ZOOTOPIA: THE SCALES OF FEAR

Disclaimer: Zootopia is property of Disney.

This story is a sequel to Reckless Endangerment. Also, having done some research, I discovered that the events of Zootopia took place during 2015, meaning that the dates of this story, which takes place a little over three years afterward, will reflect that. I have recently changed the dates in Reckless Endangerment from 2019 to 2018 in order to reflect that as well.


Chapter 01: Gray Clouds and Silver Lining


Date: Friday, October 6th, 2019

Judy Hopps walked out of the therapist's office with a contented look on her face. "So, you did okay?" Nick Wilde asked her as they walked through the halls of the station. "I'm... I'm doing better," Judy said. "Yeah? So, what did you talk about this session?" Nick asked her.

"Well, you know... the usual," Judy replied. "And? Makin' some progress, I hope?" Nick asked her. "Yeah. We-We're making progress. I'm no longer afraid of record players, and Polka music doesn't send me into a panic attack anymore," Judy said. "I don't know. I think panicking at the sound of Polka is normal, at least in my opinion," Nick said.

Judy groaned at Nick's remark. "So, the nightmares... have you talked with the therapist about those yet?" Nick asked her. "Yes. That's what prompted this whole thing in the first place," Judy replied. "Have you... worked on those yet? You can always talk to me about them if you need to," Nick said. "I... I know. It's just... I don't want to bother you with them anymore," Judy said.

"Carrots, telling me about them didn't bother me before, and it isn't gonna bother me now," Nick responded as they walked through the halls. Judy sighed. "It's just... sometimes, I'm back there in the basement, and the dingoes are there, putting tape on me and ripping it off again. Or they're hanging me upside down, or they're tying me to the train tracks again, but this time they have a blade attached to the train. Sometimes I'm tied up on the floor and the toy truck has a blade attached to it, or an explosive, and as soon as it hits me-" "You wake up screaming," Nick said.

Judy said. "And sometimes... I'm back at the train station, and my mother is there, and so is my father, or my siblings, and instead of bargaining, Maulia just... she just-" Judy's breath began to hitch. "It's okay," Nick said as he pulled her into a hug. He checked the hall to make sure that no one could see them as he gently stroked the back of Judy's head.

"It's okay. Maulia and Bandit are dead, and they can't hurt you anymore," Nick said softly. "I-I know, but the nightmares are still there," Judy said. She took a large whiff of Nick's scent to calm herself down. "I know, Carrots, I know. We'll get through this. One step at a time," Nick said soothingly.

When Judy had finally calmed down and managed to compose herself, she looked up into Nick's eyes. "Will you... will you start coming back to the sessions with me?" Judy asked him. "You mean, staying in there with you? Of course," Nick replied with a gentle smile. "Thank you," Judy said as she rested her head against his chest.

Nick and Judy heard footsteps coming and quickly pulled apart. They looked over to see Officer McHorn talking with Officer Grizzoli as they walked through the hallway. "And my wife still insists on it," McHorn said. "Uh-huh. Look, is there a point to this, or do you just like complaining?" Grizzoli asked McHorn as they passed Judy and Nick.

"I'm just asking for your opinion on how I should talk to her about it," McHorn said, his voice fading as the two larger animals continued down the hallway. Once they took a corner, Nick let out a breath. "Well, I guess we should get back to the desks and get the last of our paperwork filed away," Nick said. Judy nodded her head in agreement.


187 Beach View Lane, Outskirts of Sygnalia, Reptaelia

Standing next to a rail, Komo Domo looked down at the large pool beneath him. It wasn't a swimming pool, but a large murky artificial pond. Looking closer, Komo saw the scaled and leathery head of his pet disappear beneath the surface. Behind him the door to the room opened and another Komodo Dragon stepped inside. Komo turned his head. "Arjun, have you retrieved Mr. Cooliage?" Komo asked Arjun. "Yes," Arjun Rooter replied. "Then where is he?" Komo asked him. "I left him in the next room over. But, Komo, is it really wise to be doing this so close to the court date?" Arjun asked him.

