A/N
Hello everyone. Whew, before we get started let me say this chapter here is LONG. So long that I felt I needed to split it into 2 parts. I marked a halfway point in this one so you could all tune out and come back later if you need to take a breather. This has been a build up so I definitely couldn't rush this. Hope you all enjoy.
See you at the halfway mark (Part 2)
-Don
Chapter 28
Darkest Hour
Part 1
The door to the dark room burst open suddenly. Standing in the door frame was the silhouette of a panther holding a smaller mammal in his arm. He reached his free paw blindly feeling for a light switch. Flicking the switch, the room lit up revealing the fancy interior of the suite. Isaac looked down to see the struggling bunny in his grasp.
"You are quite the fighter for such a small mammal" he snickered now tossing Judy to the floor. The sudden impact knocked the wind out of her.
Shortly after another panther appeared in the doorway holding a red fox. Damon moved passed Isaac shoving Nick to the floor next to Judy.
Isaac turned to his panther ally with a smug expression. "Guessing you're not sticking around to watch the fun?"
Damon shook his head. "I'm good. Never been much of a brutalizing type" he answered locking his eyes on the two mammals. "Besides, I'm supposed to be running Silvia back to Dontes place."
Isaac rolled his eyes now folding his arms. "You've gotten soft Damon. Fine. Suit yourself" he commented waving his paw. "This won't take long."
Damon turned around now making an exit. Isaac grabbed the door knob gently closing the door behind him. Now it was only him and the two officers in the room.
"So who's first?" He questioned locking eyes with each mammal. Nick stood to his feet instantly. Judy now catching her breath stood up by him. He glanced over at her.
"Stay behind me.." Nick mumbled to her.
A look of amusement formed over Isaacs face.
"How noble of you fox" the panther cackled now taking a few steps towards them. "But now isn't the time to play hero. I advise you both come at me with everything you've got. At least that way it will be somewhat interesting."
"You talk to much" Nick growled now showing his fangs. Judy while somewhat petrified in the situation almost broke a smile. It was very ironic hearing those words come from Nicks muzzle. Isaacs expression suddenly changed to that of anger.
"Very well. You first" the panther snarled now showing his claws. "I'll make sure to keep you alive just long enough to hear the screams of your precious bunny as I tear her hea-"
Nick charged at the larger mammal without a seconds notice. He didn't have a plan of action at this point. All he knew was he was going to go out fighting with everything he had. Logic didn't register to him in that moment.
The fox crashed into the panther knocking him back into a cabinet. Isaac reacted instantly taking a swipe at him with his claws. Before the claws could connect, Nick took advantage of the small opening. He quickly elbowed the panther in his stomach completely knocking the wind out of him. Before he could deal another blow, Isaac snatched the fox by his vest holding him up in the air.
"Brave of you fox..." Isaac coughed breathing heavily. "I wasn't expecting a head on attack like that. Brave. But also stupid."
Judy now snapping out of her shock of what just happened came charging at the large mammal who had her partner hostage. She jumped up onto Isaacs shoulder now taking a chomp at his ear. The panther cried in pain throwing Nick across the room into a mirror.
"You little..." Isaac growled in pain now attempting to grab Judy. She dodged his paw now leaping on top of the cabinet. Judy looked over to see shattered glass on the floor where Nick made impact with the mirror. Luckily for him, his SWAT vest prevented any glass from cutting him. Isaac looked up at the bunny and then over at the fox.
Instantly he lunged at the fox with all of his force. Nick swiftly dodged his attack again countering with a hit of his own. Isaac fell back crashing into the dresser.
"URG!" The panther roared in frustration. These two officers were causing a bit more trouble than expected.
Judy jumped down from the cabinet now joining Nick by his side.
Nick smirked in satisfaction at the mammals growing anger. "What's wrong champ? Looks like this won't be over as quick as you thought.." he quipped now ready for another attack.
Judy while quiet was feeling slightly more at ease about the situation. They may have lost their weapons, but from the looks of it maybe their combined agility could still be enough. Isaac may have had them beat in strength and size, but Nick and Judys speed was proving to be a challenge.
Isaac struggling to catch his breath quickly shot a glare at the fox. "That was.. pure luck" he mumbled. "Let's try that again shall we?" The panther then came charging at both officers with his claws extended. Nick glanced over at Judy signaling her to go left.
The bunny nodded instantly jumping out of the way. Isaac took another swing at Nick missing just by an inch. Nick quickly moved behind the mammal looking over at Judy.
