Greetings my lovely readers. Best break out the tissues for this one. Just one of the many plot bunnies I needed to expunge from my brain before muse will let me get to other things. Don't worry, the next chapters of the main stories are written and being worked over, so even AFH will have an update soon.

I do not own Zootopia and can make no claim to anything other than my own OCs. While this will date the fic here. I have high, if cautious hopes for Z2.

On with the show.

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ZPD Commissioner Nicholas Piberus WildeHopps looked out the window of his office on the city that had been his home since birth. He had nothing ZPD related pressing, no meetings, and Lizz and Mike would take care of all but the most critical emergencies. No, today was the one day a year he ensured he had nothing going on.

No. Today was her birthday. So today, he technically had the day off. Didn't stop him going into the office. There every day before the shift change and more often than not, leaving some time late in the evening, except today. The handful of days off he'd taken had been essentially forced. Mike literally sitting on him once to keep him from going in.

Giving a sigh he logged off his computer. There were no emails requiring his attention, and starting Monday, it wouldn't be his problem anyway. Grizoli was already handling most everything. His official retirement from the ZPD was only a formality at that point.

Standing, he collected his things and shook out his stiff leg, stretched the kinks in his tail, massaged the ever-present pain in his shoulder, along with all the other aches and pains from his time in the ZPD as well as just getting old. Standing before his mirror, he made sure he looked proper in his uniform, noting how odd it was going to be to no longer wear it in a few days with a dark chuckle.

Speaking to his reflection. "Forty three years in the ZPD. You did good, fox." Not many made it that far. Then again few managed to serve as ZPD Commissioner as well as ZPD Chief and P1 Chief all at the same time. Only he, Bogo, and the very first ZPD chief can claim the distinction. Then again, that first mammal was why the three jobs were separate. They were so corrupt, few but those at the Chief level knew their name.

His distinction in that very short list was due to pure politics. The current, and outed as of the past election, city council ranking member, hated predators. In truth, they hated anyone who wasn't a sheep or goat, but being the Meadowlands rep on the council kept them in power. They'd tried to drive Nick out by making him fill all three roles. Nick however was a better mammal than that, and had Bogo on speed dial for advice. Nick had excelled, and with power consolidated under him, was able to effect major changes.

To say the plan backfired was an understatement. Nick glanced at the large photo of a smiling grey rabbit in a lieutenant's uniform. "I think we did good, Fluff. Made the world a better place like you always said we would. Still some work to do though."

Leaving his office Nick walked slowly through the precinct. He didn't need a cane. Yet. But he was slower by a good measure than he once was. He waved to and greeted officers new and old as they went about their jobs. He wasn't going to bother coming in again until Monday and his official retirement. RHIP and all that. It was only Tuesday. He also wouldn't be wearing his uniform then either. Just a suit to walk across the square to City hall and his new office as the ranking council member and representative of the newly merged Happytown and Nocturnal districts.

That was Judy's idea. At least that's what he told everyone. And it was true, after a fashion. So when he was sworn in on Monday, Happytown would have its first official representative in over two centuries, and the Nocturnal district would officially merge as part of Happytown, no longer being a pseudo-district passed around after each election cycle.

Stepping into the lobby, he walked out the front doors with a tired sigh. It wouldn't be his last time through those doors to be sure, but it was as the Commissioner or an active member of the ZPD. It felt odd as he looked back from the bottom step. He chuckled as he turned towards the train station. He had a train to catch.

xxxxxXXXXXxxxxx

An hour and a half later, Nick stepped off the train in Bunnyburrow and summoned a Zuber to the dinner, still named far more than needed, if slightly improved. Smiling up at the freshly painted sign. Gideon's dinner and hometown bakery. Chuckling to himself that Sharla seemed to have finally worn Gid down. After a quick stop next door at a flower shop for purple tulips, roses, and other meaningful flowers, Nick entered the dinner. The bell chiming happily.

The younger rabbit looked up with a smile that fell upon seeing Nick. "Mister Wilde. Sit anywhere . I'll have your items out shortly."

