A/N: Hey everyone.
I'm sorry for delay in updating; I've been sick and depressed, which resulted in a bit of writer's block.
I don't know how I feel about this chapter. I Want to say it came out well, but I don't know. My only consolation is that this story made 400 reviews, and that made me very happy. I'm so happy that so many of you love this story, and as I've mentioned before, that's one of the things that's helped me push through and update when it gets tough.
If anything, I may revisit this chapter. I feel like it served its purpose of moving the plot forward.
Meh.
Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Disclaimer: I own nada.
~Star
In the outskirts of Tundratown, far away from most other residents, a large plot of land was gated and sectioned off from the rest of the district. Passed the security gates and down a long driveway stood a very large mansion. With its imposing height and classic, yet near-gothic features, it was a very beautiful—if intimidating—place. And within its walls lived one of the most notorious organized crime bosses in all of Tundratown, if not Zootopia itself.
Silvano Big.
Known for showing no mercy to those who cross him and having enough influence to make even the local ZPD precinct a bit nervous, it was easy to see why few visited his mansion. However, he hadn't always been like this. Back when he had first arrived to Zootopia in the days of his youth, he had merely been a mammal looking to make a better future for his family at the time. Fru-Fru hadn't even days old. At that time, he had been an optimistic mammal.
How naïve he had been.
Reality came crashing down on him with the sudden and tragic death of his wife by the paws of a gang of feral cats. When the police hadn't been able to find the culprit through their methods, he had turned to the darker side of Zootopia to get the job done, and found his niche in life. Through blood, sweat, and tears, he had been able to make a living he had only ever dreamed of in the old country.
Now, as he sat surrounded by family in his ballroom with seating arrangements for mammals of all sizes, he was content with life. He had a beautiful daughter who had given him grandchildren, his daughter who he had taught everything he knew and who had the option to take over the family business, or pass it on to Koslov. He would not force her. With being a newlywed as well as a new mother, Silvano suspected it would be the second option, and he was okay with that. Koslov was like a son to him.
Which led his thoughts to another mammal he saw as family: Judy Hopps. Their relationship was an unusual one. They had threatened each other when they had first met, and he had very nearly killed her then. That rabbit had somehow changed his perspective on things, and it showed in his everyday dealings; even with his business. While he was still ruthless when he needed to be, he found that he had garnered more respect from the mammals he had dealings with recently, and suspected that was the case. 'Til this day, he was very grateful that he hadn't iced Judy, as he now saw her as a daughter.
And with her came Nick Wilde.
Mr. Big wasn't sure what to make of the fox. The last time he had seen him was something he'd never forget. His daughter had been busy with her new pup and he was feeling a bit lonely. Since he kept in contact with Judy, he had learned that the fox would be going to the Zootopia Police Academy any day now, and thought to invite the two over for a sort of celebratory dinner. He had known Nick for a long time, and had come to respect the fox for walking down a road his kind had yet to venture. He had wanted to give commendation, and to also let the vulpine know that he truly no longer held a grudge against him.
He remembered feeling as if he had been facing a deadly predator when the bunny cop and fox had walked in, as if his very life had been forfeit. As a very small predator, he thought it was just his instincts messing with him, as they were wont to do, and easily ignored them. However, he had been surprised to see the unease in his polar bears. He had been even more surprised when it was revealed that Nick was the source of their unease.
It had made him wonder what had happened to the fox, as a mammal didn't just gain an air of danger around them without something bad happening to them. His only consolation then was that Judy had been well and present before them.
It had been an interesting evening, to be sure. And while he never did find out what had made the fox that way, by the end of the evening, he knew the fox was still fundamentally the same fox that had decided to be the first fox cop. That was enough for him. The looks he had caught Nick giving Judy also helped put the shrew at ease. He remembered looking at his own beloved with those same looks all those years ago; before they had started courting.
This was why he wasn't surprised by yesterday's announcement of the two being mates; Silvano had known it was only a matter of time.
The sudden, and all too familiar, shiver of unease down his back told him that the newest members of his family had arrived. He noticed how the din in the room quieted a bit, as the rest of the family felt the fox's presence. It was followed by the familiar shrill voice of his daughter.
"Daddy!" Fru-Fru called joyfully from Judy's paws as the three mammals came into view, dressed in a pale pink chiffon dress. Judy was smiling with a fluffy white coat around her shoulders, while Nick merely smirked, his own suite jacket in his paws. "We're finally here!"
Gesturing for Koslov to take him to his new arrivals, Mr. Big greeted them warmly. "My children, I'm glad you could make it. Please be sure to send my gratitude to your chief."
