It was late.

One thing the dynamic duo knew, and they were tired. Like tired tired, the tired you are after a whole year of work, even if it was only their first 3 months together, over. Nick Wilde, the first fox cop, was his usual, playful, sarcastic self, which did not help Judy. She was already having a bad day, with having just caught the wrong suspect in a robbery investigation, accusing him of something he hadn't even been there for.

So, afterwards, the two had returned to the office to to some paperwork, which was, to say the least, something Nick did not like, and it did not help time to go faster, as he started to roll his pen along the table his eyes half closed, as if he was going to fall asleep any moment, head even lolling a little to the side.

The noise, at least to Judy's sensitive ears, was driving her nuts. At last, she lost it, banging her paws right next to Nick's ears, on to the table.

"Ok that's it! You have done NOTHING to help me, Nick. NOTHING! And if your not going to help me, you might as well leave!" she yelled in his face. The suddeness of it all caught Nick completely of guard, and his tail was sticking out rigidly, bristling out, his eyes wide. If it wasn't for Judy's temper, she would have burst out laughing, but she was angry. Really angry.

As if he realiized what he was doing, Nick quickly shook his head, settling down the puffed out fur on his back. Judy would have found this hilarious, if she was in the mood for it.

"Sorry, Carrots, honestly I can't help it. I'm just so tired, and you know me when I'm tired," he replied resting his elbow against the table, leaning his cheek on top of it, bored expression clearly back on his face.

Judy just stood there, her anger slightly slipping, as she took a deep sigh. He was right, they were both tired, and when that fox got tired, he got extremly annoying.

"Oh you foxes, so impatient. Alright, nevermind, just go," she muttered in defeat. Nick gave a victorious smile, and picked up his jacket slinging it over his shoulder, whilst picking up his glasses. As Judy watched him go, she let out another sigh. He was never going to change, and she was worried he would get kicked out of the ZPD unless he changed.

At that thought she saw his ears prick up, just as he stopped in the doorway, slightlu turning his head to look at her.

"What do you mean, change?"

"Huh?" she replied, not registering the question.

"I said, what do you mean, I'm never going to change?" he asked again.

Oh cheese n' crackers, she hadn't realized she had said it out loud! She hadn't meant, she, well.

"Oh man, I didn't realize I said that out loud! I'm sorry, I didn't mean- what I meant to say was, well, I-" she stumbled over her words, getting out of her seat walking over to her friend, still standing there with the jacket on his shoulder.

"You mean I can't change," he said. It wasn't a question, it was a statement. Judy stopped in front of him, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"You know I don't mean that, Nick," she replied evenly, staring up at his emerald eyes, which showed a bit of hurt in their depths, maybe even betrayal.

"Oh I know that alright. You just still don't completely trust me. It's just like at the conference, with everyone interviewing you,"

"Nick you are over reacting," Judy said, almost in a whining voice.

"Oh yeah? What happened to that fox repellent then, huh?" he asked, a bit to roughly, turning around slightly.

This got Judy frozen on the spot. Sure, after the investigation was over, she had been tempted to throw it away, but she had kept it in case someone else found the Night Howlers, and tried to poison someone, even Nick, just in case. She still carried it around. In her pocket. It was still there.

"Yeah, you forgot I don't miss anything. I guess, a fox can't completely earn someone's trust then," he said, taking a step back from the frozen rabbit.

"Nick, come on, sto-stop being foolish! I don't mean that, it's just for in case! Nick, come back I swear!" she cried running after the departing fox.

"Nick, stop being so stubborn!" Judy yelled, trying to grab on to his arm, but failing as he yanked it away.

"Oh yeah? Just add it to the list of what a fox does and is, then!" he yelled back, turning around to face his so-called partner, voice dripping with acid, only just to cover up the hurt he really felt.

"You really believe someone will reuse the Night Howlers? Their gone, Judy, and yet you still don't believe that! Caught up in your, 'just in case' phase, aren't we! Well, why don't you use the whole package and just get a muzzle for me, just in case I lose it! Well, why don't you get a collar and lead, just in case I try to attack someone in the ZPD, huh!? Just in case, psh. It's more than that and you know it," he cried, with each thing being said, he took a step closer to her.

"Nick, stop…" Judy whispered, dread creeping into her.

"And why should I? You keep saying to open up to you, well what am I doing now? Participating in some darn soup opera? Yeah, that's a start!" he replied, towering over her.

"That's not what I meant!" she fought back, trying desperatly to get her friend back, for him to understand him. Thank dog the ZPD was practically empty, otherwise this would make quite a scene.

"Then what did you mean?!" he basically screamed in her face, bringing Judy on the verge of tears.

"Oh will you stop it! With every word that comes out of your darn mouth I trust you less and less! Well maybe I will talke your list and use them, afterall they were good suggestions!" she screamed back, losing her temper. Only as the words echoed back to her from the hallway had she realized what she said.

Nick's ears slowly dropped back, his eyes wide with hurt, as he started to back away towards the exit, images from his Junior Scouts horror returning, images flashing. Judy just stood there, her hands over her mouth, briefly wondering how they got there. She hadn't remembered her arms moving at all.

"Nick…" her voice cracked, only coming out in a whisper. At that the new fox officer fled, but as Judy recovered her senses she sprinted after him.

