Disclaimer:
The following is a fan-based fiction. Zootopia and its characters are owned by Disney. The songs I reference here belong to their respective artist as well.
(The song Clint Eastwood by the Gorillaz begins to play)
Chesterization proudly presents
A Zootopia fanfiction
Wild times with Wilde
(Song ends)
Chapter 2: A sample of freedom
The air around Nick was sterilized. It stung the inside of his nose every time he inhaled. Something from within must be bleeding, he thought. He sat on a polar-bear-size bed with his back slightly slouched and eyes half close. It had been 15 minutes since that squirrel nurse said: "The Doctor will see you in 5 minutes." He looked around, waiting. He was in the standard predator room. It had enough space to keep an oversized bear, tons of medical equipment for all kind of bigger predators, a large cage to keep such predators from getting too "hysterical", several warning lights, and a handful of tranquilizer that could take down an elephant. Nick scratched his chest. This hospital gown was starting to get on his nerve. "Remember, no visible aggression." He drew out a long breath and tried to keep his face resemble a stoic as much as possible.
Nick heard the sound of frightening parents from outside. Soon, he could see a bear couple pushing a hospital bed along with a few doctors and nurses. On the bed was an unconscious cub. He did not look a day older than ten in that bright yellow "Birthday boy" shirt. His fur was a little fuzzy and roughed up. On his neck was a gift from the city itself-a brand new shock collar. Before Nick could react, the hospital bed and everyone around it disappeared from Nick's perspective.
Before Nick felt to urge to take off the gown all together, the doctor stepped in. He was an armadillo, somewhat shorter than Nick. However, at that moment, the doctor was much taller than he was. The reason was the added armor. Nick closed his left eye and used his other to focus on the doctor. It was hard for him to view this armadillo as a doctor with that getup. The prey looked more like a SWAT member who was about to pin Nick to the ground. Well, with that sluggish movement and lack of dexterity brought by the armor, the doctor would have an extra hard time to restrain Nick.
From the doorway, the squirrel returned. She took cover beside the doorframe then swiftly ran behind the doctor. She gave him an X-ray photo then dashed toward a big red button at the corner of the room. The doctor held the cyan and black photograph up. He said, "Okay, Mister Wilde. Um, eh, the X-ray revealed that there is nothing broken or fractured. However, I just need to double check." He took a deep breath and exhaled, fogged the glass on his helmet. "So, we will now take off the collar."
The doctor put the photograph down on a desk and pulled something that resembled a supermarket barcode reader. Step by step, he approached Nick. Through his glued-on smile, he said, "Please, heh, remain calm with the knowledge that I have wife and kids back home, who are waiting for me. Did I mention that today is my daughter birthday?" Nick did not say a word. The fox just stared blankly into the distance. The doctor turned to the nurse, who had her pawed hovered above the red button. "Okay, let's do this." The armadillo reached his hand out, trying to get the scanner closer to the light on Nick's collar. The nurse bit down on one of her claws. Her other hand was millimeters away from the button. She started shaking when the device unlocked the collar. The warning lights within the room started to play out. A siren blasted into Nick's ears. Nick recoiled at the sound, causing the poor doctor to back away. Nevertheless, Nick tried to stay still. This whole show was getting tiresome to him, would not want to drag it on any longer. Like a member of a bomb disposal unit who had just removed a fuse, the doctor slowly withdrew his hand, taking the collar away. He then put the collar on the bed, right beside Nick.
