A/N : Rewrote the dialogue a few times.

Chapter 15: Parley: A Deal with Evil


I knew it couldn't last. I woke up and it all fades away. I am still chained to a wall and unable to move. I don't feel hungry or thirsty anymore. I'm thankful for that.

A few hours must have passed. This time I dream of Whitebreeze, Alim, Minty and Ember just watching a monster devour a rabbit alive. The Nick I knew would never do that. This is just a nightmare. I heard the monster speak, "You know it's your turn soon Carrots."

"Monster, stay away from me!" My voice does nothing to convince the monster. He slowly advanced towards me intending to eat. Thankfully, the scenery fades away again and I'm back in darkness. I can hear the sounds of a wolf. I feel like I'm being eaten alive.

The persistent nightmare just won't go away. I'm now back in the room with the monster. The monster hasn't moved at all. The monster seems apologetic. His voice is filled with sorrow, "Sheep really was a delicacy, there was no other way. It was either this or starve after the cultists attacked. I'm sorry that you had to see that Carrots." After a few moments. "Everything will be okay now. Now that we're together. I've missed you so much. How did you come back?"

Whitebreeze comments, "At least, Nick has finally gotten back his grip on reality. Now, the problem just shifts to another. You can't stop causing trouble for me one way or another even if you're not here."

Is this real? Has Nick really started eating rabbits without any hesitation at all? Whitebreeze's comment seems entirely fitting. I don't think I could have imagined that. How much of the past was real? I finally admit, "I can't tell what's real and what's not anymore."

The only way I can make this work is if I believe the monster is Nick. Has he really changed that much though? He says, "I'll help you Carrots. Tell me. Tell me where you've been."

"I don't even know where to start. Tell me, when was the last time you saw me."

He tells of the day I confessed to him. Apparently, surfing on a sheet of ice and crashing wasn't an imagination. If that's the case. Why am I here now? Why would the Prime free me? Do I really want to tell Nick about my time spent with Quickpaw? "I've a slightly better idea of what's happened now but I still can't believe what's happened to me."

"Carrots, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I'm here for you."

"How can I believe this is real and not a dream?" His grin is full of mischief. I wasn't prepared for what he did next. He revealed my most embarrassing secrets. Judging by the reaction of everyone else in the room. I know this is real now. "Really Nick? You HAD to do that?"

"Why not? You gave me permission and it helped you too." I wanted to beat him up at this point but I also wanted to hug him and thank him for confirming that all this is real and it wasn't just a dream. I embraced him. "You bunnies are so emotional."

"How can I sleep knowing that I will keep having the same nightmare?"

"I'm here for you Carrots. You've been away and I've missed you so much. You can tell me when you're ready." I've decided I will find comfort from him. I have him sleep on top of me, he can be my blanket. I hope that will keep the nightmares away.

Every time I close my eyes I imagine myself cuffed to a wall unable to escape. When I wake, his presence is able to confirm that it was just a nightmare and that he is here to stay. Why then? If I had really lived among the cultists, why would they just let me go?

I clung to him every single moment of the day. He grounds this reality and I can't let it go. I can't bring myself to tell him about my days among the cultists. I'm pretty sure that they did happen because of the clothing that I wear. They haven't made a move yet. I guess this type of clothing isn't strictly bad luck. Ember's best days were because of the cultists. I wonder what their true purpose is.

Every passing day life returns to normal more and more. I'm able to find comfort with the kits and Nick. Whitebreeze herself I think is starting to show some emotion towards the kits anyway. I'm pretty certain this is real. I know that the nightmare will come and claim me but everything will be okay when I awake. It's either that or accept that I'm still chained to a wall. I can't do that, this has to be real it's far better than the alternative.

Nick ended up telling me what he witnessed while I was gone when I enquired about the hole within the orange stalactite above. The cultists really did kill three of their own in an extremely dramatic fashion. Why would they let me go and what can their purpose probably be? I suppose I should find comfort in the fact that if I returned to Zootopia they shouldn't be able to touch us. The crystals melt because of the rays of the sun.

The next day, the cultists have finally made their move. It's not one that I expected. I think I had a hand in it however during my time in the sanctum, I've spilled all my secrets to Lasan and Kindleheart. They apparently want to parley with the tyrant. I think I can see all of them gathered at the entrance of the chasm. The Prime is clearly standing in front. Lightbringer is there in front as well and a lot of animals are there behind him.

