clawhauser." A male voice came through the phone, somehow full of joy at eight in the morning. "Are you Mr. Nick Wilde?"
Was he Mr. Nick Wilde this early in the morning? "Yes?" He responded as he rolled onto his back with a sigh.
"Oh, good. Well, I was calling to ask if you had time to come in for an interview regarding the incident that occurred yesterday. . . Would you be available at, say, at 12:00 PM?" The officer continued, in that same sickeningly cheery tone.
Nick shook his head, as he sat up in the bed. Did Bogo seriously think that sixteen hours would change Nick's mind? He still had his demands, which he was sure couldn't be fulfilled already.
Of course. . . He did think about how Judy would have felt, knowing he was being difficult. . . Heck, he was probably lucky that she didn't have his cell number, or she'd probably have chewed him out for it. "Look, I already talked to Chief Bogo, he knows what my requests are."
The was a pause on the other line, as he heard the crackle of the speaker moving slightly. "Yeah. . . Chief Bogo told me that you could come in, and talk further about your request if you could. But he also told me to assert that you come in for an interview anyway."
Nick shook his head. "Is Car-" He paused, shaking his head. "Is Officer Hopps conducting the interview?" He asked, somewhat loftily.
"Uh, I haven't seen Judy all day. The last time I heard, she was still in the hospital." The officer continued, confirming his suspicions. Also worrying him. Did she get a concussion, maybe? Or, something else? She didn't have anyone in the city to look after her if she did. . . So, they'd probably keep her overnight for observation.
But, that wasn't their argreement. "Fine. I'll come in to talk to the Chief, but not an interview."
"Great! So, does 12 work for you?" Officer Clawhauser continued, joyously.
Nick looked at the clock, and frowned. "Make it 12:30."
Nick looked around the sparse room, legs crossed as he sat in the small steel chair. The walls were grey. The tables were grey. It was all so blah.
And, to top it off, the chairs were uncomfortable, as he stared angrily at the large glass window on the wall. He doubted anyone was watching, he wasn't exactly a criminal after all. He was just there for an interview. Besides, the little camera he saw blinking in the corner of the room was likely more than enough for the purpose.
He went to the front desk when he arrived and asked where the chief's office was. Instead, the large cheetah behind the desk directed him to the interview rooms and told him to wait in 2-H. He'd said someone would be there shortly to talk to him.
Of course, that was thirty minutes ago, and Nick was flicking one foot up and down in impatience. Especially knowing that they were probably doing this on purpose. Make him pissed, then maybe he'll just try and get it all over with.
Making anyone wait at this steel table, across from an empty chair, was bound to be frustrating. But, it wasn't going to work. He had his demands, and he wasn't going to cooperate. Unless, like, Judy called him or something. And asked him to.
Yeah, he'd probably cave for that. . . Was he really being this much of a dick, for no reason? Hindering the police's actions? Normally that would be fine to him, but now. . . He felt like a bit of an asshole. But, he was doing it for a good reason, right?
Of course. The ends justified the means, always. . . Maybe. He crossed his arms, as the angry look turned into a contemplative stare at the tabletop. There was no way they would refuse having Judy rejoin. So what if it took her a bit to do it?
Clink. Clink. A sound came from beyond the door, as his ears turned.
Through the door, he heard muffled words. They soundproofed this place well, considering even he couldn't make it out.
Click. The door handle turned, and it was quickly pulled open by an unseen force.
"Thanks, Ben." A familiar voice called out, as the rabbit slowly manoeuvred herself on crutches through the doorway. She was dressed in a police uniform, but not the tactical one he'd seen her in before. This was more of a regular patrol one. It looked good on her. The cheetah from the front was holding the door open with a pleasant smile.
"No problem!" Nick stared at the rabbit, surprised as she paused on her crutches just past the doorway, as it slid closed behind her.
"Hey, Nick. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. These things really suck on the stairs." She spoke, smiling as she slowly began to make her way to the chair.
Without thinking, Nick stood up quickly and moved around the table to pull the second chair out. The rabbit smirked at him, as she made her way over. Underneath her one arm, pinned to a crutch, was a brown folder. "Carrots. . I'm sorry. I didn't think they'd make you do this while. . . Recovering."
The rabbit chuckled. "Don't worry about it. I'm only on crutches until my cut actually starts healing. It was a little too long to go straight back to walking. . . I have to say, it's an interesting workout, though. Thanks."
Judy set the folder onto the table, as she slipped carefully into the chair. She propped her crutches up, as Nick made his way back to his seat. "Besides, you specifically requested me. . . How could I refuse?"
Nick felt a little embarrassed suddenly, as he sat back down. "I figured if I gave Bogo an ultimatum, he'd have to hire you back. . . He did, right?"
The rabbit smirked at him, as she opened the folder and pulled out a pen. "Yes, he did. We talked about it at length yesterday, but the hospital wouldn't let me go home to my elevator-less apartment until I could use crutches on the stairs properly. Since I live alone. Thanks for. . . You know, sticking up for me."