"Nick wait, please! I'm sorry, I didn't mean-!" she cried, grabbing on to his arm. They fell on to the ground, as Nick started to thrash around, trying to get the bunny off of him.

"Will you please listen!" she yelled in his ear, which she realized was a bad idea, just as he yelped, claws flailing, scoring a direct hit right under her eye, right where Gideon had hit all those years ago.

With a cry she toppled off him, clutching her cheek, looking at Nick who had stopped wriggling and was staring at her in astonishment, leaning back, facing the ground. He did this, was all he thought, and he was too dangerous to stick around. He needed to get out, out of here, so he stood up, his eyes never left hers, both full of amazement, betrayal and guilt. A strong, strong, strong sense of guilt.

"Judy, I…." he tried, but couldn't. He turned around, fleeing from the scene, leaving his hurt friend behind in tears. But he couldn't stay, he just couldn't face it. A cry escaped his mouth as he exited the building, realizing he had left his jacket. He couldn't care less, it was just a jacket. It was what was with the jacket he didn't want to face.

Meanwhile, Judy sat on the floor, in tears, but not for herself. She had hurt her bestest friend, and that scratch she had, well she kept crying that she deserved it, for betraying the greatest frienship an animal could have.

So she sat there, in the dark empty hallway, all alone, no friends, only with a discarded jacket. She crawled over to it. Nick had everything inside of it. His sunglasses, his phone, his wallet, with… she couldn't bear it, it was a picture of her and Nick on the first day on the job, all dressed up in their uniforms, Nick holding bunny ears, over her well, bunny ears.

A little laugh escaped her mouth as she continued to cry, even if it still was sad. She would find him again, make things right again, and make up again. She had to, or else her great friendship would die.

She had to try, and so she did, getting up from her position, dusting herself down, wiping her eyes, and picking up the jacket and all it's posessions. She decided to go to his apartments, after all, where else would he go?

Nick raced down the street, nearly crying, trying his best to push it back. He whispered his motto to himself, over and over, trying to get some comfort.

Never let anyone see that they got to me, never let anyone see that they got to me, never let anyone see that they got to me.

But this darn bunny did, so he kept running. He only stopped to check directions, when he noticed a dark alleyway, which went right over to his apartment block. It seemed quicker, and he wasn't going to let anyone see that he was nearly crying. The great, sly, ex-con fox Nick Wilde, crying. No, he was no going down like that.

So, he took the route. But he would soon regret ever, ever taking that way, as he sprinted down the dark path.

All too soon, a sense of uneasiness settled in, as he slowed to a walk. Something wasn't right, and he soon found himself creeping slowly through the rubbish bins and crates, careful not to make a sound. His ears pricked up, as he suddenly heard scuttering behing him.

He whipped around, but his eyes were met with nothing. Thankfully, he was a fox, and he had really good eyesight in the dark, naturally, but he still felt uneasy. He slowly turned back to the path, and continued walking.

He thought he could just see daylight, finally, after his freaky walk throught the alleyway, but it wasn't. It was a torch, reflecting off the stone tiles, which belonged to someone, someone familiar, yet he couldn't quite put a claw in it-.

"Hello Nicholas, remember me?" He just had time to take a glimpse of a shifty shadow, before all was black.

Judy sprinted her way, all the way to Nick's apartment. She knew the way quite well, afterall, they were best friends, and she did go over every so often to have a party or watch movies together. It was all quite nice, really, but if she didn't make up for what she said, then it would all disappear, away with the wind, just like he had.

She had to find him, she just had to.

So imagine her relief as she reached his apartment door, puffing and sweating, hands on knees, right outside his door. She thought everything would be alright. What a foolish hope, is what she thought later on, as she knocked on the door.

Nothing.

That's what greeted her.

"Nick…? It's me, Judy. Look, I'm sorry about before and- what?" she ended, as the door was pushed open, all on its on.

It wasn't locked.

But that wasn't what worried her. It's what was inside that made her heart plummet.

The place had been ransacked, everything thrown around, windows smashed, TV broken. The couch they sat on while watching movies, destroyed. Photos, flying around after the door opened, all the memories floating away.

She gaped, slowly walking in. The worst part was.

Nick wasn't there.

Something was wrong. Pain stakingly wrong. If he wasn't here, then he never made it to the apartment. That means he was outside somewhere, probably injured, maybe even DEAD. She gasped at the thought.

No, she wouldn't think about that. She would find him, and without a second thought she sprinted out of the door, accidentally dropping the jacket, his wallet slipping out and opening. As she ran through the doorway, her only thought was to find Nick. She had too.

The only thing in the wallet seen, was the picture she had been looking at, back at the ZPD.

Nick groaned. He felt like he had been dropped repeatedly on a bed of rocks. No, correct that, boulders. Nope, on a herd of elephants. The point was he felt bad.

He tried to sit up. Bad idea, as he fell back down on his side. He shivered, as wherever he was was quite cool, and he had left his jacket back at the ZPD. With Judy. A whimper left his mouth as he thought of her.

How could he have been so stupid? He should have known better than to yell at her. After all, it wasn't her fault, it was his. He had lost his temper over the smallest thing, and then added on to it with other ridiculously small things, until they seemed so big, but they weren't. He had riled himself over nothing, and then he hurt Judy.

So stupid.

