Sapphire was standing in city central once again. She sighed to herself when seeing the station. Ever since yesterday, Sapphire was debating whether or not she should show up. Just then, a paw went on her shoulder. She looked up to see Martin.

"You'll be fine," he smiled.

"But I caused so much trouble yesterday," she said worriedly, "everyone probably thinks I'm a nuisance..."

"Don't say that," they started to walk together, "its true that some mammals really don't like newcomers...but that's because they never met them yet. Once they know the real you, I'm sure it'll change their minds." Sapphire wasn't sure about it. As they walked halfway, they saw kids playing soccer. A zebra kid was running to get the ball back.

"WATCH OUT!"

"OUTTA THE WAY!"

Sounds of screaming were heard. A car was driving like crazy, as mammals tried to dodge it. At that moment, the vehicle was coming towards the zebra child. His mom saw him and was in fear.

"Jack!" she shouted. The little zebra was too stunned to move, as the car came running towards him.

SCREECH~~!

Tires were burning. Mammals had wide eyes as the vehicle drove through. However, no sounds of banging were heard. The female zebra looked across from her where the car and her son was. She saw her son in the arms of Sapphire, holding him tight after she swooped in to catch him. Sapphire looked down at the child, as the boy stared back.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" she asked him. Without warning, the zebra hugged her as he cried. She carried him as she stood up.

"Sshh...its okay," she comforted him, "you're okay now." A crowd was forming nearby, some had their phones out before the incident.

"Jack!" the mother ran towards them.

"Mommy!" Sapphire gave him back to his mom. She watched them embrace each other.

"Jack, you're okay," she smiled as she cried.

"I'm sorry mommy."

"No no, its okay. Its okay..." Behind Sapphire, Martin was calling dispatch.

"The vehicle appears to be headed towards Downtown," he spoke into the com, "...thanks, I appreciate it. Over and out." He put his communicator back. Just then, the female came towards Sapphire. To Sapphire's surprise, the zebra hugged her with her free arm, a tight embrace before she released her.

"You saved him," she smiled, "thank you miss Lovell." Sapphire slowly nodded with a smile.

"You're welcome...miss...?"

"Hooverton," the female replied, "my son's name is Jack. Thank you, thank you... I can't repay you enough..."

"I-its fine," Sapphire stuttered.

Today was another unexpected turn of events. After resolving the problem, Martin helped Sapphire avoid everyone before they could surround them. When they went through the doors, Sapphire wanted to hide behind a rock, but instead got Martin's back. Again, unfamiliar mammals were looking right at her, but she kept her eyes in front. They saw Clawhauser at the desk eating donuts.

"Mhaye guys," he said while chewing his treat.

"Hi Clawhauser," Martin waved, "did the meeting start?" Clawhauser put a paw out and swallowed.

"Not yet, but most of them are inside."

"Come on Sapphire."

"Okay..." she followed him. As they approached the bullpen, Sapphire began to feel nervous. She could feel the butterflies dancing in her stomach. She stopped before Martin could open the door.

"I can't."

"What?"

"Martin, I can't do it," she said, "I know I said I wouldn't run away, but this is different. I-I just..."

"Stop worrying," Martin sighed with a smile.

"But I was-"

"Look, it was your first day," Martin implied, "so you made a ruckus between a criminal, so you punched him...so what? You're still new to this, and the only way you'll be good the next time is to keep going. So..." Martin was pushing her with him.

"Off we go!" he cheered. Before she knew it, they were standing in the bullpen. The officers saw them come in. Martin walked in front, while Sapphire followed him. Suddenly, Martin's ear went up.

"Yyaahh~!"

BAM

The whole room went silent and looked down. What was supposed to be Martin, it was actually Sapphire who was on the ground with her face implanted on the carpet. On top of her was Randal, and he stared blankly at her. Everyone sweat dropped.

"Ow~...," Sapphire whined.

"S-sorry! Sorry-I didn't mean it," Randal got up and tried to get Sapphire on her feet.

"Randy, what the heck!?" Martin frowned at him.

"I didn't mean it," the wolf protested, "I was aiming at you. So don't yell at me."