Nick's eyes began to regain focus. The sound of siren gradually became less intense. He felt a light breeze down his neck. His back slowly straightened up. In his mind, his head had lost weight. Nick closed his eyes. The wind was howling beside him. His mouth had no trouble cracking a smile when in front of him was the all too familiar field of wheat. His body shrunk to that of his nine-year-old self. They started to run into the field. Crushed branches of sweet-scented wheat brushed against his feet. Usually, such shenanigans would get him into trouble (mostly lawsuits); but at that moment, he did not have to worry. He was a kid, and (most) kids were free. He turned to his left. Someone was racing against him and he was not going to lose. He sped up, raised his hands in the air and began to
"Everything is good, thank you for your cooperation." The relieved voice of the doctor broke his fantasy. Nick found himself in the standard predator room with enough space to keep an oversized bear, tons of medical equipment for all kind of predators, a large cage to keep such predators from getting too "hysterical", several warning lights, and a handful of tranquilizer that could take down an elephant. The Nurse had left her station, and so was the collar on the bed sheet. Nick had a look at himself through the warped reflection on the doctor's helmet. His hands were in the air and his face carried a slowly deteriorating "happy face". Below it, the green light kept shining on. "Mr. Wilde, are you okay? You look like you are experiencing a stroke. You want to transfer to another department?"
Nick shook his head, lowering his hands. "No, can I leave now?"
"Certainly, you want me to guide you back to your clothes and personal belongings?"
"No, that wouldn't be needed. Thank you." Nick hopped down from the bed and slowly walked away.
The doctor took off his heated helmet and looked at Nick, seemingly dumbstruck. It took him awhile to say. "You're welcome."
A few minutes later, Nick was back in his sweat drenched with a scent of rotten bug black suit. He stood in front of the hospital receptionist desk, said. "Give me the bad news, how much was the bill?"
The doe behind the desk looked at him. Her eyes opened wide. "The bill? You have nothing to worry about Mr. Wilde. Your friend had already paid."
A wrinkled formed on his forehead. "My friend?"
"Yes, a cat that claimed himself to be your croquet buddy."
A memory flashed in his head then followed by an idea. "A cat? Where did he go?"
She said, looking at her watch. "He has left, like half an hour ago."
"Oh." Nick's head drooped down. "Did he leave anything for me?"
Nine o'clock that day
Nick was walking along the semi-empty boulevard, miles away from the hospital and nearly half the district away from his home. With the direction he was taking, he was going further away from his father's shop. The nurse's voice played back in his head. "He just left behind 200 dollars and told me to use it for your bill. Seemed to be in quite a hurry, so I didn't ask too many questions. He should be more careful, if that were Janet, then the money would be gone. Anyhow, here is what remains."
Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out 53 dollars and 25 cents. His head brought up tons of questions. All of which had the same answer. "He's gone, so it doesn't matter." Nick separated 3 dollars and headed to the nearest subway station. An hour and a half of fee should be enough to get him home.
Nick's face returned to its stoic state the moment his tail touched the subway's seat. A handful of animals occupied the train car he was in was. There was a tiger construction worker, a (part of a) family of bunnies, a horse, and a couple of sheep. Nick looked through the window, witnessing a reflection of himself on the murky glass. The green light on his neck was still on.
A rhino entered Nick's car. He systematically asked the passengers to show him their passes. Everyone in the car, except for one animal obliged. The rhino did not notice that at first. Only when he was about to enter the next car did he see the last one. The rhino reached down and said. "Sir, wake up."
A voice came from the front seat. "Huh? What? Who the heck are you? Wait, where are we now?"
"I'll tell you, but first, ticket please."
The animal grunted. "Oh yeah, wait a minute."
The Rhino eyes started rolling, his hands crossed. "Sir, I don't have all day."
"Pff, we both know that's a load of cow poop." The mammal yawned. "Just give me a, there we go." The Rhino reached his head down to have a good look at the monthly pass. "Are we good in the hood?"
"Yes." The Rhino said then moved on to the next car.
"Hey, you still haven't answered my question." The door closed. "Fine, I'll do it myself." There was a pause. "Aw dang. Nine thirty already?" The animal then climbed on the back of his seat. "Hey, does anyone know where we are?" a white cat with glasses asked the other passengers. His eyes scanned around, searching for an answer, but all he got were sideway glances and Nick surprised face. The cat quickly dropped down and kept his silence. His eyes were constantly moving, his mind searched for an excuse.
