Thank you all for your kind words about my dog. I'll miss my little Ebby, but she's not suffering anymore. That's what really matters.

Ask the Cast!

Guest asks – Judy: With you admitting to yourself that you 'often thought' what it would be like with Jack for months now, and how you let this get too far, would you blame Nick for not taking you back after all is said and done? Even if it turns out you and Jack didn't have sex? What would you do to even try to convince Nick to get back together with you after being so close to another guy for so long?

Judy – I wouldn't blame him at all... I messed up. After everything Nick did for me... I don't know what I'll say... But I have to do something. I can't just leave this unsettled like this.

Important chapter! Gonna learn about Jack and Hunter!

Read and Review!

The cab dropped Judy off at Jack's manor, quickly making her way to the door. Tom opened up the door from the inside as Judy walked up, smiling kindly down to her. "Thank you for coming, Madame Hopps. Everyone's downstairs."

Judy hadn't been to Jack's basement yet, curious as to what was down there. Tom guided her there, passing through a keypad door on the way. On the way down the stairs, they came to another sealed door. A thumbprint scanner on the door. Tom quickly punched in a code, then turned to Judy. "Place your thumb on the keypad, Madame Hopps."

Judy nodded and pressed her thumb to it. It scanned it a few times, then green words flashed. "Thumbprint Registered. Welcome Judy Hopps." The iron door opened, allowing Judy entry. Tom stood at the door, smiling softly as it closed.

The room inside was brightly lit, silvered walls and a gray carpet floor. Fluorescent lights giving the room a bright glow. Bringing out every detail in the room. In the center was a large oval table, and a television screen on three of the walls. The fourth wall went a little further back, showing a large computer.

In the room was Jack, Laura, Malika, and Artie. The members of the ZCTU. All of them had a worried expression as Judy walked in. Laura wasted no time in addressing Judy. "Take a seat, Hopps."

Judy nodded and took one of the many chairs around the edges of the table. High back, black in color, vinyl and surprisingly comfortable.

Once Judy was sat, Laura crossed her arms. "We face a lot of dilemma's here... So we'll start with the obvious one. Nick Wilde is gone, and likely in Force of Nature's clutches."

Malika, standing in the corner, scoffed lightly. "Jack and Judy botched that one..."

Judy lowered her ears, and Jack glared at her sharply. Laura sighed lightly. "We aren't here to point fingers right now. I already did that on the train ride home."

Jack lowered his ears quickly. Recalling Laura chewing her out.

"Jack I know I said that you are out of the ZCTU... But I still need you around for a while." explained Laura, glancing at Jack.

Jack paused for a moment. "What for?"

Laura glared in irritation, but not towards Jack. "Because of your boss... which brings us to our next dilemma."

The room listened intuitively as Laura continued. "James Marco has already expressly forbidden the ZCTU to take any action against Force of Nature at this point in time. Saying that the matter's no longer in our hands."

Laura hesitated for a moment before drumming her fingers on the table. Her claws clicking on it loudly. "And to that, I say bullshit. It's highly likely they have one of our members, Nick Wilde, in their custody. Nick has information that's sensitive to Zootopia. Jack, what's the go-to protocol for the ZCTU in this scenario?"

Without hesitation, Jack answered. "Infiltrate, and eliminate the potential loose end."

Judy's heart dropped as Jack said this. "They'll kill Nick?!" Fear for him strongly showing in her voice.

"Only if he's seen as a potential threat to Zootopia's security." said Jack, tapping his foot lightly.

Only a small bit of relief washed over Judy. Still feeling worried at the potential idea of Nick becoming a target of the ZIA.

"It stands to reason that Force of Nature makes its base in Preypred City." said Jack, walking over to the computer and typing on the keyboard. After a moment, a screen came up showing a satellite image over the city. "This is the best we can get right now... And I've never set foot in there. What suggests Force of Nature is here, is Jacques Akachi. He's Preypred City's governor and the leader of Force of Nature. This would be the first place to look."

Laura nodded and turned to Artie. "Any luck getting into the Zoocia mainframe?"

After a moment of silence, Artie shook his head. "It's hard to explain... I'm IN the Zoocia system, but Preypred City isn't there at all. It's either off the grid, or in its own grid. In other words, I need a computer connected to a network INSIDE Preypred City."

Laura sighed and growled lightly, crossing her arms in agitation. "So in other words, we'd end up going in blind."

Artie nodded, drumming his fingers lightly. As if something was on his mind. Malika was silent in the corner, her arms crossed and glaring around the room.

"In other words..." said Jack, looking discouraged. "You will have no support from the ZIA. You would go into Preypred City with no intel at all. And if you would be discovered, Zootopia will deny sending you in. And you'll be branded for treason, and labeled a traitor in the Western Region."

Judy didn't look or feel deterred, looking up at Laura. "I have to get into Preypred City." No matter what it took, she had to talk to Nick again.

Before Laura could respond, Malika finally spoke up. "Before we even think about that..." The sassy kinkajou began to walk towards the table, placing her paws on it flatly. "We have to get a couple of things out in the open."

Judy looked to Malika, puzzled. Artie nodded in agreement to Malika. "When we joined this team, we were told nothing would be hidden. And the tension between these two is so thick you could cut it with a knife." Gesturing towards Jack and Judy.

Laura was silent for a moment, looking between Jack and Judy. Eventually, she sighed and nodded. "I'm sorry but I agree. So, let's get all cards on the table. Judy, you start first. Explain what happened in Mamussia."

Judy looked between Laura and Artie, hoping one of them would change their minds. Eventually, she nodded and sighed. "Alright..." she spent the next half an hour explaining what happened to her recollection. Up to the point where Nick got on the train for Zoocia. Jack explained his side after, his story matching up with Judy's.

The room was silent for a moment, Malika and Artie both looked equally angered. Artie sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Not sure who I should yell at... Both of you?"