I have a bad feeling about this. Apparently, all of us are wanted in the negotiations the kits as well. All of us went to the entrance of the chasm. Lightbringer and The Prime are waiting for us to arrive. I can see the Prime sort of standing a pillar of ice. He must have been slightly floating though because his wings are clearly visible. There's really no faster way of travel in Everlight. It's a long six hour walk.

We arrived there. We're at the very front. A lot of animals are gathered here. The looks both sides gave the other aren't exactly friendly. A fight might break out at any moment. The Prime says, "Very good, now all the parties involved are here. Negotiations can begin." What sort of negotiations can there be?

Lightbringer replies, "Be glad that I'm even entertaining this request. How did you cultists figure out that we used the purple crystals to communicate anyway?"

"A rather helpful individual that we've found. I am here to reclaim her. I want Judy Hopps." He wanted me but why? Why did he let me go in the first place? Would the nightmare become real once more?

"She's under my protection. She's free to go where she wants though. Judy Hopps, do you wish to go with them?"

I reply, "I don't want to go back there being there once was enough. I'm still having nightmares of that place." Nick hears this and gently pets me. It's the first time I've admitted that I've lived amongst them or what the nightmares were even about.

The Prime speaks again, "Disappointing, I suppose this might take some time. I've another card to play: Persuasion. Lasan and Kindleheart step forward."

I see Lasan and Kindleheart step forward towards us. They've blue markings just like the rest of them. Kindleheart is now shirtless with blue markings visible for all to see. Lasan says, "You should be with us. I feel closer to Kindleheart than ever before. My senses are far sharper too. It's a shame that only she got wings though."

Kindleheart jumps to move a point. Wings temporarily sprout from her back while she's in the air disappear when she lands. Kindleheart says, "This was even better than I imagined. The need not to eat prey is just a bonus. No longer needing to eat others just because of your nature."

I replied, "Lasan and Kindleheart we're friends but I don't think I can just go because of the two of you." I looked at the Prime, "Why, why did you let me go, why did you let me starve? I'm still uncertain about my grasp of reality. Why do you care if I come back?"

Nick says, "Carrots, where were you when you were gone? Why wouldn't you tell me anything? I was only able to watch you when you had nightmares. Did you know about them not needing to eat prey?" I jab him lightly in the stomach wanting to communicate he should be quiet and I would explain later.

The Prime replies, "You want an explanation for this? Very well. The reason is simple. Lack of trust. You've lied right to me right after I warned you not to."

I reply, "That may very well be. Why do you want me back?"

"I would like you to be part of my plans."

"I'd rather stay here in Everlight with animals that I know. At least, they wouldn't chain me to a wall and leave me to starve until I couldn't tell the difference between what is real and what is a dream."

Lightbringer declares, "She has spoken, she will remain here. Is that all you've came to discuss?"

The Prime remarks, "A pity, I would have wanted you to come willingly."

I ask, "Are you going to take me by force?"

"Oh no, that wouldn't be fair at all. It certainly wouldn't be my style to take you against your will."

"I fail to see how you're going to get me to willingly come with you."

"I never said that you would willingly come only that you will join us before these negotiations are over and I wouldn't force you." So, he's not going to force me to go with him but I will end up going with him anyway? How does this make sense?

"I don't believe you."

"Very well, you will see why we call them savages before this is all over." Hmm, what is his next game plan? Lightbringer didn't take it well when he was called a savage.

Lightbringer exclaims, "How dare you call us savages! We simply try to survive. You and all your entire cult are evil. You kill us without any provocation."

The Prime says, "You raid the homes of the prey within the Chasm. You are savages. You don't even try to sympathize with the prey that you eat. The civilized dine upon prey as well, but at least some of them have evolved beyond just a desire to live. Some of them became members of our order. There's no way you savages can be enlightened to evolve above your base desires."

"Why would we ever sympathize with prey? It's only natural to eat to stay alive. There is no alternative. Not even she can provide one."

"We have found one but at great cost but that is not the reason I have come here today. I will end up leaving with Judy Hopps."

"What is your next idea? or should we simply proceed to battle?"

"I come to offer you a gift I'm certain you will accept. I want to have peace between us. We will let you raid certain sections of the chasm. Stopping you no longer has any meaning and all I want in return is Judy Hopps. I know well enough that she's not from around here and that's the only reason you savages have kept her alive."