He sighed, trying to push himself off the floor. The concrete was so hard. Wait, concrete? That couldn't be right, he was in the alleyway! With stone tiles. How did he-? As he got up he was yanked back by some invisible force.

No longer invisible as he realized that he was chained to the wall by a chain, attached to a collar. He suddenly realized he also had something on his mouth, something like a small cage… A muzzle. His heart started beating ten times faster than normal, as the words he had shouted came back to him.

Well, why don't you use the whole package and just get a muzzle for me, just in case I lose it! Well, why don't you get a collar and lead, just in case I try to attack someone in the ZPD, huh!? Just in case, psh. It's more than that and you know it.

He was so stupid, now even karma was playing with him. He knew he deserved this, but he didn't like it, not one bit. So he pawed at the muzzle, desperatly trying to rake it off, his memories cubhood streaked through his mind, all too fresh, to no avail. He suddenly realized (Dog his surprises were freaking annoying at this point) that the muzzle was cleverly attached to the back of his collar, which got him trembeling.

There was no way out, and then to add on to the surprises, all his questions about his whereabouts were finally answered, in a rude awakening.

He was in a cell. A cell that, you would probably call more of a cage. He was completely shaking with fear now, he didn't know what to do. His tail was tucked beneath him in a classic fox sign of fear, ears back, eyes wide with terror. This obviously wasn't a joke.

He was in danger.

That was what every instinct told him, and they were soon confirmed as a chuckle was heard outside.

"Wh-who's there?" Nick choked out. Dog this was so creepy.

"Aww, Nicky, don't remember your old pal? Huh, that's so heart breaking!"

"Wh-what? Wh-who?" Great, now his voice was started to shake even more! This wasn't going to help, he needed to put up his guard now, which would involve his snazzy comebacks that made a giant part of who he was, and his personality.

"I mean, I don't remember having a friend who was so darn secretive at night, seriously, what's there to hide from or be so afraid of, it's night!" Well, truthfully it wasn't the best he had come up with in his day but it was enough to boost his confidence.

"Well, that's great, ol' Nick hasn't lost his sense of humor. And here I thought the fun would end before it had even begun!"

This got Nick confused. Fun, what was that supposed to mean? It sure didn't sound fun, but all his answers were answered when the figure stepped away from the safety of the shadows, revealing himself. Nick was so surprised that a small gasp made it's way out of him before he could hide it, followed by a tiny growl.

Greyson.

Jack Greyson.

The Beaver that lead the muzzle incident.

The first thing Judy did was retrace her steps, going over possible places Nick could have gone, shortcuts, alleyways, anywhere he could have gone to get to his apartment.

Oh, why couldn't he carry his phone in his trouser pocket! She was really going to kill that fox of his stupidity one day.

She suddenly had a thought. And, as she sprinted down the street, she started to fumble for her radio. Please let Clawhauser be available! She pleaded as she turned it on.

"This is Officer Judy Hopps recording for a case. I need backup! Officer Nick Wilde is missing, and there is a crime scene up at his apartment! Please, Clawhauser, report!" she released the button, but nothing. She tried again.

Static.

Of course, no one was at the ZPD when the pair had had the fight. Well, she was just going to have to be extra careful so as not to endanger herself, afterall, where would Nick be with a captured bunny? No, she was on her own, and she had to be careful and stealthy.

Just like in training, she thought. 'Excpet this time, may be for your friend's life,' a nasty voice whispered in her mind. She shook it off though, screeching to a halt as she saw a little alleyway, just off of Clawpaw Pass. She titled her head, thinking, looking to see where it went.

Nick's apartment. That has to be where he went! So without a second thought she sprinted in. So much for that rabbit being careful.

"Oh, good good, you do remember me!" Jack said, a smile playing on his lips.

"Yeah, like a victim remembers its suspect, which, by the way, is the way I will remember you if you don't let me go," Nick replied, voice dripping with venom.

"Perfect. Not that I care, after what you put me through,"

"Huh, what I put you through?! Now that's something, because I vividly remember you kicking me and muzzling me!" Nick said, pulling on his chain, nearly choking himself. Jack laughed at this.

"Oh, come now, I was just trying to protect my group! You don't think that I would let a fox run loose, just to go wild and hurt my team mates? Cause I would never do that!"

"And I believe you. But you know what, why didn't you just try to get to know me a bit better before judging, because I was willing to do that for you, and thanks to you, as soon as my mum died, I became a con-man! And if it wasn't for a certain bunny, I would still be doing that!" Nick seethed through his muzzle.

"Aww, feeling some love are we? After all these years?" Jack taunted.

"What?! No!" Nick denied, a blush slightly creeping into his fur.

"Aww, Nicky got bitten by the love bug, Nicky got bitten by-!"

"I did not!" Nick was getting really riled up, unable to stand up as the chain was too short, pulling him against the wall.

"Oh well, it doesn't matter. After all, who would love a fox?" Jack shrugged, snickering.

"Certaintly someone with more brains than an animal who woul love a jerk, such as, I don't know, you!" Nick shot back.

"Alright, enough of that. Lets get down to buisness. You hurt me, I hurt you,"

"HOW DID I HURT YOU!" Nick practically howled, getting so annoyed at the beaver's behaviour it was killing him.

"Well, remember when, for starters, you went to dob on me! I was kicked out of the scouts, along with all my friends! And then, my parents punished me by whipping me, and putting me in my room for a week! Without food, and I didn't even get dessert afterwards!"

