Judy had lived ten more years. A lot had changed, but many things hadn't.
One day on the job she happened to walk down near the ZPD's Medical Examiner's room. She saw Kristen Fangmeyer in it, which filed her with instant dread. Without thinking, she opened the door.
"Hopps?" Carl Pedshark, the ZPD's ferret Medical Examiner, regarded her with a dubious expression.
"Oh, can I come in?" Judy almost tittered.
"Hey, Hopps," Fangmeyer looked down at the ME's table. It was decorated with a mostly-complete skeleton of some sort of mammal. Judy felt a sinking feeling as she tried to look onto the table to discern its origin.
"What's... is this for a case you're working, Detective Fangmeyer?" Judy blinked.
"Not exactly," Fangmeyer folded her arms. "This is just me closing a chapter of my life. Finally."
"The skeleton was found in a forest by another ZPD team, and through dental records we've been able to confirm his origin," Dr. Pedshark offered.
"Didn't even really need the confirmation, once I saw him assembled," Fangmeyer shook her head. "He's got that metal front fang. It's him."
"The one that hurt you all that time ago..." Judy nodded in understanding. She poked at her head. "It wasn't... Tiberius Sabre, was it?"
"...How the hell did you know that?" Fangmeyer turned to her, mildly shocked. "I haven't spoken his name in ages."
"Well, that's the last time I'll say it," Judy looked apologetic. "Just reminded me of a case file I saw."
"Shoo, Hopps, it's pretty crazy you're not a detective already," Fangmeyer grinned. "Stan's a good partner for the physical work, but I think the ZPD could use another 'smart' couple, like you and Nick."
"Oh, I don't know," Judy chuckled, looking a little distracted. "Anyway, it's kind of... good that you can get that closure, huh?"
"Sort of," Fangmeyer scowled, turning to the bones. "Almost wish he was alive, in jail. I put scum like him there now, and it'd feel great to know he knew that." She balled her fists, then relaxed them, teasing out her claws, then sheathing them again. "Oh well. Now you get to put him away, Dr. Pedshark."
"Would be more than happy to, if we're all done here," Dr. Pedshark nodded, looking over to the two female officers.
"Yeah, I think we're done," Fangmeyer folded her arms again.
As he passed by Judy, the ferret stopped to look up at her. "Oh, Officer Hopps. My wife was looking forward to having coffee with you on the weekend, if you think you can spare the time."
"Oh, sure," Judy nodded with a small smile. "I'll text her this evening."
It was a mild day in Savanna Central. It was by far Judy's favorite of Zootopia's districts. The way the dissimilar buildings melded together into a cornucopia of an urban playground, it was so foreign and yet so familiar. The temperature was nice as well. Though the Meadowlands reminded her more of where she grew up, Savanna Central felt much more like home.
She sipped from her coffee as she took glances at the ferret across from her. Ferrets seemed to age very gracefully, and Carla Pedshark didn't look a year older than she had when she'd helped Judy out all that time ago. The bunny felt like communicating this, but instead turned back to her coffee. She liked it a little sweeter than she used to, back when it was all bite. She blamed Nick for that. Developing a sweet tooth was dangerous as a bunny, one of Judy's aunts used to say, especially if it was the front tooth, because that one was always growing.
"Do you mind if I ask a bit of a personal question?" Carla broke the silence, rubbing her paws on her own coffee cup.
"Not at all," Judy's guard fell a bit, but she gave a subtle nod to communicate her comfort.
"I had wondered why you and Nick are still beat cops," Carla said, breaking up her question with a sip of her beverage. Judy instantly began to look a little defensive, her eyes moving away. "You two are fiercely intelligent, and there's a lot of things that need doing on higher levels than what you two are currently at. ...I'm sorry if that sounds, uhm... blunt."
"It's a fair question," Judy tried not to grumble. "But... I think Nick and I are in a good place right now." She took in a slow breath and let it out with equal care. "I mean, he and I have 'saved Zootopia', right? We're the first bunny and fox on the ZPD force, right? How many more boxes do we need to check before it's enough? I mean... y'know, unchecked ambition and all that."
