Chapter One: Gone Fishing
Written by LapisLucius42
Edited by Cimar & BeecroftA
"Which one of these do you think is a good vacation spot, Carrots?" Nick asked while scrolling through the list.
"What are your preferences?" Judy asked.
"Sunny weather for starters. Adventure is good too."
"Police work isn't adventure?"
Nick kept his eyes on the menu. "Ten percent of it is. The other ninety percent is office work."
"It's definitely more than ten percent!" she chastised.
"Perspective is key, Fluff."
The bunny sat back in her seat and crossed her arms. She was growing impatient over how much time Nick was spending choosing for them. "We wouldn't have to take a vacation this way if you hadn't hustled me into that Objection! stunt and increased our workload."
"Still worth hearing Bogo's reaction." He smiled from the satisfaction and memories.
But Judy refused to let him continue enjoying those feelings. "If you don't pick something soon, I will for us."
Hearing her irritated tone was enough for him to back away from the menu with his paws up. "Be my guest."
"Thank you." The doe leaned forward and scanned over the options, quickly finding one that she liked, and hopefully Nick would too. "How about this one?"
Nick peered over and saw her choice. "Fishing? You like that?"
"I used to fish at a lake with my family back in Bunnyburrow. Catch and release."
Nick looked back and forth between her and the screen before leaning back in his seat. "Why not? It's got sunny weather and a bit of adventure to it."
Happy with their choice, Judy lowered her helmet and was about to hit the start button when Nick seized her paw.
"Say Carrots," he said. "Why don't we make it more interesting?"
The bunny lifted her helmet and shot the fox a curious look. "Oh? What do you have in mind?"
He released her paw and continued. "Want to give nightmare mode another shot? It will make things more interesting."
Judy stared at him after hearing his suggestion. "We're trying to relax, not suffer."
Nick sat up in his chair and shot an eyebrow and a smirk at her. "Why? Are you scared? I hear you bunnies frighten easily."
The doe would have struck his shoulder were he not just out of reach, so she settled with a huff and her expression matched Nick's. "Do I need to remind of the last horror movie night?"
The tod conceded that she got him there and let out a chuckle. "Fair point. But the question still stands, Carrots."
The thought of experiencing nightmare mode again certainly piqued Judy's curiosity. Their first time was unexpected, but now they could experience it officially and decide if the mode was a future option. That thought convinced Judy to push onward. "Let's not overdo it this time." The smug reappeared on the doe's face. "But you'll still scream your head off."
Nick slipped on his visor and lay back in the seat. "We'll see."
Judy accepted the challenge and set the dial to the lowest setting in nightmare mode before pressing start. The two slipped on their visors and relaxed as they drifted off to warm weather and adventure.
June 30th,
On a hot summer day on Outback Island, a jeep parked in an empty spot of the harbor lot. Nick and Judy stepped out of the vehicle with their fishing gear and a cooler full of drinks and snacks in tow. Nick pulled the cooler with the gear and tackle boxes placed on top while Judy carried the rods and nets. The fox was wearing a green Pawaiian shirt, brown shorts, and a pair of sunglasses. The bunny was wearing a pink flannel shirt, blue shorts, and a pair of sunglasses that Nick bought for her.
The docks were filled with activity from mammals on land and water, many of them whom Nick and Judy were friends with. The couple exchanged waves and greetings with them as they walked to their destination. Outback Island was fairly popular for fishing and sailing; both of which contributed much to the island's livelihood. It was the farthest port in the outlet that led to the ocean and also served as the main checkpoint for shipments entering and leaving Zootopia.
Along with Savanna Central and Sahara Square, Outback Island was surrounded by salt water, giving Zootopia a balance of freezing and warm, and fresh and salt waters. Salinity was one area the founders left alone since the waters already showed the distinct separation and provided another tourism site. It also allowed a larger variety of fish to be a part of the predators' diets, though limited due to the brackish waters away from the beaches and ports.
