It was an oddly dark night in the giant city of Zootopia. A new moon caused for the lack of illumination on the city below, and not a single star was in sight due to the thick cloud coverage. Every now and then the loud clap of thunder could be heard echoing across the streets. It's was surprisingly empty in Nick's neighborhood, and he wondered to himself where everyone was. As long as he's lived there, he'd never seen the streets empty like this.

Nick looked up into the front seat of the car where he saw a pair of light blue eyes looking at him. The eyes belonged to Nick's snow leopard friend, Lenny. "What's wrong, Nick?" The cub asked his friend.

Nick frowned, "I don't know, Len, Something feels weird," the young Nick pouted. Of course that was a lie. He wasn't really feeling weird, since he knew the feeling all too well. He was scared to go home.

"It's probably just your tummy getting upset again," Lenny's mom assured him. Nick had been staying at his friends house and was going to have a sleep over. The two were running around the house playing a game of tag, when he started feeling sick. He wanted to stay over and play with his friend, but when he threw up, Lenny's mom decided it be best to take him home.

Now as they drove to Nick's apartment building, Nick again started having a sickly feeling. Except this time it wasn't the feeling of needing to puke, instead it was replaced by the feeling of dread as they got closer and closer to his house, and even scarier his father.

He used to think that's just how all dads acted. But when he saw other mammals being happy with their dad's, he knew something was wrong. He remembers going up to his mom one day and asking why dad didn't love him. He got an unexpected answer when his mom broke down crying in front of him. Nick didn't understand any of it. She was crying quietly, hugging him tightly and kept saying "It'll be okay" over and over.

That was a couple of years ago, and it's gotten a lot worse since them. It got to the point where Nick avoided going home as much as possible. If he was lucky, his dad would be passed out in front of the TV before he got home. On other days when that wasn't the case, he'd come home to his drunken dad hoping that he wouldn't go off on one of his rages.

There was one night in particular that was etched into his mind which would cause him to tense up at just the thought. He had come home one night to hear his parents fighting in the kitchen. It wasn't a rare thing for that to happen, but this sounded a lot worse than usual, and Nick wanted to find out why.

He crept silently towards the kitchen and peeked in. He was terrified to see his mom backed into a corner by his dad. He'd heard them fight before, but it's never been this bad before. Nick was about to leave before his dad saw him, but as he was leaving he noticed something that made the kits blood boil. He spotted gashes on his mom's face with blood streaming out of them. Nick looked at his dads paw that was raised in the air and saw blood on his claws. Something clicked in Nick and out of impulse he sprinted over in front of his mother.

Vicky's eyes became wide with fear when she saw her kit run from out of nowhere and stand in between her and Eric. She pleaded for Nick to leave, but the brave young fox stood his ground.

The much larger male looked down at Nick with amusement. "Is the little hero gonna save his mommy," Eric slurred mockingly in his drunken state. The smell of alcohol from his breath burned Nick's nose, but he didn't let that bother him.

Nick bared his tiny teeth and growled defensively up at his father. He didn't care how much larger or stronger his dad was. All he had on his mind was protecting his mom, who was still pleading for him to leave.

Eric's amused smile disappear and he glared down at his son. "Looks like I'm going to have to teach you some respect." In that moment, all of Nick's bravery disappeared as his dad swatted him to the ground with great force.

Vicky screeched when Nick fell down with a violent thud. Eric backpawed her across the face, "Shut up you stupid bitch," he shouted.

"Don't touch my mom," Nick snarled. He launched himself, ignoring the pain he was feeling, at his dad and clawed him across the face. Eric reared back in pain.

"You little shit," he seethed, holding his face in pain. He lunged forward for Nick trying to get ahold of his son. Nick tried to jump away from his grasp, but was much to slow. Eric pick him up as he struggled to get away, but to no avail. "I'll teach you why you shouldn't fuck with me," he whispered into Nick's ear. He then launched Nick all the way across the kitchen into a wall causing it to crack

Nick howled in pain from the hard impact. He whined as he struggled to breath from getting the wind knocked out of him. In his young mind he thought he was dying, and he'd never been more afraid in his life. He whimpered and whined for his mom, but Eric wasn't done with her.

He had her lifted up by the collar of her shirt. "You better keep your little hell spawn in line before something worse happens," he threatened. Vicky nodded her head, violently crying. She needed to get over to her kit and make sure he was alright. For one final act of violence, Eric punched her right in the eyes and dropped her to the ground. "And if you call the cops, I'll make sure your life is a living hell." With that he left the kitchen and soon after that the sound of the front door slamming shut was heard. Vicky knew he was going back out to get even more drunk then he already was.

When she knew that he was gone, Vicky crawled over to her crying kit to comfort him. She brought him into a tight hug and she never wanted to let him go. How dare that bastard touch her kit like that. She wanted to do something so bad, but fear stopped her. She didn't want things to go from bad to worse.

