Note: Until they meet, the Assassin will be referred as the killer or whatever the media names him to Judy and Nick in their conversations since they along with the rest of Zootopia do not know about both Orders just yet because of their secret nature.
"Good morning, Zootopia. I'm Fabienne Growley."
"And I'm Peter Moosebridge."
"The most recent attack has confirmed that a serial killer is currently targeting predators and prey. Three mammals have died so far in this spree and the motive behind their deaths has remained unclear. The only clue is this white blood-stained feather found on the most recent victim according to eyewitnesses." A picture of the feather was shown on television. "The ZPD has recently confirmed that the same feathers were also found on the other two victims. Chief Bogo has released a statement regarding the recent development,"
"I represent the entire Zootopia Police Department when saying this. We vow to do everything in our power to bring this mammal to justice and will not be deterred by this individual's actions. Right now, we ask for your patience and trust as we work to stop this crime spree. Do not, I repeat, do not attempt to be reckless stop this mammal yourselves. The individual is considered armed and extremely dangerous."
The screen returned to the studio where Peter Moosebridge took the lead.
"In other news, the prey-predator company Depolitio has launched a campaign to stop the killings. They rightly believe that this mammal will undo all the progress made in bringing harmony to Zootopia and will revive the previous tensions between predators and prey. The company has gained approval from City Hall and joined forces with the government to increase the search efforts. This partnership has been well received and brought a renewed sense of hope among the citizens amidst the skepticism. This has been ZNN with your news."
Bogo shut off the video on his computer he had been showing to Nick and Judy in his office and turned the screen back facing him.
The Chief covered his face with his hooves and sighed heavily. "Just when things couldn't get any worse."
Judy and Nick became confused at his statement.
"Excuse me Chief," Judy asked. "But I don't see the problem with having outside help, especially now that the killings growing big enough."
"That's not the issue, Hopps." He uncovered his face, revealing an unpleasing look. "Since the partnership formed, public opinion and support have turned more favorable to the company. This has subjected the ZPD to doubt and humiliation from lack of results. You may have noticed the more vocal critics outside the building and the tense atmosphere inside upon arrival this morning."
"Wow," Nick said in disbelief. "They really think a company is going to stop this," He used is paws in quotations for the next part. "White Feather Killer as the media has called it?"
"Apparently so. I don't know how Depolito has this much allure over them. If this keeps up, it won't be long before they and the citizens start demanding us to relinquish control of the case over to them. With support from the populace, I have no doubt City Hall will give in to their demands."
Enraged at the possibility, Judy immediately stood up on the chair and slammed her paw on Bogo's desk. "They can't do that! There's no way they can do that!"
Bogo slammed a hoof down and pointed the other at Judy in response. "SIT DOWN, HOPPS! And don't you ever slam my desk again while I'm in here!"
Realizing her mistake, Judy sat back down feeling guilty for the outburst. Nick placed his paw on her shoulder to comfort her.
"I hate that possibility as much as you do," Bogo continued in a calmer tone. "But there's nothing we can do to stop their campaign. It's within their rights."
Judy and Nick remained silent, but their expressions hid nothing.
"I understand your frustration. Everyone else feels the same. The best thing we can do right now is to lock this mammal away forever before the situation gets worse." Bogo gathered some files together on his desk. "Now go on over to the bullpen. I have important information pertaining to the case that the rest of force must hear. Dismissed."
Judy and Nick saluted the Chief and exited his office. On the way, they observed the tense atmosphere in Precinct One. Officers were frustrated but remained professional to further avoid ruining the ZPD's image. The only positive was that the media paid more attention to Depolitio than the ZPD, allowing the officers to continue their work. Even then, those out on patrol or doing field work still received negative attention from the citizens according to their reports.
Once out of range, Judy grabbed her ears and released her frustration. "UGH! I can't believe this!"
"Calm down, Carrots!" Nick said, trying his best to alleviate his partner's frustration.
"How can one mammal cause so much fear to all of Zootopia?"
"You act like it's never happened before."
Judy glared at Nick and pointed a finger at him. "That's not the point. This mammal has made a fool of the ZPD and is toying with us. Worst of all, we're losing support from the citizens!"