"Why am I not surprised that you know why we were able to make it?" Nick smirked at the old shrew. If someone had told him eight months ago that he'd be joking back and forth with Silvano Big, the fox would have told that mammal they were crazy and then proceed to go into hiding. Now, he was comfortable in the presence of the shrew and his gang, as was his mate.
"I make it my business to know everything." Silvano shot back with a smirk as Koslov opened his other paw for Fru-Fru to get on, before opening his arms to them both. "Now, come greet me properly." The couple did as asked, both taking turns to kiss the shrew's cheeks. It was then that their scents confirmed the rumors about them. "Judy, my child, you look beautiful. I see congratulations are in order."
Wrapping her arms around one of Nick's, she beamed at Mr. Big. "Yes, thank you."
"You, too, Nicky." Silvano said as he met the fox's gaze.
"Thank you, Silvano."
"Daddy, where's Ju-Ju?" Fru-Fru asked from her perch on Koslov paw.
"Back at the table, baby. Come, let us all go sit down." Silvano gestured for Koslov to head over to one of the tables that would accommodate them all, and for the couple to follow them.
"Are the two of you the only ones your chief sent?" Big asked the two as they walked.
"Yep." Judy answered. "He took our word for it just being a family reunion but he has to follow procedure since he's the chief. Especially when the Tundratown precinct thought a gang war was about to happen."
"To ease their fears, me and Carrots here are "undercover" and gathering intel." The fox grinned. "We have to report every hour. He's such a big softie."
"You know he'll hear that on the tapes later on, right?" Judy teased.
"Well, it was nice knowing ya."
Mr. Big chuckled at their banter, regaining their attention. "I'd expect nothing less from the Chief of Police." Silvano said with respect in his tone. As a leader himself, he knew there were times when favoritism didn't have a place. This was one such time for the cape buffalo. As they finally reached the table and Fru-Fru whisked away Judy to show off her daughter, Mr. Big focused on the fox. "How does it feel working on the other side of the law, Nicky?"
Emerald eyes rested briefly on Judy as she greeted the shrew pup, a smile stretching his maw. "Everything I thought it would be, and more."
As talk began to circulate at their table, and as the mammals got used to the odd presence the fox had, one set of brown eyes was glued to the couple in shock. They belonged to a male polar bear of average height in a waiter uniform, belonging to one of the companies hired to help with the family gathering.
Undercover Officer Sid Sycle recalled the words his chief had told him before he headed out to his current assignment.
"The only intel I was able to get from Bogo was that there was a possibility that this might be a family gathering. I highly doubt that, so I'm sending you in. Keep an eye out for anything unusual, and send me a message as soon as you spot something of interest."
As the disguised officer made his way to the restroom, he couldn't help but feel betrayed. He may not know Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde personally, and he may not agree with their choices, but they were supposed to be his brother and sister in blue…and they were working for the enemy.
He needed to report this to Amelia Sowpaw ASAP.
~o.8.o~
With a stack of folders in front of him, Adonis Bogo glanced at his watch, the device informing him that it was five until one-thirty. Rawrson had been pulled into a last-minute conference call, and so the meeting had been pushed back by half an hour. By the looks of things, however, he didn't think the agents would make it.
Taking a glance around the room, he took note of the Assistant Chiefs present. As he was seated at the head of the table, the mammals he trusted most were seated on either side to him. On his right side nearest him sat Josephine Mane; an American paint horse of precinct six in the Meadowlands. Next to her sat a grizzly bear by the name of Corvin Grubber of precinct nine of the Marshlands. To his right was a coyote by the name of Peter Dusty of precinct seven in the Canyonlands. On his right was a Bactrian camel of precinct two in Sahara Square, Richard Mounds. The last one on that side was a white rat of precinct three in Little Rodentia, Robert Tale.
Across from Mounds was Ava Nightingale; a ghost bat of precinct eleven in the Nocturnal District. To her right was Larry Kanga of precinct ten in the Outback Lands. Next to him was a jaguar from the Rainforest District of precinct four, Rafael Monte. Finally, across from Mane was a giant otter by the name of Samuel Streammer from the Canal District of precinct eight.
Bogo narrowed his eyes. He was missing one; Amelia Snowpaw. 'It's not like her to cut it this close.' The cape buffalo thought as he glanced at his watch again, seeing that there were two minutes left before the start of the meeting. A little sliver of doubt slowly crept up within him, but he squashed it. He had known Amelia for twelve years now, and knew she could be ambitious at times. She had to be, as she was the first female Assistant Chief precinct five had ever had. She had a lot flack to deal with. 'She's has been acting strange recently, though, especially when I challenge her decisions…' Just as this thought crossed his mind, the door opened to reveal the missing snow leopard.
