A/N: Well, well, well. Looks like another franchise other than My Little Pony managed to stir the creative juices and end my long hiatus. It has been a while since I wrote a story about law and justice. Those of you who have read my other stories on this subject can expect everything you have come to know and expect from me.

Pardon me while I break the 4th wall to address the legal issues. Zootopia and all related characters, apart from OC, are the property of the Walt Disney Co. All uses are non-profit under the Fair Use Act. The author fully supports all official releases and licensed merchandise.

And now, my take on the tale of Zootopia. Enjoy the story. Ahh…it's good to be back…

Chapter 1:

It Starts with a Memory

Heaven, it was heaven for all of those gathered in the church. Suits were pressed and dresses hemmed. There were different shades of colors of cloth and fur mingling left and right with all different sizes and shapes. Mammals of all species, prey and predator alike, sat in revered silence as they watched the spectacle before them. It was a moment of great joy as the crowd of friends, family, and co-workers watched two hearts join as one. It was said that in anyone can be anything in Zootopia. Today, a fox and a bunny would become husband and wife.

The press had dubbed it, "The Most Important Wedding in Zootopia." And they were right. It wasn't often that two animals of such humble origins could be garner the attention reserved for the like of Gazelle, of whom was in attendance next to a waiting microphone. It had been a year and a half since the Night Howler Case was solved and those responsible had been brought to justice. Though the unmasking of the conspiracy had calmed tempers, it took months to repair friendships and renew business deals. But this wedding seemed to go a long way in reminding the citizens of Zootopia that the color of one's fur or nature of one's species was, in truth, a non-issue.

The preacher stood between the two lovers murmuring gently. But neither was focused on the words. They were focused on each other. Gone were the blue uniforms both had grown accustomed to wearing. In their place were silk, satin, and velvet. Both outfits had been commissioned by Gazelle as her gift and a thank you for what these two police officer had done for Zootopia.

The groom was a fox with sharpest mind anyone had ever seen. His tuxedo was equally sharp. The black cloth and orange bow tie matched his fur and highlights perfectly. The tailor used cloth with a high thread count and the tuxedo gave of a shimmer in the light. But Nicholas Wilde's look paled in comparison to the one before him. Her name was Judith Hopps. She was a simple country bunny who dreamed of becoming a cop in the big city. So focused was she on her career that love snuck right up on her. Only a year and a half after joining the force, she was marrying her friend, confidant, partner, and love of her life. Judy was still glowing from the look Nick gave her as her father walked Judy down the aisle. The white strapless dress contrasted her gray fur and made her violet eyes pop out even more than usual. Her bouquet was white roses and orange lilies. It was specially made for Judy by Emmett Otterton. When Judy joined Nick at the head of the church, he could not find a single word to describe her beauty. She was perfect in her uniform, perfect in her workout gear, even perfect to Nick when she was coming from the rain soaking wet. But seeing his sly bunny in her wedding dress blew all previous image away.

"Do you have the rings?" the preacher asked. Nick was broken from his reverence and reached his paw out to his diminutive former partner in crime. Finnick the fox smiled and nodded as he passed Nick the two rings. With steady paws, the bands were presented to the camel. "May these rings forever display the bond that you two make today. And may you two guide each other and cherish each other from this day forth." Judy took the larger ring and presented her left paw to Nick. "Nicholas, place this ring on Judith's finger and repeat, 'With this ring, I thee wed'."

"With this ring, I thee wed," the fox said gently. A tear stained with mascara slid down Judy's cheek as Nick placed the ring on her paw. She smiled brighter as the gold band met her engagement ring. The two switched their paws as the old camel continued.

"Judith, place the ring on Nicholas's finger and say 'With this ring, I thee wed'," he said. Judy sighed with joy as she slid the ring onto her groom's finger.

"With this ring, I thee wed," she said with all her heart.

"Judith, Nicholas," the camel continued. "Do you promise to take each other in bond of marriage? To love, cherish, and protect each other from this day forth. To care for each other in sickness and health? For richer or poorer? To stand united as one heart beating together? And forsaking all others, keep yourselves only for each other until death do you part?"

"I will," Nick said grasping Judy's paws tightly.

"I do," Judy responded. A chorus of joyful cries and cheers began to come from the wedding guests.

