*Author's Note* This is gonna be a pretty big chapter. Nick's Punishment. Gonna be emotional too. Read and Review!
BTW this one came out so quickly because I have three days off work. I'll probably start on the next chapter tomorrow if I finish this one today.
The engine of the police car revved as Nick prepared to take off. A confident grin on his face. Just before he would release the brake, Judy looked up alarmed. "Oh wait wait wait! Almost forgot something!" Judy yelled out as she jumped out of the car.
Nick paused then put on the parking break. Smiling lightly as he watched Judy run back into the armory from the rear view mirror. "Way to kill the moment..." Nick mumbled as he waited. Nick looked around the garage. There were multiple police cars of different sizes to suit the officers driving them. The floors made of concrete like one would find in a public parking garage. The walls made of white stone and vents in the ceiling to let out exhaust fumes.
After around ten minutes, Judy came back with an armful of equipment. She hopped back in the passenger seat next to Nick. Judy was holding a One-Way Receiver, a small speaker that could transmit noise from the Receiver, and a recorder.
Nick smiled as he looked over the equipment. Remembering the original plan to make sure Snowly would be caught. "Wait...we wanted to get Bogo in on this. Who can we get now" asked Nick. Knowing that Bogo was likely being pulled into an ambulance right about now.
Judy thought on it for a while before smiling up at Nick. "Finnick. We can trust him can't we?" asked Judy.
Nick smiled and revved the engine again before driving out of the parking garage. The tires squealing lightly as he rounded the corner to head to the alleyway that Finnick usually parked his car. Nick turned on the sirens as he drove. Civilians pulling aside to allow them through. Occasionally, they would pass another police car heading towards the Sahara Square.
A voice came over the radio. "Who's the car driving away from the Square? We have a major catastrophe there!" scolded the voice.
Judy picked up the radio. "This is Officer Hopps. Officer Wilde and myself are on the trail of the culprit responsible for this attack. We'll contact the ZPD once we're closing in." said Judy over the radio.
After a breif moment of silence, a different voice came over the radio. It was Chief Bogo. "This is Chief Bogo. Listen to me closely, everyone. Wilde and Hopps have discovered that Leon Snowly is responsible for the Growler Drug, and the attack just now on Sahara Square. They are now officially in charge of the Growler Investigation. Nick, Judy, what are your orders?" Bogo asked over the radio.
Judy looked up at Nick. Nick kept driving before looking over at Judy for a moment before looking back at the road. "You're better at this kind of thing than I am." commented Nick.
Judy smiled and got her phone out. "One second guys." she said into the radio as she pulled up her GPS. She searched for Lavvy Farms, getting directions to it from Zootopia. "Alright, Any officers between Savannah central and Tundra Town who AREN'T currently tending to the citizens in Sahara Square, keep Main Street clear for us. We have a plan to catch Snowly and get him to confess. Just keep Main Street clear for us. The less traffic the better." Said Judy.
After a moment, Bogo spoke again. "Roger that, Hopps. Bogo Out."
The radio clicked off and Judy hung the speaker back on the radio. Due to the attack, citizens were looking out to the streets to see if they could see anything, or making their way to Sahara Square to see if they could help in any way they could. Nick kept driving till he reached Finnick's usual parking spot in the alleyway between two red brick buildings. Some trash littering the alleyway and fenced off halfway through the alley. Finnick's van was parked just in front of this wooden fence.
Nick and Judy got out of their squad car and walked up to the van. Nick kicking some local resteraunt takeout bags aside. Judy knocked on the back door a few times and stepped back. After a few seconds, the back door flung open to show Finnick wearing only boxers and holding a baseball bat.
"WHO DAT?!" he yelled out, his fangs beard and eyes wide to show he was ready to fight. Finnick saw Nick and Judy and sighed. Lowering his bat. "Hang on. Lemme get decent." said Finnick as he closed the van door.
Nick smiled and shook his head. "You haven't changed at all Finnick! At least you didn't answer the door naked this time!" called out Nick.
After a few moments, Finnick came out wearing his usual black button up tshirt with a red stripe down the sides, and also wearing tan shorts. Finnick hopped down from his van's rear bumper and sighed. His hands in his pocket.
"Watcha want, Nick?" asked Finnick rather irritated.
Nick paused for a moment before speaking. "We need your help."
Finnick laughed and rolled his eyes. "You? Need MY help? Cops can't handle it themselves?" asked Finnick begrudgingly.
Judy drooped her ears a bit and spoke softly. "Finnick. Please listen to him. Let us explain, and then berate us." pleaded Judy.
Finnick looked at Judy and Nick. Switching between the two every few seconds. Finnick turned around and jumped up on the bumper. He turned around and sat on it. His tiny legs dangling over the sides. "Alright. Go ahead." he muttered.
Nick explained the entire situation with Leon. Not going into a lot of detail about the past history with him, but giving him the short version. Followed by what Leon had been doing to Nick and Judy over the last couple of weeks. Also explaining Leah's involvement. Once Leah got out of prison, she worked with Finnick for a while to make some money. Finnick explained this on the same day that Nick and Judy went to investigate the safehouse that Leah was at. Nick then explained about the Growler Drug, and the attack on Sahara Square.
Finnick's eyes gradually went from irritated, to interested, to worried. Once Nick finished, Finnick took a moment to think. Eventually, he jumped down from the bumper and glared. "Alright, I'm in." A light growl coming from him as he walked towards the squad car.
Nick smiled and walked with him, followed by Judy. "Thanks Finnick." said Nick.
Finnick smiled confidently up at Nick. His eyes slightly narrowed with determination. "You know I got your back, Nick." said Finnick as he got into the back seat.
Nick got back in the driver seat and drove again. The sirens going loud as he headed towards Main Street. Judy, who was in the passenger seat, looked back at Finnick and handed him the receiving speaker for the One Way Transmitter, and the recorder.
"Alright Finnick, listen closely. Nick and I will go into Lavvy and try to get him to gloat and confess. The receiver should pick it up, and that recorder can store it. But these receivers only have about a one mile radius. If we get him to gloat, and its recorded, we have all we need to put him behind bars. And Finnick, no matter what happens you MUST do what we say? Do you understand? If we say to leave us, and get the recorder to the ZPD, you MUST do it." explained Judy.
Finnick listened. He paused for a moment before nodding. "Gotcha..." his voice not confident.
Judy stared at Finnick with a very serious expression. "No matter what Finnick. This is serious."
Nick nodded as he drove and listened. "She's right Finnick. If we say to run and leave us behind, do it." said Nick.
Finnick waved his paw annoyed. "Alright alright! I got it." exclaimed Finnick.
