A/N: Maybe, this should have been split up into two chapters. I try to come up with an interesting chapter title for every chapter.
Chapter 26: Hubris
I end up teaching them about modern appliances and technologies as well as the surrounding area. I miss Judy more and more each passing moment. At least, there's nothing immediate to deal with anymore. To my surprise the day ended without incident. Acting normal, eating food even though we don't need it. That's what we did. They also became fascinated with the computer and the internet. It is fine I suppose cause the Hopps household has tons of computers. The guests and the kits are getting along well, that's good I suppose.
After dinner, the Prime happened to read about Dawn Bellwether. He's now determined to kill her. That also led him to read about the justice system. He doesn't agree with locking them away. I guess that might be an issue later on down the road. His opinion was that if you lock someone away, it simply creates a problem for someone else. At least, he's willing to respect the laws even though he doesn't agree with them, that's good I suppose.
Another topic of debate was currency. They strongly dislike the currency system. Everything should be free for everyone. It was something they left behind when they joined the order. It worked so much better that way. A community where everyone helped each other. They agree to give it a chance once more. I suppose not everything was going to go smoothly.
A few of the kits wanted to practice knitting. They created outfits for us all. Not all of them in a presentable manner. We decided to wear the best ones. Now, we have more pair of blue pants for us all. They also made a few blue shirts too but I don't think those would see much use, wings would rip them up. I guess we can't complain too much, we are here because of their hospitality.
Night came, it was time to sleep. They gave me a simple bedroom. Sleeping on a bed alone doesn't feel right. Sleep came.
I am back in Everlight. Vengeance is what I desire. I snuck into the school. No one seemed to be aware of my presence. I'm stalking cubs of the savages. I will have my revenge. They took from me. I shall take from them. The first kill was easy. My claws easily severed its life. I moved on to the next target. No one is here to stop me, how perfect. Slowly, I killed them all unopposed. Their screams are music to my ears. The room was empty now. I went to another room to seek out more targets. I might as well have fun and take my time with the next target. I tortured it more and more until it begs for death. Pitiful. I left it alone so it can die painfully.
I woke up drooling next to my pillow. It was the best night's rest I've had in a while. We've had breakfast together at a table then the chief called and he wanted to talk to me. "Wilde, did you know the little speech in Bunnyburrow yesterday went viral?" I left the table and went to an empty room.
I reply, "Uh, I wasn't aware. What's the problem?"
"Your order has the power to track down nighthowlers, a way to give Zootopia hope. The internet is talking about all of this. Some of them don't believe it and others so desperately want it to be true. A way to be free from the fear of nighthowlers. Why didn't you tell me about this before?"
"We have our secrets. I wasn't the one that revealed that secret to begin with. I didn't think it would be a good idea to reveal that power."
"Are there any other surprises I should know about?"
"There's more but we won't reveal them if we can help it."
"Does your order have a name?"
"We're called the Savage Hunters back in the mountain but I don't feel like it's appropriate here. I don't think giving us that name would benefit us in Zootopia."
"You know, if you don't suggest one the media is going to come up with their own name."
"Well, I can't think of one at the moment."
"Is there any chance we can get some of your order into other cities in the country? They will be paid well and the only job they need to do is locate nighthowlers for us."
"I'll ask." I put Bogo on hold. I left the room to ask the Prime. He's currently sitting with everyone at the table still. "Do you want to split up the order to help Zootopia?"
The Prime replies, "No, that would not benefit us at the moment. The safety of the sanctum and coven is still in doubt. We did not leave the mountain to be involved in an even greater conflict." I left the table and went back to the room.
I resume my conversation with Bogo, "No, he doesn't approve. He wants everyone left behind to be reunited first before considering to split the order up."
Bogo responds, "I guess that's one more reason to rally the military. Please, don't make any more flashy headlines. I've had enough excitement for a week. You know, the media should be showing up to Bunnyburrow to interview the order. I can't do anything about that."
"I don't think it'll be a problem. Frostfang spoke yesterday to the crowd without being asked to or planned."
"I don't want a repeat of Judy's first press conference that's all."
"I don't think that will happen."
"See you soon hopefully." Chief Bogo hangs up. I go back to the table. A rabbit stops by to deliver mail. He gives Bonnie an envelope. Bonnie brings the envelope to the table. The letter is written in in blood. She's a bit shocked.
