21: Karma
A/N: Here's the end of the drama from the last chapter and my contribution to the many Halloween chapters and one-shots out there.
…
Entering the shop, Nick finds out from Midnight that there are still a few things that needed to be finished on the project that's in the bay where the Superbird build is to take place. Deciding that since Judy wanted to do some shopping for Skye, he allowed her to take the time to do that rather than just sitting around since her bay was currently being prepped for another customer build.
Giving Nick a quick kiss, Judy sets off in the Cobra on a little shopping trip.
Not long after Judy leaves, Nick is going over the items needed for the movie car build with Skye, Duane and Josh.
"Nick, where's Judy?" asks Skye "I thought she was going to help Midnight with the Superbird?"
"Well, she said she was going to …"
Just then, Nick is interrupted with a call from Laverne. "Hey mom, what's up?"
"Nick, is Judy with you now?"
"No, she's not. We finished at doctor Cotton's office and went to that new restaurant, Black Abby, for an early lunch before coming to the shop. After we got here, Midnight wasn't ready to start on the Superbird build so she took the Cobra and went to pick up something for Snow's bridal shower. What's wrong, you sound really stressed!"
"I just heard over the police scanner that an unidentified grey bunny doe that was driving a Cobra that looks like Judy's was just killed in a car wreck on Savanna Central Boulevard. I had to check and make sure that it wasn't her."
"SHIT! Did you try her cell?"
"Of course I did" replied Laverne with a desperatetone to her voice"but it went straight to voicemail. Nick I'm worried tha-"
"Mom, calm down. Here's what I need for you to do. Head towards the scene and get as close as you can to the wreck. Maybe you can see for sure if it was Judy's car or not. I'm going to call Bogo and see if he'll release anything that might help us know if it was actually her or not. Besides, if it was her I'm sure I would have gotten a call from the ZPD by now.'
'In the meantime, I'm gonna have Snow head out and check Judy's favorite shopping places in that area to help narrow down the possibilities.'
'Look, I know Judy's ok. I don't know how unless it's the fact that that the life-mate thing hasn't started affecting me. Still, we need to make sure everything's ok so I'm going to leave and head towards the house in case she may have doubled back."
Before Nick could say anything, Skye, Duane and Josh were headed out of the office knowing that time could be of the essence.
Dialing Bogo's personal number as he headed towards his truck Nick was in a mild panic, betraying the clam exterior he had portrayed in front of Skye, Duane and Josh.
"Wilde?" answered Bogo in a huff "Why the hell are you calling me on my personal line?"
"Chief, I need some information and I need it straight and I need it now. I know that there was a fatal traffic accident involving a bunny doe in a grey sports car on Savanna Central Boulevard, and I need to know if it was Judy or not. I'm not asking for any other information, I have to know if it was her. Please Adrian, just give me that … please."
Pausing for a few heartbeats to consider Nick's request, Bogo finally answered "Under normal circumstances, I'd tell you to fuck off, you know that, right? However, I'll do this one favor for you this one time since you're only asking about Judy and considering all that you've both been through lately. The mammal involved was NOT your wife. That's all you get Wilde."
"Thanks chief, that's all I really needed to know. Just so you know, I actually found a Hummer for you and it'll be moved to the top of the build list ahead of every other build. I was saving it for a surprise, but you've earned that by granting me this favor. Again, my eternal thanks chief. Now I need to call a few mammals and give them good news and call off the bunny hunt that's currently in progress."
With that Nick ended the call to Bogo and called everyone out hunting for Judy to let them know that she was safe as he headed back to the shop.
…
As mammals began to filter back into the shop, Nick noticed that there were a lot of concerned muzzles staring at him that weren't up to speed on the exact situation. Deciding to head off a situation what he knew was about to be really uncomfortable, he called all shop employees to the main bay.