I interject, "I still don't want to go with you."

Lightbringer asks, "How does your word have any value?"

The Prime responds, "I am not blind. I know what you have sought to claim but never succeeded. I will let you claim it now." The Prime throws down his left weapon and the curved blade lands in front of Lightbringer.

"A weapon? Interesting. Perhaps this has some merit after all."

I yell, "You can't possibly be considering this!"

Lightbringer replies, "I've kept you alive because you might solve the conflict that we have with the cultists. Now, that he's offering peace. You are no longer needed besides, we still have the fox. Losing one of you wouldn't be that problematic. I accept this deal."

I am separated from Nick. I am pushed forwards to the cultist's side. I move back towards the side of Everlight but the guards stop me. The Prime says, "What a pity, it seems she doesn't want to come willingly. Is there another willing to take her place?"

Nick says, "I will take her place. Not eating prey also sounds good." Nick eagerly steps forward and offers to take my place. I've never told him about the cult or what's likely to happen to him there.

I yell, "Nick, you can't do this. You don't know what you're getting into."

He responds with, "You being happy is all that matters besides, I remember the one time you called me a monster. I don't want to be one anymore."

The Prime notes, "How fortunate, he's already collared."

Lightbringer asks, "Will that be all?"

"This is agreeable. You shall have peace. Are there any other concerns?"

He takes me place. They are about to leave. I can't let this end. I can't. I yell, "Take me with you."

The Prime notes, "Interesting, she's willing to come along after all."

Lightbringer comments, "I only agreed to give up one. Not both."

"I've another offer to make you then." He throws down his other weapon. "My other weapon for Judy Hopps."

"Your offer appears genuine. I wonder what do you have to gain? I will test your resolve before all this is over. I accept. Judy will go with them." They push me forwards to the cultist's side.

A white vixen and male rabbit steps forward from the cult. The white vixen says, "Shadowslight come to us. We have searched everywhere for you."

Ember steps forward and joins them. Whitebreeze just tries to look emotionless but I think I can see some tears.

Lightbringer says, "Ah, that gives me an idea. Let's see how committed you are to peace. Eat them." Upon his command. Two animals beside him just grab Alim and Minty and eat them alive. Whitebreeze finally breaks down and cries. We watch in horror.

The Prime comments, "How very foolish, you've proven to be savages and nothing more. Regardless, I won't violate the peace I've come to propose."

"Now, that we don't have the two guests, their pets are no longer needed. Their corrupting influence has been eradicated."

"This will conclude negotiations."

Both sides leave and prepare to return home. They have moved out of sight. Now, we're alone with all the cultists. Everyone just stares at my conversation with the Prime. I yell at the Prime, "They're dead and it's all your fault."

Nick says, "Carrots are you sure you want to do this?"

"Shut it, Nick. I'm giving him a piece of my mind."

The Prime responds, "I'll admit that didn't go exactly according to plan but now I have both of you."

I reply, "Why are you so obsessed with me?"

Lasan says, "I told the Prime of the tales that you told me. I want to see Zootopia for myself."

Kindleheart concurs, "As do I."

The Prime responds, "You have potential Judy. You've lied to my face during the rite in order to try to save another. I've then thought of a way for you to embrace what you truly want. Since, you're unwilling to tell me the truth I've set you free so that you can show it to me. You lied to me by saying you were in love with a wolf. Another reason is Zootopia. We want to find it and you do want to return to Zootopia do you not?"

Nick asks, "Why would she lie about loving a wolf?"

The Prime responds, "To try to save the wolf of course. Has she not told you anything related to this at all? How much do you know?"

"She has never told me about what happened, I didn't feel right in pressuring her. She kept having nightmares and all I could do was watch."

"Yet, you were willing to take her place. Why?"

"When she was away, I realized I loved her. I just want her to be happy."

I yell, "Nick! That's how I find out that you love me? The last time I confessed that I loved you, you said you needed time alone! Then I crashed into the chasm and we spent time apart."

Nick asks, "Why won't you tell me anything Carrots? Don't you trust me? All I could do was look at you when you had nightmares unable to do anything."

"I'm sorry, you're right I should have told you."

"I forgive you."

The Prime comments, "Excellent, now Judy you can rectify this error by telling him everything."

I look at Nick, "Later, I will tell you everything." I look at the Prime. "How exactly are you going to make us return to Zootopia and why did you offer to take Nick alone?"