Nick and Judy finally stopped at a white fishing boat with the name Finnick's Folly painted in black on the transom. While the vessel appeared easily able to accomadate large or medium-sized mammals, it was the perfect for them and the owner. The boat also appeared outdated as a result of its time at sea. A ladder led to the wheel and controls above the cabin. The bow had rails along the edges to allow for fishing in front and prevent mammals from falling overboard accidentally. There was also a crow's nest on the mast.
"I'm surprised Finnick didn't paint his boat like his van," Judy said.
"Oh believe me," Nick said. "He would love to but performing two constant paint jobs discourages him from doing so."
"Makes sense. I'd wager he has a picture of the van's painting somewhere in the cabin."
Nick chuckled at the thought. "I believe that." He took a deep breath and shouted, "HELLO! Is anybody awake yet?"
No response came from the boat after a few moments, so Nick decided to board the vessel.
"Nick," Judy warned. "You know that's a bad idea. Especially with Finnick,"
"Yes, but someone needs to remind him of our arrangement."
The bunny sighed and set her equipment down to watch him enter the boat's cabin.
A few moments later, she flinched from a scream inside followed by Nick apologizing profusely and Finnick yelling obscenities. Judy then saw the tod running out of the cabin followed by a very angry Finnick, clad in only shorts and wielding his bat. Nick succeeded in escaping the boat, but Finnick threw the bat and nailed him in the back, causing Nick to fall flat on the docks. He scrambled back on his feet and quickly hid behind Judy.
"What's the matter with you, Wilde?!" Finnick yelled from the stern. "Ever heard of knocking?!" He then pointed to the bat lying on the docks. "Bunny, give me that back so I can hit him again!"
While Nick did deserve the reaction from his intrusion, Judy knew this was not the place to unleash punishment. "Alright, that's enough. You know why we're here, Finnick."
Finnick huffed and crossed his arms, still angry at Nick. "Yes, but why in all that is good, does it have to be at this unholy hour?"
"Because that's when the fish are active," Nick reasoned. "And you know Judy's an early riser,"
Finnick directed his focus at Nick. "And you choose to take out your frustration on me why?"
"Because I'm afraid of her more than you." He smirked.
Finnick narrowed his eyes at him before shifting his look to a smug Judy. The two held their ground before Finnick's tiredness finally returned.
"Fine," he begrudgingly said, relaxing his stance. "Can you at least return my bat and let me and my girl change clothes."
"Finnick! Did you beat the snot out of your friend yet?" his girl cried.
"Speaking of her."
A female otter appeared with her arms crossed. She was clothed in a pink shirt and green shorts with a pink flower on one of her ears. The otter saw the bat on the docks and Nick cowering behind Judy.
Judy picked up the object and returned it to Finnick. "Yes. Yes, he did."
The otter smirked as the fennec retrieved the bat. "Good."
"Care to introduce your girl to us, Fin?" Nick asked. Finnick had mentioned to him about a new girl and promised to introduce her to them the next time they met.
"The name's Kris," the otter said. "I bumped into Finnick after breaking up with my old boyfriend."
"And that's my cue to leave," Finnick said. "Kris will be coming along with us, and I don't care if you protest. Just let me know when you're ready to depart."
Finnick returned to the boat's cabin, leaving Kris, Judy, and Nick to themselves.
"As I was saying," Kris continued. "I bumped into Finnick and we got into a shouting match before I blurted out the break-up. For some reason, he took it upon himself to teach my ex a lesson and asked me where he was. Surprised and wanting a little revenge at the time, I gave him the location. Boy did that make me happy to see him get a beating. I didn't want to have another boyfriend right away, but Finnick and I instantly connected after seeing my ex running off screaming like a kit."
"Interesting," Nick said.
"Well it's nice to meet you, Kris!" Judy said. "Finnick must have told you about us."
"Nick and Judy. Am I right?"
The two nodded in confirmation. Kris then turned to Nick and batted her eyelashes at him. "You're awfully cute. If I'd ask you out if I wasn't already with Finnick."
Judy narrowed her eyes and immediately wrapped one arm around Nick and pointed at her with the other. Nick yelped in surprise from the wind being pushed out of him.
"Watch it, girl!" the doe spat. "You already have a boyfriend!"