"By the power vested in me. I now pronounce you, husband and wife," the preacher said. "You may kiss the bride."

"Don't have to tell me twice, Preacher," Nick called out to the laughter of the crowd. Judy laughed as well and raised a paw to Nick's cheek. She caressed him with her thumb as Nick pinched the lace covering Judy's face.

"Dumb fox," Judy said as Nick lifted her veil.

"Sly bunny," Nick whispered as he lower his lips to his new wife.

The sound of the car door opening broke Officer Nick Wilde from his reverence. The fox had reclined the patrol car's seat and was enjoying the last half of his meal break. Nick turned his head to see Judy staring at him from outside the car with an annoyed look on her face.

"Now I know you weren't thinking of taking a nap, Nick," Judy said as she hopped into the car with two coffees and a bag of donuts. "Especially when we're back on the clock in 15 minutes." Nick lowered his sunglasses and smirked at his wife. Even when she was teasing him, she still looked to cute.

"Just thinking back to the best day of my life," he said as Judy closed the squad car door. The bunny's expression softened to a coy smile worthy of a fox.

"The day you pulled your biggest con?" she asked and handed Nick a cup of the holy, hot, black beverage.

"Nope," the red fox said sipping the coffee. Black and medium blend. His wife knew him so well.

"Is it the day you conned me into buying that Jumbo Pop for you?" Judy asked adding cream to hers.

"Technically the day we met, but still not the best day," Nick said. Judy could tell her partner was being funny, but it was time to mess with Nick in the way only a wife could. The gray bunny picked up the bag between two fingers and let the diamond on her finger shine in the afternoon sun coming through the windshield.

"Keep it up and I won't share these blueberry icing donuts with you," she said in singsong. Nick frowned and slipped his glasses off his muzzle into his pocket.

"That's cruel and unusual punishment, Carrots," he said. Judy cocked her head to the side and tossed the bag into her right paw.

"It's called a hustle, Sweetheart," she replied proudly. Nick shook his head and let out a breathy laugh. "Shall we keep this game going, Nick? I'm not the one who loves blueberries after all." Judy moved the bag closer to Nick and pulled it back the second he made eye contact with it. Nick knew what his bunny was doing. But it was time to end the game. Despite the large tuna salad sandwich for lunch, the sly fox always had room for anything blueberry related.

"I was thinking about the moment we took our wedding vows…Mrs. Wilde," Nick said in a deep, caring voice. Green eyes locked onto violet eyes followed by a wink from the loving husband. Judy loved what she heard and dropped her ears to lean closer to Nick.

"Hmmm…"Judy said claiming a donut from the bag. She held it enticingly in her finger and Nick leaned forward opening his mouth. "Good boy, have a treat," Judy chimed placing the fried dough in her fox's mouth. Nick sunk his teeth into the dessert and reclined into the driver's seat.

"Good boy?" he said with a mouthful. "Damn it Fluff, I'm a fox not a dog."

"That gag is older than we are, Nick," Judy said dryly taking a bite of her donut. "You need to stop watching those old sci-fi series." Judy reached out for the radio when Nick grabbed her paw and gently rubbed it.

"Come on, Fluff," he said. We have ten minutes left in our break and it won't kill you to relax. Especially after that big lunch we both had." Judy smirked at her partner and lowered her paw. Even she, the consummate professional, could do with a little rest after having such a big salad for lunch. The two leaned back and took long swigs from their coffee. It was a rare moment for Judy to relax. But the combination of a large meal and the warm sun made this, enjoyable. "Before I forget," Nick said. "I have a friend coming to visit in the next few days."

"A friend?" Judy responded.

"Yea, his name is Charlie Howlen," Nick continued.

"Howlen? Howlen?" the grey bunny mused trying to put face to name. But this time, she drew a blank. "I don't know that name."

"That's because I haven't mentioned Charlie," Nick said. Judy was very surprised by this revelation. Nick didn't keep any secrets from his wife. The fox saw the look on his wife's face and elaborated. "Charlie is Staff Sergeant with the Mammalian Marine Corp," he said. "He prefers to live low-key with his chosen profession. He thinks the more animals who know he's a marine; the more worrying about him will come to exist. He said, and I quote: 'My mother does enough worrying for me. I don't need other to worry too'." Judy scrunched her face at Nick words.

