AN: Thanks to AngloFalcon for getting this to me in a quick manner! This is going to be a crazy chapter, so hang on!
Chapter 12
Final Reckoning
Chief Bogo had been waiting at the exit to the facility. Luckily there were no ladders to climb up this time, and instead the group of mammals walked out of a tunnel that led to the sea. Their path was dry the whole way. Kess had woken up about half-way through and insisted on not being carried out. She wanted to step out on her own and support herself. Chief Bogo's face fell when he saw Nick had taken the responsibility of carrying Vek's lifeless body out of the facility himself upon his shoulders, the blood staining his uniform. Sa'an had the severed limb wrapped up in cloth; no need for everyone to see it. Once Nick stepped outside, animals rushed over to help him with Vek. A few began to cry as they carried his body to a waiting van. Nick was escorted to an ambulance which was on site to provide assistance to the wounded from the two battles. Judy spotted Nick as he sat in the ambulance getting his arm looked over.
She rushed over, put her paw on his leg and looked into his eyes. There was so much she wanted to say, to comfort him, to throw herself at him and hold him tight, but with the ZPD as a whole unaware of their relationship, she had to restrain herself from doing what she most wanted. Nick looked over at her and gave her a weary smile and took her paw in his. "Rough day, huh Carrots?"
Her ears drooped low. "It's not over yet...one more Nick, just one more."
He sighed deeply as his ears fell flat against the back of his head. "If I have to hold one more animal as they die...I think I'll finally lose it."
She squeezed his paw gently. "Don't Nick. I can't lose you."
He chuckled a bit and put on his best smile. "You can have-" he stopped himself mid-sentence realizing how poor in taste it was. Awful in fact. He was ashamed to have even entertained the thought. He must be exhausted.
Judy however squeezed his paw tighter. "You don't have to do it alone, Nick. If there is a next time, I will be there...just promise you'll be there for me. Help me through it. We shoulder this responsibility together."
Their conversation was cut short by Chief Bogo approaching. He wore heavy armor as well as did the other cops in the team. It looked dusty and Nick guessed it hadn't been used in a few years, but despite that, he looked pretty good in full battle-rattle. "Officer Wilde, so far everything has gone well. We caught four trying to escape out the back. Your planning has resulted in over 80 arrests so far with enough evidence to keep them locked up for years to come."
Nick looked over at the gurney that had Vek on it as a sheet was draped over his body. "It didn't all go so well. Who else was hit? I heard a yelp as we pushed through."
Bogo shifted slightly on his hooves as he spoke. "Mcgrowl was hit, although I think it actually just angered him. He really doesn't want to quit the fight. Another one of Mr. Big's boys, I assume?"
Nick nodded, "This wouldn't have been possible without those animals, Chief. We wouldn't have gotten even this far." Nick spotted Sierra Clawhan driving up in her car. When she stepped out, Nick called out to her. "Sierra, can you bring me the book?"
The chief cocked an eyebrow at him. "Book? You found something of importance?"
Nick smiled as Sierra put the book in his paws. "Of the greatest importance, Chief. Open it"
The massive buffalo opened the book to the first page and his eyes widened as he read the opening line and the following names. Nick smiled at his expression. "Every single one of them, Chief, they all deserve recommendations to the ZPD. They are all professionals, and they all have the heart and strength. You keep that book Chief. Maybe we can use this story to heal our city."
The chief nodded and wandered off to a group of police cruisers that had just arrived. Fangmeyer was unmistakable among the crowd and when she caught sight him and Judy at the ambulance she ran.
Nick leaned over to Judy, "Hey Carrots, get ready."
She looked up at him, "Ready for what?"
Before she could say another word, the tigress scooped her up into her arms crying, "Oh Judy! I've been so worried about you! What were you thinking, sneaking off like that?"
Judy shot a wide grin at her friend who was nearly smothering her. "I'm sorry Fang, but I had to find my partner. I know it was stupid and foolish...I should've told you what was going on."
Fangmeyer finally set Judy down and knelt down to look her in the eyes. "No Judy, you did alright. After what we found out about our own officers in the ZPD, I would say you played it safe. Besides, with how down Wilde was after the explosion, I would say that he really needed to see you. I bet it was quite the reunion!"
Judy giggled. "It was Fang! It really was..."