"Now!" Nick shouted as he yanked Isaacs tail. The panther yelled instantly turning around. Judy now remembering the maneuver her and Nick practiced at the academy sprung into action. She ran towards the large mammal jumping with all of her strength. As the panther turned his head to the fox behind him his muzzle was suddenly met with the full impact of Judys foot.
Isaac fell sideways crashing hard on to the floor. He let out a groan. Judy landed gracefully dusting herself off. Nick looked over at her with a grin.
"Beautiful" he commented giving her a nudge on the shoulder. Judy blushed at the compliment.
"Thanks. I've been practicing" she replied with a giggle. Both mammals then looked down at the dazed panther who was struggling to get back on his feet.
"Now that one looked painful buddy. How many fingers and I holding up?" Nick teased now taking a step towards the mammal. Isaac still struggling to stand up held the side of his muzzle. The entire side of his face was throbbing in pain.
'How could all of that force come from such a small creature?' He thought gazing at Judy.
He then looked over at the fox noticing the smug look on his face.
"Had enough?" Nick pressed on noticing the silence from the panther. "I can tell that last one took you by surprise. There's plenty more where that came from."
Isaacs gaze intensified on the fox.
'How dare you...' the panther thought.
He began to shake in anger.
"You two are beginning to make me very mad..." Isaac growled whipping a drop of blood from his mouth. His eyes shifted to Judy. "And for you that's a very bad thing. So watch it."
Nick rolled his eyes. "I see that blow to the face hasn't humbled you any" he took a step back posing for another attack. "Better ask Donte for an ice pack. Your face is starting to swell up like a beach ball."
The panther unexpectedly snickered at the remarks. He reached his paw into his pocked pulling out a purple pellet.
"NO MORE TALKING!" Isaac roared now slamming the pellet on to his neck. The panther instantly hunched over seeming to be in pain from the effects of the serum.
"Nick..." Judy whispered in horror watching the transformation happening before them. Nicks demeanor stiffened as he realized what was about to happen.
"Night Howler..." he mumbled now moving in front of Judy. "No use in trash talking anymore.." he looked back at her. "This time stay behind me. Seriously."
"We're in this together.." Judy spoke slightly above a whisper. She grabbed Nicks paw. Nick squeezed hers back tightly. "We'll just attack him at the same time like we have been.."
Outside in the hallway
Damon had been standing outside of the room listening to the all of the commotion. While he didn't want to see what was happening, he couldn't help but intrude in on what was going on.
"Sounds like Isaacs finally going to start taking things seriously.." he muttered to himself. Suddenly he heard foot steps coming his way. Damon looked to his left to see a familiar ocelot approaching him. "Silvia?"
The ocelot came to a halt a few steps in front of the panther. No words escaped her muzzle – only a glare studying the mammal in front of her. Damon raised his eyebrow confused.
"What are you doing here?" he questioned. "Are you ready to go now?"
Silvias face scrunched in anger. "Get out of my way Damon" she ordered reaching for the door knob. The panther immediately blocked her way.
"You're crazy if you think I'm letting you go in there" Damon spoke now leaning against the door. He folded his arms. "My orders are to take you home."
"I don't care about him or the orders he gave you Damon!" Silvia barked now trying to force her way past the mammal. The panther resisted still blocking her way.
"Silvia don't be stupid..." he replied. "There's nothing you can do for them now. Isaac likely has Night Howler running through his veins right now. He's already crazy as it is. I've only seen him go savage once and that was enough for me." The panther stood stern in his position.
Silvia sighed slumping her shoulders. "You once told me about Vick Claw being a mob boss who at least had some morals. Eithic." Silvia began. "You said he wasn't even sober when he sent that hit out on Donte all of those years ago – that he knew better than to let some young teen wolf get the best of him." Silvia paused looking deep into the panthers eyes. "What do you think he would say about this? Trapping two officers in a room to be torn apart by a savage mammal? Do you condone that type of violence Damon..?"
The panther stood in silence. Hearing his deceased boss being brought up triggered memories. What morals did his current leader have...? He shook his head.
"I-I can't let you through...I'm sorry" Damon spoke remorsefully looking down at the floor.
Silvia let out a sigh now pulling out her tranquilizer gun. She reluctantly aimed it at the panther standing in front of her.
"Please don't make me do this Damon.." she pleaded.
