A/N: Day 4 and 5 in Zootopia and I think this is the most unusual punishment.

Chapter 29: Faking It


The phone conversation with Bogo doesn't go too well. I try to explain to him that it's our policy to let rumors fly and all the misinformation does is create an opportunity for the future. It's also very hard to change someone's beliefs so we don't bother. He disapproves of the order's inaction against the capture of two of their own. My response to that was I didn't agree with it but I will respect the Prime's decisions. Right now, is probably not a good time to give him suggestions on changing. I just narrowly avoided death which might have been a true death. Bogo also points out there's a new video by them up. The conversation ended on, "Wilde, please don't make any more of a mess. The military should be ready in three days."

Another thought – combat, how bloody would the showdown be? It's the right thing to do and something I desperately need but would it be worth it?

The first break I've had in a while, a chance to shower finally and an attempt to try to forget what happened last night. The Prime unfortunately has other ideas, we are to shower together since that's apparently, what pairs do within the order more often than not.

I have to shower with Jennifer which I hate and try not to kill her in the process. I should have been aware enough that she wasn't Judy. It's my fault. The shower thankfully ended without incident and Jennifer was respectful enough to keep her distance. At least the creepy eyes got washed off. Now. her eyes don't resemble Judy's when closed. It was also the only time she could get a reprieve from her collar. The Prime made her paint herself again so she looks like something resembling Judy. At least the eyes are back to normal.

Some good news at last, Bunnyburrow is going to give every one of the order a cellphone. It's a way to replicate the crystals we used to have. The entire order headed off to the police department to pick up cellphones.

We went back to the house. Bonnie informs us there's a severed lion's paw in the mailbox. I think she's getting more and more used to all this. I don't think that's a good thing. It's completely different from how she reacted a bloody message the first time. Oh right, lunch, just because I don't need to eat, Jennifer still has to. So, we ate lunch together.

There's not much to talk about. I hate her and I think she's smart enough not to say anything. Three days to go with her by my side. We watched the video. They have indeed severed Comet's paw. Their bodies now have multiple scars and are pleading for someone to save them. By the looks of it, I think they're malnourished. Jennifer is shocked by the video. Ferrus agreed to halt all of their illegal activities in exchange for those two.

Two of the order have detected another crime ring involving nighthowlers. This one is led by foxes. The Prime calls all of the order together. Cellphones made it easy. We're going to demonstrate our power. The police are watching us too, they know that base is heavily armed. It's one of the reasons why that crime ring was still afloat. The entire event is televised. I am forbidden from entering combat which is just as well, Jennifer is forced to accompany me. I found her movements too slow. I had Jennifer climb on me and I carried her. It's how other pairs of the order travelled more often than not. Due to the conditions on the surface, the simplest abilities required multiple members working in conjunction with one another. How fortunate we stopped a shipment of nighthowlers, that can give us power when we obliterate their base.

Of the elements we can control, air and water, it was decided air would be the simplest method. Over the course of thirty minutes the order creates a tornado which obliterates the building. Everyone involved with creating a tornado gave into desire and their wings show clearly. The tornado was so powerful that everything that touched it became dust.

Everyone involved with creating the tornado was shocked unconscious when the job was done. The Prime seems to be the only one able to keep control while assuming his winged form without any difficulty.

This is the first time in the public eye where we've demonstrated our power. The media filmed all this as it was happening. Now, they have questions.

A bunny reporter asks the Prime, "We've never seen anything like it. The Vulpez family just got disintegrated. How often can you do this?"

The Prime lies, "Very often, we simply choose not to." It took a whole truck of nighthowler's nearby to power our abilities. But they didn't need to know that.

Another reporter asks, "Why don't you rescue the two that have been captured?" You're aware of the new video that they posted, aren't you? They cut off his paw."

"I am an animal of my word. I have given them the right to torture those two if they cease all other activities. They have not violated that pact and yes, I did see the new video. It's rather interesting, impressive."

A reporter asks me, "Officer Wilde, there's a rumor that you killed Judy Hopps and replaced her with someone else. The bunny beside you isn't Judy. Who is she? What do you have to say in response to this? Why is she wearing a collar?"

After giving it some thought. I respond, "The only official stance the order is going to take relating to Judy Hopps is that she's alive but separated from us right now. We cannot go into details unfortunately. The matter relating to Jennifer beside me is rather complicated. Let's say I'm being punished by the order and so is she." I guess I should be thankful that a shirt hides her markings.

