nick495- I wouldn't call it "friendzoning", I'd just label it as hesitance! ;)
Baneblade- Soon enough ;)
TheCartographer- The reason Nick will not refer to Judy as "carrots" in this story is because in the film, Nick has already fallen victim (and picked up on many) stereotypes: one being that Judy, since she was a rabbit, loved carrots (and thus he nicknames her carrots). In this universe, Nick never got a chance to pick up stereotypes, so he never even thinks about calling Judy "Carrots". I do understand why you want to hear it, though. It's a nice nickname! :)
Hudsoda- Yep, the world in this story is incredibly dislikable for the sole purpose of putting emphasis on the main characters and implementing a "us against the world" mentality (which in this case it actually is) (foxes and such vs. the rest of the general population).
Aldo B T- 1. You're in luck! ;) 2. Sadly, the logical answer to that is yes. 3. Yep! 4. I'd say your usual pre-teen look- a zip-up hoodie jacket that I imagine to be purple (Charmander works too), some soft jeans, etc. 5. The bully that was murdered was not Bogo, but a separate character. 6. American tacos are totally the worst. I wouldn't mind having an authentic taco, though. 7. I know m8
Ethan the Yoshi- Later on in the story flashbacks will reveal just how twisted and controlling Nick's father was (and is), but yes, that would be the reason.
Hello everyone, and welcome back to another chapter of Lost and Found! Now, this chapter will be a bit different than the rest; at least somewhat. This chapter will feature several different POVs, which I think will be quite interesting for you guys! Anyways, proceed downwards if you dare! (or even if you don't) ;)
Nick POV
"What?!" my mom asks loudly, struggling to keep her hands steady on the wheel as we drive.
I mean, how else is someone going to react to news as drastic as "civil war"?
"Well, someone came after me and Kygo had to..."
Theres a silence as I search for the gentlest way to word "killed someone".
"I had to put a few bullets into him. It's all good, though! Remember, that's my job!" she tries her best to explain, but my mother looks aghast regardless.
"You know what they're going to do" my mother tells us, "most reporters are prey! They're going to make it seem like you shot him down in cold blood, or even make it look like Nick shot him" she tells us as calmly as she can, driving a touch faster than her usual speed on the streets.
I only now begin to realize the building danger that envelops me; dragging me deeper and deeper into this delusion madness. I could easily end up dead over something I didn't do at all. In fact, I was the victim!
The news reporters would never make this known, though.
I'm a goner.
The rest of the conversation passes like a blur through the spaces of my mind, but I'm too wrapped up in my thoughts to focus on anything else.
It's beginning to look like there is no happily after for someone like me. Either I stand up for me and my kind and end up dead most likely, or just give in to society's wishes and mold and end up living a huge step below the rest of animal-kind my entire life.
At least I have someone to help me through this never-ending hurricane now, in the form of a rabbit with dreams that seem much too heavy for her to remain floating forever.
I said the word "seems", of course. Judy seemed like the average bunny upon first meeting her. I've learned not to judge a subject from a brief glance, obviously.
The building seem to pass in a mute mixture of color as we speed, and the only thing that manages to rip my attention away from the negative scenarios that loom over me are Judy's amethyst eyes.
"Nick? Did you hear her?" Judy asks me as she stares my way, and I blink several times, regaining my consciousness.
"Oh, huh?" I ask, frustrated with myself for dazing off.
"We're going to head over to my house in case any of those animals know where you live" she informs me.
"Oh, really?" I ask, having not heard any of the discussion from mere moments earlier, "and your parents are...okay with that?".
"I'm pretty sure my parents don't want me dead" she tells me, "so they'll let us hide there".
"But what if those people-" I start.
"They won't" Judy stops me in my tracks, "I promise".
I nod glumly, and I think that Judy knows something is troubling me aside from the death of a civilian. Unlike anyone else in the universe, she can see past my surface, and she can sense when something is wrong.
I can tell by the way her vision pierces into the side of my head that she wants to talk with me about it, but the presence of my mother and Kygo holds her back.