Nick buried himself as much as he could into his mother, trying to hide away from the world. He felt so scared and knew only his mom would be able to comfort him. She cooed to him, trying to calm him down as best as possible. She tried to convince him that everything was going to be okay, but she didn't even believe it herself.

That was the worse experience Nick had ever had with his father. That was the first night he had ever hit him or his mother, and after that it became more frequent. That's why Nick was so fearful to go home.

"What the…"

Nick was brought out of his thoughts when he heard Lenny's mom gasp. The sight of flashing lights caught his attention and he looked out his window. The car was driven and parked across from his home and he was shocked to see three cop cars parked outside.

"What's going on," Lenny asked his mom.

"I'm not sure," She responded. She didn't know what was going on, but she didn't want Nick anywhere near it just in case it was something really bad. Unfortunately for her, it was too late.

Nick swung his door opened and ran over to his home, ignoring the shouts for him to come back. His mind went to the worst of places thinking that something bad had happened to his mom. Luckily, though, when he got past the large cop cruisers he spotted his mom a little ways away from the house talking with a female tiger. Nick saw how upset she looked and immediately ran over to her.

Vicky looked over when she heard Nick shouting 'mom'. Her heart sank when she saw him. She sent him to go have a sleep over for a reason; she didn't want him here for this.

"Nicky, what are you doing here?" She questioned.

"I wasn't feeling good, so Ms. Whitney brought me home," he explained. "What's going on?" He asked, scared that dad had done something to her. Vicky sensed his fear and couldn't help but smile.

Vicky kneeled down and came face to face with her kit. "Your father won't be able to hurt us anymore," She told him, tears of relief finding their way out of her eyes. She had wanted to do this for so long, but had been to scared. She was abused, witnessed her kit abused, was taken advantage of, and put up with a lot of shit. But she knew she had to do something when she overheard Eric talking to himself while he was drunk saying that he was going to kill Nick so they didn't have to pay for him anymore.

Vicky didn't know how serious he was being, but she knew that she couldn't take any chances. She gathered up all her courage and called the cops. Luckily, she chose a night where he was drunk enough that he had no idea what was going on around him. She always wondered how he just didn't kill over dead with how much alcohol he consumed. But she doesn't have to worry about that anymore. He's going to prison for a long time, and even when he gets out he won't be aloud anywhere near the two.

Nick looked at his mom, astonished. No more beatings, he thought to himself. No more fearing his dad, or having long nights where he'd cry himself to sleep. No more seeing his mom look depressed and helpless. This was the greatest thing that he could think to happen. He giggled and cheered with joy, something that made Vicky's heart melt.

"You bitch," Eric's scream pierced the night sky. Vicky brought Nick close to her protectively as Eric was being led out by a big grizzly and lion. The tiger cop stepped in front of the two just in case the enraged fox was to escape the grasp of the other large mammals.

"When I get out I swear I'm going to kill you and that little bastard. You hear me, you're both dead." He snarled. The police officers had enough of him, so the lion shoved a muzzle on him, telling him to shut up. They proceeded to shove him in one of the Police cars and slam the door shut.

Vicky kept a blank stare, but on the inside was satisfied that this monster was getting what he deserved.

Nick on the other paw was shivering violently into his mom. Eric's threats had really shaken him and he couldn't help but fear for his life.

"Don't worry little one." Nick looked up at the tiger police officer who was smiling softly down at him. "He won't be able to hurt you or your mom anymore." Nick stared at the officer for a few moments, but eventually smiled weakly at her.

"Thank you, so much," Vicky expressed with utmost gratitude.

"No thanks necessary. I just wish you would have called the police sooner."

Vicky sighed heavily, knowing she was somewhat guilty in this. "So do I."

"Is there anything we can do for you?" The tiger offered. Vicky shook her head and told them they were going to be fine now. The officer nodded and told them to take care and wished them the best. Vicky thanked her one last time before the tiger left. Soon, all the cruisers left, taking away the evil fox, and leaving Vicky and Nick free from him.

"Come on Nicky, let's go inside and get out of this cold." The two foxes walked back into their home happier than they have been for a very long time.


McCabe and I stared at each other for awhile. I don't know how to describe his reaction, weather it was shock, anger, or sad; it was kind of a mixture of all three.

I took his advice and decided to talk about my problems, which after learning about my dad being out of jail, I needed to talk to someone more then ever. It wasn't easy trying to convince myself to confide in this wolf is don't know very well. For so many years I've bottled up all my hate, anger, and fear to hide my emotions and make it so I never let anyone see that they got to me. For the most part I've lived by the rule for so many years. Then that one text broke down my ten year wall.

When I received the text from my mom about my father, I didn't react in any way. I just sat under that tree paralyzed with fear. It took a while for my mind to actually comprehended what it had read. Slowly I began shaking violently, just like I had all those years again. I was starting to feel like that scared little kit all over again. Those final words he said to my mom and I echoed in my head. Scars from his rages started to burn, and I began to feel weak. I tried to tell myself that there was no way he'd get to my mom or me, but no matter how much I did it just came with more fear.