"I think I deserve one last moment of pleasure before I head off to get sentenced to prison for however long. Besides, I'm sure my lawyers can at least lessen the sentence to a degree," Komo replied calmly. There was a calculating tone in his voice. "That may be so, but are you sure that all of your affairs are in order? Are there any operations you have that I should know about before I temporarily take over in your stead?" Arjun asked him.

"No. You have all of the paperwork on the computer and in the filing cabinets. There are digital and physical copies of everything that you need in order to run things while I'm gone," Komo said in response. "Very well. Shall I fetch Mr. Cooliage now?" Arjun asked him. "Of course," Komo replied with a smirk.

Arjun nodded his head and then disappeared behind a large set of doors. A minute later, he arrived with a raccoon in tow. The raccoon was tied up, with tape around his muzzle, and ropes around his arms and legs. "Take the tape off," Komo said curtly.

Arjun complied with the order and removed the tape from Arthur Cooliage's muzzle. "Ah, dammit! That stings!" Arthur whined. "Quit your bitching," Arjun said tersely. "Okay, okay, okay," Arthur said. "Now, Mr. Cooliage, do you know why I have brought you to my estate in this manner?" Komo asked him.

"Uh... did I not get your money laundered fast enough?" Arthur asked him. "Actually, you completed it on time, but what really makes me... curious, however, is that a certain percentage of it is... missing," Komo said as he stepped closer to the raccoon. "Now, I know that all launderers take a small percentage for themselves. I understand that. You have to pay the bills. But... it's just that you took such a large percentage, that I only have nine tenths of my money returned to me, and not ninety-eight or ninety-nine percent. I can forgive the loss on one or two percent of it, but ten?" Komo asked while shaking his head.

"No. That... that is just unacceptable," Komo said darkly. He grabbed Arthur and lifted him into the air, pushing him against the rail and turning him to look at the pond below. "Do you see that down there?" Komo asked him with a grin. "Your pool is kind of dirty," Arthur quipped.

"It's not a swimming pool," Komo said with a smile. Arthur gulped and began to pant. "You've seen waters like this before, haven't you?" Komo asked him. "Y-Yes," Arthur replied. "And you know what can lurk beneath the surface of such waters, don't you?" Komo asked him. "Yes," Arthur said in a whisper.

"I think I should at least let you scratch your nose," Komo said. "Huh?" Arthur asked him before Komo untied his arms and legs. "Thanks. So, this is a warning, right?" Arthur asked him. Komo rolled his eyes. "I can give you back what I owe, easily!" Arthur exclaimed with a smile. "And then, you won't see me again," he added. Komo let him down to the floor.

"So, I'll, uh, just be going and get your money," Arthur said as he turned around. Komo then grabbed him in mid-step before raising him into the air again. "It's been nice knowing you, Arthur. Good bye," Komo said before he threw Arthur over the edge of the rail. He and Arjun watched as Arhtur fell into the pool with a yell.

Arthur's head broke the surface and he panted. "You son of a bitch!" Arthur cried. Komo merely smiled as he watched Arthur swim to the edge of the pool. "When I get out of here, this'll be the last I ever work with you!" Arthur vented in rage. "I swear, this is too much-aack!" he cried as he was suddenly pulled under the water.

Komo and Arjun watched the water began to churn and splash, indicative of his salt water crocodile spinning around under the surface. "I've always been fascinated by their nature," Komo said wistfully. Arjun raised an eyelid. "They're reptiles, like you and me, but they've been around for millennia. They were around during the time of the dinosaurs, and are more closely related to them than we are. Only birds are more directly related, although, come to think of it, birds are dinosaurs. At least, according to modern science," Komo said thoughtfully.

"Still, for such an ancient species to remain untouched by sentience is... fascinating to me. I get chills when I look into their eyes. I can see an apex predator, far more powerful than you or I, and I know that even at my most ferocious... I am nothing compared to this beast. The sheer raw physical strength of its jaws alone... it's almost terrifying, and yet I feel such kinship with them as well," Komo said.

"I can get the same feeling with certain birds, especially raptors. The last surviving members of an ancient lineage. The last dinosaurs, and yet their clawed hands are only just starting to return, with their feathery wings being... so cumbersome when they aren't flying. I can see the ancient predator that dominated the land millions of years ago when I look at their legs and their eyes, oh their eyes! Calculating and cunning. Sometimes, when I look into the eyes of an eagle or an osprey, I feel... I feel scared," Komo admitted.

