*Author's Note* Alright, I'm gonna see about making this the final chapter of part 1. If I do, all the thanks and my own personal thoughts on this story will be in the author's notes on the bottom. Read and Review!

And again to those who are re-reading this chapter, I will mark the changed areas with an *


Bogo watched as the medical helicopter flew off towards Zootopia Central Hospital, feeling a sense of relief for the two cops. Bogo looked over at Leon's corpse and looked down at his face. The blood around his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth had started to dry, his fur rustling in the wind. His body and face were still, never to move of his own will again.

Bogo felt pity for the fallen man. He went through so much suffering... enough to drive him to attempt to destroy all he once swore to protect. Bogo couldn't imagine what that must feel like. Hoping to never again be a contributing factor to how a man like this could exist.

Bogo walked over to Artie, whom was pressing his paw firmly against multiple spots on his legs. A sorrowful look in his eye. Bogo knelt down next to Artie. "What is it, McCoy?" Asked Bogo.

Artie sighed and rested back on his elbows, his gaze turning up at the sky overhead. "I cant move my legs."

Bogo paused for a moment before patting Artie lightly on the shoulder. "I'll get you to the hospital as soon as I possibly can. Just sit tight till then." said Bogo.

Artie nodded and shrugged. "Yeah...cant do much else..."

I hope it was worth it to you, McCoy... Bogo thought to himself as he stood up and reached to his belt, pulling out his radio. "Chief Bogo to any available officers outside of City Hall. Please respond."

Within a few moments, Clawhauser was the first to respond. "Benjamin Clawhauser here, Sir! What's up?" he asked in his usual cheerful tone.

Bogo turned and looked out towards Sahara Square below, seeing the people in the square celebrating the victory over Leon. "I need a corpse crew for a large number of people to City Hall. Send the fire department in now, Leon's dead." informed Bogo.

After a moment, Clawhauser responded. "You got it... But... what happened to Hopps and Wilde?" he asked.

Bogo smiled lightly at the chubby leopards concern for his two favorite officers to mingle with. "Hopps is fine save for some moderate burns on her feet... But Wilde is in much worse shape. He was cut up pretty badly, and was impaled through his side. They're both on the way to Zootopia Central."

Clawhauser let out a sigh. "Thank heaven's they're still alive. I'll send the fire and cleanup crew. Over and out."

Bogo turned his radio off and walked to the edge to look out to Sahara Square. Seeing citizens cheering and embracing each other. Knowing the city was no longer in danger from Leon Snowly. Bogo smiled and crossed his arms. "To think... our two newest, and smallest recruits made the most difference." Bogo remarked to McHorn.

McHorn shrugged lightly. "Well, Hopps is a persistent one... But Sir... What about their relationship?" asked McHorn as he pointed to the screen. It was showing a screencap of Nick's and Judy's kiss just before they were airlifted off of the roof.

Bogo sighed and leaned his head up. "It's their choice if they chose to be involved in that way... All we can do is support them."


Meanwhile, far east of Zootopia

Leah watched the entire event unfold from her phone, watching Leon fight, and fall. Once Judy and Nick were airlifted, Lean turned off the live stream feed of Zootopia's news and put her phone in her pocket, leaning back in her seat and covering her face with her paw. These two... far inferior creatures overpowered Leon. How could they? They're just a fox and a rabbit! By Nature's Law, they shouldn't even be friends, let alone partners! And Artie, the traitor who gave them the gun used to foil everything... Leah should have killed him when she had the chance. If she did, the city would be ripping itself apart by now.

Leah had grown close to Leon, hoping to still be in contact with him once this was all over... but now that's impossible. Leah pulled up a contact in her phone and dialed it. After a few moments, a male voice she knew answered. "Well, look who escaped the ZSF." mocked the male. His voice was coarse, and average tone and pitch. He gave a light chuckle, which consisted of several high-pitched huffs of laughter.

Leah growled and sighed. "I'm on my way back. And I have something you might be interested in. I'm gonna need to go to the hospital though, pretty sure my kneecap is shattered like a dinner plate..." Leah said before hanging up. She wasn't very fond of talking to this man, but knew it was necessary to report to him. Leah reached into the pouch on her side, holding a single small sphere of the Growler Drug.

Leah had hoped to bring Doug and Leon along, but she had the next best thing.


Meanwhile, at Zootopia Central Hospital

Judy watched as the helicopter slowly landed on the roof of the hospital, several crew members already waiting for them to land, and two wheeled stretchers waiting as well. Judy looked over at Nick, whom was still conscious and breathing, but bleeding noticeably around his impalement injury. Judy reached over and rested her paw on his shoulder comfortingly. Nick smiled up at her and placed his paw on top of hers. His hand, and body were slightly colder than Judy remembered. Judy recalled how she was feeling when she was bleeding out back at Lavvy Farms. How her body started to feel cold and shake involuntarily as if in the middle of a snowstorm.

Judy tried to keep a straight face for Nick, but could feel her tears welling up in her eyes. Letting out a light sob as she was on the other end of the ordeal of trying to save her friend's life. However this time, there was nothing Judy could do to save him, or even help him. Nick had carried Judy several miles before getting the help they both desperately needed... all Judy could do was sit there and cry as they waited for the helicopter. She felt helpless, and frustrated that Nick could go to such lengths to save her; but when the time came she couldn't do the same herself.

The moment the helicopter landed, the emergency stretcher that Nick was on was transferred to the wheeled one, the medics pushing him inside quickly to get him into surgery. Judy was gently placed on the other stretcher, and pushed in as well. Judy's feet had been treated with some ointment and bandages. They still burned and hurt, but not nearly as much now.

As they Judy and Nick were both pushed into the elevator specifically made to fit multiple stretchers, Judy looked over at Nick, noticing his body was starting to shiver and his eyes grow hazy. Judy remembered that look, and that feeling. Nick was beginning to lose consciousness from the blood loss, which was a very bad sign. Judy recalled the last thing she saw before waking up in the hospital bed, was Nick grabbing the first aid kit in Gideon's van. Fear began to settle in as she knew time was running out for Nick. Judy looked up at the medics surrounding them. "He and I have the same blood type. If he's gonna need a transfusion, I volunteer to donate. As much as it takes." said Judy.

Nick opened his eyes a bit wider to look at Judy, a faint smile touching his lips. He reached his paw out to Judy, which she eagerly leaned over to take into hers, smiling back at him. The medics looked at her, and one of them nodded. "Alright. Well get everything set up for you." said the medic.

The elevator doors opened and Nick was let out first, pushed down the hallway quickly, the medics calling out to clear the way. Judy's paw gently slipped from Nick's as they were pushed apart. Judy was more gently pushed into a nearby treatment room.

Once there, a doctor quickly came in and gave immediate treatment to her burns on her feet. After cleaning the burns, a much stronger ointment was applied, and her feet were thickly bandaged. Soon after, the equipment for a blood donation was brought in.

After a few short minutes, Judy donated as much as she was allowed to, feeling slightly light headed after it was finished. Noticing that the point where the needle had entered her skin was sore. Which was understandable due to the amount she donated.

Judy was pushed into a hospital bedroom, and given her own bed. Before the doctors left, Judy called out. "Wait! Please, let me know immediately how Nick's doing... okay?" She pleaded. The doctor looked back and smiled at her, reassuring her that he would before leaving Judy alone in the hospital room.

Judy sat in her hospital room in silence. She looked out of the window to see the sun starting to set in the distance. Judy let out a long sigh and leaned back into her bed, resting her back against the bed. She finally felt like she could relax... even a little bit as she worried about how Nick was doing. She cared for him more than anyone else... thinking that he could die on that operating table made her curl her legs up to her chest, despite her feet aching in protest.

Judy felt her phone vibrate in her uniform, she quickly scrambled to grab it to see her parents calling. Judy smiled and answered with a video call. "Hey you guys. What-"

Before Judy could finish, Stu yelled into the phone. "JUDY! Oh thank heavens you picked up... are you alright? Are you hurt? Is everything okay? Where are you? Why did you kiss that fox?" Stu asked repeatedly, his face showing frantic concern.

Bonnie, who was standing next to Stu, placed her paw on his shoulder. "Stu, shush. One at a time okay? Judy, are you alright?" said Bonnie calmly, hoping to get a better answer than what Stu would have gotten.