"..." Martin gave a dead pane look at him as Randal flinched. He unconsciously confessed. Behind him, Sapphire was rubbing her right arm. Just then, she felt something on her shoulder. She looked to see a trunk. A trunk?

"Are you okay dear?" the female elephant looked concerned.

"O-oh, yes. I'm fine."

"I'm Francine," the elephant implied, "sorry about him. He's a prankster that wolf... Do you, want to sit?" she gestured her trunk towards the empty seat next to her.

Sapphire nodded, and carefully made her way around the other officers to get there. When she sat down, her feet were dangling above the ground. The chair was bigger than her too. Sapphire couldn't help but see how small she was compared to the elephant and rhino next to her. She saw Judy and Nick sharing one chair. Judy waved at her and she returned it.

"So Lovell," Francine began, "if I may ask...how old are you? You seem a bit young to be a police officer..."

"Oh...I, um," she sheepishly smiled, "I'm actually... 22...?"

"Oh wow," the elephant said in awe, "but you look nothing like it... I'm a mother, but I wish I could look young like you..."

"Um...thanks...?" she sweat dropped. Sapphire wondered how she ended up in this situation.

"Francine, don't baby her," Nick smirked.

"Nick, she may be an officer, but to someone my age, she's still a child. Don't go feeding your influence on her."

"When have I ever," he joked.

"Atten~hut!" they heard the hippo shout. Soon enough, the chief was coming in and everyone chanted while banging the tables.

"Alright," Bogo looked at his clipboard, "everyone sit." And they did. Bogo then looked at Sapphire.

"Lovell," he called, "come up here." She was confused at first, but did what he said. When she approached him, the buffalo gestured his hoof to the empty space next to him. Sapphire stood facing everyone, aligned with Bogo. The chief gave her a file case.

"You'll be handling case files and filling in any reports I give you," he stated, "so you'll be positioned here every time, before the meetings start. Are we clear?"

"Yes sir." Bogo grunted. He then turned to see his officers.

"Now," he started, "I don't want to have to repeat myself, but it seems that no one is getting the message. We have not one, but more than twenty missing mammal cases here! And so far, nothing! Clearly we're not doing our job, cause if we were, I wouldn't have to come in and remind you! Now-"

"Chief Bogo!"

"...?" Everyone saw a sheep come in. It was Dr. Hornscoff.

"Dr. Hornscoff, not now," Bogo grunted, "I'm in the middle of an investigation!"

"Well I'm sorry, but I'm here doing my job as well," the sheep turned to Sapphire.

"My dear, I must take you in for a check up. If you would pleas follow me..."

"Huh?" She blinked.

"Now wait a minute," Bogo interrupted, "can't you wait until we've finished the meeting? In fact, how did you get here?"

"Your receptionist was too persistent," Hornscoff huffed, "I had no time to wait."

"Guys, wait," Sapphire tried to speak, but their voices were louder.

"How dare you come in here like you own the place," Bogo and Hornscoff walked right up to each other, glaring daggers back and forth.

"I'm trying to discuss an important matter here! My cadets are very busy working the missing mammal cases, and I don't have time for your stubborn self to just, barge in here and take one of my officers away!"

"I need to see if she's in good health," Hornscoff protested, "you are not the only one who is protecting and saving lives! I do more work than you've ever done in your whole career!" They grit their teeth as they growled. Everyone just watched, unable to say anything. Judy was anxious whether or not she should intervene, but Nick had a look that said, 'do that and you'll die'.

"I practically keep you working here every time I fix the mistakes the police force does everyday!"

"Why you-!"

"What!? I'm old, but I can still take you on!"

"HEY~!" A harsh voice went thought their ears. They turned to see Sapphire, who did not appreciate their argument.

"Are you guys insane!?" she shouted angrily, "I'm sorry chief Bogo, but I have to draw the line! You both are being unprofessional right now! And in front of the officers!" she gestured her hand towards them.

"Can you two just put your reputations aside and start acting like adults!?" She glared at them as they stood in shock. Sapphire sighed as she rubbed her temple.