The message reads, "You are not all that powerful. We have captured two of your own. Leave, if you know what's good for you. You are not welcome here." – Ferrus.
There's also a website address.
Frostfang notes, "Maybe, there's more fun to have after all."
Tom remarks, "Round two sounds like fun."
Lasan comments, "I wish Kindleheart were here."
We go to a computer and enter the address. It leads to a Ewetube clip. Below there's comments of animals appalled by this. The video depicts of a lion and a doe deer stripped naked, being bound to a wall being tortured by bunnies. Both the lion and deer have marks. I think the lion in the video is Comet. Torture methods include whips and other methods. The two being bound are clearly not enjoying this and crying in the process.
The Prime asks, "How do I respond to this?" I can't read his expression. I don't know what he's going to do.
Bonnie guides him through the process of creating an account. He picks The_Prime as his username. A surprise it wasn't taken. He posts a comment:
I am the Prime. The leader of both this group and the order. I am impressed you caught two of our own. I know where you are. Well played. We won't take any actions against you as long as you do not harm anyone else in Bunnyburrow. Any illegal activities you may be engaged in will stop immediately. Keep your prize, kill them or set them free after sixty days or we will kill everyone involved.
Don't worry, we won't reveal anything to the authorities. Enjoy, make more videos if you want, have fun with it. I want to see how creative you can be. We know where you are, we choose to let you keep them. We can guarantee your organization's safety from us as long as you don't harm anyone else.
No actions will be taken against you, if you choose to set them free or if you decide to kill them after sixty days. Feel free to let loose your inner cruelty, act out all your fantasies. Just know that you are my pawns. You live because I will it.
You have three days to post a response and to comply. I strongly advise you not to make any unprovoked actions against citizens of Bunnyburrow.
It's your move.
I read his response. I ask, "Really? You're going to let them get away with this?"
He replies, "Why not? Those two have earned it by being overconfident and everyone else gets to see what they're truly like in the process.
I'll need to rally the order and give explicit instructions that no one is to rescue those two. I forbid it. I sense you disagree with my methods. If you wish to act upon your desires, go try to free them by yourself if you wish. Do not inform the authorities. Do not ask the police for help. If you get caught, I will make sure you won't be saved.
Let's see what interesting videos they can create or maybe they'll come to their senses and decide to change. I wonder what will happen. I have to leave to inform the order about this."
Bonnie informs him that there's cellphones that are easy to inform others at a distance. He leaves but vows for every one of the order to get a cellphone. Bonnie asks me, "How can he write that comment? Doesn't he care about those two?"
I reply, "I don't agree with it but I will follow his orders."
Frostfang and Tom both agree that they deserve it for trying to steal their glory. Lasan on the other hand wants to go against them but he can't cause his partner is missing. They agree with the Prime's decision.
Stu remarks, "That's not something I would wish on anyone and to think he's going to let them be tortured for sixty days."
Bonnie notes, "The media isn't really going to take kindly to this. Why is he even protecting them? The police would be in favor of saving those two if he just gave them the location."
I comment, "Oh great, one more thing to worry about. I wonder how the day can get any worse." An hour later, it's lunch time and the order is assembled in front of the Hopps household now.
The Prime asks Bonnie, "How do these cellphones work? Where do we get them?" Bonnie gets a call from Woodlands Elementary School. Apparently, they want me at the school. I guess I'll go and see what's up. They didn't really elaborate why, only that I'm wanted at the school and that it was urgent. I put on a blue shirt and set out. I suppose for lack of a ZPD uniform, wearing entirely blue would suffice.
I left to go to the school alone. I arrive at the school; the staff are all rabbits. This is the first time visiting where Judy went to Elementary school. The principal is waiting for me at the entrance. He says, "I wish we could meet under better circumstances but there's something that needs your attention: A rabbit kit got into a fight with a wolf cub. The rabbit kit seriously injured the wolf cub."
I reply, "Kids get into fights all the time. I don't see why this needs my attention specifically and how does a rabbit kit seriously injure a wolf cub?"
