(A/N: Before this chapter starts I just wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to read my little story. I truly appreciate and it encourages me to continue writing. Also a bit of a disclaimer, I never really mentioned the age of the characters in this story so I wanted to mention them really quick right here. You'll understand why later in the chapter.
Nick Wilde: 26
Finnick Fox: 27
Judy Hopps: 24
Rookie DeMarini: 21
Trout Finch: 22
Benjamin Clawhauser: 27
Chief Bogo: 35
Other characters will have their ages disclosed in the chapter after their first appearance as to avoid spoilers.
Without further ado please enjoy Chapter 11!)
Chapter 11: Every Coin Has Two Sides
Tundratown: Outside 's Residence
The frigid air of Tundratown had never been one of Judy's personal favorites. All it served to remind her of was the countless times she had fallen into the water during the Ice wall training at the Academy. However, today she had some important business to take care of with a shrew she really shouldn't be associated with as a cop. She was now staring at a chained fence; behind it a large villa that any mammal would be jealous of. Judy released a puff of air noting that she could see her breath.
"I hope he has the answers I'm looking for." Judy had been up all night thinking about what had happened to Nick. The way he acted during the incident and then the subsequent disappearance of Duke Weaselton. Judy needed to learn more about Nick's past, maybe then his actions would become clearer. Only two people came to mind when the subject of a conversation is Nick's past. Finnick who wouldn't tell her anything (She most certainly had tried before) and , a surprisingly intimidating shrew who commanded a legion of polar bears. Mr. Big had welcomed Nick into his own family so surely he had to have had some idea of Nick's background.
The ground around Judy began to shake, accompanied with some loud stomps and a growl. Judy knew only one mammal under Big's command capable of such a feat. A larger than average Polar Bear came into view. The dark rings under his eyes and demeanor of walking showed he was in one of his bad moods.
"State purpose" The bear mumbled.
"Hey Koslov its Judy I'm here to see ." The bear shot Judy a very questioning look as though he didn't believe her.
"Not funny rabbit, Judy is gray, not poop brown." Judy facepawed. She had totally forgotten about her recent palate swap. Koslov was now crossing his massive paws, obviously waiting for an explanation. Luckily for her, past Judy wasn't quite as dense. She had ask Fru Fru to provide her with a secret password just in case a situation like this occurred.
"Fru Fru's saying of the day is: Burning your Kooka in the Jacuzzi, Meatball Problems?" Judy was positive that she didn't understand a single word that just left her own mouth. Kozlov nodded his head in agreement, At least one of them knew what Judy had just said.
"Why change fur Miss Hopps, gray easily prettier on fair maiden." Judy began to blush.
"Jeez Kozlov you're quite the charmer when you want to be." The bear let out a hardy laugh at Judy's complement.
"Wife tells me same HO HO! Now please follow. Mr. Big eagerly awaits and is cold out for small bunny yes?" Judy quickly nodded her head. She swore, only a polar bear could love this weather.
Mr. Big's Residence: Mr. Big's Office
"Undercover work? Very impressive Officer Hopps, but I certainly hope your job isn't to catch me!" The room was filled with laughter. There were four mammals present in the room. Judy, Mr. Big, Fru Fru, and her son Salvatore.
"Not this time sir and hopefully not anytime soon! What would my godson think of me then?!" They all began to laugh once more. Judy personally saw this as the weirdest part of her life. Having a casual lunch time with ZPD's #1 most wanted criminal Salvatore Big. Even Nick had commented on it saying that she had to have been either the most insane or smartest cop on the force.
"Then who are you afta Judes" Fru Fru asked excitedly.
"I'm trying to get some worthwhile evidence on the Paws of the Sun!" Immediately Mr. Big spat out the tea he was drinking and Fru Fru's face dropped with her mouth agape. Young Salvatore began to laugh, most likely because of the reactions of his two elders.