"I realize that, but running around and shouting to the heavens won't help us."
Judy sighed, having finally calmed down. "There must be something we are not looking at. Something right under our noses."
"Look at the bright side. Chief must have a breakthrough if he ordered us to the bullpen."
"Hopefully. My parents are panicking over this and have been begging me to return home until this is over! Not they have already been doing that."
In the room, the officers were not their rowdy behavior. It was a rare day of silence before Bogo enters as even Judy and Nick, who are normally talkative, remained silent. Chief Bogo finally entered and every officer gave him their undivided attention. He noticed the silence before entering and knew they needed some good news.
"Alright, I understand this frustrating for all of us, but we must remain professional. That is first and foremost. Neither this mammal nor the overwhelming support for a company will deter us. Our job is to protect and serve the citizens of Zootopia. We will continue our efforts to eliminate this threat. Second, all the bodies have been successfully identified and a connection was discovered. The victims are all high profile in their fields. This leads to my last point. Since the mammal appears to have criteria for the targets, I am assigning you in pairs to protect the potential targets. Clawhauser and I will be protecting Gazelle."
"So you finally admit your love for Gazelle huh?" Nick shouted, unable to contain himself after being silent for so long.
"Shut it, Wilde!"
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the other officers quietly chuckled at the exchange, secretly thankful for Nick's humor to lighten the mood. Bogo quickly refocused the situation and began pairing up the officers and assigning the targets.
"Hopps, Wilde, you two are assigned to protect the reinstated Mayor Lionheart. Everything has already been arranged so all you have to do is report to him. Dismissed."
In his office, Leodore Lionheart was busy trying to contain the chaos caused by the Assassin. While a curse with the amount of negative response directed at City Hall and the ZPD, Lionheart considered it a small blessing with the killings being the main focus over matters for which he wished for more time to deliberate.
In the midst of his thoughts, he heard someone knocking on his door. "Come in!" Lionheart felt relieved when saw Judy and Nick enter. "Finally, the ZPD came to their senses and decided to send extra protection!"
Judy took a moment to clear her throat and gather the proper words, "Pardon me for asking Mayor, but don't you already have bodyguards?"
"Yes, but I feel more comfortable with the ZPD's best officers protecting me. That is why I personally requested you."
"Very flattering of you," Nick said, standing proudly.
Judy ignored the remark. "You have our word, Mayor. We won't let that mammal even breathe the same air as you."
"I'm counting on that. This is getting out of paw. Not even the Smellwether's plot was this chaotic!"
"What would you have us do?" Nick asked.
"Stay close, don't let anyone near me I don't allow, and perform a security check for those I do," He pointed and Judy and Nick looked in the direction to see a large desk set up with the files on the case. "I'm aware of your investigation so I made the necessary accommodations. I'll even allow you to ask me questions about the case. Within reason."
Judy breathed a sigh of relief, knowing they can continue their work while on guard duty. "Thank you for allowing us to continue our work, Mayor."
"Yeah," Nick said. "You don't want to see Hopps here cramped up in a room all day with nothing else to do. Trust me."
This earned him a punch in the shoulder and a glare from his partner.
"Alright enough fooling around!" Lionheart ordered. "I want to see progress on finding this killer!"
"Yes, Mayor!" Judy and Nick acknowledged.
Throughout the day, Judy and Nick followed Lionheart's orders in checking any visitors for danger while continuing their work at the desks. The procedure involves one collecting loose items and the other scanning the clothes with a metal detector. The items were then returned to the visitor after the scan was completed. Their interview with Lionheart revealed nothing suspicious and Nick could tell that Lionheart was truthful in his answers. Being arrested can change an individual for the better.
Fortunately, few visitors came to the office that day and they all were cleared of danger. Unfortunately for Nick and Judy, their work did not end at night.
"What do you mean we're not finished?!" Nick yelled, flabbergasted at the news.
"You heard me," Lionheart said, unfazed by the outburst. "I want you two to protect me at all times."