Nick gazed absently out towards the city, longing to be back there. For things to just be over and this whole mess left behind them. Especially now that the final phase of the operation was upon them. He would have to confront his former colleagues and arrest them. He cared less about Albalupus since he was a transfer from Precinct 9, but Delgato? Wolford?
He looked to the floor of the ambulance as it began to blur as his eyes stung. That wolf helped him so much the night of the explosion that almost killed Judy. He gave Nick the determination he needed and pulled him, literally, out of the dark despair he had been feeling. He spoke of his partner...No one had heard of Wolford's first partner. Hell, Nick didn't even know that wolf's first name, only that it began with a W.
Chief Bogo's voice brought Nick out of his brooding. "Alright, let's get this show on the road. Officer Wilde, please gather your team; we leave in five."
Hearing this, Nick's team congregated around the back of the ambulance, waiting for his word. Nick stood up to address them. "We have two injured...one dead. Sampson is in surgery, and Mcgrowl is on his way to the hospital...cursing the whole way."
That got the crowd chuckling.
"We lost a good animal tonight. He was the father of one of the reptiles we saved in the rescue.."
Nick paused for a moment as he put his paw to his chest and felt his badge. "I'm going to share a few words with you. First is integrity - all of you have shown the greatest integrity with each other, and with me. Your moral dedication is something that I admire about all of you. The second is Truth - you have confronted the harsh truth of the state our city is in, the state that this district is in, and you have held that value tight. Lastly is bravery...I can imagine no animals in all of Zootopia who have shown as much as you have. Hold onto these values, cherish them...for without them...we're no better than the suspects we detain. This is it - the final push. Let's finish it."
The group cheered as he stepped down out of the ambulance and was patted on the back by several members of the team, reptiles and mammals alike. Phrases like "You got it Boss" and "Well said bud" were spoken to him as he pushed his way towards the bus to find Judy and Bogo standing there waiting.
Judy smiled up at him, violet eyes shining. "Well said, Slick."
Bogo however was staring at him with his mouth hanging open. After a moment he collected himself. "Who the hell are you, and what did you do with Officer Wilde?"
Nick smirked at the Chief. "Aw, do you miss me Chief?"
Bogo actually smiled, "There's my fox cop. Let's go."
The drive to the warehouse didn't take too long. The bus stopped about a block away and unloaded the team while Bogo's went around the back to set up a cordon. They were blocking off the entire area to keep them contained. This meant that his team had to wait until the chief was in position. The anticipation was starting to make Nick's fur itch and Judy's nose twitch.
Judy's earbud buzzed. "Chaos in position. It's a green light."
She gave Nick a nod and together along with Calvin and John they started to move through the alleyways towards the warehouse. A pair of Big's bears climbed up the fire escape of a nearby building, massive rifle in tow. The rifle was a military grade anti-materiel sniper system. Just in case they encountered anymore armored foes. Nick's fire team moved swiftly and got into position near the crates the fox had hidden behind over a week ago. There was little activity going on in the area; only two guards walked on patrol. One was a brown bear, and the other was a uniformed cop. Nick's anger grew as he realized it was Wolford. Nick watched as the wolf rounded the building and, when the coast was clear, he started to move in and close the distance with him. He motioned his team into different overwatch positions as he took up the ambush location. He would have his answers. He needed to know why.
Wolford was coming closer and when he was a few feet away from Nick, he stopped with a suspicious look on his face and started sniffing the air. After a few moments he wore a look of surprise. "Wilde?"
Nick's legs coiled up and he jumped right into the wolf, tackling him to the ground. Wolford quickly shifted his body weight and tossed Nick off, but as he started to climb back to his feet, Nick delivered a kick to the wolf's face, causing him to see stars for a moment before he felt the fox's arms around his neck tightening. Wolford reached up and pulled Nick's arms away from his throat just enough to get a paw in between them and shifted again, allowing for a clear shot to Nick's gut with his elbow. Nick let go gasping for air, and it gave Wolford the time to get to his feet and finally look the fox in the eyes. Anguish, rage, and despair filled Nick's eyes as they stared at each other. Seeing this, Wolford lessened his aggressive stance, dropped to his knees and held out his paws, wrists together.
Nick looked confused, "What is this Wolford?" he asked in a whisper. "Why did you betray the ZPD? Betray me?"
Wolford wore a look of pure neutrality, devoid of any emotions as he spoke. "Cuffs first, Officer Wilde, then we talk."
