Chapter 1: Prologue
Chapter Text
Int. Operating room - underground
The camera slowly travels across a dark hallway facing the ground as the sound of piano music can be heard in the distance. Blood can be visibly seen covering the floor with the sound of the music slowly draws closer, the quantity of blood grows. The camera rotates forward and through the window of a double door into a blood soaked operating room where a gruesome surgery is taking place. Inside two surgical assistants are standing close to the table; one is directly beside the tool stand while the other is monitoring the vitals and many dirty monitors on the wall. Performing the operation, a blood soaked wolverine dressed in surgical garb is moving his scalpel with grace as his head slowly tilts back and forth to the soothing piano music playing. The patient is covered in a white tarp concealing most of the body except for the feet which have been removed and nightmarish cybernetic feet have been attached.
An urgent beeping sound can be head from one of the monitors but the doctor already knows what to do as he snaps his fingers towards one his assistance, a Eurasian lynx, who is quick to hand him a pair of shock sticks.
Dr. Silva [muttering]: No [x3]
The surgeon, Dr. Miles Silva, tests the sticks as their ends emit a brief shock of electricity before placing them on the patients chest and delivers a series of shocks. However after several attempts the beeping doesn't stop signifying the death of the patient. Silva seems to be spacing out as if processing what just happened while his two assistants awkwardly stare at one another.
Assistant 1 (Lynx): S-sir, what are your orders.
Silva inhales sharply as he calmly sets the shock sticks down on the operating table. The two assistants immediately take a few cautionary steps away from Silva. Suddenly his calm demeanor flips and in a cry of anger slams his fists across the tool table and slides everything off. The tools and radio playing the music land on the cold stone floor with a series of loud clangs as the music cuts from hitting the floor
Dr. Silva: [enraged] GOD DAMMIT!!!
Silva grabs a bone saw off the operating table and furiously brings it down onto the patient's skull which is concealed under the white tarp. His fit of rage is then cut off by a voice behind him.
Unknown: [mockingly] Aww was it something he said?
Silva slowly turns behind him towards one of the TV screens mounted on the wall where the voice originated. The TV shows a picture of a default avatar, their voice is altered by a voice changer to sound both male and female.
Dr. Silva: how long have you been watching?
Unknown: long enough to get bored by your musical preference Doctor.
Silva looks to his two assistants who are still keeping there distance awaiting an order.
Dr. Silva: [sternly] Leave us.
The two assistants quickly nod and take there leave outside the twin double doors. The two associates don't speak until they have gone. Silva turns completely to the monitor trying to keep his composure.
Unknown: I came here for an update on your progress, but I guess I don't need one now.
Dr. Silva: this is but a minor setback I just need-
Unknown: [mockingly] really, how many patients is that now 87, 88 I've lost count.
Silva turns back towards the dead patient as he's slowly beginning to loose his composure again.
Dr. Silva: [through gritted teeth] 92
Unknown: ah yes, 92 test subjects I have so generously provided you along with the copious resources you have now and 92 times you have failed. Perhaps I underestimated your surgical prowess doctor.
Silva whips back around with fury in his eyes as he points the bone saw he removed from his patient at the monitor as his bloodshot eyes twitch in anger
Dr.Silva: [outraged] I was the best surgeon in this shit pile of a city! The best surgeons beneath me wouldn't dare attempt the things I've done!
Unknown: And yet you've still failed to give me what I ask for.
Dr.Silva: I just need more time and-
Unknown: while time is something I have plenty of my patience is running thin with you.
Dr.Silva: I need healthier test subjects STRONGER test subjects, not some homeless bums you took off the streets.
Unknown: the media and police don't look for "homeless bums" because nobody misses them. "Heathy" subjects would draw attention. Plus I thought you said that stronger subjects where harder to condition.
Rubbing his eyes, Silva leans back against the operating table. Silva removes his magnifying goggles and surgical cap with his blood soaked gloves, giving the camera a better look at the dark circles around the wolverines eyes. He hasn't slept in days.
Dr.Silva: [tiredly] they are, but they are more likely to survive the physical modifications necessary for the procedure.
There's a short pause as the unknown caller seems to take a moment to think on his/her next move.
Unknown: very well, I shall grant you this request. I shall also grant you as much time as you need complete this task.
With an equally tired and relieved sigh, Silva smiles and nods towards the monitor in gratitude.
Dr.Silva: [polite] thank you, I assure you I-
The caller immediately interjects causing Silva to look back up wiping the smile from his face
Unknown: [with harsh assurance] however, the subject I will be bringing you is quite...important to me and WILL draw attention. If you fail me again consider our partnership to be...terminated.
Dr.Silva: I will deliver. I always do.
Unknown: I should hope so doctor, for your sake.
Dr.Silva: w-who is my next patient?
Unknown: you'll see. Get some rest doctor, you're going to need it.
With that the call cuts as the screen goes black leaving Silva alone in the operating room. Still frustrated, he looks down at the bone saw still in his hand then at the litter of tools he threw on the floor. With a grunt he tosses the saw behind his head before he turns and heads towards the double doors as one of his assistants walks in.
Assistant 2 (kangaroo): Oi sir what-WAAh
The assistant ducks behind the door to avoid the bone saw from hitting him. He peaks into the room as Dr.Silva walks out of the room beside him.
Dr.Silva: [monotone] clean this up.
Silva slowly walks towards the camera out in the dimly lit hallway showing his malicious expression on his face as his left eye continues to twitch from what the audience can interpret from either exhaustion or from his missing sanity.
Cut to black
[end of prologue]
Story continued in Part 2; Partner MIA
Chapter 2: Partner MIA
Summary:
A seemingly normal day goes horribly wrong for our buddy cop duo in the worst possible way. A way no officer or soldier wants to experience.
Chapter Text
Int. Judy's apartment - morning
Int. Nick's apartment - morning
The scene begins with a split screen; judy's perspective on the left and Nicks perspective on the right. Both their alarms go off at the same time with Judy being quick to turn hers off and jump out of bed while Nick is slow to respond and just stares at his ceiling and stretches. By the time Nick is out of bed Judy is already at her fridge making breakfast in her pajamas inside her much nicer apartment, while Nick slowly wanders towards his fridge in nothing but his boxers. Judy takes a seat at her kitchen table with a bowl of cereal and a notepad for work. Nick simply grabs a popsicle out of the freezer and lays back and turns on the TV.
The next scene comparison is both of them picking their cloths for the day with Judy having everything laid out for her on a hanger. While Nick opens his closet and compares two identical shirts he smells both of them and picks the cleanest, throwing the other over his head.
The door to Judy's apartment opens as she heads down the steps towards her car parked outside while Nick is still inside admiring himself in the mirror in his police uniform.
Nick: [smirking] hmm never gets old.
Putting some earbuds in Nick exits his apartment and chooses to walk to work while Judy is already driving and almost to work.
Ext. ZPD headquarters
The split screen ends once Nick approaches the ZPD headquarters where he sees Judy chatting with Clawhauser outside the main entrance
Judy peaks around Clawhauser and gives Nick a sly grin.
Judy: [jokingly] wow you're not late for once, What's the occasion?
Nick casually walks over to the duo with his signature smug smile on his face
Nick: No occasion, just wanted to grace you with my presence at seven A.M today.
Judy: [sarcastic] aw how thoughtful of you.
The three share a laugh before entering the police headquarters.
Int. ZPD Headquarters
The bright light from the outside shines inside as all the other officers are conversing amongst themselves ready for the day to begin. Things couldn't be happier
Judy: You do realize you have a car right?
Nick: Why would I need to drive when I'm only like ten minutes away?
Judy: which baffles me why you're late all the time
Nick: hey, good looks like this need 8 hours of sleep fluff.
Judy cringes and face palms herself at her friends hilarity. The trio reach the lockers where they store any personal items.
Judy: [laughing] Your obnoxious
Nick: says the dumb bunny who drags me along wherever she goes.
Judy: you got me there.
Clawhauser: he's right you know, 8 hours of sleep can also improve your memory, brain function, and long term motivation.
Judy (closing her locker): well then I guess Nick could use another hour or two huh.
Nick: And you say I'm obnoxious this morning
Nick and Judy wave to Clawhauser as they head for the briefing room. Where most of the other officers are starting to gravitate towards.
Int. Briefing room
As the two enter half the room is already filled with other officers. Some are arm wrestling, a small group is playing cards while Judy and Wilde take their seats in the front row as they always do. As they sit Nick can be seen fidgeting with something he's holding in his lap his eyes are facing forward as if pondering what to say. He glances at Judy who's eyes are glued to her notepad she has on the table.
Nick: [nervous] uh hey carrots.
Judy (still starring at her notes): yeah
Nick: [nervous] there's uh something I wanna talk to you about. Something I've wanted to get off my chest for quite a while um.
Judy looks up from her notes in confusion at her partners behavior.
Judy: are you nervous?!
Nick: [defensive] what, me, nervous?! Come on carrots, why would you think that?
Judy: [with a chuckle] come on level with me, what's up?
Before Nick could respond the side door swings open as Chief Bogo walks in drawing Judy's attention away.
Bogo: Alright [x2] take your seats, all of you.
Bogo walks to the podium and quickly organizes his papers before putting on his glasses as the other officers wait for him to speak.
Bogo: now, with everyone in attendance this morning we can get started.
Nick: [smugly] ha, bet you've been waiting forever to say that haven't you sir?
Bogo: [sternly] can it Wilde!
The entire room chuckles as Bogo continues the morning briefing.
Bogo (cont'd) alright assignments for this morning; Higgins, Trapper, Zip, and Hopps your stadium security for the ten o clock game.
The three selected officers dawn team jerseys, Hopps is the only one who doesn't wear anything.
Bogo (cont'd): Ringo, Delgado, Snarlov; coastguard.
The three reach under their tables and come up with life preservers and life vests.
Bogo (cont'd): and... after repetitive requests, Wilde; bike patrol.
Nick: [whispering] yes!
Nick lightly slugs his partner in the arm after hearing his assignment. Judy just jokingly rolls her eyes.
Bogo: the rest of you; you have your patrol routes and previous assignments, dismissed.
Nick: alright wh-
Nick turns and sees Judy along with all the other officers leaving to get out in the field. Nick shakes his head with a sly grin.
Nick (cont'd): [to himself] carrots, you workaholic you.
Nick turns back to see Bogo with his back turned writing on the chalkboard. He takes another glance at the exit then the podium in front of him.
The camera focuses on Bogo's face who reacts to shuffling going on behind him. He turns around to see Nick being the last one to leave. He looks at the podium where the noise came from. The camera doesn't show what Nick put on the podium but does show the sticky note Bogo took from it that reads; "To Carrots"
Ext. ZPD garage
The camera transitions into the darkness of a locker where Nick opens the door and takes out a police motorcycle helmet, gloves, and a protective jacket. Cutting to outside the locker, Nick begins to put on the gloves and jacket as he notices Judy walking up to him.
Judy: [teasingly] so how long have been hounding Bogo for this assignment?
The two begin walking through the garage where all the special vehicles are held; such as snowmobiles, swat trucks, ATV's and motorcycles each sized differently to accommodate different sized mammals.
Nick: you kidding? Since we got these damn things.
Judy: oh wow so well over a month
Putting on the helmet, Nick pulls the tarp off one of the brand new bikes. Nick is quick to hop on and prime the bike.
Nick: always wanted to ride one of these things.
Judy: [shrugs] I rode one a few weeks ago, it's ok, not a huge fan of the thrill of it.
Nick looks at Judy with a surprised look as he lets the kickstand up
Nick: who are you and what have you done to Judy Hopps.
Judy: [smiling] just don't-
Nick: [sarcastic] yeah [x2] don't let it get to my head.
Nick uses his feet to push the bike away from the other bikes as Judy follows close behind.
Judy: everything gets in your head.
Nick: [cocky] oh you know me so well.
Nick pulls out his sunglasses and puts them over his eyes just as Judy remembers something and stops him.
Judy: wait Nick what was that thing you wanted to tell me?!
Nick: hmm?
Judy: that thing, in the briefing room.
Nick looks suddenly looks flustered under his sunglasses as he stumbles on his words.
Nick: [nervous] oh that I uh-
Nick presses the ignition button causing the bike engine to roar to life with Judy having to avoid getting sprayed by the exhaust.
Nick (cont'd): I mean WHAT?! I can't hear you over the sound of this loud engine.
Judy: seriously Wilde?! You can't just say something like that and not tell me!
Nick starts to slowly pull away as he yells back to Judy.
Nick: [calling out] don't worry I'll tell you when I get back...or tomorrow... or preferably never! Enjoy the game!
Judy: [mutters jokingly] dumb fox.
Ext. Rooftop
The camera transitions to a rooftop overlooking the police station where Nick can be seen riding away. The camera angle widens revealing a figure watching him in a black hoodie. Who turns and walks out of the shot as Wilde disappears behind the tall building of the city.
Int. ZPD garage
Judy looks back to the entrance of the station where she sees Clawhauser talking with a pair of other officers.
Deer police officer (Buck): we still hitting the iron tonight?
Clawhauser: oh you know it.
Judy: [shouting] hey Clawhauser!
Clawhauser turns to see Judy in the parking lot by her squad car holding her keys in her hand
Judy (cont'd): wanna go to a hockey game?!
Int. Zootopia - downtown stadium
*4 hours later*
A loud whistle goes off as a black puck lands on the ice as a penguin and an arctic fox face off for the puck. The game resumes with other arctic animals making up most of the players.
The camera rises up in the stands where Clawhauser and Judy are on the cross walks above the bleachers near the concessions. Judy is starring off while Clawhauser is leaning over the railing cheering on wearing a hat with one of the team logos.
Clawhauser: [cheering] yeah Thunder Stripes! Tear them up!
Judy: looks like somebodies enjoying himself.
Clawhauser: [giddy] I heard there was a surprise show at halftime too! You think gazelle is gonna show?!
Judy: gazelle's touring Clawhauser. Plus I don't think gazelle's a huge fan of ice hockey anyway.
Clawhauser: [dramatic] let me have my hope Hopps.
Laughing Judy holds a bag of popcorn out to Clawhauser expecting him to want some.
Clawhauser: [hesitant] uh no I'm good Judy.
Judy looks puzzled by this as Clawhauser usually never turns down food.
Judy: [confused] you okay? You sick or something?
Clawhauser looks extremely focused as if trying to think of what to say.
Clawhauser: um no I'm just not hungry is all.
Judy notices Clawhauser is a lot skinnier at the waist. Something Judy wonders why she hadn't noticed before.
Judy: have you been working out, or going on a diet?
Clawhauser: [embarrassed] uh-bit of both, just me and a couple guys from the station. Thought it'd do me some good you know.
Judy: [surprised] wow really?!
Clawhauser: yeah, I've been wanting get out into the field like you and Nick and not be stuck at station all day.
Judy: so how much?
Clawhauser rubs the top of his head. Not wanting to brag.
Clawhauser: 20 pounds
Judy: [gasps] I'm so proud of you!
Clawhauser: aw thanks.
The two share a laugh until Judy tries to watch the game however Clawhauser looks at Judy as he's wondering about something.
Clawhauser: so what's with you now?
Judy: what do you mean?
Clawhauser: well your usually not one to socialize while on the job.
Judy: well I'm kinda hooked on the game. Plus it's hard to not talk when you're around.
Judy is quick to come up with an explanation. But now Clawhauser has a face of doubt.
Clawhauser: nah [x3] I know that look, your minds off dancing somewhere I can feel it.
Judy's professional lying face begins to crack as she tries to focus more on the game below.
Judy: what makes you say that Mr.detective?
Clawhauser: well obviously your demeanor, I wanted to get closer to the game but you insisted on being near the gate, your fiddling with your car keys, and your radio is set to channel 3 even though everyone in the stadium is on channel 7.
Right as Judy is about to come up with a valid rebuttal a voice comes in over her radio.
Nick (radio): can I get a 10-13 at the industrial sector, the clouds are getting a little-
Judy quickly turns down the volume on her radio and looks back at Clawhauser who now has a wide grin on his face.
Clawhauser: oh so that's what it is.
Judy: [innocent] what's what?
Clawhauser: this is about Nick! You're worried about him.
Judy: [denial] no [x2]
Clawhauser: [gasps] OMG do you love him?!
Judy: [disgusted] oh god no, our relationship is not like that. We're friends...partners, our relationship is strictly professional.
Clawhauser: but you ARE worried about him.
Judy: okay, you got me, I am.
Clawhauser: well don't worry about it, Wilde's a good cop. He learned from the best after all.
Clawhauser playful nudges Judy's shoulder to bring her spirits up.
Judy: well sometimes I'm not so sure
There conversation is briefly interrupted by the buzzer signifying a goal followed by cheering.
Clawhauser: what do you mean? Sure he's a little full of himself, but he knows a bad situation when one comes around right?!
Judy: do you NOT remember the skunk twin heist.
Clawhauser turns away visibly gagging after being reminded.
Judy (cont'd): he smelled like rotten garbage for over a month.
Clawhauser: [gagging] ugh don't remind me.
Judy leans over the railing. Clawhauser's hand seems to be inching towards the bag of popcorn but his other hand swats his hand away like a bug.
Judy: I just think that his cockiness is gonna get him hurt one day, or you know...worse.
Clawhauser: I wouldn't worry about it too much Hopps.
Ext. industrial sector - day
The camera cuts the view of a paved road with a puddle reflecting the clouds as thunder can be heard. A bike wheel slowly stops atop the puddled as the camera rises as Nick takes off his glasses and looks up towards the dark grey sky.
Nick: [annoyed muttering] wow really?! It was only a 20% chance this morning. You knew didn't you Bogo.
As the rain begins to fall, Nick is waiting at a stop light when he turns his head to an adjacent alleyway in between two building where two individuals are conversing. Nick squints to get a better view when one wearing a black hoodie seemingly backhands the other causing him to fall to the ground.
Nick: alright, showtime.
The hooded figure, who is searching the victims pockets looks up to see Nick begin driving up the alleyway. The figure takes off around the corner and Nick approaches the downed victim who's covering his face after being hit.
Nick (cont'd): are you alright?!
Victim: he-he's got my wallet, my-
Nick: don't worry I'll get him.
Nick hops back on his bike and rides down the corner the figure ran down and sees the assailant ride away in a red sport bike
Nick: (smiling) perfect.
As Nick rides to given chase, the victim removes his hand from his face revealing one of Silva's assistants the lynx.
The sport bike is then seen zipping through the traffic with Nick behind full lights and sirens as the rain begins coming down hard.
Int. Zootopia - downtown stadium
The scene cuts back to the stadium where Judy is nervously tapping her foot on the ground as Nick is heard over the radio
Nick: (radio] this is officer Wilde I'm in pursuit of a red sports bike heading eastbound on ironworks
Judy looks up at Clawhauser with a worrisome glance, and while Clawhauser tries to ignore it by watching the game his face makes it clear he's listening.
Ext. street chase
Speeding downhill, The twos bikes begin approaching an intersection where a big rig is waiting. As the light turns green, the truck begins to drive forward but the assailant is quick to pull out a pistol and fires several rounds towards the truck causing the truck driver to come to a screeching halt.
Before Nick process what happened the biker whips his body around pistol in hand. Nick swerves to avoid the few shots fired by the biker as they speed through the intersection.
Int. Zootopia - downtown stadium
Judy hears her partner over the radio again and rapidly detaches the radio from her shoulder to better listen.
Nick: [radio] shots fired, I repeat shots on the intersection at Westminster heading eastbound on ironworks, requesting backup, code 2!
Clawhauser looks down at Judy as fear begins to set in on both their faces. He looks back up towards the game thinking of what to say.
Clawhauser: don't worry I'm sure Bogo will- Judy?!
Clawhauser looks back to where Judy just was to see she's gone. Clawhauser whips his head towards the exit to see Judy running outside.
Clawhauser: oh cheese balls, Judy wait up!
Ext. bike chase - industrial sector
Nick glances to his bike windshield which now has a crack from a gunshot as the chase continues into the older and more abandoned portion of the industrial sector.
Nick is able to catch up and pull up next to the other cyclist. Who's face is hidden in a black motorcycle helmet.
Nick: [Yelling] ZPD stop the bike or-
The biker swerves back then slams into Nicks bike grabbing one of his handles. Nick tries to break away as the biker slowly begins pushing him towards the edge of the road.
Nick looks ahead of him seeing the solid brick wall he's rapidly being pushed towards. Panicked, Nick reaches and clenches down on his brake causing the biker to fly by him. Nicks rear wheel then suddenly flies up and Nick hits the pavement hard, knocking his helmet off. His bike sparks against the road as it comes to a stop before the brick wall Nick would have hit.
Nick is slow to get up as the camera expresses his blurry vision. He looks up from the ground as the biker turns and drives into an old warehouse.
Judy (radio): Nick...Nick, what's your 20 I'm en route now. Are you alright?
Nick reaches for his radio as he begins to stand up.
Nick: [winded] I uh- took a dive, I think I'm alright.
Nick stands up and winces as he's quick to grip his chest as a few of his ribs are broken. He removes his other hand from his forehead to see blood from a cut above his right eye. Nick bites his tongue as to not make his condition known on the radio.
Nick: on second thought carrots, I might need an ambulance here in a bit.
Int. Squad car
Judy's squad car is seen zooming down the city streets swerving around traffic full lights and sirens. Clawhauser is crammed in the back who barely fits.
Clawhauser: again we could've just taken my car
Ignoring her passengers remark Judy reaches for her car radio.
Judy: just stay where you are-
Ext. industrial warehouse
Nick is seen cautiously approaching the warehouse entrance with his tranquilizer in hand.
Judy (cont'd): don't do anything until back up arrives.
Nick peaks into the warehouse seeing the red sport bike parked several feet in front of him with the driver nowhere to be seen.
Bogo (radio): listen to your partner Wilde, thats an order!
Looking down at his feet he also sees the bikers pistol on the ground. Ignoring the commands of his fellow officers, Nick approaches the bike and gazes at his surrounding: Boxes, shipping containers, and crates are piled high like a maze around massive pieces of industrial equipment.
Nick: negative, he's got nowhere to go, and he's unarmed, I got this.
Judy (radio): Nick stop! Whatever your doing just wait for me please!
Ignoring his partner Nick heads deeper into the dark maze of the warehouse with his weapon drawn and mounted flashlight switched on as he guards his chest with his open hand.
Int. Squad car
Judy continues to speed through the streets in the poring rain as loud thunder and lightning can be heard outside as Judy weaves between traffic and sharp turns.
Clawhauser: [begging] Judy please slow down I think I'm gonna be-
Bogo (radio): dammit! McHorn, Grizzoli, and I are en route now. Earliest eta is five minute
Judy: [heightening panic] I can make it in two!
Judy's foot slams on the gas sending Clawhauser recoiling back in his seat
Clawhauser: Wo-oh my god! JUDY!
Int. Warehouse
There is almost complete silence in the warehouse with the sound of the harsh weather outside being the only noise to accompany Nick's footsteps. Nick wipes the blood from his eye as he quickly pears over every corner and angle with his pistol expecting to be met with his prey but doesn't see anyone.
Nick: ZPD if your here make yourself known!
A loud clanging noises draws Nick's attention as a tall shadow is seen running out of sight. Before Nick could follow it he hears another noise from behind him. Nick whips around and sees a shipping container door that was previously closed now open.
Nick: [quiet muttering] oh shit.
Nick looks back towards the direction of the exit until he hears the faint crying of a small boy deeper in the warehouse.
Nick (cont'd): hello?!
There was no response as the crying continued. Nick inhaled deeply before putting on a brave face and walking deeper into the darkness.
Judy (radio): Nick [x2] talk to me! What's going on?!
Int. squad car
Back inside Judy's squad car, the rain is pounding the windshield making it difficult to see but Judy doesn't slow down, her eyes are focused intently on the road in front of her as she listens to the radio.
Nick (radio): [whisper] carrots I'm uh-I'm not liking this.
Judy: (growing panic) for gods sake Nick just stop and wait I'm almost there!
Nick (radio): [whisper] I...I can't do that-
Int. Warehouse
As Nick continues to talk on the radio as the crying becomes louder as Nick draws closer. The blood from his forehead dripping down onto the stone floor.
Nick (cont'd): [whisper] there's a child in here fluff I have to help him. Isn't that what you would do?
Peaking around another corner Nick locates the source of the crying coming from a large storage container adjacent to him with its doors open.
Ext. squad car
Judy's car rockets past the camera as they begin to enter the old industrial sector.
Int. Squad car
Inside the squad car fear and impatience is written all over Judy's face as they draw nearer to their destination.
Nick (radio) (sincere) carr-Judy I...never did get to tell you 'that thing' this morning.
Judy begins shaking her head behind the wheel as she's trying to keep herself together.
Judy: (tearful) shut up no, don't talk like that. You can tell me yourself.
Ext. Warehouse
The camera cuts outside the warehouse where Judy's blue and red lights can be seen approaching far off in the distance.
Int. Warehouse
Nick reaches the side of the shipping container where the faint sound of crying is originating. He keeps his pistol close to his chest and wipes the blood out of his eye one last time as he takes his open arm and reaches up to his radio.
Nick: [reassuring] don't worry, You'll hear it from me, one way or another, I promise.
Judy (radio): [crying] NICK NO-
Nick suddenly turns off his radio. Nick closes his eyes and takes a deep breath in mustering his courage as he inches towards the doors edge.
Nick: ZPD...HANDS UP!
Nick quick rounds the corner aiming his weapon into the container. The camera doesn't show what's inside as it focuses on Nick's face which goes from focused to confused as he lowers his weapon.
Nick: [confused] what the-
Timed with a loud lightning strike, Nick is struck from the back of the head by an unknown assailant from out of view of the camera.
Ext. Warehouse
Judy's car comes to a screeching halt outside the warehouse next to Nick's wrecked motorcycle. The driver and rear doors fly open with Judy practically flies out sprinting towards the warehouse while clawhauser struggles to get out the back due to his large size.
Clawhauser: Judy wait up! Help me out first!
His request falls on deaf ears over the storm as Judy rushes into the warehouse skipping her tranquilizer and drawing her pistol and flashlight.
Judy: NICK?! NICK!!!
Int. Warehouse
Judy follows Nick's blood droplets on the floor until she too hears the faint crying in the distance. She quickly follows the sound taking little regard of being cautious until she approaches the shipping container where Nick's blood trail stops.
Judy (cont'd): Nick?
Judy looks into the container this time the camera revealing the contents of the container which is empty excluding a wooden chair with a tape recorder playing the sound of a crying child.
Judy: [shocked] What?!
The recording stops which is immediately followed by a faint beeping sound from above her. Judy looks up and sees the red lights of dozens of large high explosives littering the ceiling and walls.
Judy: shit!
Clawhauser: [calling out] hey Judy, Where are you?!
The camera cuts to the entrance of the warehouse where clawhauser is calling out to Judy and unable to see her. The sound of sirens catches Clawhauser's attention and he turns around to see three cop cars and an ambulance pull up in front of the building. Judy's voice draws his attention back inside as her screaming is distant and hard to make out over the storm.
Judy: [distant screaming] NICK...BOMB!!!
Clawhauser: [scared] Hopps?!
Right as Clawhauser could make out Judy's silhouette running to the entrance a powerful explosion sends clawhauser flying backwards several feet. Bogo and the rest of the officers shield their faces at the heat and brightness of the explosion as the entire rear side of the warehouse is instantly obliterated and engulfed in flames. Clawhauser sits himself up, his face covered in dust as he looks up horrified at the blazing inferno.
Clawhauser (cont'd): [horrified] JUDY!!
Bogo: [screaming into radio] 10-70 I need the fire department to my location now!!! Code 30!!!
The camera cuts to Judy lying prone on the floor just feet from the entrance covered in dust and smoke. The sounds are muffled and vision becomes blurry as Judy lifts her head up coughing from the smoke. Clawhauser and Bogo rush in and recover Judy with Clawhauser carrying her outside and laying her down gently on the wet ground as the medics rush over as Judy continues to cough. The camera takes Judy's perspective looking up at the sky as one of the medics comes into view above her.
Medic: [muffled echo] get me the O2 now!
Clawhauser is next to come into view along with a second medic as the scene begins to fade
Clawhauser: [muffled echo] Judy come on stay awake for us
Judy: [weakly] N-Nick
The scene fades to black leaving only the sound of the rain and the sound of the burning warehouse until they too begin to fade.
Story continues in part 3: loss and suffering
Chapter 3: Loss and Suffering
Summary:
The first of many tear jerking chapters.
Nick awakens, unaware of the suffering he’s to endure. All while Judy works tirelessly in search of her partner.
But it’s not enough.
Notes:
Potential trigger warning; scenes involving experimentation, blood and mutilation, and depression.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Int. Underground
The camera shows nothing but black as faint voices can be heard at which at first sound unintelligible but gradually become more clear
Assistant 2: [faint] Your client's a fuckwitt you know that! Like fuck me dead I barely had time to get clear before they leveled the whole place! Hell, we barely where able to make it out with him without gettin' caught.
Dr.Silva: we needed a diversion to cover our tracks so shut your mouth and be careful with my experiment! I don't want him damaged any further.
The darkness ends as the camera takes the perspective of nicks eyes as he slowly opens his eyes to the sound of scissors and squeaky wheels. The camera focuses as Nick looks up slowly and groggily. His cloths had been removed with trauma scissors and was being wheeled down a dark barely lit hallway. Nick tries to move but is unable to as his hands and feet have been secured by steel restraints attached to the gurney he's lying supine on.
Nick: [disoriented] w-wha-t is-
The lynx holding the trauma scissors looks behind him at Nick and notices he's slowly regaining consciousness.
Assistant 1: s-sir, the patient is-
The lynx is cut off as the kangaroo continues to argue with Silva in front of him as they continue to walk.
Assistant 2: they'll still be looking for him Silva he's a bloody cop!
Dr.Silva: I see now why our client choose him , oh no [x3] he's more than that, he's something special...isn't that right Mr.Wilde.
Nick pauses and looks back up as Dr.Silva turns back to look at him clipboard in hand. The kangaroo pushing the gurney stops and looks back as well. Dr Silva slowly walks to the side of the gurney pushing the lynx out of the way as he reads from his clipboard.
Dr.Silva: Nicholas Piberius Wilde: son of Mark and Linda Wilde. father running away at age 10. Mother dies in car crash at age 11. escaping foster care and living a life of swindling since age 12 until meeting a certain bunny cop then turns his life around and becomes a notable officer of the law I must say...you have a fascinating backstory Mr.Wilde.
Nick squints his eyes to try and see better as his vision is still coming back to him. Nick tilts his head sideways slightly after failing to recognize Silva.
Nick (still slightly disoriented): I'm sorry w-who?
Dr.Silva: oh my apologies, my name is Doctor Miles Silva, I will be your caretaker for the...foreseeable future.
Silva motions his head back to his two assistants and they immediately begin to push the gurney again. Silva follows beside Nick with a calm and professional demeanor while Nick looks creeped out by his surrounding of the poorly kept facility they're in.
Nick: w-what happened?
Dr.Silva: oh you don't remember? You seem to have gotten yourself into a horrible bike crash. Hit your head amount other things, but don't worry you're in good hands.
Nick: [smug] well considering I'm totally restrained and you cut my cloths off I guess I-
Nick looks the sides the walls and notices the large amounts of blood splattering the walls.
Nick (cont'd): [with building fear] don't. Have a. Choice?
Nick looks up at Dr.Silva who is still walking beside him. Silva's head is facing forward but he's looking over at Nick out of the corner of his eye.
Nick then has a series of lightning quick flashbacks: him speeding down the highway, how he crashed his bike and how he ended up unconscious in the first place. The flashbacks quickly end as Nick puts the two and two together and takes a nervous gulp and tries wiggling in his restraints nervously.
Nick: [fearful realization] I'm uh, not in the hospital am I?
Silva slowly turns his head towards Nick, his professional demeanor having been completely replaced by a cold sinister smile as he reaches up and creepily strokes the top of Nick's head.
Dr.Silva [smiling] no Mr.Wilde, you're in "my" hospital.
Int. Operating room
Two double doors swing open and Nick enters an initially pitch black room. The camera focuses on Nick's fearful face as his eyes glance around the pitch black room while he hears the gurney clip in place on the floor.
Suddenly Nick is blinded by a giant bright light that turns on directly above him. Nick's eyes take a few seconds to adjust, in which Nick sees that the operating room is covered in blood, even the ceiling above him has blood splatters. Nicks eyes are racing around in their sockets, his entire body begins to shake and his breathing increases rapidly as he stumbles on his words.
Nick: [fearful] uh-hey guys w-we can talk about this right?! I-I'm a great talker surely we can come to some sort of-
Nick tilts his head up to get a better look at what Silva is doing but the lynx behind him takes hold of his head and slams it back down. Nick tries to struggle as the lynx straps his head in holding it in place.
Both the kangaroo and lynx then secure devices to both of Nick's hands that force his hands open with his fingers exposed. Nick begins to rapidly hyperventilate as Silva leans over the table to where Nick could see him. Nick also notices something concealed behind his back.
Nick: [begging/quivering] Doc please uh S-Silva right?! Mind helping me out here, one pred to another?!
Dr.Silva: [quietly] shhh~
Silva places one of his claws on Nicks mouth before stroking his head again with a evil grin. Nicks entire body was quivering, his elbows and knees fidgeting in their fixed position.
Dr.Silva: [calmly] It's ok to be afraid don't worry, we'll go nice and slow.
Silva removes his hand from behind his back with a small electric buzz saw in his hand. Nicks eyes go wide in terror and struggles futilely in his restraints as Silva turns on the saw blade and inches it closer one of Nick's hands.
Nick: [absolute terror] NO W-WAIT PLEASE NO! OH GOD NO PLEASE!!!
The camera slowly travels out the exit of the double doors with Silva's back to the camera as Nick's blood curdling screams echo throughout the long hallway as the double doors close behind the camera.
Cut to black
Int. Zootopia hospital
Judy groggily opens her eyes as the bright sunlight is peering in through the open window. Judy is lying prone a hospital bed and notices her left hand is in a cast. She tries to sit up but winces from a sharp pain in her back and she instantly relaxes back down onto the mattress.
Clawhauser: [muffled] Judy?!
Judy rotates her head around to the entrance to her room where Clawhauser's head is seen peaking out the small window on the door. The two lock eyes and Clawhauser immediately opens the door and rushes in.
Clawhauser: [joyful] Judy your awake!
Clawhauser rushes over and hugs Judy on the bed.
Judy: OW [x3] Clawhauser my back!
Clawhauser: oh sorry, sorry!
Clawhauser quickly lets go and crouches down on the floor beside Judy's bed as a female nurse walks in.
Nurse: miss Hopps, it's good to see you awake.
Judy: how long have I been here.
The nurse, a snow leopard, looks at the watch she's wearing.
Nurse: around 24 hours, almost exactly.
Clawhauser: we didn't think you'd be awake so soon after the explosion.
Judy's eyes shoot open wide as she remembers.
Judy: explosion?! Where's Nick, is he here?!
Judy looks at Clawhauser and the nurse who look at each other not knowing what to say.
Clawhauser: [stuttering] he's uh-
Judy: [serious] Clawhauser where's Nick?!
Clawhauser: [stuttering] h-he's not-
Bogo: we don't know.
Judy looks back to the entrance seeing chief Bogo leaning against the doorframe.
Judy: what do you mean you don't know?!
Bogo enters the room and sits down on one of the chairs next to the bed.
Bogo: after you were rushed to the hospital, the fire department spent over an hour extinguishing the fire. Afterwards we searched the premises and found nothing.
Judy begins shaking her head in denial, not wanting to believe what she's hearing.
Judy: [growing fear] he's dead isn't he?!
Bogo: we don't know, we found no evidence confirming his death, however we didn't find anything to prove he's alive either.
Judy: good enough for me.
Judy again tries to sit up with great effort but the nurse and Bogo are quick to stop her.
Clawhauser: Judy what are you doing?! you're gonna hurt yourself!
Judy: [struggling] what does it look like?! I'm going out there.
Bogo: Hopps you underwent surgery to remove shrapnel and debris from your back. You're in no condition to stand let alone work in the field.
Judy buries her head in her pillow in frustration and tightly grips the mattress.
Bogo (cont'd): [sympathetic] don't worry, we have our best officers on this, and I can assure you almost everyone in the department is committing their free time to finding Nick. Once you're out of the hospital I'll put you on the case and you can get to work straight away, but for now you need to rest.
Judy: do you honestly expect me to just sit her and do nothing?!
Sighing, Bogo gets up from the chair and motions clawhauser towards the door. The chubby cheetah nods and walks to the door defeated.
Bogo: no I don't, but your going to have to. We'll call you and keep you updated in the meantime. Come on Clawhauser, let's give Judy time to rest.
Nurse: I should take my leave as well, the doctor should be by any minute now miss Hopps.
As the three leave Clawhauser looks back and gives Judy a reassuring smile.
Clawhauser: don't worry Judy we'll find him.
Clawhauser then turns and heads down the hall. Judy then painfully readjusts her body to be more comfortable and buries her face back into the pillow.
The camera goes back to the door where Bogo is seen looking back in holding something in his hand. Bogo looks like he wants to go and give whatever he's holding to Judy but pauses for a second before exhaling and walking away. The scene fades to black as Judy closes her eyes
Int. Zootopia stadium - ice rink
Music: Calum Scott - "you are the reason"
A single light from the zootopia stadium flashes upon a pianist on the ice of the hockey game halftime Judy and Clawhauser missed when they left. Backup choir singers are circled around him as he plays.
Int. ZPD conference room
Lyrics: "there goes my heart beating, 'cause you are the reason."
No other noise can be heard as the song begins. Judy is seen walking into the conference room with a cast still around her hand. All officers turn to face her before briefly saluting her as she walks down the isle to the front of the room where Bogo relinquishes the podium to her. The white board behind them is decorated with copious amounts of paper and information surrounding the missing officer case which Judy has been put in charge of.
Ext. industrial sector
Lyrics: "I'm loosing my sleep, please come back now."
Judy along with half a dozen other officers stand behind Judy as she questions the owner of the now destroyed warehouse who gives a disappointed shrug to her question. Judy just turns around the the squad of police officers walk away
Int. ZPD basement.
Lyrics: "and there goes my mind racing, and you are the reason."
The next shot is of Judy sitting at a desk in the ZPD basement which a section has been converted into Judy's personal work space where Judy is sitting sorting through paperwork similar to those in the conference room.
Lyrics: "that I'm still breathing, I'm hopeless now."
The camera slowly rises up the wall as a calendar is posted up on the wall as X's symbolize how many days have done by. More and more x's appear on the Calendar as more paper are simultaneously filling the wall around it
Int. Destroyed warehouse
Lyrics: "I'll climb every mountain, and swim every ocean."
Judy is seen searching through the debris for clues to Nick's disappearance and uncovers Nicks pistol from the rubble which has his initials crudely scrapped onto the side of it. This brings a sad expression to Judy's face.
Int. ZPD basement
Lyrics: "just to be with you, and fix what I've broken."
Judy can be seen sitting beside a large projector looking at a picture from a security camera showing a photo of the bike chase. Judy is trying to enhance the image to get a look at the red bikes license plate but the image is to blurry. Judy slams her fist onto the power button in anger turning off the projector as the calendar flashes as few months fall off the pinned calendar on the wall of the basement
Int. Silva's Operating room
Lyrics: "oh cause I need you to see, that you are the reason."
The camera slowly rises from the blood soaked floor to the unconscious Nick's hand which is draping off the table with three of his four fingers having been cut off and were dripping blood.
Int. ZPD conference room
Lyrics: "there goes my hand shaking, and you are the reason."
The next shot is of Judy talking in the conference room facing the board cluttered with papers, pictures, and other items. Behind her the number of officers begin to slowly disappear as the calendar again flashes taking several more months off.
Lyrics: "my heart keeps bleeding, I need you now."
Judy then can be seen knocking on three separate doors. The scene then cuts to the three people solemnly shaking their heads while closing each door.
Int. Silva's operating room
Lyrics: "if I could turn back the clock, I'd make sure the light defeated the dark,"
The camera cuts to the operating room where the operating table is mostly concealed behind Silva and one of his assistants. Nicks legs can be seen thrashing violently in the steel restraints as one of Nicks arms reaches up straight into the air giving the camera a view of Nick's completely amputated hand before Silva's assistant takes hold of his arm and slams it back down out of view.
Int. ZPD conference room
Lyrics: "I'd spend every hour of everyday, keeping you safe."
Judy tearfully looks at the notes plastered on the wall as the calendar flashes taking almost a whole year off. Behind the conference room is completely empty excluding her as she's yet to give up.
Lyrics: "I'd climb every mountain, and swim every ocean
Judy turns to the door to the conference room where Clawhauser is outside looking in with a heartbroken expression before slowly walking away
Lyrics: "just to be with you, and fix what I've broken."
Judy turns back around to look at the wall as her heartbroken expression slowly turns to one of anger
ZPD basement
Lyrics: "oh cause I need you to see, that you are the reason!"
Judy walks up to her desk holding an empty coffee cup in her hand that is shaking in her hand from anger. Until she and throws the cup in a silent cry towards her desk, the cup instantly shattering once it strikes the wall.
ZPD conference room
Lyrics: "I don't wanna fight no more,"
Camera quick cuts back to the note wall where Judy violently rips papers off the walls.
ZPD basement
Lyrics: "I don't wanna hide no more,"
Judy also begins ripping the paper off the walls of her desk in the basement as well crying as she does so.
ZPD conference room
Lyrics: "I don't wanna cry no more (come back I need you to hold me) you are the reason."
Tired of ripping papers off Judy falls to her knees, covering her face in her hands as she continues to cry
ZPD basement
Lyrics: "A little closer now, just a little closer now, come a little closer now (I need you to hold me tonight)
Judy violently grabs her desk chair and throws it over her head landing with a series on low bounces as she collapses to the floor again
ZPD conference room
Lyrics: "I'd climb every mountain, and swim every ocean."
The camera cuts showing the damage to the wall Judy did in her hysterical fit.
ZPD basement
Lyrics: "just to be with you, and fix what I've broken."