Nick went to Main Street to find it totally clear. Several police cars blocking the roads to get onto Main Street. Officers standing at other entrances that they simply didn't have enough cars to block with. Many civilians lining the streets.
Nick floored the gas pedal and rocketed down the road. Sirens blaring. The roads were lit brightly and clearly as they drove, the buildings a slight blur as they broke 100 miles per hour. The engine roaring loudly as they drove down Main Street.
As they drove, the radio buzzed lightly before a voice came over it. "Hopps! Wilde! Tune into channel 101.9!" The voice being that of Clawhauser.
Judy reached up and turned the radio on, and tuned it to 101.9, Zootopia's leading news channel. Speaking, was the main anchorman for the station, Zed Cheet. "For those of you just tuning in,We just received word that the two heroes of the ZPD, Judy Hopps and Nicholas Wilde, are ROCKETING down Main Street to apprehend the person behind the attack on Sahara Square! Our hopes and prayers are with them and we all wish them luck! Go get those bastards!" said Zed. His voice ecstatic and loud.
Judy looked out to the people standing on the sidewalks. They had their fists raised and were clapping. Judy rolled down the window slightly. Due to the high speeds, the wind from an open window would make driving the car much more difficult if it was fully open. Judy just opened a few inches.
Over the roar of the engine, Judy could hear the citizens cheering, and whistling. Nick and Judy both smiled as they heard this. Judy rolled her window back up. Finnick smiled as well. "You two really are something. I don't think people have ever cheered the cops on like that." explained Finnick.
Judy smiled and let herself be filled with pride. The people were cheering them, and hoping for their success. Zootopia was counting on them to apprehend Leon before more lives were lost. Nick reached to the radio and switched from station to station. Each one encouraging people to support the ZPD. Nick finally went back to the first station, 101.9 and kept it there.
Eventually, the car reached the tunnel connecting Savannah Central, to Tundra Town. Even Main Street in Tundra Town was cleared. The cold-climate citizens cheering them on as well. Even noticing some of the police officers saluting as they drove past. Within a few short minutes, Nick followed the GPS to another tunnel that connected Tundra Town to the Rainforest District. However, there was an exit that lead to a large interstate that would lead one outside the city.
Nick took that exit and went up onto the Interstate. Cars moving aside as he roared past them. Finnick laughed as he looked out the windows. "Man! You're tearing this road up!"
Nick smiled and kept driving. "I bet Flash would be so jealous right about now." said Nick.
Finnick and Judy both laughed as Nick continued. The drive at this point was long. Going the speed limit, 70 miles per hour, would still take over two hours to reach Lavvy Farms.
Starting at the exit, the interstate was a five lane road leading both into the city, and out of it. Large green exit signs posted above the road to show where exits to the interstate were, and what exit number it was. While still within the city, the interstate was in a large ravine between two large walls that was Tundra Town, and the Rainforest District. Able to see the snow falling from the east, and the rain and mist falling from the west.
Zed spoke over the radio again. "Alright, to all of you currently on the Interstate heading northbound, keep an eye out for a police car rocketing north. Give them plenty of room to get through!"
Nick noticed that most of the cars had pulled to the left or the right lanes. Leaving the center lane open for Nick to drive through without problem. Eventually, the car reached a tunnel that lead outside of Zootopia's city limits. The tunnel was long, but keeping all five lanes. The road still open for Nick to drive. The bright white lights along the tunnel walls zipping by.
After about 5 minutes, the tunnel ended to show the wooded area outside of Zootopia's limits. Outside of the city was mainly woods, and farmlands. The lanes shortened to four, then three as they got farther away from the city. Occasionally passing an exit that lead to a town or rest area for long distance travelers.
Judy unbuckled her seat belt and crawled into the back seat. Finnick scooted aside for her as she reached just behind the top of the back seat on the driver side. She unfastened a latch and lowered the seat forward so she could get into the trunk. Judy reached in and pulled out a large case.
Finnick sniffed the air a bit and recoiled. "Ugh. Judy, why do you smell like a dumpster?" asked Finnick.
Nick suppressed a laugh, air pushing through his nose. Judy glared and sighed. "Had to hide under a dumpster to watch Leon..." Judy looked over herself. Seeing that most of the sticky garbage liquid was on her short black thick plastic vest she always wore. Judy unfastened the shoulder straps and took off the vest. Tossing it into the trunk of the car. "There. That'll make it better."
Judy opened up the case. It had two tranquilizer pistols, and four shots for each of them. Judy loaded up both of the pistols and put one in Nick's lap. Nick looked down at it then back to the road. "If push comes to shove, I doubt we can take down Leon by hand. These tranquilizers are pretty potent so hopefully they'll work." said Judy.
Nick nodded. "Yeah...hopefully he isn't immune to it." said Nick. Recalling how Leon said he had been 'preparing himself' for these events.
Judy went back up in the front seat then looked back at Finnick with a light smile. "Sorry. Didn't pack one for you." she said jokingly. Finnick shrugged and leaned back in his seat. His hands behind his head.
Nick looked over at Judy for a moment. Ever since Nick had known Judy, she always wore that thick plastic vest over her chest when in her police uniform. She wore a tight light blue shirt under it. Fitting up against every curve of her torso and arms. Save for the collar, which extended up around her lower neck except for the very front which had a small opening.
Nick chuckled. "Not used to seeing you in uniform without that vest." said Nick.
Judy looked down at herself and smiled. "Yeah well...originally I wore the vest to protect myself from bites or cuts. I can't wear it right now though it smells too bad," explained Judy.
Nick nodded and kept driving. As they got deeper and deeper towards the country, the exits became more and more spaced out. Judy looked at the GPS and panned out the location to see exactly where it was. Finding that oddly enough, it wasn't very far from Bunnyburrow. She found it terrifying that such a horrible person could live so close to her family.
On the radio station, Zed began to speak again. "Tonight's Policeman's Ball went very very badly when an unknown gas filled the plaza. According to eyewitnesses, those affected by the gas began to growl and become violent. Much like the Savage Attacks that plagued the city a few months back. However this was a bit different. Predators affected by the gas were still very much coherent and responsive to people. Most of them warning other animals not to come near them. However some predators were not able to warn people before attacking those who were trying to help them. As far as we know, three are dead, and fifteen are injured. The total number of predators and prey affected by the gas has been tallied to seventy four. Most of them, police officers."
Judy's ears lowered, as did Nick's while they listened. Zed continued. "The culprit, originally believed to be police officer, Nicholas Wilde, has been discredited to be at fault for this crime. The Chief of Police stating that the investigation has been left to Nicholas Wilde and Judy Hopps to catch the next known culprit, Leon Snowly. The recently hired Drug Investigator appointed by the mayor. More information will be available as it develops. Until then, our prayers go out to the victims of this terrible tragedy, and hope that the culprit will soon be caught."
