Goldyx- Just let me know when you make any art if you're planning to. That's like totally an awesome idea!
Smile 456- What do you mean? Fluff has been included since like chapter five, lol.
Ethan the Yoshi- I know it's not what you want to hear, but Finnick plays a huge role in this story although it may not be through dialogue. It's a loss, yes, but trust me on it. ;D
just-a-guy-having-fun- Thank you, and yes, this will be a good bit longer than TOT! :)
Nick Wilde- Don't worry, there are plenty of characters that have yet to be introduced!
Aldo B T- Politics are actually a huge part of this story, not just fluff. Nick's biggest conflict is one that is highly political in nature, and sadly, in a society as horrible as...well, society is, violence is bound to happen. :( And yes, there is plenty of more fluff to come, but there will also be plenty of conflict as well. After all, what if a story without a conflict?
Guest- Unless I'm on an extended vacation or something, updates are every 2-4 days.
Welcome back, everyone! Eighteen sure was a big one, eh? Well, buckle up, because the craziness is far from over. How will Nick and Judy's relationship progress? What will Nick's father do? How will society take in this "hate crime"?
Oh, who am I kidding. The story is right below this, so teasing is kind of redundant.
Anyways, enjoy chapter nineteen!
Nick's Dad POV
I chuckle as I fully take in the glory of my first prison breakout, staring out the window of our getaway van with a knowing expression.
We're about to kill ourselves some cops!
My eagerness to fulfill part two of the plan is short lived, however.
"Sir, I don't think you're going to be happy about this" the voice of one of my colleagues squeaks nervously, showing me the screen of his phone timidly.
Great! The prison break was a success, but now we're already running into problems?!
I read the headline in front of front of me with the fire inside my soul intensifying, my claws feeling the need to bury themselves in someone's flesh.
"Only two are dead?!" I scream, tossing the phone into the van wall, outraged.
"Sir, phase one was ruined by...by..." he stutters, and I grow impatient.
"By who?!" I shriek.
"By Kygo, the one that you put in command of the mission".
I instantly feel my rage increase ten-fold as I recall her mother telling me that she's perfect for the job. Her mother, as well as Kygo herself will pay for their trespasses against me.
"What'd she do?!" I ask, livid.
"She killed the other three...at least we think" he mutters back to me, and I nod slowly with my lips clenched together, overwhelmed with fury.
"She's also the one that we caught sneaking out to hang around your son and his pals" he continues, and I look up, my eyes burning with anticipation for what I know must happen.
"Well then" I begin with a cruel grin, "where are they staying right now?".
"We're still trying to figure that out, sir. They aren't currently staying at your former home" they inform me, and I tilt my head.
I remember the feeling I felt deep in my dark being as I pulled the trigger in the hospital room, staring into the buffalo's eyes with a glowing rage. I remember seeing his mouth begin to move as if he wanted to call for help, but witnessing the bullet dismember his face before he had a chance to shriek. I remember the blood thirst that overtook me, causing me to let out a cold laugh as I realized my sins completely.
Oh, how I long to feel that feeling again...
"Well, we'll figure that out" I say evilly, glancing down at my prison clothes, "and when we do, that lion will be the first to die".
Judy POV
I can't believe it! This is a dream! There's no way this is happening!
I briefly open my eyes just to see Nick's face for a moment to ensure that this is actually real and not one of the scenarios I used to envision lying in my bed at night, never expecting it to happen.
Sure enough, I see Nick's face right in front of mine, his eyes shut tight as we kiss.
"I'm in love with you" my mind echoes Nick's words as I feel his paws wrapped around me, my soul one hundred percent content with this moment.
It's absolutely ridiculous how much I never thought Nick liked me this way. It was simple a dream to me, and nothing more. There was no way it would ever happen! And yet, here I am.
My stomach seems to be doing all sorts of flips as we separate and take a step back, my pulse pounding with a love I never thought I'd get to release.
I smile uncontrollably as Nick stares back at me.