"I'm not late, am I?" She asked as she closed the door behind her. "One of my officers is undercover at the moment, and left me a very interesting message."
"Care to share?" Bogo asked as she took her seat beside Ava, the little mammal chirping a greeting. Grey eyes met reddish-brown, and Adonis did not like the feeling of dread the slightly vindictive glint in them gave him as she smiled triumphantly at him.
"When the time is right. You know how delicate these operations are. If I tell you now, it might ruin everything." Amelia purred as she leaned back in her seat.
Based from the narrowed eyes Larry was casting the snow leopard, and the frown on Samuel's face, Adonis knew he wasn't the only one to hear the barely-there threat. "Fair enough. The meeting is about to start momentarily, anyway." 'I will speak with her privately after this. She needs to stop challenging my authority.'
"Why can't it start now?" Ava asked petulantly as she shifted the shades on her tiny snout to better block out the light. "You know I hate being out in the light. It gives me migraines."
Bogo had just opened his maw when his phone went off. Letting out a deep breath at the interruption, he pulled out his phone and frowned when he saw it was Bryant calling him. Answering the call, he brought it to his ear, the displeasure in his voice evident as he spoke. "Bogo speaking."
"Start the meeting without us." Came the capybara's curt voice. "The meeting is going longer than Rawrson expected, so he won't be making it. I'm heading over there right now with the agents that will be in charge of the two teams."
The cape buffalo withheld the urge to sigh at the news. "You're not making a very good first impression."
His response was clipped and short, speaking of his upset about the situation. "We'll be there momentarily." The line then went dead, much to the buffalo's ire.
"Who was that?" The giant otter asked curiously.
"The reason for this meeting." Bogo grunted as he put his phone away. "They're running late, so we'll start without them."
"Finally." Came the ghost bat's muffled voice. She had the decency to duck her head in apology when Bogo glared at her. "Sorry. Go on."
"I'll try to make it as brief as possible, but that all depends on you lot." Adonis began, gaining the attention of all his mammals. "As you were informed, this meeting is in regards to the recent Nighthowler shootings."
"Yes, the reoccurrence of such attacks is most troubling." Josephine said from his right. "The city hasn't fully healed from the first attacks."
"And Mayor Wolfgang shares your thoughts." Bogo continued without missing a beat. "As such, he has decided to get the FBI involved in the case."
"Why? We have perfectly capable officers working on the case right now." Larry pointed out in a neutral tone. "I know Hopps and Wilde solved the last case, I'm sure they'll solve this one."
Amelia's paws fisted under the table, but her expression gave nothing away.
"That fox and rabbit?" Peter Dusty asked. "Are we sure that wasn't just a stroke of luck?"
"No, it was not." Bogo said as he brought out a folder from his stack. He knew not everyone under his command agreed with having a fox and rabbit on the force. Opening the folder, he put on his glasses as he read what was in it aloud. "Three muggings, six speeding suspects, two cold cases, and one suicide attempt. Not to mention their high success rate with Ask-A-Cop." The cape buffalo closed the folder. "And that was just their first week as partners. This week, in addition to the Nighthowler case, they stopped a robbery and are currently doing mild undercover work as we speak."
Rafael whistled, impressed. He wasn't the only one. "With a track record like that, it's no wonder you have so much faith in them. So, why are the feds getting involved?"
Bogo took off his glasses. "Wolfgang brought up some good points. We have evidence indicating that Wilde and Hopps are Twily's primary targets, and that alone is stressful for any mammal." He got many nods of agreements at that, and few looks of concern. "In addition to that, they also have the media's attention on them because they are the first pred/prey couple and the opposition that comes with being in an interspecies relationship. While I don't doubt their ability, the mayor doesn't want any mistakes. Stress leads to mistakes. The feds are here to make sure that doesn't happen."
"So it is true." Robert the white rat said with a raised eyebrow. "I thought that was just tabloids or something. Why are allowing such fraternization in your precinct?"
Bogo looked the rodent directly in the eyes and raised his own brow. "How are Randall and Brianna doing?"
Robert's ears burned in embarrassment, but he frowned. "That's different."
"How so?" The cape buffalo's voice was flat, but it went right over the rat's head.
"Come on, Adonis!" The rat suddenly exploded. "They're not even the same species! And he's a fox for f—"
The sound of fisted hooves banging against the table cut off Robert's sentence and surprised the mammals there, causing all to jump.
