Chapter Fifteen: Wednesday Morning Wake-Up

A/N: We're getting near the end of this epic and setting up for a...not an epic, but just a series of episodic stories that take place in the same canon. But not until AFTER I finish my novel. First, I'll have a few 'Afterpurge' stories to wrap all of this up, then I have an idea for two episodic series that are kind of like TV shows.

One will be "Wilde Times" which focuses on Nick and his kids lives like a family sitcom. Mainly dealing with Nick having to be a mammal of many tasks. Mayor, father, business owner, etc.

The other will be a mystery drama, "Detective Judy" starring Judy Hopps as a private eye while also dealing with being a mother.

All the characters will be in both series. There will just be more focus on one main character over the other. Stories will be ratted T. No M ones anymore. Expect Petey to swear in asterisks from now on.

Two brand new characters introduced at the very end of this story will be a big part of those stories as well.

But like I said before, I may be taking a few months off first.

Okay, wow! I thought I'd have room for several scenes, but Nick and Judy at the hospital took up the entire chapter. I had more to get through with them than I thought.

I got the writing bug right now. I'm already halfway through chapter 16 as I publish this.

Early Morning at the Zootopia Emergency Clinic

Nick Wilde was slowly waking up. A heavy feeling was on his chest. He was worried that it might be his heart again, but he also felt some wetness. The wetness of tears from two small girls laying on him.

He opened his eyes to see Cindy and Cotton crawled up on him and sniffling. Happy that he was okay. He looked over to his right to see his wife, Judy Hopps in the same hospital room. Michael and Petey were curled up on Judy. Tearful and happy that she was alive.

"Momma's boys." Nick joked.

"Daddy's girls." Judy joked back.

Suddenly, Tim Wolford yanked back the curtain, scaring the hell out of Judy and Nick. "So! Yer finally awake hunh?! 'Bout time! Hey old lady Wilde! Yer son's up!"

Vivian stormed in. "You call me 'old lady Wilde' again and I'll bite your face off!" She then bent down and kissed her son on the forehead. "My poor baby! Are you gonna be okay?!"

"I'll be fine mom. I won't be able to show off my sexy scars for a bit though." He unbuttoned his shirt to show the wrappings underneath. "They don't want a repeat, so I got a hard chest cast." He knocked on it and it made a Thud! Sound. "See?"

"Well I'm just so happy that Cotton's drawing didn't come true."

"Like heck it didn't!" said Judy. She then pulled her blanket to reveal a new metal leg that went up to the top half of her right leg. "Nick was thrown off the building as well, but...our back up saved his life. Looks like me and Spots are gonna be foot twinsies."

"Speaking of Spots..." Nick replied. "Where is she?"

"Right here." said Wolford. He pulled back the curtain even more to reveal Spots and James kissing each other pretty heavily.

Nick was furious. "Well! Don't mind us! You mother lost her leg and I almost died!"

Spots finally pulled herself off of James. "Daddy! I'm glad to see you're okay! The kid's were real worried last night, but we put on a talent show to keep their mind off things." She gave him a quick hug and kiss. "I'm sorry. You were asleep at the time and I didn't want to disturb you."

"Well watching you stick your tongue down James' throat was disturbing enough."

Tim grabbed James. "Speakin' of, we wuz just leavin' anyways. Part of our house burned down last night and we need 'ta check up on it. C'mon Catsanova! 'Da family needs time to 'demselves and 'dere's a dozen other people outside."

Tim pulled James away. "Aww man! Bye guys! Bye Spots! I love you baby!"

"I love you too sweetie!" Spots replied. Nick still looked upset, so Spots leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "But I love my daddy even more." She then went over to Judy. "Holy crap! We are foot twinsies! Although, mine stops at the ankle. You're all the way up past the kneecap!"

"Yeah. They say it locks into place when putting your weight on it, then swings when the weight is on the other leg. I have to wait a few days before I can really try it out. By the way, are my parents here?"