"Of course, of course," Carla nodded, nibbling on her lip a bit.
"Plus, with a set schedule, Nick and I have more time for Larry," Judy drummed her fingers on her cup. "If we were detectives or agents or something, we'd likely be called away to special assignments, then we couldn't be there for him. As it is the kit nearly raises himself..."
"Ah, yes," Carla smiled. "Little Larry."
Judy smiled softly, hearing her wedding band clink against the cup. "Mhm. I think I can afford to stifle my own extravagant goals for making things just a bit easier for him. He needs that too."
"Certainly," Carla nodded vehemently. "...I had just wondered. You know."
Judy's brow fell a little. "What... that that madmammal had gotten to me?"
"Please don't take it the wrong way," Carla waved her paws defensively. "I just wanted to know you're living the best life you desire."
"Well, I am," Judy nodded defiantly, but she felt her teeth grit in her mouth. "He was just some insane fool anyway. He got fired from his job for causing explosions in his lab. More than one. Maniac. He just deflected onto me randomly. Really, it could have been anyone. I mean, I'd hate to think if he captured someone not on the ZPD-"
"Okay Judy, okay, I get it, I'm sorry," Carla held her paws up in defeat. "I didn't mean to touch a nerve."
"You didn't, and he's long gone anyway," Judy sighed. "Best forgotten."
"I agree," Carla smiled carefully. "Ah- let's get back to Larry, shall we? I have a little something to show you." The ferret pulled out her phone to show a picture of a small, arguably cute gray squirrel and Kara Pedshark, Carla's daughter. The squirrel was giving a tentative grin up to the softly smiling ferret. "Hm? Isn't this precious? Larry's asking her for help with his biology homework. But if you ask me, there's a bit of 'chemistry' going on there, too."
"Huh, how about that?" Judy found herself nearly forcing a smile. "A little bit of puppy love there, maybe?"
"Larry is a sweet little so-and-so," Carla grinned. "I think it might be."
"Kara's probably a bit out of his league, though," Judy swiftly found herself saying.
"Really? What makes you say that?" Carla blinked. "She's rather socially awkward. I mean, she's in her junior year of high school and hasn't even had a date yet. I think it would be really good for her if she got to go out once or twice."
"But with Larry?" Judy tilted her head. "What do they even have in common? He likes, I dunno, video games and cars, and she's... what, pretty into her studies?"
"I dunno, maybe I'm reading into it," Carla smiled, putting her phone down. "Just thought you should know in case Larry starts acting a little goofy at your place."
Judy chuckled. "How would I be able to tell the difference?"
Carla joined in the chuckling.
Larry Hopps let out an irritated squirrel bark as he saw his character fly off-screen in the game he was playing. He shifted in his small chair and scooted closer, adjusting his headset microphone.
"Okay, okay okay!" Larry narrowed his eyes. "But you only beat me because I was trying to 'have fun' and 'play a new character', that was your idea, Chet! ...Right, right, laugh it up, fluff face. I'm gonna switch to my main and dunk you into the ground!"
Judy appeared at his doorway. She folded her paws and knocked on the door frame. "Hey, Larry?"
"Yeah, Mom?" Larry seemed to be broken from his spell of yelling at his friend.
"Could we talk for a few minutes?"
"I'm kinda in the middle of a game with Chet," Larry indicated his TV screen.
Judy walked into the room and peered over at it. "Well, it looks to me like you're on the character select screen, so aren't you between games?"
"She's got you there, Brody!" Judy heard Larry's friend faintly through his headphones.
"I'll call you back, Chet," Larry groaned, hanging up and taking off his headphones. "What's up?"
"Well..." Judy tilted her head up and looked down at the squirrel. "I've heard a few rumors that someone around here has a girlfriend. Do you know who that might be?"
"...Is this a trick question?" Larry looked up with curious eyes.
"You and Kara!" Judy folded her arms again. "Asking her for tutoring and stuff."
