Chapter Seventeen: Aftermath

5:46pm at the Humphrey Bear Mall

"Hold a moment." Nick said as he asked Finnick to wait before seeing Honey's body. Nick got some napkins and wet them and went over to her. He could barely hold back his tears when seeing his old friend in such a state. He cleaned up her body a little and straightened her clothes to make her look presentable.

"SNIFF! H-Hey Honey! Been too long. I remember the last time we hung out. That big Christmas caper where we stuck it to Mr. Khan and stole the toys back for the orphans. It...SNIFF!...It was a good hustle. Look...I'm sorry I couldn't be with Finnick and you more often. It's just...I...I wanted to be the best I could be. I-I-I...I should have visited more! Maybe...maybe it wouldn't had led to this! Finn's right, this is partially my fault. Look, I'm just wanted to say, I'm sorry. You were always a great friend. Hell, you were my first...y'know. I know sometimes you'd think that's all you were good for and you were too ugly to be loved, but that's not true! I loved you. Finnick loved you. Speaking of, he's waiting. I better go get him."

Nick came back to Finnick while wiping off some tears. "I cleaned her up and said my peace. She's ready for you."

Finnick went and climbed up onto the table. He held Honey's paw one last time. The tears were already starting. "...Honey. It's Finnick. I'm sorry baby! I-I-I should have tried to escape earlier! I should've had a plan dammit! But hey! Look! Me and Nick, we're buds again. Tighter than ever. Bet you weren't expecting that! Heh! Ummm...look. I heard what you said. 'Don't hate'. I'm...I'm gonna take that to heart. I swear! No more blaming others for my own troubles! No more revenge! I know it'll be hard, but I'm gotta let all my hatred go. This is a new Finnick Honey. I love you. I know...SNIFF!...I know you didn't see the beauty in yourself that others saw, but I truly loved you. I was in love with you. Even if you wouldn't believe me. I...I don't know what else to say, except that I'm gonna miss you terribly. I'm going to prison, but that's okay. It's time I took responsibility for my actions."

Finnick then felt Nick's paw on his free paw. Nick was holding Honey's other paw so they all connected. "I know you're not the most religious guy, but...care to join me in a prayer?"

Finnick shrugged his shoulders. "What could it hurt?"

Nick and Finnick bowed their heads in prayer. "Ummm...hey God. It's me, Nick. Finnick's here too. Ummm...look, I know we're probably on the naughty list or something, but...we're asking you to please look over our dear friend Honey. May she find the happiness in the afterlife that she couldn't find here. May she see the beauty in herself that we always saw in her. Amen."

"Amen," Finnick replied.

"Okay Finn. We gotta go. The local cops are coming and they're gonna have a lot of questions and I don't have the time to answer them all. You good?"

"SNIFF! Yeah...Yeah, I'm good. Goodbye Honey."

"Goodbye Honey." Nick said. He then cuffed Finnick's paws in front and led him out.

Outside, Judy checked up on her parents who were talking to Santa Paws and the press. "Is everyone okay?!" Judy asked.

"We're fine dear." Bonnie said. "Me and your father had a bit of an adventure."

"Little Jason almost ate me alive!" Stu said. "I found out how tough it is to be as adventurous as you."

"And so thrilling!" Bonnie added. "I'm...kinda understanding why you became a cop now."

"Not to mention heroes!" said the Santa moose. "They risked their own lives to save mine."

"Daddy saved Santa Paws!" Jason shouted. "Does this mean we're gonna get a BIG present for Christmas?"

"It sure does!" replied the moose.

Stu was confused. "What do you mean?"

"Well, this camera crew you see around me is not the press. You're on the show 'Undercover CEO'. I own the Humphrey Bear mall franchise and what you and your daughter did is phenomenal! Now. I heard you needed to raise money for an appearance from Gazelle at your wedding?"

"WOW! Umm... Yes sir. Ten million dollars for charity."

"DONE! It's the least I can do for the man who saved my life!"

Stu fainted and Bonnie caught him. "Sir! Th-That's too much!"

"No it's not mommy!" Jason said. "He's secretly Santa Paws!"

Judy chuckled. "Well, I'll let you two go. Where's Gideon with my kids?"

"The van's over there." Bonnie said pointing in the direction of the bakery truck.

Judy saw the van along with Gideon and some of the kids. "My babies!" Judy yelled as she ran over to them. The bunnies along with Cotton tackled her down and she hugged and kissed them all. "Oooh! My precious ones! Are you all okay?!"