Nick reached up and turned the radio off. The car ride becoming silent except for the roar of the engine, and the sound of the sirens. After a few minutes, the silence broke as Judy's GPS gave a light ring. "Take the next exit...Then follow Highway 13 east for...14 miles" said an automated voice from the GPS.
Nick took the exit which lead to a two lane highway. Judy scratched her chin as she thought of something. "The news report said predators attacked. But no prey attacked?" she mentioned.
Nick thought about it as well. Finding it odd. "Well, do you remember what it felt like? When you were affected by the gas?" Asked Nick.
Judy nodded. "Yeah. My muscles would tense up and lock for a moment, not letting up. And I grew angry. I wasn't actually mad I just...became angry and started growling uncontrollably. Eventually everything just kinda...blacked out. I was able to recognize what was going on but I couldn't react." explained Judy.
Nick kept driving. Trying to find an explanation for this. "Maybe it affects predators differently." suggested Nick.
Judy nodded and sat up in her chair as Nick took the next turn. Now within a few miles of Lavvy Farms. "We'll get Leon to say why." said Judy.
Nick nodded and drove a bit slower. This area was all farmlands and woods. Looking at the GPS, Nick could see that he was heading north. The road would bend to the east soon and be right at where Lavvy Farms was located. "I'll park the car just before that bend. It'll keep the car out of sight. We'll be within half a mile of Lavvy Farms. Get ready Carrots, this is it." explained Nick.
Judy nodded. Putting her tranquilizer gun in a holster on her belt. Nick looked at her belt and noticed the pink bottle of Fox Repellent. Nick smiled lightly. "You still have that repellent?" he asked.
Judy looked at it and nodded. "Yeah. There IS a fox there after all. Artie." Judy said. Nick nodded and slowed down as he spotted the turn. He quickly turned the lights off and pulled over off the road. This particular spot had a small portion of woods on the right side of the turn. On the left, was an open, uncut grassy plain. Nick could see the wooden fences surrounding Lavvy Farms in the distance.
Nick got out of the car and crouched now. Judy reached over to the driver seat and adjusted the height of the seat, and the length of the pedals so Finnick could drive if necessary. "Sit here in the front seat Finnick, and keep your head low. And remember, do exactly what what we say. Even if we say to abandon us. Got it?" said Judy in a very serious tone.
Finnick nodded and crawled up into the driver seat. He lay the seat back a bit for him so his head would be low. "Got it Judy. Good luck." he mumbled. His tone also quite serious.
Judy nodded. "I'll test the transmitter when we're outside. Be ready to give some kind of signal. And make sure the recorder's working too. I'll tell you when to start recording once we're close." said Judy.
Finnick nodded and got his phone out of his pocket. He placed the speaker for the transmitter, and the recorder in his lap. Judy got out of the car and crouched as well. Her ears low as she moved in. Nick followed her and looked up, seeing that even though it was the dead of night, no stars were visible. In the distance, Nick saw lightning flashing on the horizon. A storm was coming.
Judy stopped at the edge of the grassy field and looked back towards the car. She pulled out the transmitter, which was a small circular microphone. "Finnick. Can you hear me?" Judy said in a low quiet voice.
A flash of light came from the driver seat showing that Finnick heard her. After a few seconds, two more flashes showed. Signaling the recorder was working as well. The way this one way transmitter worked, was one would speak into the microphone, and whoever had the speaker tuned to that microphone could hear what was being said.
Judy looked up at Nick. Nick nodded and went into the grassy field. Judy followed. The grass was just tall enough to cover both of them as they crouch walked through. Judy and Nick could see the silo in the distance and made their way towards that. Its tall, gray metal structure acting as a landmark so they knew where they were in the field.
Nick could barely make out two buildings closer to the road. One of them was a moderately sized house, while the other was a greenhouse. Nick remembered the building he entered was humid and smelled of produce. And that must have been where he was taken.
Nick and Judy heard someone open a door. Walking out of the house's back door and screaming. "Let's hustle guys! The ZPD is gonna be right on top of us soon! I got the computer packed, so Doug, get the chemistry set packed!" yelled out the familiar voice of Artie.
Judy tapped Nick on the shoulder to get his attention. Judy reached up and pushed the microphone under Nick's police badge. It fit in snugly and didn't make it bulge out noticeably. Nick nodded and kept moving. Not moving close to the edge of the grassy plains.
In the distance, coming from closer to the Silo, Nick and Judy heard Doug calling out. "Do you have any idea how difficult it is to safely secure this stuff? If I don't do it right, we'll blow ourselves up! Besides, Leon's still patching himself up by the lab. He's gonna be in no shape to move till then." yelled Doug.
Artie let out a growl and continued walking. His voice became much harder to understand as he walked behind the Silo. "Well just get it done!"
During this conversation, Nick and Judy reached as close as they could get to the Silo. Around 10 feet from the entrance to it. The grass was neatly cut around the silo, greenhouse, and the house. A wooden fence surrounding the area to the grassy plains. The grassy plains surrounded the house up to the road. Which had the small woods opposite of the house across the road.
Nick looked around from the edge to see Artie walk around the corner of the silo and then walk into it. From inside, Nick could hear people talking. The echo inside the silo made it difficult to make it out. Nick sighed as he knew that it was time to do his part of the plan. He looked back at Judy and crossed his fingers.
Judy looked up at Nick fearfully and pulled him in, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him lightly. Nick hugged her back. Placing her paws on his back. Judy let go and smiled. "Good luck." she whispered.
Nick smiled and nodded before turning back towards the Silo. Nick held his badge close to his mouth. "Finnick, its Nick. Start recording." Nick quickly hopped over the fence and carefully walked closer. Pressing his back to the silo as he slowly moved in closer to the entrance. While the voices started to get louder, he couldn't make out the words. He could only tell who they all were by their tone.
Nick made it to the edge of the entrance. Nick could finally make out the words that were being said. Leon was speaking now. "Get it loaded in Doug. I'll be done in a few minutes. Artie, did you find the tracker on the truck?"
After a second or so, Artie responded. "Yeah I did. But unfortunately to remove it I have to dismount the entire engine and take it apart, I cant hack into that system from my laptop, and the computer is set up in the semi truck." said Artie.
Leon let out a nod. "A good method to keep that tracker chip safe for the ZPD."
Doug spoke next. "By the way, Leon. You are one scary leopard you know that? Tonight you threw the ZPD into complete chaos and probably knocked out over 80% of their forces for a month at least. And even better job outfitting that semi truck's trailer into pretty much a mobile home without windows."