"That is the most ridiculous logic I have ever heard," she said flabbergasted. Judy passed the rest of her donut to Nick. She was too full to finish it.

"My thoughts exactly, Carrots," he said. "But I told him, 'If it's any consolation, I'll never worry about you'. We've been friends ever since."

"How long is that?" the grey bunny asked.

"Three years," Nick said.

"And how long has he been a marine?" Judy asked.

"Seven," the fox replied. "His second tour is up in four months. But he's cashing in some leave to visit me for a week. He knows all about you, Carrots. And his last letter said he couldn't wait to meet the lady who tamed me." The two cops shared a good laugh as their break ended. Mrs. Wilde reached over to the radio and activated the microphone. "Dispatch, 304 back on the beat."

"10-4, Wilde," Officer Clawhauser called from the radio.

"I can't wait to meet Charlie," Judy said as Nick finished his donut. "He must have quite a few stories to tell about you."

"None of which he will ever tell you," Mr. Wilde said laden with sarcasm. The gray bunny shot her partner a look that only a wife could master. No sooner had Judy replaced the mic, a call came in over the radio.

"Unit 227, requesting back up," the voice called. "833 Marsupial, silent approach." The Wildes recognized the voice as Officer McHorn, the ZPD's tough rhinoceros police officer. Nick chugged the rest of his coffee and cracked his knuckles.

"Marsupial is less than 5 minutes away, Carrots," Nick said turning the key and bringing the police cruiser to life. Judy retrieved the mic as Nick replaced his sunglasses and put the car in gear. "You ready to make the world a safer place?" Judy stared at Nick with a her trademark confidence. He knew she was saying "I was born ready" in her mind.

"Unit 227, 304 responding," she called into the mic. "We're no more than 2 miles out. You and Grizzoli sit tight."

"Copy that, 304," McHorn chirped over the radio. The massive black and white vehicle began to move as Judy squawked the siren twice to warn other motorists.

"Think it's the auto theft ring case they've been working for the last three weeks?" Nick asked.

"Not sure, Nick," the bunny responded. "But it must be something big if McHorn and Grizzoli are calling in back up. Those two could handle a lot on their own."

"You never know, babe," the sly fox responded. "You never know." The two officers continued on for the next couple of miles until they turned onto the 500 block of Marsupial. It was one of the shadier parts of Zootopia with lower rent apartments and more pawn shops than was necessary. It was the perfect environment to breed those who would break the law. For Nick it was a sort of homecoming. This is where he plied his trade as a con artist earlier in his life. As they eased along the street, Nick pulled the mic from the dashboard to contact his fellow officers. "McHorn, Grizzoli, what's your 10-20?" The officers didn't get a chance to respond. As Judy and Nick came up to building 828, they saw Girzzoli and McHorn's police unit parked in a parking lot. "Scratch that, we see you." The fox and bunny joined the rhino and lion in the lot and exited their car.

"What do you have, Grizz?" Judy called as she closed the door.

"Got a tip on a chop shop an hour ago," massive lion said. "We pulled the traffic cameras footage and recorded two vehicles going into that building." Judy and Nick turned to see an old brick building with a side port large enough for vehicles to enter.

"We ran both plates," McHorn said. "One flagged as stolen right away and the other followed suit 10 minutes later. We came down here to collar everyone inside one we had some extra paws."

"Two stolen vehicles in a shady part of town and you two with an auto theft case on your desks…" Nick said drawing his tranquilizer gun from his belt. "That's all the probable cause I need. Sounds like a righteous bust .The band is tuned up, McHorn."

"And they're playing our song, Wilde," the rhino responded with a smile drawing his own weapon. Judy and Grizz followed suit and the four police officers began to move on the building. They moved with caution at the corner to hide their approach. McHorn and Grizzoli took point and the Wildes followed behind. When they came to the building, McHorn held up his paw and signaled for them to split up. Grizzoli and McHorn took the front entrance While Judy and Nick took the rear. The two pairs came to the doors silently and gently tested the knobs, they were unlocked.