Addressing the entire shop population, he began "Ok here's the deal, I understand that some if not all of you have heard about an accident, and the word has spread that Judy may have been involved in a fatal traffic accident. I spoke with Chief Bogo and he has personally assured me that the mammal involved was in fact NOT her. I appreciate the concern, and I'll tell you all straight up that the reason I didn't say anything to y'all was to minimize panic. As soon as I can, I'll have her come and let you know that she's ok, I promise.'
'Now, everymammal back to work."
…
Returning from her shopping trip at the exact moment that the shop meeting was ending, Judy enters the shop to be confronted by several concerned/upset mammals.
"Umm … what's up? Why all the funky attitudes?" she asks worriedly.
Escorting Judy into the privacy of the office "You really don't have a clue?" asks a slightly irritated Nick.
"Obviously not or I wouldn't be asking" returns Judy, glaring and picking up an attitude of her own. "What the hell is wrong?"
"Did you turn your cell phone off?" asks Laverne before Nick could.
"No, of course not. I forgot to charge it last night and the battery died. What-"
"Judy" interrupts Skye "a doe fitting your description, driving a Cobra practically identical to yours, was killed in a traffic accident just a little while ago. You didn't answer your phone and we thought the worst."
Her paws flying to her mouth, Judy was horrified.
"When I was in 'Le Petite' I heard the sirens and saw the ambulances go by but never paid 'em much attention. I had no idea that … guys, I'm so sorry…"
Quickly taking a trembling, tearful Judy into his arms and wrapping his tail around her, Nick began stroking her ears that were presently laid flat against her back, consoling his wife.
"It's ok Jude, it's ok" he crooned softly "just PLEASE make sure you charge your phone from now on ok?"
"I promise" came the sobbing and muffled reply.
Just then, Josh's phone rang. Looking at the caller ID he told the assembled group "It's Debra" he declared.
Debra Hopps was one of Judy's siblings and the current head resident of the small mammal ER scrub nurses at Zootopia General Hospital.
"Hey Debra" began Josh as he answered the call. "What's that? Ok, ok, hold on a sec, I'll put the phone on speaker."
"First off" came the angry voice over the phone that Josh made sure to hold as far away from himself as his arm would allow "Why in hell's name isn't Judy answering her phone? Why do I have to find out from Jason that everyone thought Judy was killed in a wreck, then only to find out it wasn't her?"
"Wait a second" says Duane "Jason who?"
"Jason Wolford of course, ya damned dummy. You know I've been dating him for a while now."
"You mean Jason Wolford the cop?" interrupts an amazed Judy.
"How many more Jason Wolfords do you know Judy? And by the way, glad to hear you're ok, but answer your damned phone next time ok?"
"The battery went dead while I was out shopping, all right? And yes mom, I already promised Nick I'd keep it charged." Judy fires back.
"Ok, fine. Now that we've got that settled, I've got one more piece of news that you might or might not like to hear, even though giving it out might cost me my job. Before I tell you, you've all got to promise that you'll never tell anyone, and I mean anyone where you heard it."
"We promise" came the group reply.
"The mammal that caused the accident was none other than Johnny Whinters."
Waiting for the collective gasps and accompanying din to die down, Debra continues "It seems he must have thought that the poor doe was Judy and he t-boned her car at roughly 80 miles per hour right in the driver's side door, she was killed immediately. Johnny wasn't wearing a seat belt when he hit her and was thrown completely through the windshield. We just finished emergency surgery on him a few minutes ago and there are a couple of reasons why I doubt if he'll ever bother any female ever again."
"And they are?" asks a very angry Judy.
"Well to begin with, to put it mildly, Johnny is no longer a buck, just a bunny, sort of."
"What?" yelled all of the rabbits in the room at the same time, which earned questioning looks from all of the vulpine in attendance.
"Yea, that's right, seems like Johnny lost the family jewels, among a few other things."
"Like what?" asks Josh.
"Well, like both ears and most of his tail" responds Nadine.