"What did you do? What is your relationship with the order?"

"I would rather not go into details about what really happened or why I got into trouble." That's understating it by a lot. "I'm a member of the order. I joined them back in the mountain. We follow the will of the Prime. He decided today it would be a good opportunity to show off our power, so we obliterated them."

"Jennifer, do you have anything to add?"

Jennifer replies, "I got into trouble, my punishment is hanging around him wherever he goes. He's paying all the money I'm missing from work. It was one of the better outcomes."

"A follow up question, are you two romantically involved?"

I reply, "No and we won't be." Jennifer seems a bit disappointed at that.

The cult scatters again and heads off to their own living arrangements. I carry her home because it's way faster to travel with wings.

A new rumor has sprung around the house. Apparently, I have moved on from Judy and rebounded on Jennifer. Per cult policy, I acted the part too. This entire exercise is just an act and nothing more. Acting like a couple while hating her when we're alone. Jennifer seems happy that I'm no longer acting cold towards her. This is just an act and it should be over soon.

We act as expected by sleeping in the same bed. The Prime has other ideas for tonight though. We apparently, have to sleep in Judy's room. This feels so wrong. I know it's better to follow than to object. We slept in the same bed at least we're wearing clothes this time. She respected my wishes and we slept apart.

A pleasant dream takes over. I dreamed that Judy was near. I cuddled her missing her so much. It quickly becomes a nightmare. I see myself eating her just like the kits back in Everlight. She didn't stop me or run away.

I screamed and wake up. It was morning. I notice that I embraced Jennifer in my sleep and her head is wet with drool from me. Jennifer wakes up as well and she doesn't seem to mind. I am frightened because I remember the nightmare well. She asks me if anything was wrong. I just told her it was a bad dream while it wasn't a lie, it wasn't the complete truth either.

We got ready for the day and headed to breakfast. The Prime apparently discovered something called dating on the internet. He believes Jennifer and I should date. We are to spend the entire day outside doing whatever it is that couples do. Chief Bogo calls in the morning like always. I guess I'm thankful that he doesn't know my new cellphone number yet. He calls Bonnie and I answer the phone, "Hello Chief, A pleasant day, isn't it?" Jennifer and I go to a vacant room to continue the conversation.

Bogo tries to remain calm by the tone of his voice, "Wilde, please explain what happened yesterday."

"The order decided it would be a good time to show off our power. We disintegrated a building with a tornado."

"And if you could do that frequently, why do you need an army?"

"We actually can't. That was a lie to create another myth."

"Are you aware of the headlines you being seen with Jennifer Hopps created?"

"I haven't had the chance to look sir."

"Here's one, 'Wilde kills Judy and takes another rabbit in her place.'" Another rumor although at this point I'm kind of starting to dislike them.

"What would you like me to do about that?"

"Can't you simply tell the truth about all this? and just what did you do to end up with such a punishment?"

"It's against the leader's orders to dispel the rumors for now and I'd rather not get into what actually happened that led to this punishment."

"Wilde, it's been FOUR DAYS and each day you or your group created some sort of flashy headline. Are you aware of the reaction to the online video that's been posted?"

"I've seen the video but what's the reaction?"

"The public is demanding us to do something about it. It's senseless cruelty."

"I've been given explicit instructions not to interfere, the Prime seemed quite happy that the terms he set aren't being violated. I'm afraid I can't help you with this."

"There's something else too, are you aware of what's happening in other cities?"

"No, I haven't had the chance to look at news, I've been preoccupied with family matters, in a sense."

"Ever since the tornado, animals are coloring themselves with blue paint and pretending that they're part of your order… let's just say not all of the results have been desirable. Apparently, some rumor that blue paint gives you superpowers and wings. There's been an increase in vigilantes and an increase in hospital visits because animals are jumping off of buildings and expecting to fly."

"I don't think we can control that at all sir."

"You could reveal how your order gets powers, that would stop the rumors of blue paint being magical."

"I would not do that. That would create something even worse beyond what you can imagine. It would be really bad if the truth was ever hinted at. Blue paint is a far better scenario." Can you imagine if the public started experimenting with nighthowlers en masse to try to duplicate us? It would be utter madness.

"Can you avoid creating any more flashy headlines for the rest of the week?"

"I will tell you that I've been sentenced to take Jennifer Hopps on a date. It's all part of the punishment deal."