"Oh! That's..." Larry let out a chirp. "That's uh, just, y'know. I need help with my grades, you know that."
"Right, my solid B student," Judy's eyelids fell.
"I got a C in Biology last time!" Larry winced.
"Well, anyway," Judy shook her head. "I just want you to be careful, okay?"
"'Careful'...?" Larry began to look ever more uncomfortable. "Mom we're... we're just- we're not even dating or anything."
Judy held her arms out in a shrug. "And, you might find that she's not really right for dating you. And that's totally okay."
"Wait, what!?" Larry's jaw dropped. "Okay, that's rich coming from you. You married a fox."
"No no no," Judy shook her head tightly. "It's not about species, or pred-prey, anything like that. It's about your... well, goals."
Larry was silent for several uncomfortable moments.
"Kara wants to be a chemist," Larry said. "She's in Advanced Placement classes."
"Right," Judy nodded. "So-"
"So you're saying I'm not 'good enough' for her, Mom?" Larry snarled. "Cause I'm just- I'm taking boring ol' normal classes and not even acing them? Cause I don't know what to do with myself!?"
"No! That's not what I'm saying!" Judy winced and nearly cringed. "Not at all."
"Sure sounds like it," bitterness lined Larry's voice.
"It's just... chemists, they..." Judy swore she felt her neurons bashing around in her brain violently. "They're kind of a more... reclusive scientist, so... I dunno, they might have more problems interacting... on a social level. They like mixing together things and causing reactions that they can control. But relationships are complicated."
Larry sat there in his chair with his paws on his chair, looking baffled. "Kara's... nice though."
"I know, but-"
Judy was interrupted by Nick entering the room. He quickly and firmly placed his paw on Judy's shoulder.
"Hey hey, how's it going, Champ?" Nick grinned. "I think what your mother is trying to say is that we're both very happy you found a nice li'l mammal to be sweet on. She just doesn't want you to get your li'l heart hurt. Right?"
"Mm," Judy mumbled.
"Um, okay, I'll be careful?" Larry narrowed an eye.
"Right, don't let their looks fool you, ferrets can be feisty," Nick clicked his tongue and pointed at Larry, then ushered Judy out of the room.
The two came to a stop in their own room, and Judy shut the door.
"Excuse you," Judy said in a low voice.
"Excuse ME!?" Nick replied in a harsh whisper, driving his paws into his chest. "What was that all about?"
"Exactly what you saw," Judy folded her arms. "I don't want Larry to get hurt."
"Right, because he might want to date a chemist-to-be," Nick shrugged a shoulder, his voice turning deadpan.
"That's not it," Judy grit her teeth.
"Because all chemists are psycho murderers," Nick continued with dangerous eyes. "Is that what we've learned?"
"Nick," Judy returned dangerously. "Please. Don't go there." She began to look pensive, and her anger drained. "It's just..." she folded her arms tight. "I've had it on my mind lately, since Detective Fangmeyer found her aggressor's remains."
"Oh," Nick's own irritation started to drain. "Well, you know better than to think someone's profession will drive them to... you know."
"Right, I know, I know that in my head, but my heart still... hurts, I guess," Judy looked away. "I don't want Larry to be hurt. Emotionally or otherwise."
Nick took Judy's paws with his own, holding them lightly. "I get it, but what's gonna happen if you keep throwing yourself between him and every geeky piece of fluff he wants to go after?"
Judy sighed.
"He's gotta take the good with the bad," Nick went on. "He's had it rough. We shouldn't try to be obstacles to his happiness, if we can avoid it."
The bunny looked offended for a split second, then she deflated with a sigh. "I guess you're right. I might need- I should take some time off."
"Heaven knows you barely do that," Nick rolled his eyes.
"And go somewhere... like," Judy searched the room with her eyes. "Back to Bunnyburrow. Alone."
"Yeah...?" Nick looked nervous. "Don't want to make it a family thing again?"
Judy shrugged. "I've just got some things I think I need to say to a certain mammal. I'd rather do it by myself."