Is this all worth it? Is it worth the stress, the strife, the disorder, the turmoil, the trouble and the carnage? Is it worth sacrificing the safety of my closest friend, my new allies, and my own mother?
Only time will tell...
Kygo POV- 2 Hours Later
Well, this is certainly starting to get interesting.
Ever since I was born I've always been told I'm crazy. No, more than that. Insane. Psychotic.
Sure, I've never been your normal lioness adolescent with a stable attitude and a balanced mindset, but I'm not that far from normal.
All I was ever raised to be was a killer, and a ruthless one at that. My father was the only one who cared about me, but my mother never would let me see him.
I was her little toy, her little robot.
I wasn't allowed to have fun or anything of the sort. You see, my mother hated the government, and I display no exaggerations by using that word.
Hate.
She trained me to become the ultimate spy; a brutal killer with keen senses and charisma beyond my years. She created me to help destroy the government that she testified to me was absolutely corrupted, and that the world would never be peaceful or serene in the least bit until it was overtaken.
Besides the AAFE, there's more hidden behind the veils of society, and you can trust me on that. There are some, many even that want to stand up to the tyrannical rule of Zootopia, but have been too afraid to until now.
At last we have formed a secret organization to take down the government, but it's a slow process. Creating controversy leads to an uprising in extreme cases such as now, and that leads to controversy and then that leads to...
Yeah, you get the picture.
"So, why are you a bodyguard or officer working for the government?".
I've heard the question a hundred or a thousand times, but it's quite obvious to me. I signed a paper, an oath, what ever you want to call it. Some may call me a liar, a deceiver, or even evil.
Working close the the government gives me significant advantages in terms of knowledge
Nick is the essential piece to our puzzle. Sure, it may seem like a despicable thing to do; use him, but it's not like I have any other choice at this point in the mission.
The saddest thing is, not that I feel any emotion or anything, Nick being who he is. I've never witnessed anyone as sweet and innocent as Nick, and I understand how it would pain someone that carries the ability to feel with them throughout their lives.
Like his little girlfriend, Judy. If he ends up dead from this which he most likely will, she'll be torn apart in more ways than I could imagine. They're safe at the Hopps' house right now, but a simple roof can't shelter them from the bullets headed their way.
And I certainly hope Nick isn't the one standing in front...
I open the steel doors to our secret haven silently, knowing my mother is in no mood to be annoyed today. It's beginning to near the time that we strike, and the planning is crucial. All of my mother's focus should be on the events we must execute perfectly, and not a lowly killer like me.
You're not lowly, Kygo! You're fierce! You're a force to be reckoned with!
I seal the door behind me and proceed to my "room"...well, more like a glorified closet, and take my dark blue bodyguard jacket off, hanging it on the hook just inside the doorway.
The time I spend being around Nick and Judy is the only thing that ever seems to happen in my life anymore, to be frank. Sure, a revolution is sure to begin, but all this relationship drama and fox rights campaign-talk is fun to dwell in and pass the time.
I sigh as I reminisce back to my days in my home country; back when life was more...interesting.
I lived away from Zootopia for three years, and those were the more enjoyable times in my life. Then, moving to Zootopia happened. My mother quickly became obsessed with overthrowing the government, then raising me to be her tool, and then yada yada.
You get the picture.
Although I've tried to convince myself I can't feel trivial things such as emotions anymore, I seem to be feeling more and more frustrated with my life.
Am I more than a piece to an insidious plan? Am I more than a murderer and monster?
It's hard to tell anymore...
Violet POV
The feeling of a slight, cool breeze make's it's way through my fur, as I hear the words echo throughout my brain:
"Get out!"
The moment I entered my home, I was redirected out the door by my abusive brother, who seems to have developed a deep hatred for me over the years.
My brother is a wolf, and is obviously regarded as much higher in society than a fox such as myself.
Oh, here's something I forgot to mention: I'm adopted.
Yeah, that's right. I don't even have a real family. I live with a "pack"of three wolves, treated like I'm something closer to a house pet than a child of their own.
My brother torments me continuously throughout each painful day, and that's not even the thing that gets to me.