"Ha, as if that's a punishment. The effects after what you did affected me for life!" Nick yelled back.

"I don't care, fox. You don't deserve this life you have. A police officer? Come on, how do they know you aren't conning them?"

"I would never do such a thing and you know i-" bam! Quick as lighting Jack punched him in the cheek, smashing Nick's head against the wall. Nick hadn't realized he was that close.

"Fight back, and this well happen, again,"

"Aww, so threateni-" wack! Nick was thrown to the other side of the cage.

"Little beaver has gotten stronger I see," he managed to whisper in a croak, pushing himself up with his forepaws, coughing a little.

"Yes, little beaver has gotten stronger, and cleverer. I may not have my old troop, but believe me , I have a better one!" Jack, answered, pleasure creeping into his eyes.

"You see," he started, pacing around slowly over to where Nick lay, "I have done some research, and I found out that, back in the ancient times, foxes' predators were, wolves. Am I correct?"

This received a small, barely noticeable gulp from Nick. It was true that he did have a natural instinct to fear wolves, like the time when him and Judy were looking for the Night Howlers, and Judy had just saved him from being a wolf's midnight snack. His heart had been beating so fast, just like now, as dread crept into his chest, suffocating his heart.

Jack knew he was right, and had scored a hit in his hostage's weaknesses.

"Well, I had contacted an old friend, and she lended me, some, ahh, certain types of poisons, one being a poison you should know, hmm? Well, let me break the tension here," he chuckled at Nick's frightened gaze, as the beaver stopped his pacing and bent down to eye level with the fox, who was still kneeling on all four paws.

"Wolves hunted foxes. Poisons make them go delusional. A hunted fox, with a delusional wolf, will result in-,"

"Death," it came out in a whisper. Nick gulped again, his trembles increasing, as his tail uncontiously tucked between his legs further.

"Aww, little Nicky is excited for his new play mate. Well, I won't keep you waiting. Here he is," and as if it had been planned and rehearsed again and again, a girraffe barged in, holding a savage wolf on a lead. As quick as lightning, they shoved the wolf in the room sized cage, removing its muzzle, slamming the door behind it.

The wolf snapped open, growling at Jack and the Girraffe through the cage doors, still unaware at it's 'playmate'. Nick looked at it in pure fright, frozen to the spot, still on all fours. He didn't dare move, determined to put off his death for just a little longer.

But suddenly, the chain lengthened, giving over 5 metres for Nick to move around in. Plenty of space, so thoughtful Jack. The upside, he had free movement, almost around the entire room. The downside, the wolf had heard, and it's head whipped around, searching for the sound's owner. And there he stood, rooted to the spot in horror.

"Well now, let the fun begin," Jack's voice echoed, before Nick could do or see anything, a giant paw smacked him into the wall. This, was going to be a long night.

Judy kept running, terror in her heart as she leapt over a discarded crate with surprising agility. She had just gotten into the alleyway, and her heart told her this is where Nick was kidnapped. What elsecould have happened to him? Lists of possible people that could have aken him skimmed in her mind, dancing around, and all of them made her blood boil.

She skidded to a stop, almost slamming into a wall, as her torch shone on something. She swooped down to pick it up, and on closer inspection, she saw what it was.

Nick's badge.

The old goof. He must carry it around in his pocket so he doesn't loose it, cause he knows that Judy would have his tail of he did. A tear leaked into her eye as she read the familiar name, and she slowly stroked it as if it was an ancient artifact.

Nicholas P. Wilde.

This is where he was last, the badge wouldn't just fall out of his pocket for no reason. She looked around, hoping to fin something else. Something like… a drain pipe! That's got to be where they had headed through. Afterall, coincidences are clues waiting to be caught. She recited that familiar quote from one of her favourite childhood books, ET 12, girl detective.

The ET standed for Emma Tracks, and the 12 was for her age. Oh, forget the stupid book, Judy, this is real life and your friend needs your help! So she yanked the circular barred door open and hopped inside. (A/N Get it, hopped? Her name is Judy 'Hopps'? Huh? Ok I'll stop now…)

It was dark. Too dark for her liking, and there was nothing to suggest anyone had been in here. She was just debating whether to go back, when a sound caught in her ears. A yelp. Not just any yelp, but a fox's yelp.

"Nick…" she whispered, sprinting over and through the tunnel that lead to the sound, which was slightly lighter that the rest.

"I'm coming,"

Bang! Another hit, this time to Nick's stomach.

He had been dealing with this for what seemed like an eternity, yet it had only been two to three hours. He was already half dead, and probably looked dead already. At least that's what Nick assumed. After all, he felt like he was already dead. Maybe he was? Hopefully he was.

That was a selfish thought. How would Judy react? Maybe with a big party. Clawhauser would love all the doughnuts. Gees, if this wolf didn't kill him, his thoughts and sarcasm would.

He yelped as the claws of the wolf raked his right leg and paw.

"Well, that's one leg down, three to go," he stated, purely for the fact he needed to say something to brighten the mood.

He had receded to running on all fours, as it was a faster way to go, and he had more agility on them. After all, foxes, in the 'ancient' times, did run on all fours to escape predators, and it always worked, right? Wrong. He was so dead, and everyone in the room knew it, including the big delusional oaf trying to kill him.