Malika nodded. "Definitely. Judy, what was going through your mind?" she asked in hostility.

Judy lowered her ears and fumbled with her thumbs. "I... I don't know..."

She glared sharply, letting out a strange hiss that made Judy jump in place a bit. "Have you ever thought about being with Jack over Nick?"

Judy looked to Jack for a moment, recollecting how she felt. Once she knew how to explain it, she looked back to Malika. "I have... But I always landed back on being with Nick. No matter how many times I ever thought about being with Jack, I felt even happier when I thought about being with Nick."

For a moment, Malika hesitated. Artie was the one to speak up. "Judy... Did he mark you?"

Guilt began to fill up in Judy again, nodding once. Artie growled in response, baring his fangs. Very clearly angered and outraged. "I don't care how many times you might have heard it. I'm going to explain what Marking means to a canine."

Artie took a moment to collect his words, soon speaking up. "Marking is more than just passionate sex. It's the moment where the male knows who he wants to be with for the rest of his life. Binding his soul, his very being to you. And if you accepted it, you are his. And he is yours. And doing this to him... You have no idea what that does to canines like us. It's more than just breaking his heart. It's shattering the love we express in the art of Marking. Destroying the piece of us that we bind to you."

Tears began to well up in Judy's eyes, lowering her gaze to her trembling paws. The reason for Nick's behavior became more clear to her. It goes beyond thinking irrationally. It went beyond that of heartbreak.

"Thinking about Jack in the way you described isn't really cheating. I think Nick knew deep down you held some feeling for him. But he knew you loved him far more." said Malika, leaning on one arm on the table. "But, finding you like that with Jack... He probably thought he was wrong to think that way. If you want him back, you have to prove to him that you love him, and not Jack."

Judy thought for a long moment of silence, wiping away the tears on her cheeks. "I don't know how I can do that..."

Laura spoke up this time. "If you don't know, what do you expect to do when you find Nick? Beg for forgiveness? You're probably gonna need more than that."

"We're not willing to risk our necks without a surefire solution, Judy." said Artie, drumming his fingers lightly against the arm rest of his wheelchair. "If we're gonna work in the shadows without Zootopia's consent to venture to the Eastern Region without clearance, we need a plan of action other than 'please come back.'"

Given what was at stake, Judy couldn't blame Artie for thinking this way. She eventually turned to Jack. "Did anything come back from the test results from the vodka and sweets?"

Jack hesitated for a moment before walking back to the computer, typing a few keystrokes. Several images of molecules came up on the screen. "All I can say for sure, is we were drugged. The computer found traces of similar chemical makups in Ketamine, and Rophynol. 'Date Rape' drugs and the like. But this is something a bit different, and highly illegal. It matches more closely to an illegal drug in Zoocia known as Desert Lust. Highly illegal in Zootopia. I'll do a bit more research on it later."

Judy nodded, feeling more confident. "We were drugged then! Someone set this up!"

Artie shook his head. "Not exactly. There's still a strong chance that you and Jack DID have sex... Nick could still be very well angry and unwilling to cooperate even with knowing that. Usually with date rape drugs, there still usually has to be a form of wanting. Especially if you both were drugged."

Judy lowered her ears again, gritting her teeth angrily. Just when she thought she had an answer, it was snatched away.

"There's still a few things I'm trying to figure out." said Jack, looking curiously at the molecules. "There has to be a more underlying reason that Desert Lust is heavily illegal in Zootopia aside from the obvious. Also, there's two other things..."

Jack placed his paw to the back right of his head, the bandage from his gash still there. "Somehow, I ended up injured. And Tom found a small bit of my fur on the corner of that table in the hotel room. And the running shower still has yet to be answered as well. No signs of forced entry either, the lock to the room was clean and undamaged."

After a moment, Jack walked back to the table. "There's still many pieces of this equation we're missing. And I'm gonna find out what it is. We might not have a solid reason to convince Nick to come back... But we have reason. Reason to believe that Judy and I were set up for this to happen. Someone WANTED to drive us all apart. And if anyone can reach Nick, it's gonna be Judy Hopps." said Jack, nodding lightly to her.

Judy still was trying to piece together everything. While the possibility of both of them being drugged was there, there was also the chance that Jack drugged her himself. And just didn't want to admit it. She hoped that wouldn't be the case.

For many long minutes, the group was silent. Eventually, Laura sighed. "That's good enough for me."

Artie nodded. "Fine."

Malika was hesitant, but eventually nodded. "Alright... Just don't ruin us..."

Judy smiled at the team. "Thank you. I didn't want to have to do this alone."

"There's one other thing." said Artie, looking to Jack. "We're dealing with Force of Nature. And you have some kind of blood vendetta against one of them. We've all seen it. So we need to know Jack. What happened between you and Force of Nature?"

The room fell dead silent. Tom, who had been standing by the door, looked worried as his eyes fell on Jack. A silent ringing filling the room from the computer in the back.

Jack's expression darkened, his gaze lowering. Eventually, he spoke up. "Follow me." Jack turned and silently headed to the door.

Without a word, everyone followed. Feeling that the air had changed. It was already tense to begin with, but now it felt heavy and sad. Even Tom seemed affected, keeping a worried gaze on Jack as they walked through the halls. Or in Artie's case, wheeled.

Judy recognized where they were going. Towards where Jack's office was. However, he didn't turn towards that door. He turned to the door opposite of it. A plaque on the door that read 'Memory Room.' Jack opened the door and stood back, holding the door open for everyone to enter. "Take a good look."

Everyone soon walked in, Tom flipping on the light. The room was dusty, and cluttered with many different things. Mainly, there was furniture. Couches, chairs, and tables. Along the walls were shelves and dressers, each one having many different things on the top of them. Toys for young children, clothes for casual and formal wear. And also many picture frames. Some empty, some with images in them.