Camera slowly travels across the floor of Judy's desk focusing on all the papers that were thrown on the ground however what the camera primarily focuses on is the two Calendars lying on the ground full of X's signifying over two years have gone by since Nicks disappearance.
Lyrics: "cause I need you to see. That you are the reason~"
As the final verse of the song plays, the camera turns to face the stairs to the basement where Bogo is watching Judy cry on the floor following her hysterical fit in the basement. He has a look of both anger and sadness as he turns around and slowly walks back upstairs. Before the scene fades to black.
Ext. zootopia memorial cemetery
Once the song ends, the first noise to be heard since the songs beginning is the voice of a dispatcher over a radio.
Dispatcher: dispatch to I.D 113
There is a pause in the darkness until the dispatcher speaks again this time the scene fades into a large photo of Nick in his police uniform on a stand in a grassy cemetery which is surrounded by flowers.
Dispatcher (cont'd): dispatch to I.D 113,
Another pause follows as the camera shows the hundreds of people standing in front of Nick's funeral. Dozens of uniformed police officers are standing in front while other onlookers stand behind them or off to the side holding there phone lights or candles as the sun sets
Dispatcher (cont'd): negative response Officer Nicholas Wilde, I.D 113.
In the front row of officers all dressed in ceremonial uniforms, Bogo stands in front with an emotionless expression as he and the other officers stand at attention the camera slides down to Clawhauser who is significantly skinnier and trying his hardest not to cry as he stands beside Bogo. Judy however is nowhere to be seen.
Dispatcher (cont'd): this is the final call for I.D 113, Officer Nicholas Wilde...end of watch April 14th, 2018.
The camera cuts to the one of the onlookers being Finnick holding a candle in one hand and a popsicle in the other.
Dispatcher (cont'd): Officer Nicholas Wilde is out of service after 2 years of dedicated police work to the city of Zootopia.
Bogo looks down to see Clawhauser breaking attention and taking his hand to comfort his chief. Bogo lets out a quiet and sorrowful sigh as a pair of tears escape his eyes before looking back up front.
Dispatcher (cont'd): Private Wilde is hereby 10-7 as of this day December 4th 2020.
Bogo: [commanding shout] Officers!
Reforming his attention stance Bogo raises his hand in salute to Wilde as the rest of the uniformed officer follow suite while all the onlookers all raise their candles and lights into the sky.
Dispatcher: may you rest now officer Wilde, we'll take it from here.
Breaking attention the crowd all slowly files around Nick's newly made gravestone placing mementos around it.
Int. Judy's squad car
The camera transitions into Judy's car parked in the parking lot overlooking the funeral far off in the distance. Judy with tears in her eyes rests her forehead on the steering wheel as she continues to cry not wanting to believe that Nick could be dead.
Judy starts her car and begins to back out of her parking spot.
Ext. Nick's gravestone
Finnick lays the popsicle against the gravestone along with a picture of him and Nick, much younger, and smiling in front of finnick's van.
Finnick: see ya next hustle buddy.
Finnick's large ears perk up as he turns his head towards the parking lot and sees Judy's squad car pull out of the parking lot and drive away far off in the distance.
Int. Bar
Judy sits on a tall bar stool in an old fashioned bar with almost no one else inside besides her. Judy sits drinking from several shot glasses that are proportional to a beer bottle for her size as she silently cries over a photo of herself and Nick standing side by side at Nicks's graduation from the police academy.
The door to the bar opens with a ding from a small bell however nobody appears to enter from the view of the bar counter as Judy continues to cry.
Finnick: thought I'd find you here.
Judy looks down to the floor where Finnick is standing beneath her. Finnick jumps and climbs to the seat of the stool next to Judy with effort.
Judy: how did you find me?
Finnick [shrugs] lucky guess?
Judy: seriously.
Finnick: [sighing] this used to be Nick's favorite bar to go to to drown out his feeling. Perfect place for it; quiet location, alcohol's cheap, and the bartenders don't know when. to. stop!
Finnick takes a second and glares towards the bartender who awkwardly walks into the back. Finnick takes this opportunity to jump to the wall and grab a bottle before jumping back to the stool next to Judy.
Judy: I didn't take Nick for the emotional type.
Finnick: oh please, I worked with that sly fox for close to twenty years before he met you and trust me, he had his moments.
Finnick uses his teeth to pop off the cork of the bottle before spitting it out and taking a swig of whiskey.
Finnick (cont'd): specially when we did a job or...interacted with someone that hit close to home for him, he'd come here.
Judy: [tearful] what did I do wrong Finnick?! I've done more in the force in four years than some officers have done in a decade and it still wasn't enough.
Finnick maybe you didn't do anything wrong, maybe you did all you could.
Judy [denial] no, not enough.
Finnick: girl listen, I've known Nick since he was twelve years old. You think I'm not torn up about all this?! I'm just as devastated as you are.
Finnick takes another drink as Judy looks up from the photo on the table
Judy: [offended] well you don't act like it. You've all forgotten...you've given up on him!
Finnick: we haven't given up or forgotten anything Judy. We've all grieved and moved on...I think it's high time you should to.
Judy begins to cry again and takes the photo in her arms practically hugging it to her chest.
Judy: [whimpering] I-I can't do that.
Finnick: well "he" might not give you a choice.
Finnick hops over the counter and returns the bottle back to its original spot before reaching in his pocket and throwing some change on the counter.
Judy: what do you mean.
Finnick: your big buffalo boss Chief is looking for ya, just thought I'd give you a heads up.
Finnick hops down from the bar stool and begins walking towards the door before turning back one more time.
Finnick: need a cab?
Judy responds by simply shaking her head
Finnick: [sympathetically] alright then...g'night officer.
Finnick pushes the door open and leaves the bar leaving Judy alone.
Int. ZPD - Bogo's office
*two years and seven months after Nicks disappearance*
The morning sunlight creeps in through the window shades behind Chief Bogo as he sits with his glasses on, writing out a report until a small knock on the door disturbs him.
Bogo: [monotone] it's open.
The door opens by a small margin, Bogo looks to the bottom of the door frame as Judy slowly walks in. Bogo takes off his glasses and fixes his posture in his seat.
Judy: [quietly] you wanted to see me?
Bogo: have a seat.
Judy jumps up onto the chair but still stands due to her small size.
Bogo: How've you been Hopps?
Judy: [quietly] fine sir
Bogo: you sure? I didn't see you at the funeral.
There's a pause as Judy fidgets with her fingers as she stares at the floor not wanting to look Bogo in the eye.
Judy: [quietly] just needed some time to myself.
Bogo [doubtful] I see.
Bogo reaches over to his desk drawer and pulls out a file placing it on the edge of his desk.
Bogo (cont'd) we've been getting reports of some dirt-bike riding hooligans causing a ruckus in the Desert dunes. I want you on the case and track them down and bring em in.
Judy's head instantly shoots up, surprised by this assignment.
Judy: [shocked] w-what?!
Bogo: we have a list of residences of potential suspects in the area to inquire to.
Judy: w-wait I can't do this, I'm still on a case, Nick's case!
Bogo: [sighing] Judy-
Judy begins pacing back and forth in the large chair as her behavior becomes more erratic and her voice quickening
Judy: [panicking] there's still angles I can look into, or [x3] maybe I'm looking at it all wrong!
Bogo: Officer Hopps-
Judy: [hysterical] NO! This case isn't over! I'M NOT GIVING UP ON HIM!!!
Bogo: [booming] alright THAT'S ENOUGH!!!
Bogo's loud outburst shuts Judy up who lowers her head. Bogo takes a moment to calm himself as he stands up from his chair.
Bogo (cont'd): the Wilde case has been in the cold files for over a month now. The only reason I didn't do it sooner was out of respect for Nick and out of respect for you.
Judy sits in the chair, slumping in it as far as she could before she begins to tear up.
Bogo [empathetically] I have worked in this department for over 25 years Hopps. And in that time I have lost many...MANY...good officers, some of which were very close to me. So believe me when I say I understand what your going through.
Judy pulls out the picture of her and Nick again and holds it in front of herself.
Bogo (cont'd): which is why I cannot sit here and watch you destroy yourself anymore over a lost cause.
Judy slowly lowers the photo and slowly raises her head to look at Bogo. Baffled beyond belief at what just came out of Bogo's mouth.
Judy: lost...cause?!
Bogo sighs before sitting back in his chair.
Bogo: [tiredly] Judy, it's been over two years. You have not found a sliver of solid evidence that proves that he's even alive.
Judy begins shaking her head, placing her hand to her mouth to dampen the sound of her crying.
Bogo: if you couldn't find him Judy, none of us could. You've done more for Nick than any of us and then some. It's time to face facts.
Judy: [denial] please don't-
Bogo: he's dead Judy, it's time to move on.
Judy balls up in the chair tucking her head into her knees and sobs.
Judy: [sobbing] I can't!
Bogo: I know, which is why I'm placing you on paid medical leave effective immediately.
Judy looks up at bogo with tears streaming down her face taken back by Bogo's decision. A decision that,
Given Bogo's woeful expression, hurt him almost as much as it hurt Judy.
Judy: [begging/hyperventilating] sir please I-
Bogo: your leave will last for a month. However I can extend it or suspend it should I see fit. In this time you be required to attend daily 30 minute sessions with Dr.Shoehorn; she's a therapist, she'll help you as she has helped many officers in this department in the past.
Still crying, Judy stands up from from the chair hanging her head defeated and heartbroken.
Bogo (cont'd): and I WILL be contacting shoehorn for updates and every session you miss I'll extend your leave by a week do you understand?
Judy responds by nodding her head
Bogo (cont'd): good, I've already scheduled your first appointment for tomorrow at 9 A.M
Judy jumps down from the chair and begins walking towards the exit when Bogo blinks a few times and remembers something and begins rummaging through another one of his desk drawers.
Bogo: [softly] Judy.
Judy turns around as Bogo walks around his desk and squats down clearly holding something in his hand.
Bogo: Nick wanted you to have this, I'm assuming "carrots" refers to you.
Bogo opens his hand revealing a small orange box wrapped with a green bow along with a sticky note attached to the side which reads "To Carrots."
Judy outstretches her hand and takes the box with shaking fingers completely speechless.
Bogo: I know I should've given it to you sooner but...part of me was hoping Nick would be able to give it to you himself, but you know.
Judy: [softly] what's in it?
Bogo: I don't know, I never opened it. Take care of yourself Hopps.
Int. Judy's car
The drivers side of Judy's car opens as she practically crawls in, her fur on her face is stained from crying so much as she closes the door behind her.
She looks down at her hands in her lap still holding the gift Nick had intended for her. Judy carefully pulls the bow sting causing the long green ribbon to fall on the floorboard. She opens the box and immediately covers her mouth with her hand trying to suppress more tears starting to form. She tilts the box over as a carrot pen, identical to the one she had falls into her lap. Judy picks up the pen to see "play me" scribbled in black marker.
Nick's voice: [echoed] don't worry~ you'll hear it~ I promise~
Judy looks out her windows to see if anybody is watching or listening before slowly pressing the play button. The audio rewinds before the recording plays.
Judy's voice: (annoyed) Nick lets go! What are you doing in there?!
Nick: I'll be out in a minute fluff! Go wait in the car or go bug Clawhauser or something-
There's a brief pause in the recording as if Nick is waiting for Judy to leave.
Nick (cont'd): [jokingly] geez are all you rabbits such workaholics or is it just you?!
Judy lets out a short tearful laugh.
Nick (cont'd): hey carrots, I uh-got you something. I figured since you're last pen broke during that happy-town brawl it seemed an appropriate surprise gift. Just don't ask how long it took me to find one of these things will ya?
Int. ZPD bathroom (flashback)
Nick can be seen leaning against the door to the bathroom with the carrot pen in his hand recording him as he talks. Nick's typical cocky attitude changes to be more sincere as Nick rubs the back of his head starring at the ceiling.
Nick (cont'd): I usually don't think too much on the long term aspect of things but considering what happened to Fangmeyer I just...been thing about the whole long term "ness" of this job. Part of me likes to thing I'll retire and live to the ripe old age of 80 eating popsicles till I die, but my gut tells me that's probably not gonna happen, so here we are.
Judy's squad car (present)
The camera fades to Judy's car driving down the road while while Nicks message continues to play.
Nick (cont'd): you remember that day under the bridge, when you came to me before we took down Bellwether? I've been thinking about that day a lot, and how it's affected my life.
Judy's apartment (present)
Judy's apartment door opens and Judy walks in showing how messy her apartment has gotten over the years. She sits on the couch in the living room holding the pen in her arms while she seemingly stares off at nothing as if completely void of a purpose.
Nick (cont'd): before that day I never really feared the concept of dying, well I did but, given the life I was living and the jobs I did, I didn't have much to lose. No one to miss me when I was gone.
Int. ZPD bathroom - (flashback)
Nick stops leaning against the bathroom door and walks deeper into the empty bathroom next to the stalls and sinks while talking to the pen like it's and actual person.
Nick (cont'd): then I met you and, you made my "sad miserable life" not so sad and miserable.
Nick steps up to one of the mirrors in the bathroom showing a few tears well up in his eyes as he stares at himself.
Nick (cont'd): and now working with you and the ZPD have cemented that fear into me because for the first time in a long time...I feel happy.
Int. Shoehorn's office (present)
Judy is seen sitting on a large couch chair talking with her therapist Dr. Shoehorn, who is sitting beside her listening.
Nick (cont'd): the point I'm trying to make (and what I'm trying to say) is...is that you saved my life that day.
Int. Gym
The next shot is Judy doing bench presses with Clawhauser as her spotter. She racks the weight back on the safety bar and sits up catching her breath and wiping the sweat from her head. Clawhauser gives her a congratulatory pat on the back as Judy is seen smiling for the first time since Nick went missing.
Nick (cont'd): And all I wanted to say is thank you, for everything you and this city has given this dumb fox.
Ext. Judy's squad car
Judy's car comes to a slow stop and parks in front of the camera where Clawhauser is driving and with Judy in the passenger seat. Judy turns back to Dr.Shoehorn in the back who gives her an encouraging nod and Judy and Shoehorn both exit the car while Clawhauser stays behind.
Nick (cont'd): maybe this video will have no merit, maybe I'll have the courage to tell you all this myself. I don't know maybe I'll give it to Bogo or Clawhauser or drop it off on your doorstep one night, [chuckles] watch me be one of those weirdos.
Ext. Zootopia cemetery
Judy slowly approaches Nick's gravestone dressed in a ceremonial uniform with shoehorn standing behind her several steps away. Judy takes a nervous deep breath before slowly bringing herself to attention.
Nick (cont'd): I don't want to die Judy, but if I do, just promise me no matter when it happens-
Judy slowly raises her hand to salute with a look of strain on her face as if raises that hand was the hardest thing she's ever had to do.
Nick (cont'd): no matter how it happens-
After holding her posture for a few brief seconds, Judy lets her hand fall down to her side as she wipes a few tears from her eyes. Dr.Shoehorn walks behind her and places a comforting hand on her shoulder as Judy leans down and places something beside the grave before the two begin walking away.
Nick (cont'd): don't stop helping people. Because there's a lot of mammals like me out there that need someone like you to be there for them.
As the two walk away the camera slowly falls to the ground revealing the object Judy placed down to be the photo of her and Nick at his graduation, now framed and with a police badge sticker attached to the side.
Nick (cont'd): trust me cause I would know... [sigh] happy birthday carrots.
Cut to black
The sound of the recording cutting out echos in the black empty screen until it is replaced by the echoing of footsteps.
Int. Silva's hospital
Silva's shadowy figure walks through the dark narrow halls as muffled screaming can be heard in the distance. Ignoring the screaming Silva enters a dimly lit office where little can be seen in the dark ergo a desk, chair and the small lamp Illuminating the cluttered desk.
Silva's sits back down in his chair and leans back letting out a deep exaggerated sigh. However his relaxation comes to a swift end as his smart phone on the desk in front of him begins to ring which brings a annoyed look on his face. Right as Silva goes to pick it up, a knock comes from his open door.
Dr.Silva: [annoyed] I told you, use the anesthesia we've been given!
Assistant 1: [nervous] b-but sir the anesthesia hasn't been screened or tested yet-plus the subject hasn't ever been put on anesthesia we don't know how his body will respond we-
Silva slams his fist against the old wooden table, it's contents toppling over or bouncing. The lynx partially hides his face behind the doorframe.
Dr.Silva: you let me worry about the subject, you do as I say!
The lynx nods his head before quickly heading back the way he came down the hall. Silva's phone continues to ring which continues to aggravate him as he violently swipes the phone off the desk and brings it up to his face without looking to see who it is.
Dr.Silva: what?! I'm very busy right now!!!
Unknown: [sarcastic] judging by you lounging in your office, I'd say you have plenty of time
Silva immediately fixes his tone after hearing the familiar distorted voice on the other end. He looks up to a security camera at the corner of the room to see the red light flashing.
Dr.Silva: I-I'm sorry I didn't realize it was-
Unknown: oh your forgiven, after all it has been awhile since we've last spoken.
Dr.Silva (starring at the camera): to what do I owe this call? I take it you want an update.
Unknown: I must say when I told you to take as long as you needed you really ran with that didn't you?
The camera on the wall turns off and Silva turns back in his chair towards his desk, phone still in hand.
Dr.Silva: If I recall, you said you had plenty of time.
Unknown: I did, but I would think after almost three years you would at least be close so...are you?
Reaching over to his desk, Silva takes a few x-ray photos in his hand. With the metal cybernetics clearly outlined in the photos.
Dr.Silva: subject 93 has survived the physical modifications, as promised.
Unknown: so he should be ready then?
Dr.Silva: well, no. I still need to make a few "psychological" adjustments.
Unknown: how so?
Silva gets up from his chair and leaves his office and begins traversing through the dark narrows halls as he holds the phone up to his ear.
Dr.Silva: his response to my orders have been...unpredictable to say the least. Half the time he follows orders the other half he spends banging his head blubbering and balling.
Unknown: [slightly annoyed] are you telling me that after all this time you've failed to break him?
Dr.Silva: [irritated] I HAVE broken him. I just need more time to cement his "obedience." I just need a little more time.
As Silva approaches the O.R, the kangaroo pokes his head from between the doors. Silva covers the speaker on his phone as to not interrupt the conversation he's already having.
Assistant 2: [whisper] he's sedated sir.
Unknown: I have given you plenty of time doctor. Phase two of my operations will be beginning. I have plans for him whether he's ready or not.
Silva nods to his assistant who disappears back into the operating room while Silva begins adorning his surgical gown which is soaked in blood while holding the phone with his chin.
Dr.Silva: understood, may I ask when "phase two" begins.
Unknown: you'll know when it comes. Just finish what you can. Is that clear?
Dr.Silva: crystal.
Entering the operating room Silva hangs up the phone tossing it into one of the trays adjacent to the operating table where one of his assistants is fiddling with IV's and several gas canisters next to the table. The subject on the table is concealed mostly by a white tarp as Silva runs his hand down the patients exposed arm.
Dr.Silva: [soothingly] we're so close to perfection my friends, yet we still have much work to do.
Silva's hand continues down until reaching the hand where the hair leading up to the wrist has been cut and Silva runs his fingers around the nightmarish metal hand having been surgically attached.
Dr.Silva (cont'd): when they see you, they'll understand what a true predator is.
Silva laughs as he lightly tugs on the bloody stitching on the subjects wrist causing a few of the metal knife like fingers to twitch out of pain.
Notes:
Story continues in Pt.4: found and broken
Chapter 4: Found and Broken
Summary:
A supposed drug raid operation turns south as Judy unwittingly stumbles across someone long lost. But is there anything left of him?
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Int. ZPD conference room - evening
*Three months later*
The camera fades into the inside of the empty conference room focusing on the door leading into the room which is closed as voices and footsteps can be heard approaching before the door swings open as dozens on officers quickly file in. After the main flood of officers take there seats Bogo enters through the side door and approaches the podium followed by Judy who stands beside him.
Bogo: alright settle down now, we have a very important operation tonight and I know we've all had a long day as it is so we'll get straight to it.
Using a remote on the podium the lights in the conference room dim as a projector on the ceiling displays a very complex map behind him.
Bogo (cont'd): over the past several months there has been a drastic increase in drug activity across the core metropolitan sectors of Zootopia. Our intelligence believes that traffickers are using abandoned sewage ducts and other underground networks to smuggle catnip and other illegal substances into the city. Tonight we're going to try and put a stop to it.
Pressing another button another much older map appears next to the more modern one displaying the complex underground networks and tunnels.
Bogo: as you can see-
Bogo gestures to the board behind him.
Bogo (cont'd): we obviously don't have the numbers to cover every duct in the city, so we'll be dividing everyone into squads and enacting several sweeps on and off over the next 72 hours. Now...Lieutenant Hopps will explain the rest the operation.
Bogo steps to the side as Judy jumps to the top of the podium so she could be seen.
Judy presses a button on the podium and the old map then displays four large red X's marked on corners of the map while several smaller x's are scattered around the pathways also drawn of the map. Judy pulls out a laser pointer to point to areas on the screen as she talks.
Judy: [sternly] alright, we'll be dividing into four main strike teams. alpha squad will enter through a large sewage drain in the vole gardens consisting of Chief Bogo, Johnson, and McHorn.
The named officers (minus Bogo) come up to the front each grabbing a yellow binder then sitting back down.
Judy (cont'd): bravo squad will be lead by Anderson, who'll take the Tundratown swat through a pipeline entrance in crevice valley.
Anderson along with four other officers do the same as alpha squad in collecting their selective mission binder before returning to their seats.
Judy (cont'd): Grizzoli will take Wolford and Jackson through a passageway under the ficus grove dam in the rainforest district.
The three do the same as the other two groups while Judy continues.
Judy: the final squad will consist of myself, Clawhauser and Snarlov and will enter through the old industrial sector in the canyon lands. Are there any questions?
Clawhauser who is sitting in the front is quick to raise his hand.
Judy: yes Clawhauser?
Clawhauser: uh-Snarlov went home sick. he won't be back until tomorrow.
Judy: I see, well in that case...
Judy scans the room of officers until spotting a red wolf sitting in the back who's eyes are quickly alternating between the board and his notepad as he writes.
Judy: hey rookie!
The wolf looks up from his pen slightly startled.
Judy: you want some action?
The wolf starts nodding his head rapidly with a big smile across his face
Travis (red wolf): y-yeah!
Judy: alright then you're with me. The rest of you will hold chokepoints and exits along our pathways as backup or in case any "baddies" try to make a run for it.
Judy uses her foot to turn off the projector and the lights in the conference room come back on as the officers in the room stand up from there seats.
Judy (cont'd): this could be a very dangerous mission mammals. So keep your guns close and your teammates closer, so we can all go home tonight. Be safe out there, we move out in ten.
All officers begin making there way for the exit as Judy hops down from the podium.
Bogo: good job Hopps.
Judy: [cocky] mission hasn't even started yet, little early for praise don't you think?
Bogo: [fighting a smile] just get your team ready.
Judy salutes Bogo as he walks passed her and out the side door.
Judy: yes sir.
Int. ZPD locker room
Inside the locker room adjacent to the garage, officers are gearing up for the upcoming operation. The "rookie" Travis can be seen choosing between different sized protective helmets before deciding on one as Judy walks up to him.
Judy: ready for your first raid rookie?
Travis: would you scold me if I said I was nervous.
The pair along with other over heavily geared officers head out to the parking lot to there respective cars
Judy: no I wouldn't, trust me a lot of officers here feel the same, just comes naturally with these types of missions. You just gotta learn to fight through those feelings. Think you can do that?
Travis yes sir...I mean ma'am-I mean-
Judy laughs and playfully slugs Travis in the arm, a little to hard as Travis rubs his arm slightly.
Judy: you can just call me Judy, I'm not like Bogo.
Judy and Travis arrive at Judy's squad at where Clawhauser is parked next to and is cleaning his pump shotgun as he leans against the trunk.
Travis: okay Judy, it's Travis by the way-
Travis holds out his hand and the two briefly shake hands.
Travis (cont'd): (with a confident smile) Travis Rookie, my friends call me Rook.
Judy: [surprised] oh that's your name? I'm sorry I was calling you rookie cause you were new.
Travis: oh it's alright. Ain't the first time someone's made that mistake.
The two share a brief laugh before Judy peaks over travis's shoulder seeing Clawhauser looking down the barrel of his shotgun pointed directly at his face.
Judy: sometimes I think you're trying to blow your head off Clawhauser.
Clawhauser looks down at Judy who has her hands on her hips and tapping her foot with a smile across her face.
Clawhauser: [defensive] hey it's not loaded...yet.
Judy: that's not the point, you-
Clawhauser: yeah [x2] always error on the side of caution, blah [x3]
Clawhauser brings his shotgun over his shoulder and closes his trunk.
Clawhauser (cont'd): you two riding with me?
Judy: nah, I'll take Travis and we'll meet you.
Clawhauser: alright sounds good Hopps.
Judy and Travis in the smaller squad car and drive off down the parking lot. Clawhauser takes his shotgun off his shoulder and looks around to see if anyone is watching before pointing the gun at the sky and pulling the trigger followed by nothing.
Clawhauser: [to himself] yeah, not loaded.
Ext. industrial sector (canyon lands)
The sun in the sky begins to set as Judy's squad cruises down the road until coming to a stop light at an intersection.
Judy: so how long have you been working here, haven't seen you around much.
Int. Squad car
Travis takes his eyes away from the passenger window to Judy who's eyes are still on the road waiting.
Travis: little over a week, Bogo's been having me exclusively on parking duty and basic patrols.
Judy: [sarcastic] parking duty and patrols, you're one lucky wolf.
Travis: what's that supposed to mean?
Judy: lets just say Bogo's not as tough as he used to be. Especially after I joined the force, don't worry I'm sure he'll warm up to you eventually.
The light flashes and green and Judy gingerly drives
through the intersection slower than the other cars around her.
Nick's voice: are all rabbits bad drivers, or is it just you?
Judy: [confused] I'm sorry what?!
Judy takes her eyes off the road briefly to turn to Travis who looks confused by Judy's confused reaction.
Travis: I said are all rabbits such slow drivers? At this rate Clawhauser is gonna arrive before we do.
Judy's squad car drives down a small gravel ramp to a empty canal where Clawhauser is already waiting outside his car in front of a large pipeline entrance.
Travis: speak of the devil.
Judy (into her radio): Charlie team has arrived
Bogo (radio): 10-4, prep and standby for insertion.
Judy and Travis exit their vehicle and head over to Clawhauser's squad car who is seen loading his shotgun from the trunk.
Clawhauser: I've always wanted to use this thing.
Judy: the ideal thing is that hopefully you won't have to.
Clawhauser: oh [x3] can I be the one that does the shouting like-
Clawhauser raises his gun and makes himself look intimidating.
Clawhauser (cont'd): [loudly] ZPD GET DOWN ON THE GROUND!
Judy couldn't help but smile at her friends goofiness.
Judy: sure Clawhauser...and keep your barrel down sight.
Clawhauser: oh-sorry
Fully loaded and geared up the trio approaches the pipeline entrance. Judy peaks around the corner with her flashlight into the pipe as Clawhauser and Travis are positioned behind her.
Bogo (radio): alpha team is ready and standing by, all squads report in.
Judy takes a deep breath and slowly draws her pistol from its holster as the other squad leaders can be heard over the radio.
Anderson (radio): bravo team standing by.
Grizzoli (radio): delta team standing by.
Judy takes a moment to admire her pistol in her hands revealing it to be Nick's pistol shown by his initials still scrapped on the side. Judy then reaches for her radio
Judy: [confident] Charlie team standing by.
Bogo: "Operation storm drain" is a go, insertion in 10 seconds...
Judy looks back to her squad mates as she pulls the slide back on her pistol.
Judy: ready to go to work?
Bogo (radio): five seconds...
Travis nods and flips the bullet proof visor over his face, while Clawhauser racks a shell into his shotgun. The three hug the edge of the entrance in anticipation.
Bogo (radio): go [x3]
The three quickly round the corner, turning on their mounted flashlights as they do so. Judy leads the squad while Clawhauser and Travis follow single file. However unbeknownst to the trio the three walk over a small red laser trip wire as they rush in.
Int. Silva's hospital
Inside his office. Silva sits in the dark with the only light coming from the hallway from the opened door along with his dim computer screen. Silva's is going over different x-ray photos and medications on his computer when an alarm can be heard from his phone. Silva doesn't seem bothered by the alarm until one of his assistants comes running.
Assistant 1: sir there's-
Dr.Silva: I know I'm not deaf, what is it?
Assistant 1: there's a proximity alert at the east gate.
Silva casually gets up walks out and down the hall as the lynx follows him.
Dr.Silva: it's probably the water level rising I'm sure it's nothing, it's happened before.
Int. Operating Room
The doors to the O.R swing open as the two walk in where the kangaroo is standing over the monitors where the alarm continues to go off.
Assistant 2: sir there's-
Dr.Silva: I know Jovi already told me. Proximity in the east gate.
Assistant 2: and the west gate!
The lynx "Jovi" turns in alarm to look at his co worker while Silva just rolls his eyes and walks over to the monitors.
Dr.Silva: alright I'll fucking take a look if that's what you pricks want.
Pushing the kangaroo aside, Silva presses a flashing red button on the console and one of the screens previously showing an x-ray image displays over a dozen small camera feeds. Silva's eyes go wide in horror at seeing Bogo's and Judy's teams slowly moving through one of the passages.
Silva: [muttering] no
His assistants look over his shoulder and there faces also switch to fear as they see what Silva is seeing.
Assistant 2: shit! it's the fuzz, we're fucked!
Dr.Silva: [building anger] No [x3]
Assistant 2: we need to get out of here before-
Dr.Silva: [angry] NO! We were so close dammit!!
Turning around Silva violently tips over a tool tray. He walks over to the patient on the operating table seemingly admiring his work in desperation.
Dr.Silva: we were so close!!
Assistant 1: sir what do we do?
Silva walks back to the monitors still angrily muttering to himself while the kangaroo is panicking and the lynx tries to get orders from Silva.
Dr.Silva: commence the breach protocol, head to the west storage room and burn everything.
Assistant 1: what about your office in the east wing?
Dr.Silva: we won't be able to make it in time just go.
The lynx immediately takes off down the hall while his other assistant is panicking. Silva looks back up at the monitors and his expression changes to fascination when he spots Judy leading her group of officers through the tunnel. Silva's mouth slowly drops open as his eyes are locked onto her.
Dr.Silva: Phase 2.
One of Silva's hands drifts under the table and grabs a black object from under the roof of the table
Int. Sewage pipes
Judy and her squad continues to cautiously peer around the corner. Judy eventually crosses an intersection and notices the path ahead is blocked by a door. The door is elevated out of the water with a dim light hanging above it.
Clawhauser: uh I don't remember this being on the map.
Judy: thats because it wasn't.
Judy reaches for her radio while climbing onto the new platform.
Judy: [to her radio] Charlie to Alpha, I think we've got something
Judy jumps up and looks through the window on the door waiting for a response. Bogo's voice is heard over the radio but cuts in and out due to a weak signal.
Bogo (radio): copy that, where about [static] out, we'll [static] head your way.
From her position, Judy tries to open the door with her foot but it's locked. Judy hops down and starts going through her pockets
Judy: I can pick the lock, you two just watch my back and-
Clawhauser takes a few steps back before charging the door and kicking the double doors open with his foot which opens with a loud bang as it hits the walls.
Int. Operating room
Silva and his assistant's heads both shoot up after hearing the door slam echo far off in the distance. Silva takes this opportunity while his assistant is distracted to reach under the table and switches off the gas canister connected to the patients head.
Int. Silva's hospital - hallway
Travis: so much for being quiet
Judy ignores Travis's comment and keeps going as Clawhauser and Travis follow behind.
Int. Silva's hospital - east hallway
The kangaroo bursts out of the O.R completely freaking out while Silva casually follows him concealing something behind his back.
Assistant 2: [frantic] this can't be happening! there coming, I can't go to prison! maybe we can get to the lift before they-
Dr.Silva: [calmly] hey it's ok-
Catching up to his assistant, Silva wraps one arm around his shoulders which makes his assistant cringe from this strange behavior on behalf of Silva.
Dr.Silva (cont'd): -It's ok, you're gonna be fine.
Int. Silva's hospital
A loud gunshot echos through the narrow halls which causes Judy's head to shoot up and her teammates to quickly raise their weapons to there faces out of instinct. Judy immediately reaches for her radio again.
Judy: Charlie to alpha was that you?
Bogo (radio): negative [static]...caution...
Int. Silva's hospital - west storage
A door flies open as the lynx runs through with a blade in his hand. He quickly runs to every corner of the large storage room filled with boxes, cages, medical supplies, and machinery as he pokes holes in several gas canisters around the room. He quickly runs back to where he entered and pulls out a lighter igniting it and throwing it inside before he sprints down the hallway.
Int. Silva's hospital - east hallway
The trio approaches another double door as Judy and Travis approach from the left side while clawhauser approaches from the right.
Leaning against the door, Judy nods to Clawhauser who uses his shoulder to burst open the door.
Travis and Judy and rush in guns drawn but Travis's eyes go wide as he grips his snout and falls to one knee.
Travis: [disgusted] oh my god, It smells putrid in here?!
Clawhauser goes in and he too covers his nose, Judy is the only one of the three that fights off the horrible smell as they walk through the blood filled halls.
Judy peaks over a corner and in the dark sees the body of the kangaroo lying a few feet away.
Travis: it smells like someone died in here.
Judy: yeah...because someone just did.
Judy cautiously approaches the body while and Clawhauser and Travis freeze after seeing the fresh body.
Judy feels for a pulse but frowns signifying he's dead while Travis walks past Judy and walks towards an open door a few steps away. He peaks inside with his pistol before reaching for the light switch. What he sees causes him to gag and hide his face against the wall.
Travis: [disgusted] oh dear god. I think I'm gonna be sick!
Judy looks up from the body and herself and Clawhauser walk to the door as well.
Int. Operating room
One of the side doors into the O.R swings open and the Lynx rushes in while Silva closes the door behind him. Unknown to the lynx, Silva locks the door behind him before heading over to the operating table
Assistant 1: where's Ollie?!
Silva: did you not hear the gunshot? He choose cowardice so I shot him.
Silva peaks under the tarp out of view of his assistant seeing a metal cybernetic hand begin lightly twitching.
Assistant 1: what do you mean cowardice? We need to get to the lift before the ZPD get to us.
Silva smiles before quietly unlatching the black belts holding the patient on the table.
Int. Silva's office
Judy and Clawhauser look into Silva's office, the same room Travis had looked into. Judy's mouth drops open after seeing its contents. Small refrigerators can be seen containing frozen mammal parts, shelves with jars containing perfectly preserved body parts and organs are piled high from the floor to the ceiling.
Clawhauser: oh what fresh hell is this?!
Assistant 1: [screaming] NO [x3] GET IT AWAY FROM ME!!!
The voice of the assistant was quickly followed by loud screaming from down the hall. The trio all look at each other before quickly running out the door and rushed towards the noise.
The trio sprint down the blood soaked hallway until reaching the double doors of the operating room where the loud animalistic screaming is originating now accompanied by horrid gurgling. Judy quickly nods to Clawhauser who kicks the door open and the three rush in guns drawn.
Clawhauser: [booming] ZPD GET ON THE GROUND!!!
Int. Operating Room
Inside, an animal in a medical gown is leaning over the operating table growling while the bloody corpse of the lynx is sprawled out on top. The tree officers recoil backwards in shock. Judy quickly spots Silva in the corner of the room smiling and laughingly hysterically while pulling out a pistol from the underside of his lab coat.
Judy: gun...GUN!!! DROP YOUR WEAPON!!!
Silva continues to raise his weapon and Judy fires a gunshot that strikes Silva's arm causing him to drop his weapon to the floor. Silva let out a pained grunt before continuing to laugh.
Dr.Silva: [mockingly] nice shot...carrots
Before Judy could completely process what Silva had said to her, Judy turns her gun back to the figure in the center of the room as he slowly begins to stand up, his back facing the officers.
Judy: [commanding] ZPD put your hands where I can-
The figure head raises giving Judy and her squad a look at the pointed metal ears atop his head. His arms fall to his side as his metal claws are dripping in the blood of the lynx he just butchered, who's body slowly slides off the operating table.
Travis takes a few cautious steps forward as his gun is seen visibly shaking in his hands.
Travis: [quivering] s-sir put your hands-
The figure quickly turns his head to face the trio growling and snarling fiercely. Travis immediately retreats back to where he was as Judy's face fills with horror and realization on who it is. Judy unknowingly drops her weapon in shock which lands with a clang on the bloody stone floor. Clawhauser has a more delayed reaction until he too comes to the same horrible realization and covers his mouth.
Clawhauser: [disturbed] my god
Judy: [softly] N-Nick?
Tears are streaming down Nick's face which has an expression of both pure rage and pain. Judy is completely frozen in shock as Nick slowly turns completely to face them, his metal feet clicking on the floor as he continues to snarl and scream at his former friends giving them a view of his black metal teeth inside his mouth. His eyes are shooting in every direction in their sockets like a cornered animal. His right eye is completely bloodshot from a popped blood vessel.
Dr.Silva: kill them, Kill them all!
Nick's eyes suddenly focus on the officers in front of him, his eyes fixated on Travis who is standing in the middle and completely petrified. Nick begins slowly stomping towards him until Judy and Clawhauser put themselves between him. Nick stops and furiously looks back and forth between their heartbroken faces as if unsure of what to do.
Judy: [tearful] Nick its me please.
Nick's eyes lock onto his former partner as tears continue to spill from his eyes. His growling ceases and his breathing deepens and becomes more rapid. Nick rapidly looks back and forth between Judy and Clawhauser as he takes a small step backwards. Nicks mouth moves to try and form words but only growls and grunts escape.
Dr.Silva: DO IT! YOU STUPID-
Nick lets out a blood curdling metallic scream and swings his arms about wildly, knocking stands over and tools onto the floor as he cries in agony. He then uses his claws and begins tearing and lashing out on himself. Judy begins crying seeing her friend in so much pain and tries to approach him despite being completely terrified herself.
Judy: Nick please-
Nick turns back to look at Judy, the anger in his eyes having been replaced by terror. Nick's eyes quickly spot the side door Silva had previously locked and Nick leaps over the operating table and dashes for the door.
Judy (cont'd): Nick stop!
Ignoring Judy's cries Nick charges the door, knocking it off its hinges and sprinting away on all fours all while continuing to scream.
Judy: Nick!!!
Clawhauser: Judy wait!
Judy sprints after him without hesitation despite Silva being right next to the door. As Judy runs by, Silva he tries reaching down to the floor to retrieve his gun. Clawhauser quickly raises his shotgun towards Silva, his face full of hatred.
Clawhauser (cont'd): [furious] Don't you fucking move!!!
Silva gives Clawhauser an awkward smile before slowly raising his blood covered hands into the air.
Int. Silva's hospital - western hallway
Nick sprints around a corner hitting the adjacent wall as he does so and continues running and crying down the hall at breakneck speed. Judy rounds the same corner and sees Nick already at the end of the hallway. Judy reaches to her radio as she continues to sprint.
Judy: [yelling] Bogo! Bogo come in!
Int. Silva's hospital - storage room
A door inside a smoke and flame filled room opens before Bogo's squad enters. Bogo covers his mouth and nose with his sleeve as he reaches for his radio to listen.
Judy (radio): He's come...[static]...Nick he-[static]
Bogo: [worrisome] what was that Hopps?
Bogo and his squad then hear the sound of screaming over the fires followed by rapid metallic stomping which rapidly grows louder and louder. Bogo's squints through the smoke and sees Nick sprinting through the open door towards them screaming.
McHorn: [terrified] what the hell is that thing?!
Before any of the officers could react Nick lunges at them screaming with his knife like claws outstretched.
Int. Silva's hospital - western hallway
As Judy continues to sprint as she hears gunshots ring through the halls accompanied by screaming coming from her radio.
Judy: no!
Int. Silva's hospital - storage room
Covering her mouth Judy runs into the burning storage room and sees Johnson limping away, his leg bleeding from a serious cut. In the center of the room Bogo is lying on his back trying to hold back Nick who is on top of him clawing and screaming.
Struggling to break free of Bogo's grip, Nick slashes Bogo across the face over his left eye in which Bogo grunts in pain before using his legs to kick Nick away as he puts his hand up to guard his eye.
Judy quickly reaches for her belt and pulls out a syringe containing a red liquid with "NH anti-serum" written on the side.
Nick clumsily gets back to his feet before stomping towards Bogo who is on his back trying to crawl towards his pistol on the ground.
Judy runs and jumps on Nick's back before plunging the small syringe into Nick's chest. Nick begins trashing violently trying to throw Judy off of him which sends Judy flying towards Bogo.
Judy looks up from the ground as Bogo recovers his pistol and aims it towards Nick. Judy jumps onto him in an attempt to stop him.
Judy: No you can't! That's Nick!
Bogo: What are you talking about, that can't be-!
Judy looks back at Nick who violently rips the now empty syringe off his chest and crushes it with his metal hand glaring at Judy and Bogo. Bogo and Nick make eye contact causing Bogo's hand holding the pistol to drop as Bogo too recognizes one of his former officer.
Bogo: oh my god.
McHorn who was previously lying on the ground gets to his feet and begins firing at Nick out of fear.
Bogo: No, hold your fire!
Nick charges the rhino at lightning speed avoiding the gunfire and leaps onto McHorn's chest causing him to drop his pistol.
McHorn: [terrified] No! Get him off me! Get him off!
McHorn pulls out his tranquilizer gun and fires a series of darts at Nick before falling backwards and slamming into a large shelf containing large wooden crates which are burning. McHorn pries Nick off of him and tosses him away as the large shelving unit begins to tip over. McHorn notices this and rolls away out of its path, but Nick in his enraged and dazed state fails to notice.
Judy: Nick!
Judy leaps off of Bogo and rushes towards Nick who is still screaming and whining as the darts begin to disorient him.
