Chapter Thirteen: Memorial (Sub) Plot

A/N: Sorry it's taken so long to get this chapter out. I've been busy taking care of my elderly mother, cleaning my room out and putting a lot of my junk in a shed out in the back yard. Turns out, I have an old collector's copy of Solotarobo (DS game) I completely forgot I had. Turns out it's worth about $150 used but in good condition. But mostly, I was playing that blasted Disney Heroes: Battle Mode mobile game. Getting Nick was easy, but it took me forever to nab Judy. The game starts out very weak with just a campaign, but you unlock more and more modes as the game progresses. My one main problem with the game is that it's more of a MOBA manager than a traditional MOBA game. The game plays for you and you mainly manage and level up your characters. It's starting to get very grindy now. By the time you hit chapter 5 in the campaign, you're crawling. It went from not-so-great to great, back to not-so-great. I'm still gonna play until I unlock Bogo dangit!

4:35pm Zootopia Maximum Security Prison

The guards who were loyal to the Big Cheese all had a very slight symbol to them to let others know where their loyalties lied. On their buttoned shirts, the third button had a mold of a lion's face on it. It was very hard to spot if you weren't looking for it. It had the same color and roundness of the other buttons and the lion's face was barely noticeable, but if they looked for it, they could see it.

This allowed the guards to pass a cell phone from one end of the jail to another. "For the king" they'd whisper from one to the other and hand over the phone. One guard refused after the building incident and was quickly killed for his troubles and his body hidden. Finally it got to Lionheart's cell.

He quickly grabbed it and yelled at the Adviser who was on the other line. "What the HELL do you think you're doing?!"

"I told you our last conversation was supposed to be FINAL!" growled the Adviser.

"I wasn't expecting you to drop an entire building and kill a ton of predators in the process! How am I supposed to gain sympathy and support from predators when now they're lining up to join that blasted 'Preds for Peace' campaign?!"

"It was an unfortunate turn of events, but I couldn't risk the ZPD finding out about the blimp. It would lead them to our 'Plan B' project which looks like it's now going to become 'Plan A'. Thanks to the efforts of Fangston chemicals, we are able to make a nighthowler gas that is species specific! Imagine, the ZPD not only fighting against their predator officers, but the rhinos and elephants as well. We-I mean, YOU would be unstoppable!"

Lionheart smiled. "Yes. Yes! Then I'd really rule with fear! From both prey AND predator. No one would question me again!"

"Exactly. That's why this plan is so important."

"Still I wonder. What exactly do you want out of this?"

"Me? I just want to live in a world of equality. Where I can get a seat at a fancy restaurant without being stared at. Where I can actually open a line of credit without being rejected because of my species. Where I can stop doing these horrible things just to make a living and support my family."

"...I understand. Things will be good for predators under my rule. I promise you that."

"Good to hear. I might reveal myself to you tonight. I might not. Either way, this is our final telephone conversation. Goodbye."

"Goodbye." Lionheart hung up the phone and gave it back to the guard. He found a new respect for the Adviser. He had everything all figured out. The lion was more confident in tonight's plans. He believed he would have his revenge on the city and the people that put him in prison to begin with.

Meanwhile, at the Bunnyburrow county jail...

Murray Pouncer was panicking and in dire straights. "Oh God! I killed him! They're going to lock me away forever!"

"Calm down Mr. Pouncer." Judy replied. "Me and officer Wilde investigated the scene. We believe that there was Nighthowler gas involved that made you go crazy. We need your side of the story to help us with our case."

"S-So...I'm innocent?"

"It looks so, but we need your full testimony and co-operation. Please tell me everything that happened that night in as great a detail as you can. What happened?"

"Well...I was stocking shelves as always. I was on the stepladder putting up supplies on the top shelf when..."

"When what?" Please give me any little detail."

"I felt a great headache coming on. Then I started getting lightheaded. I fell off the stepladder onto the ground and I...I can remember my head being in great pain."

"Anything else?"

"Well...I hate to say it."

"Did you feel a great amount of rage come on followed by blacking out?"

Murray was shocked. "Yes! Yes, that's exactly it! How did you know?"

"I used my partner as a guinea pig and had him sniff a Nighthowler. It was risky, but worth it. Your testimony also proves that I was right! Murray, you were the victim of a horrible experiment using a new form of Nighthowler gas. You're innocent! And I'll testify in your defense if the murder comes to trial."

Murray shook Judy's paw through the jail cell. "Oh thank you! THANK YOU! I feel more relieved now. I owe you my life."

Judy smiled. "Think nothing of it. It's my job sir. What happened when you came to?"

