Serendipity's Shadow

Rated T

Chapter 15

Hidden in a little darkroom of a decently sized apartment. A figure sat comfortably in front of four screens. That illuminated their face in a wicked way. Making them appear cruel and sinister to anyone that could see them. Which was unlikely since the panda that sat in front of his computer paradise was owned by Zootopia's Shadow. Being the shadow of THE SHADOW meant living a life where no one saw, heard, or even smelled you. Which was a life that was perfectly suited for the panda.

The panda was a troubled youth who thought for sure they would end up in the gutter, dead, without a single soul to care about them. In a desperate situation, they hacked the neighborhood bank system. Not only to give him some more time but also to give him enough money to pay back some…individuals they knew. Plus, some cash for some personal spending. What the panda didn't know was that hacking that bank would set in motion a new future.

"Listen! If you need money, I can get it. I-I just need a little time."

The panda remembered that night vividly. It was three months from when they hacked the bank. They were calmly walking home when a black van pulled up, two wolves jumped out, grabbed the panda, knocked them out, and drove off to an unknown location. When the panda recovered from the concussion they were surrounded by a ring of various predators. All were dressed to the nines in black and white suites. Without even thinking, the panda immediately thought he forgot to pay someone back and this would be the night they die because of it.

"Easy kid." A voice laughed from outside the ring of predators. "I just wanna talk."

"T-talk? About…what?" The panda asked trying to calm down.

"The bank you stole from three months ago."

"Ah, yeah. I-I did that. Do you need me to show you how? Or my skills in something else?"

"You sound eager to please." The voice purred in thought. "Which is good for you. Considering that your little stunt cost me quite a bit of money."

It was at that point all the blood drained from the panda's face. They were certain they were going to die no matter what that night.

"Hey, Wilson. Mind stepping out of the way for a moment?"

Without hesitation, a spot opened in the ring of predators revealing a red fox.

"The names Nicholas Wilde, but my friends call me Nick." The fox toyed absent-mindedly at his cuff links. "And I think you and I need to talk…friend."

To this day the panda has never forgotten the look in the fox's eyes. He wasn't suggesting they talk; it was him stating his control of the situation. That the panda needed to just sit there, listen, and be obedient. Which is exactly what they did. And now, five years later, the panda had become an entrusted 'employee' of Zootopia's Shadow. With this partnership, all of Zootopia was practically at their fingertips. But they knew better than to try and outsmart Mr. Wilde. That would just end in their immediate death.

But the panda never expected a phone call from their boss stating a Miss Judy Hopps was to have unlimited access.

Miss Judy, Miss Judy…now where have I heard that name before? The panda questioned themself as the name sounded very familiar.

Deciding not to dwell on it they sent a text to Miss Hopps's phone.

Miss Hopps. I have been informed by Shadow that you acquire my unique skills. How may I assist you?

Almost immediately they received a reply.

Will you be reporting to Shadow about my inquiries?

The Panda knew how to answer that question since Mr. Wilde had already given him the orders.

No.

As they waited for Miss Hopps to respond the panda cleared up their browser to make their work quicker and more efficient.

I need all intel you can get on Quick Shot, Clifford Ermine. I need to know all of his recent movements, activity, and contacts. His time in lock-up included.

When Mr. Wilde told the Panda that Miss Hopps would have free access to all information. The panda was betting his money on the lady to ask for personal information on his Boss. But no, she wanted to get intel on Quick Shot.

"Ask and ye shall receive." The panda said to themselves.

With quick work of his hands, the panda pulled up all information he could find. Most of it was legally obtained with newspaper articles. While the other came from hacking messages between Quick Shot and his subordinates. Then, because the panda felt like being kind. They placed the information in chronological order before sending the information off to Miss Hopps.

I wonder what she needs this information for? The panda wondered as they went back to their previous project of securing Shadow's internet security.

Judy watched as her screen lit up with a link to various files all dated in chronological order. Judy's earlier thoughts about taking a shower abandoned her mind as she began to read. She found herself sitting on the bed in deep thought as she read the words that scrolled across her phone.

A few hours passed and Judy felt sick to her stomach. Clifford Ermine was a vulgar man with severe trust issues. And any who caught on to this fact would soon lose their life by his command. But Judy was more concerned with the private messaging sequence that happened on the same day she was assigned to Tia.

Did you find it? The first person asked.

No. But I made sure to leave a clear message for that whore. The recipient stated.

Keep an eye out for it. She has it hidden somewhere. And her survival is not a top priority.

Understood, Boss.

Then another set of messaging followed around the time Judy and Tia went to Shadow's Luck.

Boss, we might have a problem. The cop has connections.

Who?

the Shadow.

Keep your distance for now and report to me at that location ASAP.

The messages stopped after that. Her going to Nick put the enemy on high alert. Which is partially what Judy wanted, in hopes it would make them back off. But they seemed persistent in whatever it is, the thumb drive, that Tia has. Which made Judy concerned about how safe their actual location is.

"Judy?" Tia called from downstairs.

"Uh, yes."

"I was wondering if you were, okay?" her voice got closer as she climbed up the stairs.

"Just…just reading something."

Tia stood outside Judy's door for a moment.

"Can I come in?" Tia asked.

"Uh, sure." Judy answered with hesitancy.

Tia walked in to see Judy had indeed not even taken a shower and was stuck reading something on her phone.

"You're sure your, okay?" Tia asked Judy again.

Judy just absent-mindedly nodded rereading the messages.

"Okay…" Tia chose to ignore Judy and opted to look at a bookshelf tucked away in the corner of the room. "Can I read any of these books?"

"Uh, sure. It's mostly just academy books from my training."

"Oh…well, why not?" Tia laughed. "Maybe I should study up on the law in my free time."

Judy laughed. "I highly recommend it."

Tia browsed the shelves deciding to read a book that was relatively worn-looking. As though someone had opened it countless times with love and care. As Tia picked up the book a small slip of paper fell out. As she bent down to pick it up, she had to pause at the sight.

There, in colored ink, was a picture of Judy being carried on the back of a red fox in the back of a pickup truck. Not only that but Judy was kissing the fox on the cheek as the fox smiled mischievously at the camera. Tia turned the picture over to see if it was dated on the back. Only to find an inscription dedicated to Judy.

"Did you find anything to read?" Judy asked still looking at her phone.

"Uh…sort of." Tia answered.

Tia didn't lie as she read and reread the words written on the back of the photograph.

"Dear Carrots, I had fun at the fair. And I know you told me you didn't need this book. But it only felt fair to give you a gift, for the gift you have given me. Love, Nick." Tia read aloud as she turned to look at Judy.

Judy had frozen in place before her ears sagged once Tia finished reading. Tia felt bad for a second, but she had to ask Judy something important.

"And It's signed with a black four-leaf clover with a gold stem…you-were you involved with the Shadow?"

Judy didn't answer before standing to address Tia.

"Everyone knew him as the Shadow. But I only knew him as Nick. I only dated Nick…the Shadow felt like a myth to me. Until it wasn't."