Welcome back my dearest readers. So, what do you think so far? Nick dead, and in hell? Judy claiming a blood right against her brother that reality itself seems to have recognized, if the other officers reaction says anything? Quite the situation both find themselves in. Also… Judy pregnant, with Nick's kits? STU, of all mammals, knew they were together and wasn't fully freaking out?

Well, for Nick, you will have to wait, but let us now check back in with Judy, and see how she is hanging on.

On with the show!

I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.

Chapter 3

The Living World

Early that afternoon Stu and Bonnie arrived to find Bogo there and Judy dressed in her dress blues. Smiling at her parents, the warm smile never reaching her slit eyes. "Mom. Dad. I have something I have to do before we head out. If you guys head to the apartment, I will meet you there."

Bonnie frowned, her nose twitching. "Now Judy. You're with kit. You need to be taking it easy."

"Mom. It's Nick's mom. She doesn't know yet. I can't leave it to someone else. This is not negotiable."

Stu sighed as Bonnie gasped. "No. You're right, but we're going with you, and that is also not negotiable."

Judy and Bonnie locked eyes, Judy nodding after a moment. "Thanks, mom. I didn't feel right asking, but having you near will help."

xXx

Thirty minutes later, Judy walked up to the front door of the small, fox sized house in a nicer section of Happytown. Glancing behind her where her parents and Bogo waited at the curb, Judy took a deep breath, checked herself, then knocked.

A happy sounding, but nervous to Judy's ears, voice called from inside. "Be right there."

Closing her eyes a moment, Judy took another deep breath and put on the best mask of her life. One she knew the vixen about to open the door would see through instantly.

The door opened and an older vixen looked out with a smile. "Judy! What…" Her eyes tracking over the rabbits uniform, then past her to the buffalo in his full dress uniform. Her eyes fell back to Judy. "Oh no. Judy… Oh no. No. No. No. No. No."

Swallowing the lump in her throat. "Vivian… Mrs. Wilde. Your son was killed in the line of Duty."

Before Judy could say more, Vivian growled and stepped past Judy, her tail wrapping protectively around her while pointing up at Bogo. "You heartless bastard! How could you make her, of all mammals, tell me? What is wrong with you?"

Judy turned, pulling Vivian into a hug." He didn't, Viv. You deserved to hear it from me. I broke my promise to you. My promise to him."

Holding the now sobbing rabbit to herself and glared up at Bogo. "So? How did my son die? Or are you going to make her relive that too?"

Bogo stood tall. "Mrs. Wilde. Your son died a hero, protecting the life of his partner, mate, and mother of his kits. He took the shot, placing himself between the gun and Judy. Judy then incapacitated the mammal and then claimed them in some way that all my officers describe as his soul now belonging to her. For now, she states that the justice system can have him."

Judy pulled away. "The mammal was once my brother. I no longer acknowledge him, and when I decide, perhaps when our kits are older and have a say, I will claim what is now mine. Until then, I leave him to wallow in the terror of what I will do, and when." Stepping away fully. "Nick did just as Chief Bogo says. He saved my life, and that of our kits, giving his own in the process. I am so sorry. You needed to hear it from me. I know I broke my promise to both you and him. I will not bother you again, but will make sure his kits will get to know you."

Judy turned to walk away, only to be picked up and put over Vivian's shoulder. "You're not going anywhere, dear." Vivian growled at Bogo. It still should have been you, or some other officer, not her. What is the plan?"

Bogo just nodded. "He will have a hero's funeral, if I have anything to say about it. I will use his example to break the prejudice experienced by foxes and others. I am working on a promotion he was already up for. His full pension will be made available to his mate. This I swear."

"Good. She's going to need that to help care for the kits." Turning her attention to Bonnie and Stu. "You must be her parents. Please come in. I will make some tea and we can talk."

Judy looked down Vivian's back. "Uhm… Vivian?"

"You're not going anywhere until I am sure you're going to be okay. I'm not mad at you Judy. He died exactly as I expected he would. Protecting you. His mate. There is nothing more I could hope for him if he went that way."

xXx

Bogo left, with Bonnie and Stu following Vivian, Judy over her shoulder into the home. "Don't worry mom, dad. If Vivian meant any harm, I would know it."

Once inside, seated, and tea distributed, Vivian turned to Judy. "So. He's gone for real this time?"