Judy giggled at her anxious father. It was heartwarming to see them again and to see they were safe. "Yes, I'm perfectly fine you guys. Just some pretty bad burns on my feet. Lemme answer everything else too. Yes, everything is okay now. Leon Snowly is dead, and the city is safe. I'm at Zootopia Central right now, and Nick is in surgery for his injuries."

Judy paused as she remembered Stu's last question, a light blush on her face and a smile. Knowing that she had not told her parent's yet of Nick's and Judy's decision to try a relationship together. "And I kissed him, because he's my boyfriend." Judy said nervously.

Bonnie and Stu both gasped, Stu's eyes rolling back a bit and he fell flat on his back. Stu was always light hearted when it came to this kind of thing... even being somewhat more squeamish than his wife. Bonnie looked down at him and sighed, shaking her head lightly at her fainted husband. "Well..."

Judy smiled and shook her head. "We know the dangers. And we wanna face it together. Won't know till we try, right?" Her voice showing confidence to face these dangers. If something was worth pursuing, any pain and ridicule would be worth it in the end.

Bonnie frowned with one side of her cheek and shook her head lightly. "Judy... He's a fox..."

"Mom! He saved the city! We both thought that if we killed Leon and let the device activate, we'd live. And if we stopped the device while keeping Leon alive, He'd kill us both." Judy said slightly annoyed. "He's the kindest, sweetest man I've ever met. And even when he went savage again, he didn't hurt me. He saved the city, then we saved each other from Leon."

Bonnie stopped talking, before smilign lightly. "I know hon... It's... just gonna take some time to get used to. We always thought you'd settle down with a nice rabbit..." said Bonnie.

Judy rolled her eyes and smiled. "You also thought I'd never be a cop." Judy added.

Bonnie paused again and nodded in defeat. "That's true... Well, get some rest hon. And don't worry about your father, I'll explain everything to him and calm him down. You get some rest okay? Oh and uh... you should probably turn on the news..."

Judy nodded. "Alright mom. Take care!" Judy said as she hung up the phone. Judy looked up at the tv before searching for a remote. Pressing the buttons on the side of the bed to turn the tv on. She brought up the local news.

It was showing bits and pieces of the events that happened earlier in the day, explaining everything that was told to them by Bogo as everything was happening. Starting with the explosions made by the C4, all the way up to Leon's death on the roof. Obviously not showing the more graphic parts of it such as Leon's death, or Nick's impalement.

Judy could hear one of Zootopia's leading politicians speaking. "This is by far, one of the most dangerous events that has ever occurred in Zootopia's history. Thanks to the couragous efforts of Officer Judy Hopps, and Officer Nick Wilde, as well as the assistance of Artie McCoy, Leon Snowly has been killed, and his plans have been foiled. Last we were told, Officers Hopps and Wilde are currently at Zootopia Central receiving treatment for their wounds. Still no word yet on the condition of Officer Wilde's serious injury." said the male voice.

Another, slightly older male started to speak. The only things showing on the TV were the video clips. However the video changed to Nick and Judy's kiss on the rooftop. "And what do you think of this, Kimbley? Should the ZPD allow these two to be romantic with each other while working together?" Asked the man.

Kimbley, the man who spoke first, quickly responded. "This is the first time in Zootopia's history that there has been a romantic relationship between partners in the ZPD, and even more so that they are predator and prey. I honestly don't agree with it. Not even so much on a personal level, but on a professional level too. Inter-company fraternization's usually don't turn out well."

The second man spoke again. "I disagree with you, Kimbley. Times are changing in Zootopia, and I think the time has come for citizens to grow more tolerant of a predator and prey relationship. But I do agree on the whole inter-company fraternization thing. And no doubt this is going to become a big topic of debate in the upcoming election in a year."

Judy quickly turned off the television, not wanting to hear about politics right now after the day she had. Or wanting to hear about the public opinion on Nick and Judy's relationship yet. She knew that right now, Nick should focus on healing up. And he would need plenty of it...

Several long hours passed before a doctor finally came into the room. The doctor looked towards Judy's left at the large open space next to her bed. The hospital room being big enough to fit two patients. The doctor walked up to Judy, giving a light smile down to her. Judy's hopes lifting brightly as she saw the smile. "Mister Wilde is alive. But he's very weak. He's currently unconcious and resting from his surgery. And Miss Hopps you should know, your donation saved his life. If we pulled out the pipe before getting more blood in his system, he would have bled out before we could stop it." explained the doctor. As he was talking, two nurses pushed Nick in on a hospital bed. His entire body was covered in a white sheet except for his head, wearing a breathing mask as he was pushed in. The breathing machine being pulled by one of the nurses. It operated on battery power before being plugged into the wall. The nurses hooked Nick up on IV as well to put more fluids into his body as well. Followed by hooking up a heart rate monitor, the light beeping sounding once it was properly looked to read Nick's pulse.

Judy smiled a bit more. "My donation was enough?" Feeling very happy that she was able to do anything at all to help Nick.

The doctor nodded, a light smile on his face. "Yes it did. He'll most likely be unconscious for the next few hours." informed the doctor.

Judy nodded in response. "So... He'll be fine?" She asked concerned.

The doctor nodded again. "Yes, as long as he doesn't strain himself any further for a while, he'll fully recover in about a month." the doctor explained before walking out of the room.

Judy looked over at Nick. His face was a little pale and his eyes sunk in a bit. No doubt from the effect of the blood loss. His expression was very calm and rested, which Judy knew he needed right now. Even if he didn't get impaled.

Leon Snowly had haunted Nick's memory for years. Having to live with the fact that Nick brought about his downfall in more ways than one. Not only did Nick end the lives of Tracy and Ricky, but he stopped Leon's plot for revenge with seconds to spare. And with Judy's help, they ended his life to save their own. Judy imagined it would feel like... a remorseful burden lifted from his shoulders. An outcome that he wished would not have happened, but was still relieved that it was over. And Leon Snowly would never threaten Zootopia ever again.


Meanwhile, just outside of Zootopia's city limits

Jack was sitting in the back seat of his car, having his own driver to drive his black extended cab car so Jack could work while traveling. Jack currently had his laptop up, and his phone in his lap. A bluetooth connected to the phone and to his ear so he could talk without holding the phone.

Jack currently had up Zootopia's news, reading over the entire report of what had transpired today, as well as screaming into his phone at who he was talking to. "So let me get this straight, James. All you had to do was follow one single chopper with our satellite surveillance, and you LOST IT!? From CLOUD COVER!? Are you KIDDING me James? I should get you fired for this!"

After a moments pause, Jack continued. "'To the East.' I could have told you that! We know Force of Nature is operating in the eastern region near the city there. But you just couldn't keep your eyes on it till it landed somewhere?" Jack complained, clearly growing more and more irritated by the moment.

There was a long pause as James spoke on the other line before Jack spoke again. "Yeah well we can't enter that region without clearance from the mayor of the eastern region to avoid an incident. So, find me that chopper in the city there! Cheese and Crackers DO SOMETHING!" Jack yelled out as he hung up the phone. Jack placed his paw to his forhead, laying back in his seat a bit and sighing.

The driver, having listened to the whole thing, reached back and opened up a small compartment in the center console. It had been specially fitted to fit ice, several small glasses, and a large bottle of alcohol. Jack gave a light smile before reaching up and filling his cup with the ice, and grabbing the single bottle in the compartment and reading the label. It was a 70 proof carrot flavored vodka made by a company called Belvedeer, one of the best brewery's in the area. Reading the label caused Jack to smile up at his driver. "You know what I like don't you, Tom?" Jack said a bit more cheerfully.

Tom, the driver, a near elderly male Mink. A ferret-like predator only slightly larger than an average ferret. His fur black in color, save for the white fur on his upper lip, and under his chin. The rest of his fur black, with slight shades of gray due to his age. Tom smiled back at Jack. "Of course, Sir. I knew you would need something to relax after today." said Tom politely. Holding a professional politeness as he spoke.

Jack poured himself a glass and took a sip. Feeling the light burn of the alcohol as it went down his throat, and savoring the strong taste of the carrot vodka. Jack looked back to his laptop to watch the news. "Thank's Tom. Take us back to Headquarters... I have to report in and kick James's ass..."

Tom smiled lightly. "Of course, Sir." Tom said as he kept driving.

