Chapter 10

Aurora POV

Kaylee, thank you for your review

Finally got out of Tundratown. I still like it a lot and feels like a home. For the past month, it hasn't. I found a perfect place to sleep. Knowing that I will be safe and can meet up with Nick and Judy. It has been a long day and I feel so tired. Closing my eyes and falling asleep moments later.

Wondering what I should do next. I got clothes from a homeless shelter, Making sure I hide that no one can see my true self. After I got new clothing mammals just see me as a normal homeless teen. Another runaway that will cause problems. I see the looks on their faces sure not all they are bad. But do see the look in most of them. Right now I'm homeless and really don't have a home to go to. There is something for me, but I can't stay forever. Sooner or later, I have to go back there. Right now I can't. Having to get out of Tundratown first. Yet I have to get a train ticket, I have no source of money. Everything I had is gone. Only if I had my violin, am sure I could earn some money. So I can get out of here.

Deciding just to walk and let my mind take me somewhere. I am just walking around, trying to figure out my next part of my plan. Wishing that I figured out the next part. I could walk into the police station, and say who I am. Knowing that I have been reported missing. Maybe I should do that. They will help me out. But I don't know any officers there. The only ones I know, one isn't an officer anyone, and the other is at one

"Come on Aurora, you can do this," I whisper

Yet I want someone that can understand and I want to know. Nick Wilde, he's a cop and a great one. I like him a lot, and he's a fox. The first fox officer. Working with Judy Hopps, who I like as well. I was happy when she became a cop, proving you can be anything you set your mind to. I know they will help me out. Rumors I heard from them. How Nick is in the hospital. They whisper about it, not realizing that I am listening. Not knowing that I know him. How an arctic fox joined them, shortly after they found out. Unlike them, I figured it out. Of course, I didn't tell them. The arctic fox has to be Nick. I know he's undercover. He's perfect for the job. He was a con artist and knows how to act around them.

I stop when I see this homeless family run, they look terrified. Feeling bad for them, who look they have been for awhile. Wondering who they are running from. Seeing two tall and muscular polar bears. Knowing who they are. They are the weapons dealers for them. Looks like they were threatening them. I hate those two, nothing but heartless criminals. Most of them are heartless, only care about this gang and themselves. Nothing else matters to them unless they get the job done. Seeing the arctic fox standing alone, and lost in thought. Did they hurt him, believing that he defended them?

I walk over to him. To test if I am right. Seeing a sketchbook in his bag. There is pencil lead on his left paw. So he's a lefty like me. Just like Nick is. A chance like that is unlikely. Mostly everyone is right pawed, and some are left pawed. He walks over to me, I take a few steps back.

"It's alright, I won't hurt you," he said

I stop in my tracks he did help them out. Seeing him pull out his wallet, and hand me some money. So far he doesn't know that I am only ten. Doesn't know who I am. Hiding is working out. Glad this is working out for me. "Thank you, sir," I say quietly. I place the money in my pocket. I spoke softly so he wouldn't hear my true voice. I walk away from him. Hearing him walk away as well. Stopping when he enters the building. Removing my hood, and take a deep breath. "Mr. Nick, you haven't change your views."

I take out the money he gave me. Counting that I have seventy-five dollars. I can get out of here. Placing my hood back on. Looking at the building, knowing they are selling weapons there. So some mammals can carry out their bad deeds. No, I won't leave not without Nick.

They know who Nick is his life is in danger. They will figure out a way to find him. So I have to react fast, to save his life. The plan just came to my head, after I found a foreclosed home. I just found my way to the home. A perfect place to hide.

"You have to do this." I whisper "They stole it first, you are just handing it back."

They stole his phone, and I will take it from them. I walk over to the mammal, not caring for who he is. Carefully take the phone from his pocket, and walk away from him. Placing in my pant pocket. I got away with picket pocketing. This is the only time.