"I was in here. I guess they subdued me by force because I have some bruises and was in a lot of pain."

"Yes. That's what the video showed. I think I got all the information I need. Did you have any questions?"

"How long do you think I'll be here?"

"I don't know. It may depend on when the case goes to trial."

"Can you get them to please call my mom so she can visit? I want to give her the good news."

"I will." Judy then started to leave. "I hope everything goes well. Remember, I'll be on your side."

"Thank you officer."

As Judy left, she passed by Gretchen. She tried to ignore her but the nasty rabbit spoke up. "Hey! HEY! Don't you ignore me!"

"What the hell do you want?!" Judy said angrily.

"So...did you get her?"

"Cindy? Yes. She's MY daughter now."

"She's hell to deal with, isn't she?"

"Not in the least."

"Oh bullshit."

"It's true! Sure she bites sometimes, but she knows how to communicate with us. Petey and Mike love her, Spots likes her too. The only one she's having a problem with is Cotton because she tries to eat her wool like, well...cotton candy."

"Well you can keep that little retard! All she ever did was bite and yell and hit herself!"

"She's not retarded!" Judy yelled. "She's autistic! And she knows a lot more than you ever taught her! She figured out Petey was gay before some of the other kids did and she even taught a limbless bunny how to throw darts with his ears!"

"That's a lie!"

"It's true! She kept shoving the darts by his ears and encouraging him to try. She wouldn't let him quit until he finally did it! The little bunny is her boyfriend now." Judy took out her phone to show the picture Gideon had shared with her. "Look!"

Gretchen looked at the photo. "What the?..." There was Cindy. Looking into the camera while hugging Bean with a huge smile on her face. Michael was on the other side of Bean smiling away too.

Gretchen's ears flopped down. "She's...she's smiling!"

"Of course. She's happy now."

A single tear rolled down Gretchen's cheek. "I've never seen her smile. Not...not once."

"And why's that?" Judy asked knowingly.

Gretchen put her paws on her face and started sobbing. "Because of me! Because of meeee!"

Judy didn't show one once of pity for her. "For once, you're right."

The nasty bunny wiped the tears off her eyes. "SNIFF! I-I-I got so addicted to my drugs, I didn't even consider their well being anymore. Being in this cell and having my body go through these horrible withdrawals, all I can think about is how I treated them. I've been in denial. Always blaming someone else. My ex-boyfriends, my kids, the cops...SNIFF!...but it was me. I couldn't quit the addiction but I just refused to see the truth. I-I-I blocked it out because if I believed the truth, I'd know I was a horrible person and I couldn't live with myself!"

"Well...now you have no choice but to. I hope your time in jail at least sobers you up."

Gretchen got closer. "Are there any other pictures?"

"A few." Judy showed her some other pictures Gideon shared. Gretchen saw Petey and Wiggly laughing as the snuggled together close. One of Cindy with Michael in a headlock and they were laughing. Finally, one from the back seat of the van where Cindy and Petey huddled together in a warm embrace. Happy that they were finally back together.

Gretchen sat back. "I'm glad they're with someone who loves them. I treated them so badly, but...I can't ever tell them I'm sorry. Not in person."

"Why?" Judy asked.

"I don't deserve their forgiveness. Ever! I can never go back to them. I have to be the villain in their lives. When you see Cindy, tell her...ummmm...tell her that I think she's the ugliest little girl I ever saw and that she has an ugly smile."

"I can't do that!"

Gretchen snapped back to her old self once more. "Just do it you fucking pig! I don't ever wanna see those kids again y'hear?! They're nothing but trouble!"

"You're insane." Judy replied. "Not to mention bipolar. I'm glad you at least figured out the truth." She got up to leave. "Goodbye Gretchen!"

"Get lost cop! I ain't figured out shit!"

Judy walked away and talked under her breath. "What is her deal?!"

As she left, Gretchen flopped back down onto her bed. She put her paws on her face again and began to sob.

Moments earlier...

Nick had stepped out of his van that was parked upon the hill. He was nervous as this was the very spot where the battle between he, his friends and the hawks happened just a little over a week ago. Only now, the shed is gone and any trace of what transpired has been swept away. In it's place was a memorial. All that Nick could see was a large stone placed there with a placard that featured the names of all the children slaughtered and eaten by the hawks. Flowers and candles were placed all around.

As Nick was reading the names, a voice coming from a nearby tree startled him."I really shouldn't be here you know."

"AAH! I mean, Ah-Ha! There you are." Nick replied. "Hello Zeke."

"Hello Mr. Wilde." Zeke said from the trees. "I got your message."

"Thanks. How are the kids?"