"Is that why you don't like being around Razak?" Arjun asked him. "Huh? Oh, I don't mind Razak. Gives me a chance to say that I work with a dinosaur, you know?" Komo said. "Yes," Arjun said with a nod of his head. Both monitors looked back down to watch as the water became tinged with red. "Much more interesting than sharks," Komo said.

"Yes," Arjun said. "Isn't it interesting, though, that reptiles so much older than us could still be wild and uncivilized?" Komo asked Arjun. "I... suppose that is an interesting view point," Arjun replied as he saw the crocodile surface briefly, the body of Arthur in its mouth. "Do you think he'll eat him right away or hide the body for later?" Arjun asked Komo.

"Don't know. Given the size of Mr. Cooliage, he'll probably eat him now," Komo replied. "Do you still miss the big one?" Arjun asked him. "Huh? Oh, sometimes," Komo said. "How come you never punished Maulia for killing him?" Arjun asked him. "He was becoming uncontrollable, and Maulia's skill with that knife was truly a sight to behold," Komo replied, lost in the memory.

"I see. So, are you going to let their vacancies remain, or are we going to fill them any time soon?" Arjun asked him. "Promote Sylvester, and give a raise to two more, but leave Wilbur's spot alone. I need to know if his loyalty is still strong," Komo replied. "He willingly went to prison to avoid implicating you," Arjun said. "Yes, but time can change people. Wilbur may have been willing to stay silent back in June, but it's been several months. I want to know if he's changed his tune at all," Komo said.

"I see. What about our expansion?" Arjun asked him. "That will proceed as planned. We've already made small footholds in Zootopia. Our fifth stronghold was just established two days ago in the Canal District. Our sixth one is being setup in a place called Happytown. Arjun, I need you to go to Zootopia for me and oversee the progress of these strongholds," Komo said as he looked at Arjun.

"Who will take care of this place then?" Arjun asked him. "While you are gone, a friend of mine, named Felix Leiter, will take care of my salties and my estate. When you are finished in Zootopia, you will take care of my estate in my absence. I have a list of various chores for the caretaker, you or Felix, while I am gone," Komo said.

"And your pets?" Arjun asked him. "I have a supply of chicken meat delivered here every Monday. Live chickens, dead chickens, leg quarters, whole chickens for cooking, wings, legs, thighs, breasts... it's a fowl business, but somebody has to do it," Komo replied with a chuckle.

"Foul... oh, I get it now," Arjun said. "Good, I don't have to explain the joke to you. I hate explaining the joke," Komo said. "Don't we all?" Arjun asked him as Komo began to walk over to a stair case. "Wait... Felix?" Arjun asked. "Yes, what about him?" Komo asked they descended the stairs. "He's the kangaroo who likes to swim with sharks, isn't he?" Arjun asked with a groan.

"Yes, but he knows better than to try anything with a crocodile, or at least with salties and niles," Komo said. "Niles... oh yes, I remember that little bout of insanity that you suffered when you decided to catch one of those," Arjun said. Komo chuckled. "Yes. I still don't know why I thought it was a good idea," Komo admitted.

"Like I said, it was a brief bout of raging insanity on your part. It happens to everyone," Arjun said. "Yes. Oh! Speaking of which, when you're in Zootopia, be on the lookout for a special kind of blue flower called the Night Howler," Komo said. "Night Howler? Am I supposed to procure some of it?" Arjun asked. "No, absolutely not. You are to make sure that everyone recognizes it and stays the hell away from it. Any Night Howler related incidents would catch the attention of the local police, and our footholds, while growing, are not strong enough at this point," Komo replied.

"We can't afford police interference at this point, so make sure that everything stays quiet for at least another month or so," Komo continued. "And after that?" Arjun asked him. "After that month... or two, if necessary, we can begin offing the competition. But do it carefully," Komo explained. "Bring as little attention to our operation as possible when doing so, and make sure that all of the intelligence gathered on our rivals is accurate. I don't want you to kill a gang boss's kid by mistake and have the full wrath of a mafia brought down on our heads," Komo finished.

