Disclaimer: Disney is the owner of the movie.
Record 11 - The wilde grad day
The office was at half light, the young officer was getting to know what real frustration was.
-I've been planning this for months, I can't believe it!
She tore out the sheet of paper she was writing on and piled it in the trash can next to her desk, with the other 50 that were there. Suddenly her cell phone screen lit up and distracted her from her drama.
- Hello? - She said.
-I bet you're still in the office, huh Jude?- Her brother teased on the other end of the line.
-I'll leave when I'm done... you know it's already tomorrow!
- Sis, it's 6 am, your shift is actually about to start.
-Not again! - She banged her head on the desk. Her brother's laughter flooded the office, though the speakerphone wasn't active. - You called just to make fun of me, didn't you?
-No, of course not. You're lucky to have the best brother in the world.
-According to whom? - The gray doe scoffed.
- Turn your seat to the back table and see for yourself.
The sleepy doe obeyed her littermate and looked at a breakfast box, coffee, carrot pancakes and some fruit.
-Jonah! You didn't have to do that!
-You have to eat, and sometimes my little sister forgets it. But that's why you have your brother!
-It's terribly suspicious... But cute... Thank you. Did you order it from Tim Porktons?
-Of course I did, sis! Only the best for my alternative genetic version. -She sighed and the golden rabbit's face became serious. - Judy, you shouldn't try so hard, just say what you feel, your speech will be great.
-I finished that one last night... I think it looked good. I don't know if pred cadets will be happy to see me...
-If it's not the speech, what is it then... wait... don't tell me that... -Yes... you did...right?
-Yes... I did. - She gave a mischievous smile.
- Judy! I told you it could be bad!
-I know, I know, that's why I'm so nervous, but Nick deserves to have his mother at the ceremony and she deserves to see her son's big moment.
- You don't know that, if they have apart from each other it was for a reason. How did you get her address? You little stalker.
- It was very difficult, there were many inconsistencies in the documents, but the mayor's niece, my personal friend I might add, helped me with that little detail.
-I hope you don't end up regretting anything, be careful... and eat!
-I won't regret it, I never will... It's the least I can do for him. - She moved her purple eyes and smiled happily as she looked at the photo with her friend, who was posing on the desk.
Away from there, Nick was in complete calm, packing the things he had brought 9 months ago. He took in his paws the blue shirt with the ZPD white logo, nostalgically remembered how happy his friend was when she took it as a gift the day he left.
He then packed a small medal, the one he had won months earlier when he defeated the invading terrorists, and old acquaintances. Finally, he looked at the Polaroid taken a week ago, where all the happy cadets gathered to celebrate that they had all passed the test. They were practically officers now. For the first time, Nick felt like family. After months of earning the respect of most of the cadets, he had to admit he would miss them, but only a little.
-Are you better now? - His partner's voice, always calm, made him smile and turn to look at him.
- Don't worry Spongy, I've been fine since last week, I was in the medical wing to get back on my feet, my condition is now perfect.
-When Judy finds out that you overdemanded yourself... Well, I'll be glad I'm not you! -The young buffalo scoffed.
-That won't happen, because no one is dumb enough to forget that I was the best shot, right?
- Just kidding! Geez. -The boy grabbed his own bag to put his things in. - And will she come? Or will she have an epic and hilarious accident this time too.
- She'd better not. She said she got a special seat and that's where she'd watch me. Obviously my invitation was given to her, my other friend wouldn't come to a place full of officers for all the money in the world.
- Didn't you say it was already legitimate? -He threw his friend his jacket,
-Yes he is, but he has a history with at least half of them, it wouldn't be very nice.
- I can imagine! And will you introduce me to the famous Judy Hopps or hoard her just for yourself? I want to be clear that I don't want to steal your bunny. - He tried to stifle his laughter.
- Of course I'll introduce you! She has to beat you for all the trouble you've given me.
-I have a feeling she'll thank me, maybe even reward me or something, living with you for 9 months was a challenge.
They both burst out laughing.
-You'll do fine Edd, just trust you, you're stronger than you think.
- I'll miss you too, Wilde! - The buffalo grabbed his arm to give him a tight but not deadly hug, while rubbing his head to tousle his hair. - Cheer up you lucky guy! You'll see her tomorrow.
-I know... tomorrow…
The officer stopped the patrol car, and looked at her partner unbuckling her special seat, she looked really tense.
-All right, Hopps? Even in chases you don't look this stressed. - The tigress sipped her cup of coffee and enjoyed every drop.
-Yes, I'm fine. Thank you Thai!
-You're welcome, I'd never leave a partner alone in Happy Town, it's not a walkable... neighborhood.
-Which precinct has jurisdiction here? - The doe looked out the window, Fangmeyer wasn't exaggerating. The houses looked neglected, old, some small, not very pretty, looked askance at them.