"Fine. Your mayor kept his word and the river is returning to normal. After what happened in Bunnyburrow finally leaked out, the government finally intervened and restocked the lake with fish and helped resupply the markets. Now, enough small talk. You said I could help redeem myself?"

"Yes. As you are probably aware. The tensions between predator and prey in Zootopia have never been higher and things are about to get much, MUCH worse. The mayor's about to test the new dome system which will allow Zootopia to have the same weather eco system it already has in place all year round. Problem is, Lionheart is planning a huge breakout for that time and is encouraging the predators to riot once the dome is fully up."

"And where do I come in in all of this?" Zeke asked.

"I need you to sneak into the city and help protect it. Hawks have incredible vision and can see for miles in great detail."

"True."

"So, I'll need you to be my eyes in the sky. Every name on that stone was a life you took. It's time for you to save lives instead. Also, I can really use someone to watch my back."

The hawk smiled. "I like this. Okay Wilde. But how do I get into the city? Birds and reptiles are prohibited from Zootopia and people will freak at an alpha predator like me loose in the city."

"I know a lot of folks in the city. Especially when it comes to transportation. There's a riverbed near the outskirts of Bunnyburrow. Look for a lynx named Billy he takes the riverboat in and out of Zootopia. He has a frog friend named Croaker that stays below deck when in the city. They can get you into the Rainforest district. From there sneak into the trees and wait for nighttime. Then, fly out and help anyone in danger. Sound good?"

"It's risky, but if the police catch me, I'm ready to do my time. I'm having my sister look after my kids right now so I know they'll be safe."

"Look on the bright side. This could help bird/mammal relations greatly."

Zeke chuckled. "Somehow I doubt that. Now if that is all, I must leave. I have no right being here again and the memories bring me great pain. Farewell Wilde." The hawk flew off from the trees and flew over the large fields where as few bunnies as possible could spot him.

Nick looked up at him. "Farewell Zeke."

Moments later, Nick went back to the jailhouse and picked up Judy in the van. "So Carrots, how'd it go?"

"Good! Mr. Pouncer answered all my questions and was very cooperative. Heh! I made Gretchen cry."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. I showed her some pictures Gideon sent me. They showed Cindy very happy which Gretchen has never seen in her life. I think she's finally coming to the realization of what a horrible person she's been."

"Good. The first step towards salvation is admitting that you have a problem." Before Nick could talk further, his cell phone rang. "Hello?"

"Hi Nicky!" Nick's mother Vivian said with a giggle in her voice.

"Well you sound happy! Let me put you on video. What's up?"

"Well, we got into another big fight with Carol again and we left the house for a bit. We remembered what you said about that barbecue joint way down the road and..."

Nick knew what was coming. He put his paw on his forehead. "Oh no. No! Please don't tell me!"

Bobby and Vivian showed the rings onscreen. "WE ELOPED!"

Nick was pulling his ears out of his head. "You've gotta be kidding me! There's gonna be no one at this 'Marriage-Palooza' deal who isn't already married!"

"NICK! I thought you'd be happy for us!"

"I am! It's just...I wasn't ready for this! My wife's ex-boyfriend is my stepdad now! I just became a husband today. We got a new little girl!"

"Ooooh! I can't wait to see my new granddaughter!"

"Great, just...watch your ears. She's a biter. That's another thing! I've only been a father for a week and a half! Everything's moving so fast! It's like my life's being written by some hack writer who crams in way too much story in a span of two weeks! Look, I'm sorry mom. I'm just tired of some new, huge change in my life coming every few seconds."

"I'm sorry baby. To be honest, we could have waited, but I want to rub it in that bitches face!"

"Revenge. The best reason to get married."

"Well, mostly it's the sex. Bobby's given me the best orgasms I've ever had in my li-"

"OKAY! OKAY! OKAY! Please! Spare me the details!"

Judy had a question. "Does he still have that mole on the tip of his..."

"Yup." Vivian replied.

Nick's jaw had dropped which confused Judy. "What?" she asked.

"You told me you only got to second base with him!"

"Exactly!...Wait, second base is oral, right?"

"THAT'S THIRD!"

"Sssss...Ooooh. Yeeeah. Sorry honey."

Nick beat his head against the steering wheel. "My stepdad who's a decade younger than me has had sexual relations with both my mom and my wife. UUUUGH!"

Judy quickly changed the subject. "So Bobby, I have a big problem and I was wondering if you could help me."

"It doesn't involve his dick, does it?!" Nick asked.

"Nick stop! Bobby, you're close friends with Gazelle right?"

"Sure." Bobby replied. "It's more a business arrangement, but I jam with her from time to time."