"That is enough!" Bogo said in a stern voice, his eyes burning. "We are not here to discuss the personal lives of my officers, and I will not tolerate prejudice! If you will treat a mammal differently because of their life decisions, then you are not fit to be an officer! We are to serve and protect every mammal regardless of their class, species, or mates. Is that clear?"
Silence greeted his words as his mammals stared at him in shock. "Is. That. Clear?" He repeated in a deadly quiet tone, his eyes on Robert.
It was Amelia who broke the tension in a confident tone. "There's a reason why we don't trust foxes, Bogo."
The cape buffalo snapped his gaze to the snow leopard. "What was that?"
At that moment, the door to the conference room opened, revealing three mammals: a capybara with a briefcase, a rabbit buck, and an artic fox vixen. The new additions paused as they took in the atmosphere of the room.
"What's going on?" The capybara asked wearily as he closed the door behind him and his agents.
"Has the FBI become so complacent that they allow foxes into their ranks as well?" Amelia sneered. "If that's the case, we don't need their help."
"Snowpaw!" Bogo said fiercely, aghast at her audacity.
The vixen's expression melted into one of indifference, but it was clear in her eyes that she was hurt by the statement. The buck went to say something, but the capybara stopped him with a shake of his head. The message in his eyes was clear to them both; let's wait and see how this plays out. The trio remained by the door.
At this point, the other Assistant Chiefs were focused on the argument between Bogo and Snowpaw, varying expression of shock on their faces.
The snow leopard leaned forward in her seat, her eyes on her boss. "You're a good leader, Adonis, but it's clear you're no longer fit for the job. That fox has been scamming you from day one, and I've got proof."
Confusion colored Bogo's face for a moment, before understanding dawned on his face, and then his eyes narrowed. "What did you do, Amelia?"
"The moment you told me those two were taking over my officers' case, I didn't trust it." Amelia started, ignoring Adonis' question. "I could care less about them being in an interspecies relationship, but the fact that you chose a fox over one of my officers, that, I could not ignore."
"What did you do, Amelia?" Bogo repeated again, fire in his eyes as dread filled him. He had a sneaking suspicion of what she had done, and he hoped he was wrong.
The smug look on his face told him otherwise. "I sent one of my officers to go undercover at the Big's house, the same assignment your little fox is currently on. I told him to keep an eye out for anything suspicious, and look at what he sends me." She pulled out her phone and read the message Sycle had sent her. "'Hopps and Wilde are working for Big.'." Grey eyes flicked up smugly to meet red-brown. "Since she's his mate, I'm not surprised Hopps is in on it as well; she's been tainted. You've been played this whole time."
Amelia Snowpaw expected to see shock and betrayal in Adonis' eyes. She did not expect him to start cursing like a sailor as he pulled out his phone. Nor his next words. "You just put all three of their lives in danger with your actions!"
Grey eyes widened in shock. "What?"
"What's the officer's name, Snowpaw?" Adonis demanded as he dialed Judy's number.
Startled, the snow leopard gave it without protest. "Sid Sycle."
Bogo calmed down a bit at that. Officer Sid Sycle was one of the best at precinct five, and in the entirety of the ZPD itself. He was especially good at undercover assignments and knew how to keep himself hidden. Still, Adonis couldn't take any chances. The FBI agents continued to silently watch.
The call picked up on the third ring.
"Hopps speaking." He could hear the sound of a familiar male voice chuckling in the background.
"Hopps, I need you to not visibly react to what I'm about to tell you, and to listen carefully, is that clear?" Adonis said, his fierce gaze on Amelia as he spoke.
"Understood, chief."
"Are you alone? Is Wilde listening in?"
"Yes."
"Good. Both of you listen closely. There is another officer there undercover. He's a polar bear by the name of Sid Sycle. I need you to make sure he gets out of there alive."
"Why was—"
"I will explain when you get back, Hopps, but I need you to do this first."
"How will we be able to find him? Polar bears are abundant over here."
It was muffled, but Bogo could make out Wilde's voice. "If he's got his badge on him, I'll find him. The ZPD uses a chemical that gives it a unique smell if one knows what they're looking for."
That was news to Bogo, but he'll find more on it later. "Do it."
"Understood. Anything else?" Judy's voice asked.
"Right now he sees you two as double agents working for Big. I need you to tell him this. "The Eagle has taken over and the Blue Jay is gone. Make it to Spring." He will understand its meaning and vacate the premise. Once he is gone, I want you back at the precinct. Tell him I called you in, or that it was an emergency, I don't care, I want you out of there. Contact me when you're out."