Kris busted out laughing at Judy's reaction. "Calm down! Nick may have the looks, but he doesn't have Finnick's qualities. You can keep him." She then returned to the boat cabin.
Judy's glare remained even after Kris disappeared from her sight. She didn't appreciate the otter flirting with Nick even if it was a joke. Her current anger towards Kris was interrupted by Nick gasping and struggling in her grip.
"Judy…I…can't…breathe." He strained.
She squeaked in embarrassment and released Nick. "Sorry!"
Nick recovered his breath and dusted himself off. "But she's not wrong about my good looks."
Judy's scowl returned and she elbowed Nick in the stomach, causing him to bend over and knocking the wind out of him again. "Just for that, you're carrying all our gear." She hopped boarded Finnick's boat.
"Totally worth it." Nick picked their fishing gear and set it on the cooler before boarding the vessel with them. "All aboard the SS WildeHopps!"
"We are not calling my boat that!" Finnick yelled from inside the cabin.
Nick set their cooler and gear down before responding, "Then how about the SS FinnicKris?"
"No!"
"SS WildeKris?"
Nick ceased after Finnick chased him down on the docks and beat him a few times with the bat. Kris laughed the entire time the spectacle went on and quickly recorded what she could on her phone when she heard Finnick screaming bloody murder. Nick was still laughing when they returned, but his smile instantly disappeared when he saw the look on Judy's face.
"Next time you pull a stunt like that I'm throwing you overboard myself. Got it?!"
Nick quietly nodded and boarded the boat.
"Good."
After freshening up, Finnick and Kris left for breakfast, leaving Nick and Judy in charge. Finnick warned of the consequences should he find any damages upon their return. While they waited, Nick and Judy checked their items and stored them in the proper places before settling down in the cabin. Judy noticed and pointed out to Nick that Finnick did have a picture of the van's painting hanging on the wall. He saw the picture and busted out laughing, vowing to tease his friend about it regardless of his threats.
An hour later, Finnick and Kris returned and the four prepared for departure. Judy and Nick untied the boat from the cleats while Finnick started up the engine and Kris guided him carefully from their spot in the docks. After checking the systems, Finnick gave the boat gas and they finally set sail for sea. As the vessel entered the waterway connected to the ocean, Nick decided the voyage needed entertainment and climbed to the crow's nest.
"You mind if I sing a sea shanty, Finnick?"
"Don't even think about it, Wilde!"
"Great!" The tod took a deep breath and began singing a horribly off-key.
Desperately trying to maintain self-control, Finnick grabbed the wheel in a death grip as he imagined all the scenarios of doing terrible things to Nick as the red fox continued to sing and attract the attention of anyone within hearing range. The other fishermammals and sailors hollered amusingly at Finnick's Folly and this only encouraged Nick.
"Is he always like this?" Kris asked, standing at the cabin entrance and looking up at the tod.
"You have no idea," Judy said, already used to Nick's sea shanties on their voyages.
Once the land disappeared over the horizon, Finnick stopped the boat and let the tide carry them from there. He and Kris grabbed two folding chairs and a six pack and moved to the bow so Nick and Judy could fish from the stern. Judy took the first shift while Nick kept a lookout on the crow's nest for any change in weather patterns. The two watched for birds circling over areas as it meant that schools of fish were below. That also meant the game fish were nearby to feed on the fish.
The two alternated every thirty minutes for breaks. Unfortunately, being this far out at sea meant no cell service. Growing up on a farm, Judy dealt with the lack of reception that occurred occasionally, but Nick grew bored out of his mind and did all he could to pass the time. His time spent on his shift barely alleviating the boredom. During one lookout, he finally disregarded his own safety and decided to bring Judy in with his misery.
"Will you stop fooling around?!"
Judy's right eye twitched as she tightly gripped her fishing rod out of frustration from another one of Nick's outbursts. They had been fishing for hours with no activity from the marine life so far. Not even a nibble. While patience was not normally her virtue, being a seasoned fishermammal taught Judy to be that and to use all that pent-up energy in reeling in the catch. But Nick continued to test her patience along with the sea.