After I didn't text her back, mom must have gotten worried and texted Deb. She came out yelling my name, and almost instantly her eyes feel on my. I looked up at her and she gasped. I must have looked like someone who had just been shot by the way she was looking at me.

"Oh my lord, Nick. Are you alright?"

I didn't answer, just sat there stating up at her. I didn't know what to do. It felt so irrational how I was acting, but I couldn't help it. Fear had consumed me.

She took a step toward me and I flinched. I don't know why, and I didn't mean to. My mental state was breaking down and I couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't take it anymore, and I didn't want anyone else to see me like this. I jumped up and sprinted my way to the house, disregarding Deb and her calls. I rushed upstairs into my room, slammed my door shut and locked it. I needed to be alone.

I felt like I was in that room for hours curled up on my bed. I had calmed down after awhile, but my mind was still clouded by the thought of my father being out on the streets. Was he really going to come looking for mom and I? Would he fulfil that promise he made so long ago? I worried for moms safety, and knew that she probably wasn't fairing any better than me right now.

Every now and then there would be a knock on my door and either Tim or Debra would ask if I was okay. Obviously I wasn't, but just to let them know I was still alive I gave them a small grunt. They'd try to get me to let them in, but I didn't want them here. I wanted to be alone.

That's when McCabe came around. He gently knocked on the door, pleading for me to open up and let someone talk it out with me. I was going to refuse like I had every other time, but my mind went back to what he said earlier. All they're trying to do is help me. Maybe I should let them. Plus, this is McCabe, I feel more comfortable talking with him more than the others

I sat thinking about it until he knocked on the door again. I sighed and slowly walked over towards the door. As I did, I looked in a mirror that was next to the door and saw how terrible I looked. My eyes bloodshot red with dirty unkempt fur. I looked like death. M appearance, though, wasn't exactly on the top of my priorities list.

I unlocked the door and opened it to see a very concerned looking McCabe. We shared a look with each other before I invited him in. I went back over and climbed onto my bed. McCabe read my mind closing the door behind him and locking it, knowing I didn't want anyone else in here. He brought over an extra chair from my room and pulled it up next to my bed.

We sat in an uncomfortable silence for awhile. I had no idea where to start. I'm new to trying to share my feelings with someone.

"Deb and Tim said that your dad got out of jail today," he finally said. I tensed a little from him just saying that. He took notice and apologized for bringing it up. I didn't respond. He became more nervous after that and began fidgeting around. "They won't really tell me any details about what happened between your mom, your father and you. Maybe I could help if you told me what's wrong?" He suggested.

I scoffed and told him I doubt he could say much of anything to help. He said I was probably right, but insisted to do it anyway. I guess that was the reason I let him in, so I might as well. I took a deep breath and began to explain to him the events that happened so many years ago.

Now we're sitting here after I was done giving him my story. Not going to lye, I had to pause a couple of times to compose myself after breaking down in tears. That's the first time I had ever told that to anyone. Finnick knew my dad was an asshole, but he never knew the extent of it. Now I've just told this wolf I met only a few weeks ago.

McCabe was still at a loss for words, as I expected him to be. I knew he wouldn't be able to help me. It still felt good to talk about it, though. But I feel that's the only thing that McCabe will be useful for in this situation.

McCabe was looking thoughtfully at the ground, then mumbled something under his breath that I didn't hear. "What was that?" I asked.

He looked up and held a small smile with a few tears sitting in the corner of his eyes. "I said it's a small world." I looked quizzically at him, wondering what in the world he meant by that. "You told me your story," he sighed, "I guess it's only fair if I tell you mine." I'm still questioning what he's going on about, but I must say I'm very intrigued.

"You thought I wouldn't understand what your going through, which is true. I don't know how scared you are about your father, but I do know how it feels to be afraid. Your not the only one to have an abusive parent," he confessed.

"Your dad was abusive?" I inquired. I guess that kind of makes since. That fills in a lot of holes about McCabe.

"Actually, it was both my parents," he corrected. "My mom and dad saw me as a mistake and a waste of life," he sighed. Now it's my turn to be at a loss of words. "They were low life scum who were drug addicts, drunks, idiots, and just all around terrible mammals. I figured they just used me as stress relief. They did anything and everything to me that wouldn't raise suspicions and alert the authorities." He sounded like he'd told this story a few times because it was a lot easier for him to speak than it was for me.

He took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. "You might as well get comfortable, this is going to be a long story."


Theres another instalment of my ever growing story. I hope y'all enjoyed it and hope you like that it took less than two weeks for an update.

I do ask for some advice. Should I keep writing in Nick's POV or switch over to third person. I feel like I can get a lot more detail in third person, but I think it'd be weird to switch while I'm this far into the story. I'd appreciate to hear what you guys and gals think.

Thanks to everyone who read this and please leave a review. I love reading what you guys think of my story.

Peace Out