Nick heard Leon chuckle. "Yeah...well...things didn't quite go as planned. Something went wrong with the device under Sahara Square. The gas should have spread around the whole Savannah Central. I suspect Wilde and Hopps are behind it. I didn't see them during the speech."
Nick kept listening. Trying to catch as much of the conversation as he could. Nick paused as he realized something. Leah hadn't spoken yet.
Just then, a strong paw grabbed Nick by the throat and lifted Nick up off the ground. Nick gasped for breath and clawed at the paw holding his neck. Nick looked to see Leah carrying him. Go figure... I wonder where she is, then she finds me. Thought Nick as he struggled for air. Leah carried Nick inside the silo and threw him to the ground. Nick bouncing off of the hard dirt ground a few times before rolling to the stop. "Speaking of Wilde." said Leah.
Nick gasped for air and panted. He took a good look around the room. The inside of the silo was dimly lit. A couple of hanging lights on a second floor platform. Much brighter lights towards the very back where a singled off platform was located. Nick couldn't see what was on it due to the angle he was at. Noticing the small staircase leading up to the second level platform.
Artie was standing against the railing looking at Nick. Still wearing his black turtleneck and black pants.
Towards the back on the alcove on the second floor, Leon stood up and limped towards the railing. Leon was shirtless now. Only wearing his torn and singed pants. His face and torso were cut up and bruised. His fur slightly singed in a few places. A particularly large black and blue bruise above his right eye. Nick noticed that one of his pant legs had been cut off. Several stitches had closed a deep cut on his leg. The dried blood still in his fur.
Leah looked up at Artie, holding up a bottle of straight Vodka. "Catch." she said as she threw it at Artie. Artie quickly grabbed it and juggled it a bit as he almost dropped it. Once he had a firm grip of it, he handed it to Leon. Leon sat down on the floor and opened the bottle. He held it over his cut leg and poured the alcohol over his leg. He growled loudly as it stung and cleaned his cut. Once he had poured half of the bottle over his cut, He brought the bottle to his lips and drank a few mouthfuls.
Leon quickly pulled his mouth away and cringed from the taste. "Gah. How can people stand to drink this crap straight?" Leon muttered as he stood up.
"Then why did you just do it?" Asked Artie. Seemingly amused from Leon's distaste in the Vodka.
Leon sighed and handed the bottle to Artie. Leon leaned forward on the railing to take weight off of his leg. "Getting buzzed helps with the pain." Leon looked over at Nick and smiled lightly. "Knew you'd show up. So what's the plan, Nick? Be the big hero and capture the four biggest criminals in Zootopia all at once?"
Nick smiled and pulled out his tranquilizer gun. Pointing it at Leon. "Yeah, pretty much."
Artie quickly reached into his belt and pulled out his pistol. Leon held his hand up at Artie. "Don't. You only got one bullet left till we open that truck." said Leon.
Artie nodded and lowered his pistol. Keeping it at the ready in case he needed to use it. Leon chuckled. "A tranquilizer gun? I took a high voltage taser to the neck, then crushed it with my bare paws... leopard paws... you know what I mean."
Nick paused as if he realized that the tranquilizer wouldn't work. Trying to get Leon to be more confident, and lowered the gun. Leah quickly walked up behind Nick and yanked the tranquilizer out of his paw before throwing it across the silo. Making it bounce and roll in the dirt before hitting the wall to stop.
Nick looked up at Leon again. "The ZPD knows it was you, Leon. You weren't able to frame me for the Growlers."
Leon sighed and leaned on the railing more. His teeth gritting in pain. "I figured as much. I'm surprised you came alone. Did Hopps get caught up in the gas?" Leon asked.
Nick shook his head. "No. She's helping those affected by it at the square. I saw the device below Sahara Square and what it was doing. Was it you that put it there?" asked Nick.
Leon paused for a moment before laughing amusingly. "So it WAS you that made the device malfunction! To answer your question, yes. I put that there. I had it legally listed as a transmission receiver to catch texts and calls from cell phones to help 'catch more criminals.' All lies of course."
Nick narrowed his eyes. "Why did you do all of this Leon? Why did you bring the Growlers into Zootopia?"
Leon growled loudly and smiled. "Revenge. Simple enough. I'll run down the chain in order. My wife and child were killed in a 'car accident'. The ZPD denies me from researching any further into the supposed 'accident'. I find out that you had SOME involvement in what happened and when I tried to find you, you failed to show. And trust me, I know you knew that I was looking for you. I petitioned to have you arrested and brought in for questioning to the mayor. Only to get denied because I was seen as 'obsessing over the accident'."
Leon took in a breath and sighed. "The ZPD failed to let me do my job. You failed to admit to the crime you had committed. And the city failed to let me get the answers I needed. I was let down by the ZPD, by one individual, and the citizens. In other words, Zootopia itself failed to let me find out what happened to Tracy and Ricky." explained Leon.
Nick listened closely. His chest puffing a bit to bring the microphone in closer as Leon continued. "I left Zootopia to go to school four years. I gained a degree majoring in Criminal Investigation. A minor in forensics, and a secondary minor in chemistry. All the while, I had been putting my body through extreme training. Physical and chemical stress alike. You need enough volts to power a house to make me collapse with a taser. Enough tranquilizer to bring down a bull elephant with a high metabolism. And I'm strong enough to throw off a Water Cape Buffalo in mid charge. I proved that tonight." Said Leon.
Nick narrowed his eyes. "But how did you get the Growler Drug into Zootopia?" asked Nick.
Leon laughed. "It was actually very easy. Criminals are always looking for ways to earn a quick buck. I handed a few of them the drugs and said 'hey, give these to people and tell them it will make them feel amazing'. A few weeks later, I had a cartel system going. It was then that I found Artie and Leah. I checked their backgrounds for their skills. Artie's hacking skills have proved invaluable, and Leah's savage instinct makes her the perfect soldier that I would need. Before I could circulate the Growlers into Zootopia though, I needed someone in the system. That's when I found Bellwether. It was plain to see that she had a distaste in predators so I gave her a proposition. Show all predators that they are simply savages, and let me get in with the government system so I could use it when I needed to. She was happy to oblige but she eventually got her own agenda. With Doug, they discovered a way to use Night Howlers to make predators go savage."
Leon paused as he took a few breaths before continuing. "At that point, I was halted. While I had a minor in chemistry, I couldn't quite crack the code to make the Growlers as I wanted them. The original formula was made to give one the sensation of being wild and filled with hunting adrenaline, but not the instinct to kill. Bellwether had Doug alter the formula to the Night Howler Serum which caused animals to become blind, and feral savages. Once Doug was in prison, I had him pulled out off the records to...assist with the Growler Investigation under my guise in the ZPD. However if you look at the records, it shows that Doug is still there. You can thank Artie for that."