"We're fine mommy!" Cotton said. "Rose breathed in just enough to go savage and she scratched Spots on the muzzle."

Judy panicked "Oh no!" She ran over to Spots and hugged her. "Spots sweetie! Are you okay?! Let me see your face!"

Spots was embarrassed. "Mooom! Quit panicking! It's just a little scratch! See?"

Judy looked at the scratch. It was deep, but far from life-threatening. "Awww! My poor baby!" She then hugged Spots and kissed the scratch on her muzzle.

Spots chuckled. "Geez mom! I'm a little old for you to be kissing my 'boo-boos'."

"Well, I'm never too old to love my daughter. How's Rose?"

"Knocked out cold by Cindy of all people. She's tied, so let me see if she's okay."

Rose was lying on the floor of the van. Spots went over and gave her a nudge. "Rose! Rose! Are you alright?"

Rose stirred "Ow! My head! Why am I tied up?!"

"You went savage." Spots replied. "Cindy knocked you out."

"Vivian! That scar!"

"Ah, it's nothing. Guess you got a little payback."

"Don't say that! I forgave you! You had PTSD!"

"Okay then...we're even?"

"Really? Look at my face compared to your sexy scar."

"...Back to square one?"

Rose chuckled. "Bingo. Now, can you untie me?"

Meanwhile...

A familiar news reporter has set up camera in front of the mall just as Nick and Finnick were walking out. "This is Rabbecca Longears from BMZ. I'm standing just outside of thew Humphrey Bear mall where a vicious gas attack lead to the bunnies inside going savage and attacking the patrons inside. Fifty-two mammals were injured. Seven of them with life threatening injuries, but only one fatality thanks to the courageous efforts of Judy Hopps and her partner...here is is! Mr. Wilde! Can we have a word with you?!"

"Hello again Rabbecca. Did you enjoy your big scoop?"

Nick of course, was referring to the ice cream scoop he gave Rabbecca earlier. "Ha-Ha. Very funny. Officer Wilde, can you explain for the audience just what happened?"

"Well Becky..."

"It's Rabbecca."

"Well Rabby, as you are well aware, me and Officer Hopps investigated the local grocery store when one of the foxes who worked there attacked a co-worker. Word was out that a disappearing-reappearing blimp was seen around town and foul play was involved. Sure enough, when I investigated the scene, I found traces of Nighthowler gas still present. We reported it to you and the ZPD and thought that was the end of the case and the invisible blimp was heading back to Zootopia. Turns out they had one more test to do and it was right here in the mall. The gas can be made species specific and this time they decided to test it out on bunnies. The one species that makes up about 80 percent of the patrons in this mall. We went inside to investigate and because our foster kids were here. No sooner than we got in here than the gas was released and my own partner and wife, Judy attacked me."

"Wait! You married a bunny?!"

"Yes, but that's not what's import-"

"That's history making! Was it legal?!"

"Perfectly. Can we get back to.."

"How do you two...y'know?...Do it?"

"...With salad tongs and a flashlight. AS I WAS SAYING! Judy was biting my arm and I hit her with her own tranq gun. Turns out sedatives are an insta-cure for the gas. So while I got citizens to safety, Judy put her tranqs and some sedative medicine into the sprinkler system and set off the fire alarm. The chemicals spread out all over the mall and the bunnies were cured."

"Amazing story."

Nick looked into the camera. "So you hear that Big Cheese?! We got the cure for your stupid gas and the ZPD knows it so don't bother!"

Rabbecca then looked down at Finnick and saw that he was in cuffs. "Oh! Is this little guy a prisoner?"

"Yes. This is my old friend, Finnick AKA 'Big Ears'. He was one of the Big Cheese's top men. He was the one giving out pamphlets in Zootopia that were full of anti-prey hysteria."

Finnick was fidgeting. "Ummm...If it's any consolation, me and Honey have been trying to quit for a few days now. She's...She's the one who passed away."

"Finnick has informed me his recent actions were done under duress."

"Oh surrre!" Rabbecca said sarcastically.

The mother ewe and her two lambs stood in front of Finnick to shield him. "It's true! This small, tiny, old man..."

"Could'a phrased that better." Finnick replied.

"...He risked his life to save me and my children. He protected them when the bunnies attacked the Pretzel Palace! As far as I'm concerned, he's a hero!" The Ewe went and kissed Finnick right on the lips.

Finnick shoved her off. "Hey! Hey! I'm no hero. My stupid actions helped this disaster happen in the first place. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to be taken to jail. Thank you."

Nick and Finnick left the news reporter to head to Gideon's van. "That Ewe sure liked you!" Nick said.