Nick nodded. "Thank you, Tammy." He gave the black wooled ewe a head shake as she moved to reprimand the rabbit. It wouldn't help anything, and they both knew that no Hopps was allowed to call him WildeHopps. Nick found a quiet booth and was quickly delivered a spicy shrimp pasta, Judy's recipe that Gideon kept to faithfully, and a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie.

Nick ate slowly, enjoying the meal and the moment of quiet. As he was finishing and his plates were removed, an older doe slid into the booth across from him. Nick nodded to her. "Janet."

Janet looked him over and gave a sigh. "Nick. Look…"

Nick held up a paw to stop her. "Just answer the question. Will I be allowed to see her or not?"

Janet shook her head and averted her eyes, unable to look at him. "Nick… I… I'm sorry, Nick." The admission seemed to physically hurt the doe.

Nick nodded with a resigned sigh. Taking the flowers from beside him and laying them on the table. "Then, as is our ongoing custom. I will ask you as the current matron of the clan to please take these on my behalf." Standing and giving her a deep bow. He then turned and headed for the door, Sharla stopping him with a hoof on his shoulder.

"Nick. Why do you give her that respect? She's just going to toss them, and you know it."

Nick shook his head, his paw on her hoof on his shoulder. Sharla was not being quiet. "Because she is the matron of the clan." Glancing behind him to the rabbit still in the booth staring at the flowers with unshed tears pooled in her eyes. "And because it isn't her choice. Not really. Judy was her sister. Her twin. She knows what Judy would want. She also has clan politics to consider, and has to pick her battles. I will keep trying. Maybe someday."

"Why not let me deliver them then?"

Sighing deeply. "Because then you'd be barred as well. Just keep her up to date. That's all I ask, as always. Don't forget. You're both invited to my swearing in on monday." Looking back at the sad eyes of Janet. "I wouldn't be offended if someone from the litter was there on her behalf. Other than Jason, that is." Janet shook her head, clearly holding in tears. "Just remember. Janet is the one that made sure Gid still gets the fruit at cost, even after the shake up."

Sharla nodded with a sad sigh of her own. "Okay, Nick. Can we at least give you a ride?"

Nick shook his head with a warmer smile. "Nah. It's a nice day. I'm gonna walk it."

Frowning deeply and looking out at the clouds gathering. "Nick. It's ten miles and it's going to rain."

Shrugging, Nick opened the door. "Then I'd best get going."

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Some hours later, soaked to the bone, Nick knocked on the door of his sister's home. Opening the door she looked over the drenched fox. "Gods above, Nick. Why do you do this to yourself?" Rolling her eyes she sighs, knowing that he isn't going to answer and knowing the answer without him needing to say it, which is why he doesn't. "Whatever. Go around back. Strip down and shake yourself out, then straight into a hot shower. I swear. I can't, with you. The kits are at Jacob's mother's, because I knew you'd do this, again. You do it every year, no matter what the weather is."

Nick just nods and heads for the back porch where the awning will protect from the rain. There he strips down as directed and shakes the water out as best he can. After a short shower and dry, he finds clothes left for him by his sister and dresses himself. Once clothed he finds his sister in the kitchen sipping some tea.

"Thanks, sis. I take it you are the one that vanished my clothes. Had wondered where they'd gone."

Looking up she nodded. "Surprised you noticed, but yeah. Figured if you were gonna keep doing this to yourself, you should at least have some clothes to change into. So, what now?"

"I'd like to see the kits. See, them. Then it's a train back to the city. I have a swearing in on Monday, and still need to finish clearing out my office in P1."

Nikki gave him a nod. "One sec." She dialed her mate, who put the call on video.

"Hey! I'm guessing he made it there. Wants to see the kits I assume."

"Yep."

Her mate, Jacob manipulated the cameras and focused on the five kits in the living room of his mother's home. "Hey kits. Say high to mom!"

All the kits looked up with grins, including the two obvious hybrids. All waving with a "Hi mom!" And not being idiots. "Hi, uncle Nick."

Nikki smiled sadly. "Hi kits." Hearing the door close. "Uncle Nick says hi. Be good for your grandma and dad."

"Yes, momma." They respond again as one.

