(AN: Hello Fellow readers. Sir_RedFox here posting a new installment of "The Good, The Bad, and The Wilde."

First off, if you're reading this, YOU'RE AWESOME! And, thank you. I truly mean that. And want to say thank you and welcome to new people that are favoriting and following this story. You much appreciated. Your comments and small contributions help me going and writing my stories.

Secondly, I want to apologize for the very long wait for this new chapter. Three things happened since the last published chapter that has caused a slow down in release. One, college work and finals. Two, broken arm. Three, broken computer.

In the Previous Installments: After leaving Mr. Big's compound, Judy took control and had Nick follow her to Savanna Central to Mike's Trading Goods for help. Mike is quick to help Judy, leaving her and Nick alone in his shop. The two actually stop bickering with each other for once and start to bond, even over Judy's first hard drink. When Mike returns a large posse of Zoo Rangers with torches surround the building. They kill Mike and set fire to the building. Nick and Judy both manage to escape. But for how long?

So enjoy this new chapter of "The Good, The Bad, and The Wilde." And please, fill free to leave a review or comment, they really keep me going. Thank you.

- Sir_RedFox)


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A Hell of a Thing:

"It's a hell of a thing, killing a man.
you take away everything he's got and
everything he's going to have."
- Unforgiven, 1992

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Weaselton stares as Mike's Trading Goods went up in flames. The massive fire roars and curls at the structure of the building. The heat being so intense the posse of Zoo Rangers take a step back to avoid it.

Not him. He stands his ground, one hand on his revolver and the other twirling his mustache. Despite how grand the fire is, he is not happy.

Lugh, the timber wolf with the black and blue crooked nose thanks to Nick, and the hyena, Billy Stone, coming out the alley from around the back. The fact that their hands empty and not holding a certain red fox makiing him more upset.

"The back of the store is fully engulfed in flames, boss," said Lugh. "There's no way he's getting out that way. Were you able to capture him out here?"

"You don't think Wild-EEEEEEE decided to go and get himself burned up in there do ya?" Billy Stone said.

He chuckles at such statements. Knowing Nick, he's too clever to be caught so simply and too stubborn to die. No, he escaped. Don't know how, but he did.

A few heavy droplets of rain hit the side of his face. Looking up at thunder and lightning roaring through the sky. Little it will do stopping the giant fire that burns.

"Weaselton!" Some mammal shouts his name out in an angry tone. He turns to see a huge figure pushing and plowing through the posse. "Weaselton!" Came the voice again. This time he recognizes it to be none other than that of Sheriff Cliff. "Weaselton! What the hell have you and your shit head rangers done?"

Lugh and Billy Stone try forming a blockade between him and the Sheriff. It did nothing to stop Cliff from getting to him. Behind Cliff, his son Bogo, brandishing a Winchester rifle. He ignores the water bison and keeps his eyes peeled on the burning building.

"Why Sheriff, I'm afraid once again you are late to the party. Me and my rangers were just in the process of apprehending the train robber to the 3:10 to Zootopia, Nick Wilde."

"This is your idea of apprehending?" Giving a harsh pointing finger at the fire. "We'll be lucky if you don't burn down half the city you crazy bastard."

Cliff's eyes dart to the side. He notices the dead body of the skunk and the round spectacles laying in a pool of blood next to the body. Recognizing them to be the glasses belonging to Mike that owned the trading goods store. Directing his attention back at the weasel with anger in his face.

"Goddamn you Weaselton. What the hell have you done!"

Cliff grabs ahold of his collar with both hands. Craning him up to his eye level. Weaselton, with quick speed draws his revolver from its holster and put the barrel against the center of Sheriff Cliff's forehead, cocking the hammer back. The rest of the posse sees this and pull their guns from their holsters as well. All pointing at the Sheriff. Bogo, in reaction, raising the Winchester up at the crowd. Stepping backwards till he backs up his back on his father's.

"Put me down, Sheriff," he said in a stone-cold tone that challenged Cliff to do something. "I have no problem putting a bullet through that thick skull of yours, and have every right to."

Sheriff Cliff at a slow pace, lowering Weaselton down, never breaking eye contact with him. Not letting go till his feet where placed back on the ground. Cliff gave a little shove.

Weaselton eased the hammer on his revolver back in a safe position and holstered the firearm. Seeing this, the rest of the posse lower their weapons as well. The only one who didn't drop their weapon being Bogo, still holding the Winchester, ready to fire.

"This is your goddamn mess Weaselton," contempt in his voice. "I want all of this cleaned up before first light. Got that?!"

Sheriff Cliff didn't wait for an answer. Instead went over to the dead body lying on the cobble stone road. A wolverine searching through the skunk's pockets. Cliff grabs the wolverine by the shoulder and tosses him aside, and having him land flat on his back.