"Well, we can use those two extra months to make sure that we know who's who," Arjun said with a smile. "While we're here, would you like a drink? One last celebration before I go to court next week?" Komo asked. "Sure, although I'd personally like to know how you've been able to avoid being held by the police before the sentencing, especially considering how-" "Please, I don't need to be reminded. Just... just enjoy this night. One day, next week, all of this will be in your care, and then the week after that, it will be in someone else's care," Komo said with a chuckle.

"How long do you think this will go on for?" Arjun asked Komo. "It could last a couple years or more. I know that there are some minor charges that I'll have to plead guilty to in order to work a deal," Komo replied. "I can't get out of this without spending at least one year in prison or under house arrest. In either case, I need you to keep things running for me, Arjun," Komo continued.

"How long will I be staying in Zootopia?" Arjun asked him. "At least a few months before coming back here. Then you'll keep things in order here for a few months before returning to Zootopia for another few months. You will need to find someone in that time to make into your own enforcer," Komo replied. Arjun nodded his head. "This, my dear Arjun, is your final test. In the highly unlikely event that I am somehow sentenced to at least a decade or more, I have already prepared a set of documents that will enable you to have certain legal rights that give you access to, and limited possession of, my estate and fortune. Don't waste it frivolously, or I will kill you when I am finally released," Komo said.

"Um, what about Felix?" Arjun asked him. "Felix? I thought I already explained his position. He's the only housekeeper in all of Reptaelia who's suicidal enough to handle my pets and handle the other house chores and finances. I've had Felix doing house services in my estate for nearly two years now," Komo replied.

"What if he is killed by your pets?" Arjun asked him. "I had Felix sign a waiver when he started doing this. It's legally binding, so don't worry," Komo said. "Gee, I already feel better," Arjun said sarcastically. "Arjun," Komo said as he turned and looked Arjun in the eyes, "I'm entrusting my empire to you. Don't fuck it up."


Later That Night In Zootopia...

"So, I was thinking... maybe we should head down to Bunnyburrow for a weekend or two and spend some time with your folks," Nick said as he and Judy watched a movie in the living room of their apartment. Judy turned her gaze away from the movie to look at him. "Are you sure?" Judy asked him. "Well, I'm not sure, but I do think it might help you. You know, spending some time with your family and all," Nick replied with a shrug.

"That sounds nice," Judy said. "Wanna leave tomorrow?" Nick asked her. "T-Tommorow? I... I don't know. It's really short notice," Judy said. Nick raised an eyebrow. "Carrots? Is there something else bothering you? Normally, you'd be jumping for joy at the opportunity to go visit your folks. What's wrong?" Nick asked her.

"It's... I don't know. Lately I just... I haven't really felt like doing much except work and being around you. I don't know what's going on in my head right now," Judy said with a sigh. "Maybe... I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but... maybe you're going through... depression?" Nick suggested.

"D-Depression!? Nick, I'm just... maybe," Judy admitted. "Okay. We'll head down to Bunnyburrow tomorrow, see your folks, and get you out of this funk," Nick said. "Nick, I appreciate that, but... depression can't be cured in two days. If I am going through depression, then I'm going to need some professional help," Judy said. "I know. You can schedule another therapist appointment this month and talk about it with Doctor... what's his name?" Nick asked her.

"Rumanardi," Judy replied. "Right. You can talk to Dr. Rumanardi about it. And I'll be there with you," Nick said. "Thank you," Judy said quietly before scooting up to rest her head on Nick's shoulder. "Anytime, Carrots. Anytime," Nick said with a soft smile. The duo then settled back to finish watching their movie.


Date: Saturday, October 7th, 2019

In an office building next to a warehouse in the Canal District, an Asian Water Monitor named Nelson Brookes typed the last set of numbers into a spreadsheet program and then looked at the results. "Damn," he muttered to himself. "Everyone's getting skittish," he muttered. Picking up a cell phone, Nelson dialed his boss.