Jack watched the news, seeing the kiss that Nick and Judy shared on the roof just before they were airlifted out. Jack let out a soft, and remorseful sigh. It wasn't so much that Jack wanted to woo Judy for himself, but more to the fact that he wanted to help save them from the potential horrors that could come from a relationship like this. The radical group that upheld Nature's Law on their own terms, would easily target them and make an example out of them. Which is something he wished would never happen to anyone. Much of the reports had been censored as to not cause panic among citizens in the outlying regions outside of Zootopia.

The ZPD would deal with moderate cases inside of Zootopia, while the Zootopia Special Forces would handle the rest of the moderate and major cases outside of Zootopia's city limits. Of course there were local police for each area, but they could only do so much. Being in more rural areas, meant that people were more vulnerable due to distance, lower numbers, and response time. The ZSF would constantly investigate each and every county in the region to ensure no strongly illegal activities were taking place. Such as gun distribution, drug selling and creation, prey trafficking, and murder.

Jack took a much larger mouthful of the vodka into his mouth and swallowed. Not wanting to get his mind all wrapped up in work right now. Knowing he had a long drive ahead to get to the ZSF Headquarters. Jack continued to watch the news as Tom drove.


Several Hours Later, Zootopia Central Hospital

Judy was sitting in a chair next to Nick's bed, having moved herself to his bedside a while earlier. She chair was a large cushioned green chair, her feet not even going over the edge of the chair as it was so big for her. The chair seat being higher than the edge of the bed so she could see over it to look at Nick Judy had her eyes on the news when she noticed Nick's paw twitch lightly before slide up to his side where his wound was.

Judy stood up on the chair and leaned forward, resting her paws on the edge of the bed on the arm rest, letting her be fully able to see Nick's face. Nick's face was contorted in slight pain as he ran his paw along the stitched, and bandaged area. His eyes slowly opened, his vision very hazy from his current situation. Nick's other paw moved up and rubbed his eyes lightly to get them clear.

Once he could see, he saw Judy's smiling face leaning over him, her ears drooped down. "Hey, Slick. Welcome back." Judy said lightly and cheerfully.

Nick smiled and leaned his head up to begin to sit up, but winced sharply as pain shot up his side from the wound. He quickly lowered his head and sighed. "Hey fluff. Ngh... how long was I out?" Nick asked.

Judy relaxed a bit and leaned down, gently kissing Nick on his forehead. "A few hours. The doctor's said you'll fully recover."

Nick nodded and sighed in relief. He was fearful he may had suffered more permanent damage to his organs. Nick looked up at Judy with a raised eyebrow. "Did you donate blood?" Nick asked. Remembering that she made that proposition just before he was pushed into the surgery wing.

Judy smiled more and nodded. "Yeah... The doctors said it saved you from bleeding to death on the table..." Judy said with a blush, finding it rather embarrassing that she went to such a length to help Nick, even though she wanted to.

Nick gave his sly grin to Judy. "We shared blood, and saved each others lives with it. It's so... deep." Nick spoke in a slightly weak tone. Obviously tired from having just woken up from surgery.

Judy smiled and rested her elbows on the armrest of the bed, bringing her down closer to Nick. They both gave each other their blood to save the others life. They shared a bond deeper than most others would share. Judy thought it was a bit corny that they could legitimately say they had a bond deeper than just a relationship, but it wouldn't be a false statement. They both had the others blood in their veins. The blood willingly given to save their lives, would be one of their closest factors in their relationship.

"Yeah... it is..." Judy said lightly with a calming tone. "But, I'm glad we did it."

Nick grinned brightly at Judy, his white sharp teeth flashing at her. "Me too, carrots."

Judy leaned down and kissed Nick lovingly. Nick kissed back with what strength he could, and with the least amount of pain. "I'm gonna be stuck to this bed for a week...aren't I?" Nick said regretfully.

Judy giggled and pressed her forehead to his. "Probably..."


Meanwhile, in the Eastern Region

Leah looked over the door of the helicopter as it finally entered the area she called home. Seeing several rooftops overhead of the short buildings. The sun had set fully at this point, casting the town in the light of the streetlamps, and the lights illuminating from the windows. Leah smiled as she looked over towards a different part of the city, knowing that they prey of this city lived there. Without thinking about it too much, she recalled how this particular small city was split into three segments. One for predator, one for prey, and the Hunting Grounds. A place where those that had wronged Nature's Law were sent, and were considered fair game to hunt.

The helicopter flew over the predator side of the city and set down on a helipad next to a large multi story building that Leah knew to be the Headquarters for Force of Nature. Several medics were waiting for her as the helicopter landed, a stretcher at the ready.

When the door to the helicopter slid open, Leah saw a crowd of hundreds of the city's citizens waiting. The moment Leah was visible, they burst into applause and cheers as if greeting a returning hero. Leah was pulled from the helicopter and onto the stretcher, her leg being examined by medics as she was wheeled towards the hospital, which was a short walking distance from the helipad. The crowd continued to cheer for Leah as she was moved.

Leah smiled at her crowd and waved at them, glad that they had not forgotten her while she was imprisoned in Zootopia. As Leah was moved, she noticed six large canine breeds surround her, pushing the crowd away from Leah as they tried to crowd her. Four were wolves, and two were foxes. Leah recognized these six canines as friends of one of her fellow cohorts.

"We're so glad to see you return Leah!"

"Leah! Are you hurt? Can we help you?"

"Welcome home, Leah. We all missed you!"

The crowd would call out to Leah as she was moved towards the hospital. Leah smiled and waved at everyone she could, occasionally reaching out to touch an outstretched hand. In time, Leah was put into the hospital and examined by x-ray.

A broken kneecap, and a dislocated leg was the extent of the damage she suffered from Finnick and Jack. Once Leah had her leg properly casted, she was placed into a hospital bed and her own room. Leah lay on the bed, her leg raised up as she watched the global news. Seeing several reports on the incident in Zootopia just a few hours prior.

After a long while, someone entered Leah's room. In walked a tall, male wolf. His fur a deep brown color. His eyes a cold gray hue. He was an older wolf. Somewhere into his late 40's. He wore a gray tshirt and black jeans, as well as his boots that had a metal cover on the top of the foot, and the front of the ankle. Several scars could be seen along his arms, and his face. Showing that he had been in many fights and encounters.

Leah smirked at the wolf as he walked in. "I figured I would see you first, Hunter."

Hunter walked in and smiled lightly. "Good to see you too, Leah. Glad to be finally home?" he asked. His voice low, and deep.

Leah nodded and smiled. "Yes. I'm very happy to see that Force of Nature hasn't forgotten me."

Hunter shook his head. "Of course not. In all of my years, you have made the most beloved Nature's Love."

Leah smiled and bowed lightly at Hunter. "Thank you. And thank you for having your pack escort me, I would have been mobbed if they weren't there." said Leah.

Hunter bowed his head as well. "They were happy to help. They wanted to see you alive and well too."

Hunter sighed and crossed his arms. "However... I can't help but scold you for being careless. You were caught by the Zootopia Police and put in prison. How did you get caught?" Asked Hunter.

Leah growled a bit. "Some rabbit in a convenience store decided to mock me. So I threw him through a window to put him in his place." Leah said with a sneer, as if proud of what she had done.

Hunter growled. "Wreckless. Zootopia does not have the same laws as us, and while you were there, you should have paid more heed to them."

Leah growled in warning at Hunter. "Don't scold me old man, you have more scars on your body than I have put scars on others."

Before Hunter could retort, the door opened again. In walked a younger male Hyena.

The Hyena was wearing a vest shirt. A light yellow-tan colored fur on the shoulders on each side, covering up his neck on the left and right side. The vest itself was black, save for the front of the shirt having a white stripe. And black slacks. On his waist, was a belt specially fitted to hold the red scabbard of a sword. The handle appearing to be made of wood, while wrapped in a white and blue grip fabric. A silver square on the end of the handle to serve as the pommel.

His fur was several shades of orange. A deeper orange on his face with a few lighter strips of fur near his cheeks and his forehead. His arms were a lighter shade of orange, and several black spots along the top sides of his arms. On the top of his head, was longer black fur that stuck up wildly from the top of his head in between his ears. His eyes were a deep shade of red.

The Hyena walked to the end of Leah's bed and smiled brightly at her. "Glad to see you back, Leah. And don't let Hunter's salty demeanor fool you. He was worried sick about you! Weren't you, you big fluffy boy?" The hyena teased as he patted the large wolf on his head. Hunter being several feet taller than the hyena, however he did not react in anger or irritation. Only nodding lightly.

