Pre-Chapter Author's Note: Consider, if you will, the phrase 'Two sides of the same coin'.

What is it exactly that separates them from each other?

A fine line.

Hero from Villain.

Life from Death.

Man from Beast.

Genius from Insanity.

They are all merely the crossing of a fine line away.

What causes one to cross that line though?

Love? Dracula willingly made a deal with the Devil to protect his wife and child.

Envy? The desire to possess something that isn't your own? Such as the biblical tale of Bathsheba, whose husband was murdered by the king, all so he could have her as his own.

Avarice? The want for wealth or power? That one is prevalent in today's day and age.

There are many reasons one crosses that fine line.

Would you?

Chapter Ten: The Fine Line

Zootopia Surgical Center

It was only the beeps and blips that told the team of surgeons Bernhard Hotch was still alive as they proceeded to ensure he remained that way. However, the extensive damage had already resulted in the hare flatlining on the operating table twice. Although they had managed to resuscitate him both times, the chief of surgery, who had taken it upon himself to operate on the hare, knew the risks involved if it happened again. In his experience, mammals didn't even survive receiving the amount of damage the hare had endured.

From the viewing galley overhead, Chief Bogo and Interpol Special Agent Nicholas Piberius Wilde, Senior watched as the surgical team attempted to save Bernhard Hotch. In Bogo's hooves was a file containing all the evidence compiled thus far, and none of it was for the faint of heart to see. Most of it, irksomely, was provided by the Apex Omnivore himself. There were photographs, a video, and audio recordings, which had gotten transcribed by the cyber division of the ZPD. What transcriptions revealed didn't bode well for the hare though.

"I still find it difficult to believe." Nicholas Senior stated. "Had I not heard it with my own ears, I probably wouldn't even consider it possible." The older vulpine extracted a toothpick from his pocket and took it in his maw. "I never expected this."

"Neither did I." Bogo confessed. "Then again, we never expect for any of this to happen. He's either deviating, or he's got another agenda we have yet to discover."

"Looks like they've finished." Senior stated, gesturing into the operating room. Through the glass, the chief of surgery indicated for them to join him just outside the operating room. Doing just that, Nicholas Sr. asked, "Odds?"

"If he makes it through the night, I'd say he'll probably pull through." the chief of surgery told them. "However, based on the extent of the damage, I highly doubt he'll be able to continue as a police officer. His muscles are practically shredded, he was nearly exsanguinated by the time he got here, causing a lot of muscle death, and most of his bones weren't just broken, they were shattered almost beyond repair. It's a miracle he's even still alive."

Bogo grit his teeth. "So, your saying he'll require special attention for the rest of his life." It wasn't a question, but an observation. He didn't doubt the chief of surgery's assessment, but Bogo required clarification.

"Yes. That is exactly what I'm saying." The chief of surgery rubbed the back of his neck. "In all honesty, it's quite possible he'll never be allowed to leave the hospital. The level of damage he's sustained is just that severe." Paws falling to his sides, he added, "Between us, had he flatlined a third time, I'd've been forced to call Time of Death."

Nodding in understanding, Nick Sr. asked, "Would it be possible to receive a copy of your report? Just for our own records? I have a mammal that could use it to update the profile of our perp."

"I'll see to it personally." Having finished, the chief of surgery said his goodbyes then went to handle that very task. Along the way, he informed the staff to keep a close eye on the hare's condition, emphasizing its priority.

In the waiting room, Nick, Judy, Marcus, Thomas, and the rest of Precinct One who were off duty awaited news of their comrade. Thomas was only there due to being an inpatient himself. However, Marcus was on a conference call with his fiancée and Bernhard's In Case of Emergency contact: his mother. Nick and Judy were looking over a copy of the file in Bogo's possession.

"He's insane." Judy muttered under her breath. "How the hell did he think doing this would make me leave you? I swear, he's got to be a special kind of moron."

"Yeah." Marcus stated. "I have to agree with you on that, Hopps. We even showed him the video of the sparring match between Wilde and Bogo. I though for sure it would dissuade him from doing something like this, but it would appear I was wrong."

