Long time no see everybody! Today, exactly six years from the date of my last update, I'm elated to announce my return to FanFiction with "An Angel With Horns"! Here's hoping my writing has improved since then! In this work I'll be taking a crack at a unique pairing, which is, per my knowledge, the first of its kind on FF. As such, I understand if it's not for everyone. Conversely, if you find yourself interested in the concept and want to see more, please drop a review and follow!
Looking forward to getting back in the swing of things, and I'll hopefully see you all on the next one. -Wilde
Chapter I
~Try Everything~
Savanna Central was electric. The evening air pulsed with anticipation as thousands of eager, chattering mammals poured into the city's main square. Nine enormous screens, each three stories tall and half a block wide had been erected around the area, joined at the edges to form a massive decagonal arena. In the center of it all, the city fountain drummed vibrantly with light and color, adding to the already mesmerizing display of its concentric water jets.
This incredible event, for which visitors from all surrounding districts so gleefully flocked, was the courtesy of none other than Zootopia's most illustrious popstar. Her impromptu performance would celebrate the end of the night-howler terror and ring in a harmonious new dawn, one wherein love and hope would conquer all fear and doubt.
Few were so needing of the night of relaxation as those mammals in the Zootopia Police Department, who for many months, had worked tirelessly to quell an unprecedented discord between the city's predator and prey citizens. But at long last, with the crisis averted and having been granted one night's leave for the occasion, virtually every officer from every precinct stood amongst the crowd, waiting excitedly for the show to begin.
Countless recognizable faces abounded in that shifting, ever-growing tide of animals. Officer Benjamin Clawhauser, the ZPD's front receptionist and debatably the biggest fan of Gazelle in Zootopia, was already wagging his hips and singing giddily to anyone who would listen. Some distance away, Flash Slothmore and his fiancée Priscilla Tripletoe weaved their way through the audience at a molasses-like pace. Behind them, the notorious Mr. Big and his pregnant daughter Fru Fru could be seen waiting comfortably in the palms of their polar bear bodyguards. Even precinct one's Chief Bogo, who held a well-earned reputation as the most serious animal on the force, could barely contain his animation at the night's offerings.
In the downstage section closest to the fountain precipice, Judy Hopps observed the spectacle around her with bright eyes. She hadn't been this speechless since her initial arrival in the city. The rabbit struggled to take in the incredible cacophony of sensations that enveloped her; flickering colors, dancing lights, intoxicating smells, flowing music, and growing cheers that swept through the square. The beautiful chaos of it all was overwhelming, and she loved it.
"Psst… Dispatch to carrots, come on in, over."
Judy's ears raised instinctually, as they always did when she heard that familiar, idyllic voice. She turned to face the smiling fox to whom it belonged.
"Aaand she's back!" Nick gave a small chuckle, his paws pressed relaxedly into his pockets. "You checked out for a moment there. 'Was starting to worry I'd have to call the med boys to break that little trance of yours."
Judy flashed a jesting smirk. "Don't tell me you've been watching me this whole time, weirdo."
He shrugged nonchalantly.
"Hey, someone's gotta have your back, right? If concern for my partner is a crime, then I'm guilty as charged."
"Did I just hear a confession from Nicholas Wilde?" With a dexterous twirl, Judy had her carrot recording pen raised to the vulpine's muzzle. "I'm gonna need you to state that again for the record, sir."
"Ha! I don't recall saying anything of the sort."
Classic Nick.
Judy laughed to herself, returning the pen swiftly to her jean pocket. "No, I'm okay, dumb fox. I guess I'm just trying to process it all, you know? With everything that's happened recently, it's like my all dreams are coming true at once."
"Yeah? Like your long-repressed dream of partying the night away with yours truly?" the fox remarked jokingly as he swayed his hips. "I'm flattered."
"Oh har har. You know what I mean. Though now that you mention it, I am more than inclined to see your moves, Officer Wilde."
Nick snickered at the thought. "Careful what you wish for darling. This fox has charmed more than a few with his expert rhythm and step."
"Charmed, or hustled?"
"Yeowch!" He pressed a palm to his chest, faking offense through an obvious smile. "A slight like that to a newly christened ZPD officer could land you in quite the tangle, Ms. Hopps. I'd tread carefully if I were you."
"You know you love me," Judy said, leaning in his direction.
"Do I know that?" Nick replied, placing his paws on his knees before lowering his face to hers. "Yes, yes I do."
Judy's gaze, which had been focused keenly on the fox in front of her, flitted to the sudden flash of sleek brown fur in her periphery. She turned her head to meet it, finding herself face to face with a pair of bright green eyes.
"Officer Hopps?" questioned a gentle feminine voice.
"Mrs. Otterton?"