"No." Vivian explained. "Your mother just gave birth last night so she's too tired. Spots helped deliver the babies."

Judy had a huge smile on her face as she looked at Spots. "You helped bring my new siblings into the world?! Awww! Thank you honey!"

"Thanks mom! One of them is named Vivian too! Grandma named her after me!"

"That's so cool!"

Vivian stood up. "Well I'm glad you're okay honey, but I'd better leave now."

Nick was disappointed. "So soon?"

"I'm sorry dear, but there's a ton of other people outside wanting to talk to you. Gideon, Bogo and the press."

Nick was surprised. "The press?!"

"Did you forget that you are the newly elected mayor by a landslide write-in campaign?!"

"...Good point. Bring in Bogo."

Vivian left and Bogo entered. "Hopps...Wilde. Excellent work last night. I heard that you defeated Rusev and Dapper Dan."

"With some help." Judy added.

Bogo leered at the rabbit. "Yes, I know all about your...help."

Nick replied "You'll have to discuss the details with Judy. I don't remember anything after I got walloped in the chest by that damn bear. I know I died for a short time. Who's Dapper Dan? And why was he there?"

"He...Was working with Rusev. He was also the Adviser."

"Wow! Carrots and I took down some of the big boys hunh?"

"Yes! You almost died because of it. A hell of a way to end your final case together."

"Heh! Yeah. No sense going back to the ZPD when I'm going to be your boss."

Bogo smiled. "You're already my boss, remember? Preds for Peace?"

"HA! Oh yeah! How'd that go?"

"Splendidly. I hope you have plans to continue that."

"I'm already looking for a space to rent as a headquarters."

Judy then talked to Bogo. "Well this leg is going to be a challenge. How long until you think it'll be until I'm back on the beat?"

Bogo didn't know how to break the news. "Oh!...Ummm...Well...you can't be. Not anymore. I'm sorry."

Judy was shocked. "What?!"

"That metal leg will only slow you down! It's way too big a risk out on the field. No district would allow you to be a patrol cop with that. It's a huge legal risk/"

Tears were starting to come down Judy's face. "Chief please! Being a cop is all I know! It's what I live for!"

"You have children now to live for! Besides, we have other positions you can be in. There's tons of desk work that needs to be done."

"UUGH!"

"Fine! What about the reception desk?! I'm sure Francine would love to..."

"Chief, I'm a police officer through and through! All I ever wanted to do is make the world a better place."

Bogo smiled. "Well...for what it's worth, you've made my world a better place."

"Mine too." said Spots.

"You and SHIRTBALLS! Daddy made my world better!" said Petey.

"You saved me and became my mommy!" said Michael. "You made my world SO much better!"

"Cindy!" said Cindy.

"You and daddy made my world better!" said Cotton. "But mostly daddy."

Nick smiled at his wife. "Do I even need to say it?! You made my entire universe better Carrots."

Bogo continued. "I'm sure there are many others who feel the same way. Mission Accomplished officer Hopps. Now enjoy motherhood."

Judy smiled. "Thanks Bill."

Bogo was delighted. 'Bill' hunh?! Does that mean I've gone from chief to friend?"

"Of course! I've always seen you as a friend!"

"Thank you Judy. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a former chief who needs reviewing."

"Bogo! Don't fire Swinton! I thought she did okay yesterday!"

"That's part of my dilemma. I thought she did too." Bogo then turned to leave, but Nick caught him.

"Wait! Chief!"

"What is it now Wilde?"

"What about Finnick and Dawn?"

"Oh. The two now world famous prisoners who had uncensored sex for hours on air?!"

Nick made sure Bogo censored the topic. He pointed to Cotton. "AHEM! Dawn is her aunt."

"Oh! Ummm...Well you'll be happy to know Dawn is back in the prey ward. However, former officer Johnson and others were threatening Finnick too much. So, since he's tiny and not much of a threat, we put him in the prey ward also. Him and Dawn are currently sharing a cell together. The prey aren't too happy about it though."