Nick walked up to his seat. The fox smiled and said. "We are approaching Saddle station. Mind if I sit here?"
The cat avoided Nick's eyes, said, "Sure, free country and all."
Nick sat down then whispered. "Do you remember me, like at all?"
The cat answered, with the same volume "Oh, I do, you are one persistent fox, I'll give you that."
Nick offered him a handshake. "Just lucky. I don't think we have properly introduced. I'm Nick, Nick Wilde."
The cat glared at him. "Pal, give me your name is the biggest mistake you could ever make; second only to following me."
Nick maintained the smile. "Oh, really, I'll take gamble with the infamous "Parkade raider, then"
The cat climbed up his seat once again. All the animals on the train car were looking at him. "Hum, we should get off here; before these fine folks start asking questions."
"What seems to be the matter? What you got to be afraid of someone who you have just helped."
He pointed at Nick "Listen, fox if you want to say "thank you" or whatever, I'll take it. You're welcome or whatever platitude the mayor has been giving lately. Just take my kindness then forget about me and leave. Please, you're causing me and you trouble. Just let things roll, okay?"
Nick began to laugh, though quietly.
The cat's eyes squinted; the tone of his voice became lower. "Oh, I get it. You're here to blackmail me aren't you? Are you going to turn me to the cops and get some of those sweet good-citizen credits? Is that it? Huh? Oh for your information, I've been to prison. Nothing intimidates me anymore." He then gave Nick the most intimidating look his sleep deprived face could provide.
Nick chuckled. "Now that's cute." He paused and a looked around. "Kid, you need a drink to calm you down." Just as the train about to stop, Nick got off the seat and headed for the door. "Come, Parkade"
The cat pointed his finger. "Stop calling me that."
It was fifteen minutes until ten
The cat and Nick were sitting on a bench near the Saddle station. Nick had himself a bottle of beer while the cat clung onto a bottle of soda. With some struggle, the cat managed to pop his cap open. Nick just shook his head slightly in disapproval. The cat spat at him. "Don't judge me! Cats have very low tolerance to alcohol."
Nick took a sip. "Heh. Last time I checked, that is not true."
"How many cat have you actually met?"
Nick paused a bit then said. "Good point."
Another train came then went. Both of them stare at the electrical sparks that flashed across the wire above the train. The cat drank a little bit more.
Nick asked. "First day on the streets huh?"
The cat shook his head. "No, I started a long time ago. Don't remember."
Nick chuckled.
"What's so funny, fox?"
"I have a few friends who lived on the streets since they were young. Something tells me that they would laugh too."
"How relevant. You think I'm going to buy that from a guy in a suit?"
"See, that's your problem, no longtime street dweller would talk like that."
"Bah, who needs that when I'm always one step ahead?"
"Really? Then why are you here? Drinking with a stranger?" The cat raised his index finger and lowered it. "Just saying kid, with that jittering attitude, you cannot survive the streets of Zootopia." The cat looked the other way. Nick continued. "So, runaway or desperate?"
The cat finished the bottle and said "Runaway, sort of."
"Sort of?"
"I'm not the antsy runaway teenager who lives off of leftover money from a privileged parent who refused to pamper him, okay? I left because there is nothing for me, and made my own incomes in my own ways." A reminder rang up in his head. "Petty thief not included, I was merely collecting the sample, eh, it's complicated. But, it's different." He tossed the bottle into a nearby trashcan. "What about you? Desperate or a runaway?"
Nick looked up in the sky. "Desperate, sort of"
The cat spat at the ground. "Pf, there is no "sort of" in that." He had a second look at Nick. "Judging from the suit, let me guess, debt?"
"No, not yet anyway. I may be desperate, but I know a way out, big different." He slapped his hand on the cat shoulder. The white furred mammal immediately removed it. The funny part is, you helped me getting that idea. And I need your help in one department."
"Really?" The cat made a face. "You know, I'm not exclusive to theft right? And theft is by no mean, a way out."