Nick held up his hadn to stop Leon. "Then what was the gas at Sahara Square?"
Leon smiled more. "That is the final product of the Growlers. Exactly as I envisioned it. The true nature of the Growlers, is to force predators to feel the instincts to maul, to devour and eat their prey. It specifically targets and brings these instincts out in predators in their DNA. However those affected will still be in control, and conscious of their actions. Given the person's self control, they could resist the drug. However tonight has shown that this is more true to larger animals. Since McHorn, Trunkerby, and Higgins were affected a lot more slowly. Also considering, when the Growler Serum affects prey animals, or herbivores, it only makes them growl and grow increasingly agitated. But not violent."
Nick kept listening with a stunned look. Inside, he was grinning ear to ear. Man, he's spilling ALL the beans. Nick thought to himself.
Leon grunted and sat down again. Reaching over towards a first aid kit to get some linen bandage wrap. "Artie I think you can sum it up here." said Leon.
Artie sighed and continued on. "I successfully hacked the ZPD mainframe, and the Zootopia Airwaves. With those two, I fabricated stories and kept security cameras offline while Leon did his work. I am also the one responsible for cleaning out Mr. Big's bank account. All part of the plan."
Artie took a moment and looked down at the handgun. "This was waiting for me in a package at my apartment. Leon gave it to me. This was his personal handgun he had during his service in the ZPD. Tonight, Leon got his revenge on the ZPD. Now, he'll punish you. And soon, the rest of the city will feel his wrath."
Nick glared up at Artie. "And you're totally okay with this? With Leon causing the deaths of thousands of innocent animals?"
Artie paused and raised the handgun at Nick again. "No... honestly I'm not... But I'm in way to deep now."
Nick looked over at Leon again and sighed. "Leon... I know I already said I was sorry for causing your wife and child to die. But can I tell you why it happened before you kill me?" asked Nick.
Leon paused then stood up again. His eyes narrowed at Nick. He leaned on the railing again. His injured leg lifted off of the ground. Doug had continuously been working behind them packigng away the fragile glass chemistry equipment and dangerous chemicals.
"Fine. Go ahead." Said Leon. Nick could tell that Leon wanted to hear this. Having never gotten the full story. All Leon knew was that Nick was involved in some way but didn't know how.
Nick explained the whole side of his story starting at the rug hustling. Leon remained stone faced the entire time as Nick talked. During this time, Judy moved in from the grassy plain. Slowly making her way hunched down along the backdrop. Thinking she was out of sight of anyone in the silo.
Once he finished explaining his side of the story, Nick lowered his head. "I never wanted to hurt your family... It was supposed to be you. And every day I've had to live with it and regret it. I've been afraid to let people get close to me because of this. Never making any true friends besides Finnick, and just recently Judy... I am very, truly sorry for what I did to you Leon."
Judy paused as she heard the last part. Paying close attention to the part about how Nick was afraid to let people get close. Her heart aching for him. Nick had always been a little reclusive when it came to relationships. Always a little socially awkward when he spoke as something more than a friend or an associate. This also explained why Judy had always been the one to get close to Nick. And not as much the other way around save for when Nick had his emotional breakdown.
Leon took it all in. He eventually lowered his head and growled loudly. "You had... a choice?" Leon growled as his arms shook in anger. "A choice to NOT end someone's life for Mr. Big? You should have declined and went STRAIGHT to the ZPD! I would have had Mr. Big in prison THAT NIGHT!"
Leon held his paw out to Artie. "Gun." Muttered Leon. Artie handed the pistol over and Leon pointed it at Nick. A closer bolt of lightning flashed outside, illuminating the ground and area outside of the silo. Leon paused for a brief moment before looking up towards the entrance. He growled even louder.
Judy noticed that Leon was staring right at her. Judy took off towards the truck as fast as she could. "JUDY HOPPS! GET HER LEAH AND BRING HER HERE!" yelled Leon.
Judy hopped up to the truck's keypad and reached for the code in her pocket. Before she could punch it in, Leah grabbed her by the ears painfully and threw her hard backwards from the truck. Judy's ears popped as she was thrown. She hit the ground hard and tucked herself into a ball to roll to a stop. Before Judy could jump up, Leah grabbed her by the chest and pinned her down. Having her pinned just a few feet before the entrance of the Silo.
Leah snarled at Judy as she pinned her. Her fangs bared. Leah's hot breath wafting over Judy. Judy whimpered and struggled against the strong lioness's grip. Leah noticed the piece of paper in Judy's hand. Wrenching it from her grip. She read what was written on it and called out to the silo. "We got the truck's code! Artie and Doug get out here!"
Within a few moments, Doug and Artie both walked out. Artie walked over to Judy and glared down at her. Artie pressed his foot to Judy's neck and nodded at Leah. Leah let go of Judy and walked over to the truck. Artie growled down at Judy. "Don't move. Leon is furious right now, and will probably shoot Nick if you do anything."
Judy struggled a bit and watched as Leah punched in the code. The doors hissed lightly as air was let out from locks and the doors swung open. The Weapons Truck was exactly that. Rifles, Handguns, and Shotguns all on the right side of the wall. Ammo in latched drawers on the floor of the right side. The left holding rows of C4 bombs, as well as hand grenades, stun grenades, and smoke grenades. The back wall having riot shields, and helmets. As well as bullet proof vests in varying sizes.
Leah laughed and rubbed her paws together as she eyed all the equipment. "Yeah. Jackpot Leon! Guns, Explosives, and Riot Gear! Waddaya want out first?" asked Leah.
Leon called out from the Silo. "C4 and frag grenades. Then one shotgun, two pistols, and ammunition. Once you have that, use one of the C4 to blow up the truck."
Leah looked at Doug and nodded. Doug hopped up into the back of the truck. Carefully handing brick by brick of C4 Plastic Explosive to Leah. Leah carried it in gently. Nick watched as she set it down on a wooden pallet set aside inside the Silo.
Judy very slowly inched her hand towards her belt. Reaching for something in particular. She found the small buttoned pouch and popped it open. Artie looked down at Judy as he heard the pop. She grunted a bit. "Sorry. My back." she whimpered.
Artie growled lightly and looked back to the truck. Judy watched as Leah carried in a few more bricks. Doug got out of the back of the truck carrying an armful of the C4. Once Doug was halfway to the silo, she pulled up the small vial of Fox Repellent. "Hey Artie!" she called out.
Artie looked down and Judy put the aerosol can to his eyes. Spraying the Fox Repellent in his eyes. Artie cried out in pain and stumbled back. His hand over his eyes and yelling out. Judy quickly jumped up and ran to the truck. Doug, having an armful of C4, couldn't stop here. And Leah had just gotten out of the Silo as Judy hopped into the back of the truck.