"Daddy I'm gonna take little Salvatore out of the room, Judes It was a pleasure to see you as always. Come on Sal your little sister Judy is probably looking for you." With that the mother and her son exited the room. Judy was left with a confused expression.
"Was it something I said?" Mr. Big regained his composure, but was still visibly nervous.
"It was everything you said Judy, You're going after the Paws. They have connections so deep in the government that you would question everything you know about Zootopia." Judy quickly got out her notepad, Mr. Big's words effecting her none.
"So you have info on the Paws?!" The shrew laughed.
"We may be family Judy, but you're a cop and I'm the most wanted criminal out there so I won't be giving out any information about the current state of the organization. The Otterton case was the exception based on the fact that I love that otter like a brother and wanted to help him out." Judy's ears drooped. She knew Mr. Big's disposition already, but it always disappointed her when he wouldn't help with a case unless it was personal. Judy was then hit with an idea.
"You said you wouldn't tell me about the current state of the organization, what about the past?" The shrew clapped for the officer.
"Nothing gets by you Miss Hopps, I shall tell you what I know about their past, but that's it." Judy's ears once again shot up in excitement. She motioned for the shrew to continue. "First things first, The Paws were not originally a criminal organization. They were a small group of mammals who protested the use of shock collars as a means to control the predator population of Zootopia." Judy was already entranced by the story.
"I think I've heard of those shock collars before, they were outlawed before I could even speak words."
"They were nasty little things. Gave a painful shock to any predator that felt any strong emotions. Someone like you Miss Hopps would most likely be shocked every second of every day. I still remember little Boris' taming party. A truly sad sight. Kozlov would lock himself away for days at a time, cursing himself for causing his son so much pain." A small tear appeared in the shrew's eyes. These collars caused so much pain, how could they be allowed in the first place. "At any rate the Paws succeeded in getting the collars outlawed, it was a victory for bettering Zootopia. Then they disappeared for quite some time, which made sense based on their goal being completed. That was until two years ago, when a teenaged ferret was found dying of hunger and starvation at my doorstep. We took him in to give the kid a fighting chance."
"That was very kind of you sir." The shrew chuckled to himself
"I have been getting soft in my later years. The terrifying part is what came next. On the chest of the ferret was a branding. It remains clear in my mind even to this day. A combination of letters and numbers the spelt TF16H followed by a price that read $2000." Judy gasped at this part. Brandings don't go away, that poor ferret would be stuck with it for the rest of his life. "When we asked him who did this to him, all he said were the Paws of the Sun. I have no idea why they turned to crime after creating a better Zootopia, but I do know the names of their founders."
"Mr. Big sir, before we continue would you mind providing me with the address of that ferret. He may have some valuable information that I can use to make an arrest." Mr. Big nodded
"I'll have Fru Fru email you the address, but please go easy on the kid. His body isn't the only thing that was scarred." Judy nodded in approval.
"Of course sir, now please the names of the founders."
"Right, the founders names were Leodore Lionheart, Skippy Celeriac, and James Wilde." The information hit Judy like a brick. One was a former mayor of Zootopia, the other was the prime suspect of the case, and the last one was – "That's right Nicky's dad was one of the mammals who rid Zootopia of the shock collar. He was the main reason I took that rookie criminal into my family in the first place." This jump-started Judy's memory, her whole reason for coming her was to talk about Nick's episode yesterday.
"Um sir could I ask you about Nick's past, it's for personal reasons this time." Mr. Big let out a huge sigh.
"Nicky was a very troubled youth my dear. I will tell you what I know, but I know you won't like it." Judy was confused.
"Why's that Mr. Big?"
"Nicky did not have the self-control he displayed when you met him. The Nicky Wilde I knew was a cold-blooded killer."
ZPD Headquarters: Special Operation Conference Room
"If you would have told me 6 months ago that I would be putting the fate of Zootopia in the hands of two foxes and a raccoon I would have laughed in your face and placed you in solitary confinement." Bogo was pacing around the front of the room staring down at the three attendees of his little de-briefing.
