Ch.10: Dark Visions
If the situation right now wasn't so serious, Judy might have actually enjoyed seeing Nocturnal World for the first time.
This underground section of Zootopia was made out of one huge, red rock cavern, with tunnels spread out to different chambers that were difficult to see in the dark. Fortunately, torches glowed on the wall every few feet or so to provide light for those who didn't have night vision in their genes.
Judy was glad that she had convinced Finnick to come along. Not only could he see in the dark, but he knew these tunnels, and knew exactly where the Carrion headquarters would be.
"I should have called for backup" thought Judy " but there's no time to waste. The longer Nick is down here, the more danger he's in. Besides, Chief Bogo and the rest of the ZPD still have to attend to the division up there. I can't afford to wait."
"Almost there," said Finnick, urging Judy to follow along, before suddenly stopping his feet cold. " Stop. We're here."
Following where the fox pointed his little finger down, Judy could see that indeed that they had finally arrived at the Carrions lair.
Formed into the shape of a spooky palace, this eerie part of the caverns glowed with unnatural light as fire burned up from cracks in the floor, bathing the whole area in a ghoulish, orange glow.
Predators of nearly every type stood up gathered near a ledge where Foxheart stood strong, with a helpless Nick standing by his side, yanking at the chain holding him bound.
Judy's heart nearly broke when she saw the sad situation her partner was stuck in.
"I have to get him out of there somehow," she thought.
But before the rabbit could even think to make a move, Finnick ushered her to be quiet and listen. Foxheart was looking at the crowd now, the maned wolf was about to speak.
"Carrions" stated Foxheart " the time to punish Zootopia is close at hand. For too long, predators in this world have been feared and hated by prey kind. They think because there are more of them, they should be the superior ones in this world. No. Justice for prejudice. We will make them pay for their mistakes."
"Yeah!" shouted the crowd, and Judy felt a slight twitch in her ear.
"As for you traitor" said Foxheart, turning towards Nick " the time for you end will come soon enough. The hunter is already after your rabbit friend, and once we destroy the place where all the haters have gathered, the Carrions will rule all."
"Yes" spoke out a voice " things will soon return to their natural order."
That's when Foxheart's 'employer' decided suddenly to appear, stepping out of the shadows for the first time, as he padded up towards Foxheart, joining the wolf on the ledge.
Everyone in the room gasped at the creature's appearance, backing away if they could, hearts filling with fear. Finnick and Judy understood their terror, they had never seen a beast like this.
It looked like a tiger, but it was larger than any tiger Judy had ever seen. Its canines were huge, and its fur pitch black. Fierce, yellow eyes burned from out of his skull, and his body looked lean and powerful, ready to rip anybody apart.
"Ah fear" said the predator, when he noticed the looks in everyone's eyes " I have seen that look many times, even from my own kin. They were right to fear me, just as Zootopia now fears you."
"The Night Howlers were a catalyst for this 'peaceful' world to become divided and strained. But the world has always caused more suffering to our kind. I understand this pain better than most, and will make sure the prey will pay for their punishment of predators. Now and in the past."
"No" thought Judy in her mind " I have to find a way to stop this before…Omph!"
Before Judy even knew it, she was suddenly tackled from behind, and then rolled down to where the Carrions stood. Claws dug sharply into her sides, making her scream in pain, as a feral hiss screeched into her ears, loud and mean.
"Kenya!" shouted Nick, as soon as he saw Judy pinned beneath the serval's claws. Anger rose up from under his fur, that he helpless to help his partner escape.
Fortunately for Nick, at that moment, the mysterious creature who had spoke called out "Stop!", and Kenya let go, leaving Judy lying in pain on the floor.
Nick let out a sigh of relief, glad that his partner was okay, but then let out a gasp as another Carrion brought Finnick down from his hiding, and flung the fox near Judy.
"Well, well" said the mysterious creature to their guests " prey has arrived."
Meanwhile, up on the surface, in Zootopia, Chief Bogo was very frustrated, trying to find a solution to calm down all this chaos, as predator and prey continued to select boundaries and sides.
The Bellwhether movement, and the angry peace protest were beginning to drive him insane.
Releasing a deep sigh, the buffalo hoped that Officer Hopps was having better luck than he did right now. If she could find the Carrions and rescue Nick, hopefully everything would be alright in the end.
But hope was a hard fought battle, and they would need even more ammo in the cannon if they were going to win.
Just then, Clawhauser called in, saying that Chief Bogo had a visitor. Although reluctant, Chief Bogo gave permission for the visitor to be sent on in. Maybe fielding a complaint from a normal citizen would help ease the worries on his mind.
Moments later, the door opened, and a small sheep walked in, old scars visible on her arm and legs, as she came to sit down before the Chief. Chief Bogo tried to hide his shock at the little, sheep's appearance, and waited for the lamb to speak.
"Thank you for seeing me Sir," said the lamb.
"My pleasure mam" said Chief Bogo " and you are?"
"Gloria Sir" said the lamb " Gloria Bellwhether. You and I have something to discuss."