Judy looked up to the vixen. "Yes. There is nothing anyone could have done. I think, in my near savage state in the moment… I think I drop-kicked one of the EMT's due to a specist remark, but I'm not sure. The whole memory is kinda surreal and disjointed, after I realized what happened to Nick. Save the fact that I claimed my right to blood."

Vivian nodded as tears started to flow, yet an odd smile, a mix of sadness and happiness on her face. "Trust, Judy. I'm not angry with you. I could never be angry with you. You gave me my son back, one I thought lost for a very long time, and only waiting on the formality of identifying the body, if it was ever found. I'd know something happened because the money would stop coming in.

For a minute there, I thought something had, because the money did stop, but then you showed up and explained why. He was in the academy, and you were making sure I was going to be there for him for his graduation. The hug he gave me that day. I can still feel it, and all the hugs since. I got my son back, and he got a mate worthy of him. I… Being a cop is dangerous, especially for smaller mammals like you and Nick. Yet you two made it look easy.

If I'm sorry for something, mad about something. It is that, despite what I know will be his best efforts, Bogo will not be able to get the recognition that we both know Nick deserves. Not right away at least. Now. There is one thing I need to know. My nose tells me it is true, and I think you said it earlier, but I have to hear it from you. You're pregnant?"

Judy smiled brightly, almost happily. "I am, and yes, they are Nick's. My sister suggested it is because I started eating meat after I got together with Nick. Some fish flaked over my salad, shrimp, and fried chicken. Became a regular omnivore so Nick and I could enjoy more food together. I knew how important meals were for foxes. Especially when dating. He once told me just how much he appreciated it, both intellectually as it showed how important he was to me, and how it satisfied his instincts to share all of the meal with me."

Vivian nodded, tears still sliding down her muzzle. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but I have to be sure. You're sure. They're Nick's."

Judy nodded. "One hundred percent sure. I've never been with anyone else. I will never be with anyone else."

Vivian nodded. "You always did seem a bit foxy, that way." Pulling Judy into an almost crushing hug. The door bursting open and a second, younger, vixen almost running in, the door nearly catching her tail in her rush.

Seeing her mothers tears, Judy in uniform, and no Nick, she fell to her knees as she approached. She knew. "He's gone."

Judy stood up and stepped over to Anna. "He is, but he saved me, and our kits. Without him, we would have all been lost. We've all lost Nick, but he will never leave us, fully." Pulling the vixen into a hug.

Returning the hug, Anna processed what she'd just heard, then pushed Judy away, holding her by the shoulders and sniffing deeply, eyes going wide. "No! But… Wouldn't that be impossible?"

Judy shook her head, an almost happy smile. "We all thought that. But apparently not. Auntie Anna." Joy overtook the sorrow of losing her brother and she wrapped Judy back up in a hug.

Some time, and a meal later, Judy, Bonnie, and Stu were getting ready to leave. Judy turned to Anna and Vivian. "Anna. I cannot live in that apartment anymore. I'm going to sell it. I want to sell it to you."

Anna looked at the rabbit in shock. "But Judy. That was…" Nodding. "Makes sense. But where will you live?"

Judy shrugged. "I don't know. For now, I'm on paid administrative leave. Both because I'm pregnant, and having my partner, mate, and father of my kits killed in front of me. I won't be able to go back to work until the ZPD shrink clears me. Given that I will be raising several kits, alone. That will likely be a long time."

Bonnie put a paw on Judy's shoulder. "Bun bun, between Anna, Vivian, and us, alone is one thing you will never be. I've got volunteers from just about every liter that want to help you. I even got a message from Alex, Andy, and Annie. They're coming for a visit, and want to see you." Turning to Vivian and Anna. "As I said before. The invitation is open. We were not very good about it before, but we are trying to get better, and I think Judy needs both parts of her family to get through this."

Judy nodded. "Yes. We will make sure you know when I go into labor. It'll be awhile, but I want you to be there."

Vivian nodded. "I will be. I just need to pack a bag."

Judy smiled. "Perfect. Meet us at the apartment and then we'll go to the precinct and you can drive our car. Anna, you have your own car, but it's a beater, and I know you don't need one Vivian, so I'm going to sell you the car along with the apartment. I still have mine, which I'll trade in for a van or something to fit me and the kits when it's time for that."

Vivian gave Judy one more hug. "Never forget, Judy. We don't blame you, so try not to blame yourself. You gave him a life that he never would have known. You gave him respect and helped him be seen as more than just a job, but as a mammal, by so many others. I promise you, wherever he is now, his only regret will be in leaving you behind."