"Yes, chief. Hopps and Wilde out."
Adonis ended the call and let out a slow breath as he stared at his phone, willing himself to calm down. He then turned to glare at Amelia. "We will talk more about this later, but let me correct the information you were given. Wilde and Hopps are not working for Big, nor is Wilde "playing" me, as you put it."
"Then why would her officer jump to such a conclusion?" Richard argued gently. "I know Sycle, he's a good cop. He wouldn't act so rashly."
"Because they have Big's favor." Adonis replied.
"How?" Josephine asked in surprise.
"On her second day on the job, Hopps saved Fru-Fru, Silvano Big's daughter, from an untimely death. She later became the Godmother of Judy Big, Silvano's granddaughter, as well as the pup on the way." Adonis said as he rubbed the bridge of his snout. Eyes closed, he continued talking in a stern voice. "This is why you get all of the facts before jumping to conclusions, Snowpaw. You acted on a whim, a stereotype my officer left behind long before he put that badge on. Not only that, but you blatantly went against my orders by sending in one of your officers! You could have gotten them all killed because of your actions!" He opened his eyes, masking the hurt and betrayal he felt with anger. Wilde wasn't the only one with a mask. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Nothing." Amelia said with a steady voice, her chin tilted upward stubbornly. She would not let them see how humiliated she felt in that moment. "I let my ambition and preconceptions dictate my actions. It will not happen again."
The cape buffalo narrowed his eyes. "We shall see." He then swept his narrowed gaze around the room. "Does anyone else have a problem with my way of running things? Hm?"
"Just one question." Ava pipped in as she raised a wing. At Bogo's nod, she continued. "Does Wolfgang know of Hopps' and Wilde's relationship with Big?" When the Chief of Police nodded once more, the ghost bat settled back in her seat, satisfied with the answer.
"Anyone else? No?" Bogo glanced around the room once more and nodded. "Good." Giving his attention to the agents that hadn't moved from their spot by the door, the cape buffalo gave them an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry you had to witness such a thing, and hear such offensive things. I would understand if you want to reschedule."
"Not at all, Adonis." Bryant said in a neutral tone. "If we're all ready, we can start now."
"Please, take a seat, and introduce yourselves." Adonis invited.
The agents did so a few seats down from Ava, with the rabbit closest to the bat, then the capybara, and then the artic vixen. The capybara placed the briefcase on the table. "I am Bryant Coffer, the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Incident Response Group at the Zootopia Field Office. The buck to my right is Supervisory Special Agent Jack Savage and the vixen is Supervisory Special Agent Skye Frost. They are from the field office in Periton State."
Bogo nodded at them and then gestured to his mammals. "These are my Assistant Chiefs. Starting on my left is Samuel Streammer of…" Once introductions were completed, the meeting began.
~o.8.o~
As soon as Judy ended the call, the couple got to work. They were currently on one of the balconies overlooking the garden in the atrium within the mansion; it was warmer so the flowers could flourish in the harsh weather of Tundratown. The closed doors behind them gave them a sense of privacy, and that had been exactly what they had been going for when the Chief of Police had called.
"Do you really think you can sniff out the, uh…" Judy stalled by the balcony doors as she tried to come up with a good enough "code" word."
"Mole?" Nick offered with a lazy grin.
Judy gave him a look. "That's speciesist, Nick."
"Fine, how about onion?" The fox chuckled at the perplexed expression on her face. "I don't like them much, and the badges the ZPD give out have a really unique scent, like an onion."
"You are such a kit." She shook her head as she opened the doors. "I'll keep the Big's distracted while you get ahold of the onion."
"Yes, ma'am." The fox said before pulling Judy into a quick kiss. "For luck." He said with a smirk, and she smiled.
After the two parted, the fox put his nose to work. With his heightened sense of smell, it was easy for Nick to sniff about discretely as he walked by several male polar bears, hoping to catch that unique scent. It was a combination of smells; a mixture of faux leather, tampered metal, and something else that he could never quite put his finger on…
'There it is!' Nick thought as he caught the familiar scent, his emerald eyes flicking briefly to a polar bear around his own age. He was of average height and build for a male polar bear, and was dressed in a white dress shirt and black slacks; the epitome of the classy waiter uniform. Nothing stood out about the undercover officer, except for the scent of his badge.
Looking around for inspiration, the fox spotted another waiter with a tray filled with glasses of red wine on it, and grinned. 'Bingo.' Smoothly swiping a glass, the fox made a show of drinking the liquor as he seemingly made his way to undercover cop. He could feel the other cop's eyes on him as he approached. 'Probably sensing the feelings I give off. Well, there goes my career as an undercover cop.'