Bang! Another hit, this time Nick's left side, which sent him rolling into the bars of the cave, right in front of Jack. The beaver's girraffe buddy was long gone, clearly bored, but Jack had stayed to watch the fun.

Oh, and did I mention why I'm not dead yet? This stupid wolf is playing with me. More specifically, playing with his food. That beaver must have fed him before he put it in here, sneaky idiot. He knew it was going to play with him to work up an appetite, so it would increase Nick's torture factor.

Yes, Nick had created a chart showing the range he felt he was being tortured. Only thing to keep his sarcasm going.

And right now, it felt like a ten.

He screamed, as the claws connected to his right leg again, right near the previous cut. That was now fully out of use, and so the fox was forced to limp out of the way, just in time before the wolf's jaws connected with his ruff.

Another amazingly bad idea, as the force it took to get away threw Nick off balance, banging into the wall. Oh, man, he couldn't get up. His claws uslessly scraped at the concrete bedding Jack had so lovingly provided, but he couldn't find the energy to get up. So this was it, killed by a case he and Judy had so, how to put it, heroically solved, that had so called been put to a stop. Killed by your case, after a couple of months on the job. How professional.

All those thoughts flashed through Nick's mind. At least he would die a happy fox, not a small, useless disregarded thing. Not as happy as you wanted, though. You, are still unwanted, as Judy so kindly said, a voice told him.

She did not say that! His controlled voice fought back, but the consience was there, saying, but she was thinking it!

Nick let out a defeated whimper, as the wolf stalked over to him, the crumpled state that he was in. The beaten up fox knew the wolf was now tired of playing, and was hungry. He could tell by the way it stalked towards him, slowly, carefully.

As if I could move, he thought sarcastically. Oh, so my sarcasm is back. Like that'll help, he thought darkly.

The wolf's claws were out, Nick could now see, as they glinted in the dim light. Like they weren't out before, but now they were fully out. The wolf's right paw came to rest on the side of Nick's neck, claws digging into the back, preventing any way of escape. Still, the fox's natural instincts made him wriggle, screaming at him to get up.

He could see the wolf's look. It was time to eat. Nearly breakfast time. Nick was so caught up in terror he didn't hear Jack chuckling, nor did he hear the beaver's surprised gasp as he was knocked unconscious and cuffed to the grate. He also didn't hear the tinkle of keys clinking as the door opened.

All he could focus on was the wolf's teeth, getting closer to his neck. Closer, closer, as if wanting to make even more tension. Like that would help.

Another whimper was emitted from his throat, a bit louder than last time, and then followed by a yelp as the claws dug deeper in his ruff. This was it, he closed his eyes, still whimpering slightly. He could feel the wolf's breath in his face, the cracks his jaws opened wider, and the slice of teeth.

But they were on thin air. Nick yelped in surprise as he felt the scraping of the claws on his neck. Something wasn't right, predators don't just let their prey go. The stinging of the cut slightly receded, as he let out a whimper, and then opened his eyes open just a crack. A figure stood over a now camotose wolf, in the shape of a… no, he must be dreaming or at least being delusional.

"Judy…?"

The figure spun around, and let out a gasp of joy, rushing over to Nick, who was trying to get up again.

"Oh Nick, your alright! I was so worried, I thought you were dead! I'm so, so, so sorry! As soon as I got to your apartment and it was empty I couldn't, I mean, well, I was gonna say-"

"Easy Carrots, your rambling, and this ain't a soup opera, not one I know anyway, and I watch enough Television as it is to know that," Nick comforted, patting her on the back as she clung to him, sobbing, the tears leaking from her eyes. She sobbed laugh as he said that (A/N Hey, I'm tired, ok? What else would you call it, sobaugheling. I don't even know anymore…) glad that he hadn't lost his humor.

"Oh Nick, I-"

"Oww!" he hissed, as her leg hit his right injured one.

"Oh my gosh, we need to get an ambulance! Here, I'll-"

"Judy, don't! We need to get out of here first, they're waking up! At least the wolf is what we have to worry about, he did almost kill me, heh…" indeed the wolf was waking up. Judy gasped as it shifted.

"Night howlers…"

"The one and only," Nick confirmed, and Judy, turned back to him, only then realized he was muzzled and chained to the wall.

"Nick, you have a- a…" she started.

"Muzzle," he said grimly. "and since I cannot move in any way, would you care to get the key, before he wakes up. I really want this wolf buffet to close, now. Please?" Nick continued, staring at her.

"Of course, dog I am so stupid," she said running over to Jack, who was still lying on his stomach. Judy nimbly grabbed the keys for the muzzle, dropping the others next to the beaver, and sprinted back to the cage, where Nick still lay, propped on his elbows. She quickly unlocked his muzzle, and then his chain and collar. As soon as they were off, he rubbed his snout, relieved to have the gadget off of him, ghosting his paws over the places where the strap were. Then rubbed th back of his neck, wincing as his paw was met with blood.

As soon as he drew his paw back and Judy saw the blood, she took action, ripping a piece of her sleeve and wrapped it around his neck. Nick gave her a grateful look, and she quickly grabbed his paw, to help him up, letting him lean slightly against her.

"Thanks Judy," she replied by smiling, knowing he really meant it. He only ever used her real name when something was serious, or just to prove he meant something.