"Look," she said calmly, "I understand what you're going through. Lives are at stake, and potential threats between the culprits and the media are hounding you. However... its no good when you take it out on others. So, if I see you two going at it again, I swear-and I will put this bluntly...put my foot down your throats. This is not a threat...this is a warning. So please, try to stay calm and keep your distance if you need to. Just shake hooves or something and leave it at that. Okay?" She gave a half serious half concerned look. Chief Bogo and Hornscoff looked at each other and stayed like that for a while. They then shook hooves, though they were trying to crush each other's hoof in anger. Sapphire intervened and pulled Hornscoff away by his horn.

"Ow, ow, ow, ow..."

"Please doctor...if you need me to go, I will be there when I have time." She opened the door for him.

"Alright, alright," the old sheep huffed and headed out, but then put his hoof on the door again.

"But seriously," he frowned, "if you're working for him, at least teach that brute some manners."

"Same goes for you, now...OUT." Sapphire sternly spoke before closing the door on him. A few seconds later, she turned her heel back to Bogo. She walked up to him.

"I'm very sorry sir," she apologized, "I do respect you, I can assure you... but you really were acting brash. Losing your composure is one thing, but..." She watched him sigh deeply, rubbing his face. They face away from the others.

"Are you okay, sir?" she asked.

"... Yes," he said, "... sigh... you, definitely have your mother's spirit."

"I'm sorry?" she said in confusion.

"Truth be told," he whispered, "you're mother gave me an earful the last time that old wool and I fought. I never thought it would resurface again."

"... Then I'll make sure I won't ever make an outburst like that, again."

"... Right... I understand...," Bogo faced her, "but... I appreciate your concern." Sapphire nodded.

"Alright," Bogo went behind the podium, "let's continue..."

Fast Forward

After the meeting, Sapphire was heading towards the lobby. She was mentally scolding herself for acting out on the chief. Suddenly, a group of mammals crowded her.

"That was amazing," Fangmeyer was in front of her, "I've never seen the chief so speechless."

"You actually scolded him," Delgato laughed.

"It was like a mother breaking up a fight between her sons," Francine giggled.

"I can't believe it," Randal grinned, "you got guts, Sapphire! That was the coolest thing I've ever seen."

"I gotta admit," Nick smirked, "you are the first ever to stand up to the chief. All of us would have been dead by now..." Judy slapped his arm.

"Geez, thanks for the compliment," Sapphire slightly frowned as she sweat dropped. Randal then slung an arm over her shoulders.

"Martin was right," he smiled, "you definitely earned the right to be here." Sapphire looked at Martin, who gave an awkward smile. Sapphire sighed, but she couldn't help but feel relieved as everyone was talking to her. Somehow, this was probably the best feeling she's ever felt in a long time; and it was great.

Time Skip (Friday)...

It was now Friday, and 7 in the morning. Sapphire locked the front door, and was now walking down the porch stairs. By that time, she could hear Martin's voice yelling as the noises were made. Sapphire sweat dropped. Just then, Martin and Kyle were coming out of the house.

"Bye uncle!" Kyle was running passed him, "bye Sapphire..." He waved to Sapphire. Sapphire watched as Kyle entered the bus that was behind her.

"Sorry I'm late," Martin sighed.

"It's okay. I just got out too...but what was all that noise I heard?"

"I hit my shin on the couch and ended up falling face flat on the floor."

"Are you okay?" she asked with concern.

"Yeah, I'm good. Anyway, why don't we take the bus? My car's being fixed today by a friend of mine."

"Sure thing...and its about time you get a tune up on that thing." They started walking to the bus stop.

"Yeah yeah...I should have listened to you earlier. So...what have gone through so far?"

"The book? Well, I finished more than halfway. I only have ten more sections to look over and I'm done."

"You really done a lot since the first day. Did you have to deal with so much paper work like that in your world?"

"Of course...but that was before I got promoted. I'm used to this kind of stuff."

"Really? Even now that you're the only human mammal living in an all animal population? In your perspective, I bet it was awkward at the time." They entered the bus and sat down.