Before the burning crates can crush him, Judy tackles Nick, pushing him out of view as the crates crash to the floor.
Ext. sewage entrance - Hyenahurst - night
Outside a pipeline entrance officers are scrambling as sirens of ambulances and fire engines are roaring as they pull up behind the police vehicles. Smoke is slowly pouring out the roof of the pipe as shadows are seen though the smoke.
Delgato: [yelling] movement in the tunnel!
The fire fighters and medics take cover while the half a dozen officers train there guns on the entrance.
Bogo walks out of the smoke guarding his eye with one hand and the other in aiding Johnson walk who is limping. McHorn and Travis follow behind escorting Dr.Silva in handcuffs who has a smug grin on his face. Judy and Clawhauser are the last ones out carrying the unconscious body of Nick towards the ambulances.
As Judy and Clawhauser walk past the blockade
of squad cars, many officers and other first responders have fearful and horrified expressions at the sight of Nick ,many of whom failed to recognize him.
The pair approach the first ambulance they see and a trio of medics rush over with and aid in lifting him onto a electric cot. Both medics look terrified but try there best to maintain there composure.
As the medics are loading Nick into the ambulance Judy steps up prepared to go with them until she turns back to Clawhauser.
Judy: you coming?
Clawhauser: no, I'll stay and help out here.
Judy: you sure
Clawhauser: hey he's your partner, now go.
Judy gives a respectful nod to Clawhauser before stepping up into the ambulance. The medic closes the door behind her as the sirens turns on before the ambulance speeds away from the scene.
Clawhauser: [to himself] take care of him Hopps.
Int. Ambulance - night
Judy is sitting on one of the benches in the back of the ambulance as the siren can be heard from inside. One medic is standing over the medical cot Nick is strapped into and preparing a IV bag while the other is conducting a head to toe assessment. Nick's is moving subconsciously in the restraints as an EKG amounted on the wall is beeping from Nick's heightening heart rate. Tears are welling up in Judy's eyes seeing Nick mumbling and crying in his unconscious stupor.
Medic 1: uh how many tranquilizers were used?
Judy: six or seven give or take.
Medic 1 : okay I'm gonna have to prep a sedative because he could be waking up any minute now. Was a night-howler anti-serum used?
The medic opens a door before carefully pulling out an syringe almost identical to the one Judy had used on Nick earlier.
Judy: yes, it didn't work.
Medic 1: [shocked] pardon?!
Judy: I-It didn't-
Nick lets out a terrified scream as his struggling increases dramatically one of the medics looks to the EKG where his heart rate and respiratory rate can be seen rapidly rising. Judy gets up from her chair and stands beside the medics over the cot.
Judy: [concerned] what's happening is he okay?!
Nick eyes suddenly shoot open and his screams deafen the sound of the siren outside as Nick trashes in his restraints. Judy and the medic prepping the I.V try to minimize Nick's violent struggling.
Medic 2: [quickly] Prep the ketamine now!
The other of the medics rushes to a drawer and pulls out a wrapped syringe and rips off the plastic along with a small glass bottle and withdrawals a clear liquid before rushing back over. However before the medic could administer the inter muscular injection, one of the arm restraints snaps and Nick reaches up and grabs the medic by the throat and begins choking him.
Medic 2: Darrel no!!!
Judy: [horrified] Nick stop!
Judy's pleas go unheard as Nick continues to cry and scream as the medic aiding Judy rushes to try and free his partner from Nick's literal iron grip.
The syringe slowly falls from the choking medics hand. Judy is quick and catches it before it can impact the ground and rapidly injects the syringe's contents into Nick's arm. Nick grip on the medic quickly loosens due to the ketamine and the medic is able to free himself as Nicks struggling become progressively weaker and his screaming dies down to incoherent muttering and crying.
Medic 1 [gasping] I'm fine...secure him.
Judy back up and slumps back in her seat stunned into silence at what just unfolded.
Ext Zootopia hospital - E.R - night
The ambulance pulls up to the landing bay of the emergency room where a whole emergency staff is waiting. The doors to the ambulance open and the two medics are quick to remove Nick from the ambulance and begin wheeling him inside. Judy jumps out and runs to catch up pushing past all the other workers outside.
Int. Zootopia hospital - E.R
The paramedics rush Nick through the sliding door entrance accompanied by half a dozen nurses and surgical assistants. As Judy follows behind them trying to look up and get a glance at Nick as they approach the operating room.
The doors to the operating room are preemptively opened by a nurse as the cot is wheeled inside. Judy tries to follow but is quickly stopped by the surgeon who just finished putting on his cap and mask.
Surgeon: I'm sorry officer, but no non-hospital personnel are allowed beyond this point.
Judy: [begging] But he's my friend please I-
Surgeon: we'll do everything we can to help your friend. But for now you need to wait.
One of the nurses comes and helps guide Judy towards the waiting area with Judy looking back as the surgeon enters the operating room as the door closes behind him.
Ext. Zootopia hospital - E.R waiting room
Judy is sitting on a chair facing away from a window looking out into the ambulance bay entrance. She takes out the carrot pen she had in her pocket and stares at it as voices can be heard echoing in her head.
Nick's voice: see you around carrots~
Clawhauser's voice: don't worry Judy~ we'll find him~
The actual sounds around Judy begin to fade out as the voices in her head become progressively louder.
Finnick's voice: -you did all you could~
Bogo's voice : you've done more for Nick than any of us~
Judy's voice: no~ not enough~
Judy tightly clenches the pen in her hand and begins to cry as her breathing accelerates.
Judy's voice: You've given up on him!
Finnick's voice: we've grieved and moved on
Judy's voice: I'M NOT GIVING UP ON HIM!
Bogo's voice: it's time to face facts
Judy closes her eyes and violently pulls her ears down as the voices become almost overwhelming in her head.
Bogo's voice he's dead Judy-
Finnick's voice: -moved on-
Judy's voice: I-I can't do that-
Bogo's voice: move on-
Judy's voice: I can't!
Judy (in her head): [whisper] you gave up on him.
The final line causes Judy's eyes to shoot open as the sound of ambulance sirens outside the emergency room stop the berating voices inside Judy's head. She's visibly panting as she pockets the carrot pen in her back pocket before turning to look towards the ambulance bay entrance.
The first two medics enter wheeling Johnson inside who has several bandages and a tourniquet around his right leg. He's lying supine groaning in pain.
The next pair of medics wheel Bogo inside who has had his shirt removed and dressing and bandages have been wrapped around several cuts on his chest. He also has some gauze wrapped around his eye. He's sitting up in the cot and briefly makes eye contact with Judy.
The last patient to enter changes Judy's sorrowful expression to rage as Silva is wheeled in handcuffed to the cot and being escorted by a pair of police officers one of which being Clawhauser.
Bogo: Hopps.
Judy takes her glaring eyes off of Silva and looks towards Bogo who is motioning her towards him as he's being pushed into one of the rooms.
Judy waits for the paramedics to leave the room before she enters, a nurse tech is writing vitals on a white board mounted on the wall.
Nurse tech: alright I'll send a nurse in right away.
The tech leaves, leaving Bogo and Judy to have a long awkward silence until Bogo eventually speaks.
Bogo: I've looked worse trust me.
Judy says nothing and only continues to glare at Bogo who motions her to a chair next to the hospital bed. Judy walks over and jumps onto the chair. Another pause follows. Judy is looking out the open door into a room on the opposite end of the hall where Silva is lying down restrained in his hospital bed.
Bogo (cont'd): how is he?
Judy doesn't take her eyes off Silva not wanting to look Bogo in the eye.
Judy: [coldly] you don't get to ask that.
Bogo: Judy, we had no idea he was alive-
Judy whips her head around and glares at Bogo. Judy was pissed at a multitude of people for a multitude of reason. Pissed at the doctor for what he did to Nick. Pissed at Bogo for making her give up her search. But most importantly, she was pissed at herself for giving up too.
Judy: [angry] I did dammit! When everyone else gave up on him I kept looking. At least until I-
Judy begins getting chocked up as she begins to cry again. She grasps the sides of her head with her hands as she hyperventilates.
Judy (cont'd): u-until I-I...
Bogo: Judy you can't blame yourself.
Judy: [hysterical] why shouldn't I?! I gave up on him didn't I, just like everybody else, and now look at him!
Judy turns and looks into Silva's room where Silva is lying down casually whistling as he stares at the ceiling. Judy's nose was scrunched as if merely looking at him disgusted her.
Judy (cont'd) look what he did to him!
Bogo: I know, and I can't imagine the emotions that are running through your head, but right now I need you, this city still needs you.
Judy: no it doesn't the case is closed, and the doctors in custody.
Bogo sighs before painfully sitting up further in the hospital bed.
Bogo: we've only begun searching through the evidence at the scene, and it's clear that this was more than a three mammal endeavor.
Judy looks back up to Bogo
Bogo (cont'd): there is no way that doctor could obtain the resources he did without outside help.
Judy: Are you saying someone helped or...payed him to do this to him.
Bogo: it's...in the realm of possibility.
Judy looks down at the floor her anger and rage having returned to her as Bogo lies back down.
Bogo (cont'd): look, I don't know how long I'll be in here. A few hours, a few days I don't know. But as the next highest ranking officer next to Johnson and myself, you are now acting chief until I get out.
Judy looks up in surprise after this revelation.
Bogo (cont'd): I know you want to help Nick, but the best way to do that right now is to find all those involved, or else Nick could still be in danger.
The nurse walks in and is about to say something but Bogo holds up his hand to stop her.
Bogo: the hospital is currently treating the doctor and we'll hopefully have him ready for transfer within the next few hours.
Judy: understood.
Bogo: we'll make sure to call and give you updates on Nick as soon as they happen.
Judy hops down from the chair and begins to leave she reaches the door until Bogo speaks again
Bogo (cont'd): and Judy,
Judy turns around to look at Bogo.
Bogo (cont'd): don't do anything stupid.
Turns turns back around and walks down the hall leaving Bogo to lie his head down as the nurse walks forward clipboard in hand.
Int. Zootopia Hospital- E.R waiting room - night
Judy walks into the waiting room where she sees Clawhauser, Travis and Grizzoli waiting by the sliding door. Clawhauser is the first to spot Judy and rushes over to her.
Clawhauser: hey how is he?
Judy: they rushed him into surgery, they never said how long it'll be.
Clawhauser places a reassuring hand on Judy's shoulder as they continue to walk towards the exit.
Clawhauser: it's gonna be okay Judy.
The group approaches the exit until Grizzoli stops them.
Grizzoli: journalists and reporters are waiting outside.
Travis looks between the wolf and the door behind them. Where camera flashes and camera were already being aimed in their direction.
Travis: how'd they find out so fast.
Grizzoli: those vultures always find a way.
Judy: your squad car parked out front?
Grizzoli nods and pulls out his keys.
Judy (cont'd): alright then stay close.
The sliding door steps out and Judy and the group is immediately bombarded by photographers and journalists trying to get to Judy. Clawhauser, Travis, and Grizzoli all aid in escorting Judy to Grizzoli's squad car parked beside the entrance to the ambulance drop off. The crowd follows them until reaching the car where Grizzoli opens the passenger side door and Judy jumps in. As Grizzoli enters the driver side Judy rolls down her window to Clawhauser and Travis who are waving and ordering the press away.
Judy: Clawhauser, Travis, I need you to stay here and oversee the suspect. I want him transferred to ZPD for questioning the second he's cleared.
Clawhauser nods and gives Judy a brief salute
Clawhauser: you got it...chief.
Judy rolls up her window and the squad car slowly pulls away from the hospital.
Ext. ZPD headquarters - interrogation room
*3 hours later*
A squad of officers is looking through a wall of one way glass into the interrogation room where Silva is sitting in front of a metal desk in handcuffs. His hand is wrapped in a cast as he whistles casually.
A raccoon police officer named Ringo walks in and approaches Judy with a small stack of papers in his hands. Judy is in the front glaring at Silva with pure hatred in her eyes.
Judy: well?
Ringo: we were unsure why he wasn't appearing in our databases, however members of the hospital staff were able to recognize him.
Judy: so who is he?
Ringo: his name "was" doctor Miles J. Silva,
Ringo rest the files on the table in front of Judy who looks at the file on top with a picture of Silva with the word "deceased" stamped over it. Judy begins slowly sifting through the files from top to bottom as Ringo elaborates.
Ringo: half a decade ago Silva was working at Zootopia Central hospital as it's go to surgeon. Staff and patients who worked with him referred to him as Miracle Miles due to his surgical prowess.
Travis: so he was a pretty good surgeon.
Ringo: that's an understatement, Silva wasn't just the best in the city, he was one of the best in the entire continent. His success rate in the O.R was unprecedented among any other surgeon even by today's standards.
Judy says nothing, only starring at old files files and photos of a younger and innocent looking Silva. She has a serious and monotone look on her face. Cus all she saw in those photos was a vile evil.
Travis: so what happened to him?
Ringo: after the arrest of mayor Lionheart during the Night-Howler scare, many predators where fearful and found themselves subjected to discrimination. However Silva saw this as a "learning opportunity". He believed he could find a cure. But he was also fascinated by this "savage state" the predators where being infected with.
Judy: why didn't I hear about this?
Higgins: you left for bunny burrow before this if I remember correctly.
Ringo: being a predator himself Silva found himself under discrimination, and the things he was proposing to the medical board about what to do with the savage animals were...extreme to say the least. It didn't take long for the board to revoke Silva's medical license and banned him from practicing medicine.
Travis: I take it he didn't like that very much.
Ringo: he went off the radar for a few weeks until a night alarm was triggered at the hospital containment where the savage predators were held. One patient went missing along with the security guard stationed that night. Cameras didn't catch much but Silva was seen entering the building that night.
Travis reaches over at one of the yellow folders and opens it and immediately closes it. Recoiling his head backwards as if the file itself smelled rancid.
Ringo: investigators were able to track him to a safe house in the northern mountains a few days later. Both kidnapped mammals were found in horrible condition. The security guard didn't survive.
Judy opens the folder Travis saw and sees a photo of both mammals the savage wolf was tranquilized in a metal cage with wires connected to the top of his head. The security guard was strapped to an operating table with the top of his skull having been completely removed exposing his brain. Judy closed her eyes, sighing deeply as she closes the folder and laying it back down.
Judy: [monotone] so what happened to Silva?
Ringo: he fled the scene before police could arrive. A few hours later his car went tumbling down a mountain face and exploded.
Judy opens the last folder of a crash report with a picture of the destroyed remains of a large van burnt to a crisp and in pieces.
Ringo (cont'd): By the time first responders arrived there was almost nothing left. Investigators assumed Silva's body had been incinerated in the explosion and the ensuing fire. He's been presumed dead for years.
Judy: until now.
Judy collects all the folders before handing them back to Ringo. Ringo exits to return the folders as Clawhauser enters at the same time. He stands beside Judy who goes back to glaring at Silva
Judy: anything?
Clawhauser: we searched the compound, while we extracted plenty of uh-"body parts" and records on previous subjects, any evidence linking Silva to any 3rd party was likely destroyed in the fire. And since the two other suspects are dead that means that-
Judy: that he's our only lead.
Clawhauser lets out a defeated sigh before nodding.
Judy takes a deep frustrated breath in before heading over towards the entrance to the interrogation room quickly swiping a small remote off the table as she does so which nobody seems to notice.
Judy: well then I guess we'll have to take him apart and find one then. It shouldn't be to hard.
Judy reaches up to the handle to open the door until Grizzoli puts his hand on the door and stops her.
Grizzoli: with all due respect lieutenant, maybe I should handle this interrogation.
Judy looks up and glares at Grizzoli, Clawhauser walks up behind Judy in support of her.
Judy: [agitated] "maybe" you should stay the fuck out of my way. I've waited almost three years for this shit, he's mine.
Int. Interrogation room
The large metal door opens with a clang as Silva looks down from the ceiling and sees Judy walk in starring daggers at him. Silva's smile that was previously on his face grows even wider upon seeing Judy.
Ext. interrogation room
The officers outside the interrogation all clutter around the window to watch as Judy walks towards the empty chair opposite of Silva.
Dr.Silva: [jokingly] hello officer, what seems to be the problem tonight?
Int. Interrogation room
Judy jumps onto the chair and leans forward onto the metal table. for a brief moment Judy just stares at him seemingly sizing him up.
Dr.Silva: are you always this cute when you're mad?
Judy: [monotone] don't call me cute.
Silva raises his hands apologetically at Judy's immediate response.
Dr.Silva: it was just a complement carrots.
Judy slams her fist onto the metal table which elicits a surprisingly loud bang for her size. There was only one mammal that could call here that. And Silva definitely wasn't that mammal.
Judy: [threatening] don't call me carrots either.
Silva chuckles and leans back in his chair, kicking his feet up on the table.
Judy: [coldly] who is your employer?
Dr.Silva: oh come now you'll have to be more specific hun bun, after all I've had many clients. Being dead does have its benefits after all.
Judy: we know you received outside help, tell us who hired you?
Dr.Silva: I'm curious do you want to know because you want to...bring them to justice? Or are doing it to protect my little experiment? thank you for that by the way-.
Judy's tiny claws can be heard scratching the metal table leaving small scratch marks.
Judy: That "experiment" has a name. You'll do well to remember it.
Dr.Silva: ah yes Nicholas Wilde, I've worked with many patients, 93 to be exact, and he was definitely one of my more...interesting patients.
Judy's patience is running thin as her anger continues to rise, all the while Silva continues to talk without a care in the world.
Dr.Silva (cont'd): 92 times I failed, but with failure comes the opportunity to learn. 92 failures yes, but improvements every one. All 92 were meant to die so I could give the world my masterpiece.
Judy has no words, and simply stares at Silva like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Her nose twitching constantly and her ears slowly lowering behind her.
Dr.Silva (cont'd): oh course, I've interacted with all kinds of patients over the years. You can really tell a lot about someone when you take them apart piece by piece. I've dealt with cryers, I've dealt with screamers, I've had a few fighters...
Silva leans forward on the table looking Judy dead in the eyes with a smug smile.
Dr.Silva (cont'd): would you like to know which one Nick was? bit of all three really-
Without skipping a beat, Judy jumps up onto the table and furiously grabs Silva by the collar of his lab coat and slams his head onto the table.
Ext. interrogation room
The officers watching through the glass are all shocked at Judy's sudden outburst and initially don't know how to react.
Jackson: [shocked] what the hell is she doing?!
Int. Interrogation room
Judy grabs the collar of his lab coat again and brings his head back up to face her. Silva seems unfazed despite his now bloody nose and not a hint of fear is on his face while Judy stares rage-fully into Silva's eyes.
Judy: [through gritted teeth] who is it!
Dr.Silva: lets be honest though he was definitely a screamer.
Judy pulls her arm back and elbows Silva in the mouth knocking a few of his teeth out before kicking him in the chest causing his chair to tip over and him to fall onto the stone floor.
Ext. interrogation
Travis: someone stop her!
McHorn, and Jackson rush to the door
Int. Interrogation room.
Judy whips around taking the remote out of her pocket and pointing it towards the door and pressing a red button which causes three metal bars to cross over the door locking it.
Ext. interrogation room
The two officers try to push the door open and it doesn't budge.
McHorn: she locked it! Someone get the spare!
Clawhauser: [yelling] Judy what are you doing?!
Ringo who just returned, takes off again down the hall leaving the interrogation room.
Int. Interrogation Room
Judy turns back around standing on top of the table over Silva as he wipes the blood from his face, smiling.
Dr.Silva: it's like every time I laid a finger on him he'd be all; [mockingly] Juuudy, Juuudy help me! help me Judy! I can't feel my legs Judy please!
Judy's eyes go wide at Silva's mocking of Nick. Tears begin to roll down her face with her clenched fists shaking in rage. Judy seems to of forgotten about her objective as her mind has now become clouded by rage.
Dr.Silva (cont'd): it was really annoying after a while, and kinda pathetic if you ask me-
Judy jumps from the table and lands on Silva's chest. She kicks him in the face hard before using her foot to stomp on his arm wrapped in a cast which makes Silva let out a pained scream which is followed by more laughter.
Judy: [screaming] WHO IS IT?!
Ext. interrogation room
Jackson: we have to open it now! Judy stop you're gonna kill him!
McHorn and Jackson take a few steps back before beginning to ram the door to break it open.
Int. Interrogation room
Judy climbs off of Silva who starts crawling away on his back, letting out bursts of nervous laughter.
Dr.Silva: don't worry he was a cryer too. Even in his drug induced sleep he'd be crying for his "wittle bunny."
Silva tried to stand but Judy takes Silva and slams him against the roof of the table pinning his arm behind his back in a painful position. Silva didn't even bother trying to fight back. He didn't need to, he was beating her simply with his words alone.
Ext. interrogation room.
McHorn and Jackson ram the door again, his time putting a dent in it
Int. Interrogation room
Dr.Silva: oh but he was a fighter. Even after I beat him into submission, a part of him always held out hope that his bunny in shining armor would rescue him. So you should've seen him when I showed him a picture of his own gravestone. and I thought he couldn't scream any louder.
A loud popping sound can be heard as Judy pops Silva's arm out of its socket before sliding him across the table and back onto the floor. Judy climbs on Silva's back and slams his face into the hard stone floor.
Judy: [enraged] where's the anti-serum!!!
Dr.Silva: [coughing] the what?!
Judy: the anti-serum, for Nick's savagery!
From Judy's side of the door the ramming of McHorn and Jackson gets louder as the size of the dent increases as one of the locking panels falls off its hinges.
Silva looks at Judy genuinely confused for a moment before a slow smile creeps back onto his face and he begins to laugh hysterically. Judy shuts him up by grabbing him around the throat and chokes him. She'd almost had it, she wanted answers but another part of her in the back of her mind wanted to shut him up.
Judy: WHAT'S SO FUNNY!!!
Silva coughs a few times as he gets air again.
Dr.Silva: [laughing] there is no anti-serum because there's not an ounce of night-howler in him, that's all Nick fluff. After all, three years is plenty of time to turn someone's brain into mashed potatoes.
Ext: interrogation room
Ringo runs in with the remote.
Ringo: I got it-
McHorn and Jackson charge the door one final time this time bursting it open.
Int. Zootopia hospital - recovery room.
*1 hour later*
Bogo: when I said don't do anything stupid I didn't think you'd go and do something completely moronic!
Judy sits in a chair inside Bogo's recover room while two officers are stationed outside the door. Judy sits embarrassed and ashamed while Bogo scolds her. Bogo is wearing his police shirt again albeit unbuttoned and is now wearing an eye patch over his eye.
Bogo (cont'd): do you realize how many protocols you violated-how many laws you've broken?! Good god I could have your badge for this, hell I could have you arrested for this!
Judy: [quietly] so why haven't you?
Bogo groans in frustration before slowly standing up from the hospital bed he was sitting on.
Bogo: because I like to believe that if the glove was on the other paw Wilde would have done the same thing.
Judy looks down at the floor not wanting to look at Bogo this time out of shame.
Bogo (cont'd): you're still on this case, however one more slip up in the smallest of margins and I'll have you off of it and suspend you for a month, understood?!
Judy looked down at the white tile floor a shamed, holding one of hears in her hand awkwardly.
Judy: yes sir.
Bogo: good, because after that little stunt it'll make questioning him ten times more difficult with him in protective custody by the state!
Bogo reaches for his glasses and puts them on. They look goofy with the eyepatch already on which makes the two officers outside giggle slightly. Bogo turns and stares at them which quickly shuts them up.
Judy: how's your eye?
Bogo: doc says it'll heal. Like I said I've had worse. Doc also said I should be out of here within the hour. So why don't you head home and get some rest.
Judy: but how is-
Judy turns and looks out into the hallway and sees the surgeon that operated on Nick. Bogo turns and notices him too. The surgeon can be seen removing his surgical garb and disposing them in a designated disposable container, fear and exhaustion is written all over his face.
Judy looks up to Bogo who gives her a nod before she runs off to talk to him.
The surgeon is washing his hands and talking with a nurse. When Judy lightly tugs on his coat which makes him jump in surprise much to Judy's confusion. His alarmed expression drops when he sees Judy in front of him.
Surgeon: [startled] oh it's you, I'm sorry about that. It's uh-been an interesting few hours.
Judy: How's Nick is he okay?! We're you able to-
The surgeon holds up his hands in quiet reassurance and to calm her down.
Surgeon : Mr.Wilde is "okay" if you could call it that.
Nurse: we were able to take away his pain, but the cybernetic um...enhancements done to Nick are extremely advanced, unlike anything this hospital has ever seen. They're practically fused to his bones, nerves, and blood vessels. We wanted to remove them but the procedure would likely kill him.
Judy stands there stunned not knowing what to say. She didn't want to believe. She'd of thought that there would've been some good news but it just kept on getting worse.
Nurse: how they where even installed in the first place is something where still trying to figure out.
Surgeon: That's Silva for you, he made the medically impossible, possible.
Judy grows impatient and interjects their conversation as it drifts away from Nick. She didn't want to think about that mad doctor a second longer.
Judy: can I see him?
The two hospital workers nervously look at each other.
Nurse: that's not a good idea.
Surgeon: You must understand Mr.Wilde is not entirely stable. When he arrived he was drifting in and out of consciousness despite the tranquilizers and meds given pre-hospital. We gave him enough anesthesia to put a fully grown lion under and he woke up not even ten minutes later kicking and screaming. An operation that should have only taken an hour took almost five because he kept waking up, we only just now moved him into recovery.
Judy tugs on the nurse's gown pleadingly
Judy: [begging] please let me see him even if it's only for a little while I-
Nurse: I'm sorry but he's not safe to allow-
Bogo: nurse-
The two staff look up as Bogo is seen leaving his room and stands behind Judy.
Bogo (cont'd): she's waited almost three years for this, just do it. Even if it's only for a few minutes.
The nurse looks down at Judy who has tears in her eyes as her eyes are practically begging her to say yes. The nurse sighs in defeat before motioning them towards the elevator.
Nurse: follow me.
Judy and Bogo follow the nurse who walks into the elevator and presses the button for the basement level.
Int Zootopia hospital - basement
The elevator opens and the three step out and begin walking through the special containment center of the hospital. The three eventually arrive at a door which is being watched by two strong predator nurses who move out of the way for the trio. The nurse and Bogo look inside via the window on the wall. Judy can't see in due to her small size. Judy reaches for the door but the nurse places her hand on it before Judy could open it.
Nurse: [sternly] five minutes.
Judy nods and the nurse opens the door and Judy slowly walks inside, the nurse and Bogo wait outside and watch through the window.
The second Judy steps into the all white room she covers her mouth and begins crying seeing the condition her former partner was in.
Nick is lying down restrained in a hospital bed with several I.V's and tubes connected to him to simply stay asleep. His bloody gown had been removed giving Judy a look at the scars on Nick's chest indicated by the numerous hairless streaks across his chest like knife wounds. Nicks's mouth is partially agape as a nonrebreather is attached to his face like a muzzle. His wounds on his arms, legs, and head have been cleaned with new stitches having been applied.
Judy: oh my god, Nick what have they done to you?!
Judy climbs on a chair next to the bed and watches him sleep. Like what Silva had said earlier even in his drug induced sleep Nick was mumbling and crying softly, which made it all the more difficult for Judy to watch.
Judy reaches over and takes one of Nick's metal hands into hers. Nick's hand subconsciously flinches until it eventually relaxes in her arm.
Judy: Nick I'm so sorry. I won't ever leave you again...I promise.
Judy buries her head in the matted fur of Nicks forearm and cries until she's abruptly stopped when Nicks mumbling and crying grows louder followed by an urgent beeping similar to what she heard in the ambulance.
Judy: [concerned] Nick?!
Int. Hospital Basement -Hallway
The nurse turns to the two guards at the door.
Nurse: [quickly] open it.
One of the guards turns towards the door reaches into his pocket and pulls out a green key card and swipes it on a card reader beside the door handle.
Int. Containment room
Judy: Nick? Nick are you-
Nick's eyes open and shoot around the room before Nick begins panicking. He begins pulling hard on his restraints and begins screaming in fear.
Judy jumps onto the bed and tries get Nick's attention.
Judy: Nick look at me-look at me it's me, please it's me, Judy!
The door to the containment room opens and the two guards rush in but stop as Nick's struggling has almost completely stopped. His screaming has now been reduced to quiet whimpering as he makes eye contact with Judy and is almost mesmerized by her. Tears roll down his face as there's a brief pause before Nick opens his mouth his voice metallic and rough.
Nick: [weakly] J-Ju...dy?
Judy smiles as she too is crying as Nick recognizes her and says his first words. It both brought her joy but also terrible pain. Joy in the fact that he recognized her and said her name. But pain in that his voice sounded so...hollow and broken.
Judy: yes, it's me-it's Judy.
Nick: [weakly] came...back.
Judy: [tearfully] of course I did.
Nick tries to reach up and touch Judy but the restraints stop him. He looks at his metal hands as his rapid breathing returns. Nick begins tugging in the restraints looking at himself in fear.
Nick: Judy...it hurts...help me.
Judy takes Nick's arm again in an attempt to calm him down. Her voice breaking over her sobbing.
Judy: t-tell me where it hurts, it's-It's okay, what hurts?!
Nick: [yelling] everything!!!
The two guards get a nod from the nurse and the two approach the hospital bed which causes Nick go from scared to absolutely terrified.
Nick: [terrified screaming] w-wait no, subject didn't mean it! Subject 93 didn't mean to!!!
The nurse walks up and begins pulling Judy away.
Nurse: you need to leave now.
Judy just stares at Nick completely petrified as she's being led away as Nick continues to scream hysterically.
Nick: [screaming] Judy! Help me please! NO!!!
Judy is led out of the room where the nurse closes the door leaving the two nurse guards to tend to Nick. She looks down at Judy who is starring at the closed door crying as she can still hearing nicks muffled screams from behind the door. Bogo is leaning against the wall, he tries not to show any emotion but his face has a disturbed expression. The nurse rubs her eyes with her hand until Judy grabs her other hand and violently spins her toward her.
Judy: I thought you said you took away his pain!
Nurse: we did, but there's no easy remedy for psychological pain, especially at this scale. Which is something we need to talk about.
The nurse motions to an empty room across them.
As Nick's screaming becomes weaker, the three enter the empty hospital room across from Nicks room.
Judy: what do you mean talk about?
The nurse closes close the door behind them.
Nurse: miss Hopps you saw how he acted, what that doctor turned him into. He's a danger to himself and the other mammals around him, and undergoing severe mental trauma.
Judy: what are you saying?
Judy turns to Bogo who kneels down to Judy with a saddened look on his face
Bogo: She's saying we need to talk about Wilde's future whether it long term or...short term.
Nurse: [sadly] euthanasia.
Judy's eyes shoot open as she turns and stares at the nurse
Judy [shocked] what?!
Nurse: I know it's a terrible thing we have to consider but you must understand that-
Judy: NO!
Judy points an angry, shaking finger up at the nurse.
Judy (cont'd): [outraged] I am NOT giving up on Nick a second time do you hear me?!
Bogo: Nick was a prisoner for almost three years and suffered god knows what else, there might not be anything left of Nick to find Judy.
Judy: [distraught] what are you talking about?! He remembered me, he recognized me! Nick is still in there!
Nurse: look we've already enrolled him in the best physical and psychological therapy we can offer here. But if he doesn't improve we need to start asking whether this a life worth living for Wilde.
Judy solemnly nods her head as the nurse opens the door and the three slowly exit. One of the nurses is outside Nick's room. Judy peaks in through the half open door seeing the other nurse adjusting the valves and other I.V's connected to Nick as he is again put back into a drug induced sleep as he mutters to himself.
The three approach and step inside the elevator. The three don't say a word as the elevator door closes in front of Judy's saddened and tearful expression.
Notes:
Story continues In Chapter Five; “Everything is Fine”
Chapter 5: “Everything is Fine”
Summary:
“Everything is fine.” Nick says as he’s finally released from the hospital. Judy’s so overjoyed to get her partner back, that she doesn’t see the red flags to see the big lie behind those words.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
*Three month later*
Before the scene fades in a voice can be heard
Shoehorn's voice: I know it's been a few weeks since we've last spoken.
Ext. Zootopia hospital - evening
Judy's car comes to a stop in front of the hospital as the evening sun shines over the parking lot and exterior of the hospital. Judy exits her squad car dressed in her police uniform carrying a basket of blueberries which also contained a pair of popsicles wrapped in plastic wrap.
A female voice can heard as Judy closes the door of her car and approaches the hospital with a confident smile on her face.
Shoehorn's voice: I thought it best for you to spend time with Nick. I hoped I'd be beneficial for the both of you.
Judy's voice: [with a hint of concern] how's his therapy going?
Int. hospital main lobby
Judy steps inside through the revolving door of the already bustling hospital lobby. She waves and nods to other hospital staff as she walks by. Most return the greeting signifying Judy has gotten familiar with most of the hospital staff.
Shoehorn's voice: that depends, was Mr.Wilde always full of himself and with a [intentional cough] "way with words."
Int. Shoehorns office
Shoehorn sits behind her desk while Judy sits in a chair on the other side. Judy can't help but smile and let out a brief chuckle on Shoehorns description of Nick, her previous concern slowly fading away.
Judy: yeah, that sounds like him.
Shoehorn: [smiling] well then potential narcissistic tendencies and snarky comments aside I'm proud to say he's doing well.
Int. Hospital main lobby
Judy walks towards a group of elevators near the waiting area, each elevator is sized differently to suite different sized animals.
Judy's voice: how much longer until he can, you know, go home?
Judy steps into the empty elevator and presses the button to one of the upper floors.
Shoehorn's voice: I was just preparing to write up his release papers. if all goes well in the next few hours he should be able to leave today.
The elevator door closes as Judy sets the basket down on the floor next to her, one her feet is tapping anxiously on the floor.
Shoehorn's voice (cont'd): however I've advised against having Wilde work in the field for the time being.
Int. Shoehorns office
The smile Judy previously had disappeared following shoehorns last comment
Judy: wait why?
Shoehorn: As his therapist I'm not usually permitted to share information but I need to you do something for me considering that I can't always be there for him.
Judy tilts her head in confusion.
Judy: I thought you said he was doing well?
Shoehorn: he is, however I still have my suspicions about his fast recovery.
Int. Hospital - hallway
The elevator door opens and Judy walks out and heads down the hall.
Shoehorn's voice: Nick claims he doesn't remember much of his captivity, which would explain his fast recovery. Whether this is to be believed I'm not sure yet, as he's still seen having nightmares which could hint at memory repression either consciously or subconsciously.
Judy's voice: so what are you asking me to do?
Judy comes to one of the many individual hospital rooms where one of the nurse stationed walks up to it and quietly opens it for her.
Shoehorn's voice: My primary concern is him being left alone for long periods of time, should those memories return they could yield drastic affects on his mental state.
Judy slowly walks inside the hospital room, the evening sun dimly beaming in through the window. Nick is seen sleeping soundly in the hospital unrestrained and with numerous bandages having been applied. Judy smiles seeing that Nick is sleeping peacefully and quietly approaches the bed which has gifts and flowers on top from other visitors
Judy's voice: [slightly offended] so you want me to babysit him is that what your asking?
Shoehorn's voice: I'm asking you to simply look out for him, watch him when you can. He's going to need close friends like you, now more than ever.
Judy climbs up on the bed beside Nick and sees the underside of his cast as been drawn on by Clawhauser indicated by his initials. She sees a black marker laying next to the bed and Judy takes it and turns Nick hand over carefully and begins doodling on the other side which has nothing on it.
Nick eyes flutter slightly before Nick slowly opens his eyes and looks down seeing Judy drawing completely oblivious that he's woken up.
Shoehorn's voice: Nick talks about you a lot in our sessions. He truly cares about you more than anyone. I like to think he'll confide in you.
Finished drawing, Judy lays down the marker on the bed and prepares to climb off and go sit on the chair next to the bed until Nick's hand slowly rests upon Judy's causing her to freezes, her ears perking up.
Shoehorn's voice: do you think you can do this?
Judy looks back and sees Nick tiredly smiling at her with his signature smug look.
Nick: Hey carrots
Judy's voice: yes...
Judy returns the smile and grasps Nick's arm, since Nick can't close his arm due to the cast.
Judy's voice (cont'd): I do.
Int. Shoehorn's office
Judy and Shoehorn get up from there seats and slowly walk side by side towards the door.
Shoehorn: good, then I'll just get out of your hair so you can drop by the hospital, visiting hours should be soon after all.
Judy looks up at shoehorn with a guilty smile.
Judy: what makes you think I'm going to the hospital again?
Shoehorn: Judging by your little goodie basket you have there,
Shoehorn motions to the basket of blueberries and popsicles sitting beside the door.
Shoehorn (cont'd): [smiling] from your families farm I take it, Nick did say they were his favorite. Plus I do recall Nick mentioned he was selling popsicles the day he met you.
Judy turns around and picks up the basket as Judy's looks humbly surprised at how much Shoehorns knows about the two of them.
Judy: what else does Nick talk about? About me I mean.
Shoehorn: mostly just reminiscing, I swear he can't go ten minutes without sharing a story from:
Shoehorn playfully changes her voice to sound like an announcer.
Shoehorn (cont'd): "the adventures of Nick and Judy," whether it a case, happy memories, embarrassing stories, little bit of everything.
Judy: any specific favorites?
Shoehorns opens the door and Judy steps out.
Shoehorn: I'm sure you'll hear many of them from Nick himself. That is if your still going to the hospital, tick tock.
Shoehorn taps the glass of her wrist watch. Judy smiles shaking her head and turns to leave.
Judy: see you next week doc.
Shoehorn: say hi to Wilde for me.
The automatic door leading outside swings open as Judy steps outside the door closing behind her.
Int. Hospital Recovery room
Judy's hand can be seen gingerly placing blueberries on top of her forehead. Her eyes are crossed as she concentrates as the blueberries wobble as she adds more.
Judy: [concentrated] five...six
Judy reaches over to the basket of blueberries in Nick's lap who is watching with his signature smile.
Nick: they're gonna fall fluff.
Just torso and shoulder pivot to keep her head level as she crosses her eyes to get a view of the blueberry tower on her head.
Judy: no there not-NO
The blueberries tip over and spill onto the bed. judy instinctively tries to catch them as they fall but they spill over the green bedsheets.
Judy: [muttering] damnit
Nick chuckles and scoops up a pile of blueberries with his wrapped hand and practically toss's them in his mouth.
Nick: [smugly] I gotta say carrots that was pretty impressive.
Judy: that's nothing, the Hopps family record is like fourteen last I checked.
Nick: wow something you're not the best at? That's a first.
Judy: oh har har.
Judy picks up the spilled blueberries and eats them one at a time.
Judy: so when did Clawhauser stop by? I see he left you a few surprises.
Judy motions to the gifts and flowers lying at the foot of the bed. Nick glances towards them then the underside of his cast which has a drawing of a fox head with a police hat on next to Clawhauser's signature.
Nick: couldn't tell ya, must've been while I was taking one of my many cat naps.
Judy: how many hours have you slept today Nick?!
Nick yawns and stretches his arms above his head. Which looks clunky given the oversized cast over both his hands.
Nick: kinda hard to do anything else when I'm stuck in my room most of the day. Maybe I should take another one before you leave.
Judy laughs and stands up on the bed.
Judy: well don't fall asleep on me now sleeping beauty,
A nurse, the same nurse from before, knocks on the door before opening it, the nurse walks in with a clipboard and pen.
Judy (cont'd): we still gotta get you out of here.
Nicks ears make a low metallic sound as they perk up as he's fighting a smile, his tail can be seen moving under the covers.
Nurse: that's right. We've just processed your release forms.
Judy playfully slugs Nick in the arm.
Judy: you're going home buddy!
Nicks head moves from looking between Judy and the Nurse excitedly as his black teeth poke through his now wide smile.
Nick: oh-does that mean I can finally-
Nick sticks one of his long metal fingers under the cast of his left hand and pulls, ripping the cast off like butter. Nick then uses his free hand to reach under the bandaging on his head and using his other to reach at his neck.
Judy: really Nick? You couldn't wait until we-
Nick ignores his partners remark as he rips the bandages off causing them to fall on the bed. Nick lets out a satisfied groan as he rubs the top of his head and the sides of his neck.
Nick oh yeah~ that feels good. You have no idea how much those itched. Specially now that my hairs grown back.
Nick rips the other cast off his arm much to Judy's disappointment.
Judy: aw come on I just drew on that one.
The nurse looks back outside the room not wanting the interrupt the moment.
Nurse: I'll just go grab a wheelchair.
Judy looks back towards the nurse before she can leave.
Judy: oh that won't be necessary, I'll walk his happy little tail out of here.
The nurse forces a smiles and nods her head. Judy doesn't notices the small little glances the nurse took towards her partner.
Nurse: see you down at the lobby
The nurse leaves down the hall. Judy's looks back towards Nick who finishes removing the last of the bandages across his chest. The scars on his chest still being clearly visible despite his fur having grown back. Judy's jumps off the bed and walks to the chair next to the bed and grabs a bundle of folded cloths.
Judy: here you go slick-
Judy tosses the cloths at Nick which land on top of his head.
Judy (cont'd): those should work until we get back to your place.
Nick takes the cloths off his head, a simple white t-shirt and blue hospital pants. He looks over and smiles at Judy as she collects her things.
Nick: [jokingly] gosh carrots at least take me out to dinner first.
Judy's ears fall to her side and she freezes following Nick's inappropriate comment. Judy normally would've slugged or elbowed him in the gut for such a comment, but the thought of seeing Nick in high spirits made her resist that urge.
Judy: oh my god Nick just shut up and get dressed.
Judy walks over to the door as Nick salutes her from behind.
Nick: you got it sergeant, oh that's right it's Lieutenant now isn't it. Guess I got some catching up to do.
Judy rolls her eyes, failing to hide a smile as she opens the door enough for her to walk through
Judy: just get dressed.
Judy closes the door behind her and Nicks smug smile slowly disappears once she's gone and he look at the clothes still in his hand as he climbs out of bed. He quickly slips on the cheep blue pants while casually walking over and looking out the window. Seeing the busy parking lot and the city shining in the evening sunset.