The call ended and Nikki sought out and found Nick on the back porch. Watching her brother, who was clearly hurting she sighed in resignation. Returning inside, she prepared him a chicken sandwich and got herself ready. She'd need to drive him to the train station soon.

xxxxxXXXXXxxxxx

Near midnight, Nick walked into his apartment. Stripping down, he put the clothes and his uniform in to wash, turned on the TV, and after popping some popcorn watched Die Hard.

Once Hams Grubber fell from the building, he crawled into bed and allowed himself to finally sleep the sleep of the truly exhausted. Waking before dawn with a groan of pain, having forgotten his dose the previous day. With a pained whine he crawled out of bed and limped into the bathroom to take his daily dose of painkillers.

After a long shower and getting dressed, he wandered the small apartment, accepting the seemingly miraculously prepared meal and coffee. Speaking to the shadows. "Thanks, guys. Skye, Jack. You don't have to hide, and I appreciate you."

Jason Hopps stepped out of the spare bedroom. "Not them this week. Gave me the key. Janet texted on the burner. Apologizes profusely and appreciates your understanding."

Nick nodded. "Hey, Smokey. I correct the thank you, then. I appreciate it all the same."

Jason looked the fox over. "You okay, Nick?"

Nick chuckled weakly. "Never gonna be okay, Smokey. But I'll make it. Got a lot of work to still do, just like you do, mister Chief of the ZFD and ZEMS for Happytown. Got a lot of meetings to get to the rest of this week and weekend. Gotta transition from campaigning to doing the job."

Jason nodded and headed towards the door. Looking back at the fox he whispered. "She'd be proud of you, Nick. We all are." Closing the door behind himself.

Nick looked up with a sad smile. "Thanks, Jason. I want to think that, to believe that, but it's hard without her being the one to say it."

xxxxxXXXXXxxxxx

Monday, mid-morning, Nick stood in the middle of the ZPD lobby surrounded by current and former officers. Bogo, McHorn, and others there along with Nick's replacement as Commissioner, Grizoli. The current Chief of P1 in Mike and ZPD Chief, Lizz as well. Even the current and soon to be retiring himself, head instructor of the ZPD vice and organized crime division, Finn.

Finn grinned up at Nick. "You done good, Red. Bunny cop'ed be proud o'ya."

Bogo chuckled with a nod. "That she would be. Just look at the ZPD you leave, compared to what you joined. Sure there is more work to do, but there always is. You're doing what needs to be done. That's the important part."

Nick nodded, a genuine smile. Lifting his glass of sparkling apple juice after getting everyone's attention. "Thank you, everyone. It has been my honor to serve with you, to serve Zootopia, and to, in any small way I can. To make this world a better place than I found it. I couldn't have done it without all of you." More congratulations were had, and the presentation of several awards, both legitimate and joke were performed.

After leaving P1, Nick had a wrap from a vendor in the park, resting on a bench by the fountain, before making his way to City Hall, box from his ZPD office in paw. There he made his way to his new offices and met with his staff. Chuckling as his chief of staff glared at him. "This going to be a habit with you, Nick? Late?"

"I'm hardly late, Terry. We've been here for days. Everything is set up." Setting the box from his office, the awards on top, on his new desk. "All the hiring is done. The swearing in isn't for…" checking his watch. "Three hours and the reception doesn't start for an hour and a half. I know you wanted to meet and greet, and me not being here wouldn't have stopped you."

"It's not that. It's…"

"Meadowlaw. Yeah. I could never bust him, but he's out of a job as of a few hours from now. And yes, I know about the rules and all that he's been pushing through. I also know that they have to be affirmed by the incoming council because he passed them after the election. I already have the rejection well in paw."

Terry nodded. "Good. Head in the game."

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After being sworn in, Nick, as the ranking Member, despite being freshly elected, due to his out-sized share of the city, convened the council and brought up the items passed in the lame duck session. They were rejected, without prejudice. Thus allowing all members to review and re-propose any they felt should in fact be passed.

Afterwards, Nick arrived at the steps of City Hall for a late afternoon press conference. Looking over the press corp and smiling, Nick tapped several of the mics with a claw.