"We broke them apart, when we asked why she attacked the wolf cub unprovoked, she wouldn't tell us. She made it very clear she wanted to kill the wolf. She was only interested in talking to you. She said you would give her permission to kill the wolf. We tried talking to the wolf cub to see what happened between them. The wolf cub said he was attacked for no reason. He didn't want to fight her at all thus just took wounds in return. I don't know much about where these children came from but I won't allow them to kill each other. Both of them are being held in my office right now. The wolf is recovering and the rabbit kit Is in trouble."
"Wait, she believes I will give her permission to kill the wolf? Did I hear that correctly?"
"Yes, she wouldn't even tell us why she attacked the wolf in the first place. Only that you would understand and would approve."
"I can't imagine why I would approve such an action."
"Well, here we are. They're waiting for you in this room."
I enter the room and I see Olivia Jumps. Unhappy, sitting on a chair. A few teachers were watching them. A wolf cub I don't recognize is bleeding and missing patches of fur. He's wrapped in bandages and laid down on a couch.
Olivia sees me and dives for me, "Nick, you're here. You came. Now, you can give me permission and I can finally do something right." I catch her but her momentum pushes me to the floor and into the hallway. She cries into my shirt, "Let me do this, please. Let me do one thing right." One of the Hopp's kits stops by the hallway and decides to stick around.
I pet her head. I say in a soothing voice, "Tell me, what's wrong. Why do you want to kill this wolf?"
"They took from my village. They killed Judy as well. I saw her die after you protectors opened the way to the light. Let me kill him. He deserves to die for everything his kind has done. My parents still blame me for that day you know. Let me do this please." I guess the knowledge of our abilities isn't widespread. I don't know how to respond.
She gets off me and moves towards the wolf waiting for my permission. I instinctively jump off the floor to get back up. My wings manifest tearing a hole in my shirt. I want this wolf to die. I moved towards the wolf mid-air. I land just before I could reach the wolf.
I let out a startling scream. Both of my paws hold my head and I collapse to the floor. My thoughts were about killing the wolf. That thought was so familiar as if I've thought of it before. I realized that was the dream I had yesterday. Olivia rushes to my side. She asks, "Nick, what's wrong? Nick!"
Shaken, I get up and recompose myself. I try to reassure everyone, "Sorry, I just remembered a dream that I shouldn't have." I continue, "Olivia, you can't kill this wolf cub. Everything that's in the past is in the past. Zootopia is a new start for us all."
"But his kind killed Judy."
"But this cub is innocent. He did nothing wrong. You can't judge him for what others have done." I don't think I could deny Judy being killed or say that she isn't. I try to avoid confirming or denying it at all. I ask the wolf cub, "What's your name?"
The cub replies, "Ashclaw, my parents sent me to school. I just wanted to live in a world where we didn't have to eat prey. She attacked me for no reason. I didn't fight back at all. Am I In trouble? Am I going to die?"
"Ashclaw, how much do you know of the place we've all lived in?"
"I know that I ate prey for meals. Is that why she attacked me?"
"It's more complicated than that. She has been through a lot because of… living conditions back in the mountain. It's not your fault."
Olivia embraces me and cries, "But they're the reason that Judy is dead. The one that chose to spare me and the reason that I lived the second time. Why, why won't you let me kill him? It's not fair. They took so much away from me and now he gets to live here. No one in my family likes me. If I kill him maybe they will."
"I know it's hard. I know but think of Judy, when you first met her she was with them. She wouldn't want this."
"But then both of you joined the protectors and saved me again. Then you all devised of a way to find a better life. You broke the wall and led us out but they killed her. Please, I want to do something right for once. Please… let me kill him."
"There, there. How much do you actually know about the protectors?"
"You show up to the village from time to time and save everyone."
"We want peace between predators and prey. That's what she would want as well. I know it's hard. It's not like predators back there had a choice."
"But what about everything they've done? And everything that's happened?"
"Zootopia is a new start for us all. Try for her, she wouldn't want you killing this wolf. I don't want it either."
"Have I done something wrong again?"
Consoling a poor kit that has been through a lot isn't really my strong point and I know in my heart that my deepest desire would be to tear the wolf cub limb from limb and feel extreme joy while doing it. I have to lie, I have to lie for her. I think of what to say next, "What you did today was wrong, that wolf just wanted to live and be happy, just like you do. He didn't even fight back when you attacked him. I know it's hard I can sympathize but it doesn't make it okay to kill someone else because of what others have done. Ashclaw didn't do anything to you. The animals that he lived with were bad but that doesn't mean he is. The protectors want peace between predators and prey. It's part of the reason why we led everyone here. A better life for us all."