Nick is about to put the white shirt over his head when his eyes glance towards a mirror hanged up on the wall next to him. His eyes go wide as Nick stares perplexed into the mirror, his mouth trying to speak but only incoherent mutters come out as if he is paralyzed by whatever he's seeing. Nick suddenly feels heavy breathing running down his neck
Dr.Silva: oh Nicky~
Nicks hair stands on up on his head as he turns around and sees Silva standing in front of him covered in blood with a wide toothy smile as he slowly walks towards him arm outstretched trying to touch his face, the room around him appearing that of Silva's dark blood soaked hospital.
Dr.Silva: [happily] where do you think you're going?
Nick backs away with fear on his face as he bumps into the table in front of the mirror knocking a metal plate onto the floor landing with a loud clang. Nick looks down at the plate on the ground behind him then quickly back up to see Silva has disappeared and he's back in the hospital room. Nick tries to calm his breathing when a knock on the door makes him jump.
Judy: [muffled from behind the door] what are you doing in there? You getting dressed or not?
Nick: [flustered] uh-yeah,
Nick quickly puts on the shirt and turns towards the door and puts his hand up to block his view of the mirror.
Nick (cont'd): I'm coming.
Int. Hospital hallway
Judy is leaning against the white stone wall next to the door as it opens. Nick steps out and Judy's looks up at him, his smug smile back on his face as if nothing had happened
Judy: [smiling] ready?
Nick motions down the hall with his hands.
Nick: lead the way officer fluff butt
Judy turns her head and glares at her smug partner as they walk down the hospital hall towards the elevator.
Int. Hospital main lobby
The elevator door slides open as Nick and Judy step out into the large main lobby. The duo walk to the front where there is a large waiting area where other mammals and families are sitting, using their phones, or reading magazines. Judy spots the nurse near the main reception desk and Judy nudges Nick who is taking in his surrounding.
Judy: I'm gonna finish checking you out of here. You good here?
Nick looks down and nods.
Nick: yeah I'm good here carrots.
Judy practically skips over towards the desk leaving Nick to continue looking around. He wanders closer to the waiting area where several others begin to notice him. Nick smile again disappears as he looks around and sees many recipients looking at him with fearful expressions. Even some of the hospital staff that had never seen Nick before where taking second and third glances his way.
Nicks ears flattened as best they could and he tries to take his eyes away by looking at the floor and up towards the mounted TV's on the walls. However his ears begin to twitch as he overhears voices of those around him.
Voice 1: [whisper] oh my god.
Voice 2: mommy what is that thing?
Voice 3: is that a fox?!
Nick looks up to one of the television's to try and distract himself but is stunned as the news station anchors can be heard on the television.
News anchor 1: in other news; long presumed dead officer Nicholas Wilde of the ZPD was admitted into downtown general hospital after a video was leaked on the internet late last night-
The anchors disappear offscreen as a phone video plays where Nick is seen being wheeled into the hospital by several hospital staff..
News anchor 1 (cont'd): hospital staff have yet to disclose any information regarding Officer Wilde's health or his release.
The television returns to the two news anchors as the video continues to play in the background as Nick is wheeled into the hospital with Judy being seen running after.
News anchor 2: whether or not this has any connection to the deadly drug raid occurring just a few weeks ago is still unknown as both police Chief Bogo and Lieutenant Judy Hopps, who is seen in the video, have refused to comment.
Nick takes his attention away from the television, however in doing so hears more voices. Now accompanied voices from that night from the recording.
Voice 4: that's officer Wilde?!
Judy's voice: Nick stop!
Voice 2: is he savage mommy?
Nicks eyes are shooting around the room not wanting to make eye contact with anyone.
Mchorn's voice: what the hell is that thing!
Voice 5: wait I thought he died.
Nick's voice (flashback): Judy! Help me please!
Nick quickly turns around to go and find Judy his eyes focused intently on the floor and not in front of him as his breathing is fast and irregular.
Nick: [muttering] you're fine Nick, you're fine-everything is fine.
Not watching where he's going, Nick walks right into Judy as she was walking towards him. A few blueberries fall out of the basket and onto the floor as Judy recovers her balance.
Judy: woah, little anxious to get out of her huh?
Nick takes this moment to recover himself and by the time Judy looks back up from picking up the few spilled berries, the fear on his face is gone.
Nick: oh you have no idea.
Judy: well then-
Judy hops over to the revolving door and steps inside.
Judy (cont'd): right this way m'lady.
Nick's smile returns and he chuckles as he follows Judy into the large revolving door as he tries tucking his claws into his pants pockets and fails due there large size.
Nick: why thank you kind sir.
Judy begins pushing the revolving door until they exit out the other side. Nick walks out closing his eyes and sniffing the air with a satisfied exhale.
Nick: ah, freedom.
Nick closes his eyes and outstretched his hands and feels the wind blow against him.
Judy: I take it that feels good.
Nick: Oh yeah, I could stand here all night fluff.
Judy pulls her car keys out and twirls them with her fingers.
Judy: I'll make sure to roll down the window for ya then puppy. Come on, I got one more surprise for you back home.
Judy begins walking out to her parked squad car near the front of the parking lot. Nick starts to follow when his hair on his head suddenly stands up. He turns back towards the hospital and looks up towards one of the upper floors where he sees a small fox kit looking down at him. Nick squints his eyes to see better before they shoot open in fear to see the fox kit crying along with another manifestation of Silva standing behind the child with a knife to his throat and waving up at Nick with another sinister smile. With a fearful gasp, Nick turns back towards the parking lot and follows Judy not looking back as the the camera rises revealing the child and Silva have disappeared.
Ext. Nick's Apartment - sunset
Judy's car slowly stops in front of a large city apartment building in the heart of downtown metropolitan section of the city. Nick looks out the open window looking up at the structure along with the other poorly kept identical homes stretching down the entire block.
Judy: alright, home sweet home.
Judy and Nick exit the vehicle and approach the front door. Nick walks significantly slower taking in his surrounding seemingly reminiscing.
Nick: good to see this place hasn't changed much.
Judy smiles as she walks up the small trio of steps to the door pulling out a pair of keys from her pocket and unlocking the front door.
Judy: well maybe on the outside.
Nick tilts his head in confusion as the duo walk inside.
Int. Apartment hallway
The stairway door opens and Judy and Nick enter a long narrow hallway with apartment doors spaced apart down the hall. Judy runs ahead while Nick continues to take in his surroundings.
Nick: I don't know fluff, the inside looks pretty much the same to me.
Judy approaches Nick's apartment door marked "07-B" and anxiously waits for Nick to catch up.
Judy: hold that thought.
Nick catches up and stands behind Judy as she uses the other key to unlock the apartment door. The door opens with a creek and Judy motions Nick inside.
Int. Nick's apartment
Nick walks inside and his mouth drops open and his ears flatten. Judy is standing beside him observing his reaction. His entire apartment had been renovated with new lights, furniture, a polished wooden floor and other decor.
Judy: [joyfully] surprise!
Nick looks back at Judy at a complete loss for words as he continues to take in his surrounding. He walks to the large brown couch and carefully rubs his fingers across its fine leather stitching.
Judy: you like it? Clawhauser and I thought you'd be the warm wooden type.
Nick: [baffled] I don't know what to say, how could you afford all of this?
Judy jumps and sits in the couch beside Nick.
Judy: I can't, it was more of a group effort. Almost everyone from the precinct contributed a little something.
Nick: yeah, "little."
Nick looks up towards the giant flat screen mounted on the wall across from the couch, the tv was huge compared to Nick and Judy. Judy follows Nick's gaze with a sly grin similar to Nick's.
Judy: I think that was Bogo's addition believe it or not.
Nick walks over to the closed bedroom door. Judy walks across the top of the couch before jumping down and following behind.
Nick: I figured, that or McHorn. He always had a go big or go home way of thinking.
Int. Bedroom
Nick opens the door to the bedroom and walks in noticing the remodeling was done in the bedroom as well. He gazes towards the massive king sized bed positioned behind the bedroom window.
Nick: gotta say the beds a bit much (takes up a lot of space too wow,) you know I got by just fine on my floor mattress.
Judy jumps up onto the bed and begins playfully bouncing up and down on it like a child.
Judy: well you did always pride yourself in your beauty sleep, so now you should get all the sweet Z's you need.
Nick chuckles and turns his head and his smile fades when he notices the partially opened closet door, or more specifically, what he sees inside the closet.
Nick walks over and slowly opens the closet fully, seeing his new police uniform neatly hanged in the center. Judy stops bouncing on the bed and walks over beside Nick as he unpins the badge off the purple police shirt and holds it in front of him seeing his distorted reflection in the polished metal badge.
Judy: hope we got the measurements right,
Nick begins to smile again as a few tears well up in his eyes which drip onto the badge he's holding.
Judy initially doesn't notice this as she's poking inside his closet rambling.
Judy (cont'd): your old dress blues should be in here somewhere, along with most of your old cloths, or at least what you considered to be...
Judy turns back to face Nick and her smile disappears seeing Nick's tears.
Judy: [compassionate] woah [x2] hey, is it to much? I'm sorry if this is all happening so fast we can slow down if-
Nick: n-no it's fine it's-
Nick rests the medal badge on a small night stand beside the bed. He sniffles and wipes his nose as he tries to compose himself. He turns back to Judy still crying slightly.
Nick (cont'd): thank you Judy, it's wonderful, it's all wonderful...thank you.
Judy: hey don't sweat it, I'm sure everyone at the station'll be glad you-
Nick: no thank you...for this, for being there at the hospital, for believing in me-
Nick stumbles on his words, fighting more tears.
Nick (cont'd): [tearfully] thank you for...for...
Nick (recording): thank you, for everything you and this city has given this dumb fox.
Nick looks at Judy with a stunned and heart filled expression as Judy smiles, pulling out the carrot pen from behind her back and turning off the recording.
Judy: don't worry slick, I know what you mean, and you're welcome.
Nick lets out a tearful chuckle before walking over and hugging Judy, being careful with his metal claws as he wraps his arms around her. Judy cringed slightly at feeling Nick's metal claws but quickly dismissed her fear and returns the hug.
Judy: I'm glad you're back.
Nick: me too carrots,
Nick looks up towards the mirror facing him and stares at his reflection as they hug, in which he again looks away instead opting to close his eyes and rest his head on Judy's shoulder.
Nick (cont'd): me too.
The faint sound of thunder outside causes the two to break off the hug. Judy looks outside as lightning flashes can be seen in the sky. Both Judy and Nick look out the window. Judy still has a smile on her face while Nick is starring out the window wide eyed.
Judy: well I guess that's my que to get going. I don't much like driving at night as is let alone in the rain.
Judy walks out the bedroom door while Nick has a more delayed reaction as he still is starring at the thunder clouds from the window. Nick eventually blinks several times, snapping himself out his trance and he turns and follows her.
Judy (cont'd): plus I'm working a morning shift tomorrow and you of all mammals know how Bogo gets on being late.
Nick lets out a laugh behind Judy as they approach the front door.
Nick: So no good night kiss?
Judy shoots Nick an annoyed glare as Nick leans against the door frame with his smug smile.
Nick (cont'd): [teasingly] I think I might need someone to tuck me in.
Judy rolls her eyes seeing Nick folds his lower lip to look like a child.
Judy: I'm starting to remember just how annoying you are? How did I ever put up with you Mr.Wilde?
Nick: I don't know carrots,
Nick opens the door in front of Judy.
Nick (cont'd): maybe a philosopher will one day answer that question.
Int. Apartment hallway
Judy steps outside into the hallway and looks back at Nick standing in the doorway his joking attitude having disappeared as he picks up the basket of blue berries sitting in front of the door
Nick: guess this is good night then.
Judy: yup, afraid so slick.
Judy tosses the keys towards Nick who catches them in front of his face with his free hand.
Nick: [hopeful] I will be seeing you tomorrow right?
Judy: of course, I'll be sure to stop by after my shift. You should call Finnick in the meantime and do something together...as long as it's legal.
Nick can't help a small smile as Judy turns and walks away down the hall.
Judy: see ya tomorrow.
Nick: [calling out] I'll hold you to that!
Judy: I'd be disappointed if you didn't!
Nick looks down at the basket in his hands then back down the hall as Judy opens the stairway door and disappears behind it.
Int. Nick's apartment
Nick closes his apartment door. He turns and takes another look around his apartment before slowly and sluggishly walking in the direction to his bedroom, his metal feet clicking on the wooden floor. Nick places the basket of blueberries and keys down onto the kitchen island on the way to his room.
Int. Bedroom
Nick walks inside his bedroom with a exhausted sigh. He reaches up to rub his eyes but stops himself seeing his sharp metal claws. He hesitates before using his forearm instead.
Nick blinks a few times before looking over to the mirror hanged in the corner beside the bed. He can't see his reflection as he's not in front of it but looking at it gives Nick a look of dread. He swipes one of the blankets off the bed and throws it over the mirror like a curtain. Nick pauses for a second seeing if the blanket will stay up and Nick lets out a relieved sigh as it does and he sits on the bed, looking at the digital clock on the nightstand reading "7:48 P.M"
Nick tiredly lays back on the bed and closes his eyes as thunder and rain can heard from outside the bedroom window.
The room slowly darkens and the clock fades to reading "1:23 A.M" as the intensity of the rain increases and is pounding the window. Nick can be seen tossing and turning uneasily in his sleep. A loud lightning strike is heard which is then accompanied by voices heard in Nick's head as he sleeps. Flashbacks of him speeding down the highway bombard his mind.
Nick's voice: ZPD stop the bike!~
The sound of Nick's bike crashing can be heard over the rain as Nick's tossing and turning intensifies, with the harsh weather outside being similar to that fateful day.
Judy's voice: just wait for me please!~
Nick's voice: ZPD...hands up!
Judy's voice: NICK NO!-
Nicks hands subconsciously dig into the mattress as he begins whimpering and crying in his sleep.
Nick: [whimper] Judy
The glass tapping heard earlier returns which causes the blanket over the mirror to shake from said tapping as Nick's nightmare continues.
Silva's voice: he's something special~ we'll go nice and slow~
An electric saw coupled with screaming is heard alongside the tapping which gets progressively louder and evolves into violent scratching
Nick's voice: [crying/begging] Stop! Make it stop!!!
Assistant 1: muzzle the damn mutt!
From behind the mirror a shadowy black claw slowly comes out from behind the mirror and wraps around the blanket obscuring it.
Silva's voice: [joyful] oh Nicky~ where do you think you're going?
Nick's voice: [echoed] NO!!!
The blanket falls off the mirror as another loud lightning strike booms outside the window. Nick's eyes shoot open as his subconscious cry echos and Nick sits up panting.
He looks around the empty room as his eyes adjust to the darkness. He lowers his head still emotional after the horrible nightmare he experienced when he notices the blanket on the floor.
With a horrified expression Nick slowly looks toward the mirror and sees a nightmarish black shadow with glowing green eyes standing over the bed directly behind him. The silhouette raises a clawed hand into the air and swings down towards Nick who screams.
Nick finally wakes up for real with a blood curdling scream as he looks behind him for the figure from his nightmare only to find it's disappeared. He looks over to the mirror seeing the blanket still up against it. Nick hugs his chest as tears run down his face, his silent crying barely audible from the still pouring rain.
Nick: [whimpering] it's not real [x2] it's not-
Nicks eyes wander over to the nightstand seeing his badge still resting on it. He reaches over and grabs it and holds it in front of him.
Nick's voice: I will be seeing you tomorrow right?~
Nick looks to his closet seeing his uniform hanging from the clothing rack.
Judy's voice: of course~
Int. ZPD conference room - morning
Judy sits in front of the conference room with her carrot pen and notepad in her hands waiting for the morning briefing. Clawhauser and Travis are sitting beside her who she pays no attention to as she's deep in thought.
Bogo's walks through the side door and everyone looks up minus Judy and take there seats.
Bogo: alright take your seats, all of you.
Bogo steps up to the podium and puts his glasses on. His eye patch is gone revealing two small scars running diagonally across his eye.
Bogo (cont'd): assignments for this morning-
As Bogo talks and gives assignments Clawhauser leans his head down towards Judy.
Clawhauser: [whisper] how's the investigation going.
Judy doesn't look up from her notepad.
Judy: [monotone] ongoing
Clawhauser: [whisper] have you gotten any info from the doctor?
Travis looks up and over Judy to give Clawhauser look.
Travis: you really think they'd let her talk to him again after last time?
Judy looks up from her notepad to shoot Travis a look of her own before turning to Clawhauser.
Judy: interrogators have tried but he's not talking. Even if they did let me I can't right now, he's being processed and prepped for transport to maximum security on outback island. The transfer should be occurring soon.
Bogo takes off his glasses and steps away from the podium.
Bogo: the rest of you have your cases and assignments, dis-
Bogo is suddenly interrupted when the door to the conference room swings open. Everyone in the conference room turns seeing Nick casually walk inside dressed in his uniform and sunglasses.
Nick: sorry everyone, late as always yep, that's me.
Nick casually walks up to the front smiling however his eyes, which are hidden under his dark sunglasses, are darting around the room to gaze at the other officers who have worried and feared looks. Nick continues to act happy and joyful as he walks down the isles. He points his fingers towards Delgato, a lion, and clicks his tongue at him.
Nick: [jokingly] manes lookin a little frizzy there Delgato, you sleep in or something?
Continuing to walk, Nick gives a wave to Mchorn who gives him a nervous smile.
Nick (cont'd): how's the ol'watering hole you and your brother opened up Mchorn, I'll have to stop by one of these days.
Nick reaches the front and walks up to the chair Judy's sitting in.
Nick (cont'd): morning carrot cake, surprised to see me?
Nick climbs up on the chair beside Judy who has a look of surprise and confusion.
Judy: Nick what are you doing here?
Bogo: yes, what ARE you doing here Wilde?
Nick: what does it look like? Here to do my duty and serve, what else?
Bogo sighs rubbing his eyes with his hand.
Bogo: Wilde you know you're not supposed to be on duty yet, doctors orders.
Nick takes off his sunglasses and rolls his eyes as he uses Judy's head as an armrest which elicits an annoyed expression from Judy as Nick smiles up at Bogo.
Nick: aw come on I'm fine, everything's fine. Plus I'd rather be here than stuck in my renovated apartment all day.
Nick then turns to face the rows of officers behind him.
Nick (cont'd): thanks by the way, I'll be sure to send y'all each a donut of gratitude.
Nicks comment causes a few officers to chuckle as he turns back to the front.
Bogo: regardless, I'm afraid I can't allow that I'm going to have to ask you-
Judy: Chief, a word.
Bogo looks back and forth between Judy and Nick before motioning Judy to the front. Judy leaps onto the table and back onto the floor as she approaches the podium while Nick looks between Travis and Clawhauser.
Nick: looking good Benjamin, should I put a raincheck on that donut.
Clawhauser looks down at Nick with a guilty smile.
Clawhauser: well I haven't had a cheat day in a while, maybe one wouldn't hurt.
Judy walks up to Bogo and the two turn their backs away from the others.
Judy: look, I know what Shoehorn said, but look how much he's improved.
Bogo: in such short time Hopps, a a few months ago he was literally at our throats, he needs more time.
Judy: normally I would agree with you on this, but Shoehorn asked me to be with him.
Bogo crosses his arms and raises and eyebrow at Judy.
Judy (cont'd): She wants me to watch him as much as I can. But I can't do that when I'm working and he's not.
Bogo rubs the back of his head
Bogo: I don't know about this Hopps.
Judy: it doesn't have to be a major case or nothing just put us on an easy patrol route or hell I'll even be fine with parking duty at this point. You trust me right?
Bogo looks back up at Nick who is still chatting with Clawhauser.
Bogo: alright, I'll trust you on this.
Judy turns to go sit back down when Bogo reaches out and stops her.
Bogo (cont'd): but I don't want you responding to any calls whatsoever do you understand me?
Judy: yes sir.
Bogo releases Judy's hand and steps back up to the podium. Judy goes and sits next to Nick.
Bogo: alright there has been a change of plan,
Int. hyena hurst mall
Judy and Nick are seen standing side by side on an escalator with many shopping centers lining the inside of a giant mall complex. Nick is standing just behind Judy as he takes a glance behind him seeing the people further down the escalator giving him looks. His ears flatten as he turns back around and looks at the downwards escalator next to then seeing people passing him by doing the same. Nicks tail can be seen tucking between his legs as they near the top of the escalator.
Bogo's voice: Higgins and Pennington will patrol Sahara square. While Hopps and Officer Wilde will be security in the hyena hurst mall.
Reaching the top of the escalator, Judy notices a small coffee shop store and looks up at Nick, playfully grabbing him by his black tie and pulling him towards the shop.
Bogo (cont'd): welcome back Wilde, that'll be all, dismissed.
The next shot as the focus is now primarily at the mall is of Judy sitting at a small coffee table outside the coffee shop with Nick leaning against the wall beside her, the two holding coffee cups in their hands.
Nick: I still can't believe we didn't have to pay for the damages like the train literally exploded Michael bay style. My ears were ringing for like half an hour.
Judy laughingly scoffs, swallowing a sip of her coffee as she looks over her shoulder at Nick.
Judy: ha, YOUR ears where ringing?
Nick: I'd of been relieved if that was our first and last near death experience on a train.
Judy: you referring to the masked fox thief we chased onto that departing subway tram?
Nick smiles to himself at the memory as he also takes a drink out of his cup.
Nick: [sarcastically] mmhm, who'd of thought subduing a resisting suspect on top of a moving tram would be so terrifying.
Judy: you just made it harder cuz you were pulling your punches cuz the "he" turned out to be a "she."
Nick almost spits out his coffee which causes Judy to giggle at the display.
Nick: [coughing] excuse me?
Judy: oh don't tell me when I ripped her mask off mid-tussle you didn't hesitate.
Nick: I was just surprised, most girls don't put up that good of a fight.
Judy playfully glares back at her partner as she raises her cup back up to her lips.
Judy: you saying girls can't fight?
Nick: hey I said "most girls." I have full confidence you'd knock out any guys lights out in a fight.
Nick downs the last of his coffee before tossing his empty cup in an open garbage can a few feet away while Judy is still drinking hers in her seat.
Judy: whatever, I saw you checking her out when Wolford loaded her into his squad car.
Nick jokingly gasps as he grasps his chest pretending to look offended.
Nick: [overly dramatic] you wound me carrots, I would never do such a thing. Duty before booty is what I say.
Judy laughs out loud at Nick's last comment almost chocking in her coffee as she forcibly swallowed. Nick stops leaning against the wall and sits beside Judy in a separate chair.
Judy: oh well aren't you mister stone cold terminator over here.
Nick: it's what I do-
Nick shoots his partner a annoyed glare as Judy fails to repress a smile.
Nick: really, robot jokes?
Judy: what, to soon?
Nick: well maybe not for you,
The two stand up from there chairs and make there way through the crowds to a clearing in the middle of the large 2nd floor plaza.
Nick: could be a little more creative though, like "what, love not in your programming?"
Judy shakes her head and smiles as Nick looks down at her with a cheeky grin almost laughing at his own joke. The two begin walking towards an escalator to take them back to the ground level.
Judy: guess jokes and witty comebacks aren't my expertise, I'll have to get some pointers from Finnick next time I see him, or Duke, he always had some good zingers.
Something catches Nicks attention and he looks out past the escalator.
Nick: speak of the devil and he shall appear.
Judy: what?
Judy is about to step onto the escalator when Nick holds his hand in front to stop her before motioning with his hand to the direction he's looking.
Nick: shady weasel two-o-clock.
Judy squints and looks over and sees Duke Weaselton walking at the corner of the plaza with fewer people, he looks over his shoulders for any onlookers before sitting on a small bench beside a muskrat wearing a hoodie. The two don't exchange looks for a brief moment until the muskrat discreetly hands Duke a wad of cash before Duke follows up with handing the mammal a small baggie with an unknown substance.
Judy's eyes widen as she's quick to catch on.
Judy: it's a drug deal, POLICE! Stay where you are!
Duke and the muskrat shoot there heads in the direction of Nick and Judy.
Duke: shit!
The two are both quick leap from the bench and run in opposite directions. Judy's eyes follow Weaselton as he tries pushing through the crowd.
Judy: I'm on him! Nick, you try and cut him off!
Judy hands Nick her coffee cup and immediately takes off after Duke
Nick: carrots why don't-
Before Nick could get a word in Judy is already gone leaving Nick alone with onlookers starring in confusion. Nick just stands there jokingly looking around as he swirls the coffee inside the cup before taking a sip. He turns and walks in the direction they came.
Nick: [to himself] some things never change.
The scene cuts to Duke sprinting towards another downwards escalator, pushing smaller marks out of his way and dodging significantly larger ones.
Duke: [frantic] scuse me, coming through!
Duke begins running down the escalator moving past the swarm of people in his way. Judy, hot on his tail, jumps and balances on the rubber railing of the escalator and begins sliding down.
Duke reaches the bottom of the escalator, ungracefully tripping as he squeezes past a large hippo couple before scurrying to his feat and barely avoiding Judy who jumps and narrowly misses dukes leg as she lands on the ground next to him.
Judy: [commanding] Weselton!!
Judy quickly gets back to her feet to continue the chase as the two sprint towards a large glass elevator which goes up towards the upper floors.
Duke: [yelling back] for gods sake it's Weaselton!
With little obstacles in her way Judy begins catching up to Duke who is barely an arm length behind her. Dukes looks behind him wide eyed seeing Judy so close as he looks back forwards seeing the glass elevator door open. Duke smiles as he's about to run inside before stopping dead in his tracks and sticks his foot out which Judy trips over.
Judy: woah!!
Judy trips and lands on her back as she slides on the slick floor and into the elevator. Duke then runs up to the control panel and hits the button for the highest floor. Judy stands and tries running out but the glass door closes and the elevator begins to rise. Judy groans and punches the glass in frustration as Duke waves up at Judy before running off.
Duke: better luck next time cotton-ball!
Int. Mall - exit way
Another scene cuts to Duke looking over his shoulder as he rapidly runs towards a metal emergency exit at the corner of the mall. He uses all his strength to push the the large door (clearly meant for larger mammals) out of the way and runs outside only to freeze in his tracks seeing the police car parked with its lights on in front of him.
Duke: oh fuck!
Duke rapidly looks for a way of escape before running towards a narrow ally. As soon as he rounds the corner a metal foot sticks out and trips the weasel causing him to hit the ground face first.
Duke shakes his head as he holds his forehead clearly dazed as he spots two metal legs walk in front of his line of sight. Dukes eyes widen as he slowly looks up to see Nick standing over him who smiles widely showing off his metal teeth which elicits a fearful gasp from Duke as he uses his hands to slowly crawl away in fear.
Nick: why the rush friend, going somewhere?
Nick slowly runs one of his metal fingers against the brick wall which causes dukes fearful expression to warp to one of terror at the sight of his long knife like claws.
Duke: [horrified] what in the shit?! Don't touch me!
Turns around and tries to run but Nick reaches down and grabs Duke by the collar of his shirt and lifts him into the air. Duke tries to kick and squirm but can't get free as Nick lifts Duke up to eye level.
Duke: woah [x2] no please don't I'm sorry!
Nick: so good to see you again Duke.
Duke stops struggling and fearfully looks into Nick's piercing green eyes and his mouth drops open.
Duke: W-Wilde?! I thought you was dead?!
Nick: sorry to disappoint you.
The back door flies open as Judy runs out panting before spotting Nick holding Duke in the air.
Nick: nice of you join us fluff.
Judy walks over to the duo, still catching her breath while Nick continues to glare at the weasel dangling from his right hand.
Judy: how'd you get here so quick?
Nick: work smarter not harder carrots,
Without breaking eye contact with Duke, Nick holds out a clip board he was holding in his free hand to Judy who inspects the paper.
Judy: You just can't stay clean can you "Weaselton?" Former bootleg hustler-
Judy reaches into dukes pants pocket, Duke tries to bat her hands away to no avail as Judy pulls out several small baggies all containing a white powdery substance
Judy (cont'd): now cocaine dealer. Selling Bootleg DVD's get to boring?
Duke temporarily takes his frightened eyes away from the smiling Nick and down at Judy.
Duke: hustling wasn't cutting it no more, wasn't paying the bills ya know?
Nick: seems like the only thing you'll be paying for is a nice long stay in a prison cell buddy.
Nick looks down to Judy.
Nick: You wanna do the honors?
Judy: you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you~
Judy's voice slowly begins to fade out as Nick's and Duke's eyes meet. A tinnitus like ringing sound is heard as Nick's eyes narrow and a smile creeps on his face as voices can be heard seemingly only by Nick.
Silva's voice: [faint] do it~
Nick's voice: [whimpering] please don't make me
Assistant 1: do it now
Silva's voice: kill him-
Nick's voice: [demonic] DO IT!
Nick's trance is broken and he drops duke who screams as he falls to the ground of his backside. Nick has a horrified look on his face however Judy doesn't notice as she leans down and pulls Duke to his feet before placing his arms behind his back and putting him in handcuffs.
Judy: think you got all that buddy? Cause we're gonna take a ride. Come on partner, we got a convict to book.
Judy leads the weasel towards the squad car while Nick is frozen in place still panting heavily. He looks at his metal hands which are shaking slightly before taking a deep breath to regain himself. he turns turning to follow Judy towards the squad car.
Notes:
Story continues in Chapter Six: Fractured Facade
Chapter 6: Fractured Facade
Summary:
Cracks in Nick's mental wall begin to show in what should've been a routine therapy session. Now it’s a race against time for Judy to get to her partner before he does something dumb.
Notes:
Trigger Warning: Night terrors, severe PTSD, torture, and body horror ahead.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Shoehorn's voice: so tell me, how did today's little adventure go?
Int. Shoehorn's office
The scene changes to inside shoehorns office where Nick is sitting in a chair across from Shoehorn with a small coffee table in between them.
Nick rubs the back of his head with a guilty smile on his face at shoehorns question.
Nick: heard about that did you?
Shoehorn: yes, Bogo called and updated me on today's events. That and you're still in uniform, obviously.
Nick: [sarcastic] wow shock of the century there?
Shoehorn smiles as she holds a pen and notepad in her hands. She writes while still maintaining eye contact with Nick.
Shoehorn: so how did it go?
Nick blinks a few times and takes a few seconds to respond all while maintaining a smile. Shoehorn's smile slowly wavers as she seems to catch this, writing something down on her notepad.
Nick: it was great, it was like I never left. Just me and Judy doing what we did best, busting the bad guys and "making the world a better place" as she would put it.
Shoehorn: yes, not even twenty-four hours after being released from the hospital and with free time to do anything, you opt to go back to work despite my advising against it, why is that?
Nick takes another long second to think until he shrugs his shoulders, keeping up his smile and positive demeanor.
Nick: [snarky] couldn't leave Judy without her partner, what kind of cop would I be.
Shoehorn: it sounds to me like you're going out of your way to be with Judy, almost as if...you enjoy being around her.
Nick initially laughingly scoffs at Shoehorns remark until he looks up seeing Shoehorn looking at him with the same neutral expression. Nick quickly realized she wasn't joking. He takes a moment to think again on what she said before and he slowly begins to nod his head.
Nick: yeah I guess you're right.
Shoehorn: So she makes you happy?
Nick smile grows wider as he's very quick to respond this time.
Nick: she does, one hundred percent.
Shoehorn can't help but smile as she continues writing in her notepad while Nick lays down across the oversized chair and stares up at the ceiling.
Nick (cont'd): the way her nose twitches whenever she's annoyed, the way she giddily bounces up and down when she's ecstatic,
Shoehorn chuckles warmly at Nick seemingly gushing over Judy like a high school crush.
Nick (cont'd) [gleefully] oh-and the face she makes whenever I make some witty joke or anything for that matter. Trust me it's a way better look than how everyone else looks at me.
Shoehorn's smile immediately disappears and she stops writing mid-word and looks up with an alarmed expression at Nick's last statement.
Shoehorn: [stunned] I'm sorry what?
Nick takes a second to process what he said before his eyes slowly go wide and his smile completely vanishes, realizing he said something he hadn't meant to say.
Nick: uh, I-
Shoehorn leans forwards and presses a button on a tape recorder resting on the coffee table, the tape rewinds before shoehorn presses the play button.
Nick (recording): it's a way better look than how everyone else looks at me.
Shoehorn stops the recording and looks towards Nick who sits up in his chair with a flabbergasted look as he tries to speak but no words come out. He'd forgotten their sessions were recorded, and he hadn't expected Shoehorn to play the 'play the recording troupe' that was usually Judy's forte.
Shoehorn: what do mean by that? "How everyone looks at me?"
Nicks eyes bounce between looking at shoehorn and the floor as Nick puts on a fake smile and tries to reestablish his positive attitude.
Nick: It-it's nothing.
Shoehorn: clearly not if it bothers you so much.
Nick lets out a nervous laugh still trying to keep up his act by smiling and acting cheerful which only makes him look more erratic.
Nick: but it doesn't though, at least that's what I make it look like-cause [chuckle] that's what I'm good at, "don't let them know they get to you," am I right?
Shoehorn gently rests her pen and paper on the coffee table and leans down to be closer to Nick.
Shoehorn: [softly] Nick this is a room of truth, if it bothers you shouldn't be afraid to tell me so please, how does everyone look at you?
Nicks smile he fought so hard to maintain vanishes as he's now trying not to cry as he looks down at his hands.
Nick: [deranged] with fear...I see it in there eyes whenever they look at me or whisper behind my back as if I can't hear them. Even when there not looking I can smell it on them!
Shoehorns face grows increasingly weary and horrified as Nick slowly breaks down in front of her.
Nick: You wanna know why I spent so much time with Judy huh?! Because she seems to be the only one in this city that doesn't see me as...as,
Shoehorn: Nick you're not a monster.
Nicks head shoots up and Nick looks Shoehorn dead in the eyes. Tears can be seen slowly beginning to creep down his face.
Nick: [quivering] you don't hear it, nobody does. I hear It when I close my eyes, I feel it in my dreams, I see it when I look in the mirror; the scratching, clawing, trying to get out, the voices telling me to do things...horrible things.
Shoehorn cups her mouth with one of her hands looking increasingly disturbed as Nick takes his head in his hands which causes tiny droplets of blood to drop from his scalp as he squeezes against his head.
Nick (cont'd): [tearful] Part of me wants to think none of this is real, like any minute I'll wake up in my bedroom or in a hospital bed and Judy'll be there and say "it's called a hustle sweetheart" or...
Nicks eyes go wide in terror as he looks around the room looking increasingly paranoid.
Nick (cont'd): [growing fear & paranoia] what if I never left?! What If I'm still strapped to that operating table and any second I'll wake up and Silva'll be cutting something else off of me!!!
Shoehorn leans in her chair and over the coffee table with her hand and reaches out to try and comfort him.
Shoehorn: [distorted] Nick-
Nick looks up at Shoehorn and his eyes fill with terror and his mouth drops open seeing Silva in her place smiling at him with a hand outstretched towards him. Nick screams and falls backwards on the floor trying to crawl away.
Nick: [terrified] No, get away from me!
Nick stumbles to his feet and runs to the door while shoehorn stands up alarmed and confused
Shoehorn: Nick wait, Nick!
Int. Therapy hallway
Shoehorns door flies open as Nick runs down the hall towards the exit fruitlessly cupping his metal ears with his hands as he pushes past other mammals in the hall.
Shoehorn: [calling out] Nick!
Nick ignores shoehorns pleas as he runs outside from the main exit whimpering and crying.
Int. Judy's apartment
Judy sits at her desk using a pencil to read through another file copy from evidence as her phone begins to vibrate beside her on the desk. Due to it being late in the evening Judy lets it ring thinking it's spam without even looking at her phone. She yawns softly before looking up at the board next to her at all the photos and news articles before looking back down at the paper. She groans in frustration and crumbles up the paper and drops it beside the overflowing garbage can. Judy sighs tiredly before her phone begins ringing again, she picks her phone off the desk and turns it over and blinks a few times in reaction to seeing Shoehorn's name displayed on her phone. She places the phone to her ear and answers.
Judy: [tiredly] Hopps speaking
Shoehorn: [fierce urgency] Judy! Where is he?! Is he with you?!
Judy is startled by Shoehorns loud voice and almost drops her phone.
Judy: uh-no I'm at home, where's Nick is he alright?
Shoehorn: [nervous panic] No he's not alright, he's anything but alright. He had a full blown meltdown and just ran off!
Judy: what?!
Judy holds her phone close to her ear with both hands as fear is immediately beginning to set in.
Shoehorn: he was going on about voices and dreams in a hysterical fit. Judy you have to find him NOW!
Judy hangs up her phone and jumps out of her chair. She snatches her car keys beside the door before opening her apartment door and begins sprinting down the rustic hallway. She reaches to her radio on her shoulder.
Judy: [urgently] Ringo come in!
Int. ZPD headquarters - front desk
Ringo is seen sitting behind the front desk as the microphone on the desk beeps and flashes red. Ringo doesn't notice as he's laughing and talking with Clawhauser and Travis who are leaning over the counter.
Clawhauser: [happily] and so I walked in and he was using it.
Clawhauser points to the phone in his hand and Travis is suppressing a laugh while Ringo's mouth drops out with a smile at Clawhauser's story.
Travis: wow I didn't think the chief would be into that sort of thing
Clawhauser: I know, that's why it's so good!
Ringo laughs in his chair before he notices the flashing light on the microphone.
Ringo: hang on I gotta get this.
Ringo is about to press the button before clawhauser quickly places his hand on his.
Clawhauser: [excitedly] oh can I do it please, for old times sake?
Ringo pushes the mic closer to Clawhauser who presses down on the button.
Clawhauser: Clawhauser speaking~
Judy (radio): [screaming] BENJAMIN!
Clawhauser almost trips over himself and Ringo's hair on the back of his head shoots up hearing Judy screaming over the mic.
Judy (cont'd): have you seen Nick, is he at the station?!
Clawhauser: [startled & confused] n-no we haven't seen him why what's going-
Judy: listen to me!
Ext. Judy's apartment - stairwell
Judy was sprinting as fast as she could down the stairway, skipping stairs, and using the railings to turn corners exceptionally fast with her radio in her hand.
Judy (cont'd): there's a bar on the 14th of oakwood! I need you go and see if Nick is there!
Int. ZPD Headquarters - front desk
Clawhauser looks over at Ringo and Travis who both share his confused expression as Clawhauser presses the respond button on the radio again.
Clawhauser: [awkwardly] uh...right now?
Judy (radio): YES, RIGHT NOW, GO!!!
Clawhauser: 14th of oakwood, got it!
Clawhauser hastily turns and nods to Travis and the two sprint for the front entrance.
Ext. Judy's apartment - evening
Judy burst through the front door of her apartment building and down the steps towards the road where her squad car is parked on the side. She rapidly dials her phone and impatiently waits for it to ring as Nick's name is displayed on her phone screen.
Judy: come on, pick up you dumb fox!
Int. Nick's apartment - hallway
The stairway door opens and Nick walks out and slowly traverses down the hallway. His phone is heard vibrating in his back pocket however Nick doesn't notice as he's still breathing rapidly and still crying to himself. He looks ahead of him seeing the light on the ceiling flickering. A window is seen on the opposite end of the long hallway shining what little light was left from outside. He stares down the long hallway as his eyes widen as the environment around him fades in and out as the vibrating sound of his phone fades out.
Int. Sewer tunnel (flashback)
The hallway before him changes to the sewer entrance at Canyonlands, the hallway window is represented by the light shining at the end of the tunnel.
Nick is clearly terrified at his all to familiar surroundings and is about to run towards the tunnel exit where the light is when he hears crying and a faint scrapping sound. Nick turns and looks towards the darkness and from the shadows a beaten and bloody Nick is seen dragging himself across the floor towards the exit.
One of his ears has been cut off. His mouth was dripping blood from the numerous missing teeth that have been yanked out. Both of his feet have been amputated along with his left hand. His right hand, his only remaining appendage, he was using to slowly drag himself across the wet concrete ground, leaving a bloody trail behind him.
Dr.Silva: [gleefully] oh Nicky, where are you?~
The past version of Nick looks over behind his back towards the blackness of the tunnel as Silva emerges from the darkness coated in blood and holding a bone saw in his hand.
Dr.Silva (cont'd): there you are, where do you think you're going?
Past Nick: NO! [x5] PLEASE!!!
The past version of Nick tries desperately to crawl faster towards the exit as Silva's footsteps draw closer accompanied by his sinister cackling.
Dr.Silva: [mockingly] you're almost there you can do it.
The bloody Nick tries to continue crawling as tears spill from his eyes. The exit of the tunnel only a few meters away.
Past Nick: [sobbing] No please, somebody!-
Dr.Silva: uh oh,
Silva's hand violently grasps one of Nick's amputated legs and jerks him back. Silva leans his head down in front of Nick's with a wide toothy smile.
Dr.Silva: game over. Hehehahaha!
And just like that Silva begins to slowly drag the bloody Nick back into the sewer while his captive scrapes the ground with his only hand trying to prevent the inevitable. His echoed cries and pleas mixing with Silva's hysterical laughter.
Past Nick: [echoed screaming] No save me, Judy save me! Somebody save me!!! NO!~
As the two disappear in the darkness of the tunnel Nick turns around and sprints out in the direction of his apartment door crying.
Int Nick's apartment
Nicks apartment door files open, with Nick practically diving inside, shutting the door with his entire body and locking the bolt with shaking fingers. He covers his ears with his hands as the voices don't stop.
Dr.Silva's voice: Judy's not coming for you, no one is.
Nick presses his back against the door writhing as if the voices/memories where physically causing him pain.
Dr.Silva's voice: kill him
Assistant 1: NO [x3] GET IT AWAY FROM ME!!!
Dr.Silva's voice: kill them, kill them all!
Judy's voice: Nick it's me please-
Unable to take the voices and torment anymore Nick stands up and begins slashing at the walls around him as he tries to drown out the voices with his own screams.
Nick: [screaming] GET OUT OF MY HEAD! STOP IT! MAKE IT STOP!!!