When he was close enough, the fox twisted a foot just so that it looked like he tripped over his own feet by accident, right into his target. Red wine went flying everywhere, staining both of their outfits. 'Damnit, I really liked this shirt, too!'
"Whoa, man!" Nick said as he steadied himself against the cop, gaining a few glances from the mammals around the two. "I'm so sorry. I think I've had a glass too many for the afternoon."
"It's…fine." The bear forced out, a look of unease and irritation on his face. He did not want to be around this…traitor more than was necessary.
"Here, let me help you get that cleaned up." Nick offered as he grabbed some napkins from a nearby table and began wiping at the shirt. He ignored the polar bear's protests. "It's just not coming out. Let's go to the restroom." The fox grabbed ahold of the bear's sleeve as he began to lead the startled mammal to the restrooms.
"Sir, that's not—"
It happened for just an instant as the fox turned his head slightly to gaze back at the protesting bear. A feeling of dead replacing the feeling of unease as shocked brown met savage emeralds. In that moment, Sid Sycle swore the fox's pupils were vertical. He would never be sure, as in the next second the fox turned away and the feeling vanished. Stunned, the undercover officer followed the fox without further protest, and the two were once again ignored by those around them.
Sycle watched as the fox flicked his ears towards the male's restroom, tilting his head as he did so, as if to hear better. It was such odd behavior that only served to further confuse him. Once satisfied with his inspection, the fox opened the door and pulled the bear inside. Sid finally found his voice.
"Sir, while I appreciate your concern, I do not need assistance in cleaning my uniform shirt." The bear said. He didn't like the smirk the fox shot at him.
"Forget about the shirt, Officer Sycle," Nick emphasized the title, enjoying the way the bear's eyes widened further.
Brown eyes narrowed. "I don't—"
"I have a message from the chief." The fox cut him off, and Sycle scoffed.
"I won't believe anything you have to say, traitor."
Nick's tail flicked a minuscule amount, and his ears wanted to droop at the word, but his mask held in place as he repeated the words Bogo had commanded him to. "The Eagle has taken over and the Blue Jay is gone. Make it to Spring." He watched in smug satisfaction as brown eyes widened once more, a contemplative look forming on the polar bear's face.
Sycle's mind ran rampant as he translated the code. "Eagle" always stood for the Chief of Police, and "Blue Jay" for the commanding officer in charge. Lastly, "Spring" stood for the precinct of the commanding officer. The Chief of Police was basically telling him that Snowpaw was no longer in charge of this operation and that he better head over to precinct one ASAP. This further surprised him, as it also meant that Bogo was aware of Wilde and Hopps presence at this party that was nothing more than a family gathering. 'What the hell is going on here?'
"Do you understand what it means?" The fox asked when Sid didn't say a word for a few minutes. He didn't show it, but he was worried about getting caught.
"Yes, I do." Sid started slowly, but then nodded to himself. "I need to go."
"So do we," Nick revealed, "and we'll leave together." A sly grin spread across his muzzle. "And I know just the way."
Meanwhile, Judy was busy gushing over an enthusiastic Ju-Ju once again. Currently, the shrew pup was laughing merrily at the funny faces the grey doe was making at her. She, along with Ju-Ju, her mother, and Silvano, were back at their table in the ballroom.
"You're so good with offspring, Judy." Fru-Fru commented as she watched her daughter be entertained, a smile on her face.
"When you have two-hundred seventy-five siblings, you have to be good with them." Judy said with a giggle as Ju-Ju made a spit bubble.
"Have you and Nicky thought about having offspring?" Fru-Fru asked innocently.
Silvano gave a soft chuckle at the shocked bunny's expression. "My dear, don't ask things they have yet to talk about. Their relationship is still new, and such things have yet to be talked about."
"Oh, you're right Daddy." The female shrew giggled and then sighed dreamily. "They would make such wonderful parents, though! Ju-Ju absolutely loves him!" Which the young mother hadn't thought possible, as her little girl was terrified of their polar bear guards. With the aura the fox had around him, she had thought her baby girl would have the same reaction to her best friend's fox, but was surprised that was not the case—Ju-Ju adored Nick.
Before Judy had a moment to come up with a response to the current shift in the conversation, she felt the presence of her fox before she heard him.
"There you are, Carrots!"
Turning around, Judy couldn't help but gasp at Nick's appearance, or that of the polar bear waiter that followed him. "Nick! What happened? And who's this?" She noted the near panicked look in the polar bear's brown eyes, and for a moment, she thought the worst was happening as she deduced that this was Sid Sycle. Her thoughts eased at the hidden amusement she saw in her fox's eyes that she knew only she could see.