I cant take the truck...I cant let them get any more! Judy thought as she grabbed a few of the frag grenades. She pulled the pins on three of them and dropped them, jumping out of the back of the truck and running towards the silo.
Doug saw her pull the pins and dropped the C4, taking off to the silo as well. Leah quickly ran out and grabbed Artie, pulling him into the silo. Judy ran as she saw that Leah was trying to close the door. One of those heavy duty metal sliding doors. Judy reached the door and jumped in head first. The door was nearly closed as she slipped through. Judy's head and torso made it through, but her foot was shut in the door hard. Judy yelled out in pain as the heavy metal forcefully shut over her foot. Leah growled loudly and grabbed Judy, pulling her free from the door painfully and throwing her closer to Nick.
Leah shut the door right as the loud explosion rang out. The Silo and the ground rattled from the force of the explosion. Followed by the sound of the ammunition inside the truck all detonating at once. Bullets bouncing off of the outside walls of the Silo. As the bullets rang out, there was another series of heavier, and closer explosions. The bullets struck the C4 that Doug had dropped and exploded instantly.
Nick knelt down to Judy, who was clutching her foot in agony. Whimpering a bit and curled up. Nick gently grabbed Judy's ankle and looked at her injured foot. While it was difficult to tell what the damage was, there were a few deep tears in the skin and it was already swelling.
Once the explosions and bullets silenced, Leah slowly opened the door to look outside. Seeing the flaming wreckage of the car, and a crater where the C4 had been. Leah growled and looked back at Leon. "There's nothing left. The guns, the ammo, and the gear. We got almost all of the C4. Five bricks. We would have had eight." said Leah.
Leon growled loudly and took in a deep breath. Clearly very upset. "Close the door Leah." said Leon menacingly. Leah closed the door and stood by it like a guard.
Artie was rubbing his eyes frantically. Light growls coming from his mouth. "Nngh that stuff was nasty. Worse than mace."
Leon walked down the stairs and walked towards Nick and Judy. Judy quickly reached into her belt and pulled out the tranquilizer gun. Firing off a round at Leon. The dart struck him in the chest. Leon quickly ran forward and kicked the gun out of Judy's paw. Nick growled and swiped at Leon's injured leg. Leon sidestepped it and took a few steps back. After a moment, Leon smiled and bounced around a bit giddy.
"Wow. That tranquilizer took the edge off. Thank you Hopps." said Leon in an overly friendly manner.
Judy glared up at Leon and sat up. Unable to get up on her feet right now due to her possibly broken foot. Nick was still down on his knees next to her. Leon chuckled and tapped the gun to his chin as if he was thinking. "Hmmmm. Now, how to deal with you two. I'll let you chose, Nick. Between three options."
Leon pointed the gun down and aimed it at Nick's head. "Should I just blow your brains out now?" Nick glared up at Leon. Shaking a bit from the realization that he is completely defenseless.
Leon moved the gun to Judy's head. Her eyes widening in fear. Her nose twitching frantically. "Do I splatter her head to the floor and leave you to weep?"
Leon pointed the gun down lower to Judy's stomach. "Or should I put a bullet in her gut, and let her bleed to death in your arms. While you sit helpless as you watch your beloved partner slowly die." Leon's voice growling and malicious as he gave all three options.
Nick noticed Leon's finger tightening on the trigger of the handgun. Before it could fire, Doug called out from the second level. "Wait! Leon I have an idea. Come here."
Leon stepped back out of Nick's and Judy's reach before turning around. Walking up to the second level and close to Doug. Doug looked over at Artie, who had finally managed to clear his eyes out enough to see. "Hey Artie, I finished packing the last of the equipment. Can you put that box in the semi? And get it strapped down with the others."
Artie nodded and walked to the alcove in the back. He picked up a crate and walked back downstairs. He walked past Nick and Judy as Leah opened the door for him. Doug mumbled into Leon's ear. Neither Nick or Judy could hear him. Nick tilted his head down and mumbled into the speaker under his badge. "Finnick. Leave. Go to the ZPD."
Leah growled and walked quickly to Nick. Grabbing him by the fur on his head and tilting his head up. Nick winced and looked at Leah. "What are you mumbling about huh?" she growled. Leah grabbed Nick's utility belt and ripped it off of him with her claws. Throwing it out of reach. She did the same with Judy's immediately after. The Fox Repellent being thrown from her pouch and hitting the metal wall. Leah looked over Nick more and noticed his badge. Leah grabbed it and pulled it off of Nick's chest. Tearing the fabric off slightly as she pulled it.
Leah looked over the badge before flipping it over. Seeing the microphone. Judy noticed that she saw it. "Finnick! Go! Go to the ZPD! Now!" Judy yelled out.
Leah growled and pulled out the microphone before dropping it on the ground. Nick started yelling now at this point. "Listen to her Finnick! Get the recorder to the ZPD! Ask for Bogo! We'll-"
Nick was interrupted as Leah slammed her heel down on the microphone. Crushing it into pieces. Nick's and Judy's ears lowered. Leah looked up at Leon. "We've been recorded. Someone heard everything." Said Leah.
Right as she finished that sentence, they all could hear the squeal of tires and a loud engine roar in the distance. The sound lessening before disappearing. Finnick followed Nick's and Judy's orders. Leon sighed and glared. "And I literally told you everything... Tactical Siege it is then." exclaimed Leon in irritation.
Doug finished muttering to Leon. Leon let out a wide grin and patted Doug on the shoulder. "I love it. I really do. You got one up here right?" Asked Leon.
Doug nodded and walked back to the alcove. Nick and Judy heard a small case open followed by a few metal clicks. Doug walked back into view carrying a dart pistol. The same one used to shoot the victims affected by the Night Howler Serum. Leon opened the ammo clip as Doug handed him a small light blue sphere. Nick and Judy recognized this as a serum, but was a lighter color than the Night Howler Serum.
Leon closed the clip and smiled at Nick. "Time and time again I've been proven right. You would sooner save your own skin than save another at the cost of your life. But now, Nick, you'll have the chance to prove me wrong. This, is the liquid version of the Growler Drug in my perfect image. Similar to the gas, but behaves differently. The effect is much more potent, but only has three minutes till it wears off. I present to you now, an option, Nick Wilde. Lets see how much self control you really have. Your two options are this. Either you kill Judy, after I give you this drug. Or I kill you, after the drug wears off, and Judy is still alive."
Artie had come back in at this point. When he opened the door, Nick could hear the drumming of heavy rain. The storm had come in. Nick looked down at Judy, who looked fearful and terrified. This was a similar situation to what would have happened with Bellwether, only this time there were no blueberries to swap out.