"I-I never thought that you'd like me that way" I stammer, feeling like I'm on top of the world.
It's indescribable, but I feel like I can face any challenge the world has to offer now; becoming a police officer, helping Nick through this revolution, whatever it may be. I feel like I'm floating above the earth now in a secluded paradise with Nick at my side.
"I didn't think you did either" he replies, "but I guess I talked myself into it just in time".
I giggle at his inability to stop smiling, and check behind us to make sure our parents haven't wandered into the room.
Sure enough, I hear their voices as they remain talking, oblivious to what just happened.
"Honestly" I start, "I think I've liked you since the day I met you. You're the sweetest, cutest, nicest guy I've ever met, and you're so fun to be around, and...and...it takes a lot of strength to make it through everything you've been through" I say, "how could I not love you?".
He seems to freeze up as I speak with a trance-like expression, scratching the fur on his other arm anxiously; although he seems perfectly comfortable with it all.
"Well, I probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for you" he speaks with a thoughtful expression, "the smartest, kindest, most beautiful girl in the world who...who gave me a chance to prove that I'm more than an untrustworthy fox".
I don't have a chance to respond before I feel warm lips against mine again, and once again my soul is transported to heaven although this time not as long before he pulls away, realizing our parents are almost done with their conversation.
We walk out of the kitchen and into the den, turning on the news, and I sit down on the couch beside Nick; only this time I'm sitting quite a bit closer to him, basking in the searing afterglow of what I know to be the highest degree of love.
We spend a few moments watching the news about the school, noting how the media has still yet to release the name of the lone student victim. Not even the name of the teacher who was gunned down has been released to the general public.
There's only about ten foxes at our school as far as I remember, and that seems to leave no doubt in my mind as to whether this was a hate crime.
I can't stop looking at Nick for obvious reasons, and it seems like every time I sneak a glance his way, he's already looking at me.
I know that the situation with the school is serious, but I just can't seem to stop giggling with every time I catch Nick looking at me with a dreamy expression.
For once, something in my life has worked out the way I dreamed! In fact, this is better than any dream I could ever conjure in my head even on the brightest of nights. I'd even sacrifice my career as a police officer for Nick's sake! He's that perfect.
After a few minutes of watching, the words: "breaking news" appear on the screen, and the background changes from a picture of the school to a picture of the prison just outside of town.
"Huh?" I hear Nick utter, and I read the headline fearfully.
"Prison Breakout" the headline reads, and I can feel Nick's breathing quickening in pace as the suspects are described.
And then, I realize just what is causing Nick to panic so tremendously.
"The third suspect is believed to be the extremely violent Vince Wilde, a fox known for the murder of Evan Thomas, a middle schooler who he claimed "deserved" his brutal death".
I don't even need to speak before I see Nick holding his head with his paws, staring down at the floor in front of us.
"Nick, what's wrong?" his mom asks as she walks over, and then a brief glance at the television screen causes her too to fall into a state of disarray.
"Oh..." she sputters, covering her muzzle with her hand, "that isn't possible...".
I blink a few time in order to ensure my eyes aren't lying, but I know that it's true. Although I still feel quite spectacular from the moment just minutes ago, the one thing I know Nick has feared all his life is on the loose.
Nick's father has escaped from containment.
Kygo POV
I sit on the staircase of the school front door, watching as other officers continue the ongoing investigation outside, and I begin to grow unsettled as I pick at the wound in my leg.
I can't stop thinking about what I did. I betrayed the animals I've been working with ever since I was ten or so.
I killed them.
As much as I want to shrug it off, there's something holding me back. I mean, that's all I've ever been is an emotionless tool to use against the country, but now that I've changed my mind, what comes next? What can I do?
It's like I've been corned by my past at last, and there's nowhere else to turn. I promised myself I'd never give up on my mother, but here I am.
And Vince Wilde...what will he think?
He won't think. He'll kill.
Well, at least one thing is consistent: I've never had a period of my life where I've felt safe. Not one day have I woken up in a relaxed state.