"Do you hate me now too?"
That accusation hurt. I started crying too. "I don't hate you Olivia. You just did something wrong today. I understand. We all make mistakes, what's important is to learn from them. Can you try apologizing to Ashclaw? If you kill him, just think what his family would feel and then ask where does it end? Zootopia is a new start for everyone. Can you do that? Let go of the past for both me and Judy."
"I'll try. I owe you and Judy everything. I wish I could see her again but she's dead because of them." She moves towards Ashclaw which cowers in fear of her. "I'm sorry about what I did today. Nick, please don't hate me."
"Ashclaw, I know I'm asking a lot but can you forgive her? She has been through a lot."
Ashclaw replies, "Of course. I'm just happy that I'm still alive. My parents tell me of tales of you killing us when we go to gather food."
"Olivia, you won't do this, again will you?"
"I won't. I don't want you to hate me. You are all that I have left."
"I'm going to be going now. okay? Get along with Ashclaw as best you can. It's a new start for everyone."
I left the room. The principal walks with me to the school's entrance. He says, "Thank you for coming. Is Judy dead?"
"It's complicated. Let's put it that way. I'm sorry I can't give a better answer. I don't know how much I'm allowed to reveal. Is there anything else? I think it's about time I returned to the Hopps."
"Not at the moment. Thank you for coming."
"The mountain wasn't exactly ideal for living. I brought them to Zootopia but it seems old hatreds might still linger. You'll need to be careful that the new students don't rip each other to shreds. I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused."
"You've done nothing wrong. It's been a pleasure."
I left for the Hopps household again. I think consoling Olivia took maybe two hours.
Upon my return to the Hopps household. I've learned that the order learned how to use cellphones using spares around the house and that Bunnyburrow was going to give each one of them a cellphone. They then left and split off again. A ZNN truck is seen pulling up just now. I call them outside. We wait for the press to arrive.
A filming crew and a reporter steps out. A tigress reporter wearing a black suit and white tie as well as a ZNN badge is heard narrating, "This is Tabby. We are live in front of the Hopps household where Nick Wilde has recently returned to Zootopia leading a group seeking a better life. Nick, may we ask a few questions?"
I respond, "Sure. I was expecting this to happen at some point."
"Where is Judy Hopps?"
"We had to leave her behind during the escape. We plan to go back for everyone that got left behind when possible."
"One of the marked said you can all sense nighthowlers if it's nearby. Can you confirm this?"
"Yes, this is correct."
Frostfang takes the microphone, "We gave the speech yesterday because I felt it would serve our goals. We want a better life for everyone."
Tabby asks, "What was it like going against them all? Normally, a police team would have trouble with them. Let alone that both of you took them all out."
"It was somewhat difficult things here are different compared to back home. What did they hope to gain by shooting us with nighthowlers? "
"Does it not make you marked go savage?"
"We call it desire's embrace for a reason. Anyone under the influence of this flower will simply act out their deepest desires whatever it may be."
"We learned that two of the marked have been captured. On the video, they've posted online detailing tortures of the two. Someone named The Prime claiming to be the leader of all of you posted a comment basically letting them get away with torturing those two and that he was more than okay with it. Are you aware of this? Can you confirm or deny if the comment is legitimate?"
"They sought to replicate our glory. Hah, they deserve it."
I reply, "The comment is legitimate. You can talk to the Prime himself." I motion to him. "I don't agree with his choice but I will respect his wishes."
The Prime has a microphone pointed at his face by Tabby. He asks, "Nick, what does this thing do?"
"You talk into it and others can hear you. We are all on television right now. They would like to talk to you about the comment you posted on that Ewetube video today."
"Alright, reporter. What is your question?"
Tabby asks, "Why would you post that comment? You're basically letting them be tortured for sixty days and possibly killed at the end of it. Why not save them? Do you feel threatened? We would like to understand your thought process."
"They caught two of our own. They've earned the right to do whatever they want with them. Those two were overconfident by intruding on their turf. They deserve everything that's coming to them. I think they wanted glory for themselves as Frostfang and Tom here have successfully ousted one of those leaders. I don't care what happens to those two. I will not try to save them. I feel that sixty days of punishment would be enough. The ones that captured them are pawns and nothing more."