-It's been run by an... idiot, he's protected by a high command.
-I see... well, it's on that street, I'll be right back.
Judy crossed carefully, dodging a violent motorcycle in the process. After months of searching, she was finally there... the old mailbox said "Wilde", she had found her.
Unlike the other houses in the neighborhood, it looked much better, although with a classic eighties style in its decoration, or at least that was what she could see from the porch.
She took as much air as she could, and climbed the steps, while she felt her heart beating faster.
-Well... it's now or never. - She plucked up her courage and knocked on the door in front of her, with more outside than she really wanted to. She closed her amethyst eyes, eagerly waiting to see the vixen behind the door, but to her surprise, no one answered.
-Hello, this is Officer Hopps, I have a message for Lilian Wilde.
But again she got no answer. Her brother's voice appeared reminding her that it was a bad idea, but she had already gone too far. She took the letter envelope, taped to the graduation ceremony invitation, and dropped it in the mailbox.
- I hope you can see it.
Defeated, the young officer walked down the stairs and across the street, she had to prepare for her trip. Once the patrol left, the large door opened, after a few slow steps, the contents of the mailbox were released. The door closed again moments later.
…
Recording-Wilde 1-K
AIt's been a while since I've had time to record a video... you know, because I was trying to recover and not get to the hospital.
I just... I just can't believe it... tomorrow I'm going to be a police officer... me! A fox, of all mammals! I can already read the headlines: "From hustler to cop", only Carrots can pull off a miracle like that... I just hope I can live up to what she needs... it's a big world out there and... well, since she won't see this... I'd like to see her.
Stop recording-Wilde 1-K
…
It was about 9 am, and the fennec fox opened the fridge, found the can he was looking for and sat down in his friend's favorite reclining armchair, which, it should be noted, is super comfortable and was super forbidden to use. It had cost his friend a small fortune, but he said it was worth it after all the work he would have to do.
-This is life!... Oh… and Wilde will be around tomorrow.
As he was about to take a second sip, the doorbell announced that his moment of peace was over.
-This better be good!
He jumped up and walked away in annoyance, his brow furrowed.
-What! Oh... it had to be you. - The fox rolled his eyes in annoyance.
- Good morning to you too, neighbor. - Lana replied sarcastically, and without asking, walked into the living room.
- Well, since you came, why don't you leave, girl? I'm busy.
-To be honest, I... - The sheep's cheeks are colored. - I just wanted to ask you a favor.
- Ha! I'm sorry child, but the fox who is a prey's slave is not here yet, don't come back soon.
-Oh come on, Mr curmudgeon, it's a pretty simple thing, you really don't have to do anything.
- The answer is still no.
- Well, since you insist... - The sheep dodged him and spilled the can on Nick's "baby".
- What the hell did you do, Demon cotton ball!
- Opening a negotiation... Nick comes back tomorrow, and lucky for you, I know how to make that reclining armchair spotless.
- I'll blame you!
- Of course, of course he's gonna think it was me with all your scent on it.
- I hate smart country girls.
- Sounds to me like we have a deal. You see I'm... I'm making a very special clothing line... and I need a male model...
- You're crazy!
- You just have to stand there and that's all, maybe try on some clothes.
- Do I have another option?
- To confront Nick, and from what Judes has told me... he's vindictive and spiteful...
- Alright evil cotton, you got me, clean this up!
- Hell no! Let's go to Judy's apartment, take measurements and then I'll take care of this.
- Come on, let's go! - Growled the vulpine.
- But first... - Lana took out her cell phone and took a picture of the "evidence". -My insurance. Let's go now!
- Damn, she's smart! - He complained before following her into the next apartment.
- Hey good morning Lana!
- Judy! Gosh, you look beautiful and so professional! - She applauded her friend. She had to admit that wearing her dress uniform made her look better and somehow more professional.
- That's just the uniform. -She laughed happily.
- Are you leaving Toot toot? - Finnick took a seat and began to eat the pancakes the girls had left on the table.
- Yes, Bogo will pick me up to get to the academy on time. ... Are you sure you don't want to come?
- Don't worry Hoopsie, it's better this way, trust me, I don't want a scene on Wilde's big day. Say hi for me.
- I'll be back with him in the afternoon, see ya!
The doe hopped off in great joyous leaps, without even noticing it.
- There goes the proud mother . - They said at the same time, sharing an awkward look moments later.
Judy took one last look at her uniform and smiled proudly.
-It's going to be the best day ever! ... I hope Mrs. Wilde got my message.
Moments later, a large patrol van parked in front of the building.
- Are you ready Hopps? - Her boss greeted her as he rolled down the glass of her window.
- Yes boss! Good morning!
The door opened, but despite the small step, it was almost impossible for the leporid to enter the vehicle.