Back inside the room
Isaac came charging at both officers – this time with much more aggression and speed. Nick let go of Judys paw pushing her out of the way just in time. Isaac tackled Nick pinning him to the floor. Both mammals looked into each others eyes. Suddenly Nick felt a sharp pain of claws digging into his left arm. He gritted his teeth trying to hold back the cry of agony. Judy came charging at the panther in attempt to pull off a similar attack she had done earlier. This time the panther swiped at her knocking her back down. Nick looked over to see a gash was present on Judys vest from the attack.
He looked back up in rage at the mammal on top of him. Before he could make an attempt to bite the panther his muzzle was met with a paw clamping his mouth shut. Isaac then squeezed tighter in attempt to suffocate the fox.
"NO!" Judy cried frantically trying for a second attempt to help him. This time Isaac removed his paw from the foxs' mouth placing his knee on the arm that had been wounded. With the mammals full body weight crushing his wounded arm, Nick couldn't hold it in any longer. He let out a yell of pain. Judy ran up to the panther attempting to bite or kick the mammal again – anything she could possibly do to help Nick. Isaac grabbed her by the ears while applying more pressure on the helpless fox.
"Look... at... your... brave... fox.. now" Isaac grunted barely able to form the words due to going savage. Judy frantically swung with everything she had at the panther in attempt to free herself. Isaac then snatched her by the neck. He began squeezing tightly choking her. Nicks eyes widened in horror at the sight.
"N-no...stop...let her..go..urgh... ..STOP!" Nick yelled trying to shift from under the weight of the panther. His efforts were to no avail. He couldn't stand the sight of seeing Judy clawing with all of her might to break free. "PLEASE. ISAAC PLEASE STOP!" Nick cried in desperation reaching his paw up to Judy. The panther ignored the cries of the mammal only looking the bunny dead her eyes as she struggled. Her movements became more sluggish as the seconds passed.
"Not..so...funny..now..is it...fox" Isaac growled squeezing even tighter.
Suddenly the door to the room flung open. All three mammals eyes shifted to the doorway. Standing there was an ocelot in SWAT uniform. Behind her was the panther Damon.
"Let her go." Silvia ordered aiming her tranquilizer at the panther. Isaac growled at the sight.
"I..don't...take..orders...from...you!" he huffed breathing heavily. Silvia instantly pulled the trigger hitting Isaac in his left shoulder with a tranq. The panther released Judy a moment later. He stood up relieving Nick from the pressure of his knee. Isaac yanked the dart from his body.
"Shoot..." Nick groaned. Isaac was obviously immune to tranquilizer darts just like Donte. He turned his body attempting to crawl towards Judy who was unconscious at the moment.
Isaac growled. "Tranquilizer does nothing but reduce the Night Howler effect you silly girl" he snarled looking at Silvia. "I can't wait to see what Donte does to you when he finds out you interfered."
Silvia stood with a calm expression on her face. "You won't be around to find out" she grinned.
A look of confusion appeared on Isaacs face as he took a step forward. "It's funny. Donte told me if you weren't pregnant he would have done away with you by now. He has several mistresses in case you didn't know. So you're nothing special" Isaac grunted. "You just happen to be the only one desperate enough to come back."
Damon folded his arms in the doorway. "Easy killer" he commented. "She has a little more pull here than you think..."
"Shut your mouth you traitor!" Isaac scorned looking at the other panther. "I always knew you didn't have the backbone to be a part of our organization!"
Nick made his way to Judy finally. He wrapped his right arm around her pulling her close. She was still breathing, that's all that mattered to him in that moment.
"No he's got a point actually" Silvia spoke up pulling a small object out of her pocket. "I do have more leverage here than you think."
"What is that?" Isaac questioned narrowing his eyes in. Suddenly a jolt of electricity shot through his body. He cried out in pain kneeling to the floor.
"Donte told me all about the chip he had injected into your neck in case you step out of line" Silvia hissed. "He knows how your temper is so he gave me a switch in case you tried harming me. So I may not be special, but according to your boss my life has more value than yours."
Isaac growled looking up at the ocelot. "Not your life..." he began. "It's the childs life he cares for. He told me as soon as that baby is out of you I had permission to kill you myself you pathetic piece of tra-"
A loud cry came from the panther as another jolt of electricity pulsed through his body. This time Silvia held the button longer watching the mammal squirm in front of her. Damon stepped up behind her reaching his paw out.
"That's enough" he spoke calmly removing the object from her paw. "You're not a killer. That's why Donte has been able to keep control over you for so long; he knows you have a good heart."
Isaac now fainted from the intense pain passing out on the floor.
Silvia gazed at the two officers on the floor in front of her.