Leah sighed and smiled lightly at the Hyena. "You haven't changed a bit, have you Jacques? Or do you still go by Jelly?" Lean said, teasing Jacques back.

Jacques rolled his eyes and smiled at Leah. "Not a bit, pussycat. Anyway, while I am VERY glad to see you back here safe and sound after so many years, we need to get down to business. Now, explain everything that happened that you remember. Starting from when you got out of prison."

Leah paused before explaining how she met Leon Snowly through an anonymous letter was delivered to her the day she was released from prison. Following its instructions to the letter landed her to work with Leon. She explained who Leon was, and what his plan was. Following that, she spoke of the events leading up to what happened on this day. Jacques and Hunter both listened closely, especially Jacques taking particular interest on the Growler Serum. Often asking questions about who made it, or what it was made of.

Leah finally finished and looked at a nearby clock on the wall. Noticing that it took her over an hour to explain it all. Jacques smiled brightly, his white and jagged teeth showing. "And you said you have something that might interest me?" Jaques said intrigued.

Leah reached into the pouch on her waist and pulled out the small blue sphere holding the Growler Serum. She slowly handed it over to Jacques, whom eyed it curiously. Smelling the sphere and gently licking it as well. "That is Leon's Growler Serum perfected by Doug Ramses. Doug is in prison now and you wont be able to reach him where he's going. So if you want to use it, your best chance is to get our own chemists on it to find out what it's made of. All I can say is that its made from Midnicampum Holicithias, a flower that secretes a pollen that makes animals go savage. Leon found a way to have it only affect predators, and render prey immobile and paralyzed.

Jacques looked over the sphere, his eyes growing more red as he grew more interested. "Truely remarkable. Alright, I'll get our boys in the lab on it." Jacques said as he turned on his heel and started to leave the room. Just before he reached the door, he held up his paw with his finger pointed up as if he remembered something and walked back to Leah. "Ahh. By the way. I want a full written report on what you can tell me about Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps. Master has taken a very strong interest in them. Also I would like to speak with you one-on-one once you heal up. Oh! Lemme sign your cast!" Jacques said excitedly as he pulled a marker out from his pocket and walked over to the cast. He quickly wrote on it, 'Mother Nature Guide Us All! Jacques Akachi!'

Leah raised her eyebrow, always finding it strange that their most outranking member had such a... childish demeanor. Hunter huffed lightly. "What would Master want with these two?" he asked in doubt.

Jacques put his marker away and stood up straight. His face going from cheerful, to wrathful slowly as Hunter asked his question. Jacques let out a deep sigh, and Leah leaned back a bit to give him room, knowing that Jacques was about to react drastically.

Jacques flicked the Growler Serum sphere into the air. Hunter watched it fly upwards, transfixed as to why Jacques would throw something so valuable like that in such a manner. In a flash, Jacques pulled his sword from the scabbard and slashed it several times around Hunter's chest, and his back before sheathing the sword, making it click loudly as the hilt touched the scabbard. Jacques held out his paw and caught the sphere, following its momentum a bit to make sure it didn't break in his paw. "Hunter. We never question our Master. Without him, we would be nowhere, and heretics everywhere would break Nature's Law." Jacques growled in warning.

Hunter froze in place as the blade whipped around his body, expecting to see cuts in his skin and feel the sting of the blade. But instead, his shirt fell off of his chest, and his fur had been shaved off to the skin. Leaving several bald patches on his fur. Leah gave a light giggle as she saw that Jake had shaved off parts of Hunter's fur. Hunter quickly stepped back and bowed lightly to Jacques. "Sorry, Sir. I was out of line." Hunter said nervously. Not wanting an encore of Jake's tolerance.

Jacques turned on his heel and headed to the door. "Be sure you don't do it again. It is not your place to ask questions about the Master or his methods. It is mine. Allow me to remind you of what we stand for, and Leah I'm sure you could use a refresher." Jacques said as he closed his eyes. His light, chipper mood had completely changed to one of malice, and unbridled dominance. Leah and Hunter both could feel as if they were being held down his overwhelming presence.

Jacques opened his eyes, they had become more red. Leah knew this was a signal that his mood was changing drastically. The more red his eyes had become, they more irritated, or emotional he was.

"The Master is her brain, and her heart. He thinks for her, and for her subjects. And his actions power the rest of us to carry out her will. I am her voice, and hear image. I speak her word to those who would hear it, and carry the blessing of being the representative of what she represents to the world. When one thinks of Mother Nature, my image is the one they see, and my voice is the one they hear." Jacques narrated.

Jacques turned to Hunter. "Hunter Lupin, you are her power, and her wrath. You are the decisive action of her will; to strike down heretics and freaks alike in accordance with Mother Nature's Law. The last face heretics will see, are the ones you allow. Be it your own, or those you deem worthy. "

Jacques turned to Leah and smiled lightly at her. "Leah. You are her love, and her inner peace. Your time in prison may have roughed you up, but your duty is to those who Mother Nature accepts. To shelter and care for the predator and prey we teach Nature's Law to. To root out the inner heretics, and those who stray from the path of Nature's Law is your calling to Mother Nature."

Leah and Hunter both listened in silence. Letting Jacques narrate each of these four roles. Jacques placed his hand on the doorknob before turning to look back at Hunter and Leah. "The four of us, are Mother Nature. Nature's Mind, Nature's Voice, Nature's Wrath, and Nature's Love. And we must not falter in our divine quest to strike down those who stray from Nature's Law. Fighting among ourselves, is certain destruction of our Force of Nature. You know your roles, and your purpose. Do not corrupt that, or question it. That's my role as Nature's Voice. Not yours."

Jacques opened the door and walked out, slamming it behind him to leave Hunter and Leah alone in the room.

Hunter looked over at Leah and sighed lightly, his paw rubbing the new several shaved spots on his chest, and arms. "He's right... Rest up, Leah. I have a hunt to start."said Hunter as he grabbed a spare shirt that was intended for Leah, and putting it on. Finding it looked more ridiculous to show the pale skin under his fur, rather than wear someone else's shirt. Leah nodded and leaned back on her bed.

Hunter quickly left the hospital and headed outside. This particular city wasn't very big, but did have a moderately sized population. The tallest building, being Force of Nature's HQ that was representing City Hall, only stood four stories high. The hospital being only two. The buildings made of thick metal instead of concrete. Metal that had been salvaged from many scrap yards, and reforged into buildings.

Hunter walked down the street with his hands in his pockets. Knowing he had an event to go to that demanded his presence. The streets were wide, and made of stone despite the metal buildings. In this particular part of the city, is where the predators lived. Knowing the prey animals were on the other half of the city just past the large portion of the city that was reserved for the Hunting Grounds.

Hunter eventually reached his destination, the Heretic's Entrance to the Hunting Grounds. A large, circular atrium holding many stands for people to sit and watch the events unfold from televisions hanging overhead. The stands were filled with fanatics cheering as they saw Hunter enter the stands, and head towards a viewing balcony Hunter smiled as he laid eyes on the heretic he would punish today. A young adult male rabbit from the northern section of the Eastern Region.

The rabbit had his wrists tied, and was forced to his knees. Two large Desert Wild Dogs watching him. They would growl in warning when the rabbit would look around to try and find a means to escape, not letting him look up from the ground in front of him. The rabbit was stripped down completely bare, not having any clothes on him at all. The closest thing to clothes on his body, was the rope around his wrists. The rabbit trembled in fear from the event around him, hearing the many animals in the stands ridicule him. Calling him 'heretic', or 'sick', or a 'freak'.

Hunter walked towards where the rabbit was knelt to the ground. In front of the rabbit, was a large, thick steel shutter door. Hunter reached up towards the balcony above him, coaxing one of the staff to hand him a microphone. Hunter took it and tapped his finger on it a few times to make the speakers pulse and get the crowd's attention, silencing them in moments.

Hunter held up the microphone to his mouth. "Good evening, fellow citizens! Tonight, we carry out Mother Nature's wrath upon another heretic. This man, named Carl Skipp, broke Nature's Law in the worst way one could... By marrying a predator." Hunter called out dramatically.

The crowd instantly began to boo and scorn Carl, who shook more in fear, his shoulders trembling. Hunter walked to Carl and knelt down next to him. "Carl Skipp. Nature's Law is a simple one that everyone is born knowing. And yet you saw fit to break this law... and consort with a female lynx. She has already met her punishment...at my hand."