Judy had refrained from protesting for long enough. This was borderline insane. "Sir, is that really necessary? I know your life is potentially in danger, but do you not trust your own security to protect you in your home?"
"You're not the one being targeted here, Hopps!" Lionheart yelled.
"Excuse me Mayor, but you need to calm down!" Nick intervened. "She has a point. It's one thing to protect you at work, but at home? That's a little much."
"You don't understand. It's not a possibility I could be next! It's a certainty that I am next!"
The response set off red flags for Nick and Judy.
"What are you talking about?" Judy asked, curious to know more.
Lionheart realized his comment and quickly calmed down. "Sorry for my outburst. You must understand why I am paranoid about this."
"Clearly," Nick said unapologetically.
He and Judy still had their suspicions but filed them away for later.
"I do sincerely apologize for my behavior," Lionheart continued. "I know your services are already compensated, but I want to make it better."
Just then, a female kangaroo entered the room. "Pardon the interruption, but I must speak to you."
Lionheart recognized the kangaroo as one of his own but remained cautious. "Before you speak, Hopps, Wilde."
"Yes, Mayor." Judy begrudgingly said as she readied the metal detector.
"Sorry about this," Nick said as he gathered the bin.
The kangaroo smiled and waved a paw, "You're only doing your job, officers."
The marsupial removed any loose items on her and placed them in the bin Nick was holding. Judy then scanned her with the metal detector. Except for the metal parts on her attire, the kangaroo was clear.
"She's good," Judy said.
"Please continue," Lionheart said.
The kangaroo nodded. "Sir, you can't remain out of public eye forever. It will send a bad message to the citizens."
Lionheart narrowed his eyes at her, "You know very well why I am doing this." He said sternly.
"Yes, Mayor. But understand that if this behavior continues, the citizens will realize even the mayor is afraid. when that happens, they'll call for a new one. Someone who is not afraid and will do everything to stop this mammal."
There was a brief pause to let the kangaroo's words sink in.
"You make a good point there," Lionheart conceded. "I must show that Zootopia's leaders do not fear this mammal. I'll do something, but it must be cautious."
"The ZPD will gladly assist you." Judy quickly offered. "I can guarantee you their full support."
"We want this mammal caught and locked away forever as much as you do," Nick added.
"I'm glad to hear that. I will discuss this with the rest of the council, the ZPD, and Depolitio." He looked back at the kangaroo. "Please arrange a meeting tomorrow and notify the other members, the Precinct Chiefs, and the company's CEO and COO."
"Yes, Mayor." The kangaroo exited the room.
When the three were alone again, Judy looked back at Lionheart with hope in her eyes, "So does this mean we can go home?"
"No," Lionheart put his paw up and continued before they could protest. "Please, I beg of you. Just for tonight. I'll even make your stay comfortable, and you can still continue your work."
Wanting this to end, they finally gave in.
"We'll do it," Judy said reluctantly.
"At least I can cross that off my bucket list," Nick said.
The next day in City Hall, Nick and Judy waited with Lionheart and the council outside the conference room. The police chiefs arrived first, greeting Lionheart and his mammals as they entered.
"Hey, Chief!" Nick exclaimed.
Bogo stopped in front of Nick and Judy. "Hopps. Wilde. Performing your duties I presume?"
Judy nodded. "Yes, Chief."
"Good. Because Lionheart is sending progress reports. So I'll know if you make a mistake."
"Understood," Nick said. "We promise to do nothing but our absolute best."
Bogo nodded at their commitment. "See that you do." He then entered the room to greet the Mayor and the council.
Minutes later, a group of mammals in suits led by a zebra and a hyena approached the conference room. The zebra and hyena saw the police officers at the entrance and stopped to speak to them.
"Is this where the meeting is?" The zebra asked politely.
"Yes," Judy said. "You must be from Depolitio."
"Correct," The zebra extended a hoof. "Arlyss Maverick. CEO of Depolitio. A pleasure to meet you."
The hyena then extended a paw. "Kazim Karrar. COO of Depolitio. You two must be Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde."
"A pleasure to meet you also," Nick said as he shook the hyena's paw.
