Epilogues Up the Butt Part One
A/N: Epilogues! Get yer epilogues here! We got a bunch since this is the end of a saga! You won't just see what happens in the next few days, you'll see what happens in the next few years!
I want to thank everyone who stuck with me for this long ride. I learned a lot about writing over these past two years and I'm really looking forward to writing my book. Now when I need things to change or retcon something that happened because I changed my mind about something, I can go back to previous chapters and actually change that. Fanfiction is a different beast. Once you publish a chapter, it's pretty much set in stone and it's harder to retcon things.
That said, the one advantage fanfiction has is fan input which can definitely change the way you write a story and help with your tone. For instance, I had a lot of complaints about not only the violence in "Sacrifices" but the way Nick and Judy broke up. People complained that they acted real immature during the break up. So, I made sure they acted more mature as they reconciled. Also, when I knew I was gonna do another trip to Bunnyburrow with another horror story, I made sure to make it much lighter in tone. Only one person died and that was shown more as a tragedy. Others got bitten or scratched, but they survived. So don't feel shy to tell me when my shit stinks. It can only help me improve.
Speaking of input, Petey's baby talk thanks to his swelled tongue got fixed mainly because people hated reading it and I hated writing it. I'm glad to admit that was a mistake.
SpookorSpecture says, "How long did you have this whole thing planned out for? It was all so coherent! I struggle to be coherent during normal conversation!"
A lot of scenes were planned out way in advance in my head. Sometimes up to two years. The main overall arc remained the same, but a lot and I mean A LOT changed over the course of the story. John Wilde came in when some people started to figure out that Lionheart was the Big Cheese. I gave out too many hints and blew my big surprise. So I had to come up with this backstory on how John could have possibly survived seeing as how one of the biggest characters developments for Nick was this large backstory on his father's death and how it affected him. But also, it was perfect! No one suspected Dapper Dan of being John Wilde even though he was a fox becaused he was written as already dead. I changed Nick living with the fact that his father was a murderer and forgetting it instead when I was reading Reddit and realized that torturing Nick was kind of a trope in fan fiction and yeah, a lot of bad stuff happened to him in my stories. So now, only Judy and a handful of people know that Dapper Dan was John Wilde and that's going to come into play in a future "Judy P.I." story that's still cooking in my brain. Stuff like Nick Junior and his origin story didn't change a bit since I thought of it all the way back when I was writing the end of "A Hole in the Wall". Nick Junior was thought up before most of the foster kids were, but he'd arrive at the very last chapter.
A lot of things happened organically. James didn't really exist in my head until he snatched that purse despite being the star of the next story. Originally, Wolford just caught a purse snatcher and brought him to jail, then this beautiful story started playing out in my head. I often think about why people do things. So I thought "Why did this kid snatch that purse? Why did he need the money? Who is he?" And so on and so fourth until "In Custody" formed in my head and became my second favorite story I wrote. There's another good example where a one-chapter, dirty story I thought of became a tragic, romantic comedy. And I'll be sharing that story idea (since I don't like writing porn) with you guys next chapter if anyone wants to write it.
Another thing that happened organically was Swinton staying as chief and Bogo quitting. Swinton was always supposed to be the villain, but I didn't want her to be two-dimensional. She didn't want the position just to climb up the ladder of success. She genuinely believed she could do the job better than him. I realized she also wasn't really dishonest with him either. She held nothing back. When shit hit the fan, she started to become more sympathetic. When I was writing Bogo's side I realized near the end of his arc that yeah, mayor Trunk only gave him resignation papers he didn't sign. He was technically still chief, so him taking the day off to volunteer and head up Nick's organization and leaving a rookie chief high and dry actually made him look bad. So when they got to the control tower, I made sure that Bogo started to see Swinton's talents and started having a respect for her. Plus, the last chapter, "A new beginning" was all about showing changes that were happening.
GUNSLINGER 99 Says " Sucks to be you Nick"
Oh, I don't think so. Sure Nick's had it real rough and is injured, but not as badly as Judy who lost a leg. He's got 2.5 million dollars in the bank, he's the mayor elect, he runs his own apartment building and half a bakery business with Gideon and just found out he has a biological son. Judy's upset about it at first, but it happened before she even met Nick, he was drunk because he was mourning his father and lastly, Finnick put him up to it and then blocked the mother's calls. Basically, Finnick's in big trouble.
