Zootopia: The Second Wave [Blue]

[Keksi]

A device that measured speed was in a bunny's hands as she sat in her patrol car. She pointed it at car after car, but if someone was really speeding, she'd probably be able to see it. They were parked in a parking lot that was right outside a bakery. Her partner, who was [oddly] a fox, sat beside her, probably watching the numbers for anything over the speed limit. Rather, that's what she thought he was doing. It was quite the dark night, and one of the only lights besides the stars was the red number that read the same number over and over, sometimes blanking out to calculate: 25. Sometimes someone would be driving slower than that, but it wasn't against the law to be a slow-- erm, cautious driver.


She was almost itching for an excuse to step on the gas pedal and go chasing after a car that would assuredly pull over immediately. Judy sighed, turning to look into the brilliant green eyes of her partner. "Nick," She began. But that's as far as she got, because out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a quick blur of headlights. A smile popped onto her face, and she passed the speed-sensing machine to Nick before checking to make sure she was buckled up. "Hit the sirens and buckle up! That guy was going 50." She waited for a moment before stepping on the gas, now in pursuit.

 

[BIue]

The fox sat...or rather, lounged, beside his partner from within the relative comfort of their patrol car. His russet feet were nestled comfortably upon the dashboard as Judy went about her eager surveillance of the speedometer. Every now and then Nick would steal a sidelong glance at the device from behind his sunglasses, occasionally flashing Judy a hint of a smirk whenever she caught him dozing off from behind his shades. It had been a long and stiflingly uneventful shift so far, and for once Nick found himself somewhat disappointed in the crime that each officer of the ZPD knew was plaguing the city. Sure, the big-wigs liked to keep their happenings as underground as possible and behind the turned backs of the ZPD, but Nick would have at least thought they'd have caught a speeding soccer mum or something by now.


"Nick,"


His left ear twitched in response. The voice of the bunny beside him roused Nick's attention. 'What's up, Ca--' But the final word never left his maw as Judy interjected at the sight of a car doubling the limit. Her words still took a moment to register. Admittedly the fox had been distracted from thoughts of crime fighting. Instead he had been musing over simple things like what Bogo would look like in a hula skirt or whether or not Gazelle had a stylist for her horns. Who could blame him? Bogo was deserving of a little inner ridicule from time to time, and who didn't occasionally wonder about the habits of Gazelle? It was more interesting than staring aimlessly at a road of cars that were clearly within the speed limit. At least, that was until one had broken the limit.


Having taken a moment to switch on to the approaching pursuit, Nick found himself unprepared as Judy hit the gas. The shades flew from his face to reveal the fox's widened eyes as he quickly scrambled to pull his feet off the dashboard. Nick found himself fumbling for a second to buckle his belt before getting thrown back into his seat as Judy sped off to start the chase. A small gasp slipped through his teeth at the motion as the breath was temporarily knocked out of him. 'Geez, easy on the pedal, Carrots!' With the slap of a button the sirens of the car were blaring, alerting the other drivers to make way for their impending rally down the Zootopia highway.


Now that they were in pursuit, Nick shifted into a more productive mindset, already scanning the cars ahead for the one they sought, eagerly narrowing his eyes to catch a glimpse of the number plate. Despite the high-energy of the situation, he appeared relatively calm now that being flung through the windscreen was no longer an imminent threat.


'Take the next left to the subway- they're heading into the city- it's our best chance of cutting them off.'

 

[Keksi]

Her brow was creased with focus as she mapped out where to go in her mind. At the same time, she searched for the car with an eager grin as they sped along. "Got it, thanks Wilde!"


Not this street, she reminded herself, reading the street signs. Next one, Willis street. Judy flipped on her turn signal seconds before they came to the intersection. The light changed from red to green as they neared it, and she turned, relieved that they wouldn't have to stop and lose time, as well as the chase. It was great luck for the duo. A rush of adrenaline caused her lead foot to push a little harder on the gas pedal. Of course, she was speeding, but how else might one catch a speeding car? At least the drivers around them could hear the blaring sirens of their patrol car. "Too fast for you, Sweetheart?" She sent Nick a smirk. "Sorry, I can't help it."