"Well just … damn" finishes Josh.
Nick, Josh and Duane all grimaced at the statement.
"And the other reason?" asks Judy.
"According to Jason, once Johnny is released from the hospital in say two or three months, he goes straight to jail for premeditated murder and or vehicular homicide. I'm sure he'll make someone a nice girlfriend while he's locked up. Only fitting if you ask me."
"Sorry to say it, but at least that's a small piece of good news, Karma can be such a bitch sometimes … Thanks for the info sis, take care and say hey to Jason for us" says Josh as he ends the call.
…
"What is the deal with everybody dating preds now?" Duane mutters quietly.
"What, you jealous or something?" asks Josh, with Judy giving her brother a curious glance.
"Umm … no?" deadpans a suddenly even quieter Duane.
"Ok bro, spill" demands Judy "We all already know you liked preds, but you're doing a damned poor job of hiding something. Who is it? What species? Give, damn it."
"Well, if you must know-"
"Yea, we must" interrupted Skye. Looking around and noticing the questioning looks aimed her way "What? I'm practically family now, so I'm entitled."
Rolling his eyes, Duane continued "It's … Tiffany Foxly."
"Tiffany Foxly … Tiffany Foxly" repeats Nick slowly tapping his muzzle with one finger. "I've heard that name somewhere. Wait, I've got it, she's Winston's cousin on her mom's side, isn't she?"
Ears standing straight up and eyes wide open Judy has to ask "Where in Saren's name did you ever meet her Duane?"
"Well duh, at your wedding sis, where the hell else? She sorta kinda asked me to dance and didn't see any harm in it so… I said ok.'
'Then one thing led to another and before I knew it we started dating. And before you ask, that's all that going on, at least for now. Nothing past dinner, an occasional movie and a little make-out session now and then. There, satisfied?"
"Why you sneaky little shit" started Josh. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Who you callin' little, asshat?" Duane shot back "I'm taller than you are! And besides, who you callin' sneaky after all the time you were going out with Skye and not telling anyone?"
"I'm callin' you little, I'm older so that makes you littler than me."
"You're screwed in the head, dummy."
"Who're you callin' a dummy-"
As the two bucks begin to square off like they're going to start fighting, Laverne interrupts - forcefully separating the two bucks "That's enough, the both of you. Take it outside before I paddle you both!"
"Yes ma'am" the bucks replied in unison, only slightly miffed while still giving each other the stink eye.
"Well just … shit" piped up a slightly disappointed Judy "just when things were getting' interestin'."
"Damn Judy, really?" asks a mortified Laverne.
"Yea, really. I haven't seen those two clowns throw down since I was seven. They got into a fist-fight in the driveway back at the burrow. Duane ended up with a black eye that lasted for almost a month and Josh had two cracked ribs."
"Really?"
"Yup. Mom tried to step in between them and almost got pasted herself."
"Oh my!" declared a horrified Laverne, paws flying to her muzzle.
"Luckily, the boys both knew better than to hit her even accidently, 'cause they're both still alive and breathin'. Ain't that right guys?" returned a grinning Judy.
Both brothers just looked at the floor, shuffled their feet and nodded slightly.
"Ok, I guess that's about enough drama for one day, everyone back to work" interrupts Nick "Snow, you Josh and Duane pretty much know what to do with the movie studio builds. Fluff, since there's still no space in bay seven to start on the 'Bird build, have Midnight bring that Hummer I found into bay four and start with the modifications on it. Once bay seven is free, you can hand the Hummer off to Charlie and Bolo. That should keep them busy until Snow needs them on the movie car builds."
"What's the big deal with putting the 'Bird in bay seven anyway?" asks Judy.
"Bay seven's just a touch larger and I want you two to have plenty of room for that build" returns Nick.
"And while we're at it, why start on the Hummer right away?" asks Skye "I thought that was scheduled farther on down the build list."