"Well shucks sir, I love you too." Nick stated as though trying to woo a lover.
"Shut your mouth Wilde!" Bogo responded. The small fox next to Nick began to laugh manically
"Yea Wilde! Keep the money maker shut!" Nick flashed an agitated look to the small fox.
"You as well Fox!" Rookie was growing increasingly uncomfortable at the situation that was beginning to rear its ugly head.
"I don't take orders from you I ain't a cop!"
"Oh I can change that!" Nick exclaimed has he slapped a junior ZPD detective sticker onto Finnick's cheek. "There, all suited up and ready for duty!" Rookie gasped in horror.
"Officer Wilde! Those aren't supposed to be placed on bare fur! Whatever you do Finnick don't rip- " There was a loud ripping sound to cut off the poor raccoon followed by a loud scream of pain.
"Hahaha nice haircut Fin!" Nick was now clutching his stomach because he was laughing too hard. The shorter fox took a look at the freshly ripped sticker. A good chunk of fur was attached to the back part of it, infuriating the fennec.
"My fur! Wilde you're a Deadman!"
"SHUT UP!" Bogo's scream could be heard from down the block. It was the loudest scream that anyone in the ZPD had ever heard leave the Buffalo's mouth and there had been some loud ones. The three other mammals were frozen in fear, even Finnick listened to Bogo's commanded. "Finally they stop talking. Alright first order of business – Wilde what are you doing now?" Bogo was commenting on the fact that Nick was now waving a hand in front on Rookie's face.
"I think Officer DeMarini passed out sir." The little fox began to laugh once more while the larger one was displaying genuine concern.
"OH YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" Bogo yelled as he slammed his mighty head into the podium in front of him.
Mr. Big's Residence: Big's Office
Judy took a large gulp of air.
"A killer sir?" Mr. Big solemnly nodded his head. Judy couldn't deny that she had her suspicions about Nick's past work with the old shrew, but she never imagined something to that scale. "You ordered Nick to kill someone Mr. Big?"
"Never, I have that icing pool for a reason. By the time that young man had come into my family's care he already had a body count of four." Judy gasped placing both hands on her mouth. "I still remember that day clearer than anything, there aren't many things that terrify this old shrew, but my first time meeting that fox had my instincts screaming danger." Judy's world felt as though it began to collapse. Nick couldn't really be a murderer could he?
"Then why take him into your family? Do you know who he killed?" Judy was sub-consciously entering investigation mode. She needed to know more. The mafia boss let out a heavy sigh.
"As for who the victims were, I have no idea. That's a question that only Nicky and Little Finn have the answers to. As for why take him in, I honestly couldn't give you a solid reason. I only found out later that I would regret that decision." Judy hated when the shrew withdrew information.
"Right the skunk butt rug." The shrew flinched at Judy's mention of the rug that his grandmamma was buried in.
"Officer Hopps, how do you think Nick got his hand on the rug?" Judy was stumped by the question. She hadn't really considered it before.
"Uh I'm guess he bought it?" The shrew shook his head in disapproval.
"He made it…" Judy could feel the tears welling up inside. It was taking all she had to not break down and cry at that very moment.
"Sir Can you tell me the story of when you first met Nick? I need to know more about him." The shrew, visibly growing exhausted from the heavy conversation, nodded his head.
"It was in one of Kozlov's old loan shark headquarters, I was just checking on the progress of his little side gig…"
10 years ago Tundratown: Kozlov's Base of Operations
"And how is collecting the loans coming along?" A much younger shrew was staring into the eyes of the largest polar bear in Zootopia.
"Beautiful boss, at this rate we have all of Zootopia wrapped around tiny finger!" The shrew clasped his hands together.