"That's great! Although I wouldn't say Finnick can't be a threat. He's beat my butt a few times and he DID kill a lion."

"Hunh...true."

"That said...I think him and Dawn are much less of a threat together than apart."

"Also true. I may have a solution where neither gets harassed. Talk to the judge when their case comes up in January. You'll be full-on mayor by then. See you around folks."

Bogo left just as a ton of press rushed in. "Mr. Wilde! Mr. Wilde! What are your thoughts on the savage slaughter of former Mayor Trunk?"

"I...honestly didn't know about that until right now. What happened?"

"His own bodyguards went savage thanks to a Nighthowler grenade and tore him to bits. Security camera captured Dapper Dan. Dan was killed by a hawk just after you shot at him."

"I...wow. Wasn't a big fan of his but nobody on earth deserves that. My prayers go out to his family."

"This revelation shocked Judy to her core. "If they ever find out Dapper Dan was Nick's father, it wouldn't just destroy Nick emotionally, he could go to jail! They'd think he colluded with his father to kill Trunk! I HATE keeping this to myself!"

The reporters kept asking him questions. "Mr. Wilde! Who will be your assistant mayor?!"

"I...I have no clue! I'd hire my wife, but that would be a conflict of interest."

"Your wife?! What a scoop! That's tomorrow's headline boys! 'Mayor fox marries bunny'."

"Why does that have to be a big thing?! From what I understand last night, while me and Judy were risking our lives to save the city, my old buddy Finnick and Dawn Bellwether were knocking boots live on TV and everyone was into it!"

"It is a good way to get mud off boots." Petey added.

Spots laughed. "That's not what it means, my little doofus!"

The reporter continued. "Many say if it wasn't for Little Rodentia coming out and voting during a day when people where too afraid to come out of their house, you probably wouldn't be mayor right now. What do you have to say to that?"

"They're probably right! Was I expecting this? No. No I wasn't. It came out of left field. I was floored. That said, will I do everything in my power to serve the people of Zootopia and make this a wonderful city to live in? You're darn right I will!"

"Back to the question that was asked earlier. Is there anyone you'd like to hire as your assistant?"

"I...I honestly don't know right now! I'd say...Little Rodentia was key in electing me. If they have someone they'd like as my assistant, I'd probably hire that person."

Just then, a reporter from Little Rodentia burst through the crowd and climbed up Nick's bed. "We have someone! Sam Squeeks from the Thimble Gazette! Last night, Little Rodentia experienced a new hero worthy to be the assistant mayor. Duke Weaselton!"

Nick was surprised. "Uuhhh seriously?"

"You should have seen him! He made us our own dome to protect our tiny city, but a puma came in and ripped it apart and attacked Mr. Weaselton. He tried to defend himself with a 2X4 support beam, but the puma swiped it into a sharp edge. The puma then leaped at him and in an act of self-defense, Duke raised the sharp end of the beam and it stabbed deep into the puma! Did he let the puma bleed to death?! No sir! He made a tourniquet and saved the puma's life! The puma was so grateful, that they became friends! Isn't that amazing?!"

"That's absolutely wonderful!" Nick replied.

"Isn't it?! We're erecting a statue of him right next to yours Mr. Wilde!"

"Well I think that's great. And I think it shows a very important message about peace. Which is something we all need right now. I hate to sound egotistical, but if I could have the cameras on me, I have something to say."

The cameras aimed at him, but not before Petey and Michael climbed onto his lap. "H-Hey guys! Wanna be on camera too?"

Michael waved to the camera. "Hi I'm Michael! Nick's my daddy. But my blood dad gave me his eye because I was born blind! I can play the harmonica and I'm gonna be a rock and Roll star!"

The Petey spoke up. "I'm Petey and HRRMMRRPPH!"