"Well" states Nick, looking at Judy intently "I asked a huge favor of Bogo to make sure Judy wasn't the bunny killed this morning, and promised that I'd bump the Hummer up to the top of the list to repay him."
Noting the slightly crestfallen face of his bride, Nick was quick to add "No Fluff, I'm not blaming you or making excuses, I would have gladly given everything I own to make sure you were ok. I'm just answering Snow's question. I know your phone died, it's just happenstance is all. I love you more than life itself, nothing will ever change that. I would never dump on you like that, and you know it. Now, everymammal out and get to work, except for Judy. I need a hug and some slobbers before yo-"
"Ick, gross" remarks Duane as he quickly heads out the door, followed closely by Josh, Laverne and Skye.
Giggling at Duane's outburst Judy remarks "I guess the sight of his little sister kissing a mammal still bothers him. See ya in a short Slick" as she gives Nick a hug and quick kiss on the nose and heads out of the office in search of Midnight.
…
Heading towards bay four, Judy finds Midnight just now pulling the large black Hummer into the bay.
Stepping out of the vehicle, Midnight notices Judy almost at the bay, so he decides that now is the time to give her the package that had been left in the vehicle.
"Judy" he begins "there's a package that was left in the passenger's seat with your name on it."
"Really?" she wonders aloud "I wonder what it is?"
"I have no idea, it's wrapped in plain brown paper. No ribbon or nuthin'."
Staring at the package with a very dubious look on her muzzle, Judy slowly and gently shakes it first. Hearing it rustle softly, she carefully begins to unwrap the paper, wondering if maybe she should have called the police, especially after the incident with Johnny earlier in the day.
Then Judy is slightly startled when Midnight inquires softly "Are you sure you want to open that?"
"Damn it Midnight, don't do that." answers Judy, feeling her heart almost stop.
"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you, but after what happened earlier …"
"Yea, I know, still." After the wrapping is pulled off and the contents are revealed to Judy she stares at the contents and exclaims "Well I'll be damned …"
"What?"
Looking at Midnight she asks him point blank "Are you in on this shit?"
"In on what?"
Holding up a fresh box of unopened breakfast cereal "This! Are you in on this?"
After seeing the picture and reading the lettering on the box along with the paw-written sticky note, small smile slowly turns into a large smile. Then into a barely hidden laugh which turns into a belly laugh that brings Midnight to his knees.
Holding up his paws in defense "I – I'm sorry Squeak. Hee - hee. I – haa - haa .. . no, I'm not. And I really, honestly, don't know who is, not for sure."
"Damn it, I'm getting to the bottom of this" holding the box of cereal in her paws, Judy storms off towards the office.
As she stomps through the shop, she hears snickers coming from several of the other employees that she is most familiar with and is convinced that more than at least a few of them know about the prank.
Arriving at the office, Judy bursts in startling Nick who is conversing with Laverne, startling both canids.
"What the hell Fluff?" yips Nick.
"Did you know about this Nick?" demands Judy holding up the box of cereal.
"Know about what Fluff?"
"This damn it" shaking the box of cereal.
As Nick and Laverne exchange glances, Laverne is the first to smile. Then Nick joins in as both begin to snicker, then to outright laugh, and laugh until the tears rolled.
"No Fluff, I cannot tell a lie" gasps Nick finally as he wipes tears from his eyes "I didn't know about it and I can assure you that it wasn't me. Someone in the shop has finally pranked ya. Welcome to the shop."
The angry and slightly shocked look on her muzzle began to slowly fade. As the situation finally registered Judy couldn't help but finally smile. Considering all that had happened today, perhaps this was something that was needed by everyone, especially her.
Heading out of the office into the shop, Judy glances back at Nick and his mother with an evil grin on her muzzle "Don't worry, I've got this."