"No, kid, this is nothing like that, just let me finish, okay?"
"Okay?" The cat tilted his head, slightly. "I'm all ears."
"How much do you made, from, your ways of doing things?"
The cat started weighing two imaginary objects with his hands. "A small enough amount to keep me afloat and not making anyone bat an eye."
"So, you do small, and may I guess, illegal things to get by?"
"Yup."
Nick downed the last drop of his bottle. "Have you ever thinking about doing something that matters?"
"All the time, when I was six and sixteen. But as you can see, the only thing that matters to me now is myself. What are you getting at, fox? "He gave Nick a sideway glance. Nick retaliated by an expression that said, "Seriously". The cat knitted his fingers together. "Okay, will shut up now."
"While I was in that hospital, I have a revelation, of something that us predator needs."
"Stop with the dramatic pauses, man, just give it."
Nick stood upright and looked up. "I will make the best amusement park that predators could ask for. A place where we are all let loose and free." His index finger pointed upward.
The cat closed his left eye. "An amusement park, for predator? I could count at least three things wrong with that idea." The cat flashed three of his fingers. "Let's begin. Do you know why none of us rides roller coaster right? The moment our adrenaline hit, we are zapped. It's not fun. Two, you're a fox and the chance for a predator to get a loan from any bank is next to none. Oh and, well, don't want to hurt your less-than-one-day-old dream, but do you know how hard it is to make an amusement park? What about fund, location, and, I don't know, permit?"
Nick gave him a smirk. "I'm pretty sure you could have answered one question already." The cat was unamused. Nick continued. "Oh, by the way, your collar turned off again."
"What?" The cat looked down and frantically checked his collar. His confirmation came in the form of a small shock. Recovered from the jolt, he glared at Nick. He gave a fake laugh. "Haha, very funn-wait, you can't be serious. You mean, taking off the collars, for them?"
"Not permanently of course. I'm pretty sure you can make it happen for a few predators, in a few hours."
Any hint of sarcasm disappeared from the cat's face. "Nick, that is-"
"Illegal. I know."
"That's no joke, Nick. That's borderline felony right there."
"I said, I know. But look at it this way. You've been to prison right?"
The cat eyes looked to the upper left "Yeah, but, not serving time, though. Why?"
"There is a rumor on the street that, regardless of what kind of crime you have done, you are pretty much screwed. Once you are in, you are done. Small crime, you go in, you get out but no one from the outside would help you. No matter what those commercials say, no one would help someone with a criminal record. All that make sure that you would return, if they even let you go in the first place."
The cat looked down. "Yeah, I saw a guy spending like a decade for some small crime that even he couldn't even remember."
"So if the risks of doing something illegal whether big or small aren't that much different. So, are you risking going to jail for petty crimes that any no good teenager can do, or do something that matters for us all?" The cat got his head down this time. His thoughts began to race. "Listen, kid. This city had taken so much freedom from every one of us predators. Let's take some of that back, huh?" Before long, the cat jumped off the bench. He started walking away.
"C'mon, kid."
The cat turned around. His left hand placed on his chest. "Oh, you think I'm walking away? No, no, absolutely not." He pointed at Nick. "I'll help you, but, not with that mentality."
"What mentality?"
"Never, ever, think being caught is the final result. Okay? This is not some crusade suicide mission. We are not martyring ourselves here. We will pull this one off so smooth, that we will have freaking fireworks and no one will bat an eyelid."
Nick shrugged. "Sure, wouldn't want to close up shop way too early, anyway." Nick threw the bottle in the can.
The cat crossed his arms. "We'll charge a fee for this one, right?"
Nick's expression and mouth said, "Of course."
"Good, cause I don't do charity. Before anything else, let's talk pay, I want 50% of whatever we earn."
"WHAT?"
"Hey, I'm might not be a professional street dweller, but I'm not an idiot. Your revelation came from me; I helped with the main niche of this place. If I'm taking a huge risk, I want a reward that matches."