However, the most standout thing of all of this clutter, was most of it was burned or charred. As if it was pulled out of an inferno before it would be completely engulfed in the inferno that it once sat in. The clothes were singed. The dolls were blackened and gritty from ashes.

Judy looked around the room, recalling that she wanted to see what was in here when she stayed for a few days when Nick was in trial. One particular picture caught her eye, covered in dust and ashes. She picked it up and wiped the glass clean.

There stood a rabbit family with gray fur. Some of them with black stripes. At least ten of them in all. The proud mother and father standing in the front, the father puffing his chubby chest out proudly. A large house standing in the background. However, there was one there that stood out from the others. A white furred female fox with blue eyes standing next to a rabbit with ice blue eyes, gray fur, and black stripes on the sides of his cheeks. Judy recognized the rabbit as Jack, only much younger. In his younger teenage years. However, the fox she didn't know. Jack never mentioned anything about her.

"It's been years since I've stepped in here..." said Jack as he soon followed everyone into the room. His eyes looking around the mementos in the room. A saddened, pained look in his eyes.

Tom, who stood at the door, nodded. "Too long, Master Jack..."

Laura ran her paw along one of the couches, rubbing the ashes from her paw pads. "What is all of this?"

"The remains of my youth... and my loved ones." said Jack, his tone depressed.

It was then that Jack noticed the picture Judy was holding. He walked up and smiled over Judy's shoulder lightly, gently taking the picture from her paw and looking over it. "You asked why I'm after Force of Nature... The answer is everything in this room. All of this is what's left of my childhood home."

A lone tear fell onto the glass covering the picture. Jack wiping it away with a paw. "I know it sounds cliché... But I'll explain everything I could take from the situation. And I'll start with everyone here in this picture." Jack placed the picture back up on one of the dressers.

"My dad worked at one of the smaller ZIA offices. Just the bureaucratic branch. Paperwork, phone calls, desk job and the like. And he made a damn good living off of it." said Jack, beginning his tale.

"We had a big house, loving family, all of that. In my youth, I made friends with the fox in that picture. Her name was Skye Vully. We were friends in school, and we lived close to each other. We played together as kids. We became best friends. And as time went on... we fell in love."

Jack paused for a moment, his expression angering a little as he recalled the events. "Skye's dad owned the local mechanic shop. Notorious alcoholic after Skye's mother divorced him. Her father won custody of her. One night, when I was thirteen, she showed up on our doorstep. Her clothes were torn up and she was bloody from his claws... She had been over all the time, and my family knew her well so without a word, my mom and dad took her in. He got drunk, and beat her... Within the hour, her dad showed up on our doorstep. Completely drunk off of his ass, demanding that Skye come home with him... Not even asking or apologizing. My dad told him to leave, and he started kicking the door."

Jack paused for a moment, his paws curling into fists. Anger flashing in his eyes. "Skye screamed out, thinking he was going to kick the door in. When she begged him to leave, he said 'You're leaving with me, you bitch.' I snapped... I grabbed my little brother's baseball bat, and flung the front door open. I don't remember much of what happened... but when I came to, my brothers and dad were holding me back. Skye's dad was crawling away with his bone sticking out of his arm. The bat was broken in half."

A light smile touched Jack's lips. "We notified the police of what happened. Since I was a minor, and he was trying to invade our home, I didn't even have to go to court. He however, lost custody of Skye. My mom and dad adopted her, seeing as she was over all the time anyway. And now we knew why she wanted to me away from that house so much. After a short while, me and Skye officially started to date publicly."

Jack looked up, as if trying to recall something. "My mom worked in a social group dedicated to raising awareness of cross species relationships. To introduce it as something that should be more positively reinforced. Skye and I agreed to be an image for that when we got older..."

Jack closed his eyes, smiling as he began to lose himself in his memories. "We made a lot of progress... I can still remember her smile during every speech and rally. I remember so much about her... The warmth of her fur... the first time we made love..."

More tears began to fall from Jack's eyes, dampening his cheeks. He collected himself, blinking the tears away, the faint red tint of bloodshot eyes showing. "I ended up working in the same ZIA branch as my dad. Got my foot in the door... Made a good living and I was content to come home to my family and to Skye every night..."

Jack's expression hardened, and saddened at the same time. "Then came the night that damned wolf ruined everything... that Force of Nature ruined everything..."

Years ago

Jack walked out towards his car, his suit coat hanging on his shoulder. He hated wearing the damn thing, only having it on when his boss was around. The sun had set, Jack getting a few extra hours in to add some nice overtime to his paycheck. Having to pay his credit card back after purchasing a diamond ring for Skye.

Night had settled in, the crickets chirping as Jack got in his car. The stars shining brightly. Jack turned on his car, and began to drive home. Tom had likely already left for the evening. Always gone by 9:30 every night. It was nearly midnight now. Eager to see his Skye waiting for him at home. Wondering what was for dinner tonight.

Jack turned down the county road that lead into a more rural area. The Savage Manor out in the country. It offered more privacy for them, which Jack didn't mind in the slightest. The manor situated just a few short hours from the border of the Eastern Region..

A strange glow caught Jack's eye in the distance. At first, it looked like just a collection of lights... But it was something more. As Jack got closer, a column of smoke was visible in the orange glow. A fire? Jack's heart dropped as he realized it was in the same direction as where the manor was, flooring the gas pedal.

As quickly as he could, he called his father. No answer. Called his mother... No answer. Called Skye, and again no answer. Jack's heart began to quicken in panic. Why was no one answering, and why was the house on fire?!

Jack finally reached the end of the long driveway, the manor now visible. To Jack's despair, the entire house was ablaze in a glowing orange inferno. Jack quickly dialed 911.

"911, what's your emergency?" asked the female call agent.

"This is Jack Savage. My house is on fire. I need fire fighters at 3200 East 100 North County Road. Bring it all! Firefighters and ambulances!" cried out Jack, peeling down the long driveway. Gravel kicking up behind him.