"It was shocking at first, but everyone here is no different than I am. Interspecies relationships and marriages are legal now...and to me, that's normal.

Other than that, we're all the same. I mean, you and I became fast friends already," she smiled at him. Martin glanced the other way, blushing as he scratched his cheek. Sapphire giggled.

Few minutes later, they arrived at the station. However, as they exited the bus, Sapphire noticed some reporters near the area.

"Um, Martin...sorry, but, I'll head on before you," without any second thought, Sapphire rushed towards the station. Martin sighed and saw her trying to outrun the reporters.

"Miss Lovell, a word please!"

"Lovell, can we ask you a few questions!?"

"Lovell, over here!"

"McHorn~!" Sapphire yelled out his name. The rhino was at the front of the station and saw her running towards him.

"Maneuver 318!" She shouted.

He immediately whistled for his other rhino friends and they made a pathway for Sapphire. As she entered through the doors, she deeply sighed in relief. Luckily McHorn and other rhino officers were blocking the reporters from entering. As Sapphire walked ahead, officers were greeting her.

"Hey there."

"Hi guys."

"Hey Sapphire, how are you?"

"I'm good."

"Outrunning the press again?"

"Very funny...at least I'm in better shape than you." The officers laughed at her joke.

"Miss Lovell..."

"Morning Lovell..."

"They're mostly saying hi to you," Clawhauser implied.

"Hey Benjamin." She approached him from the desk.

"I guess you're becoming the topic around here."

"Can't they see I don't have anything else to say to the media? Its like I'm sprinting every minute before I could reach halfway through the finish line. And its been four days since I started working here. I'm still trying to warm up to this."

And she was right. Since day one, Sapphire felt anxious about her being in a new world. The press wouldn't stop asking questions and it drained her brain out. Some of her neighbors were distant towards her, but some tried their best to make her feel at home. They didn't think of her as bad or anything, just a bit anxious until they got used to her. When she needed to study, she came to work early to read through the manuals in the empty bullpen, but never had time to eat properly. Some mammals took notice of this and would come in, giving her coffee now and again. Whenever she got stuck, her co-workers would jump in and explain the difficult parts. Things were awkward, but she learned to open up as they did the same. Even outside the station, familiar faces grew fondly of her and how she helped everyone in need. Within that short amount of time, she made new friends and learned a lot about Zootopia, thanks to Martin and his short tours around city central, but not the other districts; that would be another time.

"By the way...how's the investigation going for the missing mammal case?"

"Well, its officially three weeks now, and we still don't know where they are. Its as if they vanished."

"I hope everyone finds them, soon. The civilians are starting to panic..."

After a while, Sapphire entered the bullpen, where her friends were grouped together.

"Sapphire...," Randal came up and fist-pumped with her.

"Good morning Sapphire," Judy greeted her.

"Morning Judy."

"Officer Lovell," a hippo called her, "here are some files you need to look at."

"Sure thing," Sapphire walked over as the others sat down. Everyone else was coming in, including Martin as he sat with his friends. Sapphire was discussing with the hippo about the files, unaware of some mammals looking her way.

"She looks a lot better now."

"I know. It was awkward at first..."

"Remember that time she helped our staff with those reports? I couldn't even finish that in two days..."

Just then, the chief arrived and everyone was chanting in a roar. Chief Bogo took the files from Sapphire. Sometimes she would be in charge of taking care of recent files before the meeting.

"Alright now," his voice boomed out loud, "as you all know, we have twenty-three missing mammal cases here. And still, there are no leads as to what happened, but that doesn't mean we should give up. So I want all of you to get out there and find anything that could lead us to them. I shouldn't have to do this, but I believe its necessary. I will be switching your recent assignment with a different one and see if you'll have enough luck there. Officers Grizzoli, Fangmeyer, Delgato..." the three mammals stood up and walked towards him.

"You will be covering Tundratown," he handed them the file, "Hopps, Wilde...your search will start in Sahara Square." Both Judy and Nick received their file and left the room.

"Higgins, Snarlof, Wolford, you will head to Downtown." The chief gave a quick glance at Sapphire, who kept facing forward.