"I guess that fair."
"Consider that a generous offer, because I can help you with more than just opening the collars." The cat looked at his cracked phone. "Well, it's getting late; you can crash into my place. I'm sure that you want to see it."
Surprised by the last sentence, Nick just said. "Fine, lead the way."
And so they headed off toward the North edge of Zootopia. This area was drastically different from anywhere else in the city. It was underdeveloped and seemingly habited by none. There were large dirt mounds the size of hills piling up everywhere, sitting next to foundations with nothing to support. The mounts had been there for quite a while it seemed; indicated by the natural greenery lived on top of them.
The further both went from the bustling city, the taller the grass around them became. The cat repeatedly snapped his fingers, attracted Nick's attention. "We are close, see that dome over there?" Nick looked around, but all he could see were the grass and the mounts. However, one mount was smoother and more balanced looking than the rest. Supposed that it was the dome, Nick replied "Yes". Nick then heard a rapid rustling sound. He started to run toward the dome as well.
Shortly after, they were in front of the dome in mention. It was a factory of the sort; though Nick at first thought it was an aircraft hangar. Hard to tell what kind of product this place dedicated to, for Nick could only see the rusted outer metal skeleton. He sure that was a sign somewhere, but amid the darkness, he must have missed it. The cat dragged the main gate open and invited Nick in. Inside was darkness. However, Nick's eyes could catch small glimpses of objects.
Nick said. "Is this, your place?"
"Eh. I live here but technically I don't own it." The cat turned to the left. He pulled something, created an engine revving noise. After three or four pulls, lights mounted around the place started to work. This gave Nick the chance to see clearly. The cat was standing next to with what looked like a running modified lawnmower linked to a fuse box. "That explained the noise", Nick thought. Lying on the floor beside it was several other lawnmowers; all had their blades taken out and replaced with a copious amount of copper wires, duct tape, and magnets.
Nick saw the objects that were mere faint silhouettes a moment ago: A pickup truck with its engine exposed; scattered scrap metal of old machines; plywood stacked in piles; a crate filled to the brim with duct tape; and miscellaneous items laid at random places. There were things that were placed in an organized matter and they all gathered in the far, far corner of the place. That was when he noticed how much space this cat's "place" had. It was big enough to house one and a half carnival indoor.
Like a master ceremony with his arms extended. "What do ya think? Looks like I got the location part taken care off." Nick did not answer. He was too busy putting imaginary rides and attraction in this empty space. "You know what the best part is? I know how to contact the guy who owns this place. The price is dirt cheap, by real estate standards, so, you have to take care of that part." Nick was still occupied by his thoughts. The cat snapped his fingers. "Ey, you're still listening?"
Nick snapped out of it and said. "Eh, sure. How did you come across this place anyway?"
"Some research supported by dumb luck. I was just looking for a new place to live that isn't infested with the homeless. So, I took a step beyond, going to the place no homeless had tread before." He put his hand up in a dramatic manner. "Did a little digging and found out reports of former mayor Swinton's abandoned projects."
"Abandoned project?"
"Yeah, after she took office, she managed to attract a lot of investors to this area in general. The guy who owns this place was one of them."
Nick tilted his head. "Why did they stop?"
"I don't know; it just happened. There are some rumors about the land being cursed from the remains of well, the resident before Zootopia. Some say it was a fraud from multiple parties; I don't know and I don't care. Bottom-line, I lived here long enough to know that there are no ghosts, and the place is up for grab." He clapped his hands. "So, what do you think of this place?"
It took Nick a while to answer. "It's perfect." That 'happy face' started to show again. "No one would look for this unless we told them to. We will be safe."
"Heh, that's the idea, caption Obvious." The cat checked his phone. "Aw cracker, it's eleven, I need to go to work soon. Anyhow, I'll show you around the place and lay some ground rules."