"Oh goodness, it's you!" the otter exclaimed as she embraced the bunny, to which Judy smiled brightly and returned the hug. "See? I just told you they'd be here, Em."
Standing behind his wife, a slightly taller otter waited patiently, dressed in his characteristic glasses and green sweater vest.
"Judy, Nick, allow me to formally introduce you to my husband, Emmitt," Mrs. Otterton said as the second lutrine stepped forward. "Emmitt, these two fantastic ZPD officers are the ones that brought you back to us."
"Wait, you're Emmitt Otterton…?" From the bunny's tone, it was clear that she could hardly reconcile the image of this docile otter with the savage one she had seen at Cliffside all those months ago.
"In the fur," Emmitt replied with a sheepish chuckle. "I know our initial encounter wasn't exactly on the *ahem* best of terms… and for that I feel I owe you my sincerest apologies."
Judy shook her head. "That was no fault of your own Mr. Otterton. I think I speak for all of us at the ZPD when I say we're just happy to see you well and back with your family."
The lutrine smiled. "And for that you have my deepest thanks. Not to mention the thanks of my wife and family for everything you did to reunite us," he said, taking his spouse's paw in his.
"And Nick, how've you been?" he continued, turning to the fox. "You still slinging those pawpsicles outside of Lemming Brothers Bank?"
"Not anymore," Nick replied, turning a knowing gaze to his partner. "It would seem that in a sadistic turn of fate, I got myself roped in with the fuzz. No thanks to a certain persuasive bunny."
Judy beamed at his words.
"Wow! That's so amazing to hear. Congratulations!" Mr. Otterton exclaimed, seeming quite satisfied with the thought of the former hustler moving up in the world, to which Nick gave an appreciative nod.
"Oh! Don't forget the cards hon," Mrs. Otterton insisted, tapping her husband's chest with her palm.
"Ah, of course."
The otter slipped a paw into the side pocket of his corduroy pants, drawing out two business cards before handing them to the officers. Judy inspected hers, reading the print aloud as she did so. "Otterton Floral & Design. Located on Vine & Tujunga, Rainforest District."
Emmitt nodded proudly. "We supply every native plant from Tundratown to Bunnyburrow, not to mention the most diverse array of exotic floral specimens citywide."
"Judy, Nick, should you find yourselves in the market for anything of the sort, please come by our shop and we'll cover it without charge," Mrs. Otterton said, smiling. "It's a small gesture, but it's the very least we can offer for everything you've done for us."
Judy's tail fluttered with grateful excitement. "Aww! That's really nice you guys!" she said, clutching the card close to her chest. "If we're ever on patrol that way, we'll definitely stop by!"
In that moment, a rolling wave of cheers and howls swelled amongst the crowd. One by one the lights atop each towering screen began to dim, rapidly filling the plaza with darkness.
"Oh my goodness! It looks like the show's about to start! We should find our spot, Em!" Mrs. Otterton chimed, reaching instinctively for her husband's paw.
"It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Otterton!" Judy said, smiling brightly.
"Stay out of trouble now, you two." Nick added with a wink.
"You both do the same!" the otter laughed, being led away by his partner. "Don't forget to come by the shop! Enjoy the show!" He waved, before vanishing into the sea of animals surrounding them.
Soon it was too dark to see much of anything. The cheers died down, and the sound of thousands of murmuring voices hung over Savanna Central.
BOOM!
The stillness shattered as every jet on the central fountain fired in unison, producing vibrant columns of water all around the stage. The spotlights returned, shining skyward and intensifying on the epicenter of the arena.
Then, in a spirited tsunami careening across all of Savanna Central, that hair-raising tune every mammal knew by rote pulsed through the square. The joyful melody rippled across the crowd, its rhythm thumping, unified and symphonic like the beating heart of Zootopia itself.
Ooh oh oh ooh
Ooh oh oh ooh
Through the haze, four tigers had emerged around the circular stage, each posed with their paws in the air. And in the fountain center, rising through the night and into the stars; Gazelle herself.
The singer's appearance was stunning, comprised of a ruby-red sparkling top that beautifully contrasted her golden fur, as well as a matching skirt worn around her wide hips. Two gold bangles hung off each of her thin wrists, accentuating the fluid movements the gazelle was capable of.
"Good evening, Zootopia!"
The musical matriarch's voice swept over the crowd, euphonious and daring as she marched into the light. She grinned into her microphone before commanding all before her, "Come on, everybody, put your paws up!"
A frenzied cheer arose from the crowd in response as everyone, officers included, threw their arms into the air. Gazelle swayed her body, her eyes surveying the ocean of idolizing fans surrounding her as she segued into the first verse.