"You know that the public would be happy to help in trying to save them. All you have to do is reveal where they are, why won't you do that?"
"I will not reveal where they are as long as they don't breach the terms I've outlined in my comment. The moment they breach those terms they will be killed just like the crime ring of Crime Boss Uwe. I don't care what the public does, if they wish to try to save them be my guest but I won't take part in the conflict or support it. I encourage the public not to try to save them. Ferrus and his organization are my pawns and nothing more. I'm curious to see how they will react. We are new to Zootopia after all. Call it an experiment if you will, how creative can they get? Think of the possibilities."
Tabby feels uncomfortable and decides to change the topic. "What's your stance on nighthowlers?"
"We call nighthowlers, desire's embrace it holds a very special meaning for us. We will not tolerate any misuse of it. We have been given authority by Nick's chief to cut down anyone who tries to misuse desire's embrace. We can feel desire's embrace if it's near us."
"Are you aware of problems with nighthowlers plaguing other cities?"
"Yes, I've been informed."
"Can you help us solve these problems? Predators are collared by choice because they are afraid they will go savage and hurt their friends."
"That is beyond our scope at the moment. We need to make sure everyone that came with us integrates well first. I also desire safety for ones that we left behind during our escape from the mountain. We can possibly help other cities at a later time. Adapting to this world has been somewhat challenging."
"Our viewers would like to know, why do marked predators get wings temporarily?"
"The desire to hunt has never left us. Wings simply aid in the task." The Prime jumps into the air twice to prove a point. "As you can see, this has many advantages if you were hunting someone."
"I thought of another question but I'm not sure if it's appropriate."
"Go ahead."
"How does one become a member? Nick Wilde wasn't before but as we can clearly see right now he's one of you."
"I will say, I make the choice of who ultimately joins. We contact potential recruits. They are all willing when they join us. Everyone joins by choice. The requirements will remain a secret for now. Few are worthy. The order was formed out of my ambitions way back then."
"Does the order have a name?"
"Our old name was the Savage Hunters which seems highly inappropriate right now. We called ourselves the Savage Hunters because we would frequently clash with the savages that lived within the mountain. We have yet to decide upon a new one. We are open to suggestions. Apparently, within this world, animals exposed to desire's embrace are recognized as savage." Tabby doesn't ask another question for quite some time. "Are there any other questions?"
"Yes, I have a question for Bonnie I would like to know what you think of these guests so far."
Bonnie replies, "So much has changed because they came here. They've been adapting rather well to Zootopia. They haven't heard of our technology for example. The way they describe their former home sounds almost like magic like something you'd read out of a kit's tale. It's a new start for them and it's a new experience for us."
"I thank you for your time." Tabby walks away a bit. "There you have it, we have just interviewed the Prime. The leader of the order. Say what you will but I wouldn't want to cross him. I believe he can do anything he wants. Tabby out." The filming crew and Tabby move back into the truck and drive away.
I remark, "That didn't go too badly." The kits are walking home from school en masse.
The media is gone. We headed inside. Most of us use the computers. I checked the Ewetube video of the capture. The comment by the Prime wasn't exactly well received. There's even comments from supposed crime bosses offering peace in exchange for torturing us. One of them even wanted me.
All of a sudden, a ton of kits pry me and the Prime off of the computers and guide us to a room. Bonnie and Stu walk in the room. They don't look pleased at all. She says, "William told me a very interesting story about his day at school today. He told me he learned that Judy Hopps is dead. From your conversation with Olivia. He then talked to Olivia alone which confirms it. I would very much like to know what happened and both of you will talk."
Stu notes, "I kept telling you it was Nick's fault."
A/N: I find the lack of knowledge and misinformation to be an interesting angle. Not all characters know everything - it's only natural. I do wonder what would be the appropriate police response here. Would they try to save the two captured or would they respect the Prime's wishes?
Trying to think of a convincing conversation that they're going to have. How much would Nick and the Prime reveal? Would they simply try to say that Olivia is lying? How would they react?
How fast would the news spread at school before it becomes totally public that Judy Hopps is dead?
Would the Prime send the order off to be tortured in exchange for the promise of peace?
I wonder if the Prime can be convicted for withholding information from authorities.
