A few things before I start:
This version of the story won't be constrained to 48hrs. It allows for interesting plot opportunities, and more Nick.
Keep in mind Nick is a developing character, in writing and in the film. At the beginning, he was more of a, 'I'm exactly who you think I am. A shifty, clever fox.' kinda guy, and changed into a 'Don't let them see that they get to you' kinda guy. He may not be exactly the same Nick we all know and love at the end, because it's a different take on the story. In my defense, the directors of the movie even said so in the deleted scenes section.
The video was copyright striked like 15 minutes after viewing it (no kidding) but there are other videos on YT you can watch.
Worry not, Suitopia and Wilde Times will eventually make its way into this story. Just you wait!
I think that's it.
Whispers: *Flashbacks!*
Zootopia: Contained By Collars
Chapter 2
'Limousine'
•••
The ride to Tundra Town Limo Service wasn't the smoothest it could be. The non-existent suspension in the rabbit sized car did not make the experience any better.
The boring drive, combined with the dull droning of the tires against the cold pavement, was the perfect concoction for deep thinking. Nick drifted into the rivers of his own mind…
22 Years Ago, Zootopia National Bank
Nick and his dad cracked open the door to the office. It was very spacious. Maybe because the mammal they needed a loan from was a deer, but still.
They were both dressed in very nice, matching suits. Nick's dad carried a box in his paws, which might be the key their future jobs. That small diorama of Suitopia could be the thing they needed to finally get the loan.
Nick's dad approached the banker's desk, and took a deep breath. They had rehearsed this over and over to mom, friends, and random preds on the street. They had only nailed the presentation yesterday, but the brave combo thought they were ready.
•••
The presentation went very smoothly, and exactly as planned. Nick and his his dad stood there, anxiously waiting for her to pull out the stamp that would decide their fate.
Accept…? Or reject…
The deer, despite having an emotionless look on her face, was appearing to have trouble deciding. Nick was being optimistic. The Suitopia pitch was truly great. It was clever, well thought out, and completely unbiased towards prey or predators. It went well with the city ideals.
The doe made a move for the stamp. Maybe it was a 'stuck in the headlights' situation. They were both predators, and she was a deer after all.
Calmly, she lifted the stamp, and pushed it down on the paper. It said…
Rejected.
Nick's ears fell down in devastation. So much preparation, so many great ideas! All for nothing.
Hmm. Maybe another bank…
"Nick."
No response.
"Nick!"
Don't respond.
"NICK!"
Nick realized with a startled jump that it wasn't the flashback that was shouting at him, but it was Judy.
"Nick. We're here." Judy asked
"Y-yeah, yeah, ok. Let's go." Nick responded, the bad memory still fresh.
The two hopped out of the car, and onto the cold pavement and white snow of Tundra Town. Nick could see that the chain fence gate to the property was closed with his great eyesight, but Judy still tugged on the ice covered lock for good measure. She took a step back and sighed in disappointment.
Nick slapped a fake smirk on his face before Judy could turn around and see his saddened expression.
"Hmm… Looks like it's locked. And lemme guess, you need a warrant? Nick teased. "Bummer."
Much to Nick's surprise, Judy had a grin on her face. Casually crossing her short grey arms, Judy snapped back, "You don't need a warrant if you have probable cause. Besides…I think you could be of use lock-picking that car, yes?"
The light on Nick's collar turned yellow from green, sensing his anger, and warning him about the impending shock. Judy didn't need to see his collar to sense his frustration. "Oh, so you assume that foxes can do everything bad, huh? Are all foxes like that?" He spat, arms crossed.
Judy shifted her weight on one leg, causing her hip to poke out. "You're a con-mammal. A criminal. Don't tell me you don't know how to hop a fence and pick a lock."
Nick squinted his eyes at Judy, and huffed in defeat. "You're in luck. Carrots."
Judy then returned a smile with her small victory. "Good."
The two small mammals climbed the fence, Nick pausing at the top to help Judy up. Thankfully, rabbits had strong legs in proportion to their weight, so she was able to jump up and grab Nick's paws to avoid any excess sound for the most part.
Nick and Judy landed in the snow with a quiet thud. Nick gritted his teeth - even through his fur, it was freezing cold.
They both began to scour the frozen parking lot, checking and double checking each ice covered licence plate. They just couldn't seem to find the car.
After a couple minutes of searching, Judy managed to find it tucked up in a dark corner next to the building, presumably owned by polar bears. The limo was their species' size after all.
"29…THD…03! Yep, this is the one!" Judy said.
Nick trotted to the back of the lot to where the car was. He pulled on the car handle to make sure it was locked, his breath moistening the car door. "If you have a fur pin Officer, I'm gonna need that."
She managed to find one deep in her uniform pocket, buried beneath the things they might actually need later on. She reluctantly handed him the pin, which he took, unfolded, and started to work on the door lock. This lock was definitely more complicated than others he had…practiced on. It was definitely aftermarket, installed for the purpose of keeping lockpickers and thieves out.
Nick worked on the cold lock for several minutes, moving the pin left and right, up and down, until he heard the pin slide in.
Nick let out a big toothy grin of success. "Haha! Got it! That was the most complicated-"
"Shhhhhhh!" Judy ordered, a finger placed over her mouth.
Nick gave her a sarcastic thumbs up, and easily opened the driver's door to the car. The inside of the car was nice, white leather covering everything imaginable. The buttons on the wood covered center console were even lined with hints of silver.
The duo jumped in and began their search for any clues. They checked everything. Under the seats, in the glovebox (Nick still got Judy with that one), and finally it came time to check the back seats.
One word could describe the state of the back seats: Ruined.
They were covered with claw marks, from the seat to the headrest. They were everywhere. Whoever caused this - whatever caused this -was very angry…or savage.
Nick's eyes widened at his new discovery. "Carrots? If your otter was here he had a very bad day." Nick hesitantly crawled through the small window to get inside of the back cabin. The floor was mostly bare, and covered by a thin layer of mist, except for a wallet.
With Mr. Ottertons identity inside.
Judy joined Nick and got down on all fours to avoid being seen. Not that an animal as small as her could be seen. She slowly crept her way towards the wallet, and quickly inspected it before attaching it to her bunny sized utility belt.
Nick was busy investigating other things, one of which was a small glass with a fancy 'B' inscribed on the side.
Adrenaline flooded Nick's system as he realized whose car it was.
But it was too late.
The angry, massive paws of two polar bears had already rendered them immobile.
•••