"My father stupidly made a deal to get Gazelle to wed at that 'Wedding-Palooza' TV thing, but she only agreed to go if he could raise 10 million for charity. Now the TV station he was with is going to sue him if she doesn't appear and my mother's threatening divorce! Can you get her to lower the amount?"

Bobby laughed. "Relax. She does that with everyone. She wants to make sure they raise as much money for charity as possible. Don't worry. She never cancels an appearance no matter how much money is raised. She'll be there, I promise."

Judy breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh THANK YOU! I can't wait to tell my mother. So are you guys planning on any children?"

"Are you kidding?!" Vivian said. "For one, we're two different species. Second, my oven still works, but we're fresh out of eggs if you get my drift."

"I meant adoption."

"Oh...I don't know. At my age, I'm just happy to have the grandkids."

"Me too" said Bobby. "Let them visit as often as they want."

Vivian then remembered something. "Say weren't you two looking into a way to have biological children of your own?"

"Oh, that sub-plot." Nick replied. "Yeah, it's a no-go. The universal sperm works, but the male has to be the same size or smaller than the female or else the baby grows too big in the stomach and can burst out."

"That's terrible."

Judy interrupted. "We're looking into getting over my desire to give birth by helping my brother Jessie and his wife have kids by having him get me pregnant. I don't want the children to be mine though, I know I'd have a tough time leaving them. Maybe I can do something like in vitro fertilization?"

"Maybe." Vivian replied. Then, she had an idea. "That's it!"

"Well, I mean there maybe other options."

"No! I mean a way for you two to have your OWN biological children!"

"How?!" Nick asked.

"You can get me pregnant!"

Nick was a little shocked at what his mother said. "Hey! Hey! This may be M-Rated, but it's NOT that kind of fan-fic!"

"No! No! I mean the in vitro thing! I can't give birth normally due to my age, but the womb still works. Have that lab you were looking into have Judy's eggs and your sperm mixed that universal stuff and put the eggs in my womb. I could deliver my own grandchildren!"

Nick and Judy looked at one another. This is an option they hadn't considered. "Well?" Judy asked.

"What have we got to lose?" Nick asked.

Judy smiled back. "Yeah...YEAH! Let's do it! What do you think Bobby?"

"Oh NOW my opinion on my wife getting pregnant matters!" said an upset Bobby Catmull.

Vivian rubbed his arm. "I'm sorry baby. Look at it this way, you get some grandkids AND get to sample some fox milk."

Bobby smiled. "The heck with sampling, I'm gonna get drunk off of it!"

Vivian giggled. "Oh you!"

Nick just rolled his eyes and made a barfing motion. Judy chimed in. "Vivian, if you do this, you'd be the first fox to give birth to bunnies...or funnies...boxes? Whatever. Sooo...are we all in?"

"I'm in!" Vivian replied.

"Me too!" Bobby said.

Judy then looked over at Nick. "Sure." Nick replied. "Let's just do it sooner than later."

"Why?" Judy asked.

"Well, the gestation period of a rabbit is about 4 weeks where it's about 6 to 8 for canines. I'm guessing it's gonna be close to 6 weeks or earlier and I want to get 'Kits first Christmas' ornaments for our tree."

Judy laughed. "Well you're thinking ahead."

"Sure am. Okay mom and...Bobby, we really gotta go, we're in the mall parking lot now and we need to say goodbye to the kids."

"Bye Mom! Bye dad!" Judy said.

Bobby got excited. "AWW! She called me 'Dad'!"

Nick chimed in. "Yeah, but if she ever calls you 'daddy', I'm divorcing her."

Judy gave the fox a slight punch in the ribs. "You dumb fox! I'll have you know I was calling him 'daddy' ten years ago."

"Will you stop reminding me of your previous sexual relationship with my new stepfather?!"

Vivian was ready to hang up. "We'll let you guys go. Bye son."

"Bye mom. I love you."

"Bye son!" Bobby added.

"Bye da-NOW CUT THAT OUT!"

Judy started unbuckling her seat belt. "I know it's a weird situation now Nick, but I'm sure you'll get used to it over time."

"Maybe, but I might not get used to my own mother giving birth to my pup, errr...kits. Pips?"

"Well, think of them as the best Christmas present ever."

Nick smiled. "Yeah. On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to meee, a litter of baby bunnies!"

"Hee-Hee! Will you stop?!" Judy laughed as they walked down the parking lot. They both looked up at the roof and stopped laughing. "Nick that's..."

The Good Deer Blimp!" Nick replied just before it disappeared again. "Oh...my...God. We have to get inside and get these people out of here now!"

The two of them ran as fast as they could towards the entrance.