"Wilde," Grizzoli whispered into his radio. "We'll enter first. Count a five second delay and enter. On my mark..." Judy grabbed the doorknob and waited with her heart racing. Nick trained his weapon on the door and took a deep breath. "Mark!" Grizzoli said calmly and the two large officers entered. "ZPD, paws on the air!" Nick and Judy ignored the scuffle coming from the inside as Judy called her count.

"5…4…3…2…1…" she said and pulled the door open.

"Gahhh!" a high pitched squeal came from the other side. Nick smiled as he focused his tranquilizer gun on an old "colleague" of his.

"Well, well, well," Nick smiled as he eyeballed Duke Weaselton. But not for long as the coward soon cringed down and locked eyes with the police fox. "Duke, so this is your latest gig…"

"Yea and so what's it to you, Wilde?" Duke said furrowing his brow.

"About 10 to 15 as a matter of fact, Dukey," Nick said taking a paw and reaching for his cuffs. "Now turn around and put your paws behind your back." Weaselton took a hostile pose and clenched his fists.

"Like I'm scared of one cop," he hissed and stepped forward. Nick calmly took a small step back. "Your big goons might have rounded up my crew. But I can take you any day of the week, Wilde."

"Duke Weaselton," Nick said firmly. "You are under arrest for grand theft auto and the sale of stolen property. You have the right to remain silent." Nick's stern eyes helped to make the weasel flinch, but it didn't stay for long.

"Yap yap, flatfoot," Duke said bearing his claws. "I'm going to enjoy this." Nick took another step back and raised a hand to signal stop. But he wasn't gesturing to Weaselton. He was gesturing to Judy and she understood Nick perfectly.

"You have the right to an attorney," the fox continued quickly. "Anything you say may be used against you. If you can't afford an attorney, you will be provided with one." The sly fox continued to back up slowly until Weaselton was out of the building with his back to the unseen Judy.

"You only got one shot there, Foxy," Duke said planting his foot. "And we both know how quick a weasel can be. I am going beat you down like the dog that you are. I'm gonna…" Duke didn't finish his statement before he felt a sharp pain in his backside. He turned quickly to see Judy Wilde innocently covering her mouth with her paw.

"Opps," she said innocently and blew a kiss to the weasel.

"Oooh, I hate that rabbit," Duke gargled as he succumbed to the drugs in the dart and passed out.

"And boy do I love that rabbit," Nick said winking at his fellow cop.

"You'd think he'd learned a long time ago not to try our patience," the proud bunny said reloading her weapon. Nick pulled the dart from Duke's rump and cuffed the snoring criminal. All the while he did it with a smile and finally let a chuckle out. "What, I didn't make a joke, it was an observation." Judy said as Nick passed the spent dart to her and picked up Duke.

"Hare trigger," Nick said laughing through his teeth. Judy rolled her eyes and opened the door leading into the building. The grey bunny took point as Nick was carrying Duke over his shoulders. The two stepped lightly as they passed by a few crates. They heard the sounds of more cuffs fastening and relaxed when they heard Grizzoli call "clear." Nick holstered his weapon to get a better grip on Duke. Judy kept her in paw with eyes darting around, just in case. Further in they saw the chopped up remnants of a car and some parts strewn about. Soon, the Wildes saw Grizzoli and McHorn in the middle of the garage reading two rams and a rat their rights. Grizzoli smacked McHorn's arm with the back of his paw when the fox and bunny walked up to them.

"What happened to him?" Grizzoli asked.

"Hare trigger," Nick repeated and plopped Duke down in front of the other suspects. The lion and rhino looked at each other before letting our deep throaty laughs. Nick joined them and elbowed Judy lightly in the rib. "I knew it was a knee slapper. It's going in my book for future use." With the tension broken, Judy finally saw the humor in Nick's joke.

"Ok, maybe it was a little bit funny," Mrs. Wild finally agreed. The four cops returned to their duty of securing their suspects and reading them their rights. Grizzoli called it in and soon another patrol car pulled with Officers Delgato and Wolford, the tiger and wolf officers. They helped secure the scene with police tape and wait for the CSI team to arrive. McHorn stayed with the two new officers while Grizzoli, Judy, and Nick walked and carried their suspects back to their patrol cars. All four suspects fit in the back of Grizzoli's unit. The door closed and the three officers had a chat. Total time from arrival to securing the suspects, 17 minutes.