"Look. Here come the Chief and I.S.A. Wilde." Thomas said, pointing at the two approaching mammals. When they halted, Thomas asked, "How's he doing? Will he make it?"

"We don't know." Bogo admitted. "The chief of surgery says if he makes it through the night, there's a good chance he'll survive. He also informed us not to get our hopes to high about it though."

"Chief, about what we discussed," Sr. began only to get cut off by the buffalo.

"Go. You all will have a lot more to deal with than we will. However, I still expect to be kept informed of your progress overseas." With those words, Bogo had Wolford and Higgins escort them out of the hospital.

"Take us to the train station, please." Nick Sr. requested of the two officers. While in transit, the older tod asked Judy, "Have you informed your parents they'll be hosting three predators? Specifically, three vulpines?"

"I have." Judy answered. "They've prepared separate guestrooms for each of you." What she didn't say was that she and Nick would be sharing her room, at her mother's insistence. Not that it was required, but it set off warning alarms in her head that her mother did indeed know she was seeing Nick.

"Wonderful, but I wouldn't be opposed to sharing a room." Senior admitted. "Of course, then I'd be forced to endure the near-constant squabbling between Jack and Skye. I just hate the idea of taking up so much space that could otherwise be used for something else."

"Believe me, we have plenty of room. My folks are constantly expanding the burrow to accommodate the ever-expanding numbers of our warren." Judy grumbled. "So, we always have plenty of room. Whether we need it or not."

The rest of their ride went by in complete silence. When they arrived at the train station, the three of them joined Jack and Skye on the train, which still had a few minutes before departure. As the train started moving, Nick said, "You know, this will be the first time out of the city. Other than that one time when…" Nick trailed off, lost in thought.

"When you, your mother, and I went to the cabin the summer before I left." Senior finished. Sighing, the older tod said, "Your mother hated that place, even though she had never been there. I only managed to keep it after convincing her I'd give it to you when you came of age."

"You still have it don't you." Nick guessed. Seeing his father nod, Nick looked at Judy. "Well, I do think I'm of age. I know where I'm taking you when we have enough free time."

Judy blushed red enough to match Nick's fur. "Not here. Not now." Judy whispered harshly. She didn't need to smell of arousal when her parents picked them up at the train station in Bunnyburrow. Thankfully, Nick conceded, beginning to converse with his dad instead.

"You nervous?" Jack asked Judy when the two lagomorphs had decided to grab something to eat.

"I've been home exactly once since Nick joined the ZPD." Judy replied. "So, yes. I'm nervous. I'm so nervous, I don't even know if I'll be able to keep this down upon arrival." The doe had no idea why she was suddenly feeling so hungry, but Judy started snarfing down a massive salad with gusto.

Jack watched as she devoured her meal like a mammal who had, until recently, suffered from starvation. "Have you and Nick mated?" Seeing the glare sent his way, Jack clarified, "I ask because usually the only time a doe eats so much is when…well, you know."

"I'M NOT PREGNANT!" Judy shouted, causing Jack to flinch. "NOW, SHUT THE FUCKING HELL UP, JACKSON!" She stood and left, taking the salad with her.

Blinking, Jack looked around at those staring at him. "Sorry about that." Quickly following behind Judy, Jack found her curled up into a ball, sleeping in Nick's lap with the tod's tail wrapped around her.

"You mind explaining why Judy came in here crying, Jackson?" Nick growled threateningly. His pupils shifted into slits, out of his father's view. "Don't make me ask you again."

Swallowing, Jack stated, "I…I, uhm, it's possible I could've incorrectly implied something she didn't like." Taking a step back as Nick leaned towards him, Jack said, "I'm sorry. I really am."

"Not yet, you're not." Nick stated gravely. "However, should you make her cry again, you will be. That I promise you."

For the rest of the trip Jack kept a clear distance from Nick. Instead, the jackrabbit stayed with Skye, who was reading a novel in a separate compartment. After a while, Skye asked, "Wanna talk about it?"

"No." Jack answered. "I would like to know why you ask though. It isn't like you at all."