"Yes, Nelson?" Komo Domo asked on the other end. "Boss, I just finished the weekly report, and two of our sale areas are almost anorexic. I think some of our guys might be flaking out on us with you-know-what coming up. We might need Arjun here sooner than you'd planned," Nelson explained.

"Just hold on for a week. Arjun will be arriving by next Friday at the earliest, Saturday at the latest. Just stay calm, and don't panic. When Arjun arrives, he will be in charge, and you will be the finance advisor for him until you-know-what is over, however long that may take," Komo said. "Okay, but what about the guys who try to leave? The fewer animals working for us, the less effective the operation will be," Nelson said.

"I understand that, and you are right to be concerned, but just let things play out until Arjun arrives and assure them that they will be in good hands... paws, whatever," Komo replied calmly. "Okay. I'll do that. Oh, before I hang up, I just wanted to say... good luck. Bye," Nelson said before hanging up the phone.

He returned his attention to the computer in front of him before looking out the window. The sun was rising and morning traffic was starting to pick up outside on the major roads. Nelson looked back at his hammock and briefly considered getting back in it, but he was already fully awake now. If he wanted, he could still take a power nap later during a break.

Looking around at all of the trees and the rest of the waterways that comprised the Canal District, Nelson yawned. Okay, perhaps he wasn't entirely awake, but he was still awake enough to get started on everything. He looked back over at his computer and the spreadsheet program still opened on it. "What was I doing again?"


Bunnyburrow, Later That Morning

When Nick and Judy stepped off the train at the station in Bunnyburrow, Judy took a deep breath of the fresh air. Nick, however, was keeping his focus on carrying their one suitcase... and ignoring the stares coming from much of the prey populace. Their stares and glares of distrust ended up becoming stares and glares of bewilderment and disgust when they saw Judy take his one paw in her own and lean against him.

Never let them see that they get to you, Nick reminded himself as he put on a smirk and prompted Judy to move forward as they made their way towards a truck parked on the far end of the building, in the shade of some trees. For a brief moment, Nick had wondered if arriving here at the station would cause Judy to have any painful memories of their last fight with Maulia. As soon as Nick saw the doors of the station itself, he had the briefest flash to Maulia stabbing him in the side.

He quickly let the memory go, however, and continued his slow walk with Judy. "Hey, Carrots, this suitcase is kind of heavy. Sure you don't mind carrying it by yourself for me?" Nick asked her jokingly. "No, you have to carry me and the suitcase," Judy replied with a smirk on her face.

"I don't know if my scrawny arms can handle your tremendous weight, Carrots," Nick joked with a grin. Judy playfully punched him in the arm. "Jerk," she said with a smile. "Yes, but I'm your jerk," he replied. "I know," she said.

"So, are we getting picked up by someone?" Nick asked Judy. "Yeah. One of my sisters, Sarah, should be coming to pick us up in Dad's pickup truck," Judy replied. "And when we leave, they'll be dropping us off in the drop-off truck?" Nick joked. "No, we'll use-hey!" Judy replied playfully.

"See? I told you coming here would help you, Carrots. You're already acting playful again," Nick said with a smile. "So, where would they be parked?" Nick asked. "Well, I suppose that-" "Judy!" Both animals turned their heads to see a rabbit slightly younger than Judy, with brownish fur covering her, waving at them.

"Abigail? What happened to Sarah?" Judy asked her sister. "Oh, um, about her... see, she apparently forgot that she was supposed to come pick you up, on account of her spending some quality time with her fiance this morning," Abigail said. "She forgot to pick us up because she was too busy having sex?" Judy asked in disbelief.

"Well... yes," Abigail replied. "Wait, did you say fiance?" Judy asked her. "Yeah, she's getting married next spring," Abigail replied. "What else have I missed!?" Judy asked her as the two female rabbits began chatting away. Nick, meanwhile, sighed and lugged the suitcase over to the pickup truck. Abigail noticed him putting the suitcase into the back of the truck.

"Hey, why do you's only have the one suitcase? Did you forget your other one on the train?" Abigail asked Judy. "What? No, we only need one," Judy replied. "Well, how're you guys gonna share things between rooms then?" Abigail asked her. "We'll be sharing the same room," Judy replied.