"Judy! What are you doing, girl?!"
"Nick, stop busting my tail!" She growled.
However, this only further encouraged Nick. At this point, he was almost willing to be thrown overboard in hopes of having some activity and to cool off from the heat. "Aw don't be like that, Carrots. You've been sitting there all day with nothing to show for it. Your foot thumping from being impatient probably scared them away!"
"Leave me alone, Nick!" Judy warned. The only thing keeping her from throwing Nick into the water was that his splashing could scare away any possible fish in the area. Though, she wondered if his loud obnoxious voice hadn't already done so. Contrary to his statement, Judy learned to keep her foot still when fishing, something she learned during her trials at sea.
But Nick was on a roll and wanted to see how far he could push her buttons. "Listen you remember how to reel in a catch right? You pull back on the rod as you—"
"Sweet cheese and crackers! I know how to use a rod!" She yelled, finally at her limit with his teasing and not caring if the fish did swim away so as long she shut Nick up.
Knowing when to quit, Nick chuckled as he climbed down from the nest and stood next to her. "You know I'm just messing with you, Fluff." He ruffled her ears.
Judy snapped her head at Nick. Despite her scowl, the sunglasses she was wearing made it less threatening. "You're lucky I can't fish with one paw and hit you with the other right now."
Nick raised his own shades and wiggled his eyebrows. "Can you? That would be difficult while you're strapped down to the chair like that."
Judy was currently wearing a Velcro brace around her chest and shoulders that had two hooks attached to the fishing rod. The rod itself was placed in a slot between her legs on the chair. Knowing how heavy the game fish could be, the two decided to pull on the rod together to reel it in before the line broke or the fish got away. Judy knew she could easily unhook herself and place the rod in a slot on the sides of the chair, but she risked a bite occurring while away.
"Wanna bet?" The bunny warned as reached for one of the hooks.
"Well—"
"Will you two shut your yabbering back there?!" Finnick shouted from the bow. "We're trying to get a tan here and you're killing the mood!"
"Sorry!" Nick apologized. "Judy was exploring the back of her eyelids, and I needed to wake her up!"
"Nick!"
"Well I could care less what you two do so long as you keep it down and not damage my boat!"
At the bow, Finnick and Kris sat in the folding chairs. Finnick wore a black bathing suit with red lines on the sides, similar to one of his shirts. Kris wore a pink bikini, similar to one of her dresses and kept the flower on her ear. The two were also wearing sunglasses and the six-pack sat between them unopened.
"Finnick, calm down," Kris said. "They're being paid to do this."
The fennec scoffed. "If they're being paid, they would be using their own boat instead of borrowing mines."
"It's only for a couple days. Besides, they're your friends and promised us a cut of their catch."
Finnick sighed deeply. "I wish they find something else to do besides tease and argue with each other while they wait. They make us sound tame." He picked up a beer can and opened it.
Kris laughed as she picked up one herself. "With you as the captain of the boat, they will."
Back at the stern, Judy repositioned herself in the chair as Nick stood in front of her and faced the sea.
"Nick, I know our boat is in the shop for repairs," Judy said. "But remind me why we're using Finnick's boat instead of renting one ourselves?"
"The cash from the insurance is supposed to pay for the repairs. Even if we did, it will only be for a day and it will cost more to have it longer. Not to mention that we need the extra paws to actually reel in those heavy ones."
Judy groaned at Nick. "I hate it when you're right."
"When am I not?"
"You want the list?"
Nick turned around to see Judy with her sunglasses raised and smirking at him. "Ouch, that hurt, Carrots. I think I might fall overboard and drown." He leaned backwards with one leg up.
Judy shrugged her shoulders. "Fine with me. I get the boat all to myself and everything else. Might finally get to look at all those secrets you hide from me."
Nick placed his foot down and crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at her. "Oh how dare you."
"It's called a hustle sweetheart."
Nick chuckled. "So it is. Alright, it's my turn. You must be eager to move around on this tiny vessel."
"Hey! My boat may be tiny, but it's home!" Finnick yelled.