Now I just got to find them. Knowing where they are and won't be found out. Which is near the large lake. Choosing to wear white so I can still blend in. Heading over to their location, they are torturing him He looks wet and slowly freezing. There are cuts on his fur. He doesn't give in. My heart skips when I see Craig. He scares me, the Boss doesn't scare me. This the first time I have seen him. Yet I have heard stories about him. Even hearing those stories he doesn't scare me. Size doesn't matter I know that. Seeing Margaret angers me. No wonder they hardly saw their aunt. She's helping them out. Waiting the right moment. Knowing I can't take the polar bear down. If I had to take him down, to save Nick life, I would do it. Having a taser to do it, stole it from them.

Nick stumbles as he walks he's determined to get out of here. He's determined and won't give up. But his paws are bonded and to injured to get far. Boss gets him and hits him hard. Knowing Nick is in more pain. Feeling bad for him. Yet he hasn't given up yet.

"Well well, officer Wilde you are determined. What a waste." Boss said, "Give me the information now."

"You believed me?" Nick laughed "I'm a fox, and we are shifty all the time. Since we are untrustworthy."

"Kill him, Craig." Boss said, "The information dies with him."

What Nick said is true I have been told that. Mammals see me as that. Not letting that weight me down. Time to take my plan into action. The Boss leaves the scene and takes the car with him. Watching her place a muzzle on him. Seeing the fear in his eyes Craig just laughs at him. Nothing is wrong about fearing muzzles. I hate them as well. Holly won't like it when she finds out the truth. If she will talk to me again. Carefully walking over to her Margaret doesn't hear me, it will be too late. I knock her out easy self-defense lessons have worked out for me. She falls to the ground and is out cold.

Now I have to deal with Craig. My heart skips faster, I keep my breathing calm. I know one weakness that he has. Making a snowball, making sure it has ice in it. Throwing it hard as I can, and it hits his left shoulder. Seeing him fall to the ground, and he gasps in pain. A bad shoulder injury makes his left arm weak, and painful to use.

"Who is out there?" Craig yelled

He still holds the knife in his right paw. Still hasn't gotten back up. He's looking for me trying to find the mammal who took him down. There's this crazy look in his eyes as if he has gone crazy. I see that he doesn't see me and heads back to Nick. Before he could head over to him, I come out from the snow and shot him with the taser. He goes down a few moments later. I see the fear in Nick's eyes. I take off the muzzle and throw it far away. He takes a few deep breaths.

"Who are you?" Nick asked, "You saved my life."

"Not here," I say, helping him off the ground. Cutting the rope from his paws. Seeing that they are burned. Most of his fur is frozen as well. I can tell that he is cold. He's taller than me, but no condition to walk by himself. So I help him walk. Heading over to the house takes a few minutes. Stopping in front of the house. "I know it's breaking the law. But it's a safe place."

I don't think he really cares. He knows that his life is in danger. I carefully let him go. So I can open up the front door. I learned how to pick a lock, and would never break into someone home. It was more personal for me. Opening it up a minute later, and turn over to him. Seeing that he is barely standing his ground. He's one tough fox and determined as well. Heading inside the house, and take him where the fireplace is. Helping him sit on the chair. Lighting a fire, to warm the place up. Having a first aid kit, heading back to him, cleaning out his cuts, and warping gauze around his head. He's still in wet clothing, and that is not good. Luckily I bought some clothing for him. Carrying the clothing in my paws. I look at him, and my face turns red. He will figure out my age.

"It's alright, I won't bite," Nick said weakly, I take a deep breath. Knowing that I have to help him out. He helps me out, so I don't have to do it all. Taking off his wet shirt, and place on a new one. Along with a sweater, and the black coat. He remembers the coat when he helped me out. "Whats your name? How did you know I was an officer?"

"I knew who you were. I saw the pencil lead on your paws, and the sketchbook in your bag." I say "So I figured out who you were, Mr. Nick."

I walk over to get his phone. Seeing if he remembers me. We only met one time, and that was about two years ago. He grabs my hood, and it falls back. I know he remembers me. I turn over to him, seeing the look in his eyes. I give him a smile and walk over to him. Whispering in his ear telling him where to meet me. Moments later he blacks out. Now I just got get help for him. Seeing Judy number and I call it.

"Nick," Judy said nervously, "are you alright? Why are you calling me?"