He had something up his sleeve.
"Funny story, that." Nick said with a chuckle. "I went to grab another glass of wine, and I guess I've already had a bit too many, because I ran into Clark here and got wine on the both of us. When we went to clean up in the restroom, I got a call from the chief about an emergency meeting, so we have to head out. Then my friend here got a call saying that his wife just went into labor. Since it's on our way back, I offered him a ride to Snowbill's General." He gave the Big family members an apologetic smile. "Sorry we can't stay longer, but duty calls."
Silvano sighed with disappointment. "We understand. Next time, I will give you more advanced noticed and pray your chief be kind enough to let you attend."
"That would be appreciated, especially with our hectic schedules." Judy smiled.
"I will keep that in mind, then." The shrew chuckled, but then took note of the waiter's distress. "Let me not keep you any longer, as the bear needs to get to his mate. Manchas will take you. Come say goodbye, my children."
The couple kissed the shrew and his family goodbye, with Nick nuzzling Ju-Ju on her stomach, much to her childish delight. The trio then swiftly made their exit, Manchas already waiting for them.
As soon as they were in the car, Judy pulled out her phone and dialed Bogo's number as she put it on speaker. The call picked up on the first ring.
"Report."
"We just left the Big Mansion. You're on speaker." Judy said as she leaned into Nick's side.
The sigh of relief was audible from the chief. "Good."
"Yeah, we're just dropping of my buddy Clark at Snowbill's General because his mate went into labor." Nick offered before the chief could ask. "Then we'll head over to precinct one."
"Understood. The meeting should be done by then. You two work fast; I expected nothing less." There was pride in Bogo's voice as he said this, much to the couple's delight. "Get here in one piece."
"You got it." Nick smirked, and then the line went dead, as did the atmosphere in the limo. The next fifteen minutes were spent in a tense silence as nothing could be discussed with the black panther's presence. The risk of him overhearing and blowing their cover was too great. Not when they were almost home-free.
It was during this time that the three mammals delved into their thoughts.
Sid Sycle was understandably in a state of confused shock. The assignment had turned out to be something he had never encountered before. He had gone in expecting to find a meeting of alliances between mafia leaders. Instead, he had walked into a family reunion and had thought two of their most promising officers to be double agents, only to learn that was not the case and that the chief was aware of their clearly close ties to the Big family. He was hoping his meeting with the cape buffalo would further clear things up for him.
Judy, for her part, found her mind occupied with thoughts as to why they were in their current predicament. Someone at precinct five had gone behind Bogo's back and sent in their own officer into a potentially deadly situation, which could have blown up spectacularly in all of their faces if the chief hadn't intervened when he had. Sycle could have been discovered, and despite her close relationship with the Bigs, she wasn't certain that it would have been enough to guarantee them their lives. What disturbed her the most was that someone had willingly put all three of them in needless danger, and that didn't sit well with the bunny at all.
The fox, on the other paw, was worrying about something different; his impeding meeting with the FBI agents. He knew others found it difficult to trust him because of his species, and his primal condition made it even more difficult. It would be like his introduction with the ZPD, only without Judy's influence to ride on. Which, in all honesty, he was fine with. No, what really worried him was how they would see Judy, or their relationship. He could not act the way he had to his brother's insult to federal agents. That just would not do. The fox hoped he would be able to control himself when, not if, such control was needed.
It was a relief to all involved when the limo pulled up to the building that was Snowbill's General Hospital.
"Good luck!" Nick called out merrily in farewell as Sycle exited the limo. "You're gonna need it."
"Thanks." The polar bear said in a nervous tenor, still playing the role of a first-time dad-to-be.
Then it was just the two of them; fox and rabbit.
"Man, what a disaster that could have been." Nick sighed as he leaned more comfortably into his seat, wrapping an arm around Judy as he did so. "Good thing the chief called when he did, huh?"
"Yeah." Judy agreed as she leaned more into Nick, finding comfort in him as she let her thoughts bubble to the surface as her ears folded down her back immediately. "I can't believe someone would willingly put officers in danger, even after Bogo said we had it covered."
The fox tightened his hold on his mate, attuned to her distress as he nuzzled his cheek against the top of her head. "It's probably my fault, Carrots. Mammals just don't see me as trustworthy."
"It's not your fault, Nick, and they're wrong." She said as she pulled away to stare intensely into his eyes. "You're the most trustworthy mammal I know. I trust you with my life every day."