Judy shook zebra's hoof. "Just to warn you, the police aren't too pleased with being the patsy in this. You should be careful during the meeting."
The CEO sighed. "It is unfortunate, but that's why we're also here to address that. We can't have division among us or the killer will take advantage and cause more mayhem."
"Believe us," The COO said. "This puts more pressure on us to get the results. Taking on this full time does more harm than good by stretching our resources."
"Then we wish you luck in the meeting, but first," Nick said as he picked up the bin.
"Sorry, Mayor's orders," Judy said as she readied the metal detector. "We don't lose our jobs for disobeying them."
The zebra nodded. "We understand."
Nick and Judy performed the arduous task of inspecting every mammal in Depolitio's group. A few expressed their mild disdain at Nick holding their belongings, but Arlyss and Kazim quickly silenced them with threats of repercussions. Finally, Nick and Judy completed the inspection and the Depolitio representatives entered the conference room.
Behind closed doors, Lionheart discussed how to address the citizens of the Assassin. After much debate and compromise, City Hall and the ZPD agreed to hold an indoor rally at the Zootopia Regional Convention with heavy security at the entrance and inside. The rally will also be broadcast for those who are unable to attend.
But the plan was met with heavy criticism and dispute from Depolitio. Despite the opportunity to capture the Assassin, Depolitio reasoned that it would severely backfire and Lionheart ends up dead. City Hall and the ZPD responded by pointing out the lack of progress on their end, subtlety hinting them to be all talk and no action. The two sides continued to throw verbal jabs at each other that eventually led nowhere. Meanwhile, Judy and Nick heard the entire discussion from outside the room.
The company's reaction set off red flags for Nick. "Depolitio's response is very suspicious," He said. "It's like they don't want to capture this mammal."
"They're only concerned for Lionheart's safety. An indoor rally could still leave openings."
"Possibly, but they seem to know a lot about the mammal in question."
"Who doesn't? His actions have been broadcasted all over Zootopia."
Nick sighed at Judy's lack of understanding. "I'm saying they know information that we haven't uncovered yet. Don't you find that suspicious?"
Judy took a few seconds to ponder his words. "Hmm, you're right now that I think about it. So you think there is a connection between the two?"
"I hope not, but my hustler instincts are skyrocketing right now."
"We can look into that later. For now, we focus on this."
As the meeting progressed, City Hall and the ZPD stood firmly by their plan and will carry it out despite the opposition. Depolitio warned once again that they were making a mistake and the potential fallout. This time the response they got was an adjourned meeting. Nick and Judy quickly stood aside when they heard mammals standing up. They saw the doors open and Depolitio representatives leave in frustration. Judy and Nick looked at each other, silently understanding the consequences.
During the preparation, extra precautions were taken to protect Lionheart during his speech. At his request, Judy and Nick will patrol the stage while two of his personal bodyguards stand by him. Another line of officers, joined by Chief Bogo, will protect the immediate area around the stage. Beyond that, there will be undercover officers among the citizens and sniper teams on the upper levels. SWAT team will also join, given how dangerous the Assassin is. Days before the rally, they held drills in the area to learn the routines, scout the possible entry points, and prepare for the Assassin's next appearance.
Meanwhile, Judy and Nick were ordered by Lionheart to protect him 24/7 despite their vehement protests. But Lionheart assured it will only be until the end of the rally and the officers relented solely for that reason. Despite the accommodations and extra pay, Judy and Nick became frustrated with the job as they spent more time on protection than on the case. Even the allure of living in the Mayor's abode eventually ran out. For them, the rally couldn't come any quicker as any casework they hoped to get done was stalled.
Because the political rally was a highly publicized event, the turnout was much higher than expected and the visitors filled the convention center to the max. SWAT and all available ZPD were assigned to watch the area from the outer perimeters to near the stage. The exceptions were officers assigned to the potential targets. This was to avoid the possibility of the Assassin targeting them with the entire force focused on the rally.
Seeing the large turnout caused some fear for Nick. "I'm starting to think the company was right in their concerns. There are enough mammals here for the mammal to slip through unnoticed."