 

[BIue]

The fox couldn't help but roll his eyes as Judy flicked the indicator before making their turn. Honestly, this was a car chase. They were already authorised to break the highway code to catch the speeding car- so what was the point of upholding all the menial rules such as indicating at a time like this? Only Hopps, he pondered with faint amusement. As they turned to take Nick's shortcut, predictably (and somewhat uncomfortably), the speeding car vanished from view. It was in times like these where Nick relished the thought of Judy's trust in him. There had been a time where the bunny would have placed a reasonable degree of doubt in his alternative claims and ways of going about things. The pair had found a balance through working together and eventually it had become very clear that they were highly efficient when both invested on reaching a goal. Naturally, Nick would take more persuasion than Judy when accepting a case. The fox would consider the potential criminals involved (occasionally swayed by previous experiences with them) and weigh up the risks. Judy, on the other hand could never accept a case more quickly. It was a trait that could grow exasperating at times, especially when she picked the cases he would have preferred to steer clear of. Despite this, Judy's enthusiasm could only be respected. She was capable as an officer and even if it meant the case was going to be tough, Nick had faith that alongside his partner they'd crack it.


A snicker escaped him at her comment as the cars on the highway swerved and parted to form a path for their patrol vehicle to speed through. 'Easy, Fluff.' He chided, whiskers twitching faintly. 'This isn't my first car chase and it won't be my last.' The statement alone was a testament to his own trust in the rabbit. Rarely did Nick voice any assertions or compliments with regards to Judy's skills- usually he resulted to affectionately taunting and demeaning his fellow officer. However, the mere implication that he would live to survive a car journey with her behind the wheel was still rather noteworthy, especially when it had started by her nearly sending him through the windscreen.


'Although,', he noted with considerable thought. 'That could depend on who we're chasing.' Nick wasn't as driven by initiative as his lapine friend. He would listen in staff briefings to Bogo's assignments and reports, but other than that the fox would usually steer clear of reading police reports in his spare time (personal snooping excluded). Judy was often much more wired into what the ZPD was aware of, whereas Nick had a natural awareness of what was going on under the surface from his previous areas of 'employment'. All they had to go off for the time being was that somebody was in a hurry to get somewhere, and judging by how they had sped up at the sound of the sirens, they were not keen on being caught.


'Is some of your extra file reading going to come into play?' He mocked, adopting a feigned tone of innocence. 'Any speedy mammals been reported recently, or d'you reckon we've got something new on our paws? '

 

[Keksi]

Judy was unphased by her partner's teasing, and she rolled her violet eyes. She eased up on the gas, allowing her foot a rest from holding the pedal down. How about a dose of reality in return to his (mostly) dry jokes? "My driving won't kill you. Trust me, I won't let you die this way."


However, to appease him, one of her ears flicked itself as she protested, "It wasn't reading on speeders, Fox. But yes... this looks like something different." She knew better than to judge without evidence, but why was the pursued car not pulling over? They wouldn't speed up if they weren't up to something. The usual speeders were husbands rushing to the hospital, or a parent late to their child's sport game. Occasionally, they'd pull over someone who wasn't paying attention to their speed, or someone who was going far too slow to give them a friendly reminder.


"There they are!" The car came into view once more, this time in the rearview mirror, and Judy's lead foot dropped on the gas again. "We'll block them off up ahead." Cars rapidly pulled over to the sides of the road to avoid the speeding patrol car. "Nick, make the lights at the next four-way stop all turn red." Being a Police officer allowed them to have some traffic control for moments like these. Spinning the wheel, Judy made the car turn 90 degrees as they came to a stop, their car now lined up to block off the oncoming car.

 

[BIue]

"My driving won't kill you. Trust me, I won't let you die this way."


A hint of humoured surprise entered the russet fox's tone at his partner's comment. Steadily as he went about plucking the traffic monitor from his pocket to change the lights, he spoke. 'Ooh, that's nice. I was thinking of something a little more flamboyant for my final moment. Death by bunny isn't quite what I had in mind.' His usual grin taunted her, probing for a reaction in his usual carefree manner. He had to admit, Hopps gave as good as she got- he liked that. A sharp-witted fox with an equally sharp bunny made for quite a pair, and predictably it always made for entertaining commentary as they went about their business.