The Prime responds, "I want you here of your own accord, not because I forced you to come. I did tell you that you were part of the only two that came here by force and that everyone else came here by choice. Now, I'm offering you the same choice. You did come willingly in the end, did you not?"

"And what if I came willingly at the start?"

"I would have still ended up acquiring Nick who I suspect that you love. Although, you didn't tell me and I didn't know which fox it was. I suspect if I asked you about who you truly loved, you would have lied. Thus, I set you free to discover the truth. This was the best way to achieve my goals."

"What if I simply let you leave with Nick?"

"Let's talk about hypotheticals, shall we? If you were willing to that, I wouldn't be interested in you anymore. As for his fate, he might have found another or perished. It doesn't matter too much. I know you better than you know yourself."

Nick asks, "How well does she know all of you?"

The Prime responds, "A pity she didn't tell you about any of us."

"You've given her nightmares. What did you do? Are you even aware of what your actions did to her?"

"She lied during the rite. She ended up chained for it. Then I set her free to see what she would do. She was unwilling to tell the truth. I had a good idea of what it was."

I ask, "Why go to such lengths to acquire both of us and to discover the truth? Why not just ask?"

The Prime responds, "You represent a potential end to the conflict we have with the savages. I know of Zootopia from Lasan and Kindleheart. You will lead us there. Peace might finally be in my grasp. I didn't just ask because I don't think you would have told me. My interest in Nick is because of you. I believe both of you are worthy of ascension."

"Why would I lead you to Zootopia? and put more animals that I know at risk. Why do you need me to find Zootopia anyway? Why do you care if I ascend?"

"We've searched beyond the light and have always found nothing. That's why we need your help. As for why you would do so? Choice, I'm going to give you both one time offers. Now, that you're out of the savage's grasp. I will offer both of you the option to come live with us and join us or we can simply pick a place within the chasm and let you live alone or with each other. I only want the willing to join as is with everyone else that came here. I want you to ascend because you have the potential. It is wasted if you don't use it. You could be saving so many lives in the process.

So, Judy what is your decision? Will you be content living in the chasm with Nick or alone or would you join us and potentially help us find peace"

What is my decision? From what I recall of my time there, it wasn't exactly bad. They're giving me the option to choose if I want to be with them instead of forcibly taking me there. "What if I want to return to Everlight?"

The Prime replies, "I don't see why you would want to do so. Would they even accept you? You are free to do so if you wish. Then I guarantee, we won't see each other again except maybe as enemies. You saw how the tyrant gave the order to devour two kits. Now, tell me your decision. Do you want to be left in peace or will you join us of your own accord?"

Despite what has happened to me. I think that if they find Zootopia wouldn't be that bad and they might actually be able to accomplish it. It's better than living in the chasm anyhow. "Despite all that you have done. I believe in you enough that you might be able to return us to Zootopia and if you find it the results wouldn't be that disasterous. I choose to go with you."

Nick says, "Why would you willingly return to them? Didn't you have nightmares because of them? Carrots, just what have you gotten yourself involved in? How did you even meet them?"

I reply, "It's complicated okay? I still think going with them is better than living in a random settlement from the chasm. Will you come with me?"

"Of course, I will. I kept thinking about you, when you were gone. I love you."

The Prime comments, "Judy, you are aware of what this means for both of you, right? You know what I expect."

I reply, "I am aware. I'm not afraid." How will the rite change me and Nick?

Lasan says, "Soon you can be one of us then we get to see wonderful Zootopia together."

Kindleheart comments, "Lead us to a better place, Judy."

The Prime declares, "Alright, now that you have made your decision. We will prepare both for an exodus and your ascension. Blindfold them and bring them to the cavern." We were blindfolded and set out for where they lived. I am here with Nick this time. I am here by 'choice'. Who should I be mad at? Lightbringer for killing the kits and letting all this happen? The Prime for making all these demands so that it does happen? Can he really help us return home to Zootopia? What will happen when we return to Zootopia? Did he really do all this just because I didn't tell the truth?

I do know one thing though. I love Nick and he loves me. We wouldn't harm each other.


A/N: Trying to characterize the Prime as a mastermind that takes big risks. Let me know if I succeeded. Judy is now in this by choice and with Nick as well. i think I kinda handed Lightbringer the idiot ball to make the plot work but hopefully not. I don't think it's out of character.