Carl trembled more and let out a sob as he recalled witnessing what Hunter saw as punishment. Remembering her final scream of agony, followed by immediate silence as Hunter's jaws closed on her neck.

Hunter stood up. "Stand now, Carl Skipp." Hunter demanded.

Carl slowly made it to his feet . Hunter pushed Carl's back to have him walk forward to the large shutter door. Hunter spoke in the microphone again. "Here now, in your final hours, I offer you one last chance to repent and redeem whatever qualities you have left. Do you regret your heretic ways? And wish you never broke Nature's Law?" Hunter said before holding the microphone down to Carl.

Carl paused before speaking in a terrified, and fearful voice. "Y...yes... I do..."

Hunter looked up at the man operating the door and nodded. The door opened up to show what was behind it. The Hunting Grounds has been custom tailored to mimic the environments of the wilderness with large vegetation brush, and trees. Looking like a small forest. Hunter pushed Carl in, who looked back at Hunter with pleading eyes.

Hunter smiled and spoke into the microphone again. "If you truly believe that, Mother Nature will welcome you into her arms in paradise. If not, you will suffer for eternity." The shutter door slammed shut, trapping Carl in the Hunting Grounds.

Hunter turned around and headed back up into the stands, giving the microphone back to the stands. Hunter began to leave the arena, and was stopped by one of the staff. "You aren't gonna stick around to direct your pack?" asked the staff member.

Hunter shook his head and smiled. "Not today. I'm tired from the hunt earlier. I need to rest. They can handle one little inexperienced rabbit without me." Hunter said as he left the arena. He could hear the speakers from the large television screens as he walked away. Hearing Carl's frantic breathing as he ran from something. There was a moment when his footsteps stopped their frantic pace, immediately followed my the sound of a loud growl and a snarl. Seconds later, the crowd cheered as Nature's Wrath unfolded.


The next day

Nick sat in a wheelchair in a conference room, a rather frustrated look on his face. So much for resting up... Nick thought to himself as he saw the large crowd of news reporters, as well as several cameras from said news stations. Nick was wearing a class B police uniform. Which consisted of a blue button up shirt, tie, his badge, and the black pants he would usually wear while on duty. The City Council had demanded a press conference to explain the entirety of the Leon Snowly case due to the public demanding answers. Despite the doctor's constant protest of how Nick should not even be out of bed, the council was insisting that he should be there to answer questions.

Those called to the conference, were Mayor Lionheart, Chief Bogo, Judy Hopps, and Nick Wilde. All of whom were present. Both Bogo and Judy in their uniforms while Lionheart was in his usual suit. Once the conference had started, it was Bogo who went first.

As Bogo went up to the stands, a reporter asked a question immediately. "Chief Bogo! Is it true that Leon had previously worked for the ZPD as an officer, and was allowed to return?" All of the reporters holding up their microphones.

Bogo, who clearly didn't want to be here, nodded. "Yes. Leon Snowly had walked out of the ZPD due to his obsession with the case concerning his wife and child. It was not my decision to bring him back, but rather it was an act of desperation from the mayor who wanted to hire someone specifically for bringing down the Growler Drug in Zootopia. Unfortunately we had no way of knowing this is exactly what Leon wanted." explained Bogo.

More questions kept coming about the connection between Bogo and Leon. After a while, a much different question was asked. "What about the relationship between Officer Hopps, and Officer Wilde?"

Bogo paused for a moment before looking at Judy. Judy nodded and stepped forward towards the podium. Bogo turned back to the microphones. "I'll let Officer Hopps take it over from here." Bogo said as he stepped away from the podium. Judy pushed up a small step stool and climbed up on it to put her level with the microphones. Judy wincing her eyes as the cameras flashed brightly, nearly blinding her.

Before any questions could be asked, Judy held up her paw. "Just a moment, please. Before we go into that spiral of questions about my relationship with Officer Wilde, let me just answer what I know I can now. Yes, he and I are in a romantic relationship. Yes, we are aware of the dangers and the ridicule that could come from that. No, we do not know the details of how this will affect our work life, as we have yet to have time to work that out with Chief Bogo. So, what can I answer now?" Judy explained and asked. Wanting to clear the air a bit before more personal questions were asked.

A reporter called out loudly. "How did you manage to get involved with Leon Snowly directly?"

Judy nodded and folded her paws together. "Leon Snowly was blackmailing my partner, Nick, with the video that was broadcast today in which Nick was talking to Leon in his office. I was threatened not to get involved and pursue Leon in multiple ways, including the release of the video. Obviously, I didn't listen to him and did everything in my power to help crack this case."

Another reporter waved his arms frantically till Judy pointed at him. "What happened to Leah Maine, and Artie McCoy?"

Judy lowered her ears a bit as she recalled the events. "Leah managed to escape us by a helicopter that came to pick her up. As for Artie... Artie deeply regretted everything that's happened so far and did a huge favor to try and make up for what had happened by donating to the hospital for the victims of Sahara Square. We know that Artie is alive and in the hospital, but we don't know his condition. However, if Artie didn't help us, we never would have gotten the handgun that Nick used to stop Leon's device." explained Judy.

Immediately after Judy finished her sentence, another reporter yelled out her question. "Should Nick Wilde be punished for his involvement in this case? As well as his confession?"

Judy stopped as she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. She looked over to see Nick struggling to stand up out of his wheelchair. Both Bogo and Judy rushed over to him. "Nick, stop! You're gonna hurt yourself." pleaded Judy.

Nick shook his head and nodded to the stand. "I'm fine. Get me to the podium... I need to say something."

Bogo shook his head. "No way, Wilde. We'll speak for you. You shouldn't even be here right now." said Bogo as he put his arm large hand on Nick's chest.

Nick gritted his teeth and grabbed Bogo's wrist firmly to get his attention. Bogo paused and looked at Nick, as did Judy. "Please..." Nick pleaded as he looked between the two of them.

Bogo eventually sighed and nodded. "Fine." he muttered as he helped walk Nick to the podium, Judy helping in whatever way she could. The news crowd muttered as Nick made his way to the podium as hey weren't expecting him to speak.

Bogo and Judy helped Nick up to the microphones. Nick placed his paws on the flat top of the podium and looked out to the news reporters in front of him. He eventually gave them all a casual grin. "First time doing a press conference... so bear with me here. I got no cards to read off."

Some of the reporters out out an amused chuckle. The first, and most obvious question was asked. "What's your connection to Leon Snowly?"

Nick paused for a moment, as if collecting his answer, and then spoke. "To explain that, I need to go over the whole story. I want to tell all of you, and the city, why all of this happened... if that's okay with Chief Bogo?" Nick asked as he looked over to Bogo.

Bogo nodded once. "Go ahead... You can probably do it better than I can."

Nick smiled and looked back out to the group of news reporters. Nick closed his eyes and sighed lightly. "It started over eight years ago when I was given a choice. A choice to either end the life of a police officer, or risk crossing some of the biggest crime lords in Zootopia. And that officer was Leon Snowly."

The crowd muttered a bit before Nick continued. "I... chose to end the life of the officer. But, as things happened the way they did, I ended up accidentally ending the lives of Tracy and Ricky Snowly... Leon's wife and child. After I found out that I wasn't successful in ending Leon's life, I went into hiding for a while, and Leon left the city."

Nick paused as he recalled why Leon came back to Zootopia. "Leon then hatched his plan to get back at the city he believed wronged him. Mainly due to me not coming forward and turning myself in. Leon continued his education in Criminal Justice, forensics, and chemistry to forward his plans. It was sometime after he came back that he got into contact with Artie McCoy, and Leah Maine. Leon developed a drug made from Night Howlers. Which was similar to the Savage Serum that Bellwether tried to use to turn the city against predators, only this was called the Growler Drug. Artie and Leah were the ones to distribute the drug through the city with Leon's guidance. This brought in more money to his cause, and eventually the city grew aware of the drug's existence. It was at this point that Officer Hopps and I were put on the case to track down where these drugs were coming from."