"Leave" she spoke to Damon. "Go tell him everything that just happened."
Damon looked down at the ocelot in confusion. "Why would you want me to do that?"
"Because I want him to come here so we can take care of this once and for all."
Damon looked down at Nick and Judy and then back at Silvia.
"He'll likely kill you at this point. Pregnant or not...you do know that right?"
Silvia grinned. "Don't really care anymore. Now go Damon."
The panther turned back quietly exiting the suite. Silvia hesitantly approached the two officers.
"Stay back" Nick hissed coldly. "You are the reason we are in the mess. Just stay away."
Silvia stopped in her tracks looking down in shame. " Look I don't expect you to forgive me...but the least I can do is try to correct this. We don't have much time."
Judy now becoming conscious again looked up at Silvia. "I... I don't really care how we got in this mess. If you are really here to help us than we will take it.."
Silvia knelt down next to Judy placing a paw on her shoulder. "Judy I'm so sorry...are you... alright.?" Silvia spoke softly. Judy moved her shoulder away from her.
"I'm fine" Judy replied leaning forward. "He's probably on his way up right now."
Silvia nodded in agreement looking up. "We need to get out to the balcony for better reception. We call for backup out there and hopefully we can keep him here long enough for them to arrive" Silvia suggested now getting to her feet.
The three mammals made their way out of the suite on to the back balcony. Nick looked up reminiscent of the day he came there to have a conversation to Donte in the very same spot. The full moon was present and all. Suddenly a wet drop trickled down his ear. It had began raining.
"Great. Wet fur" he mumbled.
Judy looked over at Nick noticing that he was clenching his arm.
"Nick you're hurt really bad..." she spoke moving close to him. Silvia noticed the wound on the fox as well.
"I'm fine" he murmured. Though he wouldn't show it, his arm was still throbbing with intense pain.
Silvia turned around pulling out her radio. "Precinct 1 this is officer Silvia Vines. Over."
Moments passed with no response except for static. Nick looked at the ocelot standing in front of him. Hearing her call for backup as if she wasn't the one who got them into this mess irritated him. Reluctantly he kept quiet.
"This is officer Vines can anyone hear me? Over." Silvia tried again.
"The signal must not be strong enough.." Judy mumbled.
Silvia turned back to Judy and Nick.
"Ok time for plan B" Silvia spoke up. "There is a helicopter pad on the roof. We should be able to get a signal up there. I want you two to make a run for it while I stall him here."
"I'm not going anywhere" Nick argued looking the ocelot in her eyes. "I'm going to finish this."
"You're clearly in no shape to deal with him Nick" Silvia replied calmly. "We need to think rational here.."
"Nick she's right" Judy ensued.
"I told you I'm not running" he replied agitated at the thought. "And who made you in charge anyways? For all we know you could still be working with him."
The three stood their in silence. Nick turned away walking towards the balcony ledge. Judy couldn't defend Silvia in this moment like she had. He was right. She turned to join Nick.
A loud slam of the from behind them caused both mammals to jump. Nick and Judy both turned to see Donte appeared right behind Silvia. The wolfs cold blue eyes stared at both officers standing in front of him.
"Such a shame" Donte mumbled in Silvias ear as his claws extended around her neck. "I've forgiven you in the past but this..."
Silvia quickly reacted tossing her tranquilizer to Nick. "5 rounds" she called out looking directly at the fox. "All of the potent stuff" she winked with a slight smile.
Nick snatched the weapon mid air aiming it at the two mammals in front of him. Donte seemingly amused let out a laugh.
"Those darts won't work on me" Donte assured with an evil smile.
"One may not be enough to stop you, but 3 or more will definitely do something.." Silvia muttered still not breaking eye contact from Nick.
Donte growled. "So clever." He stared at the fox. "Well then you may as well kill us both bro. Let's see what kind of hero you really are."
"Who said anything about killing?" Nick gritted his teeth still aiming firmly at the wolf.
"Wait" Judy spoke up hesitantly. "Nick if you shoot her with that tranq...it could.."
"It could what?" Nick questioned looking over at his partner. The worst it could do was knock Silvia out cold if she was caught in the line of fire. What was there to worry about?
"You'll run the risk of killing our child.." Donte smirked holding the ocelot even tighter. "Go ahead. You and Silvia seem to have bad blood as it is. Don't you want to get her back for what she did to you?"
Nick shook his head. Of course. It was sickening to think of. Donte was using her as a shield now just to escape yet again. Silvias actions may have gotten him and Judy nearly killed, but he wasn't about to run any risk of taking a life.