Admittedly, Judy had her moments where her wording wasn't quite as natural as the silver-tongued fox, but it was forgivable. He had been born and bred to weave silken threads of words; the sharp wit of the fox species had led to their unsavoury reputation. Hopps, on the other hand, seemed to possess far too much of a moral compass to always match the ideas of her more cynical partner. And in the very least, it was a trait that Nick found somewhat endearing. Her optimism was so sickening that from time to time even he found himself believing in her ideals. For the most part, the fox would follow blindly- unaware of the influence his friend was having upon him. However, in quieter moments when he was offered the chance to look back on how far he'd come over the last year...well, he had to hand it to her...Judy had made the world of difference.


As the car was swung into a halt to block the road ahead, the red vehicle sped into view, skidding to a jarring halt that brushed a little too close for Nick's comfort as both him and Judy stepped onto the road. Straightening himself against the gust of air that buffeted his pointed ears, Nick approached, allowing Judy to fall into step beside him. In a oddly blasé manner, he lifted a paw to rap on the window of the now-halted car. As the window lowered, so did Nick's head in order to peer in at the culprit. Surprisingly enough, they didn't look familiar. They certainly weren't a criminal by any means- not one that Nick knew- and Nick knew everybody.


'Hey buddy, off in a bit of a dash aren't we? What's got your tail in a twist?'


His tone was amicable as always- perhaps too amicable for a cop. However, as he spoke the ever-pointed reminder of fangs glinted from his muzzle- an aspect that Nick was not particularly aware of. It never did occur to the fox that his fangs would ever be used in a harmful manner, and the memory of being muzzled only cemented the feeling of disgust he associated with such implications. Having overlooked such aspects of his appearance, Nick found himself oblivious to the threat he now seemed to be posing to the shivering shape of the driver opposite him. Instead he paused, tapping his foot as he waited for a response. Who knew? Perhaps this mammal was running from someone, after all they seemed to have the fear of death written behind their gaze.

 

[Keksi]

The bunny tagged along beside her partner, observing as he calmly managed the situation. He's handling this well, she thought proudly, puffing out her chest with a closed-mouth smile. Every day she found herself thankful that Nick had accepted her apology in the end, and that they were the best of friends, even partners.


"G-good day, Officer." What at first seemed like a calm creature soon became a frantic mess of a deer as his eyes immediately took note of the strong jaw and those glistening, sharp teeth... The male's blue eyes were wide as he lost his composure. He let out a shriek, trying to unbuckle his seatbelt so he could get away, but only succeeding in tangling his arms in the protective strips. His mind had already gone to 'fight or flight' mode, and fighting was a no... He couldn't get away either. Tears were in his eyes, and he gripped the wheel, unable to look away, shaking violently in his seat. Please don't kill me. Please don't eat me I don't want to die.


She'd never heard a deer let out a scream of bloody murder before. It caused Judy to wince, her ears ringing in the aftermath of the noise as she pinned them to her head. Her happy expression faded, and she stepped in front of Nick, shoving him back a bit. She placed a paw on the chest of her colleague, and held her other paw just above the frame of the car window. "Whoa whoa whoa-- calm down, everyone!"


The deer began to breathe heavily, so panicked that he was hyperventilating. He was terrified of the orange-furred creature, no matter the fact that it didn't hunt his ancestors. The thoughts that it could tear in into his soft flesh made his head spin. "M-mam', help me." He whispered, his voice cracking as he rested his head on the wheel, the world blacking away and fading as he fainted. The horn now blared freely without any interruption or purpose.


The bunny was purely surprised, but didn't let herself be caught off guard too much. "Call for the EMT!" She ordered in a heartbeat, her eyes not leaving the deer. What to do, what to do? Judy didn't know, but at least experts were on their way. She released a deep breath, calming the tension she had felt coming off the deer in strong waves. "That was unexpected," She mumbled.