Nick grinned, as he leaned back in his chair. "Ah, don't mention it. You worked hard for your uniform, you should have it."
Judy smiled softly, as she pulled out a few sheets of interview paper. "Well, I think we should probably get started. Before you forget anything important, of course." She teased, as she clicked her pen a few times.
Nick rolled his eyes, as she slowly began filling out the boring details. He leaned back in the chair, watching the rabbit as she scribbled away. A minute later, she raised her eyes to look at him.
Her purple iris' were interesting. . . Nick never saw anything like them before. "So, can you give me your full name sir?" She spoke teasingly, as she waved the pen a wave.
"Nicholas Piberius Wilde."
"Okay. I know how, but for assurance. . . How do you spell it?"
"Is there anything else that you want to add to this statement?" Judy asked as she continued writing.
Nick shrugged. "No, I think that's it, Carrots. I don't remember anything else important, at least."
Judy smiled. "No, you gave a lot of information, Nick. I'm really impressed, this will be extremely important. . . Have you given this statement voluntarily, and it is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge?"
"Yes, fluff." He answered, shaking his head. She was such a stickler for procedure. . . It was adorable. She finished writing and drew a zig-line through the last few empty lines.
"Alright. I'm going to need you to read over your entire statement, initial on all of the corrections, sign at the bottom of each, and initial both ends of the final zig-zag." She requested, as she gathered the papers together, and pushed them over towards him.
Nick shook his head and reached out for her pen. She passed it, and he began reading the statement over, as fast as he could.
He read it. Signed the page. Read the next page, signed at the bottom. Made sure all corrections were initialled. Moved onto the next page. And so on, for what seemed like an endless number of pages. But, finally, he came to the final page of the statement, with its zig-zag and final questions.
He bobbed his head sarcastically as he finished the page, initialled the zig-zag, and signed at the bottom of the final page.
His brows fell, as he looked at the paper curiously. that was the final page. . . But why was there another page under it? Did he have to sign something else?
He turned what he thought was the end page over, and stared at the folded, slightly crumpled and worn page that had been hidden under the stack of pages.
It already had his signature at the bottom. . . But, the colour of the pen was different. He looked up at the header of the page, with a large ZPD badge emblazoned beneath it.
Zootopia Police Department
Employment Application Form
Underneath, his name was filled in. His citizenship, height, weight, species and predator. . . Special abilities.
Wait. . . This was. . . She keep it? The fox looked up in surprise. The rabbit stared at the table, ears flopped down in. . . embarrassment? "I thought that. . . Well. . . Yesterday, we worked so well together. We got the bad guys. . . I thought that maybe you might like to, um. . . Reconsider joining me. On the ZPD. . . . I understand if you're still mad at me. And, want to. . Walk away, and never se-. . ."
She started, and Nick could see the water building in her eyes. "I can't submit this, Carrots. . ." He answered, causing her to tilt her head up to look at Nick. She seemed so sad. . .
The fox shook his head and turned the piece of paper towards her, showing her his scribbles from so long ago. "The date at the bottom is from, like, three months ago. My scribble-out work here is very unprofessional. And, I probably could've elaborated a little more for my 'special abilities'. . . Who would ever take this application seriously? Do you have a new one, or was it a one-shot deal?" He continued, as his mouth curved into a smile. She wiped the water from her eye, shaking her head with a slight sniff.
"Yeah, I can get you one. . . I can also get the whole application form, while I turn this statement over if you want."
Nick nodded, as the rabbit put the witness statement into the folder, and carefully stood up and got on her crutches. Wait. "That's not the whole form?" He asked as he stood up. He picked up his old application form and slipped it into his pocket. Wasn't that enough information?
The rabbit started towards the door with a laugh. "Not even close, Nick. This form's just so they open your file and send you the full documents. You've got a lot of filling out to do, and that is just step one."
Nick followed her to the door, turning the knob before she had a chance to position herself to it. He stepped past, pulling the door open full for her. "Step one?" He asked, nervously.
"Oh, you're in for a real treat, Nick. . . There is, an 11-step process, before training. Don't worry, fox, I'll sit down with you and help you with the forms. You might want to start physical training, too." The rabbit spoke, as she crutched her way over to a nearby desk.
She passed it to the officer behind the desk and turned to Nick. "Don't you have. . . cop stuff to do?"
Judy scoffed. "No, I'm on 'physical injury' leave. I only came in for this, since you were being an ass. C'mon, I think Ben has the full application forms at the desk. Or, at least he'll know where they are. You're not busy right now, are you?"
Nick continued following the rabbit, trying to wrap his head around what she was saying. Help with the forms, why? And physical training? What did she mean by busy, how much time was this going to take? "Yeah, sure. . . How many pages is this application form?"
"Around 50. Ish? I think?"
Fuck.