"Take any more of his possessions and I break both your hands," Cliff said in a stern tone with a finger pointing at the wolverine.

Scooping up the body, so gently, not wanting to bring any more harm to the poor skunk. Pushing his way through the posse. Bogo fallowing behind his father, still with the Winchester raised. Never lowering the weapon till they clear of the crowd of Zoo Rangers.

Weaselton turns back to the blazing fire. Heavier droplets of rain hit his face. The sound of lighting and thunder crying louder in the sky.

"What do we do now, boss?"Asked Lugh.

"Have half the posse stay here, watch and make sure the fire is contained," Weaselton said. "The rest of the posse start searching down the streets and alleyways. He's somewhere close."


Judy holds tight to Nick's hand. They travel on foot for over forty-minutes, probably an hour. Not stopping one bit in case they might be followed. Looking around Judy could notice that they are running toward the edge of Savanna Central. Making their way along the Rainforest District and the Nocturnal District. Rain starting to fall heavy, drenching her fur and clothes. Her hat pushed all the way and hanging on her back.

Lightly, Nick tugs at her hand to follow him, leading her through a field of tall grass. Popping out into a clearing where an old cobble stone bridge that arched over a now barren stream. They race under the bridge to escape the rain.

Standing under the bridge, trying to avoid the rain as best as they could, are Luna and Argo. This must be where his horse goes when he wants to maintain a low profile. Both the Arabian and Wild Mustang give a loud horse whine once seeing their riders.

Judy stood there, a bit in shock. She gives a harsh cough, still feeling the black smoke from the fire in her lungs. Even after enduring all the horrible events that took place only moments ago, seeing Luna brought a slight smile to her. But, the thought of Mike's death takes it away.

"They killed him," Judy said, her eyes staring into the void and nothing particular. "They didn't even bother to hear him out. They just, killed him."

"So much for your fair trial of justice," Nick said.

Nick drops the package onto the ground and leans the rifle up against the stone bridge, out of the rain so it would not succumb to rust. He searches the wall for something. To the side, in a neat pile is a small stack of timber.

Judy did not realize Nick is speaking, being lost in a void of shock. To Mike, her family friend since she was a little kit. Now dead. Should have fought harder. Should have pleaded with Mr. Mike to not go out there and escape with her and Nick. She thinks.

Nick, finds what he has been looking for. He moves a few stones out of the away in the bridge pillar to open up a notch, enough room to store supplies in. Pulling out a thick wool blanket, folded in a neat square, from the cubby hole. He tosses the blanket at Judy. She does not catch it, she does not even try, so it falls to her feet.

"I'm going to build us a fire. We can at least be warm while we're hunted down."

Soft sobs come from Judy.

Nick stops what he's doing and glares up at her shaking and crying. Putting down what has in his hands he walks over to her. Picking the wool blanket off the ground and wraps it around her.

"I'm sorry Carr-, I mean, Judy," Nick said, addressing her by name. "He seemed like a really grand guy." He puts a comforting hand on her shoulder and another holding her arm. "Here," he said. He directs her up against the wall and has her sit down. "Sit here, relax, and gather your strength. I'll make us that fire."

Grabbing timber from the small pile, he sets up a cabin style fire. The bigger sticks of timber lining the outside, and lots of little twigs and dry grass to make the timber catch fire. Nick strikes his knife against a stone of flint two times to spread embers on the dry grass and cause it to catch fire. The flames are not excessive, but they are strong and bright enough to radiate heat and light under the bridge.

Judy wraps herself in the wool blanket and stares deep into the fire. Nick has to ask her more than once if she was warm enough. She would break her gaze into the fire, give a blind blink, and asks for the question again. After the third time hearing the question, she answers him.

The rain has finally let up allowing Judy to see more of the area of where they are. Looking around at the bridge that they are under.

"What is this place?" She asks.

Nick removes his hands hovering over the fire, rubs them together, and slides them under his arms to warm his core. He does not stare up at Judy, but he does address her question.

"Only a place that I go to be alone. We should be safe. Only a few mammals know of this place."

"So, this is where the Great Wanted Bandit Nick Wilde lives. Under a bridge. Robs a half a million in gold and you couldn't fork out for a grand room or place in Savanna Central?"

"You're welcome to leave if you like."

"No. I don't mean to offend. It's actually quite pleasing and quiet."

Nick smiles. "Did you need me to cook you something?"

"No. I don't think I can possibly eat right now."

"Fair enough," Nick says. "Listen, it's been a long few days. You should try and get some rest. I'll keep watch for the night."

"I find it hard to believe that I could sleep at all, but I'll try."