Skye snapped her book shut and tossed it to the side. "I know. I'm not being myself at all recently." Rubbing her eyes, she added, "I hate this. This time of year is hell for me. It always is. I'm not thinking straight. Not even a little bit."

"Oh, that's right. Winter is right around the corner." Jack observed. "It'll be your mating season soon. Still have no idea what that has to do with you being nice to me."

"You're an idiot, Jack." Skye mumbled. Sighing, she gave him a look, pleading for him to understand. "How long have we known each other?"

"Quite a while." Jack replied. "Almost ten years really." Smiling at the memories they shared, good and bad, it hit him as if he were standing in front of the train they were currently aboard. "Oh."

"There it is. Now, he gets it." Skye said softly, with a sad chuckle. "Ten years of memories where you're the sole consistent male in my life. Besides Wilde Sr. of course."

"Wow. I…just…wow." Jack sat there, thinking about what Skye had just told him. "So…what are you trying to say? That you want to mate with me?"

"No." Skye stated vehemently. "I'm not interested in mating at all. I'm not going to be a slave to my hormones, or the season. I'm just letting you know I'm not entirely myself. I'm also warning you not to anger Nick Jr. He will kill you."

"Duly noted." Jack turned his attention to the scenery speeding by beyond the window. Yet, the jackrabbit's mind continued to think about those savage eyes Nicholas Jr. had had. Jack knew he could directly ask about it, but he mentally filed it away for later.

The rest of the trip to Bunnyburrow went by rather quickly. Judy, now more composed, explained that her parents would be picking them up at the station instead of having to walk. When the train reached the Bunnyburrow Station, Judy disembarked first to scan the crowd for her parents.

"Mom! Dad! Over here!" Judy called out, waving a paw in the air to get their attention. Giving them a hug when they got close enough, Judy said, "I've missed you." Pulling away, she introduced the others. "This is Nick, my partner at the ZPD. Nicholas Piberius Wilde Senior, Nick's father and an Interpol Special Agent. Jackson Savage, an associate of Sr.'s and an agent with the ZIA, and ZBI Special Agent Skye Glacier, another associate of Sr.'s."

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you." Bonnie greeted shaking the paws of Senior, Jack, and Skye before embracing Nick in a strong hug. "I do hope you all are hungry. I've afraid I probably made to much food in all my excitement."

"I'm famished." Skye replied. "We basically had to skip breakfast earlier." Checking her pocket watch, the arctic vixen saw it was only 9:25 in the morning. "We're off our regular routine schedule by approximately an hour and 55 minutes."

Stu, who had simply stood there smiling, said, "Well, in that case, let's get moving. Most of our older kits will have already headed to tend the fields after dropping the younger ones off at school. So, the house will be quiet enough for y'all to catch some shuteye after a good hearty meal."

Walking out of the train station, Judy and company noticed that her parents were making their way to a truck with a trailer attached. Bonnie and Stu got into the cab of the truck while Judy and the others rode the trailer. The backfire of the truck had Nick snort in amusement. Judy rolled her eyes knowing what he found so funny. After all, it sounded exactly like backfire of the van Finnick owned.

A notification ping alerted Judy to the fact she got a text. Pulling out her phone, Judy saw it was from Bogo. "Hey, listen to this." She read the message out loud for everyone.

"-Further investigation into the evidence provided by the Apex Omnivore indicates he had stalked Officer Hotch for some time. There's also proof that Officer Hotch spent his suspension in questionable company. We're currently running down leads, but it would appear the break-in of your apartment isn't the first offense Officer Hotch has performed. After speaking with his parents, who were in no way surprised to hear of his current condition, we're now looking into all known associates, both personal and professional.

Also, Officer Hotch has regained minimal consciousness. Doctors believe he'll be coherent enough to question in the next 24 hours, should he make it through the night. You will be receiving copies of all this in due time to file a lawsuit for insurance purposes. I will forward you more when I have it.

-Bogo."

"Glad to know their making headway." Nick grumbled. "I wish I could be there to question Hotch myself. Fucking bastard buck."

"Calm down, Slick." Judy soothed. "Trust me, I feel the same way. However, if it were either of us doing the interrogation it would've been viewed as biased. Plus, we're hunting down a much more important target right now. Keep your head in the game."