"And lastly...Saber, Wolfram, Blizzard...Lovell..."

"!?" Sapphire looked up at him.

"You four will head to Rainforest District. Dismissed." Sapphire was stunned as much as the trio. This would be her first task outside the force. When she came to, she immediately called out to him.

"Chief, wait!" She waited until the buffalo faced her, "sir, why are you letting me work on a case?"

"Is there a problem?"

"Well, no...its just...are you sure its wise for me to take on an assignment as important as this? I've mostly been helping out here at the station..."

"Which is why you should start helping outside the station. By the way, I just received news. They are setting up your test next week, on Thursday at 9 am. You don't have much time... so I believe this case will help you learn first-hand...give you an experience of how we deal with each situation here. So I suggest you start right away, and cooperate with your new team." Chief Bogo then left the room, leaving Sapphire to process what just happened.

"Alright!" Randal put a paw on her shoulder, "looks like you're heading out with us."

"Huh...? ah, yeah...I guess I am," she sheepishly smiled.

"Okay...we have the file, so let's leave," Martin held the file up.

"We can take my car," said Daniel.

As they walked into the lobby, a couple of animals were crowding by the front desk. They kept ranting on while Clawhauser was doing his best to calm them.

"Everyone, please...calm down. You need to wait in the line," Clawhuser asked worriedly.

"We need to see the chief!" One shouted.

"Please, I have to see him!"

"We can't wait anymore!"

"What's going on?" Martin spoke. They approached the crowd. One mammal, a female cougar, saw them.

"Ah! Officers!" She ran towards them. Up close she looked like a young mammal in her teen years.

"Do you know about my brother's disappearance!?"

"Miss, calm down," Daniel said, "we must be going..."

"Please! If you could look at this," she showed a picture. Sapphire saw it and immediately took out the photo from the file. It was an exact match, which means this was her brother.

"His name is Tony Clawston. He's my older brother and he's been gone for two weeks now."

"Miss, I understand your concern," Randal implied, "but we're doing the best we can." Just then, Sapphire came up to her. The cougar was the same height as her.

"This is your brother, right?" She showed her the picture.

"Yes! That's him! Please you have to find him! Everyone misses him...I miss him so much..." She was on the verge of tears.

"What's your name?" Sapphire asked.

"Janet. I'm his only little sister."

"Miss Janet...I...," she began, "...I don't know where to begin, but...but I swear, we won't stop until I find him. I promise, we'll do the best we can."

"... Thank you..." Janet smiled at Sapphire. The human gave a comforting look. She understood how losing someone can break your heart. She didn't want to see her go through that. After a moment, they continued to walk towards the front doors.

They arrived at the parking lot, where Daniel's cruiser was parked on the side. Sapphire was impressed by how each police vehicle was crafted better than the ones she's ever drove.

"Okay then, I—"

"I'm driving!" Randal snatched the keys out of Daniel's paw.

"Oh no..." Martin face palmed himself.

"Randy..." Daniel's voice sounded annoyed.

"Come on Danny," Randal grinned, "I'll be careful with it. Its not like I crashed it yet..."

"I'm sorry—crashed!?" Sapphire's eyebrows went up in shock.

"I really wish I had my car," Martin mumbled.

"Hop in you guys," Randal entered the driver's seat, while the others followed. Daniel was in the passenger's seat, while Martin and Sapphire were in the back.

"Next stop...Rainforest District."

"Don't go overboard Randal."

"Don't worry, there's not much traffic right now. Perfect to get there just in time."

"Hold on to something," Martin warned Sapphire as the human gripped her seatbelt. Within seconds, the wolf punched the gas pedal, making the car speed down the streets. Randal didn't slow down, as he made a sharp turn when entering the freeway. Sapphire bumped into Martin, as he held onto her before falling. Good thing there was not much vehicles on the road, but bad that the mammals inside the car were suffering the most.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

VVVVRRROOOOOMMM!

Randal picked up the pace, making the others fall back on their seats.

"Does this always happen?" Sapphire tried to calm herself.

"Only when he's behind the wheel," Martin sweat dropped.

