WOW! I can't believe the attention this story got its first day up! I hope everyone enjoyed the prologue chapter. I wrote it after this one so you'll get a treat and get two chapters back to back. I won't be able to keep up with this kind of pace but hopefully I'll be able to be consistent in the future. This chapter takes place 6 months before the events of the prologue. If you have any questions or need anything cleared up let me know. But prepare yourself this one starts out a lot slower. Enjoy!

We all know the story of the grand city of Zootopia. The place where prey and predators laid their differences aside to build a place where all are welcomed. What you don't know is the story of the lands that surround Zootopia. On the continent of Mammalia, Zootopia stands as a city state, a beacon of light and understanding to the rest of the world. Of the various states that surround Zootopia none has a more troubled past than Vulpesia. Despite predator and prey putting aside their differences, there are few places where foxes are welcomed. During a dark time, in the history of Mammalia, foxes were the bane of existence. Many blamed them for issues which were perceived to be supernatural or a curse. The prey blamed them for droughts that caused famines. Predators would blame them for plagues that ravaged entire populations. Eventually the foxes were driven out from their homes and forced to settle in a land that was destitute and barren. A land bordered to the north by a mountain range, known as the Vulpesian Peaks, that begins in the eastern part of Burrowland and extends nearly 1,500 miles into the fox's territory creating a near impenetrable wall to outsiders. While the foxes of Vulpesia lay claim to most of the mountain range they also share nearly 500 miles with their neighbors in Burrowland. Burrowland, consisting mostly of rabbits and a few other prey species with the occasional predator, laid claim to this small section of mountains during a past war with the foxes. While also owning the narrow valley north of the Peaks and another, much smaller, mountain range beyond that. While Burrowland owns the western end of the mountains, the Foxes of Vulpesia control the low lands at the foot of the mountains. Their border continuing south nearly 400 miles along a river that separates the two countries. From there Vulpesia looks like a giant bulge sticking out like a knot into the side of what is knowns as Canisia, the foxes' oldest and most dangerous enemy. Canisia, consisting of mostly wolves and coyotes, has long been at war with Vulpesia not just for resources but many consider the foxes living there to be vagrants that needed to be disposed of. As the centuries dragged on, and technology began to advance, it was soon discovered that Vulpesia was rich in resources that their neighbors desired. Canisia began a series of wars to take these resources from the increasingly rich country. With their back against the wall and their homeland under threat the foxes made several stands and often could push their enemies back increasing their own territory. Living under a constant threat of war the foxes stayed on the cutting edge of military technology. The wolves of Canisia, having lost valuable land and blood in the many wars, now consider a new plan to gain back their lost territory and put an end to Vulpesia.

T- 6 months

"Are we sure they don't suspect anything?" The cautious old wolf stared at the map. Considering the plans laid before him. The myriad of generals around him offering reassuring nods as the lead general speaks up.

"We've been monitoring their troop movements. If they suspect anything they haven't done anything to show it. We've been rotating troops through our training grounds along the border routinely to hide our intent."

"What about the pass? What's their strength there?" The old wolf pointing to a 5-mile-wide pass between two mountain ranges that his army will have to travel nearly 500 miles through before turning south to their main objective.

"Troop strength there is light. Mostly just observation post. Our troops will make short work of them before pressing on. Our tanks can cover the 500 miles in three days. Any resistance they manage to mount at the mouth of the pass will be negligible. Once we exit the pass our troops will turn south around the end of the mountains and toward their main objective." The generals muzzle pulling to a menacing grin as he spoke. Full of confidence at his troops abilities.

"And what of the VAF (Vulpesian Air Force)? They've foiled our plans before?" The old wolf staring at the general, not yet convinced this plan would work.

"Our anti-aircraft missile batteries are more than capable of downing any VAF aircraft that dares to venture past the mountain." The generals tone turning into a soft growl. Becoming impatient with the old politician. He's soft. He thought to himself. Weaklings like him are the reason we've lost our past wars.

The other generals beginning to share conflicting glances between each other. Knowing the commanding general is lying about the anti-aircraft coverage. Knowing full well that coverage does not reach to the crucial turning point. The general's plans depending on the enemy not being able to react fast enough to prevent them from reaching their objective.