Nick glared up at Leon and growled loudly. "I'll never do anything to hurt her!" exclaimed Nick. Artie walked up and grabbed Nick by the fur on his head. Lifting him up a bit so his back was straight. Giving Leon a clear shot.
Leon chuckled and continued his aim. "We'll see what the more savage side of you says." Leon said as he fired his shot. The small blue fragile ball sped towards Nick, striking him just below the right side of his jaw on his neck. Artie let go of Nick and quickly ran towards the entrance of the silo.
"Nick!" Judy cried out as she placed her paws on his arm. Nick grunted and breathed raggedly. Leaning forward and gripping fistfuls of dirt under his paws. Judy rested her paws on his back. "Nick, I know you. You are no savage."
Nick growled loudly and his fur began to stand up on end. The serum taking much quicker effect than the gas did. Nick sat up slowly, his front paws still on the ground. "Get...away...Judy." Nick growled. His fangs bared.
Leon chuckled and watched. "That's right Nick. Feel that savage instinct. The adrenaline of the hunt. That amazing urge to maul your prey. I've been there Nick. I've felt the effect of the serum myself. Feels good doesn't it? Feels natural?" goaded Leon.
Nick growled more and pushed Judy down by the chest. Leaning over her and growling more. His fangs bared and snarling. But his eyes showing pleading. As if begging himself to stop. Don't Nick...don't give in..." Nick repeated in his head.
Judy reached up and put her right paw to Nick's lower jaw line. Smiling up at him. "You can fight it Nick. We'll both get out of this together. I swear it Nick." Judy said calmly and comfortingly. Nick growled a little less. Panting over Judy hard from the effects of the drug.
Leon growled as well. "Two minutes left. Do you smell that, Nick? The stench of blood? Isn't it intoxicating? You can have more. And it's right in front of you. Take a bite Nick. Satisfy that urge to feed. To maul. To taste REAL meat." Growled Leon loudly. His voice growing more vicious as the sentence went on.
Nick breathed in through his nose. Smelling the blood coming from the cut's on Judy's foot. Nick snarled more as the savage side of him craved for more. Craved to latch its jaws on the little rabbit's neck.
Judy looked upwards and noticed the Fox Repellent across the room. Knowing she had no chance of getting to it now. Judy looked back to Nick. "Don't listen to him, Nick. This isn't you. This isn't what you really are."
Nick growled more and his muscles tensed more as his jaw opened a bit wider. Leaning down over Judy's exposed neck. Judy's paws holding the sides of Nick's head just below his ears. Feeling his hot, humid feral breath warming up her neck. "Nick, I lo-"
Judy's sentence was cut short when she felt Nick's fangs gently press against her neck. Second by second, the pressure increased. Going from a light touch, to a painful pinch. Judy letting out light whimpers and yelps of pain as the pressure increased gradually.
Leon laughed and snarled. "That's it Wilde! Show me the kind of Fox you truly are!"
Judy whimpered as the pressure continued to increase. The flesh finally broke as Nick's sharp teeth punctured the flesh in her neck, causing Judy to yell out in pain and grip his fur tightly. Nick growled more and clenched his eyes shut. Tears streaking down his cheeks.
Nick was fully aware of what was happening. Trying as hard as he possibly could to fight the urge to kill his prey. The muscles in his jaws tensing as he tried to hold back. To not cause Judy any more pain. The warm, salty taste of blood began to fill his mouth. Judy wincing and yelling more as the fangs continued to bite down on her neck. The savage side of Nick rejoicing from the taste, craving more.
NO! I'm not this! I'm not a savage! Nick screamed in his head. Only able to growl more as a response. His jaws continued to clamp down slowly around Judy's neck, causing more blood to spill into his mouth, and onto the dirt below. Also causing another scream of agony to come from Judy.
Artie watched the events unfold. He looked away and closed his eyes. He found this to be excessively cruel. He felt guilty that this torture was happening to Judy. Just a police officer who wanted to make the world a better place, was being slowly mauled by her partner. Artie pulled out his phone. Quickly hacking into the local phone networks with his phone. He found a specific number and sent a text.
Judy reached up with a shaky paw and put it on top of Nick's head. "Nick..." She whimpered in a weak voice. Nick opened his eyes to look at Judy. Tears still constantly falling from them. Judy was smiling at Nick. "It's okay..." Whimpered Judy. "I'll always be here for you." she managed to say.
Nick's eyes widened as she said this. His jaw stopping itself from biting down further. She's... always here for me...
With one, loud yell, Nick loosened his jaws and threw his weight off of Judy. Throwing himself the opposite direction of her. Nick landed on the ground hard and panted. Curling up and whimpering as he felt the drug continue.
Leon watched as Nick detached himself from Judy's neck. He smiled lightly as he saw Judy bleeding. "So close Nick. So close." he said as he walked down the stairs. Doug and Leah followed. Artie had been at the front door the entire time.
Leon walked to Nick and knelt down. He placed his hand on Nick's head and smiled. "Time's up. Nearest hospital is about 20 miles from here. You better run. This place is rigged to blow too. You have about two minutes." Leon then stood up and walked to the door.
Nick's growling lessened and he brought himself up to his hands and knees. Watching as Leon, Leah, Doug, and Artie walked out. The rain was really coming down now, near constant flashes of lightning illuminating the room further.
Leon, Leah, and Doug walked to the side of the Silo. Artie looked back and took one last look at Nick and Judy. His eyes showing sorrow, and regret. He lowered his head and followed Leon. After a few moments, the sound of an engine started up, and hydraulic brakes released. Although Nick couldn't see the truck, he could see the tail lights as it pulled through the grassy fields to the side and reached the road.
Nick eventually stood up and walked over to Judy. His legs weak and shaky from the drug. Judy was laying on the ground panting lightly. Her eyes closed, and her paw pressed to one side of her neck. Blood trickling out around her fingers.
Nick said nothing as he took off his policeman's jacket, putting it over Judy's front like a blanket. Nick was wearing a white plain shirt under it. Nick untied his tie and wrapped it around the bite marks on Judy's neck. Hoping to soak up the blood with it. Nick scooped up Judy in his arms. Carrying her with the back of her head on his elbow while his arms upheld her body from the shoulders to her waist.
Nick quickly walked as fast as he could out of the silo. His legs still slightly unresponsive from the effects of the drug. Nick finally made it out of the Silo. The cold rain falling on his head and back. And also on Judy's face.
Nick made it a decent way out of the silo before a loud explosion rang out from the silo. The house, and greenhouse shortly exploded after the Silo exploded. The large, metal structure falling backwards into the grassy field.