Judy couldn't help giggling at Finnick's outburst.
Nick sighed and shook his head. "Sometimes I forget Finnick has good hearing like you, Carrots."
The fox entered the cabin as Judy unhooked herself and placed the rod in one of the side slots. She got up from the chair and removed the brace just when Nick appeared with his own sized brace and took Judy's place. He strapped himself in and reclined in the chair, ready to endure the long wait.
"You fall asleep and I'll make sure you regret it." The bunny warned while stretching.
Nick sighed at her threat. "Carrots, you forget that I've been a fishermammal longer and have more experience than you."
Judy stomped over and stood before Nick with her arms crossed and foot thumping on deck. "I'm not the same naive bunny when we first partnered up. I've learned."
"Be that as it may, Fluff. But years on the sea is one area that I'll always be ahead of you. No matter how hard you try to be better than me."
"Something I'm willing to concede, unfortunately," Judy said begrudgingly and walked to the ladder next to the cabin entrance. "I'll be up in the crow's nest if you need me."
"Will do!" Nick said as he placed one leg over the other and got comfortable.
The fishing boat returned to Zootopia near the end of the day. Finnick and Nick released the anchor and tied at the vessel to the docks while Kris and Judy gathered theirs and their boys' belongings. All four finished off the cooler and dumped the excess water overboard. Nick and Judy then stored their fishing gear in the empty cooler and carried the rods. With the vessel secured, the four walked down to the dock entrance where they stopped for some parting words before separating.
"Sorry you didn't catch anything today," Kris said in a more friendly tone.
Through Judy's persistence and boredom and being the only other girl on the boat, the bunny and the otter struck up a conversation to alleviate the boredom. Just as Nick had his specialty of knowing everyone, Judy had this specialty of making friends and by the end of the conversation, any animosity between the females was nonexistent.
"It's fine," Judy said. "Not the first time Nick and I came home with nothing."
"Same time tomorrow, big guy?" Nick asked Finnick.
"Yeah," He said. "But if you barge into my cabin like that again, I'll bite your face off." He slapped the bat he was carrying in his other paw to prove his point.
"With Judy, no promises." He said while nodding his head to her.
"Don't worry, Finnick," Judy assured. "After this morning, we promise to come a little later."
"You better, or I'll charge more for the trip," Finnick warned.
Kris waved them goodbye. "See you two tomorrow. Nice meeting you."
The couples went their separate ways for the night.
While walking to the jeep, Nick and Judy settled for cooking dinner instead of ordering takeout. Judy let Nick drive them home, having already driven them to the harbor in the morning. The drive was silent with the fox focusing on the road and the bunny falling asleep. When they arrived home, Nick went to wake Judy when he saw how cute she looked napping. He snapped a quick photo, careful to not let the flash from the phone wake her before shaking the bunny.
"We're home, Fluff."
Judy grumbled and shifted in her seat to stretch her limbs. She yawned and opened her eyes to see that they were indeed home. The bunny turned to the fox and smiled. "Thanks Nick."
"You're welcome. I'll put away the gear while you get the kitchen ready."
Judy nodded and the two trudge their way to the house. Inside, the bunny prepared the ingredients in the kitchen while the fox stored the cooler and fishing gear in the basement before entering the kitchen.
"I got the salad and dessert. You got the fish." Judy announced when hearing Nick's footsteps.
He put on his smirk and leaned against the kitchen entry. "Why? Is it because you can't handle preparing and cooking meat?"
Judy huffed while preparing the cutting board. "No, because the last time I let you handle the produce you ate most of the blueberries before we finished cooking." She turned to face Nick with narrowed eyes and a smirk. "Don't think you're that sneaky, Slick."
Nick shrugged his shoulders. "I can't help myself, Fluff. You know how much I love your family's blueberries."
Judy threw one and nailed him right on the nose.
Nick scrunched his nose in a glower from the impact. "Ow! That hurt, and a waste of a perfectly good blueberry!"
"Serves you right," Judy pointed to the pan, plastic gloves, pieces of tuna, cooking oil and other ingredients near the stove. "Now get cooking."
