In the bustling city of Zootopia, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde had gone from being coworkers to inseparable friends, and more recently, to roommates. Moving in together had been a big step, but it felt natural for both of them.

One afternoon, while they were both relaxing in their apartment, Nick noticed something on the news that made him frown. The screen showed Dawn Bellwether, the sheep who had once tried to turn predators savage, being released on bail.

"What the heck? How could they release her so soon?" Nick asked, turning off the TV abruptly.

Judy, who was reviewing some reports on her tablet, looked up with concern. "I don’t know, Nick. But we need to stay alert. I don’t like this at all."

In the following days, rumors began spreading throughout Zootopia. It was said that Nick Wilde had been an accomplice to Bellwether, helping her manipulate the predators. In no time, the story started gaining traction, and the media spread it all over the city.

One night, after receiving a call from the Police Department, Nick was sitting on the couch, head down. Judy walked over and sat beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You can't let this get to you, Nick. We know it's a lie," Judy said firmly.

"I know, Carrots," Nick replied with a sigh. "But people are starting to believe it. They’ve called me in to testify. They’re reopening the investigation."

Judy pressed her lips together and stood up with determination. "Then we'll do what we do best: find the truth. I'm not going to let Bellwether ruin what we’ve built. We're going to prove you’re innocent."

Nick smiled slightly, admiring Judy's resolve. "I knew I could count on you, Hopps."

The two ventured into the darkest parts of the city, searching for clues. Following a trail of rumors, they ended up at an abandoned warehouse in the Nocturnal District, where they found Doug, the ram who had made the serum that turned predators savage.

"Doug?" Nick exclaimed upon seeing the ram. "What are you doing here?"

Doug, looking thinner and more nervous than before, took a step back when he saw the two officers. "Don’t arrest me! I’ll tell you everything you want to know! Bellwether left me high and dry, but I know things… I know things that can help you."

Judy raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "And why should we trust you?"