Nick keeps scratching and clawing at the walls until he exhausts himself and collapses against the front door. He buries his head in his hands as he sobs uncontrollably, his tears dripping from his snout and onto the wooden floor.
Nick (cont'd): [quiet sobbing] make it stop.
Int. Bar
Inside the very same bar Judy and Finnick had been to, a few patrons were scattered about at various tables as a bartender was serving someone at the bar counter when the front is door flown open. Everyone inside turns there heads startled as Clawhauser and Travis rush inside.
Clawhauser: [loudly] ZPD!
The two scan the open bar's now startled patrons and are quick to realize Nick isn't there and Clawhauser reaches for his radio.
Clawhauser he's not here Judy.
Int. Squad car - downtown - night
Judy's squad car can be seen swerving though the busy evening traffic however is quickly boxed in by cars at a red light and is forced to wait. Judy holds the radio in front of her mouth as she spins her head back and forth looking at the traffic around her.
Judy: then call finnick he might be with him, his number should 501-7567.-
Judy rolls down her drivers side window and leans her head out the window blaring her police siren.
Judy (cont'd): [yelling] oh my god it's green now, GO!!!
The cars ahead of her pull forward and Judy utilizes what little space in the road to maneuver around them, she jumps the curb slightly as she accelerates down the busy downtown city street.
Travis (radio): we've been trying to call Nick's cell but he's not answering.
Judy: keep trying, I'm headed over to his apartment now.
Int. Nick's apartment
Nick can still be seen crying against the front door brushing the snot out of his nose with his forearm as his cries weaken as Nick begins hearing a familiar sound which he at first has trouble recognizing. His eyes eventually widen as he recognizes it as the same scratching heard in his nightmares.
He crawls away from his door initially believing it coming from the other side but his visual horror increases upon realizing it's coming from inside his apartment.
Nick gets up from the floor and cautiously peers into the empty living room and eventually the bathroom which has its door opened and evidentially being the source of the scratching. Nick hugs the wall as he approaches the door from the side and cautiously leans and uses his hand to push the door open all the way and peeks inside.
Nick's apartment - bathroom
The room is empty beside the typical necessities found in a bathroom. However what immediately draws Nick's attention is the bathroom mirror, which has a bathroom towel draped over it and shaking as the scratching becomes louder. Nick is constantly looking over his shoulder and around every corner of the room as he inches closer to the mirror with an outstretched hand. The scratching becomes even louder as Nick inches closer and closer.
Nick squeezes his eyes shut as he wraps his metal hand around the towel and yanks it down, the scratching completely stopping as a result. There's a long pause until Nick slowly opens one of his eyes to peek at the mirror to be faced with his shaking and terrified reflection in the mirror. Nick begins looking around the room again confused but still terrified as if expecting something to have happened. He eventually lets out a quivering sigh and leans against the head of the sink, his face stained from crying.
Nick then jumps slightly at hearing his phone begin vibrating in his pocket again. He reaches in his back pocket and pulls it out but before he can look at his phone or answer it he looks back up towards the mirror and screams, dropping his phone in the process as his reflection is smiling back at him.
His reflection was completely naked showing all his scars across his entire body and was covered in blood as his green eyes were locked onto Nick's, his crazed smile not wavering in the slightest as Nick looks on petrified
Subject 93 (Nick's reflection): hello "Nick"
Nick clutches his head again and looks away clearly from the mirror horrified.
Nick: [denial] it's not real, you're not real, you're not...
His reflection throws his head back laughing hysterically at Nick's behavior who is keeping his distance.
Subject 93: well of course I am, and it's all thanks you
Nick: [whisper] no
Subject 93: [sternly] look at me.
Nick whimpers, pressing his face against the bathroom wall not wanting to face his reflection, which only enraged him.
Subject 93: [booming] Look at me!!! Look at yourself, NICHOLAS!"
Nick slowly turns his head partially to look towards the mirror as he continues to cry his entire body shaking. His reflections smirks, seemingly amused by Nick's pain.
Subject 93: [teasingly] oh wait that's right, Nick is dead.
Nick: [weakly] N-no
Subject 93: oh? So all those smiles and jokes were genuine? Or where they all just an excuse to lie to yourself and your "friends." Because I look at you and all I see is the most sad, weak, and pathetic excuse of a fox I have ever seen!
Nick drops to his knees on the bathroom floor still holding his head. His fear slowly begins to shift into anger as he digs deeper into his scalp.
Nick: [grunting] go away
Subject 93: You think I can just, go away?! You don't get it, I'm never going away, I'm you! I'm everything you hate about yourself, everything you're meant to be.
Nick: [angered muttering] No...shut up.
Subject 93: no matter how many times you tell yourself that "everything is fine," No matter how many hours you spend with your little bunny toy, you'll always be what Silva made you; a broken, disfigured ,vile, mons-
Nick: [screaming] SHUT UP!!!
Nick stands up in front of the sink and drives his metal fist into the mirror cracking it into a thousand pieces. There's a long silence as Nick looks down at his hands again then back up looking at his now distorted reflection in the now broken mirror as he begins to cry again, thinking that maybe his reflection was right.
Subject 93: here, let me show you.
A hand reaches out from the mirror as if it were an open window and grabs Nick by the collar of his shirt. Nick screams as the hand yanks him through the mirror and he begins falling through a black void.
Ext. Nick's nightmare - Zootopia harbor - night
Nick screams as he continues to fall faster from the sky until splashing into the water at the harbor.
Nick surfaces with a gasp using his metal limbs to swim the best he can. He looks out see the city shining off in the distance. The night sky begins changing to a blood red as too the water he's swimming in. Nick begins to panic and tries to swim to the shore when something grabs ahold of his leg under water. Nick tries to splash in the water to stay afloat but he's quickly and violently pulled under where he sees dozens of metal hands similar to his own pulling him deeper and deeper into the dark red abyss.
Travis's voice: weak~
Nick tries to using his hands to fruitlessly swim back up to the surface. He grasps his throat as his air begins to run out. Voices can be heard as his surrounding become darker and darker the deeper he goes.
Grizzoli's voice: pathetic~
Clawhauser's voice: freak~
Bogo's voice: worthless~
Finnick's voice: crybaby~
Nick eyes begin to roll back as he begins to loose consciousness due to the asphyxiation. the hands pulling him down now having vanished due to Nick being to exhausted to swim back up himself. He tries to reach up to the sky as he sinks lower into the darkness.
Shoehorn's voice: disfigured-
Clawhauser's voice: deformed-
Judy's voice: monster~
Nick's body floats to the floor of the lake and his body is slowly sucked under the sand.
Int. Nick's nightmare - Silva's hospital.
Nick's body falls onto the bloody stone floor after his body warped through the ceiling. Nick gasps and coughs violently as he's allowed to breath again. His body begins trembling as Nick looks around clearly traumatized by being back at the origin of his suffering. His terror is then suddenly brought to an end when Nick hears screaming coming from down the hall.
Judy: [screaming] Nick!!!
Nick: Judy?!
Ext. Nick's apartment - night
Judy slams her brakes in front of Nicks apartment before jumping out the car and running towards the entrance. Judy looks at the phone in her hand as it ceases ringing and again goes to voicemail, displaying Nicks name on her screen.
She pockets her phone as she swings the front door open and sprints inside.
Int. Nick's nightmare - Silva's hospital
Nick, still gasping for air, looks down the hall where the operating room door swings open. Nick's eyes widen seeing Judy strapped down to the operating table with Silva menacingly standing over her slowly bringing an electric saw close to her head.
Both Judy and Nick lock eyes, Judy tries reaching her hand from the operating table towards Nick in a desperate cry.
Judy: [begging] Nick help me!!!
Nick stands up from the floor and tries to run to help Judy, his fear subsiding by Nick's will to help his partner and friend.
Nick: Judy! I'm com-
Before Nick could properly react, Nick is grabbed from behind and put in a deadly rear naked choke by his evil alter ego, who is now wearing the same bloody gown Judy had found him in. Nick reaches up to his throat to try and break free as he begins to choke again.
Subject 93: [mockingly] just where do you think you're going hero?
Int. Nick's apartment - hallway
Judy kicks open the stair door and sprints down the hall towards Nick's apartment with a look of dread on her face. She comes to a screeching halt in from of Nicks door and immediately tries the locked doorknob.
Judy: Nick?! Nick!!!
She presses her long ears against the door and hears the sounds of objects being bumped accompanied by the sound of gurgling. Judy quickly draws her pistol and begins kicking at the door.
Int. Nick's nightmare - Silva's hospital
Meanwhile, Nick is still struggling to break free from the chokehold. His alter ego begins to back away slowly taking Nick with him farther away from the operating room all the while Nick is forced to watch helplessly as Judy screams in pain and cry for his help while he fights to stay conscious. The operating doors closes automatically blocking Judy from view however her screams and cries can still be heard.
Subject 93: you think you can save her?! You can't even save yourself.
Nick: [gasping] J-Judy...
Int. Nick's apartment - hallway
Judy's foot smashes against the door two more times before Judy takes a few running steps back. She utilizes the back wall and pushes off , utilizing her entire body and finally breaks the door open.
Int Nick's apartment - living room.
Judy runs through the doorway and through the small entrance hallway before running into the living room.
Judy: Nick where are-OH MY GOD!!!
Judy drops her pistol in horror seeing Nick flat on his back, lying in the middle of the living room. He has both his metallic arms around throat as he chokes himself. His eyes are rolled back and his mouth is foaming from the prolonged asphyxiation.
Judy: [horrified] Nick stop, wake up!!!
Judy rushes to Nick's side and gets on her hands and knees as she tries to pry nicks arms away from his throat.
Int. Nick's nightmare - Silva's hospital
Nick is brought to his knees as his alter egos grip on him tightens and is gasping for air. His nightmare counter part laughs as Nick tries to reach behind him to claw at him in desperation.
Judy's voice: [echoed] wake up~
Nick's nightmare looks up towards the ceiling in reaction to hearing Judy's voice
Subject 93: well would you look at that. Don't worry, At least she'll be able to see you die this time.
Nicks hand tightly clench around his nightmares arm around his throat and begins pulling down hard which causes his grip on him to lightly loosen.
Nick: JUDY!!!
Nick lets out a scream and and uses the back of his head and headbutts his counterpart and breaks free of his nightmares grip. Nick falls to the ground and tries to run towards the operating room but is then blinded by a bright white light the second he bursts through the double doors.
Int. Nick's apartment - living room
Nick: [scream] Judy!
Nick awakens with a scream and a gasp as Judy is able to pry Nicks hands away from his throat. Judy stands to her feet as Nick is still lying on the ground gasping for air. Nick looks around the room energetically while Judy is starting to tear up following the traumatic event that has just transpired.
Judy: [heartbroken] Nick, why were you doing that?!
Nick: [hoarsely] doing wha-
Nick tries to speak but immediately winces at how painful talking is. He reaches up to feel his neck and feels the marks that are still visible, he slowly comes to the realization of what had just happened. Nick looks down at his trembling hands which look more to be glitching out than trembling then back up at Judy who is still looking down at him completely mortified. Nick knew that look, it was almost the same look everyone else was giving him.
Nick: [tearfully] carrots I-I don't...I didn't mean-
Nick ears flatten as far as they can go and Nick immediately stumbles on his words to try and explain. He wanted to see her happy not terrified and tries to come up with some witty or clever explanation to try and maintain the lie he's created but he just can't. Nick looks into Judy's heartbroken and tearful eyes and can't take it anymore. He begins to cry.
Nick: [crying] I don't know Judy, I don't know anymore!
Judy struggles maintain eye contact with Nick as he breaks down. She's Completely clueless on what she should do. Should she call someone? Should she take him somewhere?
Nick (cont'd): What was he gonna do to me Judy? What was he turning me into?! What...what did he turn me into?
Judy: I-I'm calling an ambulance.
Nicks eyes shoot open in horror and looks back up to see Judy turn away from him reaching for her radio.
Nick: [horrified] wait please don't-NO!!
Nick rapidly crawls over to Judy and takes hold of her hand. Judy whips her head back towards Nick startled as he looks up at her crying.
Nick: please...don't let them take me back there.
Judy is once again stunned into inaction with her body still partially facing him. Judy then Slowly begins to piece things together as an earlier conversation the two had came to her mind.
Judy's voice: ready to get out of here~
Nick's voice: oh you have no idea~
Nick: [pleadingly] Judy please-
Nick lightly tugs on Judy's arm to try and turn her body completely towards him.
Nick (cont'd): [sobbing] don't leave me...I'm scared.
Judy's eyes widen as she remembers the promise that she made to Nick in the hospital. That she'd never again leave him, and here she was, getting ready to do just that.
Judy looks back to Nick who lets go of her hand and hugs the side of the living room couch, continuing to sob uncontrollably.
Judy looks to her radio as Bogo's voice comes on.
Bogo (radio): Judy! Clawhauser told me, do you have a 20 on Wilde.
Judy reaches up to her radio but doesn't respond or press the button as her gaze is still locked onto her crying partner.
Bogo: Hopps talk to me, have you found Nick?!
Judy leans her head as close to her radio as she can and presses the respond button.
Judy: yeah chief I-I found him.
Bogo: is everything alright, do you need assistance?
Judy takes a moment to respond, unsure of what the right thing to do is. But one look into Nick's watery eyes and Judy just couldn't bring herself to do it.
Judy: [hesitant] No, where fine Chief, everything is fine. Listen Bogo, I'm probably not coming in tomorrow.
Bogo: what, why?
Judy: because I made a promise.
Bogo: what are you-
Before bogo could finish Judy turns off her radio and sets it down on the coffee table beside her. Judy walks over and sits down beside Nick who instinctively wraps his arms around her and brings her closer to him. He buries his head in her chest as he continues to sob.
Nick: [sobbing] I can't live like this Judy, I can't live like this!
Judy: it's okay, I'm here Nick. I'm not going anywhere.
Judy returns the hug and begins stroking the top of Nick's head in an attempt to comfort him. She looks at the couch behind them and reaches up, sliding a blanket off of the couch and wrapping it around them, using a part of it to wipe the tears from Nick's eyes. She sighs, still slightly crying herself and rests her head beside Nick's, the two continuing to cry.
Int. Prison cell
Silva's eyes slowly open as his cell door opens with a loud clang. Silva's face is fastened with a muzzle and is wearing an orange jumpsuit with his legs linked by a short chain. His hands are bound in front of him with similar restraints. The three guards at the door step inside heavily armed with one holding a leash in one hand.
Security guard 1: on your feet, lets go.
A smile creeps on Silva's face as she slowly stands up from the floor and turns to face the guards.
Ext. police transport - night
A heavily armored police transport truck is seen driving through an empty two lane road in the middle of an empty plain its bright headlights illuminating a road marker with "harbor 20 miles" written on it.
Int. Police transport - back
Inside the truck Silva stands in between two tall muscular predator security guards both armed with shotguns and one holding Silva's leash tightly. Silva casually glances behind him at the third guard in the truck sitting in a fixed steel bench next to locked door behind the three. The security guard, a pig, can be seen slowly and quietly remove the safety strap from her pistol
Security guard 2: [monotone] eyes front.
The guard holding Silva by the leash lightly tugs his arm forcing Silva's head to turn back to facing forward. Silva smiles widely as he glances between the two security guards as his hands tightly clench into fists in his cuffs.
Dr.Silva: I'll take leash puller here.
The guard holding the leash looks down at Silva puzzled by his random comment.
Security guard 2: what?-
The other guard is suddenly shot in the back and falls over dead.
Security guard 2: [alarmed] what the-
The guard turns around and Silva takes this opportunity to jump onto the lions back and uses his handcuff chain to violently strangle the guard. The guard drops his shotgun and tries to reach behind his head but Silva yanks hard which is followed by a loud snapping sound and the lion falls forward motionless with a loud thud.
Int. Police transport - front
The two guards in the driver and passengers seat quickly look at each other at the loud sounds coming from the back and the passenger side guard slides a metal window slit to the side to get a look at what's going on in the back
Security guard 3: what's going on back-
The window opens and Silva immediately jumps through violently attacking the guards face.
Ext. police transport - night
the truck swerves and crosses the centerline before jumping the curb and smashing into a telephone pole.
There's a long pause as the front of the truck begins to smoke until the back door to the truck opens by the traitorous security guard. Silva is in the back again searching through one of the deceased guards pockets and retrieves a key and begins unlocking his shackles.
Dr.Silva: well that was fun, I'm surprised our employer went with this plan.
The steel shackles fall to the floor as Silva rubs his wrists, he looks to the guard who tosses Silva her pistol.
Swinton: [annoyed] I don't remember crashing the truck part of the plan.
Silva effortlessly catches the handgun and begins inspecting it.
Dr.Silva: it makes for a good alibi, plus I doubt I could of taken both of them myself.
Swinton: yeah speaking of, I need to make all this look convincing on my part.
Swinton glances around the bloody death filled truck while Silva smiles towards the pig as he cocks the handle back on the pistol.
Dr.Silva: well why didn't you just say so.
Swinton: wait what?
Swinton turns back towards Silva who points his gun towards Swinton and shoots her in the stomach. Swinton lets out a pained cry as she staggers backwards before falling against the truck wall guarding her abdomen.
Swinton: you fucking shot me!
Dr.Silva: [coldly] there's your alibi.
Silva walks up to Swinton and begins searching her pockets while she continues applying pressure to her wound. Silva pulls out several more magazines for his pistol along with Swinton's phone and hops down and out of the truck.
Swinton: you're a fucking psychopath!
Silva laughs before turning and putting his hand on the door.
Dr.Silva: I've been called worse.
Silva slams the truck door closed and begins to walk down the road whistling to himself. He pockets the additional ammo and turns on the phone and dials a number and places the phone to his ear.
Operator: hello who may I direct this call to.
Dr.Silva: it's Silva, it worked.
There's a pauses before the distorted voice of his employer comes on the other line.
Unknown: [mockingly] it seems to be the only think that has worked with you thus far.
Dr.Silva: don't tell me you broke me out just to gloat.
Unknown: no regretfully I didn't, I still have need of you. After all you didn't fail entirely, you may not completed his "programming" but you did break him. it's only a matter of time until he snaps, and with you back in the game it might just tip the balance in our little fox toy.
Continuing to walk down the dark gravel road Silva notices a pair of headlights in the distance coming in his direction
Unknown: Leave a trail and go to the rendezvous, "she" will follow, likely bringing your little experiment with her.
Dr.Silva: in that case I'll need a ride and some mammals, preferably heavily armed mammals.
Unknown: both have already been sent. Continue to play your part and I just might reward you handsomely.
Two black sedans come to a stop in front of Silva who turns his head away from the bright headlights.
Dr.Silva: understood.
The back door to one of the sedans opens and Silva drops the phone on the ground before climbing in and the two cars speed off back in the direction they came in.
Notes:
Story continues in Chapter Seven: The Confession
Chapter 7: The Confession
Summary:
Nick finally opens up to Judy about the extent of his trauma.
Chapter Text
Int. Nick's apartment - morning
Nick's eyes slowly open still lying against the couch in his living room wrapped in the same blanket from the night before. Nick looks at his side where Judy is nowhere to be seen. Nick hopefully looks around the living room expecting to see Judy somewhere. Nick sadly pulls the blanket closer to himself and lets out a whimper thinking he's been left alone.
Judy: [concerned] Nick?
Nick looks from behind the couch as Judy's walks from behind the kitchen island still dressed in her police uniform. Nick's eyes are filled with hope upon seeing her.
Nick: you...you stayed.
Judy: [sincere] of course I did, now come on-
Judy walks over to the couch and pulls the blanket off of him and helps him off the floor.
Judy (cont'd): I've made you breakfast.
Nick: I'm not hungry Judy.
Judy pulls one of the kitchen chairs out for Nick to sit in as she takes a smoking pot off the burner. He had to use a portable ladder to reach the counter due to Nicks apartment's utilities not being rabbit sized.
Judy: oh don't give me that, of course you are.
Nick: no really I'm not-
Judy furiously points towards the open chair. Her eyes not leaving his for a second.
Judy: [sternly] Sit. We need to have a talk anyway.
Nicks ears fall at Judy's change of tone and he sits at the kitchen table as Judy brings out a bowl of tomato soup and rests it in front of him. Judy pulls up the chair adjacent to him and sits next to him with a small bowl of vegetables. Nicks looks over at her seeing her tired eyes as she watches him intently.
Nick: [awkwardly] I take it you didn't sleep well?
Judy: of course I didn't, I was worried my partner would try and strangle himself again.
Nick lowers his head in shame as Judy eyes remain glued on him. Nick tries to bring up work, foolishly hoping the inner workaholic in Judy would aid him.
Nick: shouldn't we head to the station?
Judy: [quickly] no
Nick: but if we're late then-
Judy: [frustrated] no,
Judy leans up in her chair and Nick instinctively lowers his head to his shoulders as he picks at his food.
Judy (cont'd): we're not going to the station today! We're not going anywhere until you talk to me.
Nick's spoon can be seen shaking in his hands as he tries to form words from his quivering lips, his eyes refusing to look into his partner in shame and in fear. Judy's integrative glare making Nick feel even more vulnerable and weak than he already was.
Nick: [quietly] Judy please don't make me-
Judy: [threatening] look, you either talk with me or with a physiatrist down at the physic ward.
There's a long pause as Judy's tone and face soften seeing Nick whimpering and on the verge of another breakdown. Judy mentally kicked herself in the head. She'd thought a bad cop approach was needed but she now knew Nick needed Judy 'carrots' not officer Hopps.
Judy: Nick look at me.
Nicks eyes remained on his barely touched soup until Judy grabs Nick by the muzzle and gingerly tilts his head to look at her. However Nick still refuses to make eye contact.
Judy (cont'd): [softly] I don't want to loose you again Nick. I can't go through that again.
Judy places one of her hands on top of Nick's who instantly tries to pull his hand away out of fear of accidentally hurting her. However Judy keeps hold.
Judy (cont'd): I want to help you Nick, I really do. But I can't do that if you won't talk me.
Nick: I...I can't.
Judy: why?
Nick finally looks Judy in the eyes, his eyes glistening from the tears forming.
Nick: [quivering] cause then you'll be afraid of me, just like everybody else.
Nick tries to get up from his chair to leave but Judy grabs him by his shirt and hugs him. Nick is stunned by this and is frozen in place. Judy's grip on him tightens momentarily as she uses nicks chest and shirt to keep herself from crying.
Judy: You really are a dumb fox, you know that? if I was afraid of you, then I wouldn't be here right now.
Judy sits Nick back on the chair and scoots the soup out of the way to be able to sit on the table in front of him.
Judy (cont'd): I know that doctor did unspeakable things to you, and I know it's painful to recount things like this but it's only going to get worse if you don't talk to anyone.
Judy takes both of Nick's metal hands into hers.
Judy: you can talk to me. Please...let me help you.
There's a pause as Nick looks into his lap before slowly nodding his head, inhaling deeply as if mustering up his courage. He really didn't want to, but he just couldn't say no to her.
Nick: [weakly] okay...okay.
Judy lets go of Nick's hands and sits crisscrossed in front of him on the table. Her words soft and comforting
Judy: you told Shoehorn you didn't remember anything. That was a lie wasn't it?
Nick responds by nodding his head, his eyes still aimed in his lap. His fingers are tightly grasping the cloth on the dining room table as if preparing himself.
Judy: so what do you remember?
Nick takes a moment to release his tight hold on the cloth which now has holes in it and stares in his open metallic palms which are shaking again.
Nick: I remember everything. Because I was awake for everything. "He" made sure of it.
Nicks eyes are wide and are focused intently on his increasingly shaking hands. His voice shaky as tears again start forming in his eyes, he squeezes his eyes shut to prevent this.
Nick (cont'd): I would spent hours. day by day many times without sleep, strapped to that operating table as he tortured me. He never used any anesthesia, or painkillers. He wanted me to feel every cut, ever burn, every jolt of electricity he shot though me. Every finger, toe, and limb he cut off me.
As Judy listened, her comforting and sympathetic face warps into one of horror as Nick continues.
Nick (cont'd): I'd lose my voice screaming in pain, screaming for help, screaming...for you, for anyone. The assistants wanted to rip out my vocal cords but Silva stopped them, saying he liked listening to me scream.
The faint sound of Silva's laughter can be heard followed by Nick's muffled screams of pain which are seemingly only being heard by Nick as his voice breaks as he fights his hardest not to break down in tears. Nick looks up from his lap at Judy, his tear streaks being clearly visible as Judy tries wiping them away.
Judy: I was...I was looking for you Nick.
Nick: I know you were. That thought was the only thing keeping me going most times.
Nick carefully moves Judy's hand away from his face.
Nick (cont'd): months after months...maybe every years of around the clock torture. He gave me just enough food, water, and sleep to survive. When I wouldn't eat he'd force it down my throat. If I passed out from pain on the operating table he'd just wait for me to wake and then he'd immediately pick up were he left off. Even after he gave me these...
Nick holds up his hands and he looks down at his feat as he slumps in his chair.
Nick (cont'd): he still tortured me in other ways. But then...he started having me...do things. "Games" he called them.
Nicks metal feet can be heard scratching into the floor and his claws dig into the wooden table.
Nick (cont'd): they started out small. He'd unstrap me from the table and command me; "subject can you lift this crate?" "Subject can you walk on all fours?!"
Judy can be seen listening with her mouth partially held open with her own tear streaks starting to stream down her face as she stares in disbelief.
Nick: and I didn't dare refuse, or fight back, even though I probably could have then if I wanted to. But after all the years of torture and failed escape attempts he staged. He'd all but beaten every ounce of fight I had left. That didn't mean he'd not torture me later, just not as severe as he would have if I didn't comply. But some days he'd reward me with anesthesia or he'd put me under to sleep. But-
Nick's entire body can be seen shaking as he begins to hyperventilate. Nick looked to want to just collapse in on himself given how slouched he was in his chair.
Judy reaches for his arms and begins stroking the fur on his arms to comfort him. Nick looks up at Judy who is still crying herself as she speaks as softly and comforting as she can.
Judy: it's okay, it's gonna be okay, go on.
Nick takes a second to steady his breathing and continues his voice still shaky and weepy.
Nick: One day, I woke from a drug induced sleep, one of his assistants came in carrying a brown sack. I could smell the fresh blood inside before he opened it and dumped its contents onto the floor, it was...
Nick looks Judy dead in the eyes, almost sobbing.
Nick (cont'd): it was a corpse, a rabbit's corpse. And she looked just like you Judy.
Judy tries her hardest to repress a tearful gasp as she cups her hand over her mouth. She was almost crying as hard as Nick was at this point.
Nick: small, grey fur, black tipped ears. The only difference were her eyes, They were green. They dropped her bloody body at my feet and Silva just said one word...
Nick and Silva's voice [in unison] "eat"
Judy continues to listen, now chocking up and trying to repress the sound of her crying with her hand.
Nick: Every time I hesitated he'd stab me. Every time I gagged he'd electrocute me. But I did it. I ate her down to the bone because he told me to.
Nick struggled to continue through his tears and sniffles. Judy immediately hops down from the table and rushes to Nick's side as Nick crawls off his chair and onto the floor. Judy hugs him on the floor completely speechless. Nick fights though his tears and slowly separates from Judy still crying.
Nick: it gets worse.
Judy pulls up the chair again for Nick but he remains on the floor spacing out several feet in front of him as he curls up. Pressing his knees into his chest.
Nick: I don't know how long after that but then...the day of reckoning came. I woke from another drug induced sleep as Silva had removed the tarp from my body. The way he was looking at me, smiling at me. I thought it was going to be another torture session but then he...pointed towards the lynx and commanded me to kill him and I-
Assistant one: [faint] no [x3] get it away from me!
Nick squeezes his eyes shut and buries his head in his hands as he begins to rock back and forth on the floor.
Nick: and I did it. I did it and I didn't even hesitate. I still hear his gargled screams as I tore out his throat, taste his warm blood in my mouth. And I didn't feel anger or vengeance when I killed him, or horror at the thought of killing someone for the first time. I felt nothing. I killed him because that's what Silva told me to do...but that wasn't the worst part.
Still barely able to speak through his heavy weeping, having to almost separate each word with how much he was hiccuping. Nick looks back up at Judy with a look of horror.
Nick (cont'd): the worst part was when you came,
Judy's voice: [faint echo] N-Nick?
Nick (cont'd): and S-Silva commanded me to kill you and I-
Silva's voice: [faint echo] kill them, kill them all!
Nick looks at his hands again seemingly horrified by the sight of them before slamming his forehead against the leg of the kitchen table beside him not wanting look Judy in the eye.
Nick: [tearfully] and I was gonna do it. I looked and I didn't recognize you. It was only when you said my name and started crying that I-I
Judy: [heartbroken] oh Nick.
Nick pauses again letting out a few quiet sobs as he hugs the leg of the table like a plush toy. Judy crawls over and pries his hands off the table and hugs him again. Judy helps stand Nick up off the floor and walks him over to the living room couch and sits him down. She reaches to the coffee table and grabs a box of tissues and hands one to Nick who can barely hold it with his shaking hands. Judy sits beside Nick on the couch hugging his arm to her chest.
Nick: [sobbing] I'm a monster Judy. He made me a monster, just like he said he would!"
Judy slowly tries to grab Nick by the face again but Nick recoils backwards. Judy then results to grabbing his tie and slowly pulling his head down to face hers.
Judy: Nick you listen to me-
Judy reaches out with her other hand towards Nick's face.
Nick: [fearful] Judy no-
Nick again tries to flinch away but Judy's grip on his tie allows her to get a grip of Nicks snout and redirect his face to look her in the eyes.
Judy: Nick you're not a monster. And you're wrong, Silva failed. Because I look in your eyes and you know what I see?
Nick, who had still refrained from looking Judy in the eye, finally looks at Judy's sad yet determined eyes. Judy slowly lets go of Nick before she continues.
Judy: I see the face of my partner. The same sly, cocky fox that helped a small naive little bunny save a city from tearing itself apart. The same fox I'm proud to call my friend, my first friend in this city.
Nick appears greatly touched by Judy's words and his lips almost form a genuine smile however it was gone in an instant as he hangs his head.
Nick: but how?! How could you forgive me after what I did?! What I tried to do.
Judy: there's nothing to forgive Nick because that wasn't you. I grantee you any mammal would've cracked from what you had to endure, hell I probably would have too.
Nick looks back up gesturing to himself with his hands.
Nick: but I almost-
Judy: "but" nothing Nick. you're here now, and that's all that matters. You're not what Silva made you. Sure you may be broken, but that's why you got friends like me to help put the pieces back together, and you DO have friends Nick. Clawhauser, Finnick, Grizzoli, Bogo, you have people that care about you just like I do. And for all the people that are afraid of you, screw'm. If they can't see you for who you are, they don't deserve your tears. So stop it.
Judy wipes off another tear she sees run down Nick's face. This forces a small chuckle from Nick as he finishes wiping away his tears. Judy hops down from the couch and heads back towards the kitchen.
Nick: thanks fluff, I don't deserve this. Thank you.
Judy: oh quit your moping now,
Judy rests the soup she took from the kitchen table down on the coffee table in front of Nick.
Judy (cont'd): [enthusiastically] I've already got us the day off so today is a you day. We can do anything you want to help turn that frown upside down. We could find Finnick and maybe hit a few bars or clubs, we could go look at the new exhibit at the natural history museum, or maybe we could hit the ol'comedy club on spinster. You were always a favorite there.
Nick chuckles again with a spoonful of soup in front of him as Judy sits on the coffee table, her feet dangling off the corner.
Nick: [sarcastically] you, taking a day off? And here I thought I knew you.
Judy rolls her eyes as she reaches for the tv remote.
Judy: just shut up and eat.
Judy picks up the remote and points it towards the large tv but before she could press the power button the loud ringing of a cell phone draws her and Nick's attention. Judy looks down on the floor where Nick's cell phone is lying on the ground next the the discarded blanket from the night before. On the cell phone screen the words "Chief BuffaloButt" is displayed on the screen. Picking up the phone, Judy shoots a teasing glare towards Nick who gives her an innocent smile.
Nick: gee I wonder who that could be?
Judy: I have a few ideas.
Nick slowly gestures towards the phone with one of his hands. While the other hand was on the metal spoon already heading for the still hot bowl of soup.
Nick: uh should I-
Judy: no you eat, I got this.
Judy lays the phone on the coffee table in front of her. She looks over to Nick one more time as he shovels spoonful after spoonful of soup into his mouth. Nick looks up again seeing Judy smiling at him.
Nick: what?
Judy: "not hungry" my fluffy tail.
Nick rolls his eyes as he goes back to eating while Judy presses the respond button on the phone.
Judy: Hopps speaking.
Bogo: [warmly] ah Officer Hopps so good to hear from you.
Judy face instantly bares a nervous expression at hearing the overly sarcastic tone of Bogo on the other end.
Bogo (cont'd): considering as you answered with Nick's phone and not you're own I take it your phone is off along with your radio?
Judy rubs the back of her head as she rapidly pulls her phone out of her pocket and holds the power button down.
Judy: uh~ yeah I may have turned my phone off.
After a brief moment Judy's phone turns on with her screen revealing the numerous missed calls and voicemails she's received over the past half hour.
Bogo: and I'm going to also assume Nick is with you as well?
Judy looks up from the coffee table towards Nick who has the bowl of tomato soup in his hands as he drinks from the bowl tipped towards his mouth. Nick freezes at the mention of his name and lowers the bowl to see Judy smirking at him. Nick puts the bowl back down and picks up the spoon again and gives Judy a wide toothy grin, tomato soup can be seen dripping from his black metal teeth. Judy jokingly shakes her head before drawing her attention back to the phone.
Judy: yeah, he is sir.
Bogo: [warmly] good [x2] cause we were all just so worried about you two.
Judy: really? What hap-
Bogo [angrily] yes of course we were Hopps!
Judy flinches slightly as Bogo's warm and friendly demeanor flips to loud and assertive. She could've sworn he heard Bogo bang his fist on his table also.
Judy: I'm sorry sir we-
Bogo: [loudly] do you have any idea what's transpired over the last eight hours Hopps?! If Nick's cell hadn't answered I'd of sent an entire search party to look for you nimbwitts!
Judy: pardon me sir but what happened exactly?
Bogo can be heard taking a deep breath on the other end, seemingly to calm himself down before continuing.
Bogo: Silva's transport never made it to the harbor. It was found crashed 20 miles out on highway 35 in the meadowlands. He's escaped Judy.
Judy opens her mouth to respond but before she could utter a word a loud clanging sound pulls her attention towards Nick. The spoon he was holding having fallen from his hand and into the half empty bowl which sent small splatters of soup on the coffee table. Nicks hand is frozen in mid-air as Nick stares off into space completely petrified, his mouth partially agape and his eyes wide.
Bogo: look I know what you said last night and I'm not demanding you come in but if you're not I need you to keep Wilde close you hear me?
Judy watches as Nick's hands begin to shake and his deep breathing slowly begins to accelerate in panic.
Judy: got it. I'll have to call you back Chief.
Bogo: whatever, Bogo out
Judy presses the end call button on the phone, her eyes fixated on her quivering partner.
Judy: [softly] Nick,
Nick: [petrified] he's gonna come for me. He's gonna kill me!
Judy: now Nick-
Judy tries to reach out to Nick but he recoils back in fear. He rapidly crawls to the edge of the couch before hugging his tail to his chest and stroking it in a half hearted attempt to calm himself.
Nick: [terrified] what's he gonna do to me?! What's he gonna do when he finds me?!
Judy: Nick look at me.
Nick ignores Judy's command and cradles his head in his hands as his eyes dart around looking towards all the possible entryways; the front door, the kitchen window, and the air vent.
Nick: he's going to be so mad! He's gonna cut something else off of me isn't he?!-
Judy: [sternly] Nick, look at me right now.
Judy walks in front of Nick on the couch, who pays her no attention as he continues to panic.
Nick: my tail? My eyes?! My di-
Judy, who is now mere inches away from Nick slaps him across the face hard which knocks him out of his panicked rant.
Judy: LOOK AT ME WILDE!
Nick slowly turns his head to look at Judy stunned as his hand is seen guarding the cheek Judy just slapped.
Judy (cont'd): [fiercely] he's not going to get to you. Not while I'm still breathing he's not!
Nick: [quietly] he'll do it Judy, he'll kill you. He always promised me he would. You don't know him Judy.
Judy's face relaxes seeing Nick's breathing slow slightly and she lets out a deep tired sigh.
Judy: you're right, I don't know him, but you do.
Nick looks at Judy, his eyes looking betrayed by what Judy is insinuating.
Judy: you're the only one that truly knows him Nick. If anyone can help us bring him in it's you.
Nick: carrots I-
Judy reaches up and clamps Nick's mouth shut with her hand.
Judy: and trust me, I would like nothing more than to put you in a car and take you to a safe house as far away from this city as possible. And if that's what you want then I'll do it. I made a promise to you to keep you safe and I intend to keep that promise. But if you want to help bring that son of a bitch in,
Judy holds up Nick's badge in front of him.
Judy (cont'd): then I need my partner. But I need to know that I can rely on him.
Nick reaches out slowly to take his badge but Judy pulls her hand back out of reach.
Judy: can I?
Nick takes a second to think about his two options. Nick sharply inhales before looking Judy in the eyes before giving her a small nod.
Judy: alright then,
Judy holds out Nick's badge which Nick slowly takes with his two hands.
Judy (cont'd): finish eating and freshen up. We got an escapee to catch.
Notes:
Story continues in Chapter Eight: The Hunt
Chapter 8: The Hunt
Summary:
The search for Silva begins. And it's already taking a toll on our dynamic duo.
Chapter Text
Ext. Meadowlands - morning
The tires of a police squad car rolls to a slow stop on a narrow gravel road I front of several marked and unmarked police cruisers parked both and off the road in the grass. The sun is beginning to creep over the horizon as the cruisers red and blue lights flicker on and off. The camera rises as Judy can be seen in the drivers side mirror of the squad car talking in her phone.
Int. Squad Car
Judy (on the phone): yeah he's fine I got him. Thanks Amy.
Judy hangs up her phone and removes her seat belt and looks towards Nick who is looking out the window of the passenger seat at the crime scene just outside.
Judy: I just got off the phone with Shoehorn. She didn't tell anyone else about yesterday's session so we should be good. You ready?
Without looking at Judy, Nick nods and removes his seatbelt as well before reaching up to the passenger door handle. However the lock on the door goes down and Nick looks back over to Judy who has her hand on the door lock button.
Judy: now remember, if at any point it gets too much, you tell me okay?
Nick: [unconvincingly] uh-yeah sure.
Judy: [sternly] I mean it Nick, give me any reason to believe you're not okay and I'll drag your tail back to the apartment.
Nick holds up his hands as Judy gives a stern look his way.
Nick: okay I will, I promise.
Judy takes a moment to continue to glare at Nick before unlocking his door.
Ext. Meadowlands - morning
The driver and passenger doors swing open as Judy and Nick hop out the two walk to the hood of the car and Nick immediately freezes as he looks out in front of him.
Nick: oh god.
Judy: [confused] what?
Judy follows Nick's eyes and sees Bogo standing at the passenger side door of the wrecked transport van. Bogo has his arms crossed as he talks with a well dressed detective.
Nick: [nervous] I didn't think Bogo would be here already.
Judy: relax Nick, like I said, Bogo doesn't know anything about last nights "events."
Nick: yeah but he's gonna want to know something and-OW!
Judy subtly elbows Nick in the gut as she and Nick begin to walk towards the crime scene.
Judy: you let me worry about Bogo. You worry about you.
Judy flashes her badge to the officers guarding the perimeter as they cross the yellow caution tape.
As Judy and Nick approach the wreckage Bogo peaks over the shoulder of the detective and spots the two walking in there direction. Bogo can be seen finishing his conversation before he begins to walk towards them as the detective walks in the opposite direction.
Judy: Officer Hopps and Wilde reporting in sir.
Bogo: yes I can see that.
Bogo glances to Nick who is trying to remain as falsely confident as he can by glancing around the crime scene instead of looking at Bogo.
Bogo: Hopps I don't mean to sound crude, but what is Wilde doing here?
Slightly offended, Judy looks to her partner then back up at the Chief.
Judy: he's my partner. You did agree that I could watch him. did you not?
Bogo: that was before Silva slaughtered his way out of our custody. If you'd of called me back I could've gotten another officer to watch Wilde.
Judy: and why would you want to do that?
As Judy and Bogo continue to debate, Nicks demeanor begins to waver as his ears fall and he results to staring at the gravel at his feet.
Bogo: don't feign ignorance with me Hopps you know why. This case is to close to Wilde and I have no doubt Silva will try to go after him. He should remain in protective custody.
Bogo does a double take as he notices Nick's uncharacteristic demeanor and turns to face the nervous fox.
Bogo: something on your mind Wilde?
Nick slowly looks up as Bogo's glare falls upon him.
Nick: uh, I don't-
Judy slightly nudges Nick aside to take Nick's place in Bogo's glare.
Judy: he's fine sir. He's just as determined to work as I am.
Bogo: [doubtful] is he now? Oh that reminds me,
Judy and Nick nervously glance at each other as Bogo straightens himself out. His voice now sounding almost friendly.
Bogo (cont'd): last night I was at my desk ready to go home for the night and get some rest. (Not that I would have gotten much with this shit show going on now) when I receive a call from Officer Clawhauser.
Nick and Judy are frozen in place as the conversation takes the inevitable turn towards the night before.
Bogo (cont'd): he was going on about how Lieutenant Hopps was so incredibly adamant about finding Officer Wilde.
Judy: sir I can explain-
Bogo ignores Judy's remakes by slightly raising his calm voice over the bunny cop as he continues.
Bogo: so I radio the rabbit in question and all I get is an "everything is fine" before being HUNG UP ON!
Judy instinctively lowers her head as she remembers their last conversation.
Bogo (cont'd): that alone more than earned my curiosity but what peaked it was when one of my best officers, who had never willingly taken a day off in her entire career, called off without so much as an explanation. So I must ask.
Bogo leaned down to the two smaller mammals with an interrogative glare.