"Something about this doesn't sit right with me." Skye murmured. "I heard the recording our Unsub left behind. It didn't sound anything like the one left at the crime scene of Mrs. Batsarab. In that one, he sounded deranged. In the one for Officer Hotch, he almost sounds…civilized."

"Dissociative Identity Disorder? Multiple Personalities? Lucid moments in-between bouts of insanity? There's no telling." Jack rattled off. "Or, it could potentially be that our target's psyche is fractured. Over the course of this case, he's been brutal, vindictive, merciless, and volatile to remorseful, regretful, and even apologetic. No standard profile shares those traits."

"Then let's revise the profile." Senior stated. "We know the Apex Omnivore is highly intelligent. That hasn't changed. His age is indeterminate, yet he's estimated to be between 38 and 45. With our newly acquired evidence, we know that's the first error. The appropriate age range is between 28 and 35. Only ten years shaved, but it makes a stark difference. We know he's a he, voice analysis proves that. We know he's a predator, and roughly our size, if just a wee bit larger. Intermittently manic with moments of civility. He's purpose driven, criminally and forensically sophisticated, and has some knowledge of military and surgical techniques. The way he kills his victims seem reminiscent of the original murders back in Zootropolis. He's never killed any victims in the exact same manner, but he has used a few variations. At several crime scenes, it would've been impossible for him to slip away without somebody witnessing it. So, we know either his appearance doesn't draw attention, or he doesn't leave any type of impression on anybody."

"Don't forget to factor in the apparent psychological, emotional, and physical trauma." Nick reminded. "Obviously something horrific happened to him at the Moira Bedlam Asylum. Plus, we should also consider each of the mammals in that photo found at the Batsarab home. Clearly it was the one he mentioned in his recording."

"Fair enough." Jack stated, nodding. "Vlad Batsarab is a vampire bat in his late 50s. Graduate of one of Zootopia's many collegiate academies and possesses a doctoral degree in applied psychology. Married, no children. Has a brother who's married with one child who's now deceased, Timothy. Evidence shows extensive torture culminated in forced overdose."

"Ursaline Friedkin, elderly female polar bear." Skye listed. "Former psychiatric nurse at Moira Bedlam Asylum. Cause of Death: Lethal injection of morphine in her sleep. Sexually violated after death. As no records from the Moira Bedlam Asylum have been found, nothing is known about her time working there. However, judging on how he killed her, she was evidently kinder than the others."

Hearing the trucks brakes engage, Judy said, "We'll finish this later. For now, let's engorge ourselves on my mom's cooking and grab a few minutes of sleep." With everyone in agreement, Judy, along with her parents, led them to the dining room. Food was spread out across the entirety of a long table, ready for them to eat.

After they had all rushed forward, piled food onto plates, and sat down, Bonnie and Stu stated, "There are a couple of things we'd like to discuss with y'all." Seeing Judy's fearful eyes, Bonnie gave her a comforting smile. "We didn't mean to be invasive and pry, but Stu and I did a bit of research." Nudging her husband, Bonnie said, "We got you something."

Stu took out a small notebook and gave it to Judy. "We asked around to see if anyone would be willing to give us the contact information to some…support groups, I guess you could call 'em. There's also a few phone numbers for specialists in Zootopia, as well as neighboring areas, that'll assist you however they can. Plus, a couple dozen or so secure websites your more open-minded siblings provided for you to check out."

Blinking repeatedly, Judy accepted the small notebook and looked through the entries. A couple of the websites she had already visited, but a few of them were new to her. She recognized one number as Fru-Fru Big's, reminding Judy to call her and check in on her goddaughter, Lil' Judie. One website, near the end, had Judy blush brighter than the sun. The name left no doubt about what kind of website it was.

After eating, and a short conversation between Judy's parents and Jack, everyone was led to their rooms. Rather ironically, they were divided into groups: Jack and Skye shared a room, much like Judy and Nick, while Senior got his own. The older tod muffled a laugh as he entered his room and apparently passed out from exhaustion. Jack and Skye were just happy they didn't have to share a bed.