"Good afternoon. I am, as most are aware, and for the benefit of those that are not, Nicholas WildeHopps. I am the freshly elected council member and district chief for the combined district of Happytown and the Nocturnal district. We will be holding a collection of public forums to solicit names for the new district now that the Nocturnal district has voted to officially join Happytown. Once we have those suggestions, and they have been properly vetted to remove the jokes and inappropriate suggestions. We will then hold several rounds of votes to select the ultimate name the new combined district will be given. Once selected I will bring the name change to the council for a vote and the Mayor's signature.

As happens every election, the lame duck council rammed through hundreds of rule changes, laws, etc… If anything, they were extra productive. Sadly, many if not most of those changes were driven by the likes of Meadowlaw. As such, while the incoming council usually reviews these changes over the course of a few days, there were simply too many. We have therefore rejected them all without prejudice, allowing the current council members to review them and re-propose anything they feel should still be done. I myself have a small list I plan on resubmitting. However, we had to block all of them, as we would have to get through all of them by Friday, and anything we didn't would go into effect by default. That wasn't possible, even if we worked day and night without stopping. There really were that many. Passed them in blocks of dozens.

I'm relatively sure the city doesn't want a fifty percent tax increase on your drivers license renewal, or a new law requiring all kits of a long list of species to be taken and placed as ward of the city. That list included squirrels, rabbits, foxes, and others. A full list of the laws, who proposed them, and who voted for and against them will be posted on my former campaign website by tomorrow. Each will have the option for any citizen to select and push the specific item to their representative with a justification for why they think it should go into effect. I will have staff dedicated to reviewing those suggestions and justifications that come to us. Can't speak for the other members of the council. Now… A few quick questions." Nick pointed to a boar. "Henry."

Smiling the boar spoke up. "Thank you, Com… Councilor." Giving a nervous chuckle. "Almost called you Commissioner. Henry Swineton, Zootopia Gazette. Are all the changes the Meadowlaw council pushed through really that bad?"

Nick shook his head. "Not at all, but there was simply too many to get through in the time allowed, and too many nasty, bigoted, and evil ones to risk letting one or more slip through. That is why we rejected them in a way that lets them be brought back up easily. There are plenty that are worthwhile or even good, some maybe after some tweaks, and many, many of them, that are the epitome of the hate and bigotry Meadowlaw is so infamous for." Pointing to a young panthress. "Sascha."

Smiling, she took a deep breath. "Thank you. Sascha Growley, ZNN. During your campaign, you swore to propose and pass a repeal of the laws against interspecies matings. Some suggest it cost you votes. Do you still plan on doing that?"

Nick frowned a moment, then noticed the carefully veiled hope in her eyes. Giving a tired sigh. "Yeah. I think that did cost me some votes, initially. Then Meadowlaw and others started the attack ads and the mammals of the district and city got to see the bigotry and hate on full, unvarnished display. I think, because I refused to back down, and so loudly called them out, swung many mammals back.

There is a story all my staff know, all my friends know. Hell, even my partners family knows, even if they refuse to acknowledge it. Foxes are funny as species go. Especially us reds. I vowed myself to Judy Hopps. That means, for better or worse, I was hers. She saved my life. She made my life worth living. Were the laws different then, I'd have taken her as my mate. Judy was an amazing mammal. She was a force of nature, and I loved her with my whole being. I want to believe she felt the same, but those laws. They kept us as only ever friends.

Did you know those laws date back more than three thousand years to the second Lanolin revival and associated species purges? Some even earlier. They were never about morals or anything like that and their use back then led to the extinction of several species. They're a product of the worst bigotry and fear driven hate. The same hate that drove Dawn Bellwether, Meadowlaw, and so many others who preach hate.

I don't know about you, but I want to believe we as a society have grown. That we've grown up and can, with clear eyes and hearts unclouded by the fear and hate that drove the likes of the lanolin priests that wrote those laws, look at them and consider if they really represent who we are. Who we want to be.

I believe in this city. I believe we can recognize the evil and injustice those laws represent and created, and undo it. To seek to make the world a better place with less hate. Less pain. Less evil for evil's sake.