"Alright, Sir. They're on the way."

Jack didn't even bother to acknowledge her, and hung up the phone. As Jack got closer, he hoped to see his family standing outside. Praying that they got out and were okay.

But it wasn't any of them standing outside. It was something much bigger than a rabbit. Shrouded in the shadow of the blaze.

Jack slammed on the breaks and got out of the car, able to feel the heat of the fire. He looked to the lone figure standing close to the burning home. "Who are you?! He called out to the large wolf. At this angle, Jack could see he had brown fur. His eyes seemed to be glowing a grayish color. Wearing only black pants. Many scars along his muscled chest and arms. A much larger size than average wolves. Nearly as tall as a lion.

However, it was what was in the wolf's mouth that caught Jack's attention the most. White fur, stained in blood.

As the wolf turned, Jack could see Skye hanging loosely from the wolf's mouth. Limp, and dangling. Her eyes glossy, and dull. Her clothes torn, and blood stained. The front of the wolf's fur was stained with blood, and around his jaw. His jaw tightened, the bones in Skye's neck breaking further.

Jack's ears began to ring as his eyes fell on that of his beloved. All noise around him vanished, and his vision narrowed as shock took him. What was happening? Why was this happening? And who was this... wolf?

Shock turned into rage. A rage unlike anything Jack had felt before. Unyielding... uncaged... His arms trembled. His eyes welled with tears of anger and sorrow. A massive pain surged through his inner core, shooting through his chest, and down his arms before going back up again.

Any conscious thought left Jack's mind. The only thing that mattered, was making this wolf pay. For hurting Skye. For hurting his home and his family.

"GRRAAAAH!" roared out Jack, charging at the wolf. He didn't know how, but he was gonna make this wolf pay with his life. Even if he had to beat him to death with his bare hands. His only focus, was the wolf in front of him.

The dropped Skye's body onto the ground like a limp ragdoll, only angering Jack further. Jack jumped at the wolf. Only to be caught and instantly thrown back down to the ground a short distance away.

"What's your name?" asked the wolf clearly. As if not even phased by what was unfolding in front of him.

"SHUT UP!" screamed out Jack, getting up and running at the wolf again. Turning his shoulder towards the wolf. He was simply caught again, this time his momentum was carried and he was thrown into the ground hard.

Jack grunted as the wolf's heavy foot stomped on top of Jack, pinning him to the ground. "What's your name?" asked the wolf again.

"GET OFF ME!" roared out Jack, digging his claws into the wolf's foot. Realizing now the wolf wore boots. A metal plate over the toe and up along the front. The wolf simply ground his weight in further.

Another wolf appeared out of Jack's view, a male wolf with black fur and yellow eyes. Not as muscular, but pretty close to the brown wolf. Average sized as well, unlike the large size of the brown wolf. The wolf reached down and forced his paw into Jack's pocket. Jack struggled against him, trying to kick under the brown wolf's weight.

The black furred wolf pulled out Jack's wallet, opening it up to read the drivers license. "It's him."

The brown wolf nodded and pressed his foot down, closing his paw around Jack's torso. The wolf's large paw holding Jack's arms to his sides as the wolf held him at eye level.

"You and your family's violation of Nature's Law has brought me, Nature's Wrath, upon you. 'Thou shall not consort or wed another animal in which children cannot be born.' This is the law you have violated. As such, support for said cross species relationships is violating Nature's Law. The true law of the world." explained the wolf.

"Nature's...Law?" Choked out Jack, his lungs being crushed under the wolf's strong grip. Unable to wrestle himself free. He had heard of Nature's Law, but most of it was just seen as superstitious nonsense. Never did Jack think that someone would actually follow it religiously.

The wolf growled, baring his white ivory fangs. The edges of his lips still red with blood. "As Nature's Wrath, your crimes of directly breaking Nature's Law are punished with death." The wolf began to lean in, widening his jaws. Jack could feel the heat of his breath, the stench of sinew on his pallet.

"Hunter!" said the black wolf, pointing down the driveway. Hunter turned his head sharply to see red and blue lights flashing in the distance. Hunter growled and looked down to Skye's body. He picked her up with one of his hands, and threw her into the burning building.

"Skye!" called out Jack, thrashing hard against Hunter's hand. He managed to break a paw free while Hunter was distracted. Flexing his claws, Jack swiped downward at Hunter's left eye. Cutting the wolf's face deep. Hunter roared out, dropping Jack and stumbling back, blood dripping from his face. Jack had missed Hunter's eye, only scarring his face with three deep downward scratches. Jack ran into the building, determined to get Skye's body out of there before it would be turned into cinders. From the corner of his eye, he could see Hunter and the black wolf disappear into the brush, escaping in the dense foliage surrounding the house.

The heat of the fire was intense, Jack's eyes beginning to water the moment he entered the burning house. He didn't care how much pain he had to endure, he had to get Skye's body out of there.

But he wasn't prepared for what he would see.

The living room completely ablaze, the walls coated completely with fire. As if the building itself was constructed from an inferno. In the center of the living room, was a large fire of something burning in the center. Closer inspection revealed it to be burning corpses, along with other flammable things on top of it. The outline of the horribly burned figures only slightly visible from the distortion of the heat and smoke.

Skye's body lay in the hall in front of the door leading towards the stairs. Jack seeing her and running over towards her. He picked her up, seeing the bright red and blue flashing lights outside now, barely hearing the horn of the fire engine over the roar of the inferno. Jack could see his clothes begin to singe from the heat. His mouth going instantly dry. His eyes stinging from the smoke. Feeling as if he had just walked into an out of control firepit. The heat making his skin sear and split in pain. Begging for cooling relief.

CRASH!

The support beams on the house began to crumble as the wood and metal weakened from the heat of the flames, landing on top of Jack and Skye.

