Yeroc The Righteous

Yeroc The Righteous

Salutations, travelers. My name is Yeroc, and I am the most powerful wizard in Zootopia. But I am not blustering about with vanity when I say this...You see, I am also the only wizard in Zootopia—and I prefer to keep a low profile. In fact, when my compatriots are looking for some magic in their lives, they journey to a far away place called Walt Disney World. And that is exactly what Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps are doing this Halloween night…

“Excuse me, Nick Wilde here...You said your name was ‘Yorick’? Isn’t that the name of some guy from Shakesbeare?”

Greetings, Nick. There is indeed a ‘Yorick’ in Shakesbeare, but my name is ‘Yeroc’.

“Okay, gotcha. My bad. Don’t mind me.”

As I was saying...I’m sure you’re aware, the pair—known to many mammals the world over as WildeHopps—join their friend Mickey and his myriad companions to bring joy to humans young and old alike. But All Hallows’ Eve is a time to proceed with great caution, especially here—for villains always lurk around the periphery of the festivities. I do hope Nick and Judy remember to take care...Let’s check up on them, shall we?

~

“Hey, Slick! Where’re you going in such a hurry? Is somebody selling blueberries?”

“Har, har, Carrots. I’m just ready to make the most of the night, that’s all.”

“Well, since our shift’s over, wanna watch the last parade before we leave?”

“Sweet! I like the way you think, Officer Hopps. If we hurry, maybe we can snag front-row seats...Y’know, ‘cause we’re V.I.P. s and all.”

“Aww, but shouldn’t we save those for the human kits?”

“This is a Halloween parade, Carrots. We need to protect ‘em from all the baddies...Ghosts, goblins, Bellwether...Sheesh. We’re cops; it’s our civic duty. Right?”

“Nick, Bellwether isn’t up for parole until 2040...But you really want those front row seats, don’t you? C’mon, let’s go.”

“Yes!”

“Dumb fox.”

“Grateful fox. And generous bunny.”

“That parade is pretty awesome, isn’t it, Carrots? And don’t think I can’t see you smirking...It was even more awesome up front, wasn’t it?”

“Well...”

“The jig’s up, Carrots. Admit it.”

“Yeah, it was.”

“Ha! I knew it.”

~

I should’ve known they’d be safe and sound. They possess law enforcement skills--and iron wills—after all. Now that we’re certain they’re unharmed, allow me to tell you why the villains were permitted into the park to begin with.

Some mammals derive a particular, peculiar pleasure out of suspense; that is, they like to experience fear in controlled conditions, when their security is guaranteed. This is why Halloween is so popular; for one day a year, fear is fun.

In this way, villains have always been a welcome part of Western culture, even within Disney stories, where all one’s dreams ultimately come true. Villains are the ones guests “love to hate”, and thus they have stayed, year after year.

But how does that plunder of perverse power remain reined in? It’s quite simple, actually. In the movies, many villains met their end. But gentle, kind-hearted Mickey believes that everyone deserves a second chance—and he has the magic to make it so.

Under the watchful eyes of Mickey and his friends, the villains have been granted life again, under two conditions: They must be civil to guests at all times, uttering only playful or scripted threats...And, for 364 days a year, they must go only where they are asked to be, forbidden to leave the park's confines, or even move within them of their own free will. But they are condoned to roam the park tonight, in the name of bringing guests' frightful fantasies to life.

Alas, my friends: Nick and Judy are about to face Frollo, yet I believe they can triumph. Let us observe.

~

“Why, hello, Judith, how lovely to see you tonight.” Nick’s nerves sizzled as Frollo stalked around Judy as though he was about to stake a claim.

“Back off, bozo. You wanna pester someone, pick a fight with me.” The judge looked up from Judy with gritted teeth.

“Now, now, Nicholas, it’s ‘Frollo’. Besides, I was merely taking a minute to admire the fairer sex.”

“I know,” Nick replied, gnashing his teeth in return, “That’s the problem.” Somewhat dazed and definitely startled, Judy took a few steps back until she felt the reassuring weight of Nick’s arms around her. Frollo watched her every move with a lustful look in his eyes, but didn’t attempt to follow.

“See? My bunny. Beat it!” Nick sneered. “What is it with you, anyway? A human girl already kicked your butt, so you wanted to see how a rabbit’s foot would feel?”

“Something like that,” leered Frollo.

“Newsflash: when the foot is attached to a bunny—especially this one—it’s bad luck, buddy.” Frollo gave a low, ominous chuckle.

“Contrary to what you believe, Nicholas, I did learn a thing or two from my misadventures. I’ve also noted that most leporines are dear, docile creatures, and I rather enjoy their company.”

“Oh, yeah? Nick growled. “Well, c’mon over and fight like a man.” Frollo laughed.

“Says the fox.” His words dripping with disdain, he slipped into the crowd and slunk away.

“Why, that no good...” Nick fumed, shaking his fist at Frollo’s retreating form.

“Nick, don’t.” Hearing Judy’s voice, he looked down at her lovingly.

“You okay, Carrots?”

“I’m fine. It’s Halloween—let him go.”

“Let’s head home, Carrots. I’m bushed.”

“You said it, Slick. So”--Judy yawned, stretching up to her tip-toes-- “Am I.” Arms entwined, WildeHopps wound their way through the crowd.

Hannah Snowshoe Hare was a faithful visitor to the park...but seldom after dark, and certainly not on Halloween. “Good evening, Miss Hannah.” Caught by surprise, she jumped.