"I know, Carrots." The fox smiled warmly at her, her words soothing the old pain prejudice gave him every now and then. "And some mammals are starting to see that, but change takes time, and you're not the most patient mammal." He teased as he bopped her nose playfully in an attempt to distract her. The cute way it twitched in irritation made him want to kiss her.
"I'm patient with you." She said in a soft voice that pulled at something within him fiercely.
"Which I'm eternally grateful for." The fox smiled, running a clawed paw down one of her arms. "But I wouldn't worry about it too much, Fluff. Bogo already knows who did it, and I'm sure they are going to get a talking to that I would kill to be a fly on the wall for. There is something about the way Buffalo Butt is able to tear down even the fiercest of predators with his glare alone that is just satisfying to my jaded heart—when I'm not the one on the receiving end of it, of course."
Shaking her head in exasperation and sufficiently distracted, Judy punched the fox lightly in the stomach before reaching up to give him a quick peck on the cheek. "Silly fox."
Nick turned his body so that he was facing her, and cupped a grey-furred cheek. "Beautiful bunny." He said softly as he leaned in to give his girl a sweet kiss.
Well it had been intended to be sweet, but Judy had other plans as she wrapped her arms around Nick's neck, tilting her head to deepen the kiss. A low growl of approval rumbled through the fox's chest that she felt more than heard as she pulled herself flush against him. When clawed paws found their way to her hips and gave a slight squeeze, she hummed her approval.
Pulling back to breath, Judy gave Nick a sly smirk worthy of any fox. "Next time you want to distract me, this is the way I prefer."
The fox gave a breathless chuckle as he pulled her in for another kiss. "Noted."
Answers to your Questions!
Hebbocake: The reason why I haven't had Nick tell Judy about winter yet is, partly, because it builds up some good tension, and maybe a bit of drama. Another reason is because my Nick is a bit shy in regards to it. Sure, he may joke and tease Judy, but to actually seriously talk about it is not really his cup of tea. More experienced he may be, he is as much of a virgin as Judy because foxes mate for life. Or something like that lol I don't really plan to explore that too much. Besides, he has time lol it's only Autumn… ;)
hpalex13: In regards to upping the rate to better explore the horror that is Twily…I really don't know. I feel like I need some type of buffer between me and her lol we shall see!
FILLER CONTENT: Your comment had me smiling and laughing lol I'm thrilled some of my readers like my DBZ references lol it was my childhood!
ElaMongrella: Yes, I know bloodhounds are a domesticated dog breed, but this isn't the first time I've mentioned them lol did no one pay attention to chapter two? Nick said that bloodhounds supervised the drug tests at the Academy. I know Zootopia revolves mainly around wild animals, but this is my AU, and I say bloodhounds and calicos cats fit in just fine lol ;p but thank you for the critique nonetheless!
toannghe1997: Your theory on Twily being a savage is very intriguing, but ultimately incorrect lol in the future, there will be a chapter or two about just how Twily came to be. I hope you enjoy it :)
Ria-jane: Thank you so much for your praise! I am honored to be your first review EVER! And I'm happy to hear that my story turned your opinion around…that makes me feel warm and fuzzy^^ As to upping the sexual tension a bit…maybe lol it won't get too steamy between the two, as I have no experience (the fact that you guys like my steamy scenes is promising, because I have no idea what I'm doing most of the time lol) in that department and this is a T fic after all, but it is nearly winter lol Do not hold back your excitement! It's okay lol whenever I get excited about a story, I leave eccentric reviews lol I am also honored to be the first author you PM. No, you did not freak me out, but it will be a while longer before I respond to PM's. It's not you, I'm just being cautious for a little bit longer. We shall see :)
Guest: I think the idea of Judy becoming primal is interesting, but too close to another story here on . It is called ZBI-Zootopia Bureau of Investigation. It is my all-time favorite story on this site, and what inspired me to write Primal Instincts and Embrace It. I would give it a read ;) but going back to your original point, while it is not common, I think there are a few stories on this site where Judy turns savage. I can't recall them, but the few I have read are good :) and I agree. Bunnies are tough. I once saw a video where a momma bunny tackled a vulture (maybe an eagle? I can't remember lol) to save her kit. It was awesome! The bird didn't know what hit it lol
threecam: In regards to the two of them moving in together because they are mates and engaged….nah. I'm old fashioned, so that will only happen if they get married. Since they're engaged, I wouldn't worry about it not happening lol
I hope that answers all your questions. I'm sorry if I missed your question!
As always, thank you for reading, and leave a review if you're able to.
Until next time,
Ja ne.
~Star