A burning pain wracked through Jack's body, and sharply along his back. More specifically, from the bottom left side of his hip and up to his right shoulder across his back. Something heavy, and on fire was pressing against his back. Jack being forced onto his belly, the fire not burning him as he hit the ground.

Jack let out a groan of pain, turning his head to see Skye's body under the same burning pile of wood and drywall that they were both pinned under. The heat so intense, Skye's white fur began to singe and burn. Her eyes only slightly open now, visibly drying out.

He didn't think. The only thing on his mind was getting Skye's body somewhere safe. To preserve what was left of her... He pushed his back against the burning hot wood, pushing as much of his weight into it as he could. His paws flat on the wooden floor.

The flames burned through Jack's shirt instantly, falling off of him while on fire. The wood bare against Jack's back. The pain was indescribable. It wasn't just heat. He felt as if his back was being split in half as he pushed against the wood beam across his back. Jack letting out an agonizing cry of pain. Feeling his skin crack and his blood boil.

In the distance, that same cry of agony could be heard by the fleeing Hunter. He stopped and looked back at the house, his eyes narrowing. Knowing that his target would survive... That his hunt had failed.

Jack slowly rose to his feet, the blazing wood on his back. Pulling Skye's slowly burning body out from under the wood. His head began to feel lightened, the pain slowly ebbing away from his back despite still holding himself there. The smoke stinging his nose and lungs. He fought to stay conscious, he had to get Skye's body out of there.

A strong hand grabbed Jack, pulling him away from the burning wood. He couldn't make out who it was. The hand that grabbed him was thickly gloved. Barely able to make out that the person in question was a fire fighter. The mask and the helmet giving it away.

More of the house began to collapse, the fireman having to jump back with Jack to get out of the destructive path. The fireman picked Jack up under his arm, high tailing it out of the burning house.

Jack blacked out for a moment as the pain in his back intensified from the sudden movement. Coming to as he felt himself forced to his belly onto something cold, and hard. The muffled voices of paramedics shouting as Jack's vision was soon surrounded in white. Knowing he must be in an ambulance now.

He looked over his shoulder, despite the crippling pain in his back protesting his every movement. He had to see if Skye's body made it out. Only just barely able to make out the fire fighters doing their job.

And the destroyed, still ablaze remains of what was once his home.

A mask was placed over Jack's face, and his vision blacked out entirely within moments.

When Jack woke, his vision was faded, his eyes painfully adjusting to the harsh light. He couldn't move, something was holding him in place. Someone was sitting next to him, a dark shadow. It took several minutes for his eyes to adjust, realizing he was in a hospital room. Sitting next to him, was the family butler Tom Minx asleep.

Jack tried to turn to him, only to have his back explode in pain, causing Jack to groan out. The sudden sound woke Tom from his slumber, standing up and resting his paws on Jack's cheeks. "Master Jack, relax. Please don't move, or you'll only hurt yourself more."

A strange swell of emotions coursed through Jack. Confusion, and a desire for answers. He lay still, the pain slowly ebbing away from his back. It was now Jack noticed his torso was in a body cast, preventing him from moving his chest and arms. His legs were also heavily bandaged. "Tom... What..."

A shot of panic ran through Jack, recalling what had happened before he blacked out. "Mom... Dad... Skye... What happened?!"

Tom's gaze lowered, his face saddening deeply. "Investigators are trying to ascertain what happened... I'm sorry Jack... None of them made it out..."

End Flashback

Jack carried the picture back to the dresser it once sat, setting it back up and sighing deeply. Everyone listened to the story, Malika holding her paw over her mouth. Artie looking guilty for having instigated Jack into telling this tale.

Judy drooped her ears as she listened to Jack's story. All the blind hatred... the hostility towards Force of Nature. It all made sense now.

"The fire was ruled as an act of arson. And a homicide case was set up. But they never found Hunter. Ever since that day, I dedicated my life to finding Hunter. And Force of Nature. When I find him... I'll make him bleed. Writhe. Nothing will be left of him..." muttered Jack, his eyes narrowing. He took off his shirt, showing his back to everyone.

Judy had seen this scar before, but now everyone else could too. The scar ran from his top right shoulder, and down to the top of his left hip. The fur had grown over it, but there were still patches of pink scarred tissue still visible. "I should have died that day. The burning debris that pinned me down put this scar on my back. I don't know why I survived... or even how. If I didn't work late that night, I'd be dead too."

Without a word, Laura walked up to Jack, turning him to face her and pulled him close. Hugging him warmly against her chest. Laura only slightly taller than Jack. Her chest at his forhead level. Jack wrapped her arms around him after a moment's hesitation. Laura gently rocking him from side to side. "I'm sorry, Jack..."

Jack's paws began to tremble, his emotions getting the better of him as he lightly sobbed into Laura's chest. Tom spoke up in his stead. "The items in this room is what was recovered from the remains of the original Savage Manor. I have remained by Jack's side, helping him through his tough time. Of course, there had to be other outlets. His drinking was only the lighter side of it..."

Judy's heart skipped a beat, realizing that Tom was alluding to Jack attempting to end his own life at least once. She couldn't blame him... Having to live with that memory on a daily basis.

After a few moments, Jack recollected himself. Pulling away from Laura and walking up to Judy. Placing his paws on her shoulders, a pleading look in his eyes. Not a plea of cooperation on his part, but more of a beg for forgiveness. "The reason I didn't agree with you being with Nick, is the same reason for what I went through. I didn't want you to go through the same thing I did... To become another target to Force of Nature..."

Judy understood more why Jack was persistent in pursuing a relationship with her. She had no doubts that Jack did hold some feelings for her, but he also wanted to save her from a fate much like his. Had she had known about Jack's past, she would have done a much better job pushing him away. She smiled at him, lightly hugging him. "I understand."