Nick stumbled and fell to one knee as the explosions rang out. Judy opened her eyes to look back at the flames. Nick stood back up and continued walking. His legs gradually getting more and more energy. Nick was now in a light jog as he moved between the burning house, and greenhouse. The heat of the flames making him flinch a bit. Judy let out a grunt of more discomfort.
Nick looked down at Judy as he continued to jog. Gradually increasing to a run. Judy still had her paw over her neck. More blood spilling down onto Nick's arm as he held her. "Hang on Judy...hang on." Nick muttered as he kept running. Running up the road leading to Lavvy Farms, then back onto a county road just before Highway 13. Nick could see the cars driving past in the distance. He had to get there as fast as he could. To flag someone down and drive Judy to the nearest hospital to save her life.
Judy let out another whimper and looked up at Nick. "Nick...I..." she tried to say. Nick shook his head and looked down at Judy. "No. Don't talk okay? Please save all the strength you got." Nick pleaded.
Judy paused for a moment then closed her eyes. Smiling weakly as she rested her head against Nick's arm just above the elbow. Slowly, she felt as if she was becoming numb to the pain. The rain kept pouring down and lightning shining in the sky. Not helping Nick's growing sense of dread. Nick's eyes brightened up as he saw someone turn down the road he was running on. Nick standing in the dead center of it to make sure the driver saw him.
The driver moved in fast and stopped in front of Nick. It was a large pink van. The rain making it difficult to see who was driving it. Someone got out of the driver seat and rushed towards Nick and Judy. "Whoa, hey! Y'all alright?" said the low, male country voice.
Nick looked up to see Gideon Grey standing in front of him. Gideon paused as he saw Nick and Judy. Noticing that Judy was bleeding from the neck. "What the sam hill happened, Wilde?" asked Gideon.
Nick shook his head. "I'll explain along the way Gideon...Can you get us to the nearest hospital?" begged Nick.
Gideon nodded and stood up, helping Nick up to his feet. "Yeah definitely. C'mon!" said Gideon as he ran over to the passenger side of the car. Opening the door for Nick. Nick ran to the car and got in the passenger seat of the van with Judy in his lap. Gideon quickly closed the door and ran to the driver seat. He shut his door and turned the van around, driving quickly down the road as fast as he could.
"I-I keep a first aid kit in the glove compartment in case I-I get burns on the job. There might be something there to help her." said Gideon. His hands a bit shaky from the adrenaline of the moment. Nick reached forward and opened the glove compartment. As Gideon said, there was a first aid kit there. Nick quickly opened it and searched through it. He found some rubbing alcohol, and a large amount of Clotting Cloth, as well as some burn ointment, and cut applicants to help slow or stop bleeding.
Nick took the rubbing alcohol first. Biting off the head of the bottle. Nick looked down at Judy as he removed the tie wrapped around her neck gently. "Carrots, this is gonna sting." Nick warned.
Judy let out a single light nod and lifted her head up to expose her neck. Nick slowly poured the alcohol over her neck. The blood washing away. Judy whimpered and clenched her eyes shut as she felt the sting of the alcohol. Nick quickly wiped at her neck with the clotting cloth. The cloth had special medicines in it designed to make the blood around open wounds clot to slow bleeding. It was now that Nick could see the extent of the damage.
Judy had several deep punctures in her neck from both the left to the right side. When Nick bit down, jaws were on the left, and right side of her neck. Not the front and back. Once Nick had wiped her neck clean with the cloth, he quickly applied the cut applicant. This was similar to the cutting cloth only was a gel you apply directly to the cut. Essentially doing the same thing. Nick applied the gel to every bite mark he saw.
Once Nick finished, he quickly grabbed some Gauss bandage and placed it around her neck to absorb any further blood. Despite Nick's efforts, Judy was still bleeding. Just way less now. From a near steady stream, to a very light few drops. Nick wrapped Judy's neck with linen bandage and buckled it. Lifting her back up into his arms and holding her close to his chest.
Gideon kept driving. By this time, he was well on the highway, honking at other cars as he flew past them to get out of the way. "Hospital's about a ten minute drive from here. Five if I-I keep drivin' like this!" explained Gideon
Nick nodded and rocked Judy lightly. "If you can go ANY faster, do it!" exclaimed Nick. In the distance, Nick could see the lights of a nearby town. It wasn't a very big one, but a respectable size.
Gideon looked over at Nick then back to the road. "Nick...you're covered in blood." Gideon mentioned.
Nick looked down and noticed the blood all over his arms and shirt. "Yeah I know... It's all over my chest and arms." said Nick.
Gideon shook his head. "That's not what I-I'm talkin' bout. Blood's all over your mouth Nick..." Gideon said again.
Nick paused and flipped down the overhang mirror just above him that's in every car. Gideon was right. Blood was all over his mouth, and down his neck. Nick looked over at Gideon. "You've heard about what happened in Zootopia tonight right? The gas attack?" asked Nick.
Gideon nodded. Nick then explained everything that happened when he and Judy got to Lavvy Farms. Making sure that Gideon knew that Nick had been drugged. During his explanation, Gideon had driven into the town. They had entered from one of the main roads leading into the town. Traffic grew more intense, causing Gideon to honk repeatedly at cars stopped at stoplights. When cars moved aside, Gideon would blaze right through the intersections with his paw on the horn. Thankfully, the other cars would stop.
It was difficult to make out the town in this rain, but Nick could tell it was a well populated, and bustling community. Several older, historical buildings still standing and being used for many purposes. Nick started to see signs that pointed to the hospital. Gideon still blaring the horn and weaving through traffic. Nick finally finished his explanation of the events. Gideon shook his head and growled. "That's messed up man." growled Gideon.
Nick nodded and looked down at Judy. Her eyes were closed and her mouth was open slightly. Nick pressed his paw to his cheek. It was noticeably colder. "Come on Gid...how much farther!" Nick complained. Growing more frantic now.
Gideon growled and turned sharply into a lone access road. "Litterally seconds. Look there's the hospital!" Gideon said as he pointed forward.
Nick looked through the windshield to see the two level hospital. Not a large scale establishment, but one that suited the towns needs. Nick hoped that they had enough equipment to help Judy. Gideon pulled into the entrance to the E.R. Nick opening the door and running to the door. Judy still in his arms. Gideon followed behind and opened the door for Nick. Nick ran in to the lobby. The room was mainly white with calming pictures on the walls. Several chairs and couches lining the walls. A tv in the back corner playing the news.
Nick was till carrying the dying rabbit in his arms. Dripping wet, and panting hard. Covered from jaw to legs in blood. "I need a doctor. NOW!"
*Author's Note* I think that's a good spot to end it. This was a very emotional chapter for me. My hands were actually shaking as I was typing out the bite scene. Read and Review!