Nick put his paw over Petey's mouth. "My boy Petey has tourette's syndrome so he cusses at random times and we are live on the air. Sorry son. "

Nick then got serious. "Zootopia...I get it. You're angry. Things have been unjust for so long and a lot of it is not your fault. But being bullied doesn't mean you become the bully. I just lost Honey. A close friend whose last words you all heard last night from my old pal Finnick. 'Don't hate.' Two words so simple and yet so true. Hate and violence only breeds more fear and prejudice. Revenge only brings destruction and will never satisfy your soul."

Meanwhile, Brad the tiger was sitting on his couch, watching the interview live. Nancy the bunny and her daughter April were sitting on his lap. Nancy and Brad started becoming very close since last night.

"Destroying the city is not the solution. It needs to be done with laws and regulations. But also through love and understanding. I want a world where some small prey can look at a large predator on a bus bench or...or on a train and instead of scooting away from him or her, get closer and just...say 'Hi!' Y'know? I don't know how far off it is, but I know without a shadow of a doubt we as a city united can achieve that."

Brad looked down at Nancy. "Train hunh? Remind you of someone?"

"Someone foolish." Nancy replied. Brad then bent down further and Nancy stood on his lap and gave him a quick kiss on the muzzle.

"Is Brad gonna be my new daddy?" April replied.

This put Nancy on the spot. "Well!...Ummm...I..."

"One thing at a time April." Brad replied. "One thing at a time."

Meanwhile, Nick excused himself from the press. "Now, I hope you folks don't mind, but I got a few more people to talk to and then me and Judy need to get some rest."

The press left and Gideon Grey came in with Ollie in his arms. "Hi Nick! Ah just wanted 'ta see how y'all are doin!"

"Hey Giddyup! Did you bring the whole family?"

"Nah. Just Ollie here. He wanted 'ta meet his new girlfriend, Sarah. Ah talked to that Wolford fellah and he's gonna show me whar the Clawhausers live. Ah'm so sorry about yer leg Judy."

Judy looked down at her leg. "I'll recover. I'm just so upset that it's costing me my job!"

Nick argued. "Y'know, there's nothing wrong with being in reception and answering the calls. It's an important job!"

"Let Francine handle that! I need action!"

"I hope Francine doesn't hear you say that."

Gideon interrupted. "By the way Nick, Ah'm not sure how it'll work with me taking the train back and fourth from the bakery to back home. Ah'm not so sure the bakery thing is gonna work out. Ah'd have 'ta move mah whole family with me and it'd be such a huge expense!"

"Relax Gid! That won't be a problem anymore. Y'know those jug-band possums?"

"Yup! Can't wait 'ta have them playin' in our bakery!"

"Well, as they were taking me here. I offered them three of the four rooms available on the thirteenth floor for free since they saved my life. To my surprise, they rejected me. Turns out they're all gonna live with their uncle Bobby Jo-Bob at his big shack in Bunnyburrow. It's only got two rooms but three garbage bins that the town constantly uses along with a sewer underneath. It's possum heaven."

"Bobby Jo-Bob?! Thee Bobby Jo-Bob of Bobby Jo-Bob-Billy Jo-Jo Bob Bippity-Boppity-Boo's Bouncin' Baby Buggies and Beach Balls Emporium in Bunnyburrow?!"

"...I'm gonna take a wild guess, that yeah. That's him."

"Then those possums are gonna be well taken care of. That sucker's rich! He also does some medical stuff on the side, but nothin' technically legal."

Judy interrupted. "I'd say he should get a doctorate before doing anymore, but his bizarre way revived Nick. He used a bucket of water and a broken toaster on your chest to get your heart beating again."

Nick was surprised. "That could have killed me!"

"You were already dead and I was out of options!"

"True. Anyway Gid, that means I'm about to have three empty rooms. You're about to be your own boss and own your own bakery and you can have your wife and kids right above you in my apartment building!"

Cotton was excited. "Does this mean the Grey kids will be around to play with us?"

"Yeah! If Gideon agrees."

Petey was excited. "I could have POOOOOOOOOOOOP!...have my boyfriend nearby!"

"Bean!" shouted Cindy.