-Don't be rude Id, she'll never get in, it's impossible! - A female buffalo in a flowered yellow dress, very elegant, got out of the passenger seat and helped her into her seat.
- I didn't want to offend her with some kind of stereotype! - The chief of police apologized.
- Thank you very much... uh...
- Ida Bogo, I'm the wife of this grumpy guy. - She gave her her hooves to greet her. After a few brief smiles, the lady returned to her seat.
- It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Bogo.
- No, it 's mine! I've seen all your exploits since you came to the precinct! I must tell you that as soon as Idrissa told me how he treated you, I gave him the reprimand of his life!
- Honey, she doesn't need to hear that. Better turn on the radio. - The lady scoffed and bent down to try to turn on the radio.
- It's nice of you to accompany your husband to meet his recruits! I don't remember seeing you there last year, though.
-Ah, that's because this year I'm going for...
The radio came on at the highest volume, making it impossible to follow the conversation.
-Holy carrots! Tell me you're not kidding! - Judy's voice echoed through the vehicle once the radio volume stabilized.
…
Recording-Hopps 1-K
Well...this is going to be so cool! I love knowing things Nick doesn't know!
Stop recording-Hopps 1-K
…
Once he finished his last breakfast with his companions in the dining room, the red fox returned to his room, saw the package on his bed, smiled and took a relaxing shower.
He entered as the fox Nick Wilde, but 15 minutes later, he came out as, at least in clothing, Officer Nicholas Wilde. His jaw almost hit the floor as he looked at his reflection in the mirror.
…
Recording-Wilde 2-K
If someone had told me 10 months ago that I would leave the streets and hustles, to be friend and partner with a bunny and a cop... I would have died laughing so hard. But now... it's... just a reality. That bunny doesn't know what she's done for me... I hate being as sentimental as she is!
Stop recording-Wilde 2-K
…
-Are you ready, partner? They are waiting for us!
- Spongy! Look at you! You almost look like a real cop!
- How funny... Good thing you're not graduating as a comedian, your career would have been over before you started.
- Are you ready?
- I was born ready, Wilde!
They both walked out of their dorm room for the last time, proud and nervous. They reached the front door and met their fellow graduates.
- Finally! The little couple are here! - Teased the female elephant.
- I'll miss you too Zola. - Wilde said sarcastically, his classmates laughed in response.
- Wilde... being serious... - Spoke the young hippopotamus. - I just wanted to apologize for...
- Being speciesist jerks the first trimester until I saved your hairy asses? - He grinned slyly at the sorry faces of his classmates. - Get over it! All forgotten... we don't know if we'll run into each other in the field now.
- I sincerely hope so, it would be an honor. - Said Cadet Trunkers with genuine joy, Nick was speechless and only smiled in response.
- There you all are! Excellent, now take your place as we practiced it. - Major Friedkin appeared completely nervous. In the past she had just enjoyed watching her recruits receive their badge from her seat, but, given the previous political problems and the bad relationship after the last incident with certain flowers, it was her turn to preside over the ceremony.
The polar bear walked without showing her nervousness, approached the microphone and looked at the happy audience.
-Welcome, everyone, to the graduation ceremony of the Zootopia's cadets generation 2017. It is my honor to welcome you.
The eleven mammals appeared in front of the stage, taking their places in the front row. Nick emerged gracefully among his tall classmates, with a smug look on his face and a small smile, which disappeared when he couldn't find his friend anywhere to be seen.
- Could something have happened to her? Bogo is in the back... She would come with him . - He thought worried.
- Everything all right Wilde? - Eddy whispered to him.
- Yes, it's just that... Carrots isn't here... something must have happened to her.
- I don't think that's the case.- Said the buffalo with a big smile.
- Why are you so sure Spongy?
- Look ahead and see for yourself, slick.
Confused, the fox obeyed his friend, only to feel his jaw drop open in surprise, the doe he expected was right out front next to Friedkin.
- And to make this ceremony even more special, our best cadet of the past generation and the current best officer of precinct one, officer Judith Hopps will share us the farewell speech.
The crowd erupted in applause and cell phone pictures. The doe smiled at the audience and when she met her friend's surprised gaze, she smiled even wider. Regaining control of his face, the fox paid attention to every single detail.
Judy stepped up to the microphone and began to speak.
- Thank you Major Friedkin for inviting me on this special day, although I differ a bit with your presentation, I am not the best officer in precinct one, gosh I am close to being the worst! - The audience laughed a little, coloring Judy's cheeks. - But again, I am grateful for this opportunity, as today is a very special day, a day of hope. - She took a breath and began her speech:
"When I was a kid, I thought Zootopia was this perfect place, where everyone got along and anyone could be anything. Turns out, real life is a little bit more complicated than a slogan on a bumper sticker".
…
Recording-Wilde 3-K
At every word she said... I felt more excited, if that was even possible. For a second I was terrified to see her face an audience again, and without my training! But as always, Hopps proved to me that she can always surprise me.