Epilogue 1: Batrov Returns
Sunday, November 8th In the Nocturnal District.
The bats from the KRDNT station, Mark, Shirley and Guido showed up at the upside down church with their new mice lovers, Janet, Carla and Shirley's two male lovers (that's an interesting relationship).
"Thanks for coming to my church!" said Mark. "Now, I'm going to have to hold onto you the entire time since we'll be upside down and we no longer have a belfry. Don't want my little Jany-wany to drop to her death."
"This should be interesting." said Guido. "We haven't had mice in our congregation before, except for..."
"Except for what?" asked Carla.
"...Nothing."
Just then one of the other bats approached Mark and the others. "Mark! Guido!"
"Hey Carl."
"I see you brought some mice to the congregation tonight! Cool!" He grabbed Janet from Mark's claws.
"Hey wait!" Mark shouted.
"Relax! We'll make sure you get some meat, we'll just hang her and her friends by the barbecue with a noose, then gut 'em!"
Janet was screaming. "MARK!"
"JANET!" Mark grabbed at Carl and started pulling his girlfriend back. It became a tug of war.
Then, a mysterious voice came from the center. "Leave those mice alone my children!" The bats all gasped and looked at the stage. "Yes my congregation! I have ret...Larry! Spotlight please?"
Larry was sitting on the top of a twenty foot ladder and could seen through the roof of the upside down church. "Hunh? Oh yeah! Let's see. I don't see why it matters since bats are blind anyway."
"It matters to me dear! Besides, the mice aren't. Now hit it!"
Larry shone a flashlight on the bat. "Yes brothers and sisters! Your beloved Batrov has returned!"
Suddenly, the choir started to sing.
Ooooh Batrov has returned!
There's a lesson we will learn!
All about his journey so faaar!
We'll find out where he's been!
Did he stay away from sin?
Did he get himself a new caaar?
"Well...No. No I didn't was arrested and..."
He was arrested!
He was in jail!
His faith was tested!
When the king failed!
"Enough choir! I got this! Brothers and sisters! I have awoke! I have seen the light! We were under the influence of a false king, but now...now I know that the only true path to peace is love!"
Some people in the audience cheered.
"I have a confession to make which may surprise you. That wolf up there..."
"Technically down here." Larry said.
"Quiet dear. That wolf is my lover. His name is Larry and he's also my bodyguard/warden. It may come to you as a shock, but I'm gay."
Don't bother to confess
It's obvious how you dress
We all knew you were totally gaaaay!
You may have had your fun
But you weren't fooling anyone
We all love you! It's okaaaay!
"How are you all doing that in unison?! Anyway, There were several attempts on my life from Lionheart himself! It was so bad that finally I had to leave the city. But then...then I was inspired to come back and right my wrong when I saw my city under attack!"
"We didn't come back until three days later when you were sure the coast was clear!" Larry replied.
"Hush Larry! Now I come back with a new message! Brothers and sisters! We are bats!"
We are bats!
We are proud!
We're not rats!
Sing it loud!
"We all love fruit right?! So why are we eating meat?! We must love our fellow mammals not cook them! These mice that have come today...they didn't come to be our lunch! No my children, they came for a message of peace and love and that's what we must give them! Just like the message all over this city says.. 'Don't hate!' and where there's no hate, than there's only one other option and that is!...And that is...choir, you can start now."
We must love, love, love, love, loooooove!
Oh we must love
All the mammals!
We're not above
Any animals!
Let predator love prey
We got new glory days
Down in that sweet by and byyyyy!
"Yes, my congregation! Yes! That is the message I send to you today! Love mice! Love rats! Love wolves! Love cats! We all share this beautiful world together! Can I get an Amen?!"
Aaaaaaahhh...Meeeeeennnn!
"Hallelujah! Now, I'm sure you're all wondering how my adventure went...Does anyone has any questions? You sir! Waving your wing!"
The bat pointed at the wolf. "How do you two, y'know...do it?!"
Batrov looked at Larry who was blushing. "That's...that's a very personal question and this is a church so I can't..."
He jacks him off!
He jacks him off!
"That's enough choir!"
He jacks him off!
He jacks him off!
"Stop it!"
When you're tiny and gay
It's just wing jobs all day!
Down in that sweet by and by!
"That's it! I'm leaving! C'mon Larry, dear. Your mom's making me her famous lemon pie tonight anyway."