Agreeing to be part of a television program for a few months did two things: help gain money for weapons and more training, and distracted me from my harrowing reality.
I stand up and glance at the clouds drifting slowly above me, and I turn and limp inside where instantly the air feels heavier. The atmosphere could be described as gloomy as I patrol the hallways, making my way back to the classroom where it all occurred.
I stop at the doorway and listen to the officers inside converse about measurements and such, documenting each piece of evidence they come across.
I saunter inside as if I'm supposed to be doing something of importance, noticing that the carpet is still stained crimson in many places.
Most of the stains are located to the front of the room where my former allies and the teacher died, but there's also a large blood stain where one of the students was shot to death.
The other officers notice my presence but continue their assignments, assuming that I'm probably here for the same reason they are.
I crouch down next to the stained carpet beside one of the desks and remove a piece of paper from the desk, scanning over the name:
Finnick.
Come to think of it, the name does sound familiar.
Wasn't he a friend of Judy and Nick's? I certainly hope not.
Come to think of it, Nick and Judy did have a friend that was a fennec fox, which technically qualifies as a fox. Could it be that kid that tagged along with our little group every day at lunch?
He seemed innocent enough; definitely not the type I'd usually wish death on, but the odds are that it was him that was gunned down earlier.
I lift my watch up to read the time, and then I take a deep breath.
Where do I go? I can't go back home...
There's only one place I know to go, and I hope that they don't mind having a stranger like me in their home.
And more than everything, I hope Vince doesn't find us.
More than anything.
Violet POV
I stand at the bottom of the stairs of my apartment in what I must admit feels like excitement, waiting for Melvin to arrive.
Yep, I said it.
I've started telling myself that if I'm going to change into a less stereotypical fox, I need to start being truthful to myself.
Yep! I'm excited to see him!
Don't ask why, though. Melvin and I, we're total opposites, but sometimes that's alright. He's my friend regardless, and I don't care what any other idiots have to say about it.
Today has been quite eventful, and not in a good way. Apparently a student and a teacher were both killed before Kygo or whatever her name is got inside to stop them.
And that's why I'm standing in front of my apartment at ten o'clock in the morning instead of sitting behind a desk.
I sit down on my steps as I recall the events from earlier, trying my best to feel sorry for the animals who died.
However, I can't bring myself to produce actual tears or anything. I predict that if I was in the same classroom as those who died, perhaps I would understand the full horror of this morning.
But it was a hate crime and you're a fox, Violet. He could have killed you. He would have.
Foxes, so hated. It's such a sad truth to live with. Due to our fiendish past, the stereotype that all foxes are dangerous and untrustworthy has defined us for much too long. When I heard about Nick's cause, I didn't hesitate to join him. I'm sick of living my life in a disadvantaged position.
I just want to be looked at the same as everyone else.
I suddenly hear a twig break behind me and I leap to my feet; my claws out and ready to kill, and my eyes narrowed in ferocity.
I expect to see some sort of criminal-looking animal, but come face to face with none other than Melvin.
"Melvin! You can't sneak up like that! I could've killed you!" I express in frustration as he chuckles at my edgy nature.
"Imagine if I had said 'boo!' You probably would've actually slit my throat" he jokes, and I roll my eyes.
"You're lucky that I don't hate you, kid" I respond as we begin walking.
"So, where we going?" he asks me casually as we begin walking, adjusting his glasses as he speaks.
"You want to see if Nick and Judy want to hang out?" I ask him, and he shrugs.
"Why not? Not like we have anything to do today really" he states simply.
"Well, why'd you ask me to hang out if there's nothing planned?" I ask in a confused tone.
"Because I want to hang out with you, duh! You're my best friend, why wouldn't I?" he says in his usual squeaky tone.
"Best?" I ask instinctively as we exit the apartment complex and walk onto the sidewalks of the street, and Melvin nudges me playfully.
"Duh!".
Keep dreaming I think in my mind, but I quickly correct myself.
How do I really feel?
"Well, that's...that's nice" I reply, trying my best not to act peculiar or anything.
