Chapter Thirteen
The Collar

	Sounds of laughing filtered through the halls from inside the cafeteria. When Nick approached, he could hear Gideon talking about something while Judy's laughter continued. There was a melody to her laugh, it was calming in a way. Strange to think that she could have that effect on anyone after their first encounter. This had been the first time in Nick's life that he'd spent so much time with a prey mammal. They always frightened him, granted that could have been from his own ignorant conclusion that lead him to that emotion. Preds could be just as awful. But Judith was different, maybe not on the surface but deep down inside, Nick believed there was a goodness in her. Or maybe he just wanted to believe there was goodness in every mammal. Nick took a deep breath and stepped through the doors.
	“... and I'll be damned if I didn't topple the whole cake right there in front of God and everyone. I couldn't believe it. Easily the worse Christmas ever.”
	Judith snorted around a piece of carrot cake she was eating. A bit of it sprayed from around her bucked teeth down the front of her dark blue police uniform. Gideon picked up a napkin and started dusting the crumbs off of her.
	“Lords, Judy. You're making a mess of yourself.” The chubby fox pushed the glass of milk over to her. “Don't choke now, ya hear.”
	Judith took a long drink from the glass of milk. “I can't believe it, Gid. You've not changed one bit.”
	“Pfft, as if. I'll have you know, I'm a lot taller than I was when I was six.”
	Judith playfully backhanded him in the stomach. “You know what I mean.”
	Judith settled her hand down on top of his on the table. They both shared a look and snatched their hands away. They looked away from each other as Judith took another bite of her cake. Nick tucked his hands behind his back before pasting a smile on his muzzle.
	“Having fun, you two?”
	Judith turned and looked at Nick, the smile lingered on her lips. Nick took note of the red tint in her ears. “I can't believe you've been taking care of this joker for so long.”
	“Yep, Gid's not just a joker, though. He's head chef, he's the reason any of us don't burn the kitchen down.”
	“Aw Shucks you guys, you're gonna make me blush.”
	“It's true buddy and as much as I'd like to let this playful banter go on. I must have a word with our resident copper.”
	Gideon nodded slipping off the bench to collect her plate and her cup. “Thanks for coming to see me, Judith. After you're done chatting up with Mr. Wilde, you come back and see me. I'm intrigued to hear about...well everything.”
	“I will, Gid.”
	Gideon stepped behind the counter to take care of the dishes. Nick waited for Judith to get up. Watching as she dusted some of the crumbs, she missed, from her pants. When she was ready, he motioned for her to follow with a flick of his finger. They both remained quiet as they walked along the halls. Nick lead her back they way they'd come through the first time. The smell of ocean air kept getting stronger. They stopped at a large door, the one they'd come through. Nick unlocked and stepped out into the broken sewer tunnel that opened up onto the bay. Wave after wave of ocean separated them from the rest of Zootopia. The late afternoon sun reflected off each and every window of the tall buildings. It shimmered along the waves both great and small. It was a beautiful sight. Nick watched Judith inhale, a smile spreading to her lips.
	“It's so beautiful.”
	“It is beautiful. You know, it would be more beautiful, if everyone could just enjoy it, as equals.”
	“I didn't always believe that, until I came here. I know I've not been here long but everyone's been so nice to me, despite the fact that I'm a cop and a prey. You'd not get this kind of treatment if our roles were reversed.”
	“That's not making any of this easier.” Nick's voice was somber, more sad than he intended.
	“Nick?”
	“Carrots?” His attempted jest made his heart hurt.
	Judy looked at him and gave his shoulder a little punch. “You, really aren't so bad.”
	“I'd wait before you pass that judgment.”
	“Wha-”
	Before she could finish her thought, Nick grabbed her by the arms throwing her to the ground. He crumpled on top of her as she fought back. He was already straddling her waist. In a quick move he clipped a collar around her neck. Once he saw the green light flickering on, he stepped away from her. She rolled over on all fours a fire in her eyes as she got to her feet.