'Always one step ahead...' he thought.
Silvia in that moment murmured something under her breath. Not even Donte could make out what she had just said.
"What was that my love?" Donte questioned curiously.
"I hate you" Silvia spoke softly. "You've made my life so miserable and I haven't had the courage to leave. I've wasted years trying to see the good in you – trying to prove to myself I was good enough for you" Silvia paused. "That I was good enough to be loved.."
Donte while remaining calm on the outside had a growing frustration behind his eyes.
"I've wasted precious time and money on you. Yet now you claim to hate me?" Donte muttered in frustration. "Very well.."
He released the ocelot in that moment. Before she could react he instantly struck her hard in the side of the head. Silvia fell hard collapsing to the floor. Judy ran over to her side.
"Hey..." Judy spoke softly. Silvia groaned in response bringing a paw to the side of her face.
Judy looked up in hatred at the wolf. "What is wrong with you?! You hit your pregnant girlfriend!?"
Donte didn't reply now only looking straight ahead at Nick. He extended his arms. "Now is your chance Mr. Nicholas Piberius Wilde. Go ahead" he smiled. "Hit me with every round you have."
Nick quivered in frustration from all of the stress he was going through. From his wounded bloody arm, to almost seeing Judy die in front of him, Silvias betrayal, and now the moral conflict at hand. He took a deep breath still holding the weapon firmly in his paw. He could kill him. Donte. Right here and now. Anything more than 2 darts would be lethal. But then he truly wouldn't be any different from the wolf. Nick released his grip on the weapon letting the tranquilizer hit the floor.
"You two head up to that helicopter pad" Nick spoke softly. "Get that signal out."
"Signal?" Donte laughed curiously. " Oh right. Sure go ahead ladies. Me and big bro have a score to settle."
"We're not leaving you" Judy called out still by Silvias side.
"Let me handle this Judy" Nick calmly responded. He locked eyes with her giving her a reassuring look. "It's going to be alright. Just get it done."
Judy took a long hard look at her fox before shutting her eyes and turning away. "Ok.." she murmured. Judy wrapped Silvias arm around her shoulder helping her towards the roof.
A/N
Here is the halfway intermission. Take a breather if you need to. I know I could have just split this into 2 chapters but... I said in the beginning there are 30 chapters. Not 31. (not including the epilogue) Guess that's my OCD kicking in. ANYWAYS let's continue.
See you below
-Don
Chapter 28
Darkest Hour
Part 2
Donte grinned at the fox standing in front of him. Rain was pouring down on both mammals by this point. "Well then, it's just us now" he sighed. "What now officer Wilde?"
"Two choices." Nick spoke up. "One, you can come quietly since the entire Precinct 1 police department is roughly 12 minutes away – to arrest you and your rich friends downstairs" Nick smirked. "That would be the smart choice. Of course there is also the riskier option – option 2.."
Donte folded his arms. "Option 2 it is" he growled making his way towards the fox. "I'm done running away. Let them come."
Nick cringed in pain from his left arm. "Yeah, I kinda figured option 2 was more up your alley.." he muttered now preparing himself for what was about to happen next.
Donte reached in his pocked revealing the night howler serum. He tossed it off the balcony ledge.
"Fair fight" Donte commented removing his jacket. He rolled up the sleeves of his black button up shirt loosening his collar. "Although with that arm of yours I hardly see how that's possible."
"Good thing I'm right pawed" Nick sarcastically replied kicking the tranquilizer gun at his feet far away to the edge. He wasn't sure how he was even going to last 30 seconds fighting after what he had just went through with Isaac. But he wasn't going to give up. Either Donte was going to submit, or Nick was going to keep fighting as long as he was still conscious.
The wolf immediately charged the officer taking a swing at his head. Nick managed to the attack shoving Donte back. While this created a little distance for breathing, the heavy rainfall made focusing more difficult. The wolf came in for another assault this time going for Nicks injured arm. The fox turned his body avoiding the attempt. He responded with another counter hit knocking the wolf to the balcony ledge. Donte leaned there for a moment peering over the ledge. It was as if he was in deep thought right in the middle of their scuffle. He turned around slowly facing the fox.
"Not bad" the wolf commented sarcastically. "That injured arm of yours hasn't made you completely helpless after all." The wolf folded his arms studying the fox.
Nick didn't reply. The blood loss he was experiencing from the cuts on his arm were beginning to take a toll on him. To much sudden movement was making his vision blurry. He began breathing heavy. Donte raised an eyebrow noticing the prolonged silence.