"So, what do you think of Kygo?" he asks me as we walk in the direction of Nick's house, and it doesn't take me long to think of my answer.
"She's suspicious" I mutter, thinking about her sassy attitude that always seems nothing short of defensive, "I don't know why exactly, but I get a fishy feel from her".
He looks at me weirdly.
"Really? I think she's awesome" he replies in awe, and I narrow my eyes at him.
What's so "awesome" about Kygo?
"Oh, seriously?" I ask, a bit of disapproval included in my voice.
"Well, she was the star of a TV show" he replies, kicking a rock along the ground.
"I don't trust her" I grunt, and Melvin turns my direction.
"Well, I mean, you're a fox and you want people to trust you, right?" he asks me, and I glare at him.
"Sure".
"So, why not start by setting a good example, you know?" he asks.
"That's different, Melvin" I mutter, "especially for someone as suspicious as her'".
He shrugs.
"Well, I still consider her to be a friend" he states as we continue down the sidewalk, and I roll my eyes.
Maybe I am misjudging Kygo. Maybe she has good intentions and is actually here to protect Nick.
Or maybe she's here to assassinate him!
Don't be silly, Violet. No one wants to kill Nick that badly...
Nick POV- Thirty Minutes Later
As Judy and her parents continue watching the news with my mother, I stand up and pace around the room, scratching my arm with pure anxiety.
How could my father have escaped from the most secure prison in all of Zootopia?! This doesn't make any sense! None at all!
I lean my head against the wall as I hold my breath, searching deep for the answers that I long to find.
"You want to talk some more?" I hear Judy's angelic voice say softly as she stands beside me, making her presence known.
I blush slightly as I stand straight once more, shocked by her ability to sneak up so efficiently.
"Oh, yeah" I say weakly.
"We can go to my room if you want to" she recommends, and I nod, knowing that some of our conversation will likely be romantic.
I follow Judy to her room plagued by an absolute whirlwind of emotions; embracing the newfound love between Judy and I, but wondering why my dad seems to escape every predicament he is faced with.
Not even the strongest of chains can hold my father still.
My heart suddenly begins pounding again as Judy closes her door behind us, and I sit down on one of her beanbag chairs, watching her with curiosity.
"What is it you want to talk about?" I ask, pretending that I'm clueless.
"Well, first, I want to show you this" this says, showing me the screen of her phone.
A social media page entitled "We Stand With Nick Wilde (And Foxes)" catches my eye as I scan over the contents, noting the fact that the page has over four million likes.
"Wow..." I say as I skim through the nice posts that all seem to support me, and Judy sits down on the beanbag beside me.
"There's a lot of people standing with you" she tells me, "In fact, on the other side of the country, discriminating against foxes is a social taboo".
I look at her in disbelief.
"Really?" I ask.
She simply nods, leaning back in her chair.
"I just want you to know that you aren't alone, because with your father loose and all, well...it's scary" she states.
"It's like I'm famous for all the wrong reasons" I say.
"No, for all the right reasons! At least you're a symbol for a cause that will make the world a better place, and me, well...I'm trying to make the world a better place, but I doubt I'll ever come close to having an influence like your story" she says in a downcast tone.
It's not often I hear Judy speak this negatively, so I welcome this unusual circumstance as a chance to lift her spirits.
"And how do you know that?" I ask her, "you've helped a fox that had nothing to keep him going in life; no friends, no inspiration, no trust and no will to live to become so much more than he ever...ever dreamed he'd be. That's a miracle that never would've happened without you. It may seem like this is all me, but the truth is that without you...I wouldn't be anything. I wouldn't have four million people supporting me. The credit should go to you and the fox who died today, not me".
She leans forward a bit, obviously not believing all of my words.
"Why should I get any credit? I haven't been told I can't watch a movie because of who I am, or been insulted because of my species, or beaten to the point of death because of a misunderstanding. You deserve so much more, Nick" she replies gently, not wanting to shed any tears.