Nick and Judy entered Judy's old bedroom to get some sleep before lunch. After all, they hadn't gotten much sleep due to the assault on Bernhard Hotch, which forced them to head for the hospital only mere minutes after falling asleep. Collapsing onto the bed together, they curled into each other.

Meanwhile, Stu and Bonnie packed the remaining food into Tupperware containers and stored them away in the various refrigerators throughout the kitchen. Once that was done, the two older bunnies sat at a table with cups of carrot tea. It was time for the discussion.

"What do you think? We haven't actually spoken to him yet, but I think he's a good match for Judy. How about you, Stu?" Bonnie inquired.

Shrugging, Stu answered, "As you said, we haven't spoken to him yet. So, I don't really know. There's something about him though that makes my skin crawl. I mean, he obviously won't hurt her, but I feel a little concerned."

Frowning, Bonnie replied, "You do think he makes a good match though, don't you?" Seeing her husband shrug again, Bonnie sighed and ran a paw down her muzzle. "Stu, really? Are we honestly going to have this conversation for…I can't even remember how many times we've already had it, but I know we've had it plenty already. Judy won't find a buck. She doesn't want a buck. She will never choose a buck. So, will you please, for the sake of my sanity, get over the fact our daughter will never take a buck as her mate?"

With a 'harrumph', Stu took a drink of his carrot tea. "Still don't see why she wouldn't." he mumbled. "There are polyamorous bunnies, after all."

"Our daughter isn't polyamorous, Stu. You know that. Hellfire, she only went on those dates with bucks to get us to leave her alone. Stop being difficult about this." Bonnie chided.

Grimacing, Stu muttered, "Fine. Yes, I think he's a good match for her. However, mark my words, Judy will understand that, if she ever wants kits, she'll need to find a nice buck. Like that Agent Savage, for instance."

"I have no desire to have kits with your daughter." Jack stated as he walked into the room, causing the older couple to jump. "I previously had a relationship with her and screwed it up irreparably. I also highly doubt your career-driven daughter would want kits anytime soon."

Gesturing to Jack, Bonnie said, "You see, Stu? Even he understands. Why can't you?"

Stu stared at his wife. "What's so wrong about wanting to see her be a mother and have kits? Why can't I want that? Don't you want that?"

"No." Bonnie stated resolutely. "No. What I want is to see Judy happy. I don't care with who. I don't care how. I don't care why. So long as she's happy, I am." Setting her carrot tea off to the side, Bonnie inquired, "Did you take your medication this morning like the doctor ordered?"

Blinking in surprise, Stu eyes narrowed in thought. "Uh…I don't remember." he admitted. Standing, he walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a pill case. "Doesn't appear so." Popping two tablets, he took a swig of his carrot tea.

"Stu," Bonnie scolded. "You know how important it is you take your medication. The doctor said your brain chemistry changed after the accident. He made sure to emphasize the importance of taking your meds."

"Sorry, Bon." Stu said, softly. "I just forgot this morning. I was excited to see Jude."

Sighing, Bonnie told him, "I know, but your health is just as important. So, please, don't forget to take your medication." Seeing Jack's curious expression, Bonnie said, "He had an accident that resulted in needing medical attention. One of the tests showed a change in his brain chemistry and mental faculties. Other than that, he's fine."

"I see." Jack stated. Sitting down, the jackrabbit asked, "Can I inquire about something?" Getting a nod, Jack asked, "Has Judy ever told you anything about Nick that made you worried?"

Shaking her head, Bonnie answered, "Not a thing. I mean, at first, we were a bit surprised upon learning he would be her partner on the force, but later, we came to realize he was the best one for that role. We even went to his graduation. He's very polite, if protective of her."

"Yes. I've noticed." Jack replied. "You've never felt threatened by Nicholas Junior? In any way at all?"

A frown took over Bonnie's expression. "No. Never. Why do you ask?"

Shaking his head, Jack explained what happened on the train. Stu and Bonnie's expressions didn't change in the slightest as they listened. Jack finished by stating, "You have to understand, I had never encountered a mammal who seemed both savage and in control simultaneously. It makes me wonder if, possibly, he himself isn't a monster of some kind."