Much to her surprise, he didn't hug her back. "I was wrong to try and break you and Nick up... After seeing how happy you two were together... It reminded me of how I was with Skye. And I know that you think I might have drugged you in Mamussia... But I promise you Judy, I swear it. I didn't drug you."

His words were true, Judy could tell. After opening up like this, and getting everything out in the open despite how much it would hurt Jack to relive those memories told Jack's sincerity. She trusted his words, sensing no ill intent or lies behind them.

"I believe you, Jack." said Judy, letting go of him. He smiled, looking relieved.

"You're... we're gonna get him back. And we're gonna figure out what happened in Mamussia." motivated Jack.

Artie chuckled lightly. "Not necessarily in that order."

Laura smiled and stood next to Jack, her gaze down on his. "Thank you for telling us, Jack."

Jack smiled up at Laura, reaching up and taking her paw in his. A light blush on his cheeks. "You've been here a lot for me, Laura. Thank you"

She blushed lightly as well, smiling and holding Jack's paw in her own. "I don't care what your boss says. We're getting Nick back."

A few days later, Preypred City

Nick stood outside in the afternoon in front of City Hall. Waiting patiently. He had spent the last few days with Leah, learning how society works, and how Leah protects the city. To sum it up, Leah is the police force of Preypred City. Her, and her other appointed lionesses catch those who break the city's laws.

She had a way about her when she worked with the civilians... As if her caring nature for them could be sensed, and felt as if those emotions were their own. As if they could feel the love for her people. For her home.

Nick recalled feeling something similar when Jacques lead the Coup in Zoocia. As if he could project his emotions and make others feel it around him.

"Wilde." spoke a deep, robust voice that Nick knew, and feared slightly.

Nick looked up to see Hunter walking towards him. Wearing black pants, his usual boots with the metal cover over the front, and a gray tshirt. "Come with me."

Without a word, Nick followed the wolf. Feeling awkward that the same mammal that attacked him only a short while prior to this, was now escorting him to... wherever. Hunter lead Nick towards the center of the city. A large walled off area that Nick recognized stood. The wall made of concrete, and having a few entrances. When Nick asked about it to Leah, she would say that this area was called the 'Hunting Grounds.'

The Hunting Grounds sat on the line of the Predator and Prey Wards, creating a bubble in the line. Almost like a point where the two wards merge. Hunter lead Nick to one of the gates leading into the Hunter Grounds.

Its construction reminded Nick of that of a stadium. Rows of seats and stands leading to an oval area below. The oval area was rather small, only about 50 feet wide in all. Dense foliage along the edges and an open area in the center. Green grass in the center, like that of a clearing in the forest.

Hunter spoke up. "This is the Hunting Grounds. The place in which those who break the most sacred of Nature's Laws are punished. A punishment decided by me, Nature's Wrath."

An execution ground. Nick recalled that the concept of euthanasia in Zootopia. However it was almost always shot down. Instead lifetime prisoners would be left to rot in high security penitentiaries. "Well, I'm hear to learn about what it is that you do. So lemme hear it."

Hunter paused for a moment, before taking Nick down to the lower areas beneath the Hunting Grounds. It appeared to be a jail cell, armed guards standing outside of a cell block. Hunter and Nick both went in. There were very few in the cell chambers. Hunter stopped in front of one of them, holding a male lion inside. He looked tired, and had only some tattered pants on. He looked up at Hunter as he stood in front of the cell, glaring sharply with his yellow eyes.

"The ones in this cell block, are those that break Nature's Law. This one, committed one of the most grave of sins. Slaughter for pleasure. Killing not for sustenance, but for sport. To show his strength and dominance." explained Hunter, glaring at the lion.

The lion growled at Hunter. "You stupid little wolf. Open this cell door and I'll show you what wrath really is."

Hunter growled back, much more deep and loud than the lion could muster. Nick could feel his hostility. His rage towards the lion. "You had that chance, heretic. Nature deemed me stronger. And you will be punished for the lives you've tortured and taken."

The lion growled again and spat on the ground. Hunter turned and walked out, Nick following. "As Nature's Wrath, its my job to punish those who break our most sacred of laws. The lion will face his punishment and judgment in the Hunting Grounds. For his crimes of Slaughter Without Sustenance, he will be treated as prey. My pack will personally see to his death."

Nick felt his gorge rise at the idea of such a vulgar display. But nothing says 'follow our rules' like a public display of punishment, no matter how violent. It might be seen as cruel to some, but it's a reminder that Preypred City isn't afraid of punishing lawbreakers.

Hunter lead Nick towards a government official building. Nick recognized it as similar to the ZPD headquarters. Hunter lead Nick further in to a lobby like area, several canines sitting either at cubicals, or on the couches in the center of the room.

Nick recognized some of these canines as those who attacked him back in Zootopia. Hunter smiled and walked in, opening his arms warmly. "This is my Pack."

"Pack?" asked Nick, curious as to who these other canines were to Hunter.

One of the canines, a black furred wolf wearing an eyepatch stood up sharply. Nick sensing hostility from the wolf. "Who's that?"

Hunter held up his paw, waving the wolf down. "Easy Walt. I'll explain." Hunter then proceeded to explain what was going on, and what Nick was going through currently.

A red fox lounging on the couch laughed loudly. "Cruelest bit of irony right there! We go in to get the bunny, missed that window, and the fox came to us instead. Way too crazy."

Nick smirked and shrugged. "Well, The Mind seems to have a way with things. What looks like a failure could turn into a victory."

A tan furred wolf in a cubical raised his paw. "Ain't that the truth."

Hunter turned to Nick, gesturing to his pack. "These are the closest things I have to family. Walt, is the most senior member next to me."

Nick looked over Walt, noticing the eyepatch and something else. "You weren't there when they first attacked."

Walt narrowed his eye slightly, the other fox on the couch laughing. "He was out in injury." Walt lightly rubbing the side of his head by the eyepatch. He turned and growled at the fox, smirking a little.