Grabbing a small table and a single chair from the employees break room, Judy sets said items in the middle of the main bay. She then places the box of cereal on the table and retrieves a bowl and spoon from the same break room. After getting a small bottle of milk from the vending machine, she sits down to pour a bowl of cereal for herself.
One by one, the shop employees gather to watch Judy slowly devour a large bowl of Trix cereal.
As Judy finishes the bowl, she smacks her lips and remarks to the crowd with a large smile "As you all can clearly see, Trix (TM®) are NOT just for kits."
Greeted by thunderous applause, Judy happily takes her bowl and utensils and deposits them in the breakroom sink, secure in the knowledge that she had handled the prank as everyone who was in on it had hoped she would. Now she knew that she was truly one of the 'Wilde Bunch'.
Fresh with the knowledge that she was now totally accepted as a normal shop employee by everyone, Judy decided to put her long unused criminal justice skills to good use. She slowly glanced around the shop as she heads back to bay four to help Midnight upgrade the Hummer, seeking clues as to who the perpetrator or perpetrators might be. Everyone in the shop had access to the Hummer in the warehouse, but who might be deranged enough to prank a bunny with a box of cereal?
Although several suspects came to mind immediately, Judy needed to be certain of the culprit before enacting her revenge. Although nothing had ever been said out loud, Judy was sure that a return prank was almost certainly expected, and she absolutely did NOT want to disappoint.
Midnight was almost certainly out. It would be too convenient for him to just drop the cereal in her lap like that, but who? Who would have the nerve? As Judy narrows the list of suspects, she first eliminates Nick.
With very few exceptions, Nick wouldn't have had the time or opportunity to even buy the cereal without her knowledge. That and he would have most likely have stopped the prank after the happenings earlier in the day.
Laverne? No, she looked as shocked initially as Nick did, so she was out.
Lefty? Nope, too kind hearted.
Bolo? Same with him.
Josh or Duane? Possible but not likely.
As the list narrows for one reason or another, the culprit becomes obvious. The question is … how to get back at the mammal with the same flare and not cause physical injury. It's just revenging a prank of the same magnitude after all ….
Staring at the guilty cereal box, the answer becomes obvious….
As Judy busies her paws with her part of the interior detail in the Hummer, her mind is going a hundred miles an hour working out details of the return prank.
…
Since the conversion of the Hummer was reasonably simple with a large mammal seat on the driver's side and medium mammal seat set on the passenger side, the work was actually finished by the end of the next day.
After clocking out for the day, Judy heads for the paint booth for a quick word with Duane.
Seeing Judy enter that area, Nick joins her and asks "What's up Fluff?"
Showing Nick her bunny version of a smirk "I just need a quick word with Dewie here before we leave."
"Really? Special project? You know he needs to finish mapping out the paint for that semi-trailer for the movie build, right?"
"This won't take but a minute, and it's something that he can do after hours in a matter of a few minutes"
"And that would be … what exactly?"
"For me to know and everyone else to find out."
"Oh, so it's gonna be like that?"
"Yup, at least for now. Too many sensitive ears around. I'll tell ya on the way home, but for now, gimme a couple with Duane, please."
After spending less than five minutes with her brother, Judy joined Nick in the truck and outlined her plan on the way home.
After listening intently, Nick has to admit "That's absolutely genius. So, is Duane gonna help with it?"
"He's gonna try and dig up some pics for me. I'm sure I can rummage through them to find one I can use."
…
As the week winds down, Nick notices that the constant pressure is beginning to get to everyone in the shop. Not wanting to have a repeat of the last time, he decides to take matters into his own paws before anyone else brings it up.
Calling a brief meeting just as everyone was about to clock out for the day on Thursday, Nick makes the following announcement;
"Ok everyone, listen up. I know that everyone's been pushing hard on these projects. I refuse to have a repeat of what happened a while back, so here's what's gonna happen. Work tomorrow as usual, but quittin' time will be at three instead of five. The Chill Room has been reserved for the rest of the day tomorrow" which brought plenty of cheers from the crowd and a questioning look from Judy.