"What if" I begin, "the fox that died today was killed because the shooter thought it was me? What if someone died today all because of me?" I question, the possibility being the equivalent of a true nightmare to me.
Judy sighs, placing her hand on mine, causing me to instantly feel somewhat more stable.
"I-I...Nick..." she struggles to answer, knowing that my horrifying theory could very well be true.
"I want to be thought of like everyone else, but..." I trail off.
"But what?".
I take a lengthy breath through my nose, staring down at her bluish-green carpet with a hard-to-read expression.
"I don't want anyone to get hurt. Imagine if someone killed you. What...what would I do?" I ask, not knowing the answer in the slightest.
"We've been over this, Nick" she informs me, "dying for you is an honor to me".
"It's one thing to say that and another thing for it actually to happen" I speak, my voice full of fright regarding the future, "and what if my dad got to you?"
"He doesn't know who I am, Nick. I can promise you that I'm not a priority for him" she assures me.
"What about the others? What if somehow, someway, my dad ended up killing my mom? Or Melvin? What about Violet? Even Kygo..." I say, knowing that Kygo has done quite a bit to protect me.
"I...I don't know, Nick" she responds, and I suddenly feel like I'm making the situation worse than better, which I attempt to rectify in the only way I know how.
I lean in once again and kiss her unexpectedly, causing her eyes to grow wide for a second. I close my eyes and fully take in the moment, hoping that this kiss won't be the last between us. I eventually move back to my original position again, not knowing how Judy will react.
"Oh, sorry" I blabber, but she simply smiles.
"Why would you apologize for that?" she asks with a teasing smile, knowing that I'm trying my best to cheer her up.
"I-I don't know" I reply, suddenly feeling really, "but I know that none of this is too much for me...as long as you're here with me" I struggle to finish.
She simply rolls her eyes in a frisky manner, pulling me closer to her side.
"You're gonna make me start blushing again" she whispers in my ear playfully, holding me close as I revel in the simple feeling of being close to her again.
I lean towards her face and I feel her lips against mine again and I can't help but curl my lips into a smile, letting go of all my fears at least for a while.
The all-too-simple feeling of having Judy in my arms makes me feel like I don't have to care about anything else besides her. It's a blissful feeling to dwell in, at least for a while...
After only ten seconds or so, I hear a knock on Judy's door that jars us apart, and Judy takes out her phone, trying to make it appear as though she was simply showing me a picture or video on her phone.
Judy's mom walks in with a neutral expression, gesturing towards the front door.
"You guys have visitors" she says, a bit of pity for me evident in her tone.
I glance over at a dazed Judy, silently asking if she was expecting any visitors, but she shrugs in response.
Ignoring the heavenly sensation caused by Judy, I pad to the front door and find the visitors Judy's mom was speaking of.
"Violet? Melvin? Kygo?" I ask, the three of them standing around in the den, "how did you find us?".
"Well, I came across these two bozos just in time!" Kygo begins, "they were headed to the wrong house".
"You didn't tell us you were living here" Melvin speaks in my direction with a wink, although quite unaware of what has gone down since I last talked to him.
Violet simply stands with an impatient expression as Kygo speaks, looking as though she wouldn't mind if Kygo were to be thrown from a window or something.
"Oh, well, it's just for a while" I tell them, eyeing the television out of curiosity once more, spotting the photo of my father sprawled across the screen.
His eyes, so full of evil, so full of violence...
I can only hope I never come face to face with them again.
I can only hope...
I think we can all agree with Nick on that one. Some of you may be asking: "why is Nick's dad the way he is?" Well, we will find out next chapter.
It still pains me to think that neither Nick, nor Judy, nor Violet or Melvin know that Finnick is dead. And what happens when they find out? It certainly won't be pretty...
Sorry for the rather short and uneventful chapter, but that tends to happen after a groundbreaking chapter like eighteen (lol).
Anyways, leave any of your thoughts in the reviews (even if you don't think they mean anything- any thoughts at all are much appreciated! :)
Until chapter twenty!