She didn't know what was worse: taking on the pressure of this assignment, or dealing with her friend's ballistic driving.

Fast Forward

In Sahara Square, Judy and Nick were driving down the street. The humidity was killing Nick, as he fanned himself while sweat perspired on his uniform.

"Man it's hot," he complained, "hey Carrots, turn on the ac."

"We've only been here for 15 minutes. Suck it up and just wait for a while...we're on a case here."

"Ugh..." Nick sunk in his seat as he looked out the window. So far, nothing was happening and all seem normal. Judy then parked the car, and took out her binoculars.

"See anything yet, Nick?"

"Not yet...but seriously, can you put the ac on while we're here? I'm melting here." Judy gave him a look. Still, she sighed and pressed the button, letting the cold air fill the car. Nick sighed in relief and put his face in front of the slot, his fur brushing against the air. Judy shook her head and smiled, and went back to searching.

"So based on the information," Nick spoke, "this antelope guy was last seen around this area?"

"Right," Judy responded, "he was last seen coming out of that market right there." She looked at it through her binoculars.

"He then walked across the street, but after disappearing behind the building...he never showed up at the other end."

"Maybe someone got to him?"

"That could be it, but we should go down and ask questions to the marketers first. Let's go!"

"Aw man...just when I'm in paradise..." They exited the car, and already they were feeling the intense heat. When they entered the building, Judy hopped towards an armadillo employee.

"Excuse me sir, but can I ask you a few questions?" She and Nick showed their badges.

"Yes, can I help you?"

"We were wondering if you saw this civilian?" Judy showed the picture of the antelope.

"Ah, yes. He came here just yesterday. He also ordered a package of goods as well, but he never showed up."

"Did anyone seem suspicious or out of the ordinary when he was here?"

"No...I'm sorry. Nothing like that happened..."

"Did you see him cross the street over there?" Nick pointed at the crosswalk.

"Yes, but once he came behind that building, that was the last time I saw him."

"Well, thank you for your time sir."

"No problem." Judy and Nick left the store and headed to the crosswalk.

"Once we get to the other side, let's see if there's any clues." Nick nodded. After waiting and waiting, the light turned red, and the crosswalk sign lit up. The two officers jogged to the other sidewalk. They looked high and low, examining the abandon building. Just then, Nick's ear went up and he swiftly looked at the window.

"What is it?" Judy asked.

Nick put his finger to his mouth and slowly went up to the window. He peeked behind the wooden plank and looked inside the building. Suddenly, his eyes shot open. Inside on the far left corner, he saw a figure, it was a male cat, but Nick couldn't figure out what species he was. He wore a coat around him, his back was facing Nick as the stranger was placing some materials into a case. Nick signaled Judy to go around the other way. She nodded and carefully made her way to the back. Nick took his dart gun out and kept an eye out on the figure. When he saw his partner by the other window, Judy signaled him. Just like that, Nick engaged as he kicked the door open.

"Freeze! ZPD!" they both pointed their weapons at the stranger. However, the stranger briskly went through the nearest window. Judy ran back to find him, but as she and Nick faced each other, he was no where to be found. Judy looked up at the rooftop of the building next to them.

"He must have escaped up there." As she was staring up, Nick was looking down where he found a photo.

"Judy..." He called her as she turned around. Nick showed her the photo. Both of them had expressions mixed with confusion and bewilderment.

Meanwhile, Sapphire, Martin, Randal and Daniel had arrived at Rainforest District. Randal was stretching his legs as he plastered on a smile.

"We're finally here," he grinned. Sapphire looked at him and sighed. Then she looked at the other two.

"Are you guys okay?" The only response she got were loud groans of pain. Martin had his back to the car, while Daniel put his paws on his knees as he looked down.

"Randal...ugh.." Martin put his paw over his mouth, "you are...never driving...again..."

"I should put a—ugh...a lock on my key..." Daniel stood up straight.

"I'm surprised you made it through," Martin sighed while staring at her.

"I've been through worse, but that was unexpected," Sapphire sheepishly smiled, "and I'm sorry I crushed your arm Martin."