Releasing his gaze from the general, the old wolf releases a deep sigh and stares at the ceiling of his office. Memories of battles now forgotten by all but those who were there to witness the blood and gore.

"Very well." Bringing his eyes back to the generals. "When will you be ready to strike?"

"In 6 months, we'll have the appropriate divisions rotating through the training centers at the same time. We can attack then." A now menacing grin spreading across his muzzle.

The repeated heavy thumping of the helicopters rotor blades creating a heavy current of air blowing into the open door of the passenger section making the facial and tail fur of the passengers' swish wildly. The grand view of the mountains below them. The destination slowly coming into view. A single mountain top flattened into a surface area just large enough for a single helicopter to land and unload its cargo. In this case, the cargo consisting of 3 foxes. An average size grey fox holding a neutral expression, a gruff looking fennec fox and a relaxed red fox. Once on the landing zone, all three quickly exit the side door on the medium sized helicopter, once all three are clear, the pilot pulls hard on the control sticks willing the heavy beast back into the air and over the horizon back the way it came from.

"I hate those damn things." Came a deep voice from a particularly small fox.

"Ah, you're just mad they didn't let you jump out with a chute." Said the red fox with a teasing grin as he glanced down at the small fox. His emerald eyes hidden behind his sunglasses.

"Alright, that's enough you two." The grey fox said as if he were speaking to children. "Let's go speak with the folks in the HQ."

"So why are we flying out to some random company HQ Colonel? We could just as easily read the reports they send over satcom?" The smaller fox speaking with a bit of annoyance in his voice.

"Would you care to answer this one Major?" The gray fox asked while looking over his shoulder. "This was your idea after all."

"Well Sergeant Major, as you know the wolves have been increasing their training activities at the bases just north of us. And the last time this much activity was taking place we were attacked threw the mountains we now stand on."

"Spare me the history lesson Major Wilde I was here when they attacked. So, get to the point already!" The smaller fox snapped.

"Well considering the losses and the utter defeat the howlers suffered at our paws the last time they came through the mountains," a malicious grin began to grow on the small fox's muzzle. "it's unlikely they'll try the same thing twice. So why are they suddenly increasing training at facilities that we know were nearly dormant before?" The red fox asked his companion quizzingly.

"Maybe they just wanna thin their gene pool some more." The smaller fox chuckled.

The red fox gave a soft laugh at the dark humor his companion displayed. "Maybe, or maybe they've got something else up their sleeve. That's why we're here." Making a gesture with both hands open in front of him. "To see for ourselves."

"But we can't see the training facilities from here? How are we…oh…you gotta be kiddin me!?" dread suddenly filling the small foxes voice. "Wilde, you are one crazy sum'bitch!"

"Would you like me to hold your hand and keep the big bad wolves away Sergeant Major Fin?"

"You try and hold my hand and I'll bite your face off!"

A short walk from the landing pad had the three foxes walking into a headquarters bunker that was dug into the side of the mountain they were now on. Upon walking in the entire room stood up as a soldier in the corner shouted.

"Attention!"

"As you were." The grey fox commanded. The few soldiers in the bunker relaxing their stances but only a couple actually returned to whatever work they were doing.

Major Wilde removed his sunglasses to better see in the dim light. There were only about 10 soldiers present in the company headquarters. Most of them giving the small group that just walked into their den a puzzled look. "Understandable." He thought. He glanced at the unit patches that adored the left sleeve of their uniforms. A square with a large number 3 embroidered in the center. With a curved patch above it that read Mountain. These soldiers that were a part of the 3rd Mountain division. One of 6 units which maintained a presence in the Vulpesian peaks to maintain a vigil. Nearly 15 years ago that number was only 2. The Vulpesian government and military considering the mountains impassable. So, when wolves and coyotes came pouring in from the north through the few passable trails everyone was caught completely off guard. It was only by chance that both mountain divisions were training. Once the enemy had been spotted they immediately called in request for air strikes and live ammunition. Sergeant Major Fin had been a team leader that day. He had recounted a few of his experiences from the 6 months of combat that followed. In the end, the enemy was not prepared for a fight in the mountains during winter. After heavy combat losses from the foxes who knew the mountains far better than they did and the prospect of losing far more from exposure to the elements they reluctantly retreated out of the mountains.