"Well, okay," Nick nodded. "Larry and I will just be a phone call away if you need anything."
"Thanks, Nick," Judy smooched his nose. "I think I've got this."
Judy's heart felt like it was in her throat as she knocked on the door.
She hoped she had the right place, but then again, part of her hoped she didn't. Slowly, the door opened.
"Judy?" Samantha Hopps eyed her with curiosity. "You're a heck of a ways from home. What're you doing in Bunnyburrow?"
"I just- er, felt like dropping by," Judy said, almost convincingly.
"The hubby or the kit here?" Samantha poked out to look.
"No, just me," Judy put her hands behind her back.
"Aw, I haven't seen that kit in forever," Samantha gave a half smile. "Has he grown any?"
"Not really," Judy chuckled. "What you see at about ten years old is what you get with squirrels a lot of times."
Samantha seemed to jolt as she realized she wasn't being the most gracious of hosts. "Oh, uh, did you want to come in?" The taller, cream-colored bunny was quite fit, and wearing a tank top and jogging shorts. "Sorry, I was just working out."
"Sure," Judy stepped into the apartment and yelped. There was a giant plush of a rabbit shoved into the corner, its head bobbed forward disconcertingly.
"Oops," Samantha giggled. "Freakin' Serendipity. She's gotten me a couple of times, too." Samantha roughly pushed the plush on its head, making it bob back. It was clearer with its starry eyes and spiky fluff on its ears that it was supposed to be the Celestial Animal Serendipity.
"Got that at a Serendipiday, did you?" Judy smiled.
"Terra did."
"Oh, is she here...?" Judy's voice broke a little, hoping the answer might be no.
This was met with a smallish kit fox rounding the corner. She smiled and waved. "Heya. Oh, Judy! Haven't seen you since our wedding! How are you?"
"Fine, fine," Judy replied, mostly automatically. She smiled a bit too broadly at the kit fox and tried to stifle a giggle.
Seeing the apparent scrutiny, Samantha's brow pushed forward and she narrowed an eye. "What?"
"Oh, nothing, it's just... every time I see Terra, I'm just struck with how, um..." Judy fluttered on.
"Spit it out," Samantha demanded tersely.
"How... cute she is...?" Judy let out her sentence with a very ginger edge.
Samantha's mood immediately lightened and she chuckled. "Oh, heh, well, yeah."
"Thank you," Terra raised her left hand and swished it as she pretended to be sword-fighting or something similar, "I've worked hard to become so."
"I was wondering if I could talk to you alone for a bit?" Judy's head half turned to Samantha.
"Anything you can say to me, you can say to her, right?" Samantha shrugged.
"Can I sit down, then?" Judy eyed their couch, looking uncomfortable.
"Oh, uh, yeah!" Samantha winced. "You want something to drink?"
"Not really," Judy sighed. "Shoo, well, how to begin..."
Samantha sat down on a chair across from her, and Terra draped herself whimsically over her bunny.
"It's not like family trouble, is it?" Samantha tilted her head.
"Not exactly," Judy sighed. "You see, about ten years ago now... I was attacked."
Judy paused to let the gravity of the statement take hold. Samantha and Terra's eyes both widened, and Terra turned to her mate.
"Um, maybe I should get Judy something to drink," Terra said.
Samantha's eyes narrowed. "I thought she said she-"
Terra met her gaze with a bizarre look that combined sternness with cuteness.
"Okay, yeah."
Terra hurriedly got up and made herself scarce, leaving the two bunnies alone.
"By who?" Samantha's voice started to lower, and she leaned in.
"Some... hare," Judy bit her lip. "He captured me, put me in an abandoned facility, and left me alone for a whole day. Once I was half starved, he told me how he was just going to let me die..."
"What the hell..." Samantha barely breathed. "But the ZPD got you? They got him."
"Yes," Judy's breaths started to shake a little. "Yes on both counts."
"Your fox save you...?" Samantha almost smiled.
"Not quite," Judy shook her head. "He helped."