"Wonderful! Then we move on too…"
*BANG BANG BANG
There were furious knocks at the entrance to the little base Kozlov had set up. The only problem being neither were expecting a visitor today. The shrew made a motion for the bear to go check who was there. The bear took a peek through the hole in the door to see the intruder. After a quick look around the bear began to scratch his head as he returned to Mr. Big's side.
"Well! Who was it?!" The shrew was impatient in his younger years.
"It is small fox with big ears, says friend needs help." Mr. Big stared at the bear in disbelief.
"What? Who cares send him away; we got better things to do than mess around with a sneaky fox!" The polar bear didn't seem to heed the order and placed a guilty look on his face.
"The little guy said his friend's name was Nick Wilde." The name caught the attention of the boss.
"Wilde? As in a relative of James Wilde?" The polar bear shrugged his shoulders signaling that he didn't know.
"I would like to help young fox. If this Nick Wilde is in fact son of James, I owe him much he got those torture devices removed from my children. I owe this much to him." The shrew acknowledging the feelings of his right hand man gave in even though they had no idea if this was in fact the son of James Wilde. Kozlov opened the door and the little fox scampered in more frantic than before.
"Please sir you need to help Nick! He…He isn't acting like himself. Those kids were trying to pick on him, but it all went really bad! I don't know what to do!" The bear placed a mighty paw on the fox's head in an attempt to calm him down.
"We will help little fox. Please lead way."
The ride wasn't long, according to the little fox the scuffle was only a few blocks down from where the hideout was located and only took a few minutes for them to reach the location. In alleyway Mr. Big noticed a red fox on his knees looking to be in pain.
"Is that him?" Big questioned the little fox.
"Yes…" The little fox seemed to have become more somber after seeing his friends condition. Mr. Big thought he would be a little more anxious or show any kind of emotion at all. They got out of the car and made their way over toward the red fox. Apparently the fox hadn't yet taken note of their presence. Kozlov decided to speak up in order to get the fox's attention.
"Young man, where are boys that beat you up?" The fox, without turning, responded to the question.
"Oh you know, a little bit over there, a little bit over there, a little bit of everywhere if you really think about it." Mr. Big and Kozlov were not expecting that response in the slightest. Fear, a feeling Mr. Big hadn't felt in a very long time. He noticed the little fox was clenching his fists, fighting back tears. "Oh by the way Finn! You were right!" Nick quickly turned around to look at his best friend. Kozlov looked as though he was going to throw up and Mr. Big's instincts ran wild
Danger, Predator, RUN, RUN, RUN, RUN!
Nick started at the three with the most innocent of smiles with blood splatter splashed all over his fur. His green eyes in the dark seemed as though they could pierce right through their soul.
"I feel a lot better now!"
Present Day Mr. Big's Office
Judy couldn't believe her ears, her most reliable partner next to… never mind. Judy thought she was ready, but she was nowhere near ready. Had this been why Nick was keeping his past a secret from her. She already regretted knowing the truth and it was only the surface. Judy in a tizzy, began to gather her things and make her way out of the home. She was stopped only by the out of character soothing voice that left Mr. Big's lips.
"Judy, eventually you will have to make a choice." Judy once again looked towards Mr. Big. "Eventually you're going to have to decide what means more to you. Upholding the law or Nicky's life. Neither choice will leave a good taste in your mouth I assure you, especially since you consider Nicky to be a best friend." Judy already knew that and the two sides to that argument had begun to fight furiously in her head. She could throw up if she really wanted too. There was one thing though that had been in her head since her and the fox had started getting along.
"Nick's not just a best friend." Mr. Big shot her a concerned look
"What is he then Officer Hopps?" She couldn't find the word she was looking for. As though it had been deleted from her vocabulary
"He's someone more… Someone to…" No matter how hard she tried the word wouldn't leave her mouth. The word that described her true feelings for Nick.