Bogo (cont'd): what exactly happened last night. Because I have a fox that's looking so nervous he's about to pass out and a bunny protecting him likes he's pup and not a fully grown mammal.
Judys attitude remains strong as she again takes a step forward as Nicks eyes her from behind.
Judy: frankly sir I don't see what Officer Wilde and I did off duty is any of your business.
Bogo stands back up straight and holds his hands up guiltily.
Bogo: you're right Officer Hopps, what you do off duty is none of my business.
Bogo then points one of his hand down at Nick.
Bogo (cont'd): however, when it begins to affect your attitude and can potentially affect your ability to do your job THEN it becomes my business.
Bogo takes a step forward as his shadow from the headlights completely clouds Nicks form as he (Nick) tries his best to keep eye contact.
Bogo: (cont'd): so out with it Wilde.
Nick opens his mouth to speak but only nervous mutters escape as he twirls his fingers.
Bogo: [impatient] I swear one you better give me an explanation or I'll have the two of you in the back of a squad car and sent back the way you came faster than you can say-
Judy: [loudly] we were on a date okay!
Nick whips his head to look at his partner in shock. Bogo also looks towards Judy with he himself looking genuinely surprised with his eyebrows raised and his eyes widened.
Judy stands proud and unwavering as her eyes remain locked on Bogo's.
Bogo: a date?
Judy: after Nick's session with Shoehorn we were going to go out to see a late night movie.
Bogo crosses his arms as his attention is now fully on Judy.
Bogo: then if you were on "a date" then just why were so panic stricken to find Wilde in the first place.
Judy: Nick was supposed to come and pick me up yesterday. When he didn't I texted him and he didn't respond. So then I tried calling him, and when he didn't pick up after several tries I'll admit, after everything that's happened the last several weeks I got a little paranoid okay.
At this point Nick is able to regain some of his confidence and jumps in on Judy's elaborate lie.
Nick: [feigning annoyance] I was in the shower carrots. I'm sorry my phone isn't waterproof. You expect me to go on a date without freshening up first? It may be hard to believe but I have standards you know.
Judy: you still could of at least called me and given me an ETA.
With an exaggerated groan, Bogo rubs his eyes as he scoffs at the two officers in front of him arguing like an old married couple.
Bogo: do I seriously need to go over fraternization with you two?!
Judy: no sir, Officer Wilde and I are perfectly capable of remaining professional while on the job. Nick's just nervous about the whole "jailbreak" thing. Nick was in earshot of our last conversation and the news understandably shook him up a little that's all.
Bogo slowly looks back and forth between Judy and Nick before motioning Judy in his direction.
Bogo: a word Hopps?
Judy immediately steps forward and follows Bogo. Nick opens his mouth to speak as the two walk a few feet away.
Nick: [awkwardly] okay I'll just stay here.
Bogo and Judy walk behind one of the squad cars where Judy jumps on top of the hood to be higher up.
Bogo: you do understand why I think this is a VERY bad idea? Because every fiber of my being is screaming at me to send you two home. If you two weren't two of my best officers I'd of already done so by now.
Judy: I understand sir and so does Nick. But you need me on this case. Sure my investigation prior to finding Nick wasn't successful, but with all the new evidence I could back track and potentially make some connections. And honestly and more importantly, you need Nick on this case as well.
Bogo sighs before looking over at Nick from the other side elf the car as Nick is seen still standing where he was left as other officers and detectives walk around him. Some of which give him notice in which Nick gives them subtle waves and nods as they pass by.
Bogo: Judy this case is too close to Wilde, dangerously close.
Judy: I understand that but Nick is the only one that knows Silva. He knows how he acts and he knows how he thinks. Nick might be the only one in this city that can help us bring him in.
Bogo's groans as he rubs his forehead unsure of what to do as Judy follows his eyes to remain in his eye sight
Judy (cont'd): and you were right, Nick was and still is a little shook up about Silva escaping. So imagine the good it'll be if he's the one that puts the cuffs on him or hell if he watches him get loaded into a squad car. It'll give him some closure at least.
Bogo sighs in defeat before tiredly looking at Judy.
Bogo: alright, WILDE!
Nick's spins in the direction of Bogo and sees him and Judy walking back towards him.
Bogo (cont'd): Wilde, you and Hopps are in.
Judy quietly lets out an excited "yes" out of view of Bogo as Nick brings himself to attention and salutes.
Nick: thank you sir, we won't let you down.
Bogo: [tiredly] see that you don't Officer Wilde, see that you don't.
The two follow Bogo as he walks through the crime scene towards a squad car.
Bogo (cont'd): we've been fortunate enough to keep the media and press in the dark about this. But considering how persistent they've been the past few months I doubt we'll be able keep it that way for long.
Reaching his squad car, Bogo opens the door and leans on it as he turns to continue to address the duo.
Bogo (cont'd): with Wilde back on the streets and working again the second news catches wind of Silva's escape they'll sure to be mass panic.
Judy: do you honestly believe the people will think Nick is helping him.
Bogo: given how easily the media and press succumb to paranoia I wouldn't doubt it. Trust me they're still reeling from all the shit Lionheart and Bellwether did, and that was over half a decade ago. So I want him brought in ASAP, tonight if possible.
The two officers nod and salute as Bogo steps inside the police cruiser.
Nick and Judy: yes sir!
Bogo: good, now if you'll excuse me I'm going to head back to the station and pray to get a few hours of sleep until noon. Hopps, you'll lead the investigation.
Bogo closes the car door behind him and slowly begins to drive off down the road, his car tires kicking up dust into the air as he drives away. As the dust settles as the two watch the car drive away, Nick's smug grin returns as he looks down at Judy who looks to be preparing herself for what Nick's about to say.
Nick: so we're dating now huh?
Judy groans in frustration, taking her ears in her hands and pulling down on them as the two turn and head back towards the crime scene.
Judy: cheese and crackers Nick. I just said that to get Bogo off our tails okay!
Nick: [with smug doubt] mhm sure you did.
Nick folds his arms behind him as they he walks with a wide smile and a slight playful bounce in his step, while judy looks more and more annoyed by Nicks antics by the second.
Nick: I guess I can't really blame you though. After all we did technically spend the night together if last night count-OW!!
Judy shuts Nick up by stepping on his tail which elicits a whimper from Nick as he brings his tail up to his chest as he strokes the area Judy stepped on.
Judy: are you seriously going to joke about that?!
Nick: watch it fluff, or I'll have to report you for assaulting an officer.
Judy: now I don't know if your sudden change in attitude is you being well "you" or you using it to distract yourself from the job. If it's the latter then can it, we have a job to do. And if it's the first then...well...same thing.
Nicks smile wavers as Judy seemingly reads him like a book as they approach the back of the wretched police van.
Nick: sorry, it's how I cope. You know, never let them-
Judy: yeah [x2] I know Nick. But you know you can talk to me now right?
Judy pulls out a pair of reusable gloves from behind her back and slips them on. Nick nods at Judy's comment as an officer guarding the back of the van opens the back door for the duo.
Judy: good, lets go.
Judy and Nick enter the back of the van seeing the extent of the carnage that had ensued. Two officers; Wolford and Grizzoli are carefully inspecting the crime scene documenting evidence and taking pictures. Judy carefully maneuvers around evidence markers and chains on the ground as the two wolves notice the other two officers in the van with them.
Judy: so what do we got boys?
Wolford finishes sniffing the air inside the truck before clipping his camera to his waist and addresses Judy. Nick is standing behind Judy as he wearily looks at the pool of semi dry blood on the floor as well as the blood splatter on the wall from the gunshot.
Wolford: four officers dead, one from a gunshot to the back, one presumably from suffocation via a fractured neck.
Nick walks up to the window to the front of the vehicle and runs his metal hand where scratch marks from when Silva climbed through can be seen imprinted on the metal wall.
Wolford (cont'd): the other two evidently died from blunt force trauma from the crash. However crash reports and on scene forensics see no external damage to the truck indicating any outside interference like an attack.
Nick sticks his head through the window into the destroyed front seat. Like the back, the bodies had been removed leaving behind tiny blood splatters and shattered glass all over the destroyed front end.
Wolford (cont'd): so with that in mind we have to assume Silva played a role in the crash.
Nick: [muttering] he killed them all.
Grizzoli: actually no,
Nick removes his head from the window and looks back to Grizzoli with a mixture of shock and surprise while Judy turns and looks up to the white wolf as he hands Judy a tablet he's carrying.
Grizzoli (cont'd): there was another, private Swinton.
Judy looks at the tablet where Swinton's police profile is displayed in the screen. Nick walks over and peaks over her by parting her ears and looking over her forehead.
Grizzoli (cont'd): served two years in district four before transferring to the rainforest correctional facility only 3 months ago. She sustained a gunshot to the upper abdomen.
Judy continues to swipe the tablet going through Swinton's info. Nick reaches over and tries to grab the table but Judy swats his hand away.
Nick: did you ask her any questions?
Judy returns the tablet to Grizzoli as the four officers step from and out of the truck and begin to walk down the road.
Wolford: uh-no, by the time first responders came she was already entering decompensated shock and had to be rushed to the E.R. We don't know yet when we'll be able to question her.
The group eventually arrives at a pair of cop cars several meters down the road creating a road block.
Grizzoli: I was able to follow his scent down the road but it went cold here. Tire skid marks imbedded in the gravel hint that he was picked up.
Nick leans down and observed the previously mention tire marks in the gravel road. Nick looks past the cop cars down the road which seemingly disappears over the long flat horizon on the meadow plains.
Judy: do we have any leads on where he could of gone?
Wolford: yeah actually, the dumb ass left a phone just lying on the ground.
Nick eyes perk up and he stands up and turns back around once again stunned as Grizzoli hands Judy a ziplock baggy containing a pink smart phone.
Wolford: Silva must of nicked it from Swinton after he shot her.
Grizzoli: no password either, it's call history says Silva called an unknown number.
Judy: can the call be traced?
Judy hands the phone back Grizzoli as Nick watches the exchange still looking perplexed.
Grizzoli: sure can, give me an hour, I'll have to head back to the station and call up the nearest cell tower.
Judy: then I'll leave that to you two. We need the location of that call ASAP.
The two wolves give Judy a confident nod as Grizzoli pockets the evidence and Wolford opens the door to one of the squad cars behind them.
Judy watches and the car drives away before turning back to look at Nick, who is still starring at where the phone had been found along with the tire marks. Judy walks up to him and lightly nudges his arm with hers.
Judy: you okay?
Still transfixed on the ground in front of him Nick begins to shake his head.
Nick: this is wrong, something's not right.
Judy tilts her head confused.
Judy: what?
Nick finally looks up from the ground and looks at his partner.
Nick: leaving someone alive?! Just...leaving a vital piece of evidence just lying on the ground?! That's not Silva, he's many things but he's not sloppy. He's cold and calculating and always one step ahead of everyone, even from those who work under him.
Judy: you saying he wants to be found?
Nick shrugs his shoulders as the two begin to walk back to the main crime scene.
Nick: I don't know fluff. I just know I don't like this.
Judy sighs before looking up at Nick with a confused and lost expression.
Judy: maybe Bogo was right. If Silva wants to be found he could be luring us into a trap, to get to you or me or both of us. Maybe you should sit this one out.
Nick: no-
Nick stops walking and grabs Judy's hand to stop her.
Nick (cont'd): I want to carrots.
Nicks brave confidence and determination returns as Judy looks up at him.
Nick (cont'd): I'll admit, am I terrified to go after him after what he did to me? yeah I am, but not just doing this for me. I wasn't the first mammal Silva tortured.
Nick then points towards the four dead officers who are concealed under four white tarps as they are being loaded onto their own respective gurneys.
Nick (cont'd): and those cops aren't the first people he's murdered. I'm doing this for them too.
Judy can't help a small sympathetic smile at Nicks brave statement and the two continue towards the crime scene until the two look back over to the deceased officers. Many of those on duty from precinct one like Jackson, McHorn, and Higgins are solemnly passing by one of the gurneys and bowing there heads, some even hugging each other.
Judy and Nick look at each other before walking over. The two make there way to the front due to there small size and approach the gurney. A police hat has been rested on the officers chest and a badge and I.D tag is pinned on the tarp. Nick tilts the photo I.D in there direction to see and while it isn't shown Judy and expressions fall in recognition.
Judy: oh my god it's Snarlov.
Judy looks away breathing deeply as if still processing the shock. Nick wraps his arm around her shoulder and leads her away.
Nick: I didn't know him much. But the others say he was a pretty swell guy.
Judy: I did a little, and he was. We worked together a few times in the Tundratown swat. He was a real gentle giant.
Judy looks up to one of the officers as they begin loading the bodies into a police van for transport.
Judy: have the families been notified?
Buck: I thought Bogo wanted to keep this case in the dark for a while?
Judy: the families deserve to know. Get some officers together and sent them to inform the families
The officer nods Judy looks up to her partner.
Judy: the Snarlov residence is not to far right?
Nick nods and gestures down the road.
Nick: it's right on the border of the meadowlands and Tundratown so no not far.
Judy: good, then let's go.
Nicks expression falls slightly as Judy takes Snarlov's badge in her hands and begins walking back to her squad car as Nick follows behind.
Nick: but what about the case?
Judy: there's not much left to do but cleanup. And all we can do now is wait until we hear from Grizzoli and Wolford.
Nick opens her car door and climbs in resting the badge on the center console.
Judy: you don't have to come with me if you don't want to.
Nick: no I want to. Snarlov was a cop just like the other three and he was from our precinct. I'd be best if I went too.
Judy nods and Nick walks around and enters through the passenger side door. The cruiser's headlights turn back on as the cruiser does a u-turn and slowly drives away down the low narrow flat road the way it had originally came.
Int. Nocturnal District - safe house
A creeky garage door slowly opens into a filthy and dusty storehouse as half a dozen shadowy figures enter. The cars headlight behind them being the only light illuminating the buildings interior. The garage door is pulled down resulting in the room becoming pitch black until the sound of a lever being pulled activated several industrial light fixtures one at a time until the entire room is dimly illuminated.
The group consisting of mainly boars wearing military grade armor with the words "razorbacks" imprinted on there chest plates. They all look at each other as if accounting for everyone until Silva emerges from the back of the group who is now wearing a white lab coat over his orange jumpsuit.
Dr.Silva: I take it our employer didn't stay for our arrival?
Walks out of the small loading and bay and walks down a narrow hall as two of the Razorback bodyguards follow him.
Razorback leader (tusk): of course not. No one in there right mind would stay here if they knew what was coming.
Dr.Silva: [sarcastic] I guess that makes us insane then.
Tusk scoffs as the trio enter a large room containing large assembly lines and industrial equipment which are old and rusted and appear to have been untouched for years.
Tusk: this whole plan is insane,
Silva takes in his surroundings as he walks up a series of old metal stairs to a boxed office off the ground overlooking the main floor.
Tusk (cont'd): i'd give it less than an hour before half the ZPD's on our tails.
Int. Office
Silva opens the old wooden door and steps inside, flicking the light switch as a line hanging lightbulb flickers on. Tusks steps inside as well while the third stands outside the door.
Dr.Silva: I think that was rather the point.
Tusk rolls his eyes as Silva sits himself down on an prod office chair and begins to spin himself in the chair.
Dr.Silva (cont'd): with the rabbit leading the investigation she'll bring my little experiment right back into my paws.
Tusk: its not the rabbit and fox I'm worried about. It's the number of officers they'll bring with them. 10? 20?!
Silva pulls out Swinton's pistol from the underside of his lap coat and begins spinning and toying with it in front of tusk who slightly recoils and raises his hands at Silva's reckless behavior.
Dr.Silva: I don't care if they bring a hundred. I will get my experiment back,
Silva hops out of the chair and approaches tusk as he clocks his pistol and jabs the barrel against tusk's chest.
Dr.Silva (cont'd): And if you have to kill every officer that comes through those doors to do it then so be it
Tusk carefully and slowly uses his finger to redirect Silva's pistol barrel away from his chest.
Tusk: "every Officer?" Including the rabbit?
Dr.Silva: did I stutter?
Tusk looks around the room awkwardly as Silva gives him a "hmm" as if impatiently waiting for a response as Silva sits back down and leans back in his chair.
Tusk: our employer won't like that. The bunny is-
Silva calmly points his pistol in the air and fires a gunshot into the ceiling with a bored expression on his face. Tusk immediately flinches at the loud gunshot and instinctively ducks his head as Silva then points the gun towards Tusk.
Dr.Silva: [agitated] I don't give a rats ass about the little "plans" for that bunny! All I care about is getting my experiment, and if that little pred chaser is going to get in the way of that! then. She. Dies. Got it?
With the gun still pointed directly at him, Tusk nods his head and Silva's expression again flips as Silva smiles warmly and sets the pistol down on the old wooden table beside him.
Dr.Silva: excellent! Well I'll let you go and do your thing. I'm sure there's plenty of things you want to do before the ZPD get here. Go on, run along.
Tusk turns around and begins walking back towards the door with the boars back to the mad wolverine.
Tusk: [muttering to himself] crazy fucking bastard.
As tusk exits through the door Silva begins spinning himself in his chair again as he begins to quietly laugh to himself, which slowly grows louder.
Dr.Silva: [chuckling] pred chaser.
Ext. office
Tusk closes the door behind him and nods to the Razorback still guarding the door and the two walks down the metal steps back the way they came as Silva's loud hysterical laughter can be heard through the closed door.
Ext. Snarlov residence - morning
The scene cuts to the outside of a gated two story house on the border of the meadowlands. A small blanket of frost is covering the ground as the icy hills of Tundratown can be seen several miles off in the distance behind the house.
The twin lights of Judy's squad car illuminates the garage as the car slowly comes to a stop in the paved driveway in front the closed garage door.
Int. Squad car
Judy slowly removes her seatbelt and looks over the dashboard to the house in front of them where a light can be seen illuminating the inside from a curtained from window. Judy takes a nervous breath as she looks to Nick in the passenger seat who has followed her gaze and is staring aimlessly at the window as if expecting to see someone through it any second.
Judy reaches and pulls her door handle but doesn't open it entirely as she's waiting for Nick to move a muscle.
Judy: have you ever done this before?
Still staring at the window, Nick shakes his head.
Nick: no...you?
Judy: once, when Fangmeyer got shot.
Nick looks down at his metal feet on the floorboard as he nods as he recalls the memory.
Nick: that's right, you came back to the station crying after that.
Judy: [solemnly] second hardest thing I've ever had to do.
Nick looks over at Judy with a tilted heading confusion.
Nick: second? What could be harder than that?
Judy shivers from the cold breeze from her open car door and closes it again before looking Nick dead in the eyes.
Judy: moving on...from you.
Nick: oh...
There's a brief awkward silence before Judy again reaches for her door handle.
Judy: you know you don't have to come with me. You can stay in the car if you really-
Nick: no [x2] I-I want to...
Nick grabs Snarlov's badge off of the dashboard and reaches for his own door handle.
Nick (cont'd): come on. Lets go do our job.
Judy sadly nods as the two simultaneously opens their respective doors and step out.
Ext. Snarlov's residence
Judy's clenched fist can then be seen hesitating as it hovers over the wooden front door. Judy takes a deep breath in before knocking three times before taking a step back and stands directly beside Nick. The faint sound of footsteps that progressively get louder can then be heard before the door slowly swings open and a large female polar bear in a night gown can be seen on the other side. The female polar bear looks confused before her eyes drift downward and sees Nick and Judy looking up at her. Nick has his arms folded behind his back as Judy has her hands folded in front of her.
Susie Snarlov: oh I'm sorry miss Hopps. I thought you were my husband.
Nick and Judy's eyes drift to each other as Judy reluctantly steps forward to speak.
Judy: [quietly] um-that's what we're here to talk about-
Judy is cut off by Susie as she peaks around the doorframe towards the driveway.
Susie: is he with you? He usually comes home around this...
Nick bring his hands from behind his back revealing Snarlov's badge in his hands
Susie (cont'd): [softly] ...time
Susie's eyes widen as she looks at the badge in Nicks hands then back up to the faces of the two officers who's expressions are solumn and neutral and She frantically looks back between the two officers and the driveway slowly putting the pieces together.
Susie: [horrified disbelief] no...no where is he? Where is my Eddie?!
Nick: Mrs.Snarlov your husband Edward he...
Nick gets tangled up on his words unsure of the best way to break the news until Judy finishes for him
Judy: your husband was shot and killed last night during a-
Susie: NO!
The large polar bear staggers backwards as she instantly begins crying.
Judy: we're so sorry mrs-
Susie: [sobbing] oh my god Edward!!!
Susie covers her face with her hands and runs off into the living room inside. Judy takes the badge from Nick's hands and instantly runs in after her. Nick is still frozen in place with a mixture of shock and sadness as the two can still be heard from inside.
Judy: if there's anything you or your family needs the ZPD are here for you. You just have to ask.
Nick inhales sharply as he fails to prevent a pair of tears from escaping his eyes.
He looks up to the top of the stairs opposite from the main doorway and Nicks expression and heart drops seeing two small polar bear cubs watching from the top completely unaware of what's going on.
Susie: who did it?! WHO DID IT! WHO TOOK MY HUSBAND FROM ME!!!
A tearful gasp escapes Nick at the sight of the cubs and Nick wipes the tears away from his face and turns around and walks out of view of the doorway as Susies loud sobbing can still be heard from outside. Nick grips the black guardrails of the stairway in front of the doorway like prison bars and looks up to the grey sky.
Nick: [softly] no more.
Small snowflakes start falling on the ground as Nick closes his eyes, his sorrowful expression slowly warping into one of rage as his metal hands can be seen slowly bending the black steel of the bars ever so slightly
Nick: [enraged muttering] No...more.
Susies sobs fade out and are replaced by the tinnitus ringing in Nicks head as three vibrating beeps can be heard originating from Nick's pocket. Nick pulls out his phone from his back pocket seeing a text message displayed on the screen from who appears to be Grizzoli with the name "G-Wolf" displayed under the message which reaches; "we got it."
Nick ears subconsciously flick up as the ringing in his head stops. Nick turns back around seeing Judy exciting the house and closing the door behind her. She's trying her hardest to have a neutral expression but her teary eyes give away her real emotions. Nick holds up his phone displaying the message to Judy.
Nick: ready?
Judy: lets go get this son of a bitch.
Chapter 9: MindBreak
Summary:
Everything that could go wrong, goes wrong. With one well placed bullet shattering the last of Nick's mental stability
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Ext. Squad car - Tundratown - morning
The trickles of snow from the sky begin to blanket the asphalt road as Judy's squad car barrels down the road. The large all-terrain style tires make driving fast down the snow-blanketed road much easier.
Judy' voice: well, what do we got?
Int. Squad car
Judy tightly grips her steering wheel with both hands as Nick is gazing out his passenger side window starring at the falling snow. From the center console, Grizzoli's voice can be heard from the radio as the digital screen above the radio turns on.
Grizzoli: while we're still waiting for a warrant to search further into the phones records, we were able to trace Silva's call.
Judy: and?
Grizzoli: from the cell towers, the call was traced to the heart of the densest part the marsh jungle in the rainforest district.
Nick looks from the window to the monitor as a digital map of Zootopia flashes on the digital screen which quickly zooms in on the rainforest district. A small red dot appears over the aforementioned marsh jungle. Judy only give a a few small glances towards the monitor. Her eyes were fixed on driving.
Grizzoli (cont'd): since that region is virtually uninhabitable, and given what the rainforest district is on top of we immediately assumed the call came from-
Nick: the nocturnal district.
Grizzoli: right, so we cross referenced a to scale map of the underground mapping of the nocturnal district with the rainforest district-
As Grizzoli explains, the map of Zootopia shrinks on the screen and a second much older map appears beside it showing the slinking tunnels and large cave pockets of the nocturnal district.
Grizzoli (cont'd): as well as the geographical location of the call.
The red dot on the digital map of Zootopia then slowly is reflected onto the adjacent map on one of the large cave pockets.
Grizzoli (cont'd): and the location of the call appears to have come from an old iron mine that was abandoned after it ran dry over a decade ago.
The final image on the screen displays a dark, barely visible picture of a large gated mining facility on the edge of a massive ravine. The building looked rustic and abandoned, making it the perfect hideout. Nick didn't need to hear anymore. One look at that building was all he needed to make the call.
Nick: that's it.
Judy just kept her eyes locked on the road. Her already stern look on her face had sharpened. She was gonna make sure Silva was put away, for good. If it meant in cuffs or a bodybag she honestly couldn't care less. She just wanted that monster off the streets of her city.
Judy: Grizzoli, contact precinct 7 and inform Chief Bogo. Tell him to prep the transports. We're moving as soon as we arrive.
The radio signal cuts and Judy presses her foot down on the accelerator and flips on her lights and sirens. The shot fades out of the window of the squad car and rises slowly into the sky as the police car can be seen driving down the long stretch of road towards the city which can be seen in the distance.
Int. ZPD Headquarters - garage
The scene cuts to the open ZPD garage where dozens officers are running around moving equipment and parked vehicles out of the way such as the bikes, snowmobiles. Three large swat trucks are the only vehicles remaining inside the garage as each are positioned on top of three large steel platforms inside the garage evenly spaced apart. Judy and Nick walk to the center of the garage and Judy gains everyone's attention by loudly whistling.
Judy: alright listen up!
Around twenty police officers circle around Judy and Nick.
Judy: we have tracked the target Silva to an iron mine in district 7.
Judy's voice continues to be heard detailing the mission as the officers can be seen suiting up in the locker room. Some are helping overs apply their Kevlar vests, others are loading their weapons from shotguns to pistols. Judy just stood at the end of the locker observing. She hadn't received any swat gear due richer small size. Plus she didn't like it anyway to her it took away her greatest advantage of speed.
Nick was sitting near his designated locker, looking at his swat gear inside, putting none of it on. Instead, was checking the quality and cleanliness of his pistol.
Judy's voice: we have strong suspicions that the suspect is armed and could have protection, so we are authorizing the use of lethals.
Clawhauser can be seen loading a magazine into his AR before running over to one of the SWAT vans where all the officers are entering though the back double doors. All are crammed in side to side on the two metal benches lining both sides of the interior.
Judy's voice: that being said, we want Silva alive if possible. However if it's your life over his don't hesitate to drop him. I'd much rather have all my officers go home tonight.
Judy is the last to enter the back of the swat truck. She turns around before closing the back door and gestures to an officer standing by three red levers imbedded in the wall. The officer nods and pulls each lever down and each steel platform below the three ticks begins to lower like an elevator.
Int. Swat truck
Judy sits down on the end of the bench and looks around the truck to see that all eyes are on her and Nick, who is sitting across from her. Nick has his eyes down towards the floor and holding his pistol in his hands with a cold and black expression. In the past, Nick's sense of humor would be running rampant up until the the raid commenced. It was a subtle comfort to both him and all the other officers who were anxious about a possible firefight.
But said humor was noticeably absent, making the truck almost dead silent. Save for the sound of the large industrial elevator outside the tuck. The silence was broken by Judy. She hadn't taken her eyes off her partner for more than a second.
Judy: Nick?
Nick has a delayed reaction of a few seconds before looking up at Judy.
Judy: you remember the plan?
Nick nods head and looks out the rear window.
Judy: Just stay with the trucks and let me and the others go in and with any luck, you can put the cuffs on him.
There's a loud jerk signifying that the lift has reached the bottom. Judy gets up and walks through the narrow doorway to the driver and passenger seats. From the windshield, the three swat trucks are now inside a walled-in garage being illuminated by industrial stage lighting mounted on top of the walls. Judy again gestures to one of the officers outside who motions the trucks towards the opening garage door.
Ext. Nocturnal district
Three swat trucks kick up loose rock and gravel as they move out of the garage like a convoy and moves down the dark road towards the settlement in the distance.
Ext. Nocturnal district - water tower
From an old and rusted water tower the convoy can be seen, and a figure wearing night-vision goggles is seen watching the convoy from above. The figure reaches for a radio attached to his waist band and holds it up to his face.
Razorback scout: scout one to base, they're coming.
Int Nocturnal district - safe house
Inside the safe house over a dozen Razorback guards position themselves at various choke points around the warehouse with all guns trained on the closed garage door
Tusk: shoot on sight! the fox is our only priority!
Int. Warehouse - Silva's office
Silva can be seen looking out from the window of the office to the hallway leading to the garage where a pair of razorbacks are guarding the hallway. Silva smiles warmly and pulls out a lighter and a cigarette while humming to himself, clearly not having a care about what's about to happen.
Ext. Nocturnal district - warehouse
The three swat trucks come to a screeching halt in the middle of the nearly pitch black cave. From the rear doors, the squads of officers pile out single file. Nick remains behind in the back of the truck as instructed. Judy is the last to leave and gives Nick one last look before leading her team forward.
Grizzoli: we have eyes on the warehouse
The three squads of officers all slowly approach the pitch-black warehouse, the wolves of each squad leading the way with their superior senses so the group wouldn't have to use flashlights and give their position away.
Once her squad reaches the large and rusted garage door, Judy reaches for her radio.
Judy: copy, take your squad to the roof.
On the side of the old building, a dozen heavily armed officers throw several black with black hooks to the roof of the building. As soon as the shark hooks anchor to the small curb of the room, the officers begin their silent assent.
Judy: set the charge, get into position.
Judy and her squad line up on one side of the door. While the Lion Jackson and his squad line the other. The largest of the officers slowly walks up to the garage and silently places a pad of explosives on the center of the old door.
Jackson: Charges set, t-minus thirty seconds.
As soon as the lion rejoins his squad in cover behind the brick wall, the timer on the explosive starts silently ticking.
Ext. Warehouse - rooftop
The sound of the explosive ticking continues on to the next scene. The squad on the roof slowly moved into position. Among them is Clawhauser and Rookie. From the rooftop, the cheetah can see the black vans parked far off in the darkness. His eyes predominantly were on the truck he knew Wilde was in.
Int. SWAT van
The ticking continues to be heard inside the van. One of Nick's metallic fingers is rapidly tapping against the metal seat under him. His tapping was significantly faster than the ticking that he couldn't hear. What he could hear was the coming of another vision. He could tell from the voices in his head. A voice he didn't want to hear. He tried closing his eyes so he wouldn't see anything
Silva's voice: oh my dear, sweet Nicholas~
Nick: [muttering] it's not real, he's not here. He's in 'there.'
But the fear of Silva's voice made him open his eyes. When he did, he found himself in another flashback. He was sitting in an old and filthy chair inside Silva's operating room.
Nick knew running was useless since what he was seeing wasn't real. That and usually running made the visions worse. So Nick just sat there motionless and petrified. Especially at the sight in front of him.
Silva loomed over the operating table where a bloody and bruised version of Nick was strapped down; on his back, arms and less shackled to the table. The two of his tormentor's assistants were on the other side. One of them had a hand on the I-Gel airway that had been jammed down Nick's throat. The makeshift medical gag turned Nick's loud screams into rapid buffs and gags of despair as Silva was surgically reattaching one of the fingers he had cut off of Nick's now mutilated hand.
Silva: Judy's not coming for you Nicky, no one is.
This wasn't the first time Nick had heard those words in his dreams and visions. So Nick was ready and didn't flinch as much when Silva stuck a needle into one of the nerves in his finger. Causing the Nick on the table to scream as fresh tears join the older stained ones.
Silva brought the needle and brought it quickly up to Nick's face. It made the broken fox shake and quiver as Silva brushed the side of the needle against the fox's right eyelid. Silva's smile grew seeing his captors heightened terror.
Silva: But don't worry, I promise that if she does. I'll make sure to do it slowly. I'll make sure you watch as I gut her. Your eyelids will be torn off, making you watch as the blood gushes out of her.
Still watching from his chair, our Nick closes his eyes as the vision fades away to Silva's loud cackling and giggles. His eyelids become clinched and tight as the fear in Silva's words registers with Nick.
As the scene fades to black completely, the ticking reaches its final seconds. The racking of a pistol slide, Nick's pistol, echoes in the darkness.
Int. Warehouse - garage
As the ticking stops, there is an uncomfortably long silence that follows. The over dozen razorback mercenaries all have their rifles trained on the garage door. But the garage isn't what explodes first.
A loud boom reigns glass from above as they all cover their faces. Grizzoli and his squad repel from the sky and open fire as they land on the catwalk above the ground floor.
Before any of them could raise their weapons and return fire, the garage explodes a second later. The two armed officers rush through the destroyed entrance with massive bulletproof riot shields.
The pit black black garage the size of a high school high school cafeteria was illuminated in flurries of golden light from the barrels of dozens of guns.
Judy immediately used her speed to speed behind cover of an old forklift. She hurdles over the forklift's large forks as she fires her weapon. The bullets accurately travel over a pile of crates and strikes one of the mercs using it as cover.
With the duel ariel and frontal breach, the initial attack proved to be successful. the majority of the razorbacks guarding the entrance had been taken out rather effectively. But returning fire continued to come from either flank of the large garage. The squad on the catwalk had to jump to the ground to cover and not get shot from their now-exposed position.
Judy pushed the flank closest to the main entryway to the rest of the facility. She hopped over the small truck loading bay and rolled beside a concert pillar. The opposing bullets ripped into the edges of the concrete. Just waited by covering her back until the coring stopped, and the firing did. And when Judy turned around she saw to her horror Nick rushing into the line of fire, gunning another armored pig before marching down the corridor and out of Judy's immediate sight.
Judy: [screaming] Nick! What the fuck are you doing?!
Judy's screaming voice was deafened by the thunder of gunfire. She tried dashing from her cover to pursue Nick, but heavy fire prevented her from moving without getting shot. She continued to try and scream Nick's name, but her cries were either ignored or not heard by Nick.
In reality, Nick had ignored his friend's voice as he left the main firefight in the garage. With his pistol in hand and held firmly in front of him, Nick stormed forward. His gaze peeking around the long halls leading to the main factory assembly.
As he walked, the gunshots echoed loudly off the walls. Nicks's vision began to warp back and forth. Between the underground hell of Silva's hospital, and the reality he was in now. The dark, old, and rusted halls reminded him of the hell he spent three years of his life. The visions struck fear into him, but it was fear that was also driving him forward, keeping him somewhat grounded in reality.
Nick: [Enraged] SILVA?! come out!!
Nick knew what had to be done, the others didn't but he did, Silva had to die. He had no intention of putting cuffs on his wrist, only a lead bullet in his head. He knew as long as Silva was alive, he'd be in danger. But more importantly, Judy would be in danger. The one person left in Nick's life he felt still cared about him. And Nick would rather die than let this monster take Judy away from him. Nothing was going to take Judy away from him.
The sight of the double doors to the main factory came into Nick's view. The doors that kept reminding him of the swinging doors to the operating room. He couldn't count the number of times he'd felt a sense of dread whenever he'd see those doors.
One of Nick's ears twitched to the right. A noise that would have been missed by anyone else in the loud gunfire, Nick's audio receptors picked up. He turned and aimed his gun before the racer back gunman even peeked his head from one of the rooms before the double doors. Nick's three shots all hit their marks as the boar's blood stained the wall behind him.
Int. Warehouse - garage
The Concrete pillar Judy had taken cover behind was riddled with bullet holes, entire chunks of it had been blown off at the corners. She put caution to the wind and peeked around and fired a burst of shots to the other side of the garage before she decided to make a break for it.
Judy: COVER ME!!
She darted from her cover while Clawhauser and a few other officers looked back to her. Their terrified faces hidden behind their helmets and masks.
Clawhauser: Judy wait!-
Int. Warehouse - factory
Nick's angered walk turned into a charge as he used his metallic foot and kicked the double doors open. The force of the impact sent one of the doors flying off its hinges. He didn't even take a step inside yet his ears made his body look up and to the left, aiming his gun up to the office overlooking the entire factory assembly line. The old wooden door was slowly creaking as it was now opened by someone leaving it. Though he hasn't seen anybody yet.
Nick then rapidly aimed his gun toward one of the metal conveyor belts as Tusk peaked his body out from over it, aiming his rifle. But Nick's bearing made him react much faster. Nick fired two shots, each striking the boar in his chestplate, who collapsed back behind the metal cover.
Another one of Tusk's men, the other guarding the office, tried peeking behind the metal stairs. But after the shots he fired missed sight due to poor line of sight,
Nick ducked behind the doorway as cover, then returned fire, his two more shots entering the head this time.
With the gunfire going at him having stopped, Nick stepped out from the doorway and began looking around the facility. His pistol in his hands was the only part of his body that was steady. His eyes began to scan the room. Nick never felt more terrified and more determined at the same time before. He was going to find Silva.
*click*
The sound of a hammer on a pistol being pulled back made Nick's body tense up even more. He refocused his aim directly in front of him to the sound of the noise. that's when he saw him. Standing over fifty feet away at the bottom of the steps to the office, Silva stood smiling at him, the 9mm pistol he stole aimed directly at him.
It was at that moment, when time itself seemed to slow for Nick, at one of the most important moments in his life, he hesitated. Mere moments ago he was prepared to end his former captor with a bullet between his cold, dead eyes. But now, seeing him again forcefully brought that fear back into Nick's mind; all the screaming, the laughing, all the months of limbs being cut off and reattached over and over. It all came back in an instant and Nick was frozen in fear.
Looking into each other's eyes, Silva's smile grew wider at seeing Nick's fear again at his mere presence. It gave him, in his mind, a beautiful few seconds as he slowly began to squeeze the trigger of his gun. He decided to give Nick a playful wink and then-
Silva: [smug] gotcha~
*BANG*
Nick's body flinched out of instinct. But his body didn't feel the sharp burn of a bullet. But the pained gasp of another still made his blood begin to run cold. Time again seemed to slow to a crawl as Nick slowly turned his head to the left, his pupils turned into pinpoint pricks at what he saw.
Nick: [horrified] JUDY!!
Judy's gun hit the ground before her body did. Nick was taken out of his petrified state quick enough to catch Judy's body before her head could hit the ground. In a panic, Nick hurriedly dragged Judy's body behind cover. His partner was already breathing very rapidly as her eyes were wide from the pain in her abdomen, the blood slowly trickling out from between her hands as she applied direct pressure.
Nick (cont'd): no-nonononono-NO Judy! Judy, stay with me! Judy please!!
Nick's body and mind were moving a mile a minute, almost as fast as his breathing was. But still not as fast as Judy's breathing was. The burning pain in her stomach was overwhelming. She couldn't even scream or groan in pain, that's how bad it hurt. It hurt so much she began to feel light-headed and her vision began to fade, much to Nick's horror.
Judy: Nick...I don't f-feel good. I think I'm g... I think I'm gonna pa-"
Judy's eyes continued to rapidly flutter before Judy's eyes closed and she went dead weight in Nick's arms. Judy was now unconscious, but to Nick it was much worse.
Nick began to rapidly pat at Judy's face to get her to stir. He gently shook her in his arms as his one arm applies pressure to Judy's wound. But she didn't wake. The tears coming from Nick's eyes were flowing faster than the blood between his metallic fingers. He was so overcome with shock and fear, it hadn't registered to him that she was still breathing. To him, his worst fear was happening.
Nick: [desperate] J-carrots? No...No please don't do that! Judy, you gotta wake up! Judy you promised!! PLEASE YOU PROMISED!!
Violent sobbing filled the empty warehouse as Nick held Judy tight in his arms. He didn't want to let her go, he slowly leaned her down and laid her on her back gently. It was then, over his tears of anguish, he heard another noise over thunder of gunfire.
Laughter.
Silva hadn't moved from where he stood over fifty feet away. The mad doctor was hunched over, his hands on his knees as he laughs hysterically at Nick's suffering. The same laugh that Nick had heard for over three years.
Even when three more Razerback guards showed up behind Silva to defend them, he didn't give any of them orders. Silva only continued to laugh and try not to pass out from laughing too hard.
Nick looked down at his hands, they were dark red and covered in blood. Judy's blood. In his blind grief, the fearful assumption Judy was gone hurt more than any torture Silva had done to him. And hearing Silva laugh so hysterically about it, something inside him began to stir.
Silva: [hysterical] I killed Judy Hopps!! I killed Judy Hopps AAHAHAHAA~
Nick's trembling hands slowly clenched into fists. His long fingers ran so hard across the concrete floor his fingers made scratches in it. He squeezed his eyes shut so right they hurt like a migraine. And over the sound of gunfire, and Silva's laughter, Nick's violent sobbing began to deepen, his weeping evolved into low growls, his sharp metal teeth showing from his clenched mouth.
Nick: [enraged growling] you...kill you...I'll kill you!!
Nick no longer cared about anything, all the care he felt he believed died with Judy. He didn't care about the guns trained on him from behind cover, or the growing pain he felt in his back. All he could hear was Silva's proclamation over and over in his head.
His screams echoed through the entire complex. The guards with Silva looked at each other, not sure what to do. Meanwhile, Silvas laughing had died down once the screaming turned almost animalistic. None of them could even understand any words coming out of Nick's mouth if he was even trying to speak anymore at this point. He only continued to scream as his back began to bleed.
All the guards beside Silva all unanimously stepped as Nick crawled on all fours out from behind cover. All of them shared various reactions of horror seeing over a dozen sharp spikes erupt from Nick's back.
The smile had vanished from Silva's face as the growling and sobbing fox in front of them rose to his feet. His eyes are wide-eyed with tiny pupils. Tears were pooling out of his eyes and down his chin, which mixed in with the saliva dripping from his teeth. And the second his eyes locked onto the four of them, his expression immediately turned to one of rage as he opened his mouth and screamed at them with his arms outstretched to his sides.
Whatever was standing in front of them, it wasn't Nick, Not anymore.
A tiniest smile crept on Silva's face as he turned and ran, his guards aiming their weapons at Nick.
Razorback Soldier: HOLY SHIT, KILL HIM!!
The scene erupted into more gunfire as the bullets ripped through Nick's body. The bullets did nothing as he charged at them wailing and screaming like a banshee.
Silva ran around several old crates, conveyor belts, and other various pieces of industrial machinery. The guttering sounds of his men he'd left being slaughtered echoed as Silva took position behind an old UTV. He took a moment to catch his breath, rapidly realizing the screams of both Nick and his men had stopped.