"Since my girl doesn't want me you think ole Judy would give me a shot? "Donte taunted moving in again. "I like petite mammals."
Donte was clearly trying to use the same tactic Nick used on Isaac. Nick gritted his teeth but didn't reply. Donte chuckled although clearly unsatisfied at not getting a reaction persued.
"No really do you think you could hook me up? The way those purple eyes looked at me...sheesh" the wolf laughed.
"Just shut up already..." Nick muttered putting his guard up. His focus was beginning to dwindle in each passing moment. He wouldn't be able to keep up like this. Truth be told his plan was to distract Donte long enough until ZPD arrived. Judy and Silvia must have gotten a radio signal out by now. Only about another 8 minutes and the place would be swarmed.
Donte took another swing at Nick this time connecting with the left side of his face. The wolf than shoved the fox violently to the floor. Before Nick could recover kick was dealt to his face. An assault of attacks followed from Donte relentlessly. By this time Nick had given up trying to block the hits. As long as Judy was safely out of the way he didn't care. He won. Donte would be going to jail that very night finally. Regardless if he was alive to see it didn't matter to him anymore.
The wolf finally eased up breathing heavily.
"You..have no idea... how much it... pains me.. to do this... Nick" Donte heaved taking a step back. Nick could only make out the shadow of the wolf in front of him from all of the rain pouring down on his face. "I know you stopped considering me your brother a long time ago. But truth be told I can't remember a time in my youth where I didn't have you there to protect me" The wolf spoke still catching his breath. "I would probably have died long ago if it wasn't for you."
Nick squinted at the wolf standing over him. "I don't know what happened to you Don.." Nick spoke in a raspy tone. "But you aren't the same mammal I knew the-"
"You don't know what happened to ME?!" Donte blurted out in rage suddenly. "It was YOU who abandoned me! You and Victoria turned your backs on me when I had the ENTIRE mafia out for my head!"
Nick was taken by surprise by this sudden outburst. The whole time Donte had been calm and collected never showing any signs of emotion. He had no words, only staring at the wolf.
"I-I thought I was doing the right thing! That amount of money could have changed our lives! I didn't do it for me Nick I did it for US! My family...the only family I knew of.." Donte continued aggressively.
"It was dirty money" Nick spoke now trying to lay up from the ground. "Blood money. You knew that. That's why I warned you not to get involved in mafia deals."
Donte huffed. "What is the difference between mob money and the countless scandals we've pulled on all of those mammals for a quick buck? Tell me."
Nick paused. Honestly there wasn't much of a difference at all. And perhaps that was why Judy was so upset when she found out he was hustling again. Despite him doing it for her, it was still dirty money in a way.
"Nothing. That's why I'm never going back to that life" Nick finally answered. "I moved passed it...found someone who made me see that there is more to life than just swindling mammals out of money."
Donte stood there for a moment without any words. How could Nick have moved on from hustling? What else was there to life besides...
'That bunny has that much power over his life choices...' Donte thought to himself.
The wolf shook his head. "You...you think you're better than me don't you..." he hissed.
"Doesn't matter anymore. Here shortly you're going away for a long time. You won this little fight. I'll even say you're better than me financially and physically. Now what does that leave you with?" Nick answered letting out a sigh. He could finally hear the faint sound of police sirens in the background.
They did it. ZPD was closing in.
Nick closed his eyes leaning his head back on the floor. In that moment the rain drops no longer bothered him. "It's over..." he mumbled in relieve. "It's really over..."
Dontes ear twitched. He could hear the sounds of the police sirens as well. He reached inside his pocket pulling out his phone. "It's not over until I say it's over..." he growled quickly maneuvering through the device. "This entire top floor is rigged with explosives. I told you I will die before I go to prison."
Nicks eyes opened focusing in on his adopted brother. "Donte just stop..."
Suddenly the wolf flinched in reaction to a stinging feeling in his neck. He reached his paw up to pull out a tranquilizer dart. He turned to see Silvia holding the tranquilizer gun from earlier pointed at him. Judy was standing right beside her.
"Think you boys have had enough alone time" Silvia called out reloading the weapon. She aimed at the wolf again.
Donte stared at the ocelot with a piercing gaze. His vision began to blur slightly from the effects of the dart but he still stood his ground.
"Any last words sweety?" Silvia spoke tightening her claw on the trigger.
The wolf chuckled slightly with a cough. "You best pray you never have to face me again Silvia. In this life or the next" the wolf scorned stumbling back.