Nick took in a few breaths, his wound protesting with pain as to standing on his feet for even this short of time. "Once the city grew aware of the Growler Drug and little to no progress was being made due to Leon's extensive knowledge of how to evade the police, Leon sent in his letter of recommendation to be rehired onto the ZPD as an investigator on this task. A designated instructor fresh out of college, with previous police experience and a good record. It seemed like a dream come true. Once Leon was rehired, he continued to guide Leah and Artie to distribute the Growler Drug. As well, he got Doug Ramses out of prison under the claim of 'discovering the chemical makeup' of the Growler Drug. However, Doug was really taken out of prison to alter the Growler Drug to make it something more... sinister and not as lethal to one's heart that the original Growler Drug would cause with continued use."

The news crowd fell silent as Nick explained. Their microphones raised, and the cameras all focused on him. "The result was two things. The Growler Serum, which was similar to the Savage Serum. And the Growler Gas. Both of these Growler Serum and Gas did the same thing. A predator who was under its effect, would feel the urge to maul and maim, and hunt. But would be conscious of their actions, and could possibly overpower the drug's effects. Prey who were afflicted, were rendered immobile and unable to run away. As well as some of the shared effects included uncontrollable growling, and anger."

Nick recalled how Judy was affected by the drug, remembering her knelt down in the gas cloud under Sahara Square and growling loudly from its effects. Nick smiled as he thought about it now, thinking it was cute to see such a cute bunny growling. "Leon also got a hold of two major gas distributing devices, and he put them in two places. One, underneath Sahara Square, and the second on top of City Hall. In the ZPD's records, this was listed as Signal Trackers. Leon claiming that the devices would allow him to track the cell phone signals of people he 'suspected' to be involved. The records were immediately removed from the ZPD's system by Artie McCoy. Of whom was a gifted hacker."

Nick's ears lowered as he got to the next part. "Leon, knowing of my involvement in the death of his wife and child, confronted me directly and asked one thing of me. To just say it, and confess to him alone that I did do what he thought I did. That was the video that was broadcast earlier today, was my confession to him after he asked that. He used that video against me, threatening to have me thrown into prison in two counts of murder. Out of fear, I followed his demands. Only one demand, and it was to deliver a package under Sahara Square during some construction work that Leon was overseeing. Unknown to me, the package was the canister containing the Growler Gas that was used on Sahara Square."

The crowd instantly started yelling out questions, the camera's flashing brightly in Nick's face, causing him to flinch back a bit. Bogo quickly walked up to one of the microphones. "Please, ladies and gentlemen, let him finish before you ask any questions." said Bogo.

The crowd soon fell silent, and the photograph cameras lowered. Nick looked back to the crowd and rubbed his eyes. Due to a fox's eyes being sensitive to light, the repeated flashing of the cameras really strained his eyes. Nick nodded at Bogo and smiled. "Thank you... Now uhh... oh yeah! After the attack on Sahara Square, Officer Hopps and I threw caution to the wind and pursued Leon Snowly. At this point, neither of us cared how much our names were dragged through the mud, we just had to stop Leon. Judy and I tracked him to Lavvy Farms, where Leon's base of operations was. At this time, Officer Hopps and I were captured, and I was forced to take the effect of the Growler Serum. In the process, I nearly killed Officer Hopps. But I managed to get a hold of myself and got her to the nearest hospital for treatment."

Nick looked over at Judy. She had a bright, and proud smile on her face as she watched Nick let it all out. She knew that this was a huge step for him to admit to the crimes he had committed that led to this happening. "Once she was healed, we went back to Zootopia. Ironically, that was yesterday when Leon attacked City Hall to get to his device. With the assistance of Jack Savage, Chief Bogo, my old friend Finnick, and Artie McCoy, we finally reached Leon. From that point, you all saw what happened."

Nick stretched his side a bit as he felt more pain, feeling his muscles on his side tense up lightly. "Leon's plan was to do to the city, what he did to Sahara Square. The Growler Gas would have covered the city like a cloud. And those under it, would have been under its effect. Those who couldn't control themselves would have ripped apart any predator or prey in their way. It was his way of showing the city that we would always fall back on our base instincts, instead of overpowering those urges to do the right thing."

One of the reporters called out. "What was going through your mind during those last ten seconds!?"

Nick lowered his ears a bit and breathed deep. "I kept running through my head what was about to happen... I was... reminded of what I did to Leon and his family and the weight of all of my mistakes came crashing down on me in that one moment. I had to make a choice... I could have shot Leon right there; and if I did, Officer Hopps, Artie McCoy, and myself would have came out unscathed... but the device would have activated. Or I could destroy the glass canister holding the gas, and end Leon's plan, and have to fight off the crazed Leon Snowly. I chose to end Leon's plan. He had to be stopped, and that was more important than my own life... But I'm still alive... and so is Officer Hopps. I just wish that more could have been done for those in the tower..."

Soon, another reporter asked a question. "What is your relationship with Officer Hopps?"

Nick paused for a moment, then looked over at Judy's smiling face. Nick smiled back and turned to the reporter. "Am I in love with Officer Hopps? Yes. Yes I am. Any more questions?"

The crowd burst out in uproar as they shouted out their questions. Nick's ears lowered a bit in surprise before he smiled a bit. "Uhh okay... that AREN'T about my relationship with Officer Hopps?"

The crowd fell silent, except for one more. He held up his microphone. "Do you think you should be punished for the crimes you committed that lead to this happening?"

Nick lowered his ears and lowered his head as well, his eyes fell on the backs of his paws as he contemplated the answer for this question. Nick eventually looked up and nodded. "I will take any punishment the city decides to put upon me. I'm ready to accept this."

A few moments later, Nick felt a large hand rest on his shoulder. He looked over his shoulder to see Mayor Lionheart smiling at him. Lionheart grabbed the microphone and brought it up to him. "Thank you, Officer Wilde. You should sit down now..." Lionheart said as he pointed to Nick's side. Nick looked down to notice blood starting to stain his shirt. From standing up for so long, his wound had begun to bleed around the stitches. Bogo and Judy both noticed and brought Nick his wheelchair. Nick gently got down from the podium and sat down, his hand on his side where the blood was visible, trying to cover it up.

Nick couldn't help but notice a lone figure sitting in the back watching. It was a female jungle leopard wearing a black dress blouse. She was holding a clipboard, writing down something whenever Nick spoke. She didn't look like a news reporter, and neither did she ask any questions.

Lionheart moved the step stool out of the way and stood at the podium. "Well, that was a better first time press conference than mine was."

Nick smiled and chuckled a bit, as did Judy, and most of the news crowd. Lionheart looked over at Nick and smiled. "Officer Wilde, Officer Hopps, Chief Bogo, and... 'my old friend Finnick' if you are watching... Zootopia thanks you for your dedication to bringing down this villain of Zootopia, and saving its citizens from a disastrous fate."

Judy and Bogo stood proudly, Nick smiling as he leaned back in his seat, his paw still over his bleeding wound. The blood had slowed down at this point, the blood only coming out because he was on his feet for so long. Lionheart continued. "Officer Wilde, you said that you are willing to accept any punishment for your crimes, correct?"

Nick paused and nodded. Mayor Lionheart turned to the news reporters. "As Mayor of Zootopia, and listening to Nick's testimony, I know that Nick has confessed to two counts of murder, with holding information vital to the city's security, assisting a criminal in causing harm to the city, and attempted murder of another police officer..."

Nick's and Judy's ears lowered as Lionheart said this. Nick expecting for Lionheart to have Nick thrown in prison and throw away the key. Lionheart smiled lightly as he continued again. "But, if it wasn't for Nick Wilde's split second decision when the Growler Gas device was about to activate, thousands more citizens would have died yesterday. And for that, Zootopia thanks you Officer Wilde, and I personally thank you as Mayor of Zootopia. Therefore, I hereby use my executive order to pardon Nicolas Piberius Wilde of all crimes he has committed previously."

Nick's ears lifted up and he sat up straight, as did Judy. The news crowd started asking repeated questions about Lionheart's statement. Bogo smiled and patted Nick on the shoulder. "You really did earn it, Wilde. I'm proud to have you on the ZPD. And the same to you, Officer Hopps."

Bogo looked over and saw that Lionheart was answering all the questions that the reporters were answering without issue. This was a common, everyday thing to him "I think Lionheart has it from here. You need to go back to the hospital, Nick." said Bogo.

Nick nodded and smiled at Bogo. "Thanks, Chief."

Bogo nodded and began to push Nick out by his wheelchair. Judy following next to him. Nick smiled at Judy. "Wow... that was... intense." Nick said. Still a little shaky from being on his first press conference.