I can tell she is worried about him. They do have a good relationship with each other. She knows that he is in danger. Not thinking that this is a trap. She knows that he called for a reason. Not knowing it's not him that's calling. "Officer Wilde is hurt but he's safe. I made sure of that. I didn't want to trace the call. I knew he had a partner. This the safest way to get help. I'm not lying, this not a trap. Judy Hopps, you have to trust me." Now she knows that Nick is not calling. Yet she can't tell who I am. She doesn't know who I am. Lindsey has told her a lot about me."We are in Tundratown, on Snowdrop street. Inside a foreclosed house. I know breaking into a house is bad. But I needed to him safe."

"What is your name?" Judy ask "You done a great thing."

I become quiet again. Looking over at Nick. He's still out cold and now will be fine. Because I saved his life. Judy will come for him, and he will be safe from them. She wants to know who I am, so she can thank me and protect me. They will find me soon. "I know I did."

I hang up his phone and place it in his bag. Knowing that Judy will come soon. So she can help out her partner and friend. Heading to the back of the house. So I can get out of here, and do what I have to. Judy comes a few minutes later.

"Nick!" Judy said she heads over to him. I see a happy look in her pretty purple eyes. Lindsey told me about her unique eyes. The only one in her family to have it. She holds his paws and looks at him. Seeing the cuts and gauze around his head. The look in her eyes shows she truly cares about him. I like that she cares about him. Looks like she sees him more than a partner, more than her best friend. I leave after that. Knowing she can hear me. "You're going to be alright."

Closing the door behind me and walk away. The first stars are coming out it's getting late. But the night doesn't someone with night vision. Nick going to be fine now. I will make sure that I'm fine as well. First I have to get out of here and do something first.

I wake up and sketch my body. I saved Nick life. Heading over to a bench and sit down. Knowing that he would try to find me. Judy will come with him as well. Eating some bars and an apple that I bought using the extra money. Knowing it will do fine for now.

Waiting at the place where we first met. Mammals are walking past me. They're minding their own business, and not paying attention to a random kid. Knowing that Nick and Judy will come soon. I have been waiting for a few minutes. They will come no matter what. All I have to do is wait. Not caring how it takes. Knowing they care about my safety and would want to find me.

I shouldn't really be here. I figuratively ran away from home. That's what they would say. Sure I ran off, only to help a friend. She got into a car crash, their car was hit by a speeding driver. She was hurt but recovered from the crash. Only having her mother tell her, she kidnapped her from her birth family. After she discovered they were not related by blood, only by species. So her fake mother was arrested, and she was put into the same home. Police tried to find her birth family. It was taking to long. So we took matters into our own paws. We found her family and came up with a plan. With another good friend, we went to Zootopia. In the end, we found her family, and I was heading back. Until a weasel stole my purse, which had my train ticket, and money as well.

My best friend Terri Forrest looks over at me. We met when we were four. I remember it some. I was living with this nice women. It was going fine, until she lost all her money, because of her greedy ex-husband. She could no longer take care of me. So I was sent by to Bunnyburrow. Yet we remained good friends. She's a Red Fox, and a few months older than me. Having red fur, with cream undercoat. Chocolate brown tip ears, tail, and paws. Having light hazel eyes. Wearing a yellow floral design shirt, and short olive green pants; with floral design.

"What are you going to do now?" Terri asked, "We could always tell my dad. He would help out."

"I will figure out a plan." I say "I know he would I don't want you to get into trouble."

She wanted to help even if she could get into trouble. Her father would help me out. That would make me feel bad. They don't have a lot of money, and I don't want t to cause them trouble. We can figure this out. Looking around to come up with a black. Seeing the red fox, who is a con artist. Today he is alone, and not having his partner in crime. He's doing art, to earn some money. Mammals seem to like him and look like he great at art. Also needs some help.

"Over there, I have seen him around." I say "You know I can earn money that way."

"I suppose your right." Terri said, "Dad says he's earning his way. The only way he knows how."

Terri will watch over me making sure no one finds us. So far no has, and we haven't gotten into trouble. Right now, I need money for a train ticket. Then I can go back to the home. Walking over to him.

"Do you need some help?" I ask

He looks over at me and sees that I'm only a kid. I have to do this, and he looks to be a good mammal. Despite what he does. I saw him give extra money to the homeless. Or helping a homeless shelter. I know what he's going to say, knowing what I have to say. So he will let me help him. Moments later he smiles, knowing I am just being friendly.