Another dart pierced Dontes chest. The wolf collapsed to the floor now breathing heavily. His vision became blurred. In a last ditch effort he pulled the second dart from his chest tossing it. Silvia began loading the weapon once more.
"No more. He's done" Nick called out now barely standing to his feet. Silvia hesitantly lowered the tranquilizer. Nick slowly made his way over to Judy. The two embraced in a hug.
Judys ears perked up hearing a familiar voice shout from down below. It was chief Bogo. They had finally arrived.
Silvia looked at Nick and Judy with a look of sadness but also – a look of hope.
"Well guys...it's safe to say I'll be doing some time for my actions..." she mumbled. "I just wanted to apologize for all I put you through."
"Well...I mean no one outside of us knows you were working with the criminal..right?" Judy questioned hesitantly.
Silvia shook her head. "No, but my conscious won't allow me to carry on pretending after tonight" she began. "I assisted in a crime..so therefore I am a criminal...and also my child is on the way. It would raise suspicions of who the father is.."
Nick looked over at Silvia and then down at Judy. The two nodded at one another looking back over at the ocelot.
"You know how to fly that helicopter?" Nick questioned unexpectedly. Silvia looked back with a confused expression.
"Well..sort of. I guess...why?"
Judy let go of Nick now facing Silvia. A smile formed on her muzzle.
"Go. Get out of here Silvia" Judy spoke.
The ocelot looked in surprise at the two.
"But..I did.."
"Technically you did what you said you would" Nick answered. "You helped us take down the big bad wolf. Consider us even."
Judy approached Silvia with a hopeful look. "You'll have to lay low out of the city for awhile..."
A frown appeared on Sivlias muzzle.
"I'll technically be a fugitive...like him" she mumbled looking down at her feet. "I'll be alone again." Her voice quivered though she tried to hide it with a small laugh. "I-I suppose my careless actions cost our friendship huh..." Silvia looked away.
Judy hugged the ocelot in that moment. "Admittedly, I had a feeling deep down you and Donte were still involved. But I saw a side of you that wanted better Silvia." Judy spoke quietly. "I knew you would come around. And no, we may no longer be partners on the field but I still consider you my friend."
Silvia held on to Judy as long as she could. A tear fell from her eye at the thought of finally having an actual friend after going most of her life feeling alone.
"I don't...deserve..you" Silvia sobbed quietly.
"Just make sure that kid doesn't take up after the father..." Nick commented leaning against the balcony ledge. "Otherwise I feel you will make a good mother Silvia. I mean that." The fox turned his head peering at the night sky. The rain had subsided to a light shower. "Just need to find your way..."
"T-thank you..." she spoke softly. "You're a good mammal Nick. I'm so happy for you two.." Silvia peered out at the night sky. "I'm going to give this child the love I never had..."
Nicks ear twitched at hearing the shouting of mammals down below. They must have began arresting the mammals from the meeting.
"Alright it's now or never" Nick commented looking back at the ocelot. Silvia nodded taking one last look at her friend. Possibly even friend(s).
"Okay...yeah..um.. well I guess this is bye for now. You two be safe.." Silvia spoke taking one last look at the two.
"Maybe you can come by bunny burrow sometime." Judy suggested in a hopeful tone.
Silvia chuckled. "Sounds great Judy. Will do..."
She quickly turned away making her way up to the helicopter port.
Moments later the sound of the helicopter starting up was heard. The duo looked up to see the ocelot was taking off. They waved to her as she flew away into the night sky. Where was she going to go? No apparent family and now a fugitive. Hopefully she could start a new life outside of Zootopia.
A fresh start.
Judy let out a huge sigh. "Well. That actually went...better than expected" she chuckled wrapping her arm around the fox.
"Yeah speak for yourself. I'll probably need 10 stitches for what that panther did to me" Nick groaned holding his arm.
The two turned to the balcony door to see a curtain mammal standing there. A look of madness was present in his icy blue eyes. Nick and Judy both froze.
"What does she mean to you Nicholas..." Donte questioned breathing heavily. The look in his eyes was something Nick had not seen before – almost lifeless.
Nick now noticing the phone in the wolfs hands could barely speak.
"Donte..." Nick choked. Time stood still in that very moment of intensity.
"Answer the question.." the wolf demanded.
Nick looked down at Judy. She looked back up at him now grabbing his paw tightly. He looked back at the wolf finally.
"Everything.." he answered. "She means everything to me.."