What gets to me is the fact that my "parents" allow this to occur on a daily basis, not batting an eye at my misery.
I sit on the park bench in my quiet, solemn courtyard staring up at the stars, thinking deep to myself with a weightless feeling.
Not about my grades, my future, my faulty family, my relationships, or anything of the sort.
I just can't stop asking myself: who am I?
The teachers at school tell me each and every day that our actions define who we are, but what have I done in my life to signify that I'm anything more than another animal in the largest city in the country?
Society tells me I'm not worth anyone's time due to the fact that I'm a vixen, but I don't believe that. I believe that I'm just a bit abnormal by the standards of...well...
Everyone else.
No one really wants to be around a gloomy, edgy, boring, intimidating and menacing-looking fox with the name of Violet.
Well, except for my friends of course.
Nick and Judy care about me, but they're always so caught up in each other that I'm the third wheel every day at school, and I know I should feel grateful that I have them in my life, but it's hard to see past the fact that I'm not really anyone's first choice when it comes to friends.
You aren't anyone's favorite, my mind reminds me coldly, and I hold my knees up to my chest, wrapping my arms around them out of insecurity.
The courtyard is completely silent until I hear footsteps approaching me, and my thoughts suddenly take a turn for the worst.
Please be a murderer. Please. I don't want to go through this trouble anymore. I can't
My breathing increases, and I don't dare turn around. For all I know it could be a demon or a ghost, ready to drag me to the darkest depths of the abyss.
"Hey" a familiar voice rings out, and I gasp slightly.
His aqua blue eyes, thick glasses, puffy fur and nerdy jacket form to create an unmistakable figure in front of me.
"M-Melvin?! What are you doing here?" I ask, wiping away my tears hurriedly, not suspecting any social interaction to occur.
He shrugs innocently.
"Well, I kinda live here" he answers, "I walk this path every night".
I try my best to hide my messy face, my eyeliner streaming down my cheeks.
"Oh, that's um...highly coincidental" I say to him, straightening up my posture.
"How was the ice cream?" he asks me, and I recall the experience from earlier today.
"Alright" I answer, and I see his eyes narrow in curiosity.
"Have you...have you been crying?" he asks, knowing I've never been one to show weakness.
I've known the kid since third grade, but I've never bothered to start talking to him until very recently. Never in all my years of knowing him has he seen me show such weakness as I currently am displaying, on the verge of breaking out in tears again.
I scoot a bit further away, burying my face into my sleeved arms, not wanting to look him in the eye.
"Sorry" is all I can muster, and I cringe as I feel him sit down on the bench beside me.
"Violet, it's okay to cry" he speaks to me, and I can't even begin to explain how comforting his voice is.
I can't exactly list a specific reason as to why, but something about his voice seems so...deep. So close to me, and so reassuring.
"No, no! I'm fine!" I try my best to whimper as he looks at me with a bewildered expression and eyes wide.
"You seem-"
"It doesn't matter!" I say exasperatedly, staring at the ground now.
A strong silence rocks the air for a few seconds as Melvin takes a deep breath.
"You sure it's nothing that I can help you with?" he asks in his usual squeaky voice, and I begin to feel my heart open a little bit.
Closing up my heart my entire life has done absolutely no good for me so far in life, so why not change things up just this once? Life can't stay at rock bottom for eternity...
"I'm just frustrated, okay?" I reply downheartedly.
"About?" he asks, adjusting his glasses as he speaks.
I sigh, letting all of my inner-demons flow out.
"I don't feel like...I just..." I choke, slapping myself mentally.
You sound so weak...
"I just don't...I don't...feel like I have a purpose here. I k-know it's dramatic or whatever, but...I'm not wanted. I'm not anyone's favorite. I just want to feel like I'm-"
"Important to someone?" he asks me, and I nod in affirmation.
"Important" I repeat.
"Well, you're important to us...y'know, our little group thing. Nick, Judy and...me...we all care about you".
Like I once stated before, I know I should feel grateful for all of them, but the lack of feeling like a necessity really gets under my skin.