"Haven't you been told, not to talk to strangers Kiddo?" Nick asked, "After all I can…."

"You're just a con artist. I know you won't hurt me." I say He doesn't talk about my parents. Yes, I have been told not to talk to strangers. Who knows what they can do you. Yet he won't hurt me. He's too good-natured to do that. Knowing I have to trick him. I can do it, and show him what I can do. "You're using a 4B graphite pencil, which is great for sketching. Not too dark, or to light. You are using Bristol paper. Perfect for sketching with graphite pencils."

He looks over at me and surprised that I know it. I do know my art, and he does as well. Looks like I am winning him over. Knowing he will take my help. My plan is working so far.

"So you can talk about it." Nick asked, "Can you really do it?"

I tilt my head, making myself look cute. Knowing adults can't resist my tilting and kit eye look. My two different colored eyes help me out a lot. Seeing the look in his emerald green eyes. I have got him.

"Of course I can. This why I asked if you need help." I say "I can do as well as you. Just let me help you. I get half of what you earn. Isn't that a fair deal?"

Knowing that I have him and will accept my help. My head tilting helped me out. Also, he knows that I won't stop. He knows that I am not prideful of my skill. I know that I have the same skills as him. He wonders why I need money. Not knowing how much he earns. Just need some money for a train ticket. Then I will give the rest to Terri.

"Alright, it's a deal my name is Nick."

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Nick. Kiddo is fine for me." I say

He doesn't really have to know my name. At least not right now. He will find out later when he reads the paper. I tricked him into helping. Knowing fully of my skills in art. After all, I won an art contest. Just like he did. Setting myself up, and ready to help him out. Mammals come to us, and I stay true to who I am. Nick is having fun with me and loves to do art. I am having fun, and love art. Decided to make for him as well. It doesn't take me too long to do and hide it in his bag. Soon the work is over and made a lot of business.

"Here's your half. It was fun doing art with someone." Nick said, "You are talented at a young age."

"Thank you, Mr. Nick, I had lots of fun." I say "I know I am."

It was a fun time. I have been told, I am talented at a young age. Placing the money in a safe place. It is a lot of money more then I will need. Terri is still waiting for me. Having a smile on my face, and I walk over to. Together we walk to the train station.

I was happy to meet Nick. Another fox who did art, and loved it. I wanted to meet up with him again, and do art for fun. Seeing that he liked me a lot. In the end, we were found and got into trouble. I didn't see Nick again, not until I saved his life. Looking around to look for them. They come over to me a few minutes later. Who are happy to see me. Nick is better than last night. There are stitches on his forehead, Also on the deep cuts as well.

"I have been waiting for you." I say "I knew you guys would come."

"Of course we would." Judy said, "We care about your safety."

The look in their eyes I see they care about me. Knowing that both of them would. Lindsey one of my friends, and one of Judy younger sisters. Knowing she cares about her family a lot. I saved Nick life, and both want to return the favor. So I won't be in danger again. I have already been missing for a month. Even those it feels longer than that.

"Let's head back to the station." Nick said, "We can talk over there."

"That sounds good," I say

Then we can talk to each other without others listening in. Following right behind them. Now feeling safe with them. Heading over to their car, and we head inside. Now no one will listen in on us. Both of them look over at me.

"Thank you for saving Nick's life. I was so close to losing him. We would have found out too late." Judy said, "My sister and your friends will be happy to know that you're safe."

I have missed my friends a lot. Missing spending time with them. Just like friends do. I heard that Holly was attacked. It was in the paper. Wishing that I could have been there for her. But I couldn't get to her. I'm glad that she's recovering from it. Knowing my friends will tell me. Which means I have to go back to the bullies as well. I don't want to go back to that. Yet there are worst mammals then them. After all, they are just teen and kids. I know they will grow up, and slowly become better mammals. Well other then one, he won't change at all.

"I was happy to do it. Nick's one of my adult friends. You're my friend as well Judy." I say "We can do art together again?"

"I thank you as well. We are friends now." Nick said, "Of course. we can."