Judy lays back on the cobble stone bridge pillar, with the Henry rifle on her left and the bag with most of Nick's stuff, such as his guns, on her right. Nick gazes as the tired and worn out bunny's eyes grow heavier and falling asleep.

He goes back to watching the flames in the fire. Watching the flames dance and listening to the cicadas sing and rain fall in the night makes his eyes grow heavy. They slowly close shut as he drifts off to sleep.


Nick is fast asleep when he feels the cold barrel of a Remington revolver probe his ear. Hearing the loud click of the revolver's hammering pulled back and primed. Nick opens his eyes. The fire still burns, letting him make out the three mammals that are there.

How could he be a fool and let someone get the drop on them? It must have been hard to hear due to the constant rain falling and thunder from above.

"Well look what we got here," said a voice attached to the Remington revolver. Nick recognizes the voice. It being the voice of an ex-drinking partner he has had the unfortunate acquaintance of knowing, named Gregory. Nick makes eye contact at the hog. Been such a long while since they last met.

The hog still wears brown leather chaps and a vest of the same. That rutty hat of his appearing as if it will fall to pieces.

He poses at Nick with a crooked smile. The hog grabs a fist full of Nick's shirt and lifts him up off the ground. He gets pushed and stumbles backwards into the arms of an African Wild Dog with huge mouse like ears, and a possum. The only two mammals a part of the hog's small posse.

They each hold on to one of Nick's arms. The wild dog with his revolver out and having the barrel dug deep into the right side of Nick's body.

The hog walks over to where Judy sleeps. He bends down and pokes the barrel of his Remington against Judy's cheek. Judy slowly opens her eyes. Seeing Gregory's presence spooks Judy awake. She crawls as quick as she can to the Henry rifle. Gregory being already a step ahead of Judy. He grabs the Henry and holds it out of Judy's reach.

"Now now there little lady," Gregory said. "We don't want you to hurt yourself now do we. Best to let us hold on to that for you."

He tosses the Henry to the possum, who lets go of Nick to catch the rifle with one hand. Nick glances down at the six iron in the possum's holster on his right hip.

Gregory bent down to be at eye level with Judy.

"Now what's a pretty thing like you play'n with guns anyhow?" He cups Judy's chin in his hand. Having the hog touch her at all made her skin crawl, and Nick didn't blame her. Gregory grabs her arm and lifts her up on to her feet. She perceives the predicament they are in. Nick being held captive and restrained by Gregory's two mammal posse and her being handled by the grotesque hog.

"Why don't you leave her alone Gregory," Nick said. "It's me that you want right? She has nothing to do with the bounty on me so just let her be."

"Oh, we'll get to you soon enough my old friend," he said in a menacing tone. "I knew sooner or later you would be coming back to your little hide away spot in Zootopia."

"And I regret ever telling you about it."

"Weaslton has put out a hefty bounty on you Nick."

"And since when have you been in the bounty business Gregory?"

"He wants us to bring you in alive and I think I have a feelin' why. You know good and well where that five hundred thousand is, don't you? So, consider this, me doing you a favor. You tell me where the money is and I won't turn you and your cute bunny friend over to Weaslton."

"So, you'll just let us go?"

"Well, I didn't exactly say that. More in the area of giving you and your friend a quick and clean death. Because you know whatever it is I can do, Weaslton can do worse. So, tell me where the money is."

Nick gives a loud and long sigh. "I don't know where the money is," he said.

Gregory grabs ahold of fur a top of Judy's head and with a firm hand pushes her to the muddy ground. Judy trips over the burlap sack containing all their equipment.

Gregory marches over to Nick and slams his fist deep into Nick's gut. He would have collapsed if it not for the wild dog and possum holding him up. Gregory repeats his question. Nick replies with the same answer.

The sweltering hog pistol whips Nick across the face with his Remington revolver, knocking his hat off. That blow knocks a tooth loose in the back of Nick's jaw. He did not want them to see that they are getting to him. Never show that they get to you. Putting up a smile and looking Gregory in the eye.

"Where's the money?" A fury in the hog's eyes. Nick refuses to answer. The possum lets go of his arm, taking the Henry and slamming the butt of the rifle into Nick's gut. "How about I make this easier for you. Tell me where your friend Finnick is? I'm sure that little worm will talk."

Nick, trying to gasp at air and collect his conscience, shakes his head. Judy only watches in horror.

"Haven't seen him since the robbery."

"Horse shit!"

"What can I say, I haven't seen him."

Gregory glares over at the possum who delivers another hard blow with the butt of the Henry rifle.

"Stand him up fellas."

They hold Nick tight and make him stand up straight. Nick's fur being ruffled and he spat blood from his mouth. He makes a quick eye contact with Judy who sat in the mud afraid to do anything. Gregory stepping forward to deliver another slap of his pistol across Nick's face. Closing his eyes not wanting to see it coming.