"Thanks Viv. Keep saying it, and I might just start to believe that."

xXx

A few minutes later Bonnie, Stu, and Judy arrive at the complex where Nick and Judy's apartment was. A group of rabbits just finished strapping down and closing up a large moving truck. One approaching as they parked and got out. "Hey, Jude! Didn't actually expect to see you."

Judy nodded. "It's okay Jack. Come with me, we need to discuss one last part of this move."

Giving his sister a confused look. "Sure. But… We already got everything."

Judy turned to Bonnie and Stu. "You can come, or wait here. Doesn't matter either way. I have no reason to keep this secret anymore."

Exchanging a worried look, Bonnie spoke. "We'll come with you, dear. Although you are worrying us a bit."

Judy shrugged and led the way. "Can't be helped. I'm sure what you are about to learn about me and Nick will only make it worse." With that, Judy hopped into the elevator with an odd, dark laugh that had her litter mate and parents look at her concerned. The fact that her eyes seemed to now be in a permanent savage state notwithstanding.

Once in the apartment, Judy led the way into the bedroom. She dutifully ignored the fact that Nick's scent still lingered in the room heavily. The cleaning crew hadn't come through yet. Stepping into their walk-in closet, she pulled the light switch cover open, revealing a second switch inside. Flipping that in a pattern, she closed the switch cover as the back wall opened revealing another room.

The room was lit by LED's that highlighted the content of the walls. Walls covered in all manner of weapons, from pistols to swords, and other things. Bonnie, Stu, and Jack just stood at the entrance watching as Judy walked in and started pulling cases from under the metal countertops and opening them. She then quickly started pulling weapons off the walls and filling the cases, closing and sealing them with bio-metric locks and tamper seals.

Bonnie got her wits about her first. "Judith Laverne Hopps! What in the name of the gods is this?"

Judy chuckled. "Just part of Nick and my collection. I'm only packing those things I feel I will need. The rest will stay safely sealed here until I find a new place for me and the kits."

Bonnie blanched as she watched Judy disassemble what was clearly a sniper rifle and seal it, along with multiple paw guns and ammo, into a case. "You are bringing this stuff to the burrow under absolutely NO circumstances!"

Judy continued on. "I very much am, mom. These are sealed in such a way that only Nick or I can access them, and since Nick is no longer with us, that means only I can." Sealing the last case of six, she turned to face the other rabbits. "Mom, I am never not armed. Have been that way since college and Maria started training me. She is Cheth, I am her student. Nick was Helketta. The true last of the Helketta. We taught each other, so I am now also Helketta, and now the last true Helketta. This is why I am as strong as I am. Why I hold some of the certifications I do. Why Nick and I were the only ones that Chief Bogo could send on certain assignments. It's why we were on fast track promotions. This is part of who we were. This is who I am. This is part of what our kits are going to know of their father.

These skills kept us alive more than once. It was those skills that allowed Nick to be fast enough to save us. It hurts me so much." Wiping tears. "I know… I know that he did what he did because he realized what was about to happen, and there was no chance of dodging. We were both moving, he was just faster at that moment. I've played it out in my head, and I'm never faster with the trigger than Herald, because he was already pulling that trigger as I spun to fire on him.

I had made the calculation to fire on the mammal, Nick I guess was already looking that way, or… He always had better peripheral vision than I do." Taking a deep breath and shaking herself out. "Jack. You need to know because you will be transporting it. Delivery is the old burrow. I have a license for all of it, so don't worry about that. Bogo knows about it, if not the details."

Stu shook his head. "Can't happen, Jude. We sold the property the old burrow is on. Some corporate retreat. Only ever saw the contractors. Don't think they have used it yet."

Judy chuckled, moving past with two cases, setting them in the empty bedroom, then returning for more. "Well, you're partially right. Nick and I are the buyers, the corporation is a shell company. With Nick dead, I have a lot to do. I… I need to call Fru. Talk to her dad. Koz needs to hear it too. Dang…" Setting the last of the cases down, she then sealed and locked the room.

Judy looked over her brother and parents. "There is so much I need to do before I head to the burrow. It's just hitting me. Mom, dad. I'll have you take me to the precinct so I can give Viv the keys to Nick's car. Jack. Just need to pack these cases with the rest. I'll store things when I get there, just leave them in the master closet. I will take my car and meet you guys back at the burrow. Probably have to get a hotel. If Fru doesn't put me up."

Bonnie shook her head, ears falling. "Judy, dear. You need to slow down. Take a minute."