"I suppose all those headlines are somewhat helpful after all. The city council finally spurred into action because of the tornado your order created. I should be arriving tomorrow with the military so we can rescue Hopps. The city council is terrified of what chaos might happen in the remaining three days. The council is sincerely hoping that once you're united with Hopps that the headlines will die down to a more comfortable level of maybe once a day."

"Really, sir? The army is going to be ready faster than you planned?"

"Yes, the city wants less chaos. Saving Judy is both something we need to do and less chaos should happen once you're reunited. The army should be waiting just north of Bunnyburrow by tomorrow morning. What are we to expect in combat?"

"Well, instead of conventional weaponry, they use magic crystals which don't last in sunlight. They seem to melt after a few hours. The crystal themselves gives them the ability to manipulate fire and ice, as well as heal. There's also a lion that can fly and shoot lightning."

Bogo tries to be serious, "You realize how much of a fantasy tale this is?"

"Yes, the mountain is a rather magical place."

"Very well, I'll relay the information to the generals then they can inform everyone. Please try not to make any more headlines."

The conversation with Bogo ended. I returned the phone to Bonnie. I brief the Prime that the military will be here tomorrow morning. Now, Jennifer and I have to spend the entire day outside on a 'date'.

I act authentic on our date together because of the guilt I felt over the nightmare that I had. We watch a movie. The movie is about wild religious cats that fight against each other for seemingly no reason. She enjoys my company and I acted like I enjoy hers. It's just today then I'll be reunited with Judy.

We go to Carrot Garden for food apparently, she has a seven week pass there to eat everything she can for free. I didn't object because I don't have to pay for it because the food was free, it also left much to be desired. She leans in for a kiss, I returned it because of my guilt over the dream. Pretty sure animals around us took a few photos.

After lunch, I decide that we should go out in the wilds to see the sights. It's a way to be together and it's out of the public eye. We set off for a secluded park. After ten minutes, before even arriving she gets bored and has us turn back. I suppose, if either of us come back too soon a greater punishment will await us. She decides the next thing we should do is window shopping.

Oh great, visiting all these stores in a pointless effort just to buy nothing. In the age of internet, you really don't need to window shop. I suppose I shouldn't complain cause that means I'm not paying for it. Visiting several stores and all buying nothing and it was time for dinner. I acted like I enjoyed it because it's my duty.

She's insistent on Carrot Garden food and doesn't want to go anywhere else. Having ate there earlier today, I suppose I should be thankful that I don't actually need to eat. We watch another movie. This is a peaceful movie about rabbits… so far so good. Peace is good… it devolves into all-out war between rabbits and one of them is even torn apart. This isn't really what I needed. Note to self – research movies before-hand instead of blindly watching them also letting her pick movies was probably not the best idea.

She doesn't want to walk home, she doesn't want to be carried either. We go to the nearest car dealership I rent a car and drove us home. So, ends our disastrous date I should be thankful that it ends tomorrow and I know I won't be developing romantic feelings for her. I acted like I was enjoying everything though.

Upon arriving home, I've been informed that Ferrus and his group have produced yet another video that we have to watch. This time, Comet and his doe are being shock tortured. Their screams are frightening. At least, Jennifer doesn't enjoy this. I guess that's maybe the only thing we have in common. Comet is missing a paw and I think the wound is infected now.

I ask the Prime, "Why are you allowing them to get away with this? We could easily stop it and the public would assist us."

The Prime decides to gather the entire order within the Hopps household together. We go into a room. Jennifer is excluded from this meeting thankfully.

The Prime then answers my question, "You ask why I leave them to their fates? Both as a reminder that even though we are immortal, that can happen to us. Another reason is I wonder if they can truly kill us. If they die, they should be reborn and be reminded of it clearly and if they are truly killed, we learn something new. It's why I forbid us from interfering and why I won't help the public in saving them. It would also be good to see what the public is capable of."

I guess I can't disagree with his reasoning. Those videos do serve as a harsh reminder. The meeting was adjourned and I returned to Jennifer. It was time for bed we sleep in Judy's room again. Jennifer is very happy about the date we went on today. I guess she didn't pick up on any extremely subtle hints that I hated it.

I wake up in the middle of the night. I can sense Judy's presence again. I disentangled myself from Jennifer. I notice everyone's still asleep. Her presence calls to me. She wants me and I feel compelled to obey.

I sneak out of the house, I start the car and drive off into the night…


A/N: A few not so subtle real world references.

Nick drives off into the night. Can anything good come of this? Suggestions always welcome.