"It may be," Judy replied. "But desperate times call for desperate measures."
Nick sighed at those words. "You have no idea how many times I hear that.
"Look at it in this perspective," she said, trying to encourage him. "It's a win-win situation for us. Best case scenario. The mammal appears and we catch him. Worst case scenario that doesn't involve death. We prevent the assassination and get a better look at the mammal. If nothing happens, Lionheart gets to live another day."
Nick chuckled. "I wish I had your optimism. But even if nothing happens, Lionheart is still in danger. I doubt the mammal will stop if he fails."
Judy's ears drooped at the comment. Nick did have a point but now was not the time to dwell on it. "We'll just have to cross that bridge when we get there. But first, we need to make it to that bridge."
After one last check, Judy and Nick walked onto the stage and waited for Lionheart's arrival. The audience calmed down as Mayor Lionheart appeared with a grizzly bear and rhino bodyguard and stood at the podium to give his speech.
Bogo's voice then came through their radios, "Report in. Is everyone in their positions?"
"Sniper teams in position."
"SWAT team in position."
"Stage team in position."
He then heard confirmations from everyone else.
"Excellent, stay vigilant and the mammal will be apprehended."
As Lionheart gave his speech, Judy and Nick walked around the stage, keeping their senses heightened for any sign of the Assassin while the bodyguards stood behind Lionheart. Bogo would periodically check in to see if anyone spotted the Assassin.
"Status report." The Cape Buffalo heard everyone but the sniper teams. "Sniper teams report."
There was no response.
"Sniper teams! I repeat, report!" Again, no response and Bogo became alarmed. "Someone check on them now! We need their support! Everyone else, arm yourselves and stay alert!"
The officers and SWAT on the ground readied their weapons and kept watch for the Assassin. They didn't see any signs of threats and remained focused. Then, they heard the news.
"Sniper teams are down! I repeat sniper teams are down!"
Thankful for the news being transmitted through police radio, Bogo dreaded the next part. "Give me the details."
A sigh of relief was heard. "Alive but unconscious. The tranquilizers have also been taken."
The rest of the force knew it was bad if the Assassin possessed police weapons.
"Stay with them until they regain consciousness. Everyone else, stay vigilant! Protect Lionheart at all cost! Our mammal is in the building and armed."
The check-in became more frequent to ensure the everyone's safety in the convention center. Then, lack of updates started to occur. This caused more alarm and drew officers away to investigate. The only thing preventing the rally from being canceled outright was the chaos that will occur from everyone trying to leave, giving the Assassin the perfect opportunity to strike. The officers and SWAT maintained their professional stance to avoid revealing the knowledge. As Lionheart continued, Judy and Nick heard an eagle's screech, alarming them as they recognize the detail from the most recent murder.
"Nick, do you hear that?"
"Yes, Carrots. He's here. Keep your eye out and be careful."
With so many mammals at the rally, Judy and Nick must rely on their special senses to track the Assassin. As the remaining officers became stretched thin, they prepared for the inevitable. While scouting the immediate area, another eagle's screech was heard. This time much closer. Judy and Nick quickly looked in the direction of the sound and saw a hooded mammal rapidly approaching the stage. It didn't take long for them to recognize the individual.
Nick pointed at the Assassin, "There he is!"
Judy did the same. "Stop him!"
Everyone else looked in their direction and saw the Assassin in the midst. The citizens became terrified and quickly moved out of danger. Exposed, the Assassin ran to the stage and the ZPD quickly mobilized their remaining numbers. What was supposed to be a fortified line was now only at half strength as a result of the Assassin's work. Despite the lesser numbers, the remaining officers moved in for the takedown. At the police line, the Assassin drew out an umbrella and used it to vault over them. Seeing that happened, Judy and Nick quickly drew their tranquilizers and the bear and rhino moved to protect Lionheart.
What transpired next occurred in a flash. At the stage, the Assassin grabbed Judy and Nick's arms that were holding the tranquilizers and pushed them down to the stage floor. Then, he launched himself into the air off of them with the tranquilizers in possession. The Assassin shot at the bear and the rhino, leaving Lionheart wide open. Quickly disposing of the guns, he raised the left paw and flicked the wrist. Judy and Nick recovered in time to see a blade appear from the paw as the Assassin fell forward in Lionheart's direction.