The situation was made even worse when all the lights in the facility went dark. He figured it was likely from the police. But it was about to get even worse for Silva, not that he was afraid. In fact, he was starting to enjoy himself.
Anyone else would have screamed in terror when a dead body was thrown and landed close to ten yards from where he was hiding. Silva's wolverine night vision made him see the body as clear as day. Seeing the massive pool of blood already forming under it. Its facial features were unrecognizable, it didn't even look like a boar anymore.
Silva peaked from around his cover, blood began to pool around the corner where he left his men. He didn't need to guess to say the other two were just as well off as the one next to him.
But he didn't see Nick anywhere, but he heard him. It was difficult with the gunfire still happening on the other side of the facility, but Silva could faintly hear metallic footsteps somewhere in the dark. The thought of being hunted got a nervous giggle from Silva
Silva: oh Nicky~ come out, come out, wherever you are.
Silva stepped out into the open with his gun in front of him. He was about to walk over to where he previously was, until he heard a ear-shattering scraping sound. He whipped in the direction of the noise, and saw a thin steel sheet with four massive claw marks running down it. But Nick was nowhere in sight.
The footsteps were rapid and loud. It was like Nick was running around the entire facility around him. The footsteps could be heard on one corner of Silva's ears, then on the other side in only a few seconds.
Silva stopped moving when the footsteps became less rapid. He began to spin in circles slowly when the footsteps became loud stomps, getting closer and closer, but Silva couldn't see anyone. They continued to get louder and louder, harder and harder, until they felt right on top of him.
Without hesitation, Silva turned around thinking it was coming behind him, and fired a single shot, the bullet hitting the wall of brick at the end of the warehouse. But still, no one to be seen.
With the footsteps having stopped, Silva still had no idea where Nick was. He started to walk back towards a large old semi-truck container. He continued to back up scanning his surroundings, up until he reached the container. A dark shadow standing in the utter black of darkness with piercing green eyes.
Silva turns and is instantly pulled into the container like a black void suckling him in. Silva lets out a startled shout as two more gunshots ring out, Nick's animalistic screaming resumed. The gunshots illuminated inside the container for a split second showing Silva's gun hand being trapped by one of Nick's hands.
But the container goes black again at the sound of a loud snapping sound followed by a painful gasp. Silva is thrown out of the container and onto the ground. His hand that wasn't broken went up to cover his jaw, which was only hanging on by a few ligaments as his lower jaw hung open like a flap.
Silva rolled on his back and stared wide-eyed back in the container as Nick slowly stepped out from the darkness. His mouth and claws were covered in blood, he had at least four bullet holes in him but none of them seemed to faze him as he continued to snarl down at Silva like a rabid beast.
With his hand broken, jaw bleeding and nearly severed. Not an ounce of true fear was in Silva's eyes. His eyes were wide with awe at what was stomping towards him. Even when Nick grabbed him by the throat and picked him up in the air with one hand. All Silva could do was laugh at what he had created.
Silva: he...hehe, hehehahaha! AAAHAHAHA!!~
Nick's growling didn't cease at Silva's laughter. It only intensifies as he brings his other arm beside his head, his fingers clenching together into a shaking fist.
And Silva's laughter was cut off. As his blood splattered against the floor.
Notes:
Alright, at long last, the next chapter is out. I know I said it's hard for me to write more than one story at a time, but I'm gonna do my best to push and do both.
So here's what's gonna happen, I'm gonna likely write one more chapter of this story, then go to my other story, write two-three chapters, then come back to this one.
So hopefully this cycle can last and I hope the few that read this are excited to see this story continue.
Chapter 10: Guilty
Summary:
With Nick possibly facing life in prison, Is Judy prepared to throw away everything she's ever worked and fought for, all to give Nick even a small chance at living a life.
Notes:
Only a couple more chapters to go before we reach the end of the picture side of the story. With much more to be told once we've surpassed them
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Ext. Nocturnal District - Warehouse
The last thing Judy remembered before she came to herself was pain. The pain in her stomach was and still was excruciating. In her time as a police officer she had been hit, cut, and taken bullets to her kevlar vest while working the SWAT team. Even the explosion the day Nick went missing. None matched the sharp burning she felt in her abdomen. All from a bullet from trying to rush to Nick and get him out of the way of fire.
That image of Nick’s shellshocked face is what made Judy blink her eyes. She quickly realized she was no longer inside the warehouse but outside of it. And Nick was nowhere to be seen. She also wasn’t even walking. The sound and feeling of strong arms underneath her told her she was being carried, and fast. If the heavy bouncing she was experiencing was any indication.
Blinking a few times to adjust to the still dark underground environment. Her still blurry eyes could catch the face of Clawhauser above her. He looked distraught, looking rapidly around at her and wherever he was running. His face changed when he noticed Judy had regained consciousness and was already beginning to take note of her surroundings.
Clawhauser :
[Muffled] Judy…y-alright! You’re…alright!
It took several additional seconds for Judy to pick up on Clawhauser’s words. Everything sounded like her ears were stuffed.
Tilting her head to the side, Judy could make out the flashing lights of an ambulance in the distance by the still-parked police vans. Only now there were double the vans parked than what they had been sent in.
Seeing them, and the dull pain in her Abdomen made Judy absentmindedly withdraw her gloved hand to see it painted a dark red. The sight made Judy’s tired and woozy eyes shoot open as she pieced all the pieces together in an instant; A gunshot wound, no Nick, an ambulance, reinforcements?! She could already begin to feel her heart pounding again.
Obviously the most damning of all those revelations to her was the second one. The last person she had seen before she blacked out, was Nick crying over her. She couldn’t remember what he was saying to her. But the look on his face told her all she needed to know. It told her she needed to find Nick, NOW.
Judy tried to wiggle out of CLawhauser gasp as he was about to hand her off to the medics that had arrived and were parked near the armored vehicles.
Judy:
W-wait, Clawhauser I need to-
However, right before she was about to be taken into the ambulance, over the commotion of Officers screaming commands and orders, a loud guttural scream echoed through the cave. It sounded animalistic in nature, and the metallic ringing it gave off was enough to trigger Judy’s PTSD. It was the very same sound she heard the night she found Nick in Silva’s hospital. It made Judy’s ears and the hair on her body stick up. A horrifying chill ran up her entire body. It even made Clawhausers flinch and tail fluff up from being startled.
Suddenly all the chaotic sounds of the scene faded away, the gunshots, the screaming, both from Officers and from Nick. It all became muffled noise as a sad slow piano began to play.
MUSIC - Axol & The Tech Thieves - Bleed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayflc7swss0
Judy :
Clawhauser let go!-Let go of me NOW!!
Hearing that caused Judy to ignore all the pain her body was trying to convey to her. Getting to Nick suddenly became her mind and body's only desire. And it made her trash around in Clawhausers arms until she broke free. Before either the medics or Clawhauser could grab her, she took off running back toward the compound.
Lyrics:
Gave you too much, now i’m swallowed~
Judy’s runned was like a very fast limp as the pain in her gut made her run while bent over slightly, her arm covering her lightly bleeding wound. Looking around, the surroundings moved slowly and silently as the gravity of what was happening began to dawn on her. Dozens of officers carrying riot shields hurried to the front of the building. Other officers were running away and towards the trucks.
Lyrics:
Now I’m the fool, while you’re breaking rules~
Among the Officers running away was McHorn, one of the officers that was also a part of Nick’s rescue. He looked pale like he had just seen a ghost. And he was guarding his chest, even though he looked to have sustained no injuries. It was clear that all the officers that were a part of the horrifying experience now looked terrified and were running away from what Judy was running towards.
Lyrics:
A dangerous path that I follow, Oh~ Go on, just do what you do.
Judy could hear the muffled calls of her friends as they noticed her, trying to get her to stop. But she ignored them and kept running. And she was small enough to slip into the multiple layers of cops armed with their shields. They were gathering around the garage door entrance they had blasted open earlier. Judy had no idea of how much time had passed. Since she woke up from being shot. But she could hear Bogo shouting orders from somewhere.
Bogo:
[Muffled] Shield the front entrance! GO [x3]
Lyrics:
And it hurts~...As I bleed for you, cry for you, oh~
Judy began to slowly squeeze and push her way through the officers standing side by side, forming a semi circle around the entrance. She pushed through one row, then a second, third, forth. She didn’t care enough to count. But it seemed like half of the cops in Zootopia were here!
Lyrics:
Let me bleed!~
Judy pushed her way to the front and stood between two larger predator officers, dressed in full riot gear. She looked out between the see through shields to the front of the building where. From the inside, someone could be seen trying to run to the entrance. And it wasn’t an officer, it was one of the razorback mercenaries. Moments ago he was one of the many trying to kill her and the rest of her fellow officers. Now he was running towards them for safety. He was covered in blood from head to toe.
Razorback:
Help!! Someone HELP M-”
Lyrics:
As I bleed for you! Cry for you! Oh~
But he didn’t even make it outside the building. Just before he could, he was tackled by an animal moving so fast, Judy could barely see them as both the mercenary and the assailant were sent flying out of view inside the building. Judy couldn’t see what was going on on the other side of the brick wall. But from the corner, a blood splatter stained the floor, with more slowly oozing into view of the officers' flashlights all trained on the entrance.
Lyrics:
Let me bleed!!
As a large pool of dark red blood began to pool at the entrance. A figure stepped out from the corner and into view of the bright lights. It was Nick, or what was left of him. Judy’s eyes slowly widened to as big as they could possibly get. It was almost painful as the hot tears began to appear in the corners of her eyes.
Nick stood slightly slouched in the entryway. More than several bullet holes were in him but he didn’t seem to care. His ENTIRE uniform, his once new and clean purple uniform, was now covered in red blood. His pants legs were damp and dark at the legs from standing in blood. And his hands…each finger was dripping blood onto the floor. But not as much as what was coming from his mouth as he bared his teeth, snarling. The entire lower half of his face was red. And up above his eyes looked so far from the sly and cunning Fox Judy knew so well. They looked so cold and dead.
It almost took away from the now mutilated corpse Nick was carrying with one hand by his neck. The body limply dragged on the floor.
Bogo:
Officer Wilde, stand down!! Wilde?! WILDE!!
Lyrics:
Let me bleed!!
Nick’s head slowly looked up towards the bright lights. His expression slowly got worse, his mouth slowly opened more, and his eyes constricted into a murderous glare. His hand suddenly opened and the body he was dragging slumped on the ground.
Judy:
Nick-
Lyrics:
Let me-
Nick's expression exploded as he let out another monstrous scream before charging on all fours towards the wall of officers. Right towards Judy and the two officers she was standing by. WHen he lept in the air, he impacted the two shields in front of him. And the force of the impact was so great, the two officers standing behind had to use their arms to hold the officers to keep them from falling over.
But the shield wall held as Nick was sent backward from the impact. He got up instantly and sprinted beside the makeshift wall like a rabid animal out for blood. He again tried to ram the officers several times but they couldn’t get past the shields. He couldn’t even run back into the building anymore as the officers ran and formed a complete circle as soon as Nick sprinted from the building
Seeing Nick in such a state forced some choked sobs from Judy. She tried to call out to him just like so many others were. But he wasn’t listening. Nick was gone, somewhere deep in his own mind. What was left now running around in a circle aimlessly. He would stop running only to sniff the ground where fresh blood was, as if it would lead him to move people to main or kill.
And seeing Nick like that also told Judy if anyone could reach him, it was her. But even she knew that was a big if. It broke her heart to do it. But she reached to the back of her waist for her tranq gun, selecting the highest dose before removing the needle from the gun.
Judy was just small enough to slip past the riot shields and into the police circle where Nick was trapped. When she did, her presence was noticed by everyone. Many of whom began screaming at her to get back behind the shields.
Travis:
JUDY!! What are you doing?!
Bogo:
Get back here Lieutenant!!
But Judy didn’t listen as she walked up to Nick. She didn’t have a flicker of fear at the thought of him turning on her. It hadn’t even crossed her mind.
By the time she did get close to him; him sprinting around and doing god knows what inside, he was back walking on his hind legs and was panting. She could tell exhaustion was already beginning to set in. But his expression was still monstrous and hostile. Her fear was an excited delirium situation where his body would work itself to death. So she wanted to act quickly to get his attention.
Judy:
Nick?! Nick, listen to me- look at me!
Even when she was standing right beside him, he didn’t react. Her voice was definitely heard with his metallic ears, especially when all the officers that were shouted quieted down slightly as Judy tried to talk to him.
Judy:
Nick-
That was when she reached out and tried to touch him, which she did and gently took hold of Nick’s forearm. At first it seemed like a mistake when Nick rapidly turned towards her, his bloodshot eyes glaring down at her. He must have at least recognised her to a degree since he didn’t kill her immediately. His expression did soften a little, or he was just so exhausted, Judy couldn’t tell which. But exhaustion had to be playing a factor. The way he was panting, walking slouched. He almost looked like an excited delirium patient.
But she wasn’t enough for him to stop. After a split second, Nick looked back up and continued to pace around. She tried to pull on his arm, but he wouldn’t stop. Now he wasn’t even acknowledging her! But he did acknowledge every time the circle of officers took a step closer he angrily bared his metal teeth at the nearest officer. Judy’s hand on him was what kept him from jumping at the wall of riot shields.
The tears fell down her face hard. But even though she was still clutching her still bleeding wound, that was only the second most painful thing hurting right now. It was the same pain she felt whenever she willed herself to stand over Nick’s gravestone, or after hours spent in the basement looking through her notes on Nick’s disappearance. All that heartbreak, all the sleepless nights, it was like all of it never left her. The heartbreak of knowing that she failed; she failed herself, she failed her friends, and she failed Nick.
Judy continued to pull and tug on Nick’s arm weakly. Nick dragged her along like she wasn’t even there.
Judy:
Nick, they’re dead!
Nick only flinched again when all the officers took another step forward in unison. Judy could see barrels pointed at them from between the gaps in the shield wall. And some of those weapons were definitely not all tranquilizers. She looked out at all of her fellow officers. Many of them she had worked alongside for years. But it felt like she was looking at strangers all over again. The way they were looking at him, she didn’t need a good animal's nose to tell fear, it was written all over their faces. Some were trembling, their shields and guns quivering in their hands.
It made Judy question if she truly was this blind to everything. Was everyone looking at him like this?! She was with him nearly every day since his release and she didn’t see this.
Judy:
Please…stop!
When she heard the racking of gun slides was when she knew she had to make a choice. Nick was one more outburst away from being shot, more than he already was. The circle was getting smaller and smaller. She could either continue talking, hoping Nick would snap out of it right then and there, if the real Nick could even hear her. Or she could put a stop to it herself, and break her promise. It wasn’t much of a choice for her, given her surroundings. Her hand was already gripping the giant needing, setting it to its maximum dosage; An elephant tranquilizer. Under normal circumstances, such a dosage for an animal Nick's size was dangerous. But given his high tolerance weeks prior, she had no other option.
Judy:
N-Nick…I’m sorry
Nick’s eyes dilated as soon as Judy pulled back and jammed the needle right into the side of his neck. The arm judy was holding shot up and grabbed the needle still In His neck right as just let go. He pulled it out and stared at it in wide-eyed shock. For a split second he whipped his head and snarled down at Judy. His face softened immediately after making eye contact.
In that short time he looked at Judy one last time. The normal and terrified eyes she wanted to see had returned. But of course it was too little too late. His legs began to wiggle and stagger, and his eyes started to lose focus on her.
And the last thing Nick processed before his vision was gone was seeing judy standing and looking up at him. He didn’t register that she was bleeding from her abdomen. All he cared to notice was that she was still alive, a fact that he tried to put to words but-
Nick:
Judy?...Y-you’re-
The needle fell from his right right as Nick collapsed to the ground. His eyes were still open making him look like a corpse. but his eyes somehow were still on Judy’s tear-stained face.
All Judy could do with the little energy she had left was to fall to her knees in front of Nick's unconscious form. She went back to putting pressure on her wound right as the encirclement of officers dispersed as both Nick and Judy tended to. The only remaining sounds were the blaring of the police sirens echoing throughout the cave systems.
INT. Bogo’s office
Bogo:
I’m sorry Hopps, but you’re suspended from active duty. Until further notice.
Judy was back to sitting before Bogo’s desk. Judy was back to wearing plain civilian clothes. A pair of yoga pants and tennis shoes and a sports bra on. Several stitches could be seen and bandaging where her gunshot wound was now healing on her exposed abdomen.
Judy several weeks ago would have objected. And a few weeks ago Bogo would be screaming at him. But now both of them were too drained and exhausted after everything that has happened. Judy had gone straight to Bogo’s office after she was discharged from the hospital. They wanted to keep her for longer to give her wound more time to heal. But Judy wouldn’t allow it.
Bogo looked as tired as Judy did. His desk was filled to the brim with paperwork and his eyes were sunken in like he was going off a couple hours of sleep. The amount of press conferences, news attention, and overall stress from the last couple days had weighed on the chief. He didn't sound like the loud and militaristic leader he would normally be.
All Judy could respond with was lowering her head to gaze at the floor. Under any other circumstance, she would have hated office work. She loved going out and helping people more than anything. But now the only objection she could make to that was a defeated sigh. She was too tired to even shed tears at this point. She’d done plenty of that.
Judy:
I don’t care what happens to me. What about Nick?
This time, Bogo sighed deeply. He leaned forward in his chair, his elbows resting on the wooden desk as he slowly took his reading glasses off his face.
Bogo:
Health wise, he’ll make a full recovery. But other than that, it’s not good Judy. The media found out, the entire city knows. We had no choice but to arrest him.
Judy prepared herself for the news. Her knuckles clenched tightly that under her fur, her skin was surely turning pale white. Her voice was low, teetering on the edge of exploding. Especially at seeing Nick’s badge on Bogo’s desk between them.
Judy:
What’s he looking at?
Bogo:
A trial is already upcoming. He’s facing over nine counts of second degree manslaughter. But with all the body cams, it’s looking more like murder charges.
Judy’s teeth clenched tightly and she grimaced in her seat. But no noises or outburst was heard as she silently screamed in her head. It was like all the trauma and self hate that she thought she had overcome years ago was unwillingly crawling back up.
____________________________________________________________________________
Judy can next be seen walking up to a glass window and looking inside. It was happening while her conversation with Bogo continued. It was right when Judy had gotten out of the hospital. She’d chosen to go see Nick first at the jail before her meeting with Bogo. She stared silently, a hand lightly pressed against the thick glass barrier from inside.
Bogo’s voice:
We’ve already assigned Nick the best lawyer we have. One that has worked cases for the ZPD for many years.
Judy’s voice:
it’s doesn’t fucking matter! They’re gonna throw the book at him and you know it. Any jury will judge him guilty just from his appearance alone.
Inside the cell, Nick was sitting in the corner of the padded white room. He was fully dressed in a full body straightjacket with chains connecting the suit to the walls. The worst of it was the muzzle they had Nick wearing. Seeing it made a tiny hint of anger flair up. She knew Nick hated them. So much so neither of them carried muzzles when they were on the job when it was necessary to restrain a criminal. The only solace Judy had was the behavioral drugs he was one when he was first admitted. They had yet to wear off but they put Nick in a loopy and happy manic state.
She couldn’t hear what Nick was saying behind the glass. Because she could see his mouth mumbling words in his inebriated state. She wanted to say something to him, anything. To tell him that it was all gonna be okay, and that she was so, so sorry. That this, all of this, was her fault.
But Judy knew that he wouldn’t hear her. Even if the walls weren't completely soundproof. So she remained silent and allowed a pair of tears to fall down her face.
INT. Bogo’s office
Judy:
This is all my fault.
Bogo’s expression remained stoic as ever. He may look exhausted. But he still tried his best to stay as neutral as possible. Though he could only accomplish it by momentarily averting his gaze from Judy. Because she was right, he wanted to agree with her. Hell he should fire her for this. Lesser officers have been fired and let go for far less. Because if he did, he might as well resign.
Bogo:
There’s just as much blame on my paws too Hopps. You may have insisted Nick come back to the field, but I was the one who allowed it. Just like I'm the one who allowed you two on the case when you should have been nowhere near it
Bogo looked at Nick's badge on his desk and saw his saddened expression in its shiny reflection.
Bogo: (cont’d)
It’s one of the reasons I couldn’t bring myself to fire you. You wanted to stand by Nick, your partner. Any self respecting cop would do the same.
Judy honestly felt like she deserved to be fired. It made her think back to her resigning as an officer during the nighthowler case. It was the same guilt but somehow much worse. If she couldn’t serve and protect those closest to her, then how was she supposed to protect those she’s sworn to protect.
She remained silent as Bogo closed his eyes when he made eye contact with her again. He was good at masking his feelings. The decades he served as a cop made him good at that. But seeing his two best officers go through so much made that difficult.
Bogo: (cont’d)
Go home Hopps, get some rest. I’m going to assume you’ve already received a subpoena as well.
Judy could only respond by nodding. But Bogo’s own confession of guilt got Judy’s mind to wander. To a place she hadn’t thought to go, a place her younger self would have been horrified to even think
Bogo:
You’ve done and given everything you could, Judy. I’m s-
Judy:
No, not everything-
Her voice was almost dead and monotone as she swiped Nick’s old badge from the table. Bogo watched with growing concern as his best officer turned and began walking out of his office. She didn’t even spare him a glance. He knew something was going on in Judy’s head. And he hated when he couldn’t read her. Her unorthodox methods and unpredictability had made her surprisingly predictable to the chief over the years. But for some reason he couldn’t predict what Judy was planning. And that scared him, even if just a little.
Judy:
Not yet.
____________________________________________________________________________
It had been a couple days later when Nick was slowly taken off the behavioral altering drugs that his case was upcoming. The case was in the coming weeks and Judy had decided to pay Nick’s lawyer a visit. It wasn’t like she had much else to do other than shovel paperwork sinc her suspension. But she guessed it was better than losing her badge.
Now that Nick has been taken off the drugs and the legal proceedings are now under way, Judy now finds herself barred from visiting Nick due to her connection to the case. So she went downtown to the correctional facility and waited in the lobby for a Muntjac deer in a suit to walk past the security and metal detectors towards the door. She hadn’t registered tapping her foot so fast and hard until she felt the pins and needles running up her leg from a building cramp.
When the lawyer spotted her he gave her a meek smile and a respectful nod.
Marcus (Lawyer):
Mrs.Hopps
Judy:
[polite] Marcus
Nick’s lawyer, Marcus, walks with Judy towards the exit. She had known Marcus for many years. He had helped her on many of the rare cases that went her way. Even with Judy’s clean record and well regarded reputation, she wasn’t immune to legal battles as an officer, especially in this day and age.
Marcus kept his eyes forward as he walked beside Judy. She did as well. He pursed his lips and sighed, waiting for Judy to speak but begrudgingly spoke when she didn’t.
Marcus:
I know what you’re going to ask me.
Judy happily responds, but no smile is on her face.
Judy:
Then answer it.
Marcus:
Under normal circumstances I'm not allowed to discuss a case with another…But Nick gave me permission to discuss this with you.
Judy was slightly surprised that Nick did that. She didn’t exactly want to discuss the intricacies of Nick’s case. But just wanted to talk to Marcus and tell him her plan. But the big question is if he’ll go along with it.
The two walked side by side, keeping quiet until they were outside of the correctional facility. They walked among the crowd towards Marcus’s parked car on the side of the street. Now she felt like she had to ask now. Bogo may have said it was bad, but she still wanted to hear from Nick’s lawyer on the state of the situation as well.
Judy:
So how bad is it?
Marcus:
Bad, It’s not looking good Judy. With Nick’s connection to Silva, the DA is pushing for 1st degree murder. I’ll try to fight it, but the only two things even remotely protecting him from that is the body cams showing Nick’s state of mind at the time, and the fact a body was never recovered.
That was something Bogo hadn’t told Judy. And hearing it from Nick’s lawyer got her eyes to widen a little. In her last meeting with Nick before she was barred, he had told her what he did to him. There was no way he’d have survived! Silva was as good as dead! The idea of him turning up again momentarily brought her away from the stress of what would happen to Nick. But she shoved that notion down. For her sake, and Nick’s.
Judy:
[with certainty] He’s dead.
Marcus:
Yes well, For Nick’s sake, let's hope his body doesn’t turn up. Regardless I advised Nick that a plea deal would likely be the best outcome.
That brought Judy’s attention back instantly. She turned to Marcus with a fire in her eyes that had been absent for weeks.
Judy:
[growling] He’s NOT, guilty!
Marcus held up his hands and spoke softer to calm Judy down. They saw Marcus' car but turned left and spoke in a downtown ally between two tall buildings.
Marcus:
While I know You and Nick enough to agree, a jury has to be convinced of that. And I don’t know if that's possible with all the evidence against him.
Judy stood with eyes closed, back against the brick wall as Marcus listed off what they were dealing with. Bogo, was right, it wasn’t good. Her hands were tapping repeatedly against the bricks. She wanted to smash the wall in with all her strength if she could.
Marcus (Cont’d)
Bogo’s testimony, Shoehorns testimony, the body cam footage, Nick’s medical records…literally everything is stacked against him…If he takes a plea deal. He can plead insanity and get a lighter sentence. He’d be looking at 15 years in a mental institute.
Judy couldn’t hold back tears, holding her mouth to keep it closed to keep her anguish internal. She hated this, she hated everything right now. Nick and her had done so much for this city. They literally saved it from tearing itself apart from Bellwether, and THIS was how they were repaying him?! She wouldn’t have solved that case without him. He turned his life around, became a good cop, and now when the city needed to return the favor and help him, they were gonna cast him away.
Marcus (Cont’d)
But if we fight this, and lose…which is a high probability. He could be facing life in a maximum security prison…I’m sorry, I wish it were different but-
Marcus had started to back and walk towards his car, but Judy finally opened her eyes and spoke up. He straightened herself and spoke with a newfound resolve and commitment.
Judy:
What about MY testimony?
Marcus turned back and looked at Judy. She was staring daggers but not towards him. The two made silent eye contact for several seconds before it must have registered to Marcus what Judy was insinuating. He stepped back into the alley and his eyes were wide with plenty of warning in them.
Marcus:
No-
Judy:
I convinced Bogo to let him back on the street.
Marcus’s voice became a whisper to keep others from hearing outside the alley. And in an attempt to keep Judy quiet. But she didn’t keep quiet, nor did she stop.
Marcus:
Don’t-
Judy:
I got Shoehorn to go against the no work order and to not report anything to the ZPD
Marcus:
Judy, stop!
But of course Judy didn’t with each proclamation Judy’s voice rose higher and higher just as much as her resolve did. It started out with lingering doubt, but now she was more sure than anything else in her entire life. Even her desire to become a police officer was overshadowed by it.
Judy:
And I was the one that put Nick on the case that led to the crime! I gave him the fucking gun Marcus!
Marcus tries to place a hand over Judy’s mouth to silence her before somebody hears. But she slapped his arms away and stood her ground, refusing to be backed against the wall.
Marcus:
[harsh whisper] YOU, don’t know what you’re saying!
Judy had to hold back an offended laugh. She failed to a degree and her nose snorted like she was disgusted by what Marcus was saying to her. This wasn’t Judy. At least not the ‘clever bunny’ she used to be. When Nick and her worked side by side and all was right. She’d felt on top of the world and living her perfect life. She was so happy then. So full of positivity towards everyone; both friends, and criminals alike.
But now she was a hollow shell, a far cry from that person; A workaholic, insomniac, crude and rough on the job, and even a drinker when her mind got really bad on days she wasn’t working.
Getting Nick back and working with him momentarily brought back that bunny. But that was just an illusion, as too was Nick. She knew now BOTH of them were living a lie, ignorantly thinking that things could go back to what they were. Back when things were perfect, before that perfection was stolen from the both of them. Her attempts to ignore that reality had only doomed them.
Looking back, Judy felt stupid to think that. Another tear fell down Judy’s face as she accepted that truth. Those days were long gone. Shorhorn may have helped put the pieces that were her life back together as well as many others she cared about. But the pieces would never be as strong, nor would the figurative vase look or feel the same.
Judy:
I know EXACTLY what I'm saying!
Marcus’ face constricted like he was on the verge of having a migraine But his voice didn’t reflect that as he still tried to sound calm and talk quietly
Marcus:
If you give that testimony, your career is GONE!
Judy:
I don’t care about that!!
Judy was a couple decibels away from screaming at this point. She was desperate, her tone, her rigid pose, and her frantic eyes all showed it. She didn’t even know this was even an argument in her mind. Because she had already made up her mind.
Judy (cont’d):
[sternly] Would it work?!
Marcus:
But Judy, you’d never-
Judy:
WOULD. IT. WORK?!
Marcus looked up at the sky, as if silently screaming or cursing whatever god or gods he believed in. When he stopped trying to calm her tone and spoke in a tone one would expect a ‘cold heatless’ lawyer would in a courtroom. He even stuffed his hands in his pants pockets.
Marcus:
It would take ‘some’ of the blame of Wilde. But that blame would go to you Judy! You’d be facing your own charges at that point! You’d never work in law enforcement ever again!
She then stunned Marcus by coldly shrugging her shoulders. Marcus had just stared at her, completely flabbergasted. He spuddered his next few words until they were intelligible.
Marcus:
Nick will still be facing criminal charges. Maybe you’d shave a couple years off his sentence. But this isn’t going to get him off scot free. You’d only be incriminating yourself, you’d be ruining your life!
Judy:
My life’s already ruined Marcus. But if I have to ruin my life so Nick gets a chance to live his, Then so be it.
Marcus opened his mouth to protest again, but Judy shoved past him and walked back out onto the bustling street. Since it was close to downtown she would have blended with the crowd of thousands of diverse animal species. But before she could throw herself into the crowd she heard Marcus shout one final thing to her before he lost sight of her.
Marcus:
Don’t do this Judy! Nick wouldn’t want you to do this!
That got Judy to stop dead in her tracks on the sidewalk. Her face contorted to a wide eyed look of shock and anger, like someone just threw a speciest slur at her. She was silently glad she was no longer within arms reach of Marcus. Because if he still was, she would have clocked him right in the face. Another testament to how she had changed as a person over the years.
Marcus had no right to say what Nick did and didn’t want! Because as far as Judy was concerned, Nick probably didn’t want to be facing LIFE in prison. Or that he didn’t want to have spent three years of his life in a living hell. Or to be almost as much a machine as a mammal.
Judy refrained from turning her head to look at him again. Because if she did, she was certain she would give into that rage. She remained still as a statue for several seconds before continuing down the street, leaving Marcus to watch her disappear in the crowd from the corner of the ally.
And when Judy’s form was assimilated into the crowd, Marcus’ gaze went back down the street towards the jail. Its windowless solid concrete form stood out among the rest of the city street. He looked down at the car keys still in his hand, and pocketed them again. Right as he turned and went walking back towards the jail.
____________________________________________________________________________
Int. Judy’s Apartment
Judy had never been one to wear any fancy dresses or skirts. Or anything even remotely feminine. It was one of the reasons for her ‘Jude the Dude’ nickname back home. Instead of those fancy mini-skirts her sisters always wore in highschool, she much preferred the comfort of boy's overalls, or plain white t-shirt over a cropped tank top.
So standing in front of a mirror in her apartment, wearing a full suit and tie just felt better than any fancy dress she could go out and buy.
When she finally got the tie on right so looked and stared at herself in the mirror. She took the time to make sure everything about her appearance was as good as possible down to her fur and eyelashes, something usually Nick would have gone out of his way to do to himself but it usually had never been her. But considering she could very well be arrested today because of her testimony, she wanted to look her best for her possibly last day as a free person, and as an officer.
After an uncomfortable amount of time staring at herself. She looked away and walked to her closet door to close it. When she did she was met with her hanging uniform in the closet. Both her normal uniform and her dress blues were hanging side by side in the middle of the closet.
Looking over to a tiny shelf by the door, where she kept all her pocketed accessory items, she reached over and grabbed her badge and held it in her hands. The small badge showed her name and rank as a Lieutenant of Precinct one. One of the highest rankings next to Bogo.
Judy smiled proudly for a few seconds. Thinking about how happy her younger seven year old self would be to see how far she had come in her career. She remembered getting the promotion a few months after starting therapy with Shoehorn. Looking back, she would have been jumping with joy, or at least jittery as she would barely be able to contain her emotions. But in truth, it wasn’t like that. She just remembered saluting and taking the new badge like it was just another day.
And it seemed like now, at the possible end of her career, she was finally showing a hint of that pride and joy that had been absent.
Judy bit her lip as she smiled simultaneously, pushing back any tears trying to form. Then the smile vanished entirely with a few deep calming breaths. She looked back to her uniform and slowly reached up and pinned the badge on the uniform before shutting the door.
Turning her head back to the shelf. She next grabbed a small photo. The photo she had cherished of Nick’s graduation from the academy. Her love for the photo was shown with how held and wrinkled it was over the years. Water/tear stains were still on the back of it.
Looking around her room, she noted how many photos depicted both her and Nick together. And also how few pictures there were after Nick had gone missing. The only one she could see was one of her and Bogo standing side by side after her previously mentioned promotion.
But she knew of another. She pulled out her phone from inside her suit’s pocket and went to take her photos. The first and most recent one taken was of her and Nick taking a selfie at the hospital. Both her and Nick were seen smiling on the hospital bed, almost as brightly as the photograph she was holding. Nick was smiling while simultaneously having a popsicle in his mouth.
Zooming in on the photograph still in her hand. She folded it neatly and pocketed it in her coat alongside her phone. Her feet walked on the wooden floor as she opened the door. And the wooden floor became more polished and clean as the setting changed to the hallway outside the Zootopia courthouse.
INT Courthouse
The hallway leading to the courtroom was loud and filled with flashing photography. The courthouse security had done enough to keep a clear pathway to the wooden double doors. But the photographers still blinded her with their cameras and tried bombarding her with questions. She had learned from Bogo to keep a straight face and keep walking, ignoring and shutting them out entirely.
Even when ZNN news was given their own section where an anchor was standing in from of a camera.
News Anchor:
It’s Saturday morning, barely after eight and the monumental case that has shocked the world is coming to a head. Former police officer Nicholas Wilde, once thought to be dead for years, is now on trial for murder after massacring several mercenaries including his supposed captor; Dr Miles Silva, another thought to be dead mammal, only his body has yet to be found.
The camera captures Judy walking past them and being allowed into the courtroom by two guards.
News Anchor:
ZPD Precinct one’s Lieutenant, Judy Hopps, Wilde’s former partner, is set to be testifying today along with several others, including Chief Bogo, Psychiatrist Dr Amy Shoehorn, and many others tied to the iconic police duo.
The door closes and the noises from outside are muffled severely thanks to the soundproofed doors and walls of the county courthouse. Inside there were hushed whispers all around. The stands were all full of legal representatives, artists from the press to depict what was about to transpire, the DA and his entire legal team, and several off duty officers she recognised from their precinct, one of them being Clawhauser and Bogo, the ladder dressed in near identical suit as he too is supposed to take the oath and testify.
The only person not there yet was Nick, and the Judge. Likely due to security securing the area before bringing Nick into the courtroom.
When Judy walked to the front of the room, Clawhauser was sitting near the end of the row and turned to Judy. His nervousness was much more external and obvious than Judy’s, who kept hers tightly bottled up inside her.
Judy:
Where’s your partner?
Judy’s question towards Clawhauser obviously meant Tarvis Rookie, his new partner. Clawhauser kept his answer short and quick
Clawhauser:
Chief gave him basic patrols today…You doing okay Judy?
Both knew the questions was rhetorical, but Judy sighed and tried answering as best she could with the most fake smile she could muster. One maybe even Nick would have been proud of.
Judy:
I’m fine, what about Nick? You’ve seen him right?
Just knew with Clawhauser not tied to the case that he was given visiting rights to Nick when she was denied. So when Clawhauser nodded she was partially relieved. At least he still had friends that cared enough to visit him that were not just her.
That relief turned to pain when Clawhauser spoke. Likely meant to be words of encouragement but, to Judy, it made her heart ache.
Clawhauser:
He misses you, Judy. He told me to tell you it’s gonna be okay.
Judy had very little time to think about Clawhausers words when a loud voice from one of the guards requested everybody be seated and to clear the walkway. Judy’s expression went back to a cold stare as she walked over t o the front of the courtroom and took her seat. Bogo was just a few seats down from her, but neither spoke a word to each other. Nobody did, a silence fell over the courtroom as the side door opened and out walked two security guards, one a tiger, the other a bear. Judy didn’t recognise either of them, only that they were from the correctional facility from their uniforms.
But the person she did recognise was Nick walking between them. The straightjacket had been removed so his arms could wear proper handcuffs albeit more sturdy and thick steel ones. And the muzzle he had been wearing when Judy last saw him was thankfully missing. She wished the court trusted him enough to allow him out of his restraints and into a proper suit, and give him some semblance of dignity. It’s not like half the cops in the city were here.
Their eyes met as he was walked to the podium. Nick looked to have had a cold and dead expression similar to Judy’s, but looking at each other, Neither could maintain it. Both looked at each other with such vulnerability and obvious pain. It hurt both of them that neither could even form a smile to the other. But both understood why. It was like they were having a silent conversation with only their eyes.
The gaze lasted up until Nick was in the podium. Isolated from everyone else on the floor save for the two guards that remained behind him. Marcus sat at a table a couple feet behind him. And the judge’s podium was several feet in front of him in the back of the room.
Judy noted just how silent the courtroom was now that Nick was there. Not even a gasp or hushed whisper was heard. She had to force herself not to tap her foot because it was quiet enough for it to have been heard.
The noise returned when another door, one opposite of the one Nick was let in at, was opened and from it walked in the Judge.
Guard:
All rise.
Everyone on the hundred people in the room rose and the female anteater walked to the podium and sorted through her papers.
Judge:
Please be seated.
The judge placed a pair of golden sunglasses on her eyes before seating herself and going straight to her papers. Judy’s eyes remained on Nick, who was still facing front and eyes towards the judge
Judge:
Let the records reflect, the attorneys for the state, the attorney’s for the accused, and the accused are all present in the courtroom.
The judge paused to let the stenographer begin writing and recording.
Judge:
Today we are commencing case number 2:18-cr-048326; The state vs Nicholas Wilde. On nine counts of manslaughter in the second degree, and one count of murder in the first degree. Are these the charges the DA has established?
On the right side of the judge’s floor the city's district attorney, Robert Wood, stands to address the judge.
Wood:
Yes, your honor.
Judge:
And has the accused been made aware of and accept these charges?
Now Marcus stood from his chair behind Nick to address the Judge. The DA and his competitor remained standing as well.
Marcus:
Yes, your honor.
The judge nodded and looked at an orderly paper with a list of names that were to testify.
Judge:
Before we begin and call our first witness, Mrs. Judeth Laverine Hopps, I will ask how does the accused plea, Mr.Hick
Before Marcus could speak, a couple members in the crowd spoke up, yelling obscenities and guilty remarks towards Nick and his side. The room in a span of a second was about to erupt into contempt until the Judge stood up and struck a gavel down on her podium.
Judge:
The next person that speaks without my approval shall be removed from the room! And be arrested for contempt. I am NOT starting with such behavior today. Now, how does the accused plead?
Judy had stood from her chair, waiting for the judge to call her up to the stand. She felt dozens of eyes on her burning into the back of her head. Many of whom had just spoken up demanded Nick’s guilty verdict. He had to keep herself from turning around and looking for those people.
There was a tiny part in the back of her mind that again asked if she was really ready to do this. Of course in her own head that voice sounded like Nick’s voice. If she was really going to throw away her entire career for him. She looked over to Nick one more time and a slow content smile tried it’s best to form. Because the answer was ‘yes, yes I am’
But Nick didn’t look her in the eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to look her in the eyes as Marcus was given another opportunity to speak. What he said was something Nick had accepted and what Judy was fiercely denying. At least in his mind anyway. That's why he couldn’t look at her now. Because he didn’t want to see the hurt and betrayal that he would see.
Marcus:
Your honor, my client has chosen to plead guilty to all charges.
Judy’s determined face exploded in shock and horror. Just as the room exploded back into vocal outbursts despite the judges warning. If Judy’s jaw wasn’t connected to her face, it would be on the floor right now. Her eyes couldn’t get any bigger either. Even though the room was in an uproar, Judy could barely hear any of it as she was still frozen like a statue. It was like someone dropped a flashbang at her feet and she couldn’t hear anything.
Nick closed his eyes, trying to drown out the noise himself but his cybernetic enhanced hearing made that impossible. When he opened his eyes again, he saw the faces of the jury, many shouting, some sitting uncomfortably in their seats. Turning around he saw security moving to block the floor from the crowd standing and shouting his way. He couldn’t make out what they were saying, there were too many of them. But all he heard were the same insults that scared him when he was a child.
Even though he knew he wasn’t there, Nick could hear Silva hysterically laughing somewhere. If there was any chance of not being the monster Silva had made him, Nick had all but buried that possability condemning himself. But it was either this or watch Judy take the fall this. And no matter how much he hated himself, hated what had been done to him, he’d rather die than let Judy destroy herself for his sake. When Marcus came to him and told him her plan, he didn’t even hesitate or think twice.
Judge:
I Will have Silence in the court! Guards, take the accused away. We’ll reconvene for sentencing at a later date- I Said QUIET!!
Nick finally turned to his former partner as the two large guards took hold of him by the shoulders. He had no idea what was going on in their heads, or Judy’s. She still remained in her petrified position.
Nick:
JUDY! Judy listen, I’ll be alright. Don’t worry about me- Please! Judy?!”
But Judy couldn’t hear him. All her mind could hear was one word, whispering and repeating in her head over and over again like an echo
Guilty.
Notes:
Heyyyy guysss, surprise!! Another chapter!! And yes, as I've said before this story is NOT dead. Anything but. Just my motivation is the equivalent of a bipolar teenager; happy and reading to write one second, then the next it's shut itself in, and doesn't come out for days or weeks.
But over the last week or two I've slowly been getting back motivation for this story again. Because I just love it that much.