"What?" Abigail asked her, shocked. "Judy, the rooms that Mom and Dad prepared have only one bed in them. There's not enough space to move a second bed from one room to the next," Abigail said. "Abby, we'll only need one bed," Judy said casually. Abigail stared at her sister strangely until an expression of horror dawned on her face, which Nick noticed.

"Um, Carrots? Did you neglect to tell your family that we're... you know, together?" Nick asked her. "I... may have forgotten to mention that to them," Judy admitted. "Y-You... you're screwing a f-fox!?" Abigail asked her, scandalized. "Not just screwing, but also riding, being hammered, and drilled as well. Oh, and let's not forget the spankings either," Nick added with a charming smirk.

Abigail fainted. Nick looked between the fallen rabbit and Judy several times. "Um, out of curiosity, do you remember how to drive this thing?" Nick asked Judy. "Of course. Just help me load Abby into the cab, and I'll get the truck started," Judy replied. "She was so young, so full of life!" Nick pretended to cry as he hefted Abigail up into the cab of the truck.

"So, how do we break the news to your family that we're dating... and fucking?" Nick asked Judy as she started the engine. "Well, very carefully," Judy replied as she backed the truck out of the parking lot. "So... I should just blurt it out at dinner, right?" Nick asked her playfully. "No, Nick. Definitely not," Judy replied while shaking her head. "Okay, I'll definitely blurt it out at lunch instead," Nick said playfully.

"Ni~ick!" Judy whined with a smile. "Just kidding, Carrots. It'll be a quiet moment when your parents are alone, and then we'll spring the news on them. If they can't understand, we can always give them the talk and explain how sex works," Nick said with a smile. Judy couldn't contain her laughter. "Huh? What?" Abigail asked groggily as she came to.

"Oh, hey Abby," Judy said with a smile as she drove onto a dirt road. "Hey, Jude, I just had the strangest dream," Abigail said. "Really? What was it about?" Judy asked her. "Well, you and this-this fox were, um, this will sound crazy, but you and this fox were dating!" Abigail replied with a laugh, until she felt something touching her head. She looked to her right and saw a red bushy tail with a black tip. She then looked up and saw Nick staring at her.

"Hey, I had a strange dream too," Nick said. "Y-Yeah?" Abigail asked him. "Yeah. In this dream, I was being welcomed with open arms by my girlfriend's family," Nick said. Abigail gulped with wide eyes before turning to look at Judy. "Am I still asleep?" Abigail asked her sister. "No, Abby. You're not asleep, Nick is my boyfriend, and I expect you to be more understanding," Judy said firmly. "Nick and I came here to relax, and that's going to be difficult if everyone treats us like we're carrying a plague," Judy continued.

"Y-Yes, Judy," Abigail said as she sat back against the seat. "So, Abigail, right? I'm Nick. I'm your sister's partner on the police force, and I am indeed shagging her into orgasmic bliss every other night," Nick said with smile. Abigail silently gave him two thumbs up with a scandalized blush on her face and a nervous smile.

As they neared the Hopps farm, Nick looked over at Judy. "Hey, Carrots? Did we remember to pack the birth control?" he asked her. "Nick!" Judy exclaimed. "Just kidding. I packed them," he said with a chuckle. "Are we there yet?" he asked. "No." "Are we there yet?" "No," Judy said again. "Are we there-" "Shut up or we will be sleeping in separate rooms tonight," Judy snapped. "Yes, Carrots."


Here it is: the first chapter of The Scales Of Fear, the sequel to Reckless Endangerment. The Scales of Fear will start off on a slow note and slowly build the tension and action as the story goes on. I think it will work best this way.

I'm also working on Magnum Fur, the prequel to Reckless Endangerment, and since certain characters, who shall not be named at this point, will be making return appearances, I am going to be publishing Magnum Fur chapters before Scales of Fear chapters get published, to mitigate spoilers and stuff. Basically, Magnum Fur takes place first, Reckless Endangerment second, and The Scales of Fear third.

Updates for both Magnum Fur and The Scales of Fear will be sporadic and inconsistent for the first month or so as I am also starting work on a Daria/Sealab 2021 crossover story called When The World Ran Out Of Pudding.