"No, mom. I need to get all this done before I do that, or I'll never get it done. I need to talk to Bogo, too. Find out the details." Looking up at the other rabbits. "Please don't fight me about this. I'm asking for your help and support. I've told you secrets just now I never thought I would. Probably because I am fully emotionally compromised, so if you want to have a few siblings stay with me, I will not refuse. Having others around is probably good. But I am going to do this."

Jack nodded. "I'm staying, Judy. I'm not the driver. I'll have Andy handle the delivery side. You can ride with us to the station where you and I will go from there. Mom, dad. You head out. It's a long drive."

Stu nodded and turned to leave, Bonnie stopping at the door to the bedroom. You sure, Jack?"

Jack smiled with a nod. "I've got her back, ma. You know I won't willingly let anything happen to her." Bonnie nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing with the two of them.

Once they heard the front door close, Jack turned to Judy. "So. Once at the precinct, what then?"

"A few things." Picking up two cases. "Depending on if Viv is already there or not. She will probably come with us for a few of the stops."

Jack nodded, grunting as he picked up one of the smaller cases. "Saren, Judy! How strong are you? These are heavy."

Chuckling, Judy led the way out. Running into Mike and Lizz as they were about to knock. Looking up with a weak smile. "Hey, guys."

Lizz returned the weak smile. "Judy. Bogo sent us. Says he needs to see you."

"Oh. Well, just need to load these, and the three more in the bedroom, then Jack," Indicating her brother. "... and I were actually heading to the station. Bogo on my to do list while there. Clean out my locker for now. Etc…"

Mike nodded. "Okay. I'll get those other cases. Lizz…"

Lizz reached down, taking the cases from Judy and Jack. "We'll help."

Judy's smile warmed a bit. "Thanks guys. I really appreciate it."

Lizz nodded as she led the way. "Judy. You were really crazy back there during the raid. Your eyes are still… How strong are you, really? I couldn't hold you. I'm a tiger, and I couldn't contain a rabbit."

Judy's ears fell as she looked up at her friend. "Yeah. Crazy is a good term. I didn't hurt you, did I? If I did, I am really sorry."

Lizz shook her head. "No. I'm good. The EMT you punted. A concussion and cracked ribs. He wants to press charges. I figure that is probably part of what Bogo wants to talk to you about. We all know what he said. It's on the camera's, but that's evidence, and his lawyer and him are trying to push it fast."

Judy nodded. "Bogo probably going to have to actually suspend me."

Mike growled. "That's crap! That EMT had it coming. He's made specist remarks like that before."

Judy shrugged as they left the building. "No point in speculating. I will see how it plays out when I get there. I still need to find Finn and visit Fru Fru, before heading to the burrow. Then back for the funeral."

As they closed the moving truck back up, Jack gave instructions to the team. Finn almost jumped to curb pulling up. Jumping out he approached Judy, freezing at seeing her eyes. His deep voice full of fear that was uncharacteristic of the small fox. Fear not of her eyes, but what they meant, that Nick was nowhere to be seen, and Judy smelling like a rabbit. "Judy?"

Judy didn't even bother, she just wrapped the small fox in a hug he returned desperately. "I'm sorry Finn. He's dead."

Tears running down his cheeks, Fin held Judy. "Did he suffer?"

"I don't think so. He took a medium mammal shotgun at point blank. Put himself between us and the shooter."

"Us?"

Judy nodded, releasing Finn and rubbing her belly. "Yes. Us. Mine and Nick's kits. You need to stick around. They're gonna need their uncle Finn to tell them stories about their dad, take them out for pizza against their mothers wishes, and be the good, bad influence, they're gonna need."

Finn's eyes watered more. "Really? You and Nick?"

Judy nodded. "Saw the doc before the raid. They left a message while I was recovering, and the hospital confirmed what I already knew. Just don't know how many."

Finn nodded with a smile. "I'll be here. I'm here for anything you need." Hugging Judy tightly again. "You hear me, rabbit. He loved you more than life itself. He'd crawl through hell itself to get back to you. You call me. For Anything. I mean it, Judy. Anything."

"I got you, Fin. Thank you. It means more than you know."

Finn nodded again, giving Judy one last hug. They hopped back in his van, mumbling to himself. "Uncle Finn. Heh. Red finally got something right."

This gave a sad but still happy smile take over Judy. A few minutes later, the moving truck was on its way, Vivian confirmed she was almost at the precinct, so Jack and Judy, escorted by Mike and Lizz, headed for the precinct.