The big reason why my motivation was killed for this chapter was the court scene, I didn't know how to write It. Cus
1. I know jack about court and legal shit.
and 2; because I didn't want this court scene to drag on. As I love to make accurate scenes to real life, and if I did that with this court scene. This chapter would never have been finished.But with that I decided to take a little twist on this story. IK the title of Neytirix's 9th pic is titled "final verdict" to imply he was possibly deemed guilty by a jury. But With Judy's emotions and selflessness I thought it would be in character for her to try and sacrifice herself to possibly give Nick a lighter sentence.
And Nick would obviously NOT be on board with that plan and decide to bite the bullet and save Judy from making a terrible mistake in his eyes.
Chapter 11: Depression and Doubts
Summary:
The Prejudice, speciest, and unfair legal system starts to real it's ugly head. While another is still in the shadows, for now.
Chapter Text
Int. Visitation center- Zootopia county jailhouse.
Nick hadn’t expected getting many visitors during his stay at the jail. Other than maybe the few officers that cared to stop by. He dreaded the day Judy would visit him. Didn’t think he could look her in the eye as he basically threw himself under the bus. The fact it had been close to a week told him she was likely working tirelessly to get him out. Another equally depressing thought for Nick, knowing his former partner was working tirelessly for him instead of the city. He jokingly would be flattered if she were here. But deep down Nick knew this city needed her more than he did. At least that's what he kept telling himself.
Now with him being led by his collar with a thick chain towards the visitation area he had a small pit in his stomach with the thought of; what if it was Judy?
He walked at the pace of the guards, head looking down and his face unreadable as ever. They hadn’t even bothered to take him out of his straightjacket for this meeting.
Each visitation chamber was just for one on one. No rows of other inmates lined up. Just a single white room with two chairs, separated by solid glass with a microphone being the only way to communicate. The room was blindingly white. White walls, white chair, clear glass, and the light above was a standard bright white light.
Looking through the glass on the other side, Nick was pleasantly surprised when the person on the other side of the glass was not Judy, But Fennick, staring at him while sitting in the seat, was still too small for a mammal of his size despite them trying to accommodate . The Fennec fox was dressed oddly nice for a visitation; khaki blond shorts, a black button down shirt that he actually bothered to tuck into his pants and completed with a dark brown belt.
Nick found it a lot easier to face Finnick, his first partner, rather than his second. Seeing him got him to smile in a way he hadn’t in a long time. He hadn’t seen Finnick since the hospital, he wished he’d have taken Judy up on the idea to hang with the little guy.
Nick walked over and took his seat while one of the guards connected the chain on his collar to the desk in front of him. Nick stared back at Finnick until he heard the door close behind him to give the two privacy. Both knew there was a camera watching them anyway so it wasn’t really private like either of them wanted, but it was good enough.
After waiting for Finnick to start the conversation, Nick awkwardly scooted the chair closer to the mic, intentionally scratching the chair against the floor doing so. He opened his mouth to talk, and no words came out, he decided to start with the jokes and just mouthed words and not making any sound. All to make it look like he was trying to talk.
The fox on the other side just rolled his eyes, not even testing the mic on his side as he spoke into it.
Finnick:
You’re not funny Wilde.
Nick immediately pretended like he was checking his microphone and acting like it just turned on.
Nick:
Heloooo, mic check, this thing on?-Ah there it is! How nice of ya to drop by buddy!
Fennick responded in kind by flipping him the bird from the other side of the glass with an annoyed look. Even if Nick was being mildly amusing, Finnick wasn’t gonna give Nick the satisfaction of getting to him.
Finnick:
[annoyed] Eat shit, blue.
Even though he pretended to be offended, Nick and Fennick knew it was smoke and mirrors with each other. Most of the time
Nick:
Hey, Former Blue, thank you very much.
Finnick rolled his eyes, his massive ears doing a similar gesture. But regardless one of his ears still twitched a couple times, and his tail whipped from side to side in occasional bursts, telltale signs that Finnick was happy to see him without the stubborn old fox admitting to it.
Nick (Cont’d):
Besides, is that any way to speak to dear ol’ daddy?
Nick could almost see a blood vessel pop in Finnick’s forehead similar to Bogo. Nick wondered if they would have gotten along if they were on the same side of the law. But Nick dropped the thought seeing Finnick’s hands ball up into fists so hard his knuckles cracked.
Finnick:
Oh you’re REALLY not funny!
Nick had to take a break from talking due to him actually getting a genuine laugh from his own joke. In the years since joining the academy, Finnick had finally started to look less like a child. It was more prevalent now after he returned from being MIA. He was starting to actually look his age. But it was nothing some hair dye and makeup couldn’t fix, if Finnick didn’t kill him by that point, they could pull off all the baby and daddy hustles they did back in the day.
After a few seconds, Nick was able to lessen his barking laughter to barely controlled giggling.
Nick:
So, how’d you get in anyway? They don’t let just anybody visit inmates oh my ‘severity.’
Finnick shrugged simply, his angry brow lessening.
Finnick:
One of ya cop buddies covered for me. Said I was your cousin and they didn’t even bother checking.
Nick:
Let me guess, Clawhauser?
Finnick didn’t respond, he’d already said enough on what was probably a recorded room. Nick played with his own feet under the table while trying to think of how to steer this conversation in a way that didn’t involve him talking about anything remotely personal. An impossibility, but not for Nick wanting to try for his own sake.
Nick:
Regardless, I'm flattered you decided to drop by to see your former partner in technically not crime.
His attempt was shut down instantly with a question. Finnick wasn’t one to sugar coat or beat around a bush. And the still slight furrow to his brow meant he was still upset, regardless of the subtle cues he was at least glad to be talking to his old partner again.
Finnick:
[calmly] The fuck are you doing Wilde?”
He asked in a calm, and truthfully confused manner. It was an understandable reaction. Finnick knew Nick may not understand the true consequences of his actions.And Nick just assumed Finnick was the same for his decisions. But this was one conversation Nick didn’t want to have either. But he didn’t want to cast Finnick off so he tried playful banter again.
Nick:
Right now? Not much, not really a free mammal anymore so I can’t really do much. Especially with this thing giving me the strongest hug and wedgie imaginable
Nick shook his shoulders to get his straightjacket to shake and the chain to rattle.
Finnick was motionless for a few seconds while glaring through the glass. The button he was using to turn on the mic was pressed with a considerable amount of force when he did speak up again. In a much deeper and frustrated tone.
Finnick:
Cut the shit now, Nick. You know what the fuck i’m talking about! I heard what happened in that courtroom! You folded?! That was a bullshit hand you just let slide from the table! You coulda won that shit!! Murder?! For offing a couple mercs and a deranged sadist?!
Finnick was putting it as lightly as he could. Of course he didn’t include the ‘how’ he carried out the killings that bothered Nick the most. Though he wouldn’t tell Finnick that. The two foxes had spent close to a decade working together on cons and schemes, they knew the system. Nick knew he wasn’t going to win like Finnick said he could have. And the fact Finnick was contradicting what Nick knew about him bothered him. Because he didn’t know why.
Of course he soon would. Because Nick’s inner self that wanted to be cocky and to win came through and he couldn’t let it go. Nick had all but dropped the sly mask completely, looking as annoyed and callast as Finnick.
Nick:
You don’t know what was going on that day.
Finnick:
[Finnick] No, YOU don’t.
Nick:
[condescending] How many preds do you think were in that Jury then, huh?
Finnick opened his mouth to speak but Nick didn’t give him a second to answer before he answered his own question.
Nick:
Two, out of twelve. Look me in the eye and tell me the verdict would have been any different.
Finnick:
You had Hopps in your corner!! She would have fought for you!
Nick:
NO- She wouldn’t have! She was gonna throw herself under the bus and go down with me! Marcus told me that!
Finnick:
[screaming] BECAUSE YOU WEREN'T GONNA FIGHT FOR US!!
Their heated conversation was interrupted by a warning bang on the other side of the door. Followed by a stern command to stop or the visit will be ended early from the guards. The few seconds after gave both of them time to cool down, especially Finnick. And it gave Nick time to think on what he’d just been told. Nick kept a pondering eye on Finnick while the smaller fox kept his angry glare on him as he used the seconds to take deep breaths.
Nick:
Us?
Finnick for once took his eyes off Nick to wipe his tired eyes.
Finnick
[muttering] fuck, I knew i shouldn’t a’ done this shit sober.
Only this time it was Nick that wasn’t gonna stand with the jokes. He leaned into the mic and tried to get Finnick’s attention back on him.
Nick:
What do you mean by ‘us?’
Finnick almost looked baffled by Nick’s question, like he should have known the answer this whole time. The seconds Finnick didn’t answer was wasted on him wishing Nick would come to realize it himself. But all he got was a confused and almost soft and innocent stare. It made Finnick sigh, almost disappointed. The confirmation that Nick truly didn’t understand like Finnick had accused him of.
Finnick:
You were the best of us Nick. You went from a no good street hussler to saving the whole city! Then by some miracle, defying all expectations and stereotypes and became the first ever Fox to join the force! Do you realize how big that was?! Boy- you and Hopps, working togetha, on the straight and narrow…
Nick watched as Finnicks face became more soft and less stern with each second. To a point where he could have sworn he was looking at the face of the ‘baby’ Finnick had played so many times.
Finnick (Cont’d):
You were an inspiration to all foxes out there. We looked up to you, kits wanted to be like you!
The metal ears on Nick’s head went down as far as they could at that. Especially the thought and question of if the ‘we’ referred to Finnick himself. Years ago, the idea of someone like Finnick looking up to him would have been laughable. Now it just hurts. Nick was starting to see the hurt in Finnick the more he talked now.
Finnick (Cont’d)
When you were gone, It felt like I lost a brotha I never thought I had. But it wasn’t just me, ALL foxes felt that same pain! And when you came back, it was a BIG fucking deal.
It was starting to dawn on Nick what Finnick was trying to explain. He’d just assumed any and all symbolism that was attributed to him died when he went missing and never recovered when he came back looking so disfigured. The idea of being a monster hadn’t let him think that people still thought good of him.
Nick suddenly found it increasingly difficult to look at Finnick, his eyes slowly gravitating to his metal feet fidgeting on the stone floor.
Finnick:
So how do you think we foxes felt when you just…gave up like that. No want for an appeal, no trial, nothing. It was soul crushing!! Watching that hero we all looked up to just tuck his tail between his legs and give up.
Nick wanted to object. He wanted to fire back, thanking him for the reminder that he was a failure. He wanted to scream that everything he and Judy had done to try and fix everything, to end the specist system for so long did nothing. Because it had put him in here.
But instead, Nick slumped his shoulders silently. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. Despite what he wanted to say or do, to Nick it didn’t matter. He was just so tired of fighting, tired of everything. He’d fought so long and suffered so much to want to struggle anymore.
Nick:
I couldn't let her throw her life away Fin, not for me.
He expected Finnick to make another outburst. What he got was a sigh of disappointment. Maybe he too was tired of fighting? Nick didn't know. They’ve had much louder arguments in year's past.
Finnick looked at Nick with a side glance, almost coy-like. But he still didn't give Nick a smile.
Finnick:
S’Always about that bunny with you isn't it?
Nick answered plainly, but without any hesitation
Nick:
Always.
A loud buzzer followed by the door to the visitation room opening indicated the visit duration had come to an end. Nick didn't even wait for the guard to walk in and stood up from the chair, waiting to be unchained and led away.
But Finnick still had something to say, even as Nick was turned around. Finnick’s door had also opened but he remained standing in the chair, pointing a finger at Nick with his back now turned.
Finnick:
You should have told her Nick!
Nick didn't answer initially. This was the exact conversation he wanted to avoid and he was seconds away from being in the clear. He just had to ignore it and be led away to where he didn't have to think about it. But Finnick wouldn't let it go and calling out to Nick one more time, asked the question.
Finnick:
Don’t you think you made a mistake?! Not telling her how you feel.
The second half of Fin’s sentence was quieter, and softer. It wasn't like Finnick at all. But Nick’s cybernetically enhanced hearing heard it. It made him stop right at the doorway. His head momentarily hung close to his chest.
The guard, who was also a predator in the form of a Black leopard, actually stopped to give Nick time to answer. It looked like Nick wouldn't, but after a few seconds, his head turned partially, showing a single tear running down his expressionless face.
Nick:
If I did, it's a mistake I have to live with.
Then he turned and walked on without another word. Leaving Finnick to stare at an empty room before following the guard on his side to the exit. It was better that she didn’t know, Nick thought. It would be less painful that way, less than it already is, for the both of them.
____________________________________________
INT. Judy’s Apartment
The electrical clock read 0400 and still ticked silently. And Judy was still seated at her desk with a cup of coffee that had gone cold at this point. But she still picked it up and sipped it like it was still hot. Anything to keep herself up to work a little longer. She was running out of time. A calendar on the wall had circled an entire week in a long red circle with the word ‘transfer’ written inside with a bunch of question marks surrounding it. She knew the vague timeframe of when Nick’s transfer would take place. But not the specific time and date.
The events of the past few days; the people she had tried to talk to, those that talked to her, they played in her mind as she was sketching out something on a blueprint.
Each one got her more agitated, reflected by the amount of pressure she was applying to her pen against the paper she was working on.
Int. ZPD HQ - Bogo’s office
Judy:
Thirty years…That’s how long the judge of Nick’s case sentenced him to?! The judge had deliberated at the sentencing hearing for what felt like only minutes before he practically threw the book at him! Can you believe it?!!
Bogo looked defeated as he watched Judy pace back and forth in the chair still way too big for her. The sense of Deja Vu crept into him, harking back to the day he’d forced her off the Wilde case. The amount of papers on Bogo’s desk was surprisingly low. Thought that was more so Bogo handing off the bulk of the work to his lieutenants. Because even though he would never admit it, this was affecting him just as much as it was Judy.
Seeing not just one but two of his officers breaking down before his very eyes in such a short time was something he’d never experienced in all his years of being an officer.
Bogo barely opened eyes closed in a long defeated sigh. He fought to keep the sigh from turning into a yawn. He hadn’t slept in what felt like days.
Judy:
There has to be SOMETHING we can do!!
Judy turned and threw her hands up in outrage.
Bogo:
I’m sorry Judy. But there's nothing we can do. It’s out of my power…
Judy looked almost as tired as Bogo looked. But she still looked extremely jittery: Her hands were trembling and balled into tight fists. She wouldn’t stop pacing back and forth multiple times in a matter of seconds. Bogo wanted to ask how much caffeine she’d consumed, dreading the answer she would give him, if she’d give an honest answer at all.
Bogo knew Judy had a point. They had multiple undercover ops done in many of Zootopia’s correctional facilities. There was clear evidence of gang activity, drug smuggling, and planned killings done inside many facilities. He didn’t overlook the idea of more than just gang violence doing business behind bars.
Even if Outback island was one of the most high security prisons, housing the worst of the worst, Bogo thought as harsh and wrong of a punishment it was, Nick would at least be secured and safe. At least he hoped. These past several weeks had Bogo questioning so many things; his faith in the system, some of the Officers he’s been serving alongside for years, and just how much good they’ve really done.
If Bogo had been asked a year ago if he felt the ZPD was helping fix the city he would have said yes, and they would continue to do so. But now, he felt like all the hate, fear, and prejudice had never left. And all the inclusion efforts and anti-hate movements had been for nothing.
But Bogo just sucked it up and kept on going. His faith in their mission had been questioned in the past. But now that he was questioning the system itself, he didn’t know what the right thing to do was.
Bogo:
The Mayors,
A bright colored office momentarily shines. Judy is trying to desperately convince the mayor for help. But as Bogo says, she also shakes her head. Judy was trying to hol up an important document, almost waving it. But being dismissed by someone she thought would help her made her lower the waver down slowly.
Bogo:
It's gone federal. All the fear, the conspiracy theories, The ZIA is already threatening to assume control of the investigation.
Int. Judy’s Apartment
Judy’s penmanship gets increasingly more frantic and sloppy. On the other side of her small bedroom, her mounted television was on a news network Buxx news, the news media rival to ZNN looked to be hosting a debate, with the very topic being the fox she was trying so hard to help.
Her head was fixated on the paperwork on her desk, but her eyes began to wander back and forth to the corners of her vision in the direction of the TV. She didn’t turn her head an inch, but her ears sure did.
Four news spokesmen were sitting at a table. On one side were two arguing against Nick’s sentence and in support of Nick’s actions. And the other side were the two arguing in support of Nick’s imprisonment. It was obvious whose side Buxx news was on, given the two people arguing for Nick’s imprisonment were their own news anchors going against the two predator activists. At least one of the activists was a prey species in the form of a Wombat.
Activist 1:
You can’t seriously be behind the sentencing he got?!
News Anchor 1:
Like the District Attorney said. This is about setting an example. The actions committed by former Officer Wilde were beyond barbaric, the police body cams speak for themselves.
The second anchor beside her coworker chimed in almost immediately.
News anchor 2
What if this had happened in a public space? Would he have lashed out on civilians as well.
Activist 2:
You can’t know that for sure. And this isn’t just a normal Cop! Wilde saved this city did he not?
This time the anchor responded by skipping a beat once again. It was so automatic, he didn’t waiver from filing his antlers on his head, being an white tailed male deer.
News Anchor 1:
As far as I'm concerned, Officer Hopps was the one that saved this city, she was the cop, and Mr Wilde was doing god knows what before then.
That got Judy to stop writing entirely, and her head to slowly tilt up from looking down at her desk. Her hand instinctively got back to writing even with Judy no longer looking down. The insinuation the anchor was making had not been lost on Judy.
Activist 1:
Regardless of his contributions, he was an officer for years, and endured god knows what when he was MIA-
Activist 2:
Yeah, and look at the poor fox, he’s more machine than anything else. Who knows what he’s capable of. We should be helping him! He needs rehabilitation, not incarceration.
Judy’s ears were twitching. She had a few choice words she wished she could add to this ‘debate’ if you could call it one.
But it’s what was finally said next that struck the nerve.
News anchor 1:
Well YOU can’t know that for sure either. Who knows what he was doing before he became an officer anyway.
Judy’s frustration and anger finally boiled over when the tip of her pen snapped on the paper she was scribbling on. A small puddle of black ink was collecting on her table but it was only for a split second. Because Judy slammed her fists on the table and reached for her utility belt. She grabbed the heaviest item, her utility flashlight, and spun around, throwing it at the TV, hitting it dead center. The screen cracked and spiderwebbed in a hundred directions and the TV was shut off from the impact.
The Apartment was now silent, save for Judy’s heavy enraged breathing. Her elbows banged against her work desk, her teeth clenched hard wanting to scream at the top of her lungs. Her hands were pressed to her head like she was having a migraine. But before she could scream, she loosened up and slumped in her chair. She didn’t even have the energy to scream anymore.
They danced around saying it, but Judy knew exactly what they were saying. They might as well call him but ‘no good fox’ or ‘untrustworthy.’ Even after all the lives Nick and her had helped, saved, how much they had put their lives on the line for this city. And they turned on him when there was but a sliver of doubt in him.
It was beyond outrageous.
She was exhausted, and not even the still half full cup of coffee was enough. She took a long hard glance at the blueprints she had laid out, with red outlines and arrows scribbled in. Other top secret documents highlighted in red were scattered around as well. Judy had taken a big risk going into records and pulling the prison blueprints without arousing suspicion being a Lieutenant. But getting the information on Nick’s transfer would be impossible for her without getting caught.
And all the blueprints told Judy was that once he was in there, there was no way she was getting him out. Even with the crude plan she’d drawn on the map. It would be a suicide mission. And Judy was still considering it. Judy looked up to the clock, pulling on her red and irritated eyelids hearing the clock's gentle ticking. She knew she was running out of time, and that meant so was Nick.
Int. Bogo’s office
Once again, in a rare moment, Bogo again wasn’t the stoic stern police chief so many knew him as. His normally narrow and tight eyes were tired, watery, and loose. His once unreadable frown, that Nick had called so many times a ‘perfect resting bitch face’ was drooped and showed clear disdain and heartache.
For the first time, both Judy and Bogo looked more alike than ever.
Bogo:
Judy, I’m s-
Judy shut her eyes tightly, turning around, and punching the back of the chair she was standing on.
Judy:
DON’T!!!…say it again.
Her initial scream reminded Bogo of himself. And like him, she let her anger crash and burn before she said the rest, sounding annoyed and exhausted. It left both of them in a helpless silence for several seconds until Judy spoke again.
Judy:
I don’t care if you’re sorry. You know this is wrong! You HAVE to! He was a cop just like you or me, and the second there were any suspicions about him the city just turned their back on him! I just…
Bogo again tried to speak up, but Judy again cut him off. Instead of staying to listen to whatever excuse or lecture from her boss, she hopped off the chair and began walking towards the door.
Judy:
[muttering] I don’t even know what I'm doing anymore.
Bogo wanted to be mad at her. He really did. The way she was acting was just dangerous. Even with her being suspended from active duty again. Instead of getting the last word in, he slumped forward in his chair when his door closed behind Judy. He buried his head in his hands and sighed.
Looking to one of the walls in his office showed an array of photos. Almost all of them being pictures of some of the best cops he’s worked with or currently working with. And of course, one of the pictures was Bogo standing beside Judy and Nick a couple months after Nick was hired. Looking back, Bogo wished he was more picture friendly like he used to be when he was a rookie. Cus in the photo he looked the no-fun, stoic chief the media saw him as.
He could only look at the happy faces of the two other officers in the picture fir a few seconds before closing his eyes in rumination
Bogo:
You and me both, Hopps.
Int. Jail Cell
As the scene slowly slides into a dirty jail cell. Nick could be seen on his knees in the center of the room. The chains connected to his all white prison suit rattled from the slightest movement. It kept him away from the entrance to the cell. The chains are fixed to steel fixtures on the opposite side of the cell. Where the only window was, which was only two small holes in the concrete.
In the past, many of the criminals Nick and Judy would nab would end up in cells like this. At least the most dangerous ones. He was honest with himself when he had nightmares of being in this position. His childhood trauma and fear of muzzles had plagued him with many a nightmare bound and shackled, treated like a criminal, a monster,, a predator. And after he met Judy, she alleviated him of those fears.
Now Nick felt foolish believing that fear was behind him. Only now he was no longer afraid. It happened, and he was too tired of fighting it.Time and time again since he was a child, he was reminded of it. He’d told Judy as much when they first met. So he accepted it. He hadn’t bat an eye when he was muzzled before his trial. He didn’t care that he was fixed in a straightjacket reserved for violent inmates.
A loud buzzing from outside his cell got Nick to lift his head up, only slightly. The sound of a pair of footsteps going to each cell told him it was the lunch bell. He could smell the crudely made vegetable stew the moment it entered the long narrow halls of the cell block. It made his nose wrinkle up, he’d eaten garbage as a kid that tasted better. But the meal was still far away. His cell was on the opposite end of the door. And most inmates also received mail as well. So his turn could take time.
So Nick just closed his eyes in wait. He didn’t know how long it was he had his eyes closed. Maybe seconds, maybe a minute. Because when he opened his eyes he was met with someone he never wanted to see again. A sound coming from next to him got him to open his eyes and look; Whistling. He recognised the tune as Jailhouse rock from a certain old rock artist his mother liked to listen to.
And of course, sitting right next to him in an identical straightjacket was Silva. Leaning against the far wall, smiling from ear to ear as he stopped whistling when Nick spotted him. He looked like everything Nick had done to him weeks prior hadn’t happened. So naturally Nick just shut his eyes and looked the other way.
Silva?:
Sorry~ Guess I should have brought a harmonica or something.
Nick:
[muttering] Go away…please.
Silva just giggled, watching his toes scratch against the concrete floor and making annoying grating sounds.
Silva?:
You know, it’s funny that you think I will. Even in death, You still hide and whimper when you see me. Even when i’m…you know~
Silva shook his body to show he was restrained just as much as Nick was. Even though Nick knew this vision wasn't truly helpless like he was. Ironic as it was to say such a thing about a figment of one's imagination.
Silva (cont’d)
‘Tied up’ at the moment, or dead, that too.
Still on his knees, Nick tried his best to scoot as far as the chains on his back and collar allowed him to. Anything to put distance between him and his non-existent tormentor.
Silva:
So-
Silva tapped the soles of his hind legs against the ground like an impatient child.
Silva (Cont’d)
What lovely memories would you like to relive today? OH- There was the questionnaire game we played!- Where I cut off a toe every question you got wrong. Ah…good times.
Nick audibly whimpered and lowered his head. Silva didn’t stop and kept rambling off years worth of ‘games’ and ‘experiments’ he was forced to undergo. All with a smile as if the memoires to Silva were happy ones to reminisce about.
Silva:
Or the time I used your tongue as an ashtray during smoke breaks- though that one got boring after your tongue went numb…OH!- what about when I sewed your mouth and eyes shut. You waking up from that was a sight, HA! you whimpered and cried like I’d blinded you.
Nick tried to keep himself from having a panic attack. He took long deep breaths to keep himself from hyperventilating. His eyes stayed shut tight so he wouldn’t see anything he didn’t want to see. But the tears still appeared in the corners of his eyes.
He didn’t know where it came from. Maybe it was because he knew this wasn’t the real Silva. But for the briefest moment some courage he didn’t know he had came out. He wanted answers, and if the real Silva couldn’t and wouldn’t, then maybe this one would.
Nick:
Why?
His voice was fragile and quiet. A part of him was still scared of the person next to him and it showed in his voice. So when Silva stopped and tilted his head with a ‘hm?’ He forced that fear down and spoke a little louder and with more courage.
Nick:
Why me?! Who were you working for?- WHY?!
Silva stared blankly at him before scoffing with a smile like Nick told a bad joke.
Silva:
Oh if I had a dollar for every time you screamed ‘why’ to me-
Nick cut him off when he leaned towards him, rattling the chains.
Nick:
You could have chosen anyone! What- did you just pull my name randomly out of a hat?!
Silva smiled, leaning back into the darkness to rest his back against the wall. His deranged smile and piercing red eyes are still visible in the dark corner. As the rattling of the chains settled, Silva’s feet tapped on the ground, claws ticking against the floor.
Silva:
[smugly] What makes you think it was random Nicky?
Nick blinked and stared at Silva’s ominous gaze. Not scared, but now utterly confused. The tears in his eyes dried up and Nick was now in detective mode. Memories of him and Judy pulling all nighters on cases came up in his mind for a brief moment. Only this time Judy wasn’t beside him to help solve this one.
Silva nodded slowly, egging Nick on for once with that eerie smile.
Silva:
Come on~ Let's play a little game. Tell me what you know. S’not like you got much else to do, do ya?
Nick’s eyes remained on the floor in front of him so he could think the best. Looking at Silva would distract him too much and bring the fearful and scared fox back he thought he was. Now, with curiosity driving him, the old cop he used to be had momentarily resurfaced. Even if he didn’t know it.
Nick:
It wasn’t random, I was chosen. You said so on the day we met…client, you said…
Silva:
[pleased] Gooood~
The chains rattling behind Nick had settled completely. The room was now silent to Nick leaving only his voice as the only discernible sound. The only part of Nick that was moving now was his mind as he tried to wrap his head around it all. His gaze remained fixated on the floor directly in front of him, looking as if he was zoning out.
Nick:
Which means that it was likely personal-
Silva’s smile grew wider with each deduction Nick made.
Silva:
Very gooood~
But that still didn’t narrow it down much. From being a notorious con artist, and then a police officer, Nick had accumulated a long list of enemies. Some he’d put in jail, others he’d swindled and wanted him in jail, or worse. And that wasn’t counting for the numerous people Judy and him had put away.
Nick’s arms clenched and tightened from behind his back inside his straight-jacket. He was momentarily stuck on a dead end. So he thought of another possible lead. Now he had the courage to turn his head and look towards Silva.
Nick:
Then there was the hospital, the resources, the cybernetics.
Nick’s metallic ears flickered at the mention of the artificial additions on his body.
Nick (Cont’d):
There’s no way a dead man could have afforded all of that-
Silva:
You’re getting warmer~
Nick:
They have to have been big, powerful.
Silva was now smiling ear to ear. He started to lean his body out of the dark shadow as he wanted to get closer from intrigue. He had risen to sit on his knees the same as Nick.
Silva:
[getting louder] Hot, Hot-you’re SMOKING hot Nicky~
Nick didn’t react to Silva’s little manic outburst. Instead his eyes seemed to zone out again as he took a shot in the dark. Only it didn’t make sense, and Nick knew it. And by extension the nonexistent person next to him knew it too.
Nick:
Someone like Mr.Big, but-
Silva interrupted Nick’s train of thought by making a loud buzzing noise with his mouth.
Silva:
EEGH!! wrong…And you know this because?~
He gaze Nick time to finish said train of thought though, after said buzzing noise made him flinch. He hated himself for doing that. It cemented how pathetic he saw himself in his mind.
Nick:
Because I settled my score with Big and his family.
Silva:
Correct,
Silva then rolled his eyes when Nick didn’t add on or make any more deductions. He sighed in disappointment.
Silva:
How disappointing, and you were so close too.
The hair on Nick’s back stood straight up and his eyes constricted. He subconsciously tried to scoot back further but the chains wouldn’t let him. Usually when Silva was disappointed and said something like that, pure agony would follow. Usually it led to something getting chopped off. Or something being placed on or in him.
Silva:
Consider yourself lucky, I guess. You get to keep your tail, for now.
The not so threatening reminder kept Nick from having a panic attack. And it got him thinking again a mile a minute. Even though the threat of pain wasn’t there, he still had been hardwired to correct himself like a ‘good toy’ as Silva would have put it.
Nick
But-but what about your escape?!
The disappointment left Silva as he raised an eyebrow at him. If Silva was sitting in a chair, he’d be reclined back in it like a lazy snob. He substituted it by leaning back against the wall, hiding in the shadow again.
Silva:
What about it?
Nick:
You’d been presumed dead and off the grid for years. You could have easily done the same as soon as you were out of that prison transport. But no- You got caught less than a day later. Why?
Silva chuckled to himself. He rolled on his back and kicked his legs up against the wall in a childish display of boredom.
Silva:
You don’t need me to answer that, you already know why.
Nick:
[instantly] You wanted to be caught…
Silva answered by nodding, which caused him to bonk his head on the floor several times. Nick was of course creeped out by Silva looking at him with his head upside down. His now inverted smile looked just as creepy in the goofy position.
Silva:
All part of the plan~
As the hard-wired nervousness began to wear off, his voice relatively returned to normal and not the shy, submissive, and overall broken voice Silva liked to hear.
Nick:
I doubt what happened that night was ‘part of the plan’.
Silva:
A good plan is like a game of cards Nicholas. The cards may not always fall in your favor. But in the end, we play with the cards we have, and make due.
He finished his face analogy with a toothy grin and sat back up. A clumsy display with him not being able to use his arms in the straight-jacket. The not so serious display got Nick to relax a bit, at least as much as he could with a manifestation of his tormentor beside him. He thought back to the raid and he remembered what Silva said and chanted at the top of his lungs. It was replaying in his mind over and over as the true worst fear in Nick’s mind. Even more than Silva himself; That he killed Judy.
Nick:
[quietly] I was supposed to get captured, and Judy was supposed to die.
Silva:
Too bad I'm a terrible shot, I always preferred knives over guns- they’re too…clumsy.
Even with all these deductions. Nick was still at a dead end with all of them. Despite it all, he still didn't understand a couple of things. They were the most terrifying questions. And not being able to solve them got the panic attack that had been brewing to come on. Nick could no longer hold back the tears the same way he couldn’t in front of Judy. He wished she was there with him right now like she was in his apartment. Her simply being there got him through it.
Nick:
[hyperventilating] But who?!...Why?! What were…y-you going to do to…me?!
Silva barely batted an eye seeing Nick’s distress. He simply shrugged his shoulders, speaking casually and dismissive
Silva:
Hm-you tell me slicky-nicky~
Once again, Nick’s panic attack manic state made any and all fear he had for Silva momentarily disappear. He whipped his head and almost screamed at him if not for him struggling to catch his breathe.
Nick:
WHY ME?!
That got a loud laugh from Silva. The imaginary chains connected to Silva rattled and bounced with his chest from the laughter.
Silva:
Oh Nick, because you seemed to have forgotten something…
Silva backed his entire body into the shadow-covered darkness. It was only for what seemed like a couple seconds. And when he emerged Nick was paralyzed with what stepped out.
Silva:
I can’t tell you, because you don’t know yet.
Silva was no longer wearing a restrictive straight-jacket. He was wearing what he was wearing the night of the raid. Ripped prison pants and an old white lab coat. Only now he looked like a bleeding corpse, showing the full extent of what Nick had done to him: Even though his mouth spoke his voice clearly, there was no lower jaw to articulate Silva’s words. Nick could just sense that Silva would be smiling like a madman right now if he had a jaw to smile with. He looked down at Nick from a standing position with only one red eye. His other one had been gouged out, leaving a blood filled hole on the left side of his face where an eyeball would be.
Silva:
I’m dead, remember?
Silva walked forward slowly to the center of the room where Nick was. However if he was truly standing here , he probably wouldn’t be able to use his legs with the giant hole in the center of his abdomen from where Nick speared him clean through with his fist.
He also had no hands, Both were gone. His entire right arm had been torn off and his left arm was missing his hand at the wrist. A bloody sleeve was all that was left of where his left hand used to be.
Silva:
Unless, a part of you thinks otherwise?~
Nick shuttered from feeling the presence standing over him. The chain on his collar connected to his abdomen kept him from standing up completely. He turtles up on the ground as Silva crouches down beside him. He just whimpered and silently cried, shaking his head, unable to form a verbal reply. He didn't want to imagine or think of the possibility that the real Silva was still out there.
Silva:
No?
Despite his previous appearance saying otherwise, Nick felt a hand rest on his shoulder. It made Nick flinch hard and his tightly shut eyelids opened in a flash to see a cybernetic hand, one nearly identical to his own, was resting on him. The next and final words Silva spoke to Nick was Silva’s voice, only now it came off as rough and metallic.
Silva:
Now what did I always say about lying to me?
The hand on Nick’s shoulder then suddenly raised it’s clawed hand in the air to slash down from behind him. Nick whipped around to shield his face but found nobody was there. And the footsteps finally approached his door to ground him back in reality.
Guard:
Lunch, Wilde.
Nick turned back towards the barred entrance of his cell to see a mountain goat in a uniform pushing a food cart. He grabbed a plastic bowl of the suit that was identical to the rest of the inmates and slid the bowl into his cell where Nick could reach it. It’s always the same four or five meals. This time it was vegetable soup. Since Nick was a ‘high danger’ inmate like the rest on this floor. He couldn’t exactly eat the conventional way with his hands or with utensils So he had to resort to using his mouth. It wasn’t the most dignified, quite humiliating, but Nick didn’t care anymore.
He was about to start eating whatever horribly made shit was in front of him when unexpectedly the guard spoke again.
Guard:
And you got some mail. No name on it.
Nick lifted his head back up to watch the guard semi open the piece of paper and toss it into the cell with him. He hadn’t received much in terms of mail, nothing really. A part of him was okay with it. Let everybody forget about him and move on.
But curiosity got to him and he scooted over to the paper. He had to use his snout and muzzle to unfold the paper completely. He was just beginning to calm down from his mental break episode when he read what was on the paper. His eyes shot back open as he read five big letters written on the paper. His voice trembled as whispered out his initial reaction as the final piece of the puzzle clicked in his head.
It’s called a hustle sweetheart
Nick:
[horrified] no-
In another outburst Nick trashed his head violently side to side in denial, knocking the food bowl over and spilling its contents on the floor. The guard hadn’t stuck around and turned and walked away with the cart. Nick failed to see the faintest hint of a smile on the goat’s face.
Nick’s eyes squeezed shut again, not wanting to look at the message a second time. Every negative emotion possible coursed through him in a moment of clarity. Rage and fear the prominent two. He bared and clenched his metal teeth so hard the metal scratched against each other in an eerie grating sound. Even though his eyes were shut tight, it still wasn’t enough to stop the rageful tears to drip onto the floor.
Nick:
No…You can’t do this…stay away-please!!
The silent plea one would suspect to be meant for Judy. it both was and wasn’t. He knew Judy hadn’t sent this, and he knew who. Because it was those same words that trapped her like they had done for him once. He knew she would come for him, and he was horrified at what was going to happen to him when she did, and what would be done to Judy as well.
His mixture of emotions exploded into one final scream that echoed across the entire solitary cell block.
Nick:
BELLWETHER!!!
Int: Zootopia city; [location = UNKNOWN]
Pitch black darkness is all that can be seen. While the sound of heavy machinery is heard like a distant muffle through walls. Until a long narrow light can be seen lowering from the darkness and landing on the ground. Mechanical door then opens to reveal it was the light of an elevator. Two more Razorback bodyguards are flanking a much smaller person as they all exit the elevator
The footsteps of the larger bodyguard are heard much more loudly over the smaller and more dainty footsteps. Automatic sensored lights illuminate one at a time as the trio walks down a hallway. One side contained a long glass window that stretched the entire length of the long distance.
When the trio reach the other side. One of the guards pulls a badge from around his neck and scans a reader on the wall. When it goes green, a large steel door opens after several loud and clunky unlock mechanisms open the door onto a pitch black floor. The sounds of the machinery are much louder as this is the room where the work is being done. But there are no lights to see what is being built. The sparks from the automatic welding devices are the only source of light except for the singular light at the end of a door on the other side of the floor.
As the trio approach the door, it opens automatically with a symphony of new voices sounding rushed and stressed. The two guards stay at the door while Bellwether walks over and stands over the two doctors working at the table.
Doctor 1:
How much O- do we have?!
Doctor 2:
Not enough, we still have to clean this evisceration!
The two doctors are hard at work operating on a bloody table. On another near identical table, one much cleaner than the first. The Razorback leader Tusk was sitting on the table with his bullet-proof vest taken off from where Nick had shot him. He also had four deep cuts on his face that were stitched up. From where Nick had undoubtedly gashed him severely. One of the tusks on his head was cracked and one of his eyes was bandaged over.
Tusk’s one good eye looked to Bellwether as she walked around the action and stood by him. The two observed the frantic operation taking place.
Bellwether:
Is he alive?
Tusk shrugged his shoulders, taking a blow from his cig. Bellwether’s cold eyes just narrowed when a puff of smoke drifted in her direction
Tusk:
Technically yes, but he hasn’t responded to any neurological stimuli. It’ll be a miracle if he’s anything but a vegetable by now. If he doesn’t bleed out first.
The sound of sizzling flesh and hair makes bellwether scratch her nose. The doctors using cauterization to quickly stop the bleeding to the amputated limbs. Silva was already hooked up to three bags of blood. One going in one each side of his neck through his external jugulars, and another on the arm that Nick hadn’t torn clean off. All three bags were already almost empty by the time all the bleeding was controlled.
Bellwether:
I don’t care if he turns into a dribbler. That fox is too unpredictable, and his goody two shoes of a partner is too smart for her own good. If the fox won’t be a suitable template we need a substitute…Prep him-
The second doctor looks behind him and calls for the supplies after Bellwether gives him a nod. In a matter of seconds two other techs in surgical garb walk in with shiny sterilized trays covered in sterile white bags.
The lead doctor looks over to Bellwether, stalling his work for a moment. In doing so his pressure over Silva’s stomach wound lessens and blood starts to leak again.
Doctor 1:
But he’s not stable enough yet!-
Dawn’s head tilts to one side and her eyes narrow. The mercenaries beside Bellwether and Tusk grip their guns tighter.
Bellwether:
Then I suggest you get him stable, and fast. I won’t tolerate any more delays, not when we’re so close.
Tusk looks at Silva's bandaged eye similar to his own, it makes him wince as he fights the urge to rub at his bandaging.
Tusk:
He’s not savage like the fox was meant to be though.
Tusk notes while standing from his seated position. Bellwether doesn’t even turn to look at Tusk. Instead, she walks over to the other side of the room looking over the factory. The doctor unzips one of the bags revealing a razor sharp cybernetic hand, one nearly identical to the ones fixed to Nick’s body.
Bellwether:
He’s a different kind of savage, we’ll make due.
The lights over the factory then turn on in rows one at a time. The pitch black factory that was previously unseen now showed hundreds of assembly lines stretching from one end to the other. Showing numerous cyborg robots being constructed. All of them have the skeletal appearance of a fox.
Bellwether reaches for a handheld tablet and presses a button to talk into it, barking a loud and impatient command into it
Bellwether:
Status!
A robotic male voice is heard over the speaker inside the room itself. Bellwether watches one of the cyborgs on the conveyor belt getting one of its arms attached in several welded sparks from an industrial grade robotic welder. It then quickly passes on in a matter of 10-15 seconds and gets it’s fox-like head placed on and welded to the neck area.
Intercom:
[monotone] Factory output operating at 110% capacity. 1,100 units available for neuro-link programming, with another 100 units to be completed by the end of the month.
Even with those numbers, Bellwethers face didn’t look satisfied, pressing the chat button as the machine she had been watching was picked up and placed beside a dozen other identical robots. She pressed it hard, like she was about to break the tablet.
Bellwether:
[Seething] I need another THOUSAND by the end of the month, 1200 won't cut it!! Up capacity!!
Intercom:
Yes Mistress Bellwether
Music: 0:36-0:56
https://youtu.be/N9ZEjQvgyiE?list=PLwx_sDcZ0MdJhi8Hydu_EZhKTXUGU9eZX&t=38
Bellwether wasn’t even trying to maintain the happy and innocent act while she had been mayor. She was letting her true colors show every second of her existence now with the added rage and lust for vengeance seeping out of her entire being. If the city wouldn’t let her in, then she would take it by force. And she was going to make that buddy cop duo pay, much more than they already have.
She continued to watch the welding sparks fly throughout the factory, and seeing an army being built before her eyes got her to smile again.
___________________________________________________________________________
Authors note:
The FIRST ever art piece dedicated to my interpretation of this story is finished! I’ve wanted to commission a piece like this for a while. But mixed motivations and searching for an artist that can do such complicated things like cybernetics was a bit of a challenge.
But with the idea that a certain someone may or may not be completely dead, I think I can present this to those that haven't seen it yet.
But the real question is, how much of the real Silva is still alive? If there is anything left of the monster that came before? And for that answer, you’ll just have to wait and see.
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