Donte smiled. "Good. Now I can die knowing I'm not the only one who lost everything." The wolf pressed the phone screen. "See you around brother."
The wolf began laughing hysterically.
Nick frantically pulled Judys paw looking over the balcony ledge. It was hard to make out in the dark but there was possibly a river hidden behind the building underneath the trees below. There were branches that stuck out from the side of the hotel as well as a few tangled vines. He looked back at her.
"We have to jump!" he yelled hopping up onto the ledge.
"N-Nick w-what was that in his hand-"
"NOW JUDY!" he yelled pulling her up on the ledge with him. "I got you! Trust me!"
The two leapt from the ledge plunging down into darkness. A loud explosion was felt seconds after they jumped. The two were separated landing hard on a branch shortly below the balcony. Due to the impact of the explosion they landed several feet away from one another – Nick at the furthest end of the branch while Judy fell closer to the building.
"Ugh..." Judy groaned turning over. "Nick? Nick where are you?" She called out desperately. After glancing around she spotted the fox at the very end of the branch. He was barely holding on with one arm. Judy quickly attempted to make her way out to him. The rain made the branch slick making it harder to maneuver.
'Don't look down' she thought to herself. There was no telling how high they were from the ground.
"Hold on..I'm coming" she called out slowly crawling towards him. Nick attempted to pull himself up but to no avail – his left arm was completely useless. "Just hold still.. I-I'll be..r-right there..."
Nick looked up to see the frightened bunny attempting to make her way towards him. One of the falling pieces of debris hit the tree branch causing a loud crack. The whole branch shifted slightly.
"Carrots...carrots hey..." Nick called out to the bunny. He paused to observe the situation one final time. The chances of her having the strength to pull him up and both of them making it back were slim to none. He took a deep breath. "I need you to...go back."
"What?" Judy called out not quite making out what he said.
"Turn around fluff..."
Judy looked at the fox in disbelieve. Surely he was joking. "Har Har...right slick..sure. Yeah I'll just leave you here to fall." she laughed nervously still slowly making her way further out.
"Turn back!" Nick yelled now with more aggression.
"No!" Judy shouted in frustration. "I told you I got this...just a little bit more" she told herself now feeling the branch bend the further out she got. Her heart sunk at the odds of the situation.
"CARROTS!" Nicks voice echoed. "The mission is over. This isn't worth both of us dying! You hear me? I'm not worth-"
"You're worth it to me!" Judy screamed back continuing to inch closer.
Memories of the night Nick gave her the golden carrot necklace resurfaced.
'Nick..I don't know I'm not worth all this...'
'Easy fluff...you're worth it to me...'
'To My Love Judith L. Hopps'
Nicks hold on the branch began to weaken in that moment.
"Urgh...I..can't.." he groaned feeling himself slipping.
"I'm going... to... get us both out of this...mess...and we are going to laugh about this next week at my parents house..an-"
"Judy" Nick spoke calmly. His green eyes pierced into the bunnies eyes almost making her come to a complete stop. "Judy... you're great ...you know that..?" A sad smile formed on his muzzle.
"Yes..I.." Judy spoke still trying to focus. She couldn't have been more than 4 feet way from the fox at this point.
"I.." Nick choked on his words. He hesitated saying what was on the tip of his tongue for fear of being vulnerable. But at this point he knew he likely wouldn't get get another chance to say it. "I love you... Judith.. Hopps" Nick spoke softly now closing his eyes. "So.. much."
A wave of emotions hit Judy hearing those words. She almost couldn't believe any of this was really happening. He never called her by her full name.
"I.." Judy croaked as her heart began raising profoundly. "I..l-love..you to Nick.." her voice cracked. "And..that's why I'm going to get you out of this. I'm going to get us.." her voice quivered. Judy tried everything in her power to hold in her tears. Nick was now barely holding on with his paw. "Nick please.. just hold on"
"It's alright" Nick murmured with a slight smile. "You did great. You always do..."
Judy in a last ditch effort pushed herself forward. She was now within reaching distance of the fox. She extended her paw out.
"NICK!" She cried desperately trying to reach him in the final seconds.
Suddenly the branch gave in to the weight of both mammals breaking completely.
Both mammals were now falling.
A/N
I hate to leave you guys with that cliff hanger (no pun intended). Whew. This story is almost there. 2 more chapters! The next one should be a normal length. I had to conclude like 3 different arcs in this chapter. I will try my best to have this story done by the end of the month. As always thank you all for coming on this journey I started last August. See you again soon for chapter 29.
Take care.
-Don