Drumming her fingers against her beverage glass, Bonnie asked, "Have you ever heard of the Fine Line?" Noting Jack's head shake, Bonnie nodded, "Not a lot of mammals have. The Fine Line is a strange phenomenon. Tell me, Jack. How far would you go? If someone you loved was in danger, would you willingly become a monster? Would you cast aside everything about who you are to protect them? Not all monsters are evil, you know. The Fine Line is the reason for becoming one. Love is a wonderful yet dangerous thing. It can transform you into a monster for the right reasons, and the wrong ones too."

Back in Zootopia

Chief Bogo had yet to leave the hospital. With Bernhard Hotch now considered a flight risk due to his involvement in the B&E of Hopps' apartment alongside an unknown number of accomplices, the Chief had taken it upon himself to guard the hare. It had only been a couple of hours since the hare's surgery, but Bogo wasn't the type of mammal to let a suspect out of his sight for even a second. Therefore, he had begun working out of the hare's hospital room from a laptop provided by the ZPD's cyber squad.

In the room's other bed, Mrs. Batsarab was being attended to by a nurse. The female vampire bat had regained consciousness a couple of time for no longer than an average of 5 seconds at a time. Her less severe injuries had already begun to heal, but the loss of her wings was permanent. Still, it was miraculous she had even survived at all.

Clawhauser would run by to deliver items Bogo would request, but other than the cheetah, only Thomas Catlahan bothered to visit. The feline had stopped by a few times to get an update on Bernhard's condition until he finally decided to remain there and keep Bogo company.

"I've asked around about Bernhard's movements during his suspension." Thomas stated. "I'm not saying I don't trust my fellow officers, but sometimes they aren't the best in keeping tabs. A couple of my C.I.'s told me Hotch would visit one particular address regularly." Giving the buffalo a small slip of paper, Thomas said, "If I were you, I'd give it a visit. I'll stay here and keep an eye on him. You should lead the raid."

A quick glance at the address told Bogo it was located near the heart of Zootopia. Informing Thomas to keep him apprised of any changes in the hare's condition, the buffalo called for a SWAT team to meet him at the address asap. Within a quarter of an hour, Bogo, along with a full SWAT team were geared and prepared to storm the address of an old warehouse in the center of the city.

"Alright. Breach." Bogo whispered. The elephant officer kicked in the door and the entire unit flooded into the place. What they found had them gag. "Well, I definitely wasn't expecting this." Bogo murmured. "Sweep the area." he added. While the rest of the officers proceeded to check the rest of the building, Bogo looked around the main area. "Fact or Fiction?" he asked himself.

The entire main area was covered in blood. Hanging at varying heights from the ceiling were the corpses of different mammal species. On the walls hung medical diagrams that indicated where to create incisions on various species of mammal. A set of autopsy tables were spread throughout the warehouse, some with bodies, some without. Other tables, covered in containers of unknown liquids, were also visible. However, one thing in particular stood out.

Ear flicking as a tiny, continuous clicking reached him, Bogo moved to a recorder. Clicking play, Bogo listened as the voice of the Apex Omnivore emanated from it.

"Greetings, Chief Bogo. I'm so glad to see that my little whispers weren't in vain to drag you here. What you see around you is not of my doing, but that of Officer Bernhard Hotch. Yes. He, too, is a serial killer. However, he sees himself as a cleaner, cleansing the streets of those he feels the city can do without. Whereas I have a singular goal in mind. The carcasses you see are the victims of Bernhard Hotch and his displaced ire. His consistent failure to catch Officer Hopps' interest has manifested in this way. Each victim had taken a mate outside their own species. Quite hypocritical of him considering his main interest is a bunny rather than a hare like himself."

"This compact disk also contains data that can only be read using a computer. I'm sure you'll find it intriguing. There's a list of purists, a list of mammals he intended to purify, locations for other warehouses he used, and his daily journal. Don't mistake me for doing you a favor. I'm simply doing this because he was trying to tear Officer Hopps away from Officer Wilde. That is something I cannot forgive. Also, I'm sure you're aware of the monster residing within Officer Wilde. What you saw is nowhere near the true savagery he's capable of if danger threatens Officer Hopps. So, fear not. I will not bring any undue harm to her."