Now, will I submit such a repeal, absolutely. That is one of many things I need to do. Like straightening out the funding for Happytown and Nocturnal districts that was improperly directed elsewhere, leaving those districts with just scraps. There is a lot of real work that needs to be done, including that proposal. Please forward any further questions to my office. It is time I get to that work." Nick turned, ignoring with long practiced ease the many shouted questions and headed back to his office. There really was a lot of work to do.

xxxxxXXXXXxxxxx

Nick WildeHopps, former hustler, ZPD officer, Chief, and Commissioner. Senior City Councilor of the WildeHopps district. Named such from the merged districts of Happytown, the Nocturnal district, the Forest district, and both the inner and outer the Burrows, and very much against his will. Zootopia's Senior Federal representatives and finally, Senator.

A long life, and one according to most, lived well. His birthday, making Him the oldest fox on record at 110, a few days prior. Celebrated every year with a holiday named for him. Truly it was officially Marginalized species day, but everyone just called it WildeHopps day. One of many things that happened against his wishes, and one of many permanent marks he had left on the world.

That fox, long having lost most of his fur color to age, rested on his bed, and felt a single regret in his heart. They'd already taken away the machines and the medicines, other than those to keep him comfortable the night before. His kits, adopted and literal, along with grandkits, great and great great grandkits, were collected in the main room of the large mansion awaiting the end. There was even a great great great great grandkit in a bassinet out there. Born on his birthday. He'd been introduced and got to mark them the night before.

They all knew it would be soon. Even he knew it was coming soon. When you're as sick as he was, they don't take away the machine unless the Black Rabbit and their crows were close at paw.

He felt the presence before he saw her, nearly glowing in his failing sight. As she approached, he felt suddenly energized, his vision clearing, strength returning. Pulling himself up, he smiled. "Hey, Fluff. You're not exactly who I was expecting. Right species, wrong color palette. Not that I'm going to complain. It's good to see you. Guess it's about that time."

She nodded as she sat beside him on the bed and gently caressed his muzzle. "Soon, Slick. Just not quite yet. I'm early. I wanted to see you, and Anubis gave me a special dispensation to visit. You did good, Slick. I know you wish I could have been with you the whole way, but in this life I couldn't. Maybe in our next we'll get to go the whole run together."

"Well, still nice to see you, Judy. Assuming you're here and this isn't a dying gasp of my aged brain.'

Judy chuckled, snapping her fingers and appearing with nurses clothes, though oddly out of time. She stepped to the door and poked her head out. A moment later all the assembled family and friends were there around his bed. Judy, sitting next to his head.

One of the teenagers, a great great great granddaughter pointed at Judy. "Who is the weird rabbit nurse in the old timey costume? Looks kinda like the pics of grandma Judy."

Nick chuckled. "You were always extra perceptive Judith. She's just here to see me off like the rest of you. Thank you all for being here. The Black Rabbit will be here soon enough."

His grandson Ferris chuckled. "Never knew you to be a religious one, sir."

Nick shrugged. "I'm not, but it was always more that I didn't believe such beings, if they exist, need my prayers or belief. Still, the sentiment makes sense to most. My time left is short. Minutes. An hour. Less. I just wanted you all to know how much I love all of you. Don't mourn me too much. Celebrate the life I lived. Celebrate the at least slightly better world I helped build in her name. Go out and help in what ways you can. As Judy used to say, make the world a better place, be that one mammal at a time, or in big chunks.

I love all of you, now give me a hug and go enjoy the food. Gherrel, pass out the gifts and get to the reading of the will. I'm going to rest now." With Judy's help, many hugs and kisses were had. She then helped him snuggled back down. All but Judith left.

She approached, watching the strange rabbit lovingly petting his ears. "Who… Who are you?"

Nick smiled. "She's a real Hybrid, Judy. You and me, but one of our boys got with one of Lizz and Mike's Girls. They had two boys, one of whom got with a raccoon. Judith always reminded me of you and she's always had this deeper sense of things."

Before Judith could respond, a black rabbit, black like the void itself. It's fur seeming to absorb the light that struck it, yet sparkling at the same time. They spoke with a voice that was somehow frigid, chilling, and terrifying, yet warm and comforting at the same time. "Nicholas, it is time. Judith, you will see him again once he's walked the road."