From behind Nick came Judy, Calvin, and John. Judy had her pistol out and the others had submachine guns drawn and trained on Wolford. Nick stepped forward and put a pair of paw cuffs on the wolf, who didn't look bothered by it but rather had his eyes on Calvin. "Quite the team you have put together, Wilde."
Nick scoffed as the cuffs ratcheted in place. "Better than you."
That got a reaction out of the wolf. His face fell and ears laid back against his head. Shame filled his eyes. "In my left hip pocket I have something for you, Officer Wilde" He started to reach but Nick's mind went back to Officer Hufferson on the docks, the pistol in his pocket.
Nick reached out and grabbed the wolf's paws. "Better let me get it, old friend."
Wolford only nodded as Nick fished out a folded packet of what looked like several sheets of paper stapled together. He unfolded it and he couldn't believe what he was looking at.
Wolford confirmed his suspicions. "It's a list of everyone involved I have found so far. Names, addresses, back up safe houses and even the contingency plans. Their primary goal was to launch an attack on the ZPD itself, taking out all loyal officers and establishing themselves as the primary policing force for the city by using armored reptiles drugged on Night Howler. They wanted to retaliate against the prey population because of Bellwether's actions. Once that was done, they would have her killed in prison."
Nick turned to face him as he continued. "I discovered the plot the day after the explosion. Albalupus came to me with a plan for vengeance. After our conversation the night prior, I knew he was involved and I had to get closer. I couldn't go to the Chief or really anyone else. Judy was in the hospital unconscious and you were on the run. Even after Judy awoke, I wasn't sure how to bring up the subject. I felt it would be better if I just kept a close eye on her." His gaze shifted to the bunny with a smirk. "Not close enough, it seemed."
Nick stood silently staring at the wolf for quite some time before Wolford spoke again. "That night in the hospital, in the faculty showers...I meant every word I said Nick...the pin number for the door to the warehouse is six eight five three."
Nick stepped forward and removed the cuffs. Calvin reached out and helped the wolf to his feet. Wolford looked at the dragon with surprise. "Just like that?"
Calvin shrugged, "If Nick trusts you then so will I. You have no idea the kind of cop you have been dealing with there, Wolfy."
Wolford chuckled, "Why do I feel like that name is going to stick?"
Nick nodded to his team. "Alright, let's go."
The team moved swiftly and stacked up on the door leading into the back of the warehouse. Wolford mentioned it was the least guarded and offered the best chance for success. Calvin, and John took up positions on the opposite side of the door from Nick, Judy, and Wolford. Nick drew his lethal pistol and handed it to Wolford who checked it, making sure it was ready and nodded his thanks. Nick put his paw to his earbud. "Tranq team one, do you have visual on the guard on patrol?"
"Affirmative"
"Take him down."
A few moments passed. "Tango down. Sleep tight dirt bag."
Nick smiled to himself. "Heavy team get into position. We are going to head in and open the garage door as soon as we are inside."
Jack's voice buzzed back. "Understood, moving in. Good luck, Commander."
Nick softly chuckled to himself, Jack was reliving his time in the special forces...but the name sounded intentional...emphasized. Nick punched in the number on the pin pad. There was a chime and a click as the door unlocked. Nick opened the door and went in first, checking left as Calvin came in right behind him checking right followed by Judy who went straight in and found cover behind some crates scanning the dark, as Wolford and John took up the rear. Whispered words of 'Clear' sounded much louder than they actually were, and filled Nick with relief. He nodded silently to his team as they moved through the warehouse trying to get to the controls to the garage door.
Wolford came next to him. "Be advised, there are about 30 mammals in this place including myself and the guard outside."
Judy's hip throbbed and felt wet on her side. She knew she was bleeding again, but she had to continue. She couldn't let it slow her down now. They moved swiftly into a position looking into the garage where a large box truck sat. They spotted Albalupus yelling at a gathered group of mammals and reptiles, and although the words were lost in the echo, she knew it had to do with their efforts. In this moment of calm as they scanned the area, Judy made sure she wasn't being watched by anyone on the team. When she was sure it was safe she drew a syringe from her pouch and pushed the needle through her uniform into her hip. The numbing solution washed over the open wound and relief soon came at last, while the throbbing subsided. She couldn't let Nick see she was in pain, that she was bleeding again; she needed to have his back. She wouldn't lose him now, after all they had been through.