"One last thing before I take my leave. Be cautious with the rest of your officers. There are a few that you should keep a close eye on for the foreseeable future. You'll find a list among those on the compact disk. As for Mr. Vlad Batsarab, he's currently overseas. That being said, I've left the city for a while as I hunt him down. Oh, and you should get back to the hospital before Officer Thomas Catlahan finishes debating with himself about killing Officer Bernhard Hotch. After all, what would you do if you discovered that one of the mammals you trusted is responsible for the death of your parents?"

Rushing out of the warehouse, Bogo raced to a cruiser and sped back to the hospital. Kicking the door to the hare's patient room, Bogo shouted, "On the ground Thomas!" He watched as the feline stared at him then roared, lunging at him. Firing two shots, Bogo shot Thomas once in the chest and once in the head. Thomas's body hit the ground with a resounding thud. A clatter drew his attention to a cellphone. Picking it up, there was one voicemail. He selected the message and again the Apex Omnivore's voice came over the speaker.

"Did you make it in time? I hope you did. Are you curious how Thomas came across the information about his parents? It came from me. No, I didn't lie about any of it. Bernhard Hotch is responsible for the death of Catlahan's parents. He's also responsible for the death of Ursaline Friedkin. You'll find Officer Hotch is quite a necrophile. All the corpses in every warehouse he owns will have his biological fluids inside. I'll see you around when I return from killing Vlad Batsarab. Until then, happy hunting for the other bodies I've left lying around."

The Next Day – Bunnyburrow Airport

The Bunnyburrow Airport wasn't all that large. Considering it normally only got used by crop-duster planes, it wasn't a surprise. Still, as Nick and Judy looked at the aircraft responsible for shuttling them overseas to Zootropolis, they couldn't help thinking it fit in with the rest stored in the hangar.

"Have you given any thought to what we talked about last night?" Nick asked Judy in a whisper. The two were seated on a haybale awaiting the pilots arrival while Nick's father and his team contacted their mammals waiting for them overseas. "Again, I'm not trying to pressure you into giving me an answer. I'm just asking if you've thought about it."

"We've known each other for almost three years, Nick. Trust me, I want it just as much. However, these things take time, and require patience. I'm not saying 'no' though, so you can stop worrying. I'm simply trying to wrap my mind around all of it." Judy patted her fox's leg, but kept her eyes focused on the cellphone in paw.

Late last night, Bogo had called to inform her of the new developments in the case concerning Bernhard Hotch and the one concerning the Apex Omnivore. Upon hearing their quarry would be overseas, she had immediately told Jack, Skye, and Nick Sr. Her cellphone had then exploded with one link after another for her to access and read. She had to have Nick read it first, because the photos that were attached had forced the doe to vomit.

Hearing what sounded like a light-footed mammal approaching, Nick looked over to see a rather large rabbit buck with aviator goggles, a flight jacket, and military tags wander into the hangar. "It would appear our pilot has arrived. Does he happen to look familiar to you?"

Glancing over, Judy gaped at who their pilot was. "Jerome? You're our pilot? Seriously?"

Jerome smiled widely at Judy. "I am indeed. I got my pilot's license last year. You would've known if you bothered checking in regularly with the folks." Gesturing towards the plane, he said, "Alright everyone. Let's get going. We got a long flight ahead of us."

After they had all boarded the plane, Jerome started it up. The plane cranked right up and slowly accelerated until the speed was enough to force it into the air. As the plane began its ascent, Judy and Nick looked out the window to start at the amazing sight.

"We should arrive in Zootropolis in approximately five to six hours." Jerome announced. "I made sure the plane had enough fuel to make the trip without having to stop for a refuel. If the weather remains the way it has been, we can probably make it closer to four."

"Gods, I hate planes." Skye muttered when the plane hit a bit of turbulence. "I really, really hate planes. Why couldn't we have taken a fricking boat?"

"Speed." Jack and Nicholas Senior replied readily.