Finnick didn't care. "C'mon Nick! You know I'm not into sheep! Honey absolutely despised them."

Meanwhile...

Stu, Bonnie and the kids arrived at Gideon's van. Stu looked around and noticed something was wrong. "Ummmm...Gid?"

"Yeah boss?" Gideon replied.

"...Where's my pickup truck?"

"OH! Umm...'bout that. Remember when Ah told yew 'bout my old friend Travis?"

"Yes?"

"Well...ummm...he wuz workin' fer the bad guys and he put a gun to mah head and...him and Sharla took yer truck and high-tailed it."

"WHAT?! That's my baby! It's been in the family for generations!"

"And it shows." Bonnie added.

"Oh hush!"

Gideon tried to explain. "Sir...dad...he had a gun to mah head! Whut was I supposed to do?!"

"I guess...wait. How'd he know about the key under the mat?"

"Ah told him. Also, who does that?!"

Stu started stomping around. "GAAAH! GRRR! Dangit anyway!"

Bonnie pulled Stu to the side and talked to him for a moment. "Stu dear."

"Yes?"

"I should be saying this, but have you totaled the charity money you've been raising at the carnival?"

"Not for today. No."

She whispered into his ear. "Fib a little and let's use the extra money for a new truck."

"BONNIE!"

"Shhhh! We got the ten million didn't we? That's more than enough for charity."

"Still...taking charity money."

"A tiny smidge! No one will know!"

Stu couldn't help but laugh. "Bonnie. You are one naughty girl."

"Then you'll have to give me a spanking when we get home."

"Heeheehee! Oh! Speaking of naughty, I...I kinda want to zoogle if there's any underground restaurants that serve horse meat."

"Stu! You read my mind! That guy was so tasty!"

"Not as tasty as you...We're horrible people aren't we?"

"Hee-Hee! Just the worst. Honey? Do you think you're ready tonight to...y'know?"

"Do the nasty till the sun rises? Hell yeah! It's been nine days since the operation. Doc says I'm ready to go."

"YES! Oooh the things I'm gonna do to you! First, we..."

Meanwhile, as Bonnie and Stu's naughty conversation was going on, Judy talked to Gideon. "Wait a minute! Did you say Sharla took off with Travis?"

"Yeah. She got tired of not havin' a boyfriend, so she took the one guy she knew liked her and decided she was gonna live a life of crime on the run."

"What?!"

"She told Travis she wants to be an outlaw and rob banks!"

Judy slapped her paw to her forehead. "Oh no!"

"If'n it's any consolation Judy, Ah aint ever seen her so excited as when she wuz leavin' the mall with Travis and flippin' everyone off."

"Well...at least she's finally happy. Where's Nick?! We REALLY need to leave."

"Speak of the devil and he shall appear." Nick said from behind.

"Oh good! We have to get going! I can drive us to the train station and dad can drive the van home. The last train to Zootopia is in twenty minutes! If we hurry, we can make it."

Judy then addressed the children. "Kids. You'll be staying with grandma and grandpa Hopps tonight. Okay? Mommy and Daddy...we have to go back to the city. There's gonna be a lot of bad guys out tonight and we need to stop them. We'll come back in the morning."

"Make it afternoon." Nick said. "Something tells me we're gonna be beat."

Judy was holding back tears. "If...If something goes wrong, Spots is in charge okay? My Mom and dad will let you live here as long as you'd like."

Petey's ears drooped with worry. "You make it sound like something bad's gonna happen!"

"No! No dear! I'm just making sure Spots watches out for you guys. We'll be fine."

Michael reassured Petey. "Mommy will be okay! She's tough!"

Judy was surprised at Michael's attitude. "Thank you sweetie! You're not gonna cry when I leave?"

"No mommy. I got to be with you a lot today and Gideon's right. You're like a superhero!"

Gideon looked away in embarrassment as Judy smiled at him. "So you're not worried about me?"

"Not a bit!"

Judy went and kissed the boy bunny on the forehead. It was then that Cindy went and jumped up on her. "Whoopsie! Hey honey! No biting okay?"

"Hi, I'm Cindy!"

"Hee-Hee! I know dear. Me and daddy are gonna leave and go fight some bad guys, okay?"

Cindy hugged her. "Bye-Bye Momma."

While Judy hugged Cotton goodbye, Nick hugged the young ones and then talked to Spots. "Take real good care of them, okay?"

Spots was weeping a bit. "I don't like this! You and Judy are talking like you might not be coming back! You guys have already done a lot for the ZPD today. Can't you just stay here?!"