"I think we may have finally busted up this car ring," Girzzoli said tapping the roof of his car. "Chief is going to like this. May even make him give a rare smile."

"I got 10 bucks that says he won't even crack a smirk," Judy said. "Nick?"

"Oh no, the only number I run are the office pools," he said. "But you should dangle an offer in front of Weaselton. If I know him…"

"And we know you do," Judy finished. The fox looked at his wife with a cocked eyebrow and back to the lion. Grizzoli was chuckling.

"I love watching you two lovebirds finish each other's sentences," he said.

"Anyway," Nick continued. "Sticky fingers there has a habit of keeping his ears open. Information always has a price to right guy. He'll talk if it benefits his own welfare."

"Good to know, Wilde," Grizzoli said. "Well, time to let these fish cool off in lock up."

"We'll corroborate in our report when we get back to the station," Judy said sliding a finger into Nick's pocket. The red fox almost said something lewd when his wife pulled the car keys from his pocket. "I'll drive for the rest of our beat."

"It's been nice knowing you, Grizz," Nick joked. "My partner's driving is not exactly consistent." Judy smacked Nick's arm with one of her ears as she turned to go back to the car. Grizzoli shook his head and climbed into his own patrol car. "See you, Big G," Nick said and turned on his heels. But what he saw made Nick's smile fade and his blood run cold. His pupils contract and focused on his wife's vest. There on Judy Wilde's back was a red dot. She was completely unaware as she reached for the door handle. For Nick, time slowed to a snail's pace. The red fox charged for his wife. He tried to call out her name. But for some reason, Nick's voice failed. All he could do was run. Grizzoli saw what was happening and swung his car door open.

"Judy!" the lion called. "Watch out." Judy turned around to see Nick leaping for her. Then her delicate ears picked up one sound:

BANG!

All was a blur for Judy. She couldn't make out anything, not sight, sound, or smell. The next thing she knew, Grizzoli was putting her and Nick down on the asphalt behind their cruiser. The shock lasted only a moment. When Judy remembered how to control her eyes, she looked down. Her uniform was stained crimson with blood. But it wasn't her blood, it was Nick's. Judy's husband lay on the ground writhing in pain. His paw clenched at his chest as crimson fluid seeped between his fingers. Judy's hearing returned in time to hear her husband screaming from the pain. Judy regained her full motor controls and dove onto her husband. Her paws wrestled with Nick's as she tried to see the wound. Then her voice returned.

"Nick, oh Nick no!" she screamed. The commotion drew McHorn, Delgato, and Wolford from the garage with their tranquilizers drawn.

"Stay back," Grizzoli called as he huddled behind the car. "I don't have a bead on the shooter." Judy couldn't be bothered with any of that. She had finally managed to pry Nick's paws from the wound. The site made her stomach turn into knots. Judy had to fight to keep herself from vomiting up her lunch. Whatever hit Nick went right through his protective vest and mangled his flesh. Fur and torn cloth was indistinguishable from blood and flesh. It was deep and dangerously close to his heart. The grey bunny didn't think she reacted on instinct. Judy ripped the sleeves from her uniform and applied both to the wound to contain the bleeding. Nick raised his blood soaked claws and gripped his wife's. The two locked eyes just as Judy began to cry.

"Stay calm, Nick," she choked out. "Focus on me."

"It hurts…" Nick said weakly. "Oh Gods it hurts…" Nick tried to raise his head to see his chest. Judy pushed it back down to spare him, leaving a bloody paw print on her husband's head.

"Lay still, Nick," she said warmly. "Don't move." A sudden cough erupted from Nick's chest and blood splattered onto Judy's face. The action drew a terrified cry from the panicking rabbit. A line of blood traced down Nick's cheek and he began to shake. "Nick? NICK!" Judy cried.

"He's going into shock," Grizzoli shouted and reached for his radio. "Dispatch, emergency 828 Marsupial Ave. We need back up and a bus. Officer down, I repeat, officer down." Those two words echoed in Judy Wilde's mind. The two words no partner or wife ever hoped to hear, officer down…

A/N: Tick tock, my friends. Tick tock. The hands of time flow steadily for us all. But a wound as this can speed it up more.

What will become of Nick? What indeed…

Read and Review, my friends.