Larry just shrugged his shoulders. "They're not wrong."
"Shut up Larry!"
Epilogue 2: The Promotion
Wednesday, November 4th at The ZPD Station
Brie was just leaving the station. She had a successful talk with Swinton and Higgins. "Thank you so much guys! I swear, they won't be any trouble!"
"At least they'll be out of my hair and in yours." said Swinton. "Just make sure they don't leave that apartment for the next two years!"
"I will!" said Brie. "And thanks again!"
Brie walked by Trumpet as he was going in to see the chiefs. "Hey Trumpet!"
"Y-Yes Brie?" The nervous elephant said.
"...BOO!"
"EEEK!"
"HA! Works every time!"
"Knock it off! Stupid, scary mice." The elephant then entered the office. "Swinton! Higgins! Congrats!"
"You're supposed to knock first?" Swinton said.
"And tell Francine so she can let us know you're arriving." Higgins added.
"H-Hey! You two got this co-chief thing down already! I'm proud of ya Higgins! You've really moved up in the world. Of course, that means there's a vacancy in the lieutenant department."
"Oh yeah?!" said Higgins.
"Yeah buddy! Me and you go waaay back! Now, I've been a beat cop for a long, long time. Don'r you think that maybe a new position is in order for me? Like, I dunno, sergeant or lieutenant? After all, I almost sacrificed my life to save the city!"
"You also tazed a predator to death for fun. Don't think we haven't forgotten that."
"That's why I risked my life to stop the blimp! To redeem myself for that terrible sin. C'mon Higgins Whattya say?"
Higgins whispered to Swinton. She smiled and whispered back. "Y'know Trumpet? We DO have a position that just opened up for you."
"That's great! Promotion, here I finally come!"
Two days later...
Trumpet was putting parking tickets on cars and grumbling to himself. "Lousy Higgins! Some friend he is! Makin' me a meter maid!"
A young hippo girl approached him. "You put a ticket on my mommy's car."
"Yeah?! So what?!"
"My mommy wishes you were dead."
"That makes two of us."
Epilogue 3: The Sweetest War
December 8th, In front of Greys Sweet Fixins (Formerly the Fish and Fauna)
It was the Grand Opening. Gideon and his entire family along with the Wildes, Wolfords and Clawhausers were in attendance. It was a fun event filled with balloons, music and games. Free slices of Gideon's pies were being handed out at the front of the building so everyone in Zootopia could sample his baking.
"Free pie samples! Git yer free pie samples here! Check out the grand openin' of Grey's Sweet Fixin's! We got the best pie and coffee in the city!"
Suzie the giraffe was holding a giant grand opening sign. "Check out Grey's sweet Fixings and get your just desserts!"
Nick was watching the proceeds. "Look at the size of this crowd! And the restaurant is almost full!"
Gideon was happy. "Yeah! Looks like our bakery is a success!"
Nick patted Gideon on the back. "You mean YOUR bakery buddy. I helped but...your talents made this happen."
The joyous occasion was interrupted by a loud group of elephants across the street, bringing their own tables and samples. They chanted "Hey-Hey! Ho!-Ho! Gideon's has got to go!"
Spots knew who it was and was furious. "Jerry Jumbeaux Jr! Jay-Jay! Greg! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Jerry's family set up ice creams samples on a few tables and Jerry got on a bullhorn. "Step right up ladies and gentlemamals and try 'da best dessert in Zootopia! Jerry Jumbeaux Jr's Ice cream deluxe! Why settle for crummy pie when you can 32 different flavors of the best hand-made ice cream in town! Why 32? Because I like 'ta go one step beyond. C'mon folks! It's 'da freshest blend on 'da market made right on location!"
Meanwhile back at Jerry's cafe, a cow sits on a stool in the walk-in fridge. "S-S-So cold! I know they like it f-fresh but...it's so cold!"
Gideon was furious. "Jerry, you low down, dirty snake! How DARE yew go after mah business on our opening day?!"
"Because Grey! Before you came along, I was 'da only dessert place in town. I'm not about to lose my customers 'ta you!"
"What loss in customers?! Yer three miles from mah location! Y'all serve ice cream! Ah serve pies!"
"Desserts are desserts! Now get over here Suzie! You promised you'd help."
"I'll be right there!" said Suzie. She flipped over her sign and it said "Gideon's pies suck. Eat at Jumbeaux's."