Judy nodded and after giving Nick a final hiss on top of his muzzle, got off the bed And stood next to Judith, giving the slightly taller hybrid a side hug.

The rabbit shifted into a fox of the same color as Nick sighed. "I'm ready. Judith, be a good girl. Follow your dream just like she did. Make the world the better place I know you can."

With that, the fox gave a bow of deep respect and placed a paw on Nick's. Nick WildeHopps closed his eyes with his ever present smirk and breathed his last. The void black fox turned to Judy and Judith and smirked. "You still have a few moments." Then simply faded away.

Judith started to tear up. "How can I do as he asks if…"

Judy pulled her into a tight hug. "Hey. Calm down. He was talking to me, dear one. I was stolen away from him, and he from me. We had a moment together as mates, which is how your great grandfather came to be, but because it was under the influence of Nighthowler, no one was willing to listen. In the end it cost me my life, and forced him to live as he did. He's proud of all of you, but especially you, Judith." Judy stepped away and smiled up at Judith. "Time for me to join him so we can enjoy some time together before our next lives. He was right, you know." Starting to fade, her clothes became her pink flannel and jeans. "The gods, powers, whatever you want to call them. They don't need your belief or prayers, but they wouldn't mind too much if you kept the traditions. The real ones." Judy's voice started to fade as she did and became hollow. "The ones he taught all of you."

With that Judy vanished and Judith stared at the spot in shock. Turning, she froze, confronted by a massive feral vixen the size of a rhino. She whispered to herself. "Karma, save me."

The fox smirked and sat down, a rabbit with a kaleidoscope fur pattern, a silver Wolf, and a massive tiger appeared next to the vixen. All sized in proportion to the fox. "You don't need me to save you from me, little one. Your family has kept the old traditions. You, Judith Piberus WildeWolfeyer. You are blessed with a full knowledge of the true forms. You are under no obligations to use it, though we hope you will help to return some to use. The world always has struggles, the world has trials coming. The WildeHopps pact and these traditions and forms of honor and respect can help you weather them."

Judith nodded, a form popping into her head. She bowed, tilting her head and setting her ears. "My dream is the study of the old forms with a specialization in archaeology. If I could find some intact fox lords settlement or cache of documents. I could speak loudly and be heard."

The tiger grinned. "She is wise. We will see about that. In time."

Judith's Mother gasped as she entered the room looking for Judith, causing Judith to look to the side door then back to where the beings had been and no longer were. Rushing to Judith and looking her over. "Judith! Are you okay? What was that?"

Judith shook her head, a form appearing in her head again. She stepped away from her mother to perform it towards where the beings had been, she did another for her mother, then one towards the still form on the bed. "Mom. Not sure I believe it all. Certainly wouldn't expect you to."

Giving her daughter a strange look, given the forms she'd just witnessed. "I could swear, for just a moment… I saw giant feral animals."

"Okay, maybe you will. Karma, Saren, Luna, and Dakkhin Rai visited me after grandfather Nick passed. Although I'll need to confirm with Grandmother Wolford. Not that it matters. Anubis has taken great grandpa and Judy, who was allowed to visit and was the nurse, has gone to wait for him. I think it's time to rejoin the celebrations. It is what they would both want."

Her mother looked at her in absolute shock. "That… The nurse was?"

Judith nodded with a wider smile. "She was. She was really nice, and she really loved him, mom. She refused to move onto her next life without him. We can all only hope to be so loved. Now come on. There is food and a celebration of life to attend. We can have someone check on him later." Glancing at the still form on the bed. "He was at peace, fully, when he left."

A few minutes later in the large dining room, Judith lifted her glass. "To Grandfather Nicholas Piberius WildeHopps and Judith Laverne HoppsWilde. May they in their next lives find each other early and enjoy a long life together as they should have been granted in this one."

There was a loud round of cheers and then the telling of stories of one Nicholas Piberius WildeHopps. Former hustler. Former ZPD officer, Chief, and Commissioner, retired. Senior City Councilor of the WildeHopps district. Zootopia's Senior Federal representatives and finally, Senator. Father. Grandfather. And mate, in his and her own heart, to one Judith Laverne Hopps.