Zootopia: Mammals of the Atom
Chapter 1: Uncanny Beginnings
Zootopia; a bustling city filled with a magnitude of different species of mammals from around the world. A city of frequent amazement within its walls that helps give mammals the opportunities to allow them seek their dreams to become anything; as well as being home to many unique districts made to support certain mammals environmental needs. Within the heart of the downtown area of Savanna Central was home to two extraordinary mammals charged to protect the city they love.
A no nonsense bunny named Judy Hopps and her partner, a sharp as a tack fox by the name of Nick Wilde. The first of their species to join the ZPD, these two were able to accomplish what many once thought was impossible. Two small mammals: once thought to be meek and frail, and the other to be sneaky and unreliable, ended up being two of the best cops the city has ever known. Together they were able to rise up against the stereotypes set against their species and save the city from a conspiracy to set prey against pred mammals.
As of now the pair were at Precinct One of the ZPD; making their way towards what was know as the Bullpen, in order to be briefed on their next assignment. Both sat at the front desk attentively waiting on the Chief of ZPD a water buffalo named Bogo. Once he had arrived all the other officers began chanting his name as he made his way to the podium at the front of the
"Alright." Bogo said to silence his fellow officers to no avail, "Enough." the chanting still continued, "Quiet!" once the room finally calmed down, Bogo cleared his throat before pulling out his folder, "Now I hate to say this but another shop was set ablaze last night; this time an exotic pred café within the Rainforest district. Luckily there were no reported casualty, but the owners have refused to come forward with what would cause the fire. That and our forensic experts believe that there is most likely another victim of a protection racket ran by a new player in the mafia game. This is a priority one case people. Our citizens are scared that their shops will be next, and City Hall is breathing down my tail for some answers." one by one Bogo assigned each of his officers a district to look into on the matter, "Hopps, Wilde Savanna Square."
With that the two officers made their way to the streets to begin their investigation. The first stop was the chard remains of a furniture store once owned by a pair of alpacas. The place was one of the first establishments to be targeted. At first the police believed the act to be caused by a simple arson perhaps by a disgruntled and disturbed customer. The owner unwillingness to cooperate with authorities caused suspicions to be put on them. That was until a string of similar events occurred across Zootopia. Judy believed that after the recent attack that the owners would come forward with leads to the case. Leaving Nick in the car while she attempted her questioning until her return.
"So Carrots, how'd it go?" Nick asked as Judy re-entered the vehicle.
"Not as I hoped." Judy started up the cruiser, "Whoever is responsible for this still has those two spooked. You don't think it maybe Mr. Big?"
"Really? For this?"
"Well I mean Mr. Big is the only one we know with mafia connection, and we don't really have any other leads to go on."
"No it's not his style. Most of the shops Mr. Big has a hold of he's legally co-owns and treats all his investors, such as Mr. Otterton, like family." Judy gave Nick a quizzical look. "Take it from the guy who used to work for him, he'd never resort to this. It'd put to much unwanted attention on him."
Judy preceded to put the cruiser in drive. "Okay slick then what do you suppose we look for clues?"
Nick gave Judy a smirk, "I know a guy who keeps his ears open for what's going on around in the back alleys of this city." the two drove off to meet Nick's contact and they soon arrived at a thrift store.
"Nick I agree you need new clothes, but this is serious."
"Oh ha ha. Trust me on this Carrots." Nick responded has they both exit the vehicle and entered the store.
Inside they were met with small packs of mammals big and small loitering around various items the store had to offer. Judy and Nick's sights however were set on the checkout counter. There sat a fennec fox by the name of Finnick. Though small in size the fox had quite a knack of getting in trouble and used to be Nick's partner in crime before Judy came into the city. Ever since the bunny made a cop out of Nick, Finnick was convinced to also go the straight and narrow. Now days he runs this particular thrift store in the downtown area.
"Well look what we have." said Finnick noticing them approaching the register, "So what brings Zootopia's two favorite cops to my store? If it involves any criminal activities involving me, I assure you I'm being framed."
"Don't worry Finnick old buddy; we know you keep your nose out of that sort of stuff." Nick replied with a sly grin, "Less you want to incur the wrath of your girlfriend."
"How is Britannia doing by the way?" asked Judy.
"She's doing fine." Finnick responded, "So then what brings you here? Is Nick finally decided to get new clothes?"
"Ha ha yeah you both are real comedians." Nick said under his breath as Judy just chuckled, "No we need help on a case we're working on."
"A series of arson's have struck the city that maybe connected to a supposed new mob faction in town." Judy interjected, "Nick says you might have some insight that might push us in the right direction."
"Nope can't help ya." Finnick answered, "You said it yourself I keep myself out of that sort of trouble."
Nick gave his friend another sly grin. "Yeah your nose may be clean, but I for one, know those big ears of yours love to collect some dirt."