Judy smiled and punched Nick's shoulder lightly. "You did great, Slick. Way better than I did..." Judy said as she recalled her first press conference turned the prey against predator.

Nick smiled as Judy punched his shoulder. Always surprised at how hard the little bunny could hit. "What about you, Bogo? What was your first press conference like?" Nick asked curiously.

Bogo paused for a moment then smiled lightly. "Err... A high speed pursuit leading to a four car pile-up. No one died though... which is pretty much all I said" Bogo said with a light smile on his lips.

Nick and Judy both laughed lightly. Nick wincing and clutching his side as his body protested the sudden movements of laughter. "Aha-NNGH! Ow..."

Judy giggled a bit more at Nick. "Yeah you gotta go back to the hospital. No more excitement for you today Officer Wilde." teased Judy.


The Next Day

Judy had been discharged from the hospital, but refused to leave until Nick was permitted to leave. Which wouldn't be for another week. The both of them were on Nick's bed, Judy cuddled up to Nick as they watched the tv. The doctor would get upset whenever Judy got into the bed with Nick, so they would snuggle in secret when the doctor wasn't in the room.

The door opened, which caused Judy to jump down into the chair next to the bed. Nick smirking lightly as she did. In walked Nick's doctor, as well as a few nurses. The doctor smiled at Nick. "And how are we feeling today?" he asked.

Nick smiled and patted his side lightly. "Slowly but surely, doc. You seem kinda early today?" Nick said curiously.

The doctor nodded. "Yes well, we wanted to ask you something. Or rather, one of our patients that you know wanted to ask you something. Mister Artie McCoy wants to speak to the two of you, but he can't leave his bed. So since now Miss Hopps no longer has her bed, he was wondering if it would be alright if he was in here with you?"

Nick paused and shrugged lightly. Rather surprised that Artie would personally request this. "Yeah sure I see no problem with it." replied Nick. Thinking that since Artie helped then stop Leon, it would be rude to turn him down on such a trivial offer.

The doctors quickly made room before bringing in Artie with his hospital bed. Artie was in the typical teal hospital robe. His legs covered from the waist down. He had a few bruises on his face and shoulders from his fight with Leon as well. Artie smiled as he was brought into the room. "Nice press conference, Wilde." commented Artie.

Nick smiled and shrugged. "Comes with the job."

Once Artie was situated into the room, the doctors left them alone. Judy looked over at Artie. Staring him down for a moment with her eyes narrowed. Artie stared back nervously at the bunny. For a few moments, they just stared at each other. Eventually Artie blinked a few times. "What uhh... What is it Miss Hopps?"

Judy paused for a moment, as if hesitating to speak. "Are you...okay? I mean...with what happened on the rooftop..." Judy said as she recalled Leon's brutal attack to break Artie's spine.

Artie smiled lightly and sighed. He shook his head lightly. "I guess I'm...half alright. Leon completely destroyed the discs in my lower back just above the tail. I'm paralyzed from the waist down. My tail still works though!" Artie said cheerfully as he wagged his tail in the air.

Judy snickered, and Nick chuckled. Nick spoke next. "Well at least you're in good spirits about it."

Artie shrugged and leaned back. "I already went through the depression part... but there ain't no use in crying about it. Once the rest of me heals up, I'm probably off to prison anyway."

Judy shook her head lightly. "We'll try to do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen. Nick got completely pardoned so you can too!" reassured Judy.

Artie smiled doubtfully. "I hate to break it to you, but you aren't out of the woods yet, Nick. Apparently the predator/prey council is furious that you are not meeting any punishment. Most I found on me, is ten years in prison as a minimum. So don't worry about me, Miss Hopps. I'm ready to meet whatever punishment they wanna give me. You two need to worry more about what may end up happening to you, and what is definitely gonna happen to you."

Nick cocked his head curiously as Artie spoke. "Do you know something we don't?" he asked.

Artie shook his head. "I spent a lot of time on the internet, Wilde. You two are a public couple now, and you are also one of the representative faces of the ZPD. So you are litterally a shining idol the 'Pro Pred-prey' relationships. And that can get very very ugly. Ridicule, your jobs could be at risk, and the radicals who'll probably openly oppose you in the streets."

Judy stepped backwards and jumped up onto Nick's bed. Sitting on the edge of it. "We're ready."

Artie shrugged lightly, his eyebrows raised. "I hope you are."

There was a long pause before Judy spoke up. "So, Artie... How did this all happen on your end? I mean how did you end up being a criminal hacker?" she asked.

Artie paused and leaned his head back, looking up at the ceiling as he recalled memories. "When I was young, my mother was killed in a car accident. Her car was T-Boned by the other driver and she was killed instantly. The driver of the other car was the CEO of some big company. Using his money and power, he got off completely scott free, and my father had to pay the damages to his extremely expensive car. The bill for that and my mother's funeral put him in debt and we ended up loosing nearly everything. The house, most of our possessions, nearly everything."

Artie paused for a moment before looking down at his hands. "I ended up studying computers in my free time. I saw this movie where a guy hacked into the criminal mastermind's bank account and took all of his money. Of course I knew this was just a movie, but I decided that's what I would do to the CEO. Five years of dedicated study while working a terrible job that paid well, I finally succeeded in hacking him. I cleaned out his bank accounts and paid off all the debt. The rest of his money I hid in multiple bank accounts that I had made under different names to different banks. Usual 'no questions asked' banks so it was easy to hide all the money. But that kind of thing is easy to trace and I knew they'd come after me. Once I hacked him, I ran away from home. A week later I was caught and put in prison at 18 for six years."

Judy's and Nick's ears lowered as they listened to the story. Nick paused for a moment before asking. "Wait... do you still have that money stashed?"

Artie paused for a moment and smiled. "Nope."

Nick and Judy sensed that he was lying, but decided not to call him on it.

After a few long hours, the door to the room opened. In walked Abigail Wilde, Nick's mother. Nick smiled as she walked in. "Oh hey mom!"

Judy smiled as well, jumping down from the bed. "Abby! I was wondering when you'd show up!"

Abigail smiled and walked into the hospital room. She was wearing a tan blouse, Carrying her purse in her front paws. She had the same red colored fur as Nick did, only a little lighter. Her eyes were also a deep blue color unlike Nick's green eyes.

Abigail walked in and stood next to Nick's bed. "Hey Nick. How are you holding up?" she asked concerned in a kind tone.

Nick smiled confidently and shrugged. "Great so far. It's nothing...well it is serious but its not THAT bad now. I'll be good enough to head home at the end of the week."

Abigail smiled and placed her paw to her heart. "Oh thank heavens. That's great news. Nick, I'm so proud of you. You and Judy saved the city twice now! You're both heroes." raised Abigail.

Nick leaned back on his head with a content smile. "It's just our job."

Abigail smiled and patted her hand against Nick's leg. "Even so, I'm very proud of you. You did an amazing thing the other day. Something that would be difficult for others to make the same choice."

Nick smiled at Abigail. "Thanks mom."

Abigail turned to see Artie on his bed reading a book. She smiled and nodded at Artie, whom nodded back. Abigail talked with Judy and Nick for a long while. Mainly catching up from their last visit. As well as Nick explaining a few things that Abigail wanted to know about the Growler Incident.

At the end of the conversation, the door opened again. In walked an older male arctic fox wearing a black long sleeved shirt and blue jeans. Having the same dark brown eyes as Artie did. Artie smiled lightly as this male walked in. "Dad?"

Artie's father smiled and nodded. He walked in and stood at the edge of Artie's bed. "Hey son..."

For a long while, the two just stood there staring at each other. Neither of them finding the words to say after six years of not seeing each other. Finally, Artie spoke up. "Why are you here?" he asked.

Mr. McCoy smiled lightly. "I wasn't able to see you when you got out of prison... I couldn't find you after I saw what happened on the news. After what you did..."

Judy walked up closer to Artie's Father. "Mr. McCoy?"

Artie's father looked down at Judy and shook his head. "Call me Dawson,"

Judy nodded and smiled up at Dawson. "Artie was a great help to the ZPD. He donated a massive amount of money to the civilians who were injured during the Sahara Square attack. And he helped us stop Leon Snowly too." Said Judy, trying to make sure that Dawson wasn't angry with his son.

Dawson smiled at Judy then turned to Artie. "I'm not here to scold him. I just wanted to see my son." Dawson said as he leaned forward and hugged Artie across the shoulders. Artie paused for a moment before closing his eyes, hugging his father back tightly.