"That being said" he continued "I expect everyone in here at noon on Saturday" which, of course, drew a chorus of boos from the same crowd.
"Nick, just what the hell?" intoned Judy.
"If you'll all just settle down for a sec, I'll explain"
As the crowd finally attains a semblance of quiet, Nick is finally able to explain.
"With Halloween only a few days away, most of the day will be used as Halloween party for everyone. Everyone is expected to show up and bring their husband, wife, boyfriend girlfriend, significant other or whatever and kits if ya got 'em. There'll be prizes and games for adults and kits for best costumes, so get busy'. And before anyone asks, no ya can't use the costumes y'all used earlier for the convention. Plus, customers and the ZPD are invited as well, so y'all gotta behave, at least a little.'
'And yes, everyone gets Sunday off. Now, everyone git…"
As Nick and Judy are preparing for the shop's first annual Halloween bash, Judy is wondering if she can survive Nick's pranks long enough to have fun.
Her first Halloween with Nick is beginning to look like it could be a trial for Judy. Every time he seems to come up with something a little freakier or weirder, and she can't help but worry a bit what this particular round will bring.
Unfortunately, her worst fears are about to be realized as she hears "Juuuuuuuuudddddddyyyyyyyyyy!" coming from the den.
"What is it Nick, another stupid idea for Halloween? You know we don't have a lot of time to get costumes ready for the shop party Saturday night, which is tomorrow night…"
As Nick emerges from the den, Judy notices a small gift-wrapped box in his paws.
"And what, pray tell, do you have in there?" she asks, grimacing as she hesitantly accepts the brightly colored item.
"Why, it's your Halloween costume of course" replies Nick wearing his patented smirk.
Rolling her eyes, Judy gently gives the small box a gentle shake, and finds there seems to be nothing rattling around inside. "This had better not be empty" she sternly advises her husband.
"Trust me, it's not" which worries Judy even more as she very gingerly opens the lid and peers inside.
"I thought you said it's not empt…Oh hell no" as she notices the inside of the lid.
Taped to the inside of the lid is a G-string and a set of pasties. "You can absolutely not be serious! If you think I'm wearing this to the party, you have lost your ever-loving fluffing mind!"
"Actually" says Nick, wiggling his eyebrows "I kinda figured that you might wear that to our own 'private' party tonight., I thought we might as well have some fun."
'Well duh' thought Judy 'as jealous as he gets when someone even looks my way I should have known better'.
"And what did you intend to wear to complement my outfit if I may ask?"
"Ummm…this" indicated Nick as he brings a new green and purple tie that matched their eyes out from behind his back.
"I actually got this for you to wear to the party" says Nick as he presents Judy with a slightly larger box, which she notices actually rustles a little as he paws it to her with an extra-large smirk on his muzzle.
Suspiciously Judy opens the newest addition to what's likely to become a yearly prank fest. "Oh, HELL no. If you seriously think I'm going as a Playbunny I'm going to strangle you with your new tie, skin you and will wear your hide as a coat!"
Nick recoils in fake shock "Fluff, you wound me, you can wear that over the first set I gave you. Umm, by the way, you know that the first set…ummm…they're …actually edible…" he adds with a huge grin on his muzzle.
As Judy's normal complexion gradually turns from pink to blood red under her grey fur, she grabs her fox by the tie and jerks him down to her eye level. "If you ever tell anyone about these getups, I guarantee, you will never, and I mean never ever taste bunny ever again…. Do I make myself clear?"
"As crystal" answered Nick, still with a bit of a smirk still on his muzzle.
"Good" said Judy smiling seductively as she released Nick's tie and gives him a quick kiss on the tip of his nose.
"In all seriousness" begins Nick I actually do have a great getup for the party for each of us".