Nick followed him toward the corner of organized objects. The central piece of this corner was a desk made from two office desks nailed together. On top was of it were six computers (two desktops and six laptops) that linked tight to each other with jungles of different colors wires. Below it was scanners, printers and an icebox with a fan strapped to the side. All these electronics were connected to a different fuse box, which was governed by another makeshift lawnmower generator. The cat took out the parking tags in his pocket and tossed them on one computer. Beside the desk were workbenches that housed machine components and tools. On one bench, Nick saw a stripped apart lawnmower. On another was a baseball bat sitting beside two Taser guns and coils of copper.
The cat did not have a bed, only a couch with several off-color patches and a nearly broken frame. Sitting on it would give one the view of a cooking station made from cinderblocks, iron rods, and char branches. Books with random titles and topics were all over the floor. A large amount of them was about engineering, both in terms of mechanical and computer. Then there were books like: "The stranger" by Albert Camel; "The basic of fencing"; "Do it yourself makeup"; "Homemade special effects"; "Movies special effects: the rise of computer-generated images"; "Doomsday preparations"; "PMP without a certificate"; "Cooking with what you got". Looked to the other wall and one could see a fridge, which did not connect to any power outlet, standing next to a traditional steel safe. There were a few photos stuck on the fridge's door with magnets.
Like a tour guide, the cat gave Nick pointers. "You can live here, as long as you stay away from my computers and don't waste my fuel. Feel free to sleep on the couch, don't jump on it. The fridge doesn't work. It just got dried bugs and fruits in there, eat them, sparingly, feel free to put some in, though." He approached the couch and pulled out a handheld scanner covered by duct tape, except the lens. "Here, have some "Freedom". It's on the house." He nonchalantly tossed the device to Nick. "Don't think about taking it and run, you would only cause more trouble to yourself."
Nick aimed the scanner at his collar and pulled the trigger. A click and the weight fell off his neck once again. That sent Nick back to his fantasy. The cat picked up a table on the floor and stood it upright. The sound of the legs slamming on the floor woke Nick up. "You can work here. There is some paper and pens lie somewhere around this joint." He waved his index finger around. "Don't expect me to do everything. You must earn that 50%. If you want something done, like rides, attraction or whatever, design them yourself. I'm just gonna help you fill out the mechanical blanks, in any way I can. I'm not a genius or magician so, keep, whatever thing you have in mind, simple. Also, I am always functions before forms, so want something to look nice, do it yourself." He had a quick look at Nick. "Feeling the pressure yet? If this is a silly dream, you can quit at any time. However, once you do, forget about everything and just leave me be. Well, I would prefer you pay me back something, for courtesy sake. But yeah, afterward, you and I don't know each other. We go our separate ways."
Nick said with a sly smile. "Have some faith in me; we're going see this one through."
"I'm literally not holding my breath. Anyway, I'll back from work around noon. By god, if I find something missing."
Nick imitated the cat's tone. "I'll be making a big mistake, I know."
The cat gave a thumb up. "Now, pardon me, I need to go." The cat picked up a gym bag on the floor then headed off to the door.
Nick said. "Kid. Are you forgetting something?"
The cat turned around. "What?"
Nick just stuck his hand out. "We should shake hands, as business partners. Sealing the deal."
"Pf, now that's rich." The cat took it and shook. Both tried to make their grip as strong as they could. "Alex, Alex Mieu. My real full name is too difficult for you Zootopian to pronounce, so let just stick with that."
"Nick, Nick Wilde."
"This is not going to end well, I'm telling you."
"How many amusement parks have you actually built?"
Alex made a face. "This is why I can't stand foxes."
Author note:
Thank you so much for reading. If you enjoyed what you have just read and wished to see more, please follow or leave a review. They would give me the motivation to write more for everyone. All feedbacks will be appreciated. If you find anything lacking or flawed in my story (grammar, word use, etc.), please tell me in the reviews as well. I shall do my best to update these chapters sooner and make them more polished. This is one of my first stories so please forgive possible mistakes in the future and help me fix them.
Thanks again and have a pleasant day.