"And I know how you feel" he adds, and I glance at his eyes through the frames of his glasses for a second.
"What do you mean?" I ask with a sniff, wiping my burning eyes.
"I've always wanted someone who's like a...you know...best friend. But I totally blew it that day with Nick! I'll be utterly inconsolable if he never trusts me again!" he confesses to me, and I try my best to assume what "inconsolable" means.
"He told me about that" I mutter to him, "Why'd you do it?".
He bites his lip and taps his fingers on the bench nervously, obviously wanting to refrain from any discussion regarding his past mistakes.
"I...I was stupid to think that harassing someone would result in a boosted self-esteem. I mean, that's what I wanted. I wanted to be accepted among everyone else. But you know, I'm just that little dork-sheep that everyone takes one glance at, and then never is looked at again" he answers honestly, sounding quite blue.
"I guess you just learn to ignore what everyone else thinks" I say, staring at the claws on my right paw for no reason in particular.
"There's not really another way. I mean, look at Nick! Thousands of people in the city call him a hero, but the other eighty percent hates his guts! I don't get how the guy does it. I'd totally be dead from stress by now!" he rants, and I simply nod.
"I guess you're right" I say to him, "no one else can ever define who you are".
He grins at me.
"Yep, that's right" he tells me.
He glances down at his watch and then back up at me.
"Um, sorry, but I promised my dad I'd be back at nine...don't want to get in any trouble" he tells me with a easygoing expression, and I can't help but give him a nice smile.
"Thanks for the...um...talk" I say to him, and he nods as if it were no problem.
"It was...nice" he says as he begins walking away.
Do something Violet! Show him that he means more to you than a little dork-sheep!
I impulsively leap from my seat and walk up to Melvin, and he turns to face me once more, looking quite confused.
"Violet-" he begins, but I pull him into a quick hug before he can finish his sentence.
"Thanks again" I say as I release him, and he stands there, dazed.
"You're w-welcome" he stutters, and then I wave goodbye to him, walking back over to the bench.
What's wrong with you, Violet! You totally just creeped out one of your only friends!
I ignore my thoughts and lean back on the bench, stretching my back with a yawn, and I come to a realization:
At last, I feel a bit lighter, a bit clearer, and a bit more alive.
I feel somewhat happy.
Judy POV
I sit on my bed with Nick at my side as police officers surround our house, attempting to keep any unwanted guests out.
An officer currently questions Nick's mother regarding the shooting, but it's not like she knows anything. Once they come upstairs and move on to us, they'll be getting somewhere.
I stare at Nick's phone screen as he shows me a video that he described as "hilarious", but I'm finding it hard to focus on anything other than him, and him only.
The way he keeps laughing every few seconds and sneaking glances my way has my heart pounding, and I know what I have to do. However, several questions swim around in my conflicted mind.
What if this isn't the right time?
What if I get rejected?
What if I mess up?
Think optimistically, Judy! He's totally into you!
"Um, Nick?" I ask him, and he pauses the video, looking over at my blushing face.
"Yeah?" he asks adorably, and I feel my heart sink again in all the best ways.
"I just wanted to tell you that...I wanted you to know...I...".
What is this?! Why can't I just say the words?! Is there some forcefield rejecting my words every time they register in my brain?! I don't get it!
"I wanted you to know that...I'm glad we got out of that alive!" I finally decide on, and he stares at me in confusion.
I mentally slap myself, knowing I'm just so close to saying the words.
Are you serious, Judy?! "I'm glad we got out of that alive!" How stupid is that?! You were so close to telling him!
"Oh, um, me too" he replies with his usual heart-melting smile, and I struggle to stay composed, "I don't think I would've been able to live if I had lost you".
Oh gosh! Did he really just say that! No way! He said that he needs you Judy!
"Oh, um, wow...Nick...that's really sweet" I manage to say timidly, unable to stop my goofy smiling.
"Well, it's only the truth" he tells me confidently, "You're the best friend I could ever ask for. I guess it's just luck that my first friend happened to be the greatest bunny...or animal alive".