"You never told this to the rest of the family?" Samantha asked incredulously. "I feel like I would have heard of this by now."
"I know, and that's exactly the reason I didn't," Judy suddenly couldn't meet her eyes.
"God, Judy," Samantha sucked at her teeth. "You can't act like you're invincible. When I was attacked, I had all of the family to help. I moved back in with them. They all supported me. I needed that. Strong as I am, I know I couldn't have done it without Violet, Mom, Dad, everyone."
"I did have help," Judy insisted. "A therapist, Nick, the ZPD. They're all really good friends to me. I didn't want to bring it up because... I dunno, I know you had that incident happen and... I didn't want to drag up those memories just for my sake."
"Tuh, I would have been glad to help, Judy," Samantha frowned. "Even keep it secret if you really wanted."
"Please still do that," Judy looked at her again. "I really don't want my family begging me to give up being a policebunny again."
"I get it," Samantha frowned. "But... why come out with this now then?"
"Well, I just... I feel like I had some kind of a relapse," Judy shook her head. "Not really major, but... it just- I thought it was all behind me, but I feel like I still have some of it come up from time to time. Like, I got in an argument with Larry about what kind of girlfriend he should have. His girlfriend wants to be the same profession as the guy that attacked me. A chemist."
"Oh, well what's that got to-," Samantha interrupted herself. "Hm."
"I wanted to know something," Judy lowered her voice considerably. "After being attacked by a fox, are you really okay with having another fox as a mate?"
"I can't really help what I'm attracted to, Judy," Samantha half-smiled. "It was hard for a long time, but... with someone as sweet as Terra, it eventually got easier. ...I know that sounds really basic, but you know I have a hard time explaining things."
"Do you have any advice?" Judy winced hopefully.
"I... tshh..." Samantha looked put upon as she appeared to wrack her brain, staring into the middle distance. "I dunno. See if you can get to know the girlfriend a bit better if that's an option? Put yourself in a position to get to see her good sides. For me, when I was with Terra, I had this warning siren going off in my head. 'She's a fox! She's a fox!' Eventually, it got quieter. 'She's a fox.' Sometimes, I still 'hear' it. But heck, she's the love of my life, so heck yeah she's a fox."
Judy smiled and chuckled a little. "That sounds very nice. Thank you, Samantha."
"Of course," Samantha nodded, then looked surprised when Judy got up. "Um, are you leaving? You don't wanna stay for a while?"
"Well, I do have to visit the rest of the fam," Judy rolled her eyes. "They wouldn't forgive me if they figured out I was here without dropping by."
"Oh, I wouldn't have told them," Samantha scratched her head.
Judy hugged her sister, who hugged back firmly. "I'm sure they would have figured out somehow. They do have Violet, after all." She released her, and gave a centering sigh. "Thank you."
"Love you, Jude the Dude," Samantha tapped her fist on Judy's head.
"You still remember that," Judy droned in deadpan.
Terra cautiously came out, wielding a cup of water. "Oh, are you going, Judy? I got this cup of water for you."
Samantha turned to her. "What, did you pour a cup of ice and wait for it all to melt?"
While keeping eye contact with Samantha and maintaining a straight face, Terra suddenly jerked her arm, and the contents of the cup splashed all over Samantha's face and ears.
Samantha squinted, shivering. "Terra."
"Oops," Terra monotoned seriously, turning to Judy. "My arm slips like that sometimes."
"I better go," Judy giggled.
"Yeah, and might want to cover your ears as you do, she gets this really shrill scream when under a tickle assault," Samantha grumbled.
Terra flashed a huge grin and darted off.
"Oh, that's not going to save her..." Samantha muttered darkly.
"Bye, Samantha," Judy waved happily.
"Hey, you got my number if you need any help," Samantha pointed at Judy's pocket.
Judy nodded. "Thank you..."
Samantha puffed air to get some water away from her lips. "And bring the li'l squirt next time. And Larry, too."
Judy started to let herself out, considering this and then finally nodding with an almost far-off smile.
"I will."