They waited what seemed like hours before the opportunity presented itself and the team bounded over in a pair and a trio, taking cover as they went trying to avoid detection the whole way. A few tense moments passed as a guard stood feet away from them, checking his phone as he grumbled to himself about the stuck up wolf he worked for. The tiger finally moved away still typing on his phone with his rifle slung across his back. Nick nodded and Judy bolted for the door controls. She got there, located the correct lever, and slammed it open.
"Hey! Bunny! Who are you, what are-" The tiger's words cut short by a dart to the neck fired by John. The sound of the garage door opening got everyone's attention and they all watched it.
What was revealed on the other side of the door left their mouths hanging open. There stood Jack in his bloodied armor, rotary cannon in claw, flanked by two ballistic shields all showing pockmarks from battle while another pair of animals stood behind, rifles drawn and barrels between the shields and Jack.
Jack drew a breath and shouted, "KNOCK KNOCK DIRT BAGS!" His cannon began to spin up and a fraction of a second later, it began spewing darts into the crowd. They dispersed and found cover but one unfortunate sapp found himself darted numerous times and fell to the floor. Gunshots rang out as bullets pinged off the shields and armor. Chaos ensued.
Judy was brought back to her senses by a round striking the controls next to her head, showering her in sparks. She heard Nick call out her name as she dropped to the floor and crawled over to a stack of crates shielding her from fire. The weapon's fire drowned out any chance of verbal communication from this distance. She locked eyes on him, breathing heavily from the shock. The look on his face was pure fear. He put his paw to his ear and a moment later his voice filled hers. "Judy! Are you okay?"
She put her paw to her bud. "I'm fine Nick, but I can't get to you."
He nodded and started speaking again. There was a short delay, then his voice again - "Stay there, I'm coming to you."
Judy shifted her gaze to the floor between them and saw puffs of masonry as rounds skipped off and impacted the wall. "Nick, No! There's no way! Leave me here! I'm fine!"
Heedless of her words, Nick motioned to the fire team and they all at once peaked over the crates and began to return fire. As they did, the enemies shifted their attention and gave Nick the chance he needed. He bolted towards her. Judy's ears fell as she felt like time slowed to a standstill watching him running, crouched low, rifle in paw. Rounds began to skip off the pavement near him again as he slid in behind the crates with her. He quickly looked over the crates, rifle shouldered and snapped off a few rounds before ducking again, his eyes locked onto hers as his paws gently gripped the sides of her face. "Judy, are you hurt anywhere?"
She brought her paws up to his and gripped them. "I'm fine Nick, really. It was just a close call."
He brought her into his embrace and squeezed, pulling her close to his chest. "Don't do that to me, Carrots. Ever..."
Wolford joined them, crouching low. "Hate to break this up but we've got a new problem. Doug is on the second story near the main office and he's armed with an air rifle. He is specifically targeting us. John almost got hit but that dragon pushed him out of the way and took the hit. Right pissed him off too."
Nick broke the embrace,shouldered his rifle again and risked a look, glancing up as quick as he could and ducking back down as a blue ball zinged by and splattered harmlessly on the wall. He quietly cursed. Wolford looked like he had an idea. "If I peek up first and take a shot at him, you should be free to take him down." The wolf then paused and sighed deeply. "Judy, if I get hit, you need to tranq me. Have your pistol ready."
She nodded. Satisfied, Wolford nodded to Nick and looked over the crate and leveled his pistol. Almost instantly Nick had his rifle up next to him and fired. They both dropped back down as they heard the impact of another blue ball. This one hit the crate right by Wolford and when Nick looked at him, there were flecks of blue that marred his fur. And his breathing was becoming shallow and rapid...
AN: Uh oh...Wolford is having a hard time right about now isn't he? Sorry to leave you on the cliffhanger! Originally this was all meant to be one chapter but it quickly became far too long and it had to be split up a bit. Scary that it didn't really make the chapters any shorter either. So, Chapter 13 is coming up next, make sure that you give Falcon some love too for his hard work and thank you so much for reading and your continued support!
Travel Well
-Keft
*DISCLAIMER*
Zootopia and the intellectual content are the property of Disney. I make no money or gains other than my enjoyment from writing it and experience. Any character names that I have created are free to be used by any other aspiring or experienced writers. Let me know so I can read your work with some of my character names and perhaps even personalities!
The plot and story are works of my own imagination and any likeness to other stories is purely coincidence, please inform me if I have transgressed on anyone else's work so that I may make amends. Likewise please do not infringe upon my story and make it your own without permission of a reproduction first. Thanks for reading!