Oh, he's doing it again! He's just too sweet! What do I do?! How do I reply to something as amazing as that?!
"T-thanks Nick, but I'm pretty sure that title belongs to you" I respond bashfully, trying not to act too happy at the compliment.
After all, he could get...weirded out or something.
"I'm not that great" he answers; not trying to gain sympathy or attention, but simple speaking his honest thoughts, "I'm just a fox".
I laugh out of shock as I hear his words in a gentle tone, and I instinctively lean against him not only for the sake of comfort, but also just to get close to him.
"Nick, you've gone through so much in life. Your dad hates you, a lot of society hates you, and you just got out of the hospital from being beaten severely".
He glances down at his cast, not sure where this is headed.
"But guess what?" I ask, placing my hand on my arm, and I lean even more on him, nearly snuggling with him at this point. I feel him tense up, but then relax moments later, and I assume that he accepts it as an act of friendly kindness.
"You've still kept true to yourself. You're standing up for your kind, and you're doing something no one else dared to do before! You're sweet, kind and fun, and...smart, and witty, and you're unlike anyone I've ever met. You've helped me through so much, and you've taught me more than I could imagine. And that's why I...".
As I nearly let the last part slip, the door to my room opens, and I jump, sliding a few inches away from Nick.
At the door stands one of the rhino-officers, holding a clipboard with a serious expression.
I notice Nick's red face as well as the soft look in his eyes and I wish to myself that I had started my sentence sooner.
Why does this have to be so difficult?!
Nick POV
What was she about to say?! Could it be that she likes me? Or loves me?
No, that's stupid. Someone as perfect as Judy would never love someone like me in that way.
Didn't you hear what she said about you?
Doesn't matter.
Just tell her.
I will eventually. It's not like I have a choice...
"Now, from what I understand you children are involved in this incident?" the officer asks us, sitting in a chair in front of us.
I can tell by Judy's respectful look that she really cherishes the thought of being a police officer, and that she's passionate about it.
"Yes sir! Nick here was almost murdered!" Judy tells him politely.
"And was this because he has become an icon in a way for the anti-discrimination movements regarding foxes?" he asks.
"All he told me is that he wanted me dead, and then my bodyguard shot him when he ran towards me with a knife" I answer, thinking back to the tragic events.
"And you are aware that he is dead now?" he asks me.
"Yes" I answer, confused by the nature of the questions.
"Good, I was just making sure.
The rest of the questions aren't really anything interesting. It's random little questions like: "how many times did he speak?" and "how long did your friend point the gun at him before she shot?".
The officer writes lengthy notes into his mysterious notepad, seeming satisfied with the information we gave him.
"Well, thank you kids. We assure you that nothing like this will happen again" he grunts, standing up from the chair, and I manage a quiet "you're welcome".
His intimidating presence begins to fade as the door to Judy's room closes, and we're left in a silence riddled with tension.
I look over at her at the exact moment she looks at me, feeling the full effect of her gaze as it meets my anxious eyes.
Her smooth green jacket seems to glisten in the light that so boldly flows through the window, making her eyes seem to light up in the dramatic contrast, eliciting a deep feeling of euphoria within me.
"You don't think Kygo will get in trouble, do you?" I ask Judy, and she shrugs, shifting her eyes to the ground and back to me.
"I don't think so. It's her job to protect you, right?".
"Yeah, but I mean, I still feel bad. That guy had a family, and friends, and..." I trail off.
"Nick, he chose to put his life on the line by attacking you" Judy testifies, "he knew that his life was at stake, but...I guess hurting you was just more important to him".
I sit in silence, processing the words that flow from Judy's mouth, and I guess she notices that her words were quite straightforward to the point that it nearly rattles me.
"I don't understand how anyone could be that evil" she speaks to me, toying with the stitching on her sleeve.
"Neither do I" I say to her, "and to think that I imagined the world as something bright and beautiful when I was younger..."
"I mean, there's still things and life that are you know...special...in a good way" she tells me, and I nod.
"I know, but it's just sad, you know? To know that so many people want me gone. It's...it's really hard...".