Wilde's attention now turned back to the Lieutenant Colonel he accompanied. A young tan colored fox approached his commander.

"Colonel welcome to our humble home." Offering his paw.

"Thank you, Captain." He replied as they shook paws.

"I must say I'm a little perplexed. We weren't expecting someone from the "Crazy 8's" to walk in." The young captain casually said while gesturing to the patch on the three visitor's shoulders. Like the mountain divisions the Airborne divisions patches were simple. Upside down triangles with a number embroidered on them and a curved patch above it that read Airborne. Theirs having the number 8. The nick name "Crazy 8's" coming from a war where Vulpesian knew an attack was coming. So instead of waiting they struck first with a preemptive strike knocking out the enemy air force in a surprise attack and the 8th Airborne was sent behind enemy lines to hold a bridge that crossed a river to prevent the enemy from either sending reinforcements or retreating. They held out for a week against constant artillery and assaults from both sides of the river before finally being relieved by the advancing forces. The cost was extremely high. But the daring of their mission earned them the nick name The Crazy 8's. Ever since then they became known proposing ideas that lived up to the name. Kind of like the one they had now.

"What can I do for you?" the young captain continued.

"We just need some directions is all." Colonel Van stated. Speaking casually as if he were asking someone at a gas station.

The young captain's eyes popping open wide and his head moving slightly back while his ears stood up straighter. The dead giveaway was his tail though. From once moving side to side slowly but now was dead still.

"Um? Directions to where?"

Causing the Colonel to chuckle slightly. "Take me to you map and I'll show you where we need to go."

The day was hot and the sun was unrelenting. Under her oversized hat Judy Hopps continued to work her family's field of blueberry bushes. Picking blueberries can be an extremely time-consuming chore. Also, a very boring choir. Judy let out a soft sigh. Not so much because she was bored but more so because she was disappointed. It had been nearly a month since she submitted her application to the Zootopia police academy. She was beginning to think it had been lost in the mail or even worse they thought it was a joke and threw it away. No one had ever taken her serious when she said she wanted to be a police officer. Judy's ears began to perk up as she heard a car driving down the road. The unmistakable sound, at least to a bunny's ears, of the mail truck. She listened intently while still picking berries as the truck's brakes squealed to a stop and the postmammal opened their mailbox and placed several envelopes in. Closed the door and drove off.

"Maybe." She said to herself. After weeks of disappointment she no longer ran to the mailbox as she had the two weeks prior, two weeks being the standard reply time according to what she read online. Instead she turned back to the bush before and continues picking berries.

"Judy!" a child's voice screamed. "You've got a letter! It's from the 'acudemy'!" Judy dropped the basket of berries she was holding to the ground. Her ears stood up straight and stiff as she turned to face the quickly approaching voice.

"Where!? Where is it!?" she shouted back now running towards the approaching sibling.

"Mom and Dad have it in the house!"

With that Judy reach down and threw the sibling, only half her size, over her shoulder and sped off towards the house as quickly as she could.

"Where is it!?"

"Calm down dear." Her mother Bonnie chastised her. "It's right here."

"Now Judy," her father Stu began, "don't get to excited. You don't know if you were accepted or not. I mean it did take a lot longer to get here ya know."

Hearing this made Judy's blood turn cold. She slowly picked up the envelope and opened it with her claw and pulled the folded paper out. Opening it all the way with her eyes closed. She took a deep breath before opening them again. Steeling herself against the possibility of being denied access to the police academy. The dream she's had her whole life. Her eyes began reading the paper she held in her hand.

"Well, what does it say dear?" Her mother softly asked.

"I can't believe it." Judy said in a voice so low her parents barely heard it. This was all Stu needed to hear.

"Oh well, It was a good try dear-" He began full of cheer and relief. But he was quickly cut off.

"I made it!" Judy began to shout jumping up and down excitedly. "I've been accepted! I'm going to be a police officer! I start at the academy in 6 months!" Judy's celebration was quickly cut short by the sudden thud she heard. Looking down to see her father laying on the floor passed out. "Oh, is he ok?"