"I can barely contain my excitement" deadpans Judy crossing her arms across her chest and cocking a hip as Nick disappears briefly into the den and returns with a large, flat box, tied with up silk ribbons.
Nick gently places the box on the dining room table and carefully unties the ribbons, then slowly lifts the lid. Inside he carefully lifts an item that seems to be wrapped in fragile paper, held together with more silk ribbons.
As Nick slowly and carefully lifts the article of clothing from its wrapping of rice paper, Judy's paws fly to her muzzle as she gasps in amazement.
Before the gaping doe is a bunny sized kimono. The pale blue silk of the robe is accented by hand painted white and pink flying cranes and small red maple leaves.
"Nick, where on earth did you get that beautiful…..umm…"
"It's called an Uchikake kimono Judy. Messing with you is fun, but you are going to be the most beautiful female at the shop party tomorrow night, bar none. There is also a matching Obi, which is a belt, a pair of wooden Geta, which are clogs, and a pair of straw zōri sandals if you prefer those. And of course, there are Tabi socks to go with the footwear for authenticity."
"Well, I'm suitably impressed" said Judy, giving her fox a well-earned kiss. "And what will you be wearing? Is there anything that you could possibly wear to properly accompany me?"
Nick again makes a short trip to the den and returns smirking with a similar box that joins Judy's on the table. "I think I've got that covered my good bunny."
Nick opens the second box and displays his male kimono. The kimono is actually a Haori top-which you can see is white, a Jubanundershirt, a pair ofHakama pants-which of course is dark blue, along with a matching Obi as well as Tabi and Zōri. There was also a matching katana - a prop of course, the most commonly known type of Japanese sword, which is a single-edged and usually curved longsword traditionally worn by samurai from the 15th century onwards.
"Where on earth did you ever get the idea for this, let alone find these gorgeous outfits, and do you have any idea how to wear these?"
"Do you remember the Far Eastern Zootopian's who gave the ZPD the paw to paw and self-defense training a while back?"
"You mean Sensei Baku and Meeka?" replied Judy.
Sensei Baku was a giant Panda and Meeka a ring-tailed fox.
"Yup, those two. When I got the idea for this, all I had to do was look on the computer for martial arts instructors and guess who popped up. I went to the 'White Lotus' in the Eastern part of District four to get them custom made.'
'As for how to wear the outfits, I found a couple of sites on Zoogle and Zootube on how to properly put it on and wear them."
"I gotta admit, you've really outdone yourself, especially after your… prank filled start."
"Does that mean I'm forgiven for the…ummm other things?" asked Nick, only slightly worried.
Grinning seductively Judy answered "I'll let you know as soon as I try all of that stuff on. Edible huh?"
Swallowing hard, Nick nods "So I'm told, I take it were about to find out?"
The gleam in Judy's amethyst eyes tells it all as she heads for the bathroom for a quick shower. Picking up the two smaller boxes along the way as she comments "If you can find that blueberry flavored oil, I believe you'll be eating plenty of bunny before the night is over….."
While Nick watches Judy walk towards the bathroom, his very sensitive olfactory nerves were working overtime considering the pheromones given off by a very aroused bunny.
'Looks like I'm in for a long night' he says to himself.
…
As Nick and Judy enter shop's Halloween party on Saturday afternoon, all eyes fall on the couple.
"Oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh look at you two" gushes the highly excitable Clawhauser, who was dressed up as Pig Hero 6. "You two are a shoe-in for the grand prize unless some mammal can top that look."
"Hate to break it to ya big guy" Nick responds "but since we're throwing the bash, Judy and I aren't competing for the prizes."
Moving through the crowd, looking around they spot several of their guests and shop mates in costume.
Chief Bogo is dressed as Arnold Snortsenagher from the 'Predator' movie (odd choice for a prey mammal), Delgato is doing his impression of 'Captain Zootopia', while Fangmeyer was killing a 'Wonder Mammal' impersonation.