 

[BIue]

"G-good day, Officer."


Nick eyed the deer sat behind the wheel with no real vested interest as he set himself to go about the usual spiel that officers gave speeding cars. Except...he didn't get the chance to continue. Something was wrong, and it was more than a driver just feeling a little nervous at having been pulled over by the cops. This guy was paranoid...no, terrified. With a furrowing of his eyebrows the fox turned his russet head to glance over his shoulder. It wasn't like anybody was in hot pursuit of this guy. Something wasn't right.


The piercing scream that followed upon Nick turning his gaze back to the civilian was enough to cause his own ears to flatten in response. Instinctively, his paws raised up in a placatory gesture towards the deer. Inching forward towards the window, his expression had dropped from one of nonchalant smugness to that of mingled confusion and concern. It was not an expression that the fox wore often. At his slight shift in body language, the civilian shrank back, fumbling with their seatbelt in an attempt to escape him. Blinking in bemused silence Nick stepped back at the touch from Judy, allowing her to approach instead. The deer didn't scream or shift away from her.


Was it just him, then? Judy was still a cop- and a much better known one at that. But her appearance didn't seem to amplify the fear of the deer any further. If anything there seemed to be the whisper of relief in his gaze as the distance between himself and Nick increased ever so slightly. Already, Nick's mind was a flurry of questions as to why the deer might have such a fear of him. Had any criminals whom he'd had dealings with in the past set out to ruin his name? The fox had angered a lot of dangerous animals with his scams, but he'd never truly thought that anyone would attempt to get him back. He was so well-versed. He could talk his rights through and place alibis all over Zootopia- Hopps had been the first to catch him, but even then he'd admitted the majority of his crimes to her.


"M-mam', help me."


....Really? From what, me? Nick watched intently for Judy's reaction to the plea. It didn't even make sense on the most fundamental biological level. Foxes were small predators at most- not half as large or threatening as some of the other officers in the ZPD. Deer didn't even fall into the natural prey groups that were at risk from foxes from the beginning of time. Even Judy had more of an excuse to fear him and the thought of that was just as nonsensical to the fox. A well-aimed kick from one of those hooves or a thrust of an antler in his direction would end any kind of physical brawl before it even started. The power balance wasn't even in the correct threshold to make sense.


Nick's gaze lingered on the deer as he collapsed onto the horn on his car for a few moments before dropping down to Judy. 'Can you believe this guy?' His tone fell with the same confusion that was written across his furred face, mingled with indignation and bemusement. But the time for discussion would have to come later, they weren't done here. With a dissatisfied flick of a dark ear, Nick pulled a transceiver from his pocket, radioing in for the EMT. It was not long before the wail of sirens could be heard in the distance.

 

[Keksi]

Judy opened the car door, staring at the unconscious deer with a confused expression. Her mind tried to make sense of it, as if it were a fun mystery. "I don't understand why he was so scared," She murmured, fluffy gray paws working diligently to untie the frantic knots made by the deer. The seatbelt was stuck in place, so tight that no wonder he had breathing troubles. Everything had happened so quickly, the bunny had yet to realize that the citizen had truly flipped his lid when Nick had spoken to him. However, when the facts sunk in, the gears of thought process spun like Nick's did.


This was Zootopia, a place where everyone, no matter the species, could choose to accept their differences and get along. Sure, there was still prejudice, but why fear another for their sharp teeth or claws? Nature had given the deer hooves on their feet to fend off many creatures, foxes being one of them. That was the past, and that need nolonger exists, especially because Nick did nothing wrong.


Of course, her conclusion was a bit different than his, as expected. "Maybe he overdosed on something...?" He certianly drove that way. She took into consideration the fact that he had calmed himself a little when she had come up. If given the opportunity to, she'd probably deny it, but she had a cute, huggable look to her. It might have made the mammal not so frightened when she-- No, that's not right either! Judy let out a frustrated huff, and the seat belt finally gave way, freeing the captive. The bunny proceded to move his head so that the car horn would stop its annoying, loud screams. After pushing the button to turn on the warning lights, she turned around to face Nick, her eyebrows creased as she thought things over. "Thanks. I suppose we should wait in the car."