"Stop it!" Judy shouts. "I know where the money is!"

Nick pops his eyes open. Gregory being in mid-swing from hitting Nick when he stops. Gregory's grin grew wider as he lowers his arm and did a slow turn towards Judy.

"Now ain't that somethin,'" Gregory said. "Looks like little cute bunbun here knows more than she's letting on."

"No she doesn't," Nick said. "She's just some dumb bunny. She doesn't know a goddamn thing."

The possum walks over and delivers a punch into Nick's gut. "Why don't you just shut up," said the possum. Nick again makes a quick glance down at the possum's six iron in it's holster. When he makes his move he will have to be swift.

Gregory trudges over to Judy and squats down to be eye-level with her. Holding his Remington and letting it hang between his thighs. With his free hand he grabs Judy's jaw, making her cast her sight at him.

"Is it true?" Gregory asks. "You know where the money is?" She doesn't answer him making him slightly angry. He gives her a rough shake and pull, demanding an answer.

"Yes," Judy finally said. "But please. Stop hurting him."

"Only if you play sweet with me now." As if Gregory's smile could not get any bigger. "Now, why don't you tell your old friend Gregory where it is." He still holds her jaw tight in his hand.

She makes a quick glance over at Nick. Seeing how rough and beaten he appears. "It's in a cemetery, a grave to be exact."

"What cemetery?"

"The cemetery a few miles outside Zootopia's limits."

"Which grave?"

"I swear, we don't know which grave it's in, but I can find it for you."

Gregory laughs and turns towards his two posse mates. "Looks like we're going grave robbin' boys." They all burst out in laughter.

Nick laughs along with them. His laughter grows louder then Gregory and his two posse mates, who quiet down and stare at Nick as if he has lost his mind.

"What the hell is so funny to you?" Said the possum in a disgruntled voice.

"Well, two things really," said Nick. "First is your face."

The possum gets in close and delivers a hard punch into Nick's gut. He grunts and moans, and leans hard on to the possum. Grabbing a clump of fur atop Nick's head, the possum lifts his head up. "And?"

"And secondly," Nick continues. He tries to lean in close so the possum can hear him. "I have your gun."

The possum hears the loud click of a gun hammer. His eyes dart down to his gun holster which is now empty, then back up at Nick's hand which now held the possum's six iron. Lead and fire erupts out the barrel.

The shot is pussiant, blowing the possum backward, blood spraying the air, freeing himself of the possum's grip. With quick speed, Nick whips the revolver under his arm and blindly fires behind him. He hears the wild dog give a loud painful yip then falling hard to the ground. Two down, only one last mammal to take care of.

Nick turns to face his adversary when hot shearing pain hits his arm and strikes across his back. The pain is intense, making him drop the possum's six iron. Gregory fires upon him and hit him consequently. Nick clamps down on the wound hard. This not being a simple graze of a bullet like how Judy showed off in the woods with him. No, this felt deep. Gregory stood their with a chuckle.

"Nice try Nick," Gregory said. "But you can't fox your way out of this one." He's right. Nick being out of moves. "Me and your little cute bunny friend are going to go retrieve that five hundred thousand without you. But don't worry. I'll be sure to come back and collect the ten thousand on your worthless dead body."

Gregory raises his Remington and points the barrel dead center at Nick who closes his eyes. His body shook, not just from pain, but from fear. He didn't want to admit it, but he felt scared. Seeing it all come to a quick end.

The loud blast of a revolver goes off. Nick flinches. Nothing happens. He felt no pain. Is this death?

Slowly he opens his eyes to see Gregory standing there, who glances down at his abdomen. A red spot on the right side of his gut is growing bigger. He slow steps and turns around to see Judy in the mud having both hands grasping the SASS revolver. Her breathing being heavy, and trying to control her body from shaking. Ears droopy behind her head.

"Did… Did you just shoot me?" Gregory asks, as if the whole thing has him dumb founded.

Judy doesn't answer but instead pulls back the hammer on the revolver and fires again. This time the shot pierces his left temple and exits out the back of his skull. Gregory collapses dead on the ground. Judy stays there frozen, gasping for breath, and tears rolling down her cheeks.

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(AN: Thank you for reading, and Thank you for reading this. Again, YOU'RE AWESOME! And I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read this fanfic. There are a million and one things you could be doing and you decide to take the time to read this. So, I hope you enjoyed this new chapter.

This is a very important chapter. This is the first time Judy is forced to take a life. Her good morals have been challenged at their limit.

In the next installment: Nick is faced to ask for help from the one person in Zootopia he doesn't want to see, but what is, or will, Judy be going through.

As I said before, please leave a comment telling me what you think, they help more than you realize. Thank you!

- Sir_RedFox)