"Rusev is likely to get out tonight. I CAN'T let him take the life of another Rigson. I'm gonna put an end to him if I have to. "

"So what? You're just gonna risk your life for petty revenge?"

"Ehh. Kinda."

"Daaad!"

"Look. I HAVE to protect the city along with your mother. But don't worry. We got each others back."

"Then take me with you! I can fight!"

"No."

"But da-"

"I SAID NO VIVIAN!"

"..."

Nick caressed his daughter's cheek. "I need you here. You have a very, VERY important job. Cindy, Cotton, Petey and Mike. They're gonna need you. They may see some bad things on the news and you need to be there for them to calm their fears. Can you do that for me?"

"...I-I.."

"Spots. Promise me you'll look out for your siblings. They look up to you and they may need you more than ever. Can you promise me that?"

Spots started to tear up. "SNIFF! I-I promise. Just be careful okay?"

"I will."

"Oh! And one other thing." Spots then pointed down at Finnick. "Who the hell is that guy?"

"Hunh?...Oh! Kids, say 'Hi!' to your uncle Finnick! I've mentioned him before. He's my old hustle partner."

Suddenly, Spots got real angry. "That's the jerk who back-stabbed you and worked with the Big Cheese!"

Spots grabbed Finnick by the neck collar and threatened to punch Finnick. "I outta punch your fangs out!"

Nick took Finnick off of her paws. "Calm down Viv. We kissed and made up. Well, not actually kissed per se, but anyway, he agreed to turn himself in."

"Viv?" Finnick said. "As in Vivian?"

"Yup. Same name as my mother."

"Nice! I like her Nick. She's got some fire in her."

Nick looked over everyone. "Well, that's it. We gotta hurry if we're gonna catch the train. Bye kids. We'll see you tomorrow."

As Nick and Judy were going, Cotton grabbed onto Nick's leg and was crying. "What's the matter sweetie?"

Cotton was in tears. "Don't go! I think something bad's gonna happen! I can feel it!"

Nick patted her head. "I'm sorry honey. I HAVE to do this. Don't worry. We'll be fine. Spots?"

Spots grabbed Cotton as she was kicking and screaming. "Relax kid! Dad knows what he's doing."

Nick and Judy got in the front seat of the van while Stu,. Bonnie and Finnick got in the back seat. Stu and Bonnie's little ones got into the van floor.

"Are they gonna be okay back there without seat belts?" Nick asked.

"Oh sure!" Stu said. "This is actually much safer for them than the back of the pickup truck. They can't fall out and get brain damage!"

"Have...any of them gotten brain damage?"

"Noooo! No." Bonnie said. "Well, about six of them have metal plates in their heads."

"And then there's Johnny Neon." Stu mentioned.

"Poor Johnny." Judy said.

"Who's Johnny Neon?" Nick asked.

"One of Judy's older brothers." Bonnie explained. "He fell out of the truck and hit his head bad. He's perfectly fine ninety-five percent of the time, but if he sees neon lights he shits his pants and screams like a goat."

"That trip to Las Vicunas was ill-advised." Stu replied.

"That's when we started to slow WAY down on speed bumps." Bonnie added.

Nick was horrified. "Yeeeah. Maybe you should not buy a pickup next time."

"Well, we gotta drive this big thing back to the farm. Maybe a van would be better. This baby could haul a lot of carrots!"

Nick was getting miffed. "Get your own van Stu. This one only holds one Carrots."

They away from the mall and within minutes, managed to get to the train station on time. Judy kissed her mother and father goodbye. "Careful not to damage the van dad."

"He'll be fine dear." Bonnie said. "Judy, are you sure the grandkits will be okay with that hyena?"

"MOM!"

"It's just...what she did to Rose."

"Was two years ago and due to PTSD which she's getting treated for now! I would trust their lives to her! I thought you were above such prejudices."

"I just worry about Michael is all."

"Well you don't need to. Spots is a wonderful big sister."

Stu and Bonnie drove the van away as Judy, Nick and Finnick headed to the train. "All aboard!" Yelled the conductor.

Nick approached the conductor. "Officer Wilde and officer Hopps bringing a prisoner back to Zootopia. Since it's a prisoner transfer, we'll need our own room."

"I got news fer ya." The conductor said. "You'll have your own train! No one in their right mind's going into the city tonight!"

As they entered the train, Finnick asked a question. "Speaking as a convicted mammal who's gonna be spending a long time in jail, can I have a beer?"

"Sure." Judy replied. "I think we can all use one."