"No problem, you dumb fox," she replied, started to walk over to the exit. But all to soon, a growling was heard behind them, making the pair cringe. They slowly turned around, and as soon as the glinting eyes of the wolf met their's, one word escaped their mouths, in unison.

"Run,"

And that they did, as Judy practically dragged her friend. They were so close, she wouldn't give up. Even-.

A yelp. Nick! She glanced down, to see he was limping badly.

"Hey, Carrots, maybe we should split up, and, y'know, run and don't look back?" he suggested, trying to stay calm, but his façade crumbled slightly, as his voice wavered. He was trying to get her to leave him behind. Not this time.

"Do I really look that stupid? Huh, I need a new look to change that!" she replied evenly, a little hysteric. "Well, Fantastic Mr. Fox, I am not leaving you, unless you want me to stay,"

"Fine, just keep running," Nick replied, through gritted teeth as the pain cut him hard.

Nearly there. Just, a bit further. But then, Nick tripped, and brought Judy tumbling down with him. So close yet so far. But, Nick was starting to cough. The cut on his neck must be getting infected, but she had to get him out.

"Come on Nick, we can do it! You have to try!"

"Judy, I think you should go, before we are both killed," Nick choked out, eyeing her from his fetal position. It made her heart plummet, to see Nick so broken. Him out of all animals.

"We start it together, we end it together," Nick smiled, but just to be replaced by a look of horror as the wolf's paw came into contact with Judy's body, slamming her down on her back.

"Judy!" he yelled, pushing himself so he rested on his side. The wolf was seething over Judy. Fresh prey. That's what it thought. Fresh prey.

"No…" Nick whispered, eyes wide, as Judy struggled to get out of the wolf's grip. He had to do something, and as he glanced around, his clever eyes caught sight of the discarded muzzle and collar, and an idea sparked in his head. It was risky, but it might be able to get the two partners out.

Alive.

So with all his strength he pushed himself up, limping over to the equipment as fast as he could. When he was ready, he shouted out to the wolf, still struggling with Judy.

"Hey, fish face why don't you come over and get some real prey!" he yelled, which defenitly got the predator's attention. This prey was weaker, yet bigger. The bunny could wait. Right now, he wanted the main course. So, he stalked over on all fours, growling menacingly. It sent shivers down Nick's back, but he had to stay focused.

"Nick, what are you doing!?" Judy cried, as she saw what the fox was doing. He kept limping backswards, back to the wall, no way out. That stupid, Nick, darn him and his stupid brain.

"Just trust me!" he shouted back, eyes never leaving the wolf.

"Ok Mr Big Bad Wolf, why don't you just eat now? I mean, I'm right here, what are you waiting for? A menu? Cause we seem to be out of everything but fox, so here you are, straight from the oven," he said, riling the wolf up more, as he gestured down towards himself.

"Nick-!" Judy was silenced by a raised paw, although its owner concentrated all its attention on the wolf.

And then it lunged. From Judy's point of view, it grabbed on to Nick's neck, ending his life. She sat there, frozen to the spot, amazed, not grasping what had happened, and then…

"NICK!" she cried, scrambling up from the spot. She raced over, not caring about the wolf, not caring about anything but her beloved fox friend. But what her eyes met, confused her. The wolf was unconsious, with its mouth in a… muzzle? But how? No time for that, she cried to her brain, she looked over to Nick, with his eyes closed. She didn't register that there was no blood, just that he wasn't breathing.

"Oh no… Nick!" she sobbed scrambling over to her friend. She started to cry. Heart wrenching sobs escaped her, pouring on to her hands. This couldn't have happened! No, she never got to apologise, never got to fix their friendship. Never got to- What was that?

Her ears perked up, and she looked up from her paws. Nick was moving! And then.

"Blood, blood blood! And, death!" his eyes opened at the last bit, just a crack, seemingly laughing at her, along with a slight smirk on his lips.

There was a beat.

"NICK!" She threw her whole body on top of him, just as he was about to get up. Oh well. No time to worry about that. After all, they had won. Alive.

"I was so afraid that you had died! Oh my gosh, I felt so guilty!" she cried in his shirt, as he hugged his friend back. He was glad that they were both alive and well.

"Why did you do that?!" she suddenly yelled, punching him in shoulder. Hard. He yelped a bit, but Judy didn't pay attention.

"Well, I just thought it would be, funny? To see your reaction," he admitted, rubbing his shoulder, now regretting that decision. Big time.

"Well it was not funny! I thought you were dead! DEAD! Gone, just like that, without giving me time to say sor-" she stopped, realizing what she still had to do. She was just getting up, and held out a paw out to Nick, and as he accepted it, she pulled him up.

"To say what?" he asked softly, surprisingly gentle for Nick.

"To say… I'm sorry. For, for everything. (A/N Any dragon (httyd) fans out there, put in a review where this easter egg is from ;) if you can guess) I was such a horrible friend, and after all we have been through! Nick, you are the bestest friend, and I will never forget that. Even though, I had to think you were dead to see that. I hope that- that you can forgive me," she finished, staring up at her friend with almost begging eyes.

Nick looked at her, and smiled, grabbing his friend without warning and pulling her into a hug, which took Judy completley off guard.

"You should know I know that, Carrots. And of course I forgive you, scouts honor," he replied, and she started to cry a little. It was just like back at the bridge.