“Hello, Judge Frollo.” With those words, she began to regret her decision to make this night an exception. Except...she’d always had a yen for smooth-talking older British men, and although it’d been ages since she encountered one up close, she wasn’t immune. She knew Frollo should be kept at arm’s length, but she didn’t have the strength to turn him away...not when the whole point of Halloween was to flirt with danger. But woe to she who takes that literally…

“Nick! Isn’t that Hannah over there?!” Following Judy’s gaze, he found Frollo fussing over a female leporine in a shiny chair-machine.

“Crimini!” exclaimed Nick. “It is! HEY!” Frollo turned their way. “Paws off, pal!” Nick and Judy stormed onto the scene. Frollo stood fixed to the spot, the fire in his eyes fluctuating between anger at the intrusion and desire for the hare.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t WildeHopps. Hannah and I were just getting reacquainted, is all.”

“Be that as it may,” added an apprehensive Hannah, standing her ground in spite of the stakes, “I said I was done here.” Frollo refused to relent.

“Nick, Judy--I seem to recall a request that I stay out of your way...and now, as you are quite clearly in mine, kindly return my courtesy.”

“Step aside, Frollo!” Judy ordered. When he didn’t budge, she and Nick each grabbed an arm in an attempt to restrain him, then tackle him to the ground. Frollo was unfazed.

“This is precisely what I meant, you two,” he grinned. “It’s very unbecoming for leporines to display aggression. Judy, you really ought to be more like Hannah. She appreciates the finer things, like poise, intellect...”

~

“...And manners, you maniac!” All of a sudden, a winged warrior dove out of the sky, straight at Frollo’s head, which he pecked viciously while Nick and Judy held fast to his arms. The brave bird then used his talons to lift his foe by the collar. “Thank you, officers, I’ll take it from here.” So saying, he hefted Frollo up until he, too, was airborne, and flew like a bat outta heck. As he disappeared into the distance, the bird was heard to say, “Judge Frollo—c’mon up! Or, more accurately, down, because it’s back to the hellfire with you!” and give a decidedly nasty cackle.

“Bird is the word!” Nick marveled. “Who is that avian who can vanquish villains with a vengeance?!”

“Yeah...” agreed Judy. “He’s obviously a hero, but it’s almost like he knew he had to think like a criminal in order to best one.”

“Yep, that’s the way to do it,” Nick added with a wink.

“I—wow. Whoa. What the…?!”

“Hannah!” Judy hugged the harried hare. “Are you okay?!”

“Cheese and crackers, ‘lil snowshoe, you really had us going,” Nick said, resting his head against her cheek.

“I’m okay. Just got startled. I know, ‘what else is new?’, right?” They all relaxed, laughing a little. “Hey, keep the cuddles coming. I need some fortitude for what’s next.” Judy asked,

“What do you mean?,” while Nick wondered,

“Which is…?” at the same time.

“You’ll see.” Hannah told them.

Just then, the mysterious feathered fighter flew into view, no Frollo in sight. The second her avian savior landed, it was as if Hannah forgot her friends existed. “Lory! Thank you!” She threw her arms around him. “How did you know I was here…?!”

“I didn’t, actually. Frollo was going to be late for a show. I was on my way to take over, but then I saw him with you. I won’t pretend that I have a physical advantage against him, but I do have another...mind games.” He grinned.

"I thought you looked familiar...!"Judy gasped, incredulous.

“Speaking of,” Nick piped up, “I heard this weird wizard guy doing commentary over us...almost like a show, but nobody mentioned it to us.”

“Um...” Lory chuckled; Nick’s observation had made him nervous. “That was me, too. I don’t normally care for pranks, but...”

“Lory loves Halloween, so I think sometimes he gets a little carried away,” Hannah explained. Amazed that Hannah, who hated the holiday, would be willing to defend him, he gave her paw a gentle squeeze in thanks as he turned an expression of chagrin to Judy and Nick.

“Yep. Sorry.” Judy’s eyes widened in surprise...Then they all burst out laughing.

“What’d you do with Frollo anyway?” Nick asked once they’d all composed themselves.

“Exactly what I said I would,” Lory assured them. “Mickey might be miffed at me, but he won’t be once he finds out what happened. And then he’ll bail Frollo out, I’m sure...but perhaps with a tighter leash.”

Nick whistled his approval. “Crimini! Lory, we haven’t had the chance to hang out with you much, but when you do show up, you sure know how to make an entrance!”

“Thank you.” His eyes twinkled as he added, “I try.”

“That reminds me...Lory, I want to tell you something.” Hannah beamed at the bold and dashing bird as she spoke. Judy gave Nick a knowing smile.

“Slick, I think it’s long past time we split and get some sleep. We’re back on the ZPD beat tomorrow."

“Riiiight…” Waving to Hannah and Lory, he winked. “See ya!”

“Guys, wait!” Hannah called after them. “I need witnesses for this.” The park had closed hours ago, so WildeHopps would have to be just that. Hannah had had a rough night, so they agreed; besides, they were intrigued.

“Lory, the thing I want to tell you—no, I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time already, but I need to tell you now, because you saved me, and I’m so glad...not just to be saved, but that you were the one to do it...”

“Pshaw,” Lory balked, modest. “I’m just...”

“...Lucky mammals put up with you? No, I’m lucky you put up with me, because...I love you. I’m in love with you. I have been since...I don’t know, probably since I first saw you, as I was coming off the MetaTrek feeling all discombobulated and yet...centered as soon as I saw your face. It’s okay if you don’t feel the same, I just needed you to know.” She leaned in to press a pacific but passionate kiss to his beak, blushing when he returned it in kind…

~

It’s Nick again...though I’m not the wild one for once, they are. Well, all’s well that ends well, and we’re outta here in the nick of time! G’nite now! Happy Halloween! Don’t let the bed bugs bite!