Rainforest District: Forest Floor Residences
*Ding Dong Bing Bong
The chime of the doorbell was always pleasant to Nick's ears. They had a certain nostalgia effect on him. To his right and left were Finnick and Rookie respectively. The two cops were in uniform, while the fennec wore his normal black polo with a sleek red stripe. The case was simple, find and secure Walter Lanolin and his stash of stolen goods before they can be used against Zootopia and her citizens. Nick instantly got to thinking about how since Walter was a member of the Paws he would most likely use one of their hideouts. Lucky for him, he was pretty close with a guy who just so happened to be a founder of the little organization.
"Remind me what we're doing again here Nick?" Nick rolled his eyes at the raccoon who gave him a questionable look.
"Look My dad used to be a hustler like me right? Well back then they didn't have neato-burrito little phones with GPS and so he had to map out all of Zootopia. Places to go and places to avoid and such. Just trust me Rook, have I ever led you astray before?" Nick still amazed himself more and more every day how good he was at lying. Unfortunately he would have to keep Rookie in the dark. If he ever found out that Nick's dad was responsible for the creation of the Paws… well it was best not to think about.
"Come on trashcan, let the veteran cop do his job." Finnick always managed to find his way into a conversation. Rookie's face began to flare up, but before he answered the door to the home they had been standing in front of swung open. A vixen who didn't seem to be that much older than Nick flew into Nick's arms capturing him in a crushing hug.
"Oh my little Nicky has come home to see his poor mother once more!" The vixen shouted has she continued to hug her son. The air visibly draining from his face. Finnick began to snicker, while Rookie just wore a shy smile. "Oh my goodness! Is that little Finnick!" She quickly released her son who was now gasping for air to embrace the smaller fox. He didn't even try to struggle, he knew it was pointless. "You're as handsome as ever!"
"Thank you Mrs. Wilde." Finnick murmured, a slight shade of red appearing on his face. Mrs. Wilde placed Finnick down with a huff.
"Finnick Fox, I have known you for twenty years! You will refer to me as Marian or Mom, You're practically another son at this point!" She then turned to the young raccoon. He was a new face who she had never seen before. "Nicholas Piberius Wilde! I taught you better manners than this! Introduce me to this young man." Nick slapped a paw to his face.
"Geez Ma, We don't all move at the speed of light like you do. This is Officer Rookie DeMarini, he's my partner for the case I mentioned over the phone. He is slowly working his way up to friend status though." Marian grasped Rookie's paws much to his surprise, unable to hide his blush.
"Well Rookie, How would you like a slice of Mama Wilde's special blueberry pie?!" Rookie felt a tear start to form in his eye. He hadn't had a home cooked anything since before he could even remember. Marian took note of this, increasing the effect of her already inviting smile.
"I uh… I would like that a lot actually." Rookie managed to say without getting choked up. He then felt an arm swing around and hold him tight. It was Nick.
"Make that a double Ma! It's been too long since I've eaten you're delicious pie!" The vixen huffed once more
"Well it wouldn't be forever if you would come visit more than once every month!" Nick and his mother began to playfully banter amongst one another, while Rookie looked content just being there. Finnick just remained in the spot he was in before, just taking in the moment. He then felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He took it out to see that he had one new message from an unmarked number. He opened it expecting it to just be some spam, but instead it caused his ears to droop.
[Finnick, I know about Nick Wilde's body count. I know you help him do it too.]
[Who is this?! If you try anything I will maim you fucker! You hear me, your body will unrecognizable!]
[I don't plan on doing anything… Not yet anyway. Come to the Red Panda Café and Lounge in the Canal District in 1 hour]
[What do you want?!]
[Answers]
Finnick didn't feel much of anything anymore, but fear was an emotion one never forgets. Your luck can only get you so far.
(A/N: Thank You for reading this chapter. If you have any questions about the story please send me a PM I'll happily answer said questions. I hope to have another chapter out in 4 days if everything goes well. Have a good day/night)