"Me and Rose can still hang out!" said Spots.

Gideon interrupted. "Well...that's all nice and good, but Ah made a home in Bunnyburrow. Ah lived thar all mah life. Besides, Stu would hate to see me leave. He's muh boss."

Nick pleaded with him. "Gideon. You are about to become your OWN boss! Home is where your family is. Don't let your past anchor you down from living your dream! Do it for yourself. Do it for your family!"

Ollie looked at his father and pleaded. "Please daddy?!"

"Well..."

"How about I sweeten the deal? You live there for free until the business takes off."

"Holy jumpin' catfish! You don't have 'ta do that Nick. It ain't like Ah saved yer life!"

"No, but you are my best friend, business partner and fox I have a bromantic relationship with with. So take the rooms already!"

"W-Well...Ah should console with Julie first." Gideon then got on the phone with his wife Julie. "Hey thar mah little jewel. Y'know how Ah got that bakery that's gonna open up soon? Well Nick's offerin' three rooms on level thirteen of his apartment building fer free until the business takes off. Ah wuz thinkin' 'bout takin' the offer, but Ah wanted 'ta..."

Nick and Judy could hear her on the other side. "Are you insane?! Take the deal! Take it! Take it! This is an opportunity of a lifetime!"

"B-But what about yer ma and pa?!"

"Fuck 'em! I wanna live in the city! My sister's kids are nicer to our kids then my other siblings anyway. Let's do it!"

Gideon hung up the phone. "Well. You heard the lady! Looks like we're gonna be neighbors!"

"Great! The possums said they'd be fully out in about a week. Your neighbor on that floor will be Duke Weaselton who might just end up being the assistant mayor...which is insane."

"Thank yew so much fer this Nick! Ah won't let you down!"

Tim poked his head through the door. "You two comin' or not?! We've been waiting out in the lobby for yer sorry butt for half an hour!"

"Oh! Sorry Mr. Wolford! Ah best git goin' now. Thanks fer everything Nick and Judy!"

Ollie waved at his friends. "Bye guys! I can't wait to hang out with you!"

After Gideon left, the nurse came in. "Alright folks! Breakfast t-"

The nurse was interrupted by a mysterious lynx lady who rushed in. "Miss Hopps! Miss Hopps!"

Judy was surprised by this mysterious visit. "It's Mrs. Wilde now. Is there something I can do for you?"

The lady held a picture of a young lynx. "I'm Miss Whiskers. My son's been missing for a week and I can't find him! I believe my worthless ex-husband took him. Can you please help me?!"

"I...I'm sorry, but with my injury, I'm going to be out of the ZPD. You could leave your case with them."

"I did! they've been no help so far! I read how you helped Mrs. Otterton find her husband along with finding all those mammals! You and your husband solved so many cases! The stinky cheese caper, the missing mummy mongoose, the golden garbage case, you solved them all! I don't need the ZPD Mrs. Wilde, I just need you! Or...you and Mr. Wilde."

"Thanks for acknowledging my existence." Nick replied.

"Please Mrs. Wilde! Money's no object!"

Judy felt terrible, but then, she had an idea. "I'm sorry! I wish I could...wait money?...That's it!"

Nick joked. "You're finally giving into greed! I'm proud of you Carrots!"

"Oh shut up Nick! She just gave me a great idea! If I can't help people at the ZPD anymore due to this leg, then I'll just solve cases all on my own! That's how I'll make a difference! I'm gonna be a private detective! Ma'am leave me an E-Mail to contact you and all of your information."

The lynx carefully hugged Judy. "Oh thank you! Thank you so much!"

"It'll be a few days before I can get started, but I'll solve the case or my name isn't Judy Hopps!"

Nick corrected her. "It's not. It's Judy Wilde. Way to start off there 26 inch-high private eye."

"Shut up Nick."

"Short arm of the law."

"Niick!"

"The long-eared, Twenty-Six inch Dic-"

"Nick! Our children are present!"