Lionheart stood in fear for his life, along with everyone else present or watching on television. All the protection that Zootopia could provide him had failed in an instant and now there was nothing else he could do to prevent his end. Everyone watched in horror as the Assassin was about to perform the kill. Cameras snapped the image and videos recorded the moment. It felt to all but the Assassin as if time slowed down. But then to their surprise, he flew right by Lionheart and pounced on the rhino bodyguard instead, stabbing the neck with the blade and ending a life.
"What sense does it make to take the Mayor's life in front of many?"
The rhino huffed. "Fool, what makes you think it was going to happen here?"
"That doesn't change anything. Lionheart's efforts along with that of the ZPD have brought peace and prosperity to Zootopia and you would destroy that."
"We are not ignorant of the results. We simply wanted his cooperation to maintain Zootopia's recent success."
"And substituted it with something similar to the Night Howlers? It's clear that he disagrees with your plans."
"Regardless, you fell right into the trap. Now all of Zootopia knows of your appearance."
"But not my species and identity." The Assassin clarified.
"They will know eventually from the footage and the crime scene. It's only a matter of time."
"You are right about that. But Zootopia will not only know my identity and motives, they will the plot by you and your Order."
The rhino shook his head. "Not after this, you will give them enough reason to rally Zootopia against you. You're all by yourself with no one else to help you." The rhino exhaled for the last time.
"Then I'll make some friends."
The Assassin closed the rhino's eyes and stained a white feather on the wound with the blood. Those acts gave the ZPD and SWAT enough time to gather near the stage to make the arrest.
"We have you surrounded! There is nowhere to run! Surrender or we will take you down!"
The Assassin saw weapons pointed at him and did not move. The standoff felt like an eternity until a large smoke cloud engulfed the stage and the surrounding area. Mammals backed away as the smoke continued to spread. Judy and Nick successfully moved Lionheart and the bear bodyguard out of immediate danger despite their large size and being disoriented from the smoke. Lionheart remained in shock from the sudden turn of events and the bear was unconscious from the tranquilizer dose. The ZPD and SWAT immediately moved in to protect the Mayor from further harm as the civilians fled out of the building. When the smoke cleared, the Assassin was gone.
"Which way did he go?" Judy asked frantically.
Nick recovered before Judy and searched around. "There!"
Judy looked at the direction Nick pointed in and saw the Assassin leaving the scene. A scowl of determination formed on her face, "He's not getting away!"
"Wait, Judy!"
The bunny took off running, ignoring her partner's pleas. Nick pursued and successfully caught up to Judy. Their pursuit was hindered from the chaos caused by the assassination. From their location, Judy and Nick watched the Assassin leave through the back entrance. With their window getting smaller by the second, the two officers increased the pace, using their small size to pass through the legs of larger mammals. They finally escaped outside and saw the Assassin walking away.
"Stop in the name of the law!" Judy yelled. "You're under arrest!"
The Assassin immediately broke into a sprint when hearing the police behind him. Judy and Nick broke into a sprint also and pursued. Citizens along the path cleared the way when hearing the officers shout and seeing the runners. The Assassin tried to use the stoplights to increase the distance between himself and the officers, but Nick and Judy foiled his attempts. The chase at one point crossed a red light intersection and they were nearly hit by vehicles, more for the officers than the Assassin. That close call was the last straw.
"We need to end this before someone gets hurt!" Judy yelled.
"He'll try to escape into an alley!" Nick cried.
"Then we split up and cut him off!"
"Keep after him, Judy! I know my way around. Keep me updated on your position!"
"Got it!"
Nick and Judy separated at the next intersection. Judy barely had enough stamina to keep sight of the Assassin but pushed on, updating Nick continuously on their location. As suspected, she saw the Assassin enter an alley and informed Nick just before arriving at the location.
"Nick, the mammal has entered an alley." She radioed.
He responded immediately. "Where are you?" She gave her location and Nick hurried to them.