 

[BIue]

"Maybe he overdosed on something...?"


A frown lingered on Nick's face, framed by his furred cheeks. It was a possibility. Until they had the EMT there and some potential toxicology results they wouldn't know. Regardless, something still didn't seem right. The behaviour had seemed erratic- not something an animal would intentionally do to themselves. That led to a whole new category of questions. One that Nick wasn't quite ready to consider just yet. They'd have to wait and see. With a sigh, the fox's shoulders dropped, watching contemplatively as Judy went about loosening the straps around the unconscious civilian.


'I dunno, Carrots. Sure seems like there's something amiss here...'


He despised himself for considering it, however Nick's vigilant gaze had not failed to pick up the excessive fear in the deer's eyes at the interaction with him rather than his smaller partner. A slight sinking feeling bubbled in his chest as his mind went about trying to unpick the most logical explanation for what had just occurred. Were there any other foxes on the ZPD files that had been stirring up fear in civilians? It would certainly have been news to him. The only other fox in the criminal underground that Nick knew of was Finnick...and....well, they didn't exactly look alike. Silently he earmarked the thought. He'd have to look into it later. He didn't like the thought of it, but it was worth being thorough. He couldn't help but wonder what the deer's reaction would be when they came to, and whether they would show the same level of fear towards anyone else. A part of the fox hoped that he would not be the only one to rouse such fear. It made him uncomfortable to be treated as a threat without cause. It cut a little too close to home for his liking. His smug grin often hid his sensitivity to the issue, but the damage it caused within was enough to make him fall quiet from time to time.


With a shrug, Nick followed Judy's suggestion as the pair hopped back into the patrol car to await the nearing sirens of the EMT. As the cars pulled up an Elephant and Kangaroo jumped out, dressed in uniform and ready to commence their work with the civilian. With a sigh Nick stepped out of the vehicle once more, padding towards the car with the deer to give the details of the events that had unfolded. Somewhat curiously, he stood to watch as the pair of EMTs went about rousing the bleary animal, asking questions such as their name and where they lived. Steadily, as the animal came to Nick flashed Judy a glance.


'Not much left we can do here now, Fluff. May as well report to Bogo and try to see whether the screaming has caused temporary or permanent deafness in my ears, hmn?'

 

[Keksi]

The two rolled over to the Zootopia Police Department. They gave a report to Bogo, who shrugged it off, but even then, Judy felt as if there could be a little more to the deer. However, her questions soon departed from her mind as she went out to patrol the rest of the day. They exchanged a few puns and small talk, as they watched for any strange activity. But there was none, so at four they returned to the ZPD. It had been quite the underwhelming day, and though Judy was glad that no one had broken the law under the watchful eyes of Nick and herself, it was too boring just sitting there, waiting. She had been so anxious to help someone or correct them, that she leaned forward in her seat, purple eyes scanning everything in sight. It made her back ache, but put her mind to rest.


The hot shower in the female locker room that followed felt worthwhile.


After changing into her plainclothes, the bunny felt more relaxed. It was definitely time to head home. She stuck her headphones in her ears, and let out a content sigh as she walked to the store for some toothpaste and some snacks. Nick had invited himself over, having the courtesy to tell her before just showing up (though she assured him that he was always welcome). She was glad for the company, and figured there was no one better to spend her time with. They'd probably go for a walk, get food from a vendor and talk about whatever.


The day was bright, and perfect for a walk. It warmed Judy's damp fur as she skipped along. She sighed happily, looking up at the beautiful blue sky as the voices of The Beagles harmoniously sang to her about the joys of spring. She couldn't wait to see her fox friend again. He was an asset to the force, and to her small list of best friends.

 

[BIue]

The rabbit's eyes were not the only ones drinking in the final glows of sunlight that lit the city streets. Another pair of taller, darker eyes followed her cheerful steps as Judy wove her way through the familiar side streets of Zootopia.


The city where anyone could be anything.


The city where prey could destroy predator.