For a few hours, Nick stayed in the company of the Pack. Nick learned that they were much like a family. A group of close brothers in arms. According to Hunter, The Pack is a group of closely bonded canines that operate under a pack mentality. With Hunter as its alpha.

"There's more to being Wrath than juts punishment to the sinners." said Hunter, sitting on the couch by Nick. Hardly letting him out of his sight. "It's also our job to find the sinners outside of Preypred City. Activists for ideals that go against Nature's Law are our main targets. Also those who go public about their cross species relationships become our targets."

That added up, what with the cross species deaths in Zootopia that Hunter was responsible. "I gotta ask... How do you live with it? I mean do you just tell yourself its okay?" asked Nick. Curious as to how Hunter's mind worked.

Hunter paused, his ears lowering slightly. "Loss of life is never something to celebrate. Not once have I felt 'okay' about ending their lives. But if they pose a threat to Nature's Law, and our way of life, I will put them down."

A remorseful way of killing. He didn't want to do it, but felt that it was his duty.

"What does it mean to you to be Nature's Wrath?" asked Nick.

Hunter took a long pause, looking to his Pack. "I am the incarnation of Mother Nature's divine Wrath brought to physical form. My pack and I carry out due punishment to all heretics and non-believers. Nature's Law forbids the slaughter without sustenance, but we are not non-believers when we slaughter those heretics that break Nature's Law. We are Mother Nature's hand of punishment, her knights clad in the armor of which she bestows on us to carry out our purpose. Armor in the form of Nature's Law. And our purpose is to end the lives of those who dare break her law, and don't believe in her teachings. Those who dare cross Mother Nature, dare not find me. Those who speak lies to poison the masses against Mother Nature, dare not let their words reach me. Those who lead the non-believers against Mother Nature, dare not let me see them. And those who believe the words of the heretics and the blasphemous, will come to fear my growl. The loss of these lives is a sadness to Mother Nature, but one that is necessary. And I will bear that weight to see Nature's Law as the true law."

He was truly motivated to carry out his duty. Hunter's determination and loyalty to his role left Nick with little doubt as to why he does what he does. He believes his cause to be righteous, and appointed by the divine being known as Mother Nature.

"How did you meet The Mind?" asked Nick. Curious as to how him and his father know each other.

Hunter paused for a moment then turned to his pack. "Clear the room."

Without question, the Pack left the room. Leaving Hunter and Nick alone. Hunter sat down, leaning back in his chair. "The Mind and I were childhood friends, along with one other. Have you seen the statue of the hyena outside of City Hall?"

Nick nodded, recalling the monument. Also noticing how Hunter would still refer to Elias as 'The Mind.' Being careful not to expose his identity in case someone was listening.

"That is Ishaq Akachi." started Hunter, his gaze lowering. "He, The Mind, and myself were childhood friends. As we grew older, we began to study under Nature's Law in Zoocia. We became activists in the Church of Nature's Law. And within a few years, Ishaq was made its leading preacher. He had a way with words... a way to make you feel his determination. He had more heart than any one of us."

Hunter looked up as he tried to recall the memories. "Ishaq eventually married, and The Mind began his professional career. Ishaq made his living through the church. I made mine through Zoocia's royal guard. We still did all we could for the church. The Mind bringing money in through his business, Ishaq gaining loyal followers with his preaching. However, I didn't have a role... I was just an active supporter. Twenty years passed, and King Musala gave the order to level the Church of Nature's Law. We had no say in the matter... All we could do was watch as they bulldozed the church to the ground. The Mind and myself had to hold Ishaq back from trying to stop them..."

Nick listened to Hunter's origin story. Wondering what kind of man Ishaq was. Hunter continued. "We felt lost after the church was torn down... After a few months, Ishaq began to protest it publicly. Of course, Musala just brushed it aside. Even trying to get me to execute him. Of course, I refused and I was expelled from the guard. Eventually, Ishaq had enough and traveled to an open claim of land to the west of Zoocia on the other side of the region. And it was there, that Ishaq declared the founding of Preypred. A society that favor's Nature's Law. We had many supporters and followers that contributed in building what first was a neighborhood, then a town, then a city. The Mind's wealth quickly escalated the city's growth. And our supporters made building the city so quickly possible. Ten more years, and Preypred City was established. Musala hardly even caring at all what we were doing."

A curious question came to Nick's mind. "You guys had that many followers?"

Hunter nodded. "Ishaq was very charismatic. Once Preypred was built, he established a new order. A group dedicated to spreading Nature's Law around the world. Force of Nature. He showed us that there are certain individuals with a stronger affinity to Mother Nature, an embodiment of what she represents. We call these 'Incarnates.' And its the title we bear. Wrath, Voice, Love, Mind. Ishaq, was Nature's Heart. He showed the most heart, the most motivation for Nature's Law more than anyone. And he knew how to get people to feel the same."

Nick nodded lightly. "So how did Jacques fit into all of this? Did he just carry in after his dad?"

A slight look of sorrow touched Hunter's expression. "We were blindsided... One night, Ishaq passed away in his sleep. Doctor's couldn't determine a reason. He was just... gone. Mother Nature saw it was his time. Jacques..."

Hunter paused for a long moment before shaking his head. "No. That's his side of the story to tell."

"Why do you follow Jacques? Seems like getting the whole world to follow Nature's Law is kind of a lost cause when you think about it." asked Nick.

Hunter smirked lightly. "Because he can do it. He has just as much heart in him as his father, and the charisma to sway others to him. With The Mind's cunning, my power, and Leah's love, we can change this world."

Nick couldn't deny it as possible... They definitely had the resources for it. They already had Zoocia and the entire Eastern Region under their thumb. Revolutionize the region, show the people how much better it is, and let the mind of the populace do the rest. And to those who don't agree, get Nature's Wrath. A somewhat crude system, but effective.