In the alley, the Assassin reached a dead end and stopped running. He turned around to see Judy and then Nick appearing beside her moments later. The Assassin did not move and let the officers approach with their tasers drawn and aimed at him.
"You have nowhere else to go!" Judy ordered. "Put your paws up now!"
"Come along quietly and there won't be any more problems." Nick calmly said.
The Assassin slowly brought up his paws while Judy and Nick kept their tasers trained on him, ready to fire at any moment. Halfway through raising his paws, the Assassin clenched his left paw to the right and flung his right one forward to the left. Before Judy and Nick realized what happened, they felt their tasers missing from their paws. They looked to see blades impaled through their weapons against the brick walls.
The two returned their attention to the Assassin and saw his paws crossed with one having what appeared to be a miniature bow. The Assassin straightened his paws and positioned his feet and arms into a martial arts stance. Shaken but not deterred, Judy and Nick assumed into their sparring stances.
"Okay, if that's how you want to go out," Nick said.
"Don't underestimate us," Judy warned.
They remained in their stances until Judy and Nick charged forward at the same time. The officers hoped that the combined attack would overwhelm him or at least let them grab a piece of clothing. That failed when he leaped over them and now they were the ones cornered in the dead end.
"Okay, now what?" Nick said.
"Wait a few seconds," Judy said before she charged forward again.
Nick understand her plan but would have a few words later about charging head-on into danger, again.
Just like their initial attack, the Assassin defended himself with little difficulty and eventually punched Nick with enough force that it launched him into the wall.
"Nick!" Judy's gaze followed her partner. but she quickly realized the mistake of looking away. Fortunately for her, the Assassin did not attack and waited until their eyes met to resume fighting.
With Judy alone, the Assassin went more on the offensive, landing mild hits on the bunny while dodging and deflecting her attacks.
To her surprise, Judy failed to land a single hit despite having taken down mammals many times her size before and this mammal was no bigger than a wolf. During one attack, the Assassin punched Judy in the face with enough force to launch her backwards. Nick recovered in time to see Judy land hard on the floor and saw her bleeding from the mouth.
"Judy!" He became enraged at Judy being hurt and snapped his head at the Assassin. Roaring with fury, Nick immediately got up and launched an all-out assault. The Assassin did the same to him in less time and eventually with a punch to the nose, sent Nick to the ground next to Judy.
The officers recovered from the blows and looked up to the Assassin covering his mouth. As they waited for his next move, a smoke cloud engulfed the alley and sent them into a coughing fit again. Expecting an attack, Nick and Judy hurriedly limped for the alley entrance, hoping they don't run into the Assassin. The two escaped the smoke and collapsed onto the ground. They recovered in time to see the smoke cleared and no Assassin. Despite using their senses, they found no trace of him in the alley. Their broken tasers were found on the ground without the blades.
"Darn it!" Judy yelled in frustration. "We almost had him, and the knives are gone too! That could have been useful evidence." She desperately looked at Nick. "Did you manage to get a piece of the clothing?"
Nick shook his head. "Sorry Carrots, I didn't even land a hit on him."
Judy groaned in frustration and pounded the ground with both paws.
"Now there's no point in sulking over it," Nick said. "This won't be the last encounter."
Once Judy calmed down, she looked at Nick and gasped. "Nick, your nose."
He checked it and saw the blood on his paw. "It's nothing serious. You should check your mouth."
Judy did so and saw hers covered in blood as well. "Is it bad?"
Nick shook his head. "Nothing a little water won't fix, but it did scare me at first."
"We should be lucky to have escaped with only minor injuries."
"I'm more afraid if our mammal decides to do worst."
They pulled themselves to their feet and recovered the damaged tasers.
"We should clean ourselves before returning to Bogo," Nick said. "Can't have him get us evaluated for something minor and be potentially taken off the case."
"That's much worse than the mammal escaping."
Frustrated at their failure, Judy and Nick returned to the rally to investigate the crime scene after cleaning blood off themselves in a restroom.
AN: To anyone who was wondering, that was a phantom blade and throwing knife the Assassin used to knock the tasers away.