"It would have taken too long by ship." Nicholas Senior clarified. "Time is of the essence, and we don't have much of it. Therefore, the quickest way to reach Zootropolis is by plane."

Over the next three hours, everyone tended to their own business. Nick, seeing it was a good time for it, gestured for his dad to join him in the back of the plane. The two tods sat across from each other, and Nick initiated the conversation.

"Do you recall the question I asked you over the phone?" Nick inquired. "The question about whether you've ever been afraid of yourself? Because I feel like now would be the best time to talk about it."

"It's probably the only time we'll have to talk about it, to be completely honest." Senior stated. "To answer your question: sometimes, but not always. When you have the type of job I do, you sometimes find yourself wondering if you'll end up like one of them. You can only hunt so many of these fiends before you start becoming one yourself."

"I have this…thing inside me, within my mind." Nick confided. "Something dark, beastly, in nature. It used to be what kept me alive while living on the streets, but after Judy…it went dormant. Then, when I discovered my feelings toward her, it…"

"It came back with a vengeance." Senior finished. "I know how it goes. Nick, everyone of us has something like that. Most never realize it. Some do though. That beast, monster, inner demon, whatever you want to call it, don't walk away from it. It wants to help you, despite how destructive it probably is. It's part of who you are, so don't shun it. I can understand your afraid, even terrified, of it. However, without it, you'll find yourself sorely lacking. You can't tame it, if that's what you're going to ask next. Trying to tame it is like trying to manipulate the sun and moon. Just listen to it. Let it help you."

Unable to say anything else since his father had struck upon everything he wanted to discuss. Nick leaned back in his seat. "Is it really that simple?" he questioned. "You don't know what it has done. It's killed, nay murdered, mammals, Dad."

Nodding, Senior countered, "Mammals that would have killed you had it not killed them. It needs you to survive. Just like you need it. Even if you don't want to need it, Judy will need it eventually." Shrugging, he added, "But what the hell do I know? I'm just an old tod who has seen a shit ton of things in life, experienced a whole bunch more, and still alive and kicking. Don't take my advice."

The rest of the flight was made in relative silence. Nick closed his eyes to get a bit more sleep. However, the tod soon found himself in the company of his inner demon.

"Back so soon?" it teased with a smug smirk. Snapping its digits, the mental world changed into the training grounds. "We don't know what to expect overseas. Therefore, it's even more important to be prepared. Besides, who knows what'll we'll face?"

"Shut up." Nick commanded. "Let's just get started." Much like the night prior, Nick did each task his beast gave him. He didn't know if any of this would actually do him any good, but to make sure Judy was safe, he'd go through Hell itself. In this little, isolated mental world, the concept of time didn't really exist. So, Nick just kept going. When he was suddenly ejected from that mental world by Judy giving him a gentle shake, Nick looked at her with feral eyes.

Unperturbed by the sight, Judy said, "We're here, Slick. We've arrived in Zootropolis." Gathering her things, she took hold of Nick's paw and, together, they disembarked.

The city of Zootropolis was blanketed in a dense, thick smog. Judging based on the silhouettes of Zootropolis's buildings, it was clear the city was far larger than Zootopia. Standing there, the group prepared themselves before entering the belly of the massive beast.

"Well," Nicholas Senior stated. "Let's get going. Our target is on the move. So, we should be as well."

Post-Chapter Author's Note:

The next chapter will be either 2/3 or 3/4 Zootopia and the rest Bunnyburrow.

I had someone inquire about Bernhard Hotch and his doings during the time-skip. So, hopefully this satisfies some curiosity. There's still so much more.

We'll rejoin the Wilde Bunch in the chapter after next. A bit of Nick's past will make itself known then.

Now, for probably the most important subject of discussion: "Job" the Apex Omnivore.

He's quite manipulative, wouldn't you agree?

Not once did he state anything that was an outright lie.

His manipulation of Thomas Catlahan is only the beginning.

Despite his madness, "Job" is obviously highly intelligent, methodical, meticulous, and manipulative.

He has more planned for the city, and a few of our dear characters as well.

I bid you adieu until the next chapter's release.

P.S. The length of each chapter, from here on out, will differ depending on real-life events. Simply a forewarning.