Spots was outraged. "SUZIE!"
"I'm sorry! My boyfriend is Jumbeaux's son! Gotta stand by my man!"
With her long legs, Suzie stepped across the street and joined the Jumbeaux's. "Get your fresh, delicious ice cream!"
"Traitor!" James shouted.
"Sorry!"
Jerry was amused. "She just has good taste. Hold yer sign up future daughter in-law!"
Suzie held the sign high enough that the Jumbeux's didn't notice it was flipped to say "Ice Cream stinks! Check out Gideon's great pies!"
This made the others across the street laugh, but Gideon was still upset. "Y'all just cant go across the street and hurt mah business!" Gideon then tapped Clahauser's shoulder. "Officer! Arrest that man!"
Ben turned around and his face was stuffed with pie. "Uh cund. He haff ah pewmit."
"What?!"
GULP! "I said I can't he has a permit. This raspberry is incredible!"
Jerry waved the permit. "Haw-Haw! I got it 'da moment you announced yer grand opening sucker! He then looked up at Suzie's sign. "What the?!...You better turn 'dat sign around Suzie or yer not datin' my son anymore!"
"Sorry!" Suzie said as she flipped the sign back around.
Jerry shoved his chest out in stupid pride. "Face it grey! I got 'da desserts in this city and I got Suzie doin' my bidding! HA!"
Nick stepped out of the bakery. He took a pie in his paw. "I've heard enough. Hey Jerry! You know what you don't have?!"
"What?!"
"AIM!" Nick threw the pie hard and it sailed across the street and it landed right on Jerry's face.
Suzie was real concerned. "Now, now guys! Let's not go crazy! I have friends on both sides here!"
"I'll show ya aim!" Jerry said as he took a big scoop of ice cream and lobbed it at Nick.
"Nooooooo!" screamed Ben as the fat cheetah dove in front of Nick and the glob of ice cream splattered in his mouth. "Wocky Woad! Muh favowite!"
Nick gasped. "That's chocolate! Me and Gideon are canine! You trying to kill us?!"
Gideon grabbed a pie. "FOOD FIGHT!"
Suzie begged for it to stop. "Wait! Wait! NO!"
It was on. Globs of ice cream and slices of pie were flying everywhere. Some hit the patrons. Sometimes it hit cars and almost caused a traffic accident. Some of the citizens walking by thought it was fun and got in on it.
Suzie was crying. "This is terriblllle! My friends are fighting, all the food is getting wasted and now no one's sampling anything! Why can't you just sell your stuff in both places?!"
Gideon and Jerry immediately stopped for a moment. "What'd y'all say Suzie?"
"W-Well...ice cream and pie go together! Why not sell a selection of Jerry's ice cream at our bakery? L-like a combo! And Mr. Jumbeaux, you could sell some slices of Mr. Grey's pies in your cafe! You both end up advertising the other and everyone's happy!"
Jerry thought it over. "Hunh! Having both ice cream and pie could increase my business a bit."
Gideon followed. "Ah sell 'ta you, you sell 'ta me. We'd both profit off each other!"
"Yeah! I think this could work out! I'm sorry for the way I acted, but I just couldn't lose this business. It's been in my family for generations! My brothers were never into it. Junior-Junior doesn't care much either, but it's my life's blood! MY one, true passion. I put everything I have into it every day."
Gideon walked across the street on his cane. His chest had healed enough that he didn't need the walker anymore "Ah know exactly how you feel Jerry. Mah father wuz an abusive drunk. Ah wuz scared to go anywar near him. But mah momma? She wuz gentle as a lamb...and she baked the best pies ever! Once mah daddy ummm...'passed away', somehow her pies were even better. Ah truly believe it wuz because it wuz a labor of love. She taught me everythin' thar is 'ta know about bakin'. Always use butter. Never margarine. How to use just the right amount of flower dependin' on the ingredients. But most of all, how to put yer heart and soul into yer pies. That's whut Ah do now. And if'n ya want proof, just come inside and try 'em!"
Jerry smiled and shook Gideon's paw with his trunk. "We really are alike! I'll go in right now. Thank you and ummm...sorry for earlier." Jerry patted Suzie on the back. "That was some good advice Sue! Yer pretty smart fer a lanky broad."
Suzie was upset at the "Lanky broad" remark. She took a gallon of ice cream and shoved it in Jerry's face. "AAAH SHUT UP!"