What if Jacques was removed from the picture... would Force of Nature crumble? Nick didn't dare to ask, lest risk putting ideas in Hunter's head.

"There's one other thing I wanna know. What happened between you and Jack Savage?" asked Nick.

Hunter fell silent, his eyes locked on Nick's. Eventually, he sighed and nodded. "It's time you should know too. No doubt he's been obsessed with the whole thing..."

Hunter leaned his head back, thinking. "Once Force of Nature was established, and I became Nature's Wrath, we began to target known to obstruct Nature's Law. And silence them. Several years of this went past, able to get away with it because of Musala's negligent rule. We got brave, and looked into the Western Region. We learned of an awareness group supporting cross species relationships operated by a Mrs. Savage. We did a bit of research, and found that her rabbit son was in an open relationship with a fox. We made a plan of action. Wait till late in the night, and silence them all."

Nick felt his gut wretch as he understood Hunter's meaning. His intent to kill Jack and Skye, and quite possibly Mrs, and Mr Savage. "At the time, it was just me and Walt. We were inexperienced... sloppy. We went into the house while they were still awake. The whole of the family attacked us... So we killed them. All of them..."

Regret was all Nick could hear in his voice. Hunter sighing lightly and rubbing his forehead. "It was the greatest mistake of my life... To bury all the evidence, we set the house on fire by starting with the bodies of the Savage family. On our way out, just as the fire spread to the house, the fox ran out. Screaming at Walt and I. We recognized her as the fox that the young Savage had been in an open relationship with, so I killed her."

Nick tried to imagine the scene unfolding before him, knowing that to Jack it had to be more like a nightmare. "It was only a few moments after I ended her life when Jack came. It was then that I realized the depth of my failure. Jack Savage wasn't even home. He and the fox were our primary targets, as well as the Mrs. Savage. Before I could end Jack's life, the police arrived. I threw the fox's body into the inferno, knowing that he would follow. But it seems he survived..."

A lot more about Jack made sense to Nick now. If he had been in the same position, Nick would have done the same thing. "Well, that explains why he hates you."

Hunter nodded lightly. "One day he'll find me. And we'll have to settle our score."

Nick couldn't imagine the kind of blood bath that would ensue.

Night fell, and the punishment for the lion was to be met out. Nick standing in a booth overlooking the Hunting Grounds, standing next to Leah, Hunter, and Jacques. The booth reserved for Nature's Incarnates. However Jacques allowed Nick to be in the booth.

A fair amount of mammals showed up for the Hunt. The stands filling almost entirely. Nick didn't think he'd see any prey animals here, but to his surprise he did.

Once it was time, Hunter stood up and walked out to a balcony. He nodded to one of the workers operating the gates, and the operator opened a gate inside the Hunting Grounds. Within a few moments, the lion from before walked out. Not wearing any clothes, glaring up at the booing and scorning crowd. His gaze focusing on Hunter and baring his fangs. Although Nick couldn't hear it, he imagined the lion was growling.

The walls of the hunting grounds stood at about 50 feet, and were made of smoothed stone. It would be impossible to climb.

Hunter held his arms up, silencing the crowd. He picked up a microphone standing on the railing, holding it to his mouth. "Len Rassly. You have been found guilty of Slaughter Without Sustenance. You are sentenced-"

"Piss off, wolf." roared out the lion, smirking.

Hunter paused for just a moment. "To death by hunting. To put you in the place of those you slaughtered."

The lights around the stands turned off. The only light shining inside of the Hunting Grounds. Nick barely able to see what was in front of him.

"Fine then! I'll kill every one of you!" roared out the Lion, jabbing his finger at Hunter.

Hunter stayed on the balcony, crossing his arms and watching silently.

The lion looked around the dense foliage, flexing his claws. One of the bushes rustled, grabbing the Lion's attention. He turned to it, growling loudly.

From those bushes, the red fox Nick had met earlier, Calen, stepped out into the open, walking on all fours and growling in warning.

The lion chuckled and called out. "Can't fight me yourself, Wrath? You send in a fox instead? You send him to the slaughter!"

While the Lion was busy goading, the large black wolf Nick knew as Walt ran out from the dense foliage behind him, running on all fours in full sprint. The lion could only hear Walt once he was already upon him, Walt sinking his fangs into the left shoulder of the lion.

Calen ran in, biting down on the lion's left calf, both of them quickly pulling him to the ground. The rest of the pack ran out, quickly running and pouncing on top of the Lion. Nick could hear the Lion's screams of agony as the Pack ripped and tore at his flesh. Stripping flesh from bone. His blood pouring onto the ground. Powerless to stop them, despite his thrashing and clawing.

"Your punishment is met when you draw your last breath. May Mother Nature show you mercy in the afterlife." said Hunter, holding the microphone up to his mouth. "And for the record, if you can't overpower my Pack, you can't overpower me."

Nick turned his eyes away as the Pack continued to maim the lion. Knowing that in these moments, he felt what it was like to be at the mercy of a vengeful predator. Treated as prey, and killed like one.

Jacques spoke from the shroud of darkness. Nick only just able to make out his features with his low light vision. "This may seem barbaric or cruel in the eyes of many. But it's Nature's way. Nature isn't kind to those who break her laws. And we are her chosen to carry out her will. You'll understand more when you're with me in about a week."

Nick nodded and looked back to the center, the lion's screams have stopped. Seeing the Pack having their share of the meat. Hunter turned around and sat back down next to Jacques.

This was the ugly side of Force of Nature. The side that is demonized by most forms of society. It seemed cruel, but it also seemed effective. If this was the law of the world, Nick wouldn't dare break it. Was it peace out of fear? Or maybe respect for Mother Nature.

Nick still had doubts and questions. Not ready to join Force of Nature yet. Not sure if he even would.

Gonna end this chapter here. Pretty long one too. Read and Review!