I messed up tonight, I lost another fight
I still mess up, but I'll just start again
I keep falling down, I keep on hittin' the ground
I always get up, now to see what's next
The ground rocked underneath as the music crescendoed into the refrain.
I won't give up, no, I won't give in
Until I reach the end,
and then I'll start again
No, I won't leave
I wanna try everything,
I wanna try even though I could fail!
Judy couldn't stop herself from squealing like a teenage fangirl. She was feeling every beat and lyric from her favorite popstar like it was the first time, so much so that she was bounding up and down with ears soared atop her head.
Nick cracked a subtle grin at the bunny's burst of excitement, despite maintaining his own laid-back demeanor.
I won't give up, no, I won't give in
Until I reach the end
And then I'll start again
No, I won't leave
I wanna try everything
I wanna try even though I could fail!
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
The atmosphere pervaded with howls and whistles as Gazelle began to weave her hips, working that signature, anatomy-defying movement to hypnotizing effect. Nick could barely believe his eyes, observing such serpentine agility in a mammal.
"Put your paws in the air, come on!" the singer called out, rallying all of Zootopia with a single wave of her paws. "Con las pezuñas arriba, vamos! Eso!"
Look how far you've come
You filled your heart with love
Baby, you've done enough to could rest
Don't beat yourself up, no need to run so fast
Sometimes we come last, but we did our best
Gazelle's voice charged through the audience, seizing that joyous urban jungle with untold life and energy. Elephants stamped their feet, giraffes rolled their necks, and big cats roared. Every animal with the ability to stand or sing followed along, guided by their queen of pop.
In the distance, Nick and Judy turned to rousing cries growing louder and louder. They could make out a small ring forming in the crowd there, and at its source, dancing like their lives depended on it, were none other than Officer Clawhauser and Chief Bogo!
"No way…"
Judy laughed, pumping her arm in the air as she jumped. "Woot-woot!"
"This is the greatest thing I've ever seen in my life," Nick gaped in astonishment.
I won't give up, no, I won't give in
Until I reach the end
and then I'll start again
No, I won't leave
I wanna try everything,
I wanna try even though I could fail!
I won't give up, no, I won't give in
Until I reach the end
and then I'll start again
No, I won't leave
I wanna try everything,
I wanna try even though I could fail!
Gazelle lifted the mic in one paw, casting her powerful voice into it as she rolled her shoulders back. She flipped her hair to one side with a confident grin, her expression shimmering in the light of the city she loved so much. Her city.
I'll keep on making those new mistakes
I'll keep on making them everyday
Those new mistakes.
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Gazelle strutted across the stage, stepping in perfect rhythm as she matched the choreography of her background dancers.
"Con las pezuñas arriba! Come on! Shake your tails with me, come on! Yeah!"
Judy did exactly that, shifting her hips with each leaping dance she put into the air. She could see all of Zootopia doing the same. All of Zootopia except her partner, who for some incredible reason, hadn't moved so much as an inch for the duration of the performance.
And so, with a playful smirk that practically exclaimed, "Try Everything, Nick!" she bumped the fox with her hip.
Nick looked to the bunny with slight surprise, his eyes rolling as an enthused grin shifted across his muzzle. He immediately took the hint and began breaking out his own moves alongside her, at which Judy smiled victoriously.
I'll keep on making those new mistakes
I'll keep on making them everyday
Those new mistakes.
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
Try everything
Ooh oh oh ooh
As the song wound to an expeditious close, the podium Gazelle was on began to lower. The screens faded, and a single powerful spotlight descended onto her position, illuminating the singer in a deific glow. Her background dancers surrounded her like loyal servants as she turned her back to the audience. Then, with eyes as fierce as all the fury of the night, she tilted her face over her shoulder.
Nick was still rolling his arms and nonchalantly swaying his tail when his gaze collided with hers. There could be no doubt. The singer's strong, golden irises were staring directly into him. He stopped dancing, standing rigidly for what felt like hours between them. Was the lighting of the arena playing tricks on his mind? There were, of course, thousands of animals in the audience behind him…
Gazelle smirked and raised the microphone to her lips.
Try everything~
BOOM!
The fountain exploded all around the podium, instantly obscuring the popstar and her ensemble behind a glistering wall of water. In that moment the entirety of Savanna Central erupted in applause, cheering and howling into the night as they chanted Gazelle's name.
But in his confusion, Nick couldn't muster a word. He didn't know what it was, that unfamiliar sensation fluttering against his ribs like the beating wings of a hummingbird. Yet, he felt it so clearly. Shock. Intimidation. And perhaps most strangely, a flickering twinge of fascination.
Alas, as the next song began to play, the fox would try to put those silly imaginings out of mind. He turned his attention back to the stage, and with little more than a dismissive chuckle, whispered quietly to himself,
Keep on dreaming, Nick.