That puts a smile on my face. I wanted to meet up with Nick again now that has happened. Either of us would have realized, that I would save his life. Both of them are my friends. I see that both of them are smiling as well. It will be nice to do art with him again. We had fun the last time. I know we will have fun again.

"Let's head back to the station so we can talk," Judy said

The ride back to the station only takes a few minutes. Now we sit in this room. So they can ask some questions. Knowing that they have to do their jobs. I will tell them all that I can. What I can tell them now. Judy sits across from me while Nick stands by me.

"You don't have to do this." Nick said, "We can wait for your answers."

"I know that," I say "I want to tell you some. I just can't tell you everything."

I have things to tell them. Nick heads over to me as if he wants to comfort me. I flinch when he gets closer. I know he won't hurt me, but I still react. Both of them look at me. I see the worry in their eyes. They really do care about me.

"I want to tell you guys." I say "I know you don't know anything about the murder. Other than the victim name."

Judy is holding out a carrot pen. Ready write down what I tell her. I wanted to tell. After all the killer got away with it. Killing an innocent mammal. ZPD has to know and the family as well. Hoping that finally this killer will be found and arrested. I take a deep breath and ready to tell what I saw.

Judy writes it down, at least they know some information. Which is better than nothing. I found out, she just dumped him. She was finished with him. Meaning she kidnapped and killed him. Keeping me as another kidnapped victim. Keeping me for a reason. Just like she did for the Gray Wolf. Like she did for Krista. Just like the others as well.

"Do you know who she is?" Judy asked, "You are doing good."

"I don't remember. Or why she took me." I whisper "I know she killed Krista."

That is the honest truth. I don't remember who or what she looks like. My mind is drawing a blank. I don't know why I can't. Both of them believe me. Which does make me feel good. Telling them makes me feel better as well. The things that I can remember.

"So Krista wasn't the only one." Nick said, "Are there others Aurora?"

"There are four others," I say "Two boys and three girls."

Not knowing how long the drive was. Until the killer now kidnapper stops the car. She comes to the back a few months later. Blindfolding me, and makes sure I don't touch the ground. So I don't figure out where I am. It only takes a few minutes, before I thrown in this room.

"This is where you stay."

She closes the door behind her and locks it. Looking around the room, seeing that I am not alone. There are five other mammals around and see that there are four wolves and one male fox. So I am not the only fox. There a guy only two years older than me. So I don't feel so alone. A young arctic wolf walks to me. Having light blue eyes, her fur is mostly white; with black and gray. She seems to be a young adult, just like the other guy. Three are girls, and two are boys.

"Hello there, my name is Krista Quinn." She said "We won't hurt you. What's your name?"

"Aurora Winters." I say "So she took you guys as well?

"She did," Krista said, "we have no idea why those."

So I am not alone in this. Wondering why she took me for. They don't know either and lost like me. Wondering how long they been here. The arctic wolf his name is Victor Beck. He has blue eyes, mostly white fur with black. Wearing a gray shirt and jeans. Who is twenty-two years old, he's the oldest here. The Ethiopian Wolf, her name is Maxine Yates. Who's only nineteen, is short and slender, having long pointed muzzle and legs. Bright red tawny color, ginger underfur. Underparts, chin, chest, and inside pointed ears is white. A bushy tail is black and has light green eyes. Wearing a light blue shirt, and black pants. Elena Fowler, who's a Timber Wolf. Who is tall and slender. Long legs with large feet. A narrow chest and a straight tail. Thick gray fur with black. Soft light underparts. Having light brown eyes. Wearing a red shirt with blue, and white pants. Who's only seventeen years old. I believe that was her older brother, that the women killed.

The young male fox heads over to me. Seeing that he is a hybrid, of a Fennec and Swift Fox. Having large pointed ears, bushy black tip tail, that is light orange on an upper side, and cream underside. Her upper side of fur is gray, with patches of orange, and cream underparts. Creamy white with patches of orange, on throat and chest. Pale orange cream on sides of legs. Having light hazel eyes. Wearing a red sweater, gray shirt, and brown pants.

"Hello Aurora, my name is Austin Cannon." Austin said "It's nice to meet you. Even those I wished it was different."