"Oh you bunnies, so emotional," he chuckled, making her giggle a little. Yup, just like the bridge.

Suddenly, the wolf shifted, and without a thought, Judy shot down and put the chain around his neck.

"We should go, now," she said, and nearly forgot about Nick's leg. She was reminded by it as he leant heavily against the wall, as if it were a life support, about to be wrenched away from him at any second.

As she quickly ran over, Nick started to cough. A lot.

"We gotta go and get you to a doctor, Nick. Pronto," she said, helping to support him.

"Yeah, or Doctor Zoo (A/N Zootopian version of Doctor Who)," Nick joked.

"Yeah, yeah. As if he could take you back in time and heal your paw or warn you of being a complete idiot for going through that alleyway" she replied, rolling her eyes as they started to make their way out of the basement.

"Heh, heh…" was all he said using his free arm to rub the back of his neck, ears tilting back slightly. "well, uh, where are we anyway?" Nick finally asked, just to break the awkward silence.

"In this type of basement that you can access by the- a sewer," Judy replied, stopping to let Nick sit down as she got her phone out to ring the ZPD and the Doctor Ambulance Service, which Nick was grateful for as his leg was on fire, and the cut on his neck was making him feel like he was choking, so the fox sat there, panthing slightly.

"I hope they respond," she pleaded, because it may be to early for Clawhauser to be at work, or any other cop for that matter.

"Of course they will, it's 6:50 am already, and if they don't, they must be super late," Nick reassured, as Judy tapped her foot on the ground impatiently.

"Mhm,"

"Hello? This is Officer Clawhauser of the ZPD what can I do for you?"

"Oh, Clawhauser your there! Oh thank goodness! This is Officer Hopps reporting, and I need some officers of the ZPD to report here ASAP. There has been a kidnapping, but I have found the victim and napper, and he is cuffed and ready for taking. Oh and we also need an ambulance, the victim is injured," Judy reported, pacing a little at one point.

"Huh, victim? I'm not that defenseless," Nick muttered, playing with his pant leg so it covered up the wound on his leg, to act as a temporary bandage.

"Oh right away, Miss Hopps. And let me ask who was injured?" the 'phone' asked.

"Oh uh…" Judy swallowed, almost afraid to answer, which raised Nick's eyebrow."It was Officer Wilde. He was, clawed in the leg, and neck, attacked by a savage wolf,"

The rabbit police officer could have sworn she heard Clawhauser choke on a doughnut behind the phone.

"And scratched on the neck. He needs medical attention as soon as possible, I think it could be infected,"

"Right away! We will find you via the ZPD system and get your coordinates, and I will call the first aid to help you-"

"Clawhauser we need an ambulance!" Judy cut in wistfully.

"Well, the first aid can help him until the ambulance gets there, after all, it is on the other side of town from where you are," Clawhauser replied logically, and Judy pressumed he had found them on the map.

"What are you guys doing over ther-?"

"CLAWHAUSER!"

"Alright alright, I'm on it, don't worry. They will be there in ten minutes just hold on!" he replied, and scuffling could be heard through the phone as he reported through the speaker system, then, all was silent. Judy hung up, clicking her phone off with a sigh.

"That doughnut lovin' kitty cat not hundred percent awake yet I take it?" Judy turned around, looking at an amused Nick, even if she could tell he was in pain.

"Uh huh,"

"Aww, why the long face? Are you turning into a donkey? Because, no offense, they are horrible police officers, no coordination whatsoever," Nick continued, obviously trying to brighten the mood. He chuckled, although it faded as his friend wasn't any more comforted than before.

"Look, Carrots, don't worry about it. It's over. Done. Finished. Wolfie's dead! Well, er, kinda dead, at least," he said, scratching the back of his neck as he turned to look at the still slumberinng wolf.

"It's not the wolf I'm worried about, it's you ya big dork!" she cried, walking over to him.

"Me? Why? I'm alive. Well, alive as I could be at this exact moment in time,"

"Nick, stop it! You could have been killed! And, I could have never found you, and I wouldn't have been able to apologise, and-and," she started to cry a little again.

"Carrots, seriously. Why are you apologising? What for? I'm the one who should be, I did hurt you more…" he said, dwindling off as he looked at the flood, as Judy sat down next to him. He drew his left knee up to his chest, resting his chin on it.

"And I am sorry. I, overreacted on a giant scale. I guess… well, I lost my temper, and I am really sorry about that Carrots. Thing is, I guess I just want you to completely trust me, and the repellent thing got me riled up. I hope you can forgive me, because, I don't know about you, but I forgave you as soon as I left," Nick said, finally looking away from the floor, to his left so his eyes didn't show to Judy, because, quite frankly, they were full of hurt, and he didn't want her to see that, so he hid.

Never let anyone see that they get to me.

And he waited. To be honest, he was expecting to be greeted by words, not a giant hug to his waist, or Judy's head tucked under his chin.

"Of course I forgive you, you dumb fox!" she said, snuggling into him, as he returned the embrace. He was so surprised he almost forgot to hug back.

Key word, almost.

He quickly wrapped his arms around her, as they hugged together, finally leaving their worries at rest. Mostly. Oh well, it was fine for them at the moment, but soon it was ruined by Nick, hissing in pain, letting go of his carrot eating friend, and clutched his leg.

"Nick?! What's wrong?"

"Pain. Leg. Argg…" he said through gritted teeth.