"Remember what I promised?" she suddenly asks me, and I instantly recall what she's speaking of.
"That we'll always be there to help each other through anything?" I suggest, and she nods.
"I mean, sure, this is a little bit bigger than your usual locker-stuffing bully in elementary school, but I'm willing to do everything to help you. I mean it" she speaks sincerely, glancing at the cast on my arm in order to fully grasp the strife I've recently experienced.
"Thanks, Judy" I say softly with a smile, and then I stand up, feeling the urge to brighten the atmosphere around us.
"You wanna go get some coffee?" I add, remembering her love for coffee.
"Oh, um, yeah!" she says, leaping to her feet, "I could use a ton of energy just before I go to bed" she adds with a sarcastic smirk.
Well, unless something occurs during the night that requires lots of running, it does seem sort of futile to gulp down a large cup of a drink laced with caffeine.
But if Judy likes it, I'm all for it.
As I close the door to Judy's bedroom, a certain thought creeps it's way back into my head, causing me to feel a small ping of worry.
I hear the words of my father over text and I feel a bit lightheaded, knowing that the ruthlessness of my father knows no limits.
This is only the beginning.
Nick's Dad POV
They've always told me that I'd never be anything more than a killer. They told me I'd never surpass being the monster that admittedly I've become, but I couldn't care any less.
The plan is finally upon us.
We've executed perfectly until this point, and it's about time that something works out for me.
The plan of course being the utter destruction of the government has been in the works for years now, and starting this entire fox-controversy has certainly helped to divide even the best of us.
Aside from throwing the city into chaos, the death of my son and wife seem like nothing short of a dream for me. And why would it not be?
They're just so spoiled! And disobedient! They don't deserve my love! They don't deserve to live!
"Wilde, I'd like to have a word with you for a moment" I hear the usual null tone of an officer speak, glaring into my cell condescendingly.
"Well, have a word by all means! Have twenty for all I care...".
The gorilla-officer rolls his eyes, shining a flashlight directly at my face.
"Why aren't you eating any of your meals?" he asks me, shining the light from my face to the still-full plate in the corner of my room.
"Who knows? Must've contracted a stomach virus or something" I answer with a pinch of cynicalness, digging my claws into the side of my bed-mattress at the sight of the officer.
"All of us know something is going on here, and I'm not leaving until you speak up. We can take you back to the questioning room if you continue not to co-operate".
I snicker.
"Oh, officer! Whatever happened to the "right to remain silent"? Is that just a leaf blown away by the winds at this point?".
He squints his eyes, looking quite afraid from what I can decipher.
"This is different, fox" he says to me, attempting to use the word "fox" to degrade me.
"No, I'm afraid this isn't, good sir! You have no evidence that I'm hiding anything besides, what? A plate in the corner of my cell?" I ask with my usual smug expression.
"You've been acting different. You don't seem concerned that you're never going to escape this prison" he speaks to me, trying his best to sound poised and cold.
"Then what's there to worry about?" I ask with a glint of coolness, and I immediately detect a considerable amount of discomfort within the body of the gorilla.
He gives me a blank look and then turns around, walking in the opposite direction, and I suspect that he'll be back soon to drag me to the "questioning room".
Zootopia's prisons have tried their best to lessen the strong implications of the words "torture" and "room" by sugar-coating it with the less than accurate word: "questioning".
It's not for the faint of heart, but then again, I guess I'm lucky I don't have a heart anymore.
Considering what is about to happen in this city, it's probably better not to have any feelings at all. Well, besides one.
Anger, and burning anger at that.
Hate, contempt, rage, fury, craze and a ruthless fixation are all needed for what is about to unfold.
And unlike the "questioning room", it's pretty safe to say none of it will be sugar-coated.
None of it.
Things are starting to get tense...huh? So, Kygo is part of the anti-government movement that Nick's father is currently leading?! Scary. And what about Nick and Judy! They certainly need some degree of help! Or counseling, or you know...
Why can't they just wake up and realize that they both love each other?! Why?!
Anyways, thanks for reading, and please be sure to leave any thoughts you may have in the reviews!
Until next time!