Gazing around, Judy notices Josh dressed as Ant Bunny, while Skye is wearing a matching outfit dressed as the 'Wasp'. Duane seems to be carrying a compound bow and wearing an all black outfit portraying 'Hawkeye' while his date Tiffany Foxly is absolutely killing a 'Black Widow' outfit.
Lefty is dressed as a blind samurai (complete with cloudy looking contact lenses) and Bolo has a biker look down perfectly.
Heading up the entertainment for the day and evening is an all hedgehog band known as Bobby (Boris) Picket and Crypt-Kickers.
Leading off the song list was 'Monster Mash' which the Krypt-Kickers had recorded themselves. Other songs included 'Black Magic Woman' by Santana, 'Bad Mood Rising' by Creedence and 'Highway to Hell' by AC/DC.
Of course, no entertainment would be complete without Nick joining in. Stepping up to the organ, Nick serenades Judy with 'Magic Carpet Ride' by Steppenwolf.
Not to be outdone, Judy comes back with 'Mammals (People) are Strange' by the Doors.
Nick Counters with 'Zootopian Woman' by Guess Who.
Finally, Judy wraps up the little session with 'I Can't Help Myself' by The Four Tops.
…
As the night wears on, Judy manages to keep Nick's alcohol consumption down, much to his annoyance.
"What's up?" he asks, slightly irritated "You're driving home so I figured I could let loose a little."
Judy hands Nick a PredEx envelope and tells him "You can open this when we leave. It's my Halloween present to you this year."
"Fine" says Nick, grudgingly accepting the envelope and Judy's explanation as well.
"All right, pipe down everyone" calls out Laverne as the evening winds down "we have runaway winners for the best costumes tonight. As you all know, everyone was given a ballot to turn in for the best costumes. There's actually a tie for best costume … will Rudy and Fiona Dewclaw please come forward and claim your prize."
It turns out that Rudy and Fiona won a pair of VIM (Very Important Mammal) backstage passes to Gazelle's next concert that is scheduled for two weeks from Halloween night. The couple had almost perfect renditions of Jedi master Plo Koon and padawan Ahsoka Tano from the Fur Wars movies.
"Thanks a lot" said Rudy to Laverne, Nick and Judy as Fiona jumped up on stage and gave Laverne a quick hug.
"There's one more prize to be given out tonight" says Laverne taking the mic and holding up a small box wrapped in orange paper tied up with a black bow. Skye Winters, will you please come up to the stage?"
As Skye slowly approaches the makeshift stage, a nagging suspicion tickles the back of her mind.
"I'm not sure what this is for" begins Laverne "but the note has your name on it Skye. And yes, you have to open it here and now."
Gently undoing the ribbon and then the paper, Skye looks at the contents. First her muzzle shows a bit of confusion, then a smile begins to play on her lips.
Holding up a slightly box of breakfast cereal all she can do is look at Judy, smile and comment "Well played sis, well played."
The modified box had a picture of Skye with a bowl of sugar-coated corn flakes, but the name had been changed to 'Snow Flakes' instead of Frosted Flakes.
As the gathered crowd hooted, hollered and applauded, Skye and Judy exchanged hugs, showing that there were no hard feelings and all was done in fun.
…
Since she was driving the short distance home, Judy allowed Nick to open the envelope since he had (begrudgingly) managed to limit his intended drinking to only having a slight buzz.
"Ok Slick, go ahead and open your present."
Nick slowly pulled the zipper type opener at the top of the envelope, then shook out the contents. Grinning, he proudly held the contents in his paws and said "I guess the edible undies and carrot flavored oil mean that a certain bunny is going to be eating well tonight?"
"Good guess Slick" returned Judy with a mischievous glint in her eyes and smirk on her muzzle "I enjoyed the other night so much, I just figured I'd return the flavor, I mean favor…"
…
AN: NO CEREAL WAS HARMED IN THE WRITING OF THIS CHAPTER
