Serendipity's Shadow
Rated T
Chapter 1
Zootopia. The place where anybody can be anything. From the first smallest mammal to become a multi-millionaire. To the biggest bad boy having a soft spot for poetry. That was the dream. That was the vision. But many forget the brighter the light shines the darker its shadow grows.
It was a normal afternoon at ZPD Headquarters. A petty thief here, a small drug bust there, and many individuals, dressed proudly in the blue uniform that signified their stance in society, walking across the pristine floor. All of it intimidated the small black-footed ferret that scurried across the lobby floor. This individual hated where she was. Since she was a kit, she hated this building. She swore she would never step foot on this floor voluntarily. And yet, here she was. With her head down walking with quick steps to the reception desk.
"Take a left down the hall there."
She caught the end of the large figure's directions to what she guessed a rookie cop. Swallowing the lump in her throat she looked up at the cheetah who hadn't noticed her yet.
"Excuse me?" She called lightly.
"Huh?" The officer, receptionist, jumped in his seat as he immediately turned towards the sound.
"Down here."
"Oh! Why, hello." He smiled at her making the dried frosting at the corner of his mouth crack. "How may I help you?"
She paused with her mouth slightly open.
I don't have to do this. She told herself. I could leave right now. He'd forgive me. And maybe he'll finally stop lying and change…like he promised.
Looking over her shoulder back towards the doors that promised her nothing of great value. The only thing they promised was maybe a few more days of life and not being branded a traitor.
"Uh…Miss?" The cheetah spoke trying to gain the ferrets attention.
It worked as she jumped back up straight. Her eyes caught in the overly bright brown eyes staring down at her in concern.
No. She steeled herself. He won't change. And I still want to live.
"I need to speak with your chief of police." She mumbled out ashamed of herself for uttering such words.
"Uh, he's a bit busy at the moment." The cheetah thought for a moment. "Do you have a meeting with him?"
"No." She answered annoyed.
"Uhm, well…" The cheetah stumbled over his words. "If you can tell me what it is you need to speak with him about. I can get you into contact with the righ-"
"No." The ferret interrupted sternly.
"Uh, Ma'am I don't think-"
"I have information about Clifford Ermine."
The air became heavy as time seemed to stop between the two. For a moment, the ferret's resolve was slipping as the cheetah simply stared at her wide-eyed. She contemplated turning around now while she still had a chance.
"Please give me your name so I can inform Chief Bogo you wish to speak with him." The cheetah muttered out robotically.
"Luck-No, I mean…"She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "My name is Cynthia Mustela."
"Thank you. Please wait a moment." The cheetah turned to a private intercom beside the computer.
"Clawhauser?" A voice called from the machine sounding annoyed. "What is it?"
"Sir, I have a Miss Mustela here who needs to speak with you."
"About what exactly?" The voice asked confused at the almost robotic sounding Clawhauser.
"Ermine." The cheetah answered simply.
A silence passed between the two in understanding that this was something that couldn't be ignored.
"Send her up…with an escort."
"Fenton." The cheetah called to a nearby tiger wasting no time. "Could you take Miss Mustela up to the Chief's office?"
The tiger looked to the said ferret with a gleam of curiosity before his training kicked in.
"If you would follow me Miss." He gestured for her to follow.
And that is what she did. Knowing she couldn't go back now. The fact that she had uttered his name in a police station, ZPD Headquarters at that, painted a target on her back. Her only chance at living to maybe be a grandma now lied in the hands of the Zootopia police.
All too soon she found herself on the second floor in front on a large intimidating grey door. In the center a single frosted glass panel with an etching of black letters reading "Chief Bogo". She jumped at the sound of the tiger knocking on the door.
"Who is it?"
She frowned at this pointless display of power and formalities. She knew that this chief knew who it was but still elected to ask. As if it's not obvious.
"It's Fenton, Sir. I've escorted Miss Mustela."
She waited for his, the chief's, permission only to be surprised that the door opened without the tiger's aid.
"Miss Mustela?"
She looked up at the water buffalo and gulped down her fear. Yes, he was five times her size. But she's seen worst…and slept with it on multiple occasions. This, he, was nothing. All of this was just a business deal to ensure her survival.
"Yes." She answered filling the silence.
"Please." He gestured for her to come in.
She did with hesitant steps until she spotted the chair waiting empty across from the chief's desk. Taking another deep breath, she began the small climb. And then stood comfortably on the chair that allowed her to overlook his desk.
"Stand guard. No one comes in or tries to interrupt." Chief Bogo ordered the young officer.
"Yes, Sir," Fenton answered giving a quick salute before turning to give them privacy.
The chief nodded satisfied before shutting the door. He took light steps towards the awaiting ferret. Slowly and calmly he sat in his designated chair. A moment of silence passed between the two as they simply watched each other.
"Miss Mustela." The water buffalo spoke first breaking the void. "Why are you here?"
She simply blinked planning out her next words carefully.
"Chief Bogo." She started knowing that the next few days are going to be hell. But if it ends with her living and him behind bars where he can't get her. She was willing to drop everything she knew and stood for.
"Let's make a deal."
AN: Look who's Back! It only took 6 years. But who's counting? I thought I'd try Fanfics again as I want to pursue writing for a career and I'm motivationally stuck at the current moment. So, I'm gonna see if maybe writing this idea that I had would help me out. Hope you enjoyed reading Ch 1. See you soon. (Whenever that is. COVID-19, Work, and Home Life make it a little tricky.)