Not everyone thought highly of Judy's antics in the public sphere. Least of all did Rajah. The predator that lurked in the shadows remembered the rabbit's comments in her press conferences. She remembered the backlash against predators in the wake of the rabbit's naive and unfounded accusations. She had been wrong, of course once the Night Howler case had been solved. But, the lasting damage had already been done. There was no mistaking that predators were still being looked at with a higher degree of caution and prejudice than ever before. A cop was supposed to protect citizens- not turn them against each other or make sweeping statements that villainized a whole section of the population.


Yes, it seemed that in Zootopia you could be anything...so long as you didn't have sharp claws or pointed teeth.


The hyena drew in a deep breath before letting out a loud yowl of anguish from one of the back streets a couple of blocks ahead of where Judy had set about walking. 'COME BACK HERE! DON'T YOU LAY A PAW ON HIM! MY CHILD! THAT'S MY BABY!'


The plan had been set into motion and the acting could begin. Frantically, the spotted creature whipped around, snuffles and feigned whimpers of panic rising from her fanged snout. Her amber eyes widened in an act of horror.


'SOMEBODY HELP!'

 

[Keksi]

The rabbit's ever-listening ears rose, hearing the sound of an anguished cry past her cheerful music. Pulling out her headphones, she looked all around, her ears listening for a hint of that desperate voice one more time so she could be lead to the needy creature. Her posture straightened, and she was already in her sharp work mindset. She wouldn't have backup. She wouldn't need it, anyways. She could be of just as much assistance without Nick than with.


"SOMEBODY HELP!"


There it was again. This time, she turned around completely, not wasting a second to guess if she'd heard right. Her quick feet carried her away, down the gray sidewalk.


Her only fear, which was more like a small worry, considering she didn't give it much thought, was that she wouldn't be able to save the poor mother's child. She'd never really known what it was like to have something stolen from her, but from what she'd seen, it could be heartbreaking. And the bond of a mother an child? It should never be broken. A child should never be taken away. No one deserved the anguish of losing a child.


Dashing to the mother, her feet skidded to a stop, almost missing the alleyway where she was. "Excuse me, miss?" She approached Her purple eyes were full of concern, and she gently placed a paw on the hyena's shoulder. "Where was your child taken?"

 

[BIue]

Wracked gasps continued to escape the hyena's maw in her feigned act of grief-stricken panic. A large rounded ear atop of her head twitched at the sound of small running feet. Her nose had caught the scent of Judy before the small cop's paw had even gently reached her shoulder. She remained still for a few moments, not yet looking down at the grey rabbit as she tentatively made her presence known.


"Where was your child taken?"


Glad you asked.


Between soft cries, the hyena stuttered out a response- shaky paw pointing further down the alleyway. The creature's amber eyes were alight with emotion as her entire frame appeared to be consumed by fright. 'Two--men! Two men just grabbed him and took off running. Oh, I don't know why-- or what they were after--! I chased them as far as I could until I got here--.....but I lost them.'


As if discovering Judy for the first time, the hyena's gaze ran over her- lighting up at the badge on her small grey chest. With desperation bursting from every inch of her tone, she edged closer to the rabbit. 'Oh ma'am, you will help me, won't you?' She implored, ears plastered back against her head as she took one of Judy's delicate paws into her own, much larger, ones. The fire in her eyes glistened with the dampness that only came with brewing tears. For a moment Rajah felt her heart race as if it were about to leap from her chest.


'It's--it's already getting dark out! His-- his pa is waiting at home with dinner--'

 

[Keksi]

As the hyena gave her a description of what happened, Judy looked at her sympathetically, noticing the vacant, haunted look in her eyes. The bunny swallowed. "What species were they?" Two men with a child might be hard to spot, if this turned into a chase.


'Oh ma'am, you will help me, won't you?'


Judy nodded firmly. Not helping this poor mother was out of the question! "I'm a cop. I'll find your son." She firmly promised, already beginning to take steps away from the hyena, into the darkening alleyway. "I'll find him and bring him back to you." With that, she completely faced forward and ran into the darkness. Being Nick night now would be useful because of his night vision, but Judy could do without that. She had her own assets. Her paw reached for her flashlight and clicked it on.