"It's nice to meet you," I say

We shake paws with each other. He looks to be a nice guy. I wonder if he has been teased. Just because of who he is. I have a good friend, who is a hybrid. I know what it's like. Being teased, for being different. Same for the others. Wishing that we didn't have to meet, because were kidnapped. Wondering what going to happen next. Now knowing that I don't have to it face alone.

Judy writes all down, I told her about the others. I remember them clearly, but not the women who took us. Krista is dead, it's her fault. We became good friends, along with Austin. Knowing Nick tried to save her life. He would figure out the truth. I hold my paws close. Not knowing how long it has been. It feels like no time has passed by. Yet some time has passed.

"Do you know where you were held?" Judy asked

"I do not." I say "I'm sorry about that."

"It's not your fault." Nick said, "How did you escape?"

I don't remember where we held. Nothing comes to mind, we were forbidden to go outside. Unless she was there and could hide us. Or we would get punished. Remembering some of the punishment. Most are locked away in my mind. I remember escaping so clearly.

Why do adults have to be so mean? Most of them are good, and not like her. I can't believe that its almost been a month. It feels so much longer. Yet I haven't been here the longest. Austin has been here for a month and two weeks. Elena about five months. Romona a year and a month. While Victor and Krista have been here for two years. Feeling bad for those two. Not seeing their family for that long. Same for Elena and Romona. Austin a foster kid like me who has a foster family.

I have to get out of here. At least one of us does. So we can get to the cops. No matter how long it takes. We have to help each other. They already have Krista. Now can't get to her. She has been with them for a few weeks now. Working with them, and is forced to do it. Knowing she doesn't want to do it. The women not happy with me.

"Do you really want to be locked away again?" She threatened "I will do that until you become a good girl."

"No," I say "I will never be yours."

I don't want to be locked up. Not minding being alone, or in the dark. I hate being locked in a place. She knows it as well. Trying to a make her anger. So she won't lock me out. I can outfox her. Watching her head over to me. Not liking what I said. Who touches my cheek.

"You belong to me," she said, "no will else wants you, or deserves you."

"You don't own me. I will never be yours. I will not love you. Not now or never." I say "Someone will want me and will accept me as myself."

She thinks she owns me. Just because she kidnapped me, and holding me against my will. She is wrong about what she says. Someone will want me, I will be adopted someday. I won't let that dream go. Someday I will have a loving family. Seeing anger in her her eyes. As she holds my left paw tight. In a moment she throws me to the ground. I hit it hard and remain on the ground. Not moving or opening up my eyes.

"Shit," she whispered. She still wants us around, until she doesn't want us anymore. I know she still wants me. Not wanting me to be truly injured. She will take me to the doctor. Of course not a real doctor, it's a dirty doctor. If we get really sick or injured too bad. She heads over to me. Hitting me hard, and I don't move. "You will be fixed up, and still will be punished."

She picks me up from the ground and carries me. My plan is working so far. I hope it will work until the end. Knowing she takes me to the car and puts me in the back. Who doesn't want to injure me even more. The car begins to move a few minutes later. Waiting until the right moment. Who stops the car some time later. Leaving the car, and leaves it locked. Knowing she will chat with the doctor first. Getting up and head over to the window. Knowing I have to break it. Luckily I am wearing a sweater, and I won't cut myself. Breaking the window a minute later, and glass shatters. Going through the window, and I just run.

Judy puts down her carrot pen. Seeing that she is thinking about this. I faked an injury, so I can escape. She didn't that coming. I wonder if they know about Krista. If she would tell them. Or keep it a secret, so they won't find out. Nick looks over at me.

"How long did you were free?" Nick asked, "Until you found me and saved my life?"

"About two hours," I say

"We are done for today." Judy said, "You did really well Aurora."

She closes her notepad. I was only out for two hours. Wondering the next part of my plan. When I found him, and decide to help him out. In the end, I save his life. Both of them look at each other. I answered all that I can, and don't want to answer some more. It will take some time to figure this out. Wondering what's going to happen to me next.

I will show more about hybrids and having own idea about that. Now Aurora part of the story. I may show you what she looks like. If I put it on the story cover. You just have wait and see. Until next time.