"Besides not giving us something to help us when you could would be considered withholding evidence which would also be obstruction of justice." Judy interjected again, "Which is kind of a big deal and can land you into some hot water."
"Sure go ahead with that; not like you have anything on me." Finnick smirked while crossing his arms, "Unless you want to embarrass yourselves by dragging someone in charge of a charitable business to jail without probable cause."
On that moment Judy's ears went down, "Yeah you're right. Without evidence we'd just be wasting our time and humiliate ourselves and the force altogether." then immediately her ears popped back up, "However if Britannia by any chance found out about you withholding evidence, no matter how little, she'd be fuming through her ears."
Finnick was preparing to retort till Nick cut him off, "You and I both know she'd do it."
"Now what was her number again?" Judy said while tapping her chin in a mocking fashion. That was until she began chuckling, "Oh I'm kidding I have her on speed dial." Judy brought out her phone and started fiddling with the screen.
For Finnick this was too much to handle, "Alright I'll talk; just please put that thing away and keep Britannia out of this." Judy honored his request and put her phone back in her pocket, "Just so you know you didn't hear this from me." Finnick turned his gaze throughout the store to make sure no one was listening in before motioning Judy and Nick closer so he may whisper, "You ain't too far off about that new mob thing. Word has it there's a new player in the game and whoever he is he's making his way to the top faster than most. It's said this whole protection racket is a way to move in on Mr. Big's territory."
"Surly Mr. Big won't take kindly to that." Judy responded.
"No duh about that. Might as well cause a mob war in the city."
Nick simply snorted, "Guy must be very bold, or very stupid to try and take on Mr. Big."
"Either way a mob war is the last thing this city needs right now." Judy made her way to the door, "Come on Nick we should report back what we know to Bogo."
"Thank you buddy I owe you one." Nick said as he followed Judy out.
"Guy owes me twelve." as Finnick got back to work unbeknownst to him a panther and wolf were glancing his way. The panther motioned to the wolf outside to relay what they had heard.
Back with Judy and Nick the two returned to their police cruise. The two first, thanks to some persuasion by Nick, decided to pick up some coffee before calling up the chief. Nick believed they earned it for a job well done. Judy didn't mind the quick break from driving through the city; however she was eager to report back Bogo as soon as possible.
"That's all we have for now chief." Judy said relaying the information they received over the radio.
Through the radio could be heard chief Bogo giving a hefty sigh. "After the nighthowler incident a mob war is the last thing we need on our hands."
"Sorry we couldn't get anyone else to tell us who's behind this."
"Don't beat yourself up Hopps. You did what you could." Bogo reassured her, "Least we have an idea of what we're up against, and hopefully you managed to get Wilde some new clothes. Over and out."
Nick simply let out a sigh. "Okay serious talk what is it with you guys and my clothes?"
"Do you see what you wear while off duty?" Judy replied while taking a sip of coffee "Serious your love for Hawaiian shirt and bow ties it makes you look like a tourist."
"Not my fault none of you understand my unique sense of fashion."
"Almost makes me forget you're the son of a tailor." Judy took another sip of coffee until a drop of water hit the windshield. Soon the drops picked up till it turned into a full on rain storm "Strange the weather called for clear skies."
From there Judy flipped on the radio and turned back to the proper station. Once set, the first thing that could be heard was a series of beeps indicating a weather advisory followed by the announcer, "This is the Zootopia weather report. There is a sudden severe thunderstorm warning in effect from now till… um till further notice. Citizens are advised to take shelter until the storm passes."
Second by second the storm only got worse and worse. Turbulent winds crashed through the streets almost blowing away any unsuspecting small mammals. Freak lightning brightened up the cloudy skies followed by roaring thunder. Any mammal outside made headway into the nearest indoor area they can reach; while those in vehicles did their best to drive home safely.
"Looks like that case is gonna have to take a backseat for tomorrow." said Nick as Judy started up the cruiser.
"Just weird this storm came out of nowhere."
The rabbit had no idea how right she was as she and Nick drove off. The storm itself was not a natural phenomena of this earth. It's creation of supernatural forces the result of worlds crashing through the fabrics of reality. Remnants and debris of these worlds being pulled apart and reassemble by means beyond the understanding of mortal beings. One such debris was engulfed within lightening as it struck down a small park in the downtown area. Hitting the ground with the sound of a small bomb crackling through the air leaving a smoldering crater where it hit. Inches outside laid what appeared to be a pair metal claws before moving back to the crater; sheathing themselves into the confines of a completely bald hand. Slowly this new creature staggered up from the crater unaware of how they would change Zootopia forever.
End of Chapter 1
A/N: Well everyone this is my first story after being away for so many years. Hope you all enjoyed it, and don't forget to send your feedback. Till next time.