She looked so different from the country, gullible, prejudgmental little bunny I met almost exactly a year ago.
She looked confident, assured, calm, wiser, and she looked at me in a way that... I must admit no one had ever given me before...she seemed proud of me.
Stop recording-Wilde 3-K
…
"Real life is messy. We all have limitations, we all make mistakes, which means - hey, glass half full!"
…
Recording-Hopps 2-K
It took me 50 drafts to find what I wanted to say... Even though I had already made a public apology for the whole mess of that dreaded conference... I felt this was my real and true moment to apologize to him. I wanted to show him that... I was ready to be the partner he needed, that we could put it all behind us and of course, warn his colleagues that it wouldn't be as easy as TV and crime movies made it look.
I've learned the weight that words can carry, so now I think every single word.
Stop recording-Hopps 2-K
…
"We all have a lot in common. And the more we try to understand one another, the more exceptional each of us will be. But we have to try. So no matter what type of animal you are; from the biggest elephant to our first fox…
…
Recording-Wilde 4-K
Gosh... she said it!
Stop recording-Wilde 4-K
…
"I implore you - try. Try to make the world a better place. Look inside yourself and recognize that change starts with you. It starts with me. It starts with all of us." Thank you and congratulations officers!
The audience burst into applause, the fox wiped away a tear he didn't know he shed, and his companion stepped back.
Judy thought about all the times her friends, family and people in the city discredited her as a cop, thought about every training, her own graduation, every dangerous moment during the night howlers's case, a few months ago when she faced a real gun for the first time...and despite that, she felt like her first day as an officer was really this one.
- Now we come to the moment we have all been waiting for, the presentation of badges. Step forward, Officer Samuel Bali. - Announced the Bear as Judy stood in front of the tiger and with the help of a small ladder, placed the badge on his chest.
- Congratulations Officer Bali - She said proudly.
- Thank you Officer Hopps.
-Officer Edward Bogo.
- Ed what?... - The red fox was perplexed as were his companions.
- What did they think the "B" stood for? - Scoffed the young man.
- But that would mean that Chief Bogo... - Nick couldn't say a word more.
The buffalo scoffed, as he went up to receive his badge, leaving him to talk to himself.
…
Recording-Hopps 3-K
I swear it felt like everything was in slow motion, they went through each of them, introduced by Friedkin, until I noticed that Nick was introduced just as "Nick Wilde", earlier Friedkin and I joked that I would be the first to call him "officer"... and she did! She let me that honor…I was so... proud and excited, he looked so strong, refreshed, proud of himself. Nothing like the dumb fox of a year ago.
Stop recording-Hopps 3-K
…
-Cadet Nicholas Wilde. - Announced the Major.
Nick walked up to the stage and stood in front of his friend, never taking his eyes off her for a second. Neither of them needed to say anything... their eyes said it all, both could read each other perfectly.
-This is the 2017 ZPD officer generation! - Announced the polar bear and everyone present burst into joy and applause.
Without realizing it... a gray fur ball with lots of energy crashed into Nick and gave him a big hug.
- Congratulations Officer Wilde... I knew you could do it! -She said in a soft voice, which he managed to hear despite the commotion around them.
- Thank you Carrots... for believing in me.
- Welcome to ZPD Precinct 1! It will be a pleasure to welcome you on Monday.
-That means that I...
- Yes Nick... you made it... we are partners!
They both tightened their embrace, releasing tears of genuine joy. He pulled away from the rabbit and she took the opportunity to drag him to a free area of the garden.
- We need a souvenir photo, smile Slick!
- Calm down Fluff... you'll break your new partner.
- Oh, you're so delicate!
- Hey, I'm not delicate, I'm strong Fluff, don't forget that.
They both smiled at the photographer and he handed them the picture a few minutes later.
- For a moment I thought you wouldn't make it and I'd have to look for you in every hospital in Zootopia.
- Don't exaggerate Nick, I would never miss your graduation, I would have come on a stretcher if I had to.
They both burst out laughing until Nick looked at her with "that look" from when she was pinning her badge on him.
- Being a little honest... Thank you Judy, sincerely.
- You're welcome Nick, thanks for agreeing.
-Let's go get something to eat, I'm was too much excitement for one day and we have to go back to the city. I still can't believe Spongy is Bogo's son!
- I didn't believe it when he told me either. I guess he didn't want special treatment either.
- But he still must have...
- Nicholas... -A soft, familiar voice started to sound behind him, froze him for a moment and he turned to check what he believed.
- Mom?...
THE END
Well, Mrs. Wilde has arrived... we will finally see them as officers... There are many things to come...
Many fanfics call Mrs. Wilde "Marian" but since Nick canonically has an ex with that name, I thought that name was strange and I opted for Lilian.