"Thanks dad..." muttered Artie. His voice choking up a bit.

Dawson eventually let go Artie and stood up, wiping a few tears from his eyes. "Well I'll uhh... I guess I'll get out of your hair for now..."

Abigail, whom remained quiet this whole time, spoke up to Dawson. "You two should catch up. You must have a lot to tell him after all these years." suggested Abigail.

Artie smiled and nodded. "Y...Yeah! I mean... I aint got much better to do." Artie said as he tapped his fist on one of his legs.

Dawson nodded and frowned a bit. "Your doctor told me about your condition now... But yeah alright. Let me see here..."

Dawson and Artie talked for a long time. Dawson mainly going over how he finally got a good paying job to get a decent place, and how his life was fully on track since the debt was cleared. Artie spoke of a few...riveting tales of events in prison. Not vulgar or disgusting, but mild content stories one would expect of a convict.

Dawson eventually turned to Nick and Judy. "Thank you for saving this city, officers. It just goes to show, there's much here worth fighting for. And bonds that wont be broken so easily."

Abigail smiled at Dawson. "And also clearing the way for more bonds to be made."

Dawson turned to Abigail, smiling lightly. "I'd say so Miss...?"

"Wilde. Abigail Wilde." replied Abigail.

Dawson smiled and took Abigail's paw in his hand, gently kissing the top of her hand. "Pleasure to meet you Abigail. Dawson McCoy. Maybe... we can catch dinner sometime?"

Abigail blushed and smiled at Dawson. "I'd like that."

Nick and Artie turned to each other. Eventually Nick cracked a smile. "We should get on a first name basis huh Artie?" asked Nick.

Artie smirked back at Nick. "I guess we should, Nick."


One Week Later

Judy and Nick had made it back to their apartment. Judy smiled as she seemed somewhat anxious to get home. Her ears and tail occasionally twitching which showed a bunny's anxiousness. Nick noticed her anxious mood and raised his eyebrow. "What's got you all twitchy?" said Nick.

Judy giggled and unlocked the door, opening it for Nick. "You'll see."

Nick smiled and went into the apartment. Glad that the building supported those who were handicapped either permanently or temporarily. Judy had rearranged the room. The couch now sat against the back wall across the room closer to the kitchen, and the television was against the wall immediately to the right of the door out of reach of the doors swing. Nick sighed lightly and looked at Judy, whom was closing her door. "I need to change. Tired of wearing the blues." Nick said as he referred to his policeman's uniform. Judy nodded and watched as he went into his bedroom.

Judy looked up at the selfie wall, which she hoped Nick would have noticed right away. But she knew he would eventually. She went into her room to change as well.

Nick went into his room and spotted the bunny plush sitting on the bed. Remembering that he won it the night that Sahara Square was attacked. Nick smiled at it and held it up, admiring the soft velvety fur. "Doesn't feel as good as the real thing." Nick muttered as he set it back down. He quickly stripped out of his uniform and lay it on the bed. Nick could stand, but only for short periods of time. Nick got on his hawaiian shirt, and tie. As well as his favorite brownish gray pants and sat back down in his chair. Nick looked over himself and smiled, glad to be back in his favorite and most comfortable outfit. Nick went back out into the living room, hearing Judy rustling around in her room. He figured she must be changing.

Nick went into the living room when something caught his eye. The selfie wall was different, and in a different place. To the right of the tv, opposite side of the door, the pictures hung. When he left it last, there were two rows of pictures. This time, there were two large ones hanging side by side, and the rest of the pictures were hung in a circle around the two large ones in the middle.

The pictures around the two in the middle were the same ones that were there when he left. But the two in the middle, is what got his attention.

Both of the pictures in the center, was the picture of when Nick and Judy had their first kiss. On the left was Nick's picture, and on the right was Judy's. Nick smiled as he saw Judy's handiwork with the pictures. Nick remembered the kiss that they shared that day. Reflecting on it, Nick knew it was stupid of him to try and run away from Judy. It would have hurt both of them more than it would have helped them. As much as the world would hate it, he loved that fuzzy bunny. And nothing would change that.

Judy eventually walked out into the living room to see Nick staring at the new pictures. She smiled and walked up to him, putting her paws on his arm and resting her head on his shoulder. Nick smiled and leaned his head against hers. "I love it. You can do interior decorating if you stop being a cop." Nick said teasingly.

Judy giggled and nuzzled into Nick's neck lovingly. Her ears lowered down and her nose twitching. Nick smiled and moved his wheelchair to sit next to the couch before standing up, and sitting on the couch. Judy sat next to him, opposite of Nick's wound. Judy wrapped her arms around Nick, her paws resting just below his elbow and leaned onto his chest. Her head resting at Nick's chin. Nick smiled and hooked his arm around Judy's torso and rested his chin on the top of her head. Nick kicked his feet up on the coffee table, and Judy curled her legs up onto the couch.

This was the first time they could be this close at home. Over the past few weeks, they were either in a hospital, or at City Hall. Never really having a chance to be intimate or relax in the comfort of their home ever since Judy was put into the hospital a few weeks prior. They could finally enjoy each others company, and their love. Both of them knew there would he troubles and dangers ahead. Not just from their relationship, but from their job. There will always be bad guys, and people who will want to hurt Zootopia for their own reasons that they see as justified. No matter the dangers, no matter the hardships, they would face them head on to protect the city they love. And fight even harder to protect the people they love.

The Growler Incident had been averted. Zootopia would sleep soundly without fear of Leon Snowly or his Growler Serum ever again.


A few days later

Nick was at his desk, writing on a piece of paper. Nick and Judy was now viewed among the ZPD and Zootopia as local heroes. Nick remembered that Judy had written a speech for the new recruits of the ZPD by request of Chief Bogo. And now, Nick was asked to do the same while he was out of work from his injury. Nick finally finished with it, and read over it to proofread it.

"Life is something that can change for the better, or for the worse at any time based on your decisions. This is the ideology of which many, including myself, live by. Your day to day choices can impact you now, or years later. My longest impact was over eight years, and it nearly destroyed Zootopia itself. I tried to bear the burden of my choices alone, and I was nearly crushed under the bad choices I made in my life.

But your decisions can also lead to the greatest things in your life, even if something bad happened along the way. Don't let your past decisions wear you down and be a weight on your shoulders, because you can be so much more than just your choices. Everyone will make a mistake at some point, but the best thing you can do is stand up from that mistake and own it. Make amends, and move onto helping the next person, or yourself.

If your decisions catch up with you, and it's tearing your life apart, reach out for help. Reach to your family, your friends, your loved ones, even complete strangers. Those with a kind enough heart, and the mettle to help one in need, will support you and help you bear the burden of your choices if they see fit to. And along the way, you can make new friends. Find a new fantastic job. Or even find your soul mate.

But, we must be ready to face the challenges of what those decisions can bring. I implore you, do what you believe to be right in your heart. Help those in need, and they will help others in turn. The homeless man hustling popsicles can one day become an officer. At least that's what happened to me... And if in our endeavors, we slip up and fall face flat to the ground, those who you helped and who helped you will be there to pick you up if you find you can't do it yourself. As a wise little bunny once said to me, 'I'll always be there for you.'"


*Author's Note* Alright, that's the end of The Growler Incident. It's funny I have a random music playlist going and the last song I was on when I finished this, was Awake and Alive (the Quickening) by Skillet. Honestly a perfect song to write out that speech in my opinion! I really wanna thank everyone who supported this story. It really makes me feel good to know so many people enjoy my writing.

I am really happy with how this story came out. This is by far my favorite piece of writing compared to my first four stories. This was a really fun time that I really enjoyed and I'm happy that I got to share it with those who managed to stick with my questionable writing skills to the end. Thank you all so much!

And I do plan on writing a sequel, but please be patient with me. I've not gotten the entire plot figured out yet, and I don't wanna get writers block like I did with a Star Fox story I got about halfway through. Until I can get the story figured out, im gonna try my hand at drawing. Those of you on reading this who want to see my art when I get around to it, check out my Furaffinity page!

user/arrowsite/ - my URL to my page. Also, if you want to see a bigger image of the cover photo, its on my furaffinity. You dont need an account to see it.

Keep an eye on my page for a while, because I fully intend to start on that sequel sometime pretty soon. Until then, go enjoy some other people's writing! Read and Review!