"Hang on, just lie back down, and I will take a look," she said, as Nick lied down, out of view of his leg. Judy carefully pulled back the pant leg, and what met her shocked her. The wound was infected, and was starting to spread, likea purple flower.

She had to cut off the circulation, or else it would infect his whole body. Nick let out a small, barely audible whimper. It must hurt like crab. (A/N That was on purpose, the b, just so you know)

So she quickly got to work, wrapping the pant leg tightly around the top of his knee.

"Don't worry Nick, help is coming! Just hold on and try not to move it to much," Judy advised, finishing the not.

"Yep, great advice Elestein, like I want to," Nick replied sarcastically, making Judy roll her eyes.

"I swear, Nick, your last words are probably going to be something like-"

"I left one million bucks under the…" Nick chuckled. "that's what I want my last words to be, it'll drive the animals nuts looking for something that isn't there," he smiled, making Judy nudge him playfully.

"Ol' Nick ain't gone then!" Judy laughed.

"Nope, takes more than a few scrapes to kill my humor, although, maybe cutting my tongue out will…"

"Yeah, knowing you you'd find a way, somehow," they both laughed, knowing it was true. Then all too soon, police and ambulance sirens sounded, stopping, then the scuurying of paws going down the drain, and then, Delgato ran in, leading a small troop of officers that the duo couldn't quite recognise, at least at the moment.

"Officer Hopps and Wilde! Oh thank goodness we found you! We have to get you treated Mr Wilde, quickly!" Delgato said, "Alfred, Cuzco, get the kidnapper, the rest of you, get that wolf into containment. I'll help Mr Wilde and Miss Hopps," he reported, running over to the pair who were still seated on the hard floor.

"How bad?" he asked Judy.

"Quite bad, it's gotten infected, so I cut the circulation," she reported quickly, getting up to help Nick stand.

"You don't say..?" Nick muttered, as all feeling into his leg left him.

"Doctor Sally Yongrel will look after you, don't worry," Delgato reassured, helping Nick with a thick paw, steadying him along with Judy's paws.

They quickly hobbled into the first aid truck, and seated Nick on the temporary bed. The nurse, a lioness, quickly put medication to clean the infection, an anesthetic to put him to sleep, and then a proper bandage. Judy never left him, not even when the ambulance arrived, and took the now unconscious fox to the hospital, sirens whirling.

The rest was just a blur, as they took him in to do a proper analysis of his state, and to take a blood test of his body, to check he hadn't already gotten the rest of him infected.

All she remembered of the past days was Chief Bogo giving her a release until Nick was healed. He knew that Judy couldn't work alone or with another partner. The fox and bunny were inseperable. So she had time off to visit him, as he healed of his infection.

She distinctly remembered debating whether to bring flowers, but knowing Nick he would say it was soppy. So, instead, she took a Blueberry Pie. She knew he would love it.

And he did.

She actually didn't count on him waking up, but he did, almost brought to life by the smell of his favourite food.

"You know, Carrots, I can't believe you remembered my favourite food after all that drama," she shot up from her hunched position on the hospital chair, to face a grinning Nick, propped on his elbows, watching her with now gleaming eyes.

"Nick!" she cried, launching herself across the room to hug him. He hugged back tightly, as a tear leaked from her eyes.

"I missed ya Carrots. It's lonely in dreamland, you know that?" he said, still in the embrace.

"Yeah yeah, you dumb fox," she shot back playfully, chuckling in his chest. She soon pulled back.

"I'm sorry," she said, making Nick's face fall.

"Seriously? Are we going back to that again? I told you, I forgive you! I'm fine, really, I don't need anything, I promise!" he cried, making her laugh, causing confusion in the fox.

"Oh, I know that, I just wanted proof so no one fussed over you! Babyish, I know, but tempting," she replied, and before he could ask, pulled the carrot pen from her pocket, clicking the play button. His uffled voice emitted (cause by the fabric of the pocket, but still there) I'm fine, really, I don't need anything, I promise!

"You sly bunny!" he laughed, not caring about it. It was good to have his friend back.

"It's called a hustle sweetheart!" she said in a light menacing tone, and they both started to laugh. Too bad as soon as they settled down and took another look at each other, they started laughing their heads off again.

"You know," Nick said through laughs, "I can't even remember what we fought about!"

"Me neither," Judy giggle, releasing her clutched side, and wiggled off the bed.

At least their troubles about the fox repellent pen were over, and they had each other's backs.

No matter what.

And all because, a certain fox laid down his armor to admit defeat.

Ok, let me just say, I LOVED this movie. I went to see it a couple of days ago in the theater, and I fell in love with it, and Nick Wilde. Let me just say, he is amazing, I love his character, and that he is a fox.

So, I just came up with this while driving… somewhere you need not know. Anyway, I loved the idea of them making up properly like this, so hence this story was born.

I have been working on it for a couple of days, starting basically right after I watched the movie, and am very proud of it. I was halfway through, when I came across this Zootopian Music Video, with the song Armor by Landon Austin. It just seemed to fit perfectly with my One-Shot, and that's how I named it.

The lyrics just seem to fit, go search: Armor, Landon Austin lyrics if you interested, quite a good song, and there is also the video, up on YouTube.

So thanks for reading this Possum's Story, and until next time, Peace Out (and Carrots J)!