"Yes, ma'am," Nick grumbled, still upset but more for the wasted blueberry than at Judy. He picked up the dirty fruit and went to throw it away when he stopped himself at the last second. The fox quickly cleaned off the blueberry and ate it.
Nick approached the stove and put on plastic gloves to prepare the tuna, being careful to not sheath his claws and rip them. After seasoning the fish with oil and other ingredients, Nick poured a small amount of oil in the pan and turned on the stove. He cleaned the mess while the pan heated up. When the oil started sizzling, Nick carefully placed the tuna pieces in the pan and let them cook to his preference. He then flipped them over to cook the other side.
Meanwhile, Judy chopped the vegetables and placed the pieces in a large bowl. After mixing them, she added the dressings and seasonings before mixing again. Unbeknownst to Nick, she snagged a few pieces of carrots for herself when he wasn't looking, but only when the fish began sizzling in the pan where the sound and smell overpowered his senses. Judy was prepared to use tasting as the reason should she get caught. After finishing the salad, Judy went over to the blender and made smoothies for dessert: carrot for her and blueberry for Nick.
Half an hour later, Nick and Judy sat at the dinner table with their meals and beverages dishes. They spent the first minutes eating and letting the hot and boring day melt away.
"It's that time of year again." Judy finally spoke.
"Mhm," Nick said, eating a piece of tuna steak. "Which is why Finnick is taking his vacation now before the tourism picks up."
"And when the fish populate the area. That means we'll see the bigger ones come in to feed."
"Yep. Mammals at the docks have been talking about it."
"You think we'll be able to catch a big one this time?" Judy said before eating a bite of salad.
Nick nodded his head. "Positive, Carrots. We have all summer and a whole ocean to search. Have your parents called you for your annual reminders?"
"Not yet, but I expect them to between now and our next trip." Judy was surprised when her parents let her become a fishermammal but remembered going on regular fishing trips she went on with prey and predators in Bunnyburrow. It was when the doe mentioned the ocean that her parents' fears surfaced, telling her of the dangerous weather and marine life. Judy reminded them that checking the weather reports was part of her job. For the marine life, Judy said that ocean predators are inevitable to fishing just as pests are to crops, but she promised to properly prepare for any encounters.
"Speaking of our friends," Nick said. "Finnick might take up fishing as a hobby this time." He learned of that information while the two were by themselves during today's trip.
"Oh, what made him reconsider?" the bunny asked.
"Mostly stories from his customers. And a push from his girl after seeing her happy from today's trip. That might be difficult with the summer tourists coming in."
Judy lowered her head and groaned in frustration. "I just hope our boat will be repaired by the time his vacation ends or we'll have to start paying him or ask someone else."
Nick chuckled. "I share your concerns, Fluff. We'll find a way, and renting one for the say is always available."
The two moved onto more lighthearted topics as they finished dinner. After cleaning up, Nick and Judy planned their next fishing trip and prepared their gear for the tomorrow morning before finally retiring for the night. They cuddled on the couch after deciding against turning on the television, simply enjoying the silence and their embrace. Physically and mentally exhausted, they ended up falling asleep on the couch, hoping tomorrow will be a more successful day.
AN:
Hi everyone! Lapis here! You may have seen my name as the editor for First Bonds and Barkeeps if you hadn't heard of me. I want to extend my gratitude to Cimar for the opportunity to participate in the collaboration. Ironically, I had been thinking about a Nick and Judy story on the ocean when this appears.
First things first. Yes I did pair up Finnick with Kris from Zootopia Crime Files. I came to the assumption that she has a thing for foxes and since Nick is taken, why not Finnick?
Another thing is the return of nightmare mode. After its introduction early on, I decided to implement it in my What-If after trying to establish a direction. The lowest setting is because of the T-rating, but that makes it good challenge to write within the boundaries.
For how I establish water salinity in Zootopia, it is all based on heavy assumption, maps seen in the film, and pictures from when Judy first traveled to the city. Until we get some confirmation, it is open to interpretation. So for this setting, Zootopia is partly surrounded by salt water.