	“What the hell-”
	Instantly she screamed, her voice echoing through the tunnels. Her hand flew up to grip the collar around her neck. She grunted and fell to her knees on the hard rubble letting out another breathy scream that quickly toned down into a moan. The sight was so painful to watch. Nick fell to his knees, the images of all the parents having to watch their children go through this same torture their first time they put the collar on. Thinking about his mother being forced to watch it. And now the small bunny living through it. Nick covered his mouth, hot tears filling his eyes as he fought to talk to her through a strained voice.
	“Calm down, Hopps. Please.”
	“Wh-”
	The bunny tried to speak flailing onto her back kicking her strong legs as hard as she could. Her body convulsing violently. Nick gripped his stomach, guilt wracking his entire body as he watched the collar torturing the small prey animal.
	“Judith, please calm down. The pain will stop once you-”
	“I...I...ahh.” She reached out to him, her hands opening and closing with the electrical current. “Please...take it...off.”
	“Judy!” He reached back to her. “Listen to me. You need to calm down.”
	Nick grabbed her hand pulling her small quivering body into him. The current slithered through his body making all of his nerves light up. His muscles twitched painfully threatening to let go but it only pushed him to hold her tighter. One jittering hand rubbed along the top of her head tipping her ears back as he pet down along them laying them at her back. Softly he pushed his lips to her head feeling them tingle, the current was finally dying out. Sixty long seconds she'd battled with the pain. It consumed her and spit her out into his arms. Nick wasn't about to let her go, either. He could feel her hand resting against his chest. His pounding heart undoubtedly felt through his fur.
	“Please, Nick...” Judith sobbed against his chest. “Please take it off.”
	“I will.”
	Nick voice cracked  from his own tears running down his face. He pulled a small device from his pocket. It was roughly the size of a credit card and just as thick. He pressed it to the device and counted quietly to ten. There was a soft beep and the green light when out. Nick slid his fingers along her neck bringing a soft moan from her lips. It made his already trembling fingers shiver more. He undid the clasp sending the collar falling to his lap.
	“Thank you.”
	“It hurt didn't it?” He whispered, her ears too weak to perk up. “Imagine receiving this for your sixth birthday. Watching your parents cry when they put it around your neck. Imagine not knowing why your mother has to leave the room as the first lightening bolt hits you. Shouldn't have been too excited at your own birthday, huh?”
	Nick started crying again, his voice cracking as Judith weakly looked up at him. “Imagine every time you get excited at a ball game, or happy because you got good grades. Imagine your first fucking kiss ruined by these goddamned things, because you got too nervous or too excited. Every time you mate, you wonder if this'll be the time you're left hospitalized. Every time you cry, you're rewarded by a shock, not much incentive to stop crying. Imagine it, Judy! Why should we be punished for just being born?”
	Tears were running down Judith's cheeks now as she lunged at him. The force was so strong he fell back against the wall. Her face pushed so tightly to his throat that he couldn't breath. They were sobbing together. Holding each other as they rode this emotional roller coaster together.
	Nick heard her sobbing words. “Oh god, forgive me...I'm so sorry...I didn't know.”
	“I know. I know you didn't. All we want is a fair shake. Please help us.”
	“I will do everything I can.”
	With that, they laid there for a long time. Judy had her head resting on his chest. Nick had his chin resting atop her head. It was impossible to tell how long they'd rested. No one said anything, there just wasn't anything to say. When Judith finally did decide to get up, she was slow about it. Nick knew she was taking her time to readjust to all the aches and pains throughout her body.
	“I'm sorry I had to put the collar on you, Judith.”
	“Don't be. Sometimes we just need help seeing the bigger picture. My ignorance blinded me a long time ago.”
	Nick stood up, his own body hurting. “Well, the bigger picture has yet to be seen. Come with me, I want to introduce you to some of my friends.”
	“Who?”
	“They're the reason I'm doing this.”
	Nick held his hand out to her, she smiled and took it. “I sure hope this time when I come with you, it'll be less painful.”
	“Doubtful. This will just be a different kind of pain.”
	Judith's smile slipped away as a look of concern washed over her bunny's face. Nick smiled at her and shook his head.
	“I was only joking. You have my word. I won't ever hurt you again.”
	“Good. I don't think I'll ever get over this.”
	“You never do, Judith.”
	The bunny squeezed his hand tightly. “Please, call me Judy, all my friends do.”