Author's note: So after some reviews, I'm going to release more chapters of this fanfic. I say 'release' because I've been writing this entire fic for the past couple of weeks. I'll be releasing the chapters periodically, maybe every other day but what's important is to deliver quality content. Anyway, here's chapter 4. Enjoy!

A Restless Night

As the night started to settle in, I decided to find a place to sleep. The most logical place would be a hotel, but considering that I had no money on me, and honestly, I wouldn't know how to acquire some, sleeping on the streets seemed like the only option. That got ruined when it started to rain, and I didn't want to get wet, especially since my tech. being exposed to the open air. I can cover it up, but only if I knew that the chance of weather was real. The storm came upon me like it came out of left field.

I was in the middle of an alleyway, and the only real cover from the pounding rain was a parked van sitting by a building. Well… it's that or having my coms. fucked. I ran to the back of the door and was surprised to see that it wasn't locked. Who would leave their van unlocked in a back alley? I didn't care, it was cover for me as the rain kept coming down harder and harder. Finally, I laid down in the back of the van. I checked my coms. and they were fine, still in operation. Good, I need them. Alas, AAL chimed in once I settled in.

"Sir, I don't know if I asked you but… what's your purpose in all this? I just find it so strange.."

"Because I want to give back and protect the innocent…" I understood what AAL was mentioning. Why all of sudden would I start over again? Wouldn't it be easier just to return to a normal life and forget about my past life in the other world?

"But sir, what exactly is your motive?"

Motive. Not once I heard AAL mentioned the word "motive" to me before. It actually took me a while to think of an answer to respond back. What was my motive for all this? Why give a damn to a society full of animals, animals that simulated human life and got along in harmony? It was by chance that I ended up in this world, and it was by luck on how my tech. was somehow compatible here. But why. Why was I going out of my way to do this?

"Sir?" AAL was getting a little worried that I might drifted off to sleep, but I was wide eyed.

"I'm here, just giving some thought into it" I quickly responded "AAL, let me tell you. The reason why I'm doing this, why I'm going out of my way to find… to find whatever I'm looking for is simple.."

I paused for a slight moment, just to catch a breath. "It's because it's the right thing to do."

Usually AAL is quick to respond, but I could hear a static pause from my ear for a good five seconds until he chirped in.

"…Well I suppose you're right. I was only wondering, I mean, if I was in your position I would of returned to life in harmony."

"I'm not that type of person AAL. When someone wrongs you of something, there's always a reason why. I haven't found that reason yet. The best I can do in this world is redeem myself, forget what happened in the past and move on."

"Self-driven redemption I presume sir?"

Yes AAL. Self-driven redemption. After all, I was born and raised to the right thing in life. Besides, what else did I know other than being involve with the S.C.D.? Not much to be honest. That was my life back in the old world. Wake up, eat, shit, debrief and then head out on your mission which could take days, weeks, maybe even months. So why change yourself when you can adapt to your surroundings with what you already know?

"I don't know any better AAL. I know it sounds kinda of stupid to say that, but I really don't know any better."

"Understood sir. Again, I was just curious, I'm still trying to adapt to this world while it has been easier for you."

It was a weird conversation, but not awkward. We both know what we we're trying to accomplish, it's just that both of us are having different experiences to change. You would think that an A.I. like AAL wouldn't care as much, but this was still new to him to digest. He was taking it like a pro I will say. To ask all these questions while managing the missing mammals case is pretty remarkable.

"Low power, alert when necessary" I spoke into my coms. AAL acknowledge accordingly.

It was time to get some shut eye… or so I thought.

Just as soon I commanded for AAL to go on low power, I could hear a bang outside. It wasn't thunder, as a matter of fact, the rain started to ease up. It also didn't sound like gunshots. Great, just when I think I can rest for a while… Suddenly I could hear two voices outside and they were getting closer and closer. Soon, the voices were right next to the van, close enough that I could eavesdrop on the conversation.

"You think anyone is going to find out?"

"Find out what?"

"About the missing mammals. So far, no one knows where they are and the public is starting to get a little itchy that one of them could be next."

"Look Ivan, I told you I need more time to figure this out. The only reason that they're in my captivity is to isolate them away from Zootopia. Would you want a savage predator going around and start killing the innocent? Do you know how much shit that would put me in? I'm already at odds with the board since they keep asking me 'why haven't we gotten anywhere yet?' I have to repeatedly tell them that I and the ZPD are working as best we can. Now, do you understand me fully?"

"Yes, Mayor Lionhart."

Mayor Lionhart. Ah, politics and crime are always a bad match. For my sake, this was a match made in heaven. I peeked up a little bit and could see who Mayor Lionhart was… a lion.

"AAL, keep the volume low. You're getting this right?"

"Indeed sir. Apparently he's the one that's holding the 14 missing mammals. What intrigues me the most is that he mentioned 'savage', care to explain?"

"They're going back to their primitive state."

It all added up now. 14 mammals confirmed missing, 14 of them have supposedly gone savage, and I found who were taking them away. Only thing was… how did they get like this? The conversation briefly continued with Lionhart saying,

"Now, I'll see you at Cliffside Asylum. We can talk more there."

The conversation ended and the driver side door of the van opened. In came a wolf, about my size, maybe 5'11". He started the engine and we took off down the road, heading to what I assume would be a place called Cliffside Asylum.

"AAL, get me a sitrep of the place and fill me in the details when we get there."

"On it sir."

Well, it would appear that tonight would be a sleepless one for me. I'm going to be spending it inside an Asylum. Great, just great. It's going to be one crazy night.