"You had a reason, but I barely felt it," he reassured her. The four then looked at the entrance. There was a festival going on, as mammals swarmed around the area, eating, playing and enjoying the festivities.

"This might be harder than I thought," Randal implied.

"With all these mammals here, its gonna be hard to make out the suspects," said Daniel.

"We can't stay here and mope around," Martin held the file in his paw, "let's just do what we can for now."

"Well well, do my eyes deceive me?" a cheerful voice was heard; it had a slight Portuguese accent. They turned to see a male jaguar. He was dressed with a baize collar-shirt, tucked in his vertical-striped, dark pants. On top he wore a fedora that also had stripes in a diagonal direction.

"Raphael!" Randal came up to him and the two hugged each other.

"Ahaha~ Randal my friend," the jaguar did a hand-shake with him, "what are you doing here? I hope you aren't skipping patrol again..."

"Hahaha, nice try though...but we're on a case."

"Raphael," Martin smiled, "its been a while."

"Martin...Daniel...its good to see you too." The jaguar then looked at Sapphire.

"Raphael, this is Sapphire Lovell," the wolf put a paw on her shoulder, "Sapphire, this is Raphael Jaquoire."

"Ah...the Lovell's daughter..."

"Ola, Raphael," Sapphire smiled at Raphael and walked over to him, "como voce esta?" She putter hand out.

"Oh~ sim, eu estou bem. Voce fala português?" Raphael shook her hand with a smile.

"Sim, e muitos mais," she winked.

"Hahahaha! I like her already!" He laughed.

"Sapphire, you speak Portuguese?" Martin was impressed.

"And other languages...I'm actually part American, Brazilian, and Asian, so I'm familiar with the different cultures."

"Anyone who can speak the language, definitely has the right to be here. We're having the Rio Deer Janeiro festival today."

"Ralph's one of the performers for his dance group," Daniel explained.

"I see...maybe you can help us," Sapphire took the file from Martin. She handed Raphael a picture of the male cougar.

"This mammal was also a dance performer. Do you know him?"

"Yes...Tony Clawston. He's my substitute whenever I'm out sick or on my day-offs. Did something happen to him?"

"We were wondering if anyone else might know," said Randal.

"I see...come with me. I think there's someone who might." They followed Raphael into the festival.

Mammals were minding their own business as they were exploring the booths and souvenir shops. Sapphire had her eyes everywhere, smiling and thinking how amazing the festival was so colorful, exciting, and inventive. After walking through the crowd, they managed to find a more empty space. In front of them was a booth selling hats of all sorts.

"Oswald," Raphael came up to his friend.

"Oswald?" Sapphire was a bit surprised. He was a middle-aged brown bear, wearing a stylish v-neck vest, with a long-sleeve shirt and dark pants. He also had on a fedora, with a buckle sash. More importantly, he was also the same bear Sapphire saw in the photo of the first case she read.

"Raphael. Its good to see you," he shook his paw.

"I'm glad you're back old friend. I brought some friends of mine," the jaguar gestured his arm towards the others.

"They're officers of the ZPD. They're here about a missing mammal case, and I hope you can help them."

"Sure. What can I do for you?"

"Hi," Sapphire came up to him, "I'm Sapphire Lovell."

"Yes, I know you," Oswald smiled, "you were the one who helped find me. Thank you for that."

"Its no trouble at all. I'm glad you're okay. So anyway, Raphael said that you might have intel on this," she showed him the picture.

"Hmm...I might have an idea, but I'm not sure you'll believe me."

"What is it?" Martin asked.

"I never told the police this because I thought it wouldn't occur as important. I might have put this guy in danger now..."

"Whatever it is you were hiding from them, please tell us. This guy wasn't the only one who was kidnapped, was he?"

"Sapphire, what are you talking about?" Daniel asked in confusion.

"I'm saying that all the mammals that are missing...its all connected to a bigger plot, a kidnapping. Someone is collecting certain animals from every district in Zootopia. Mr. Grizzford was one of them."

"She's right. You see, when I was kidnapped... I woke up in a strange place. I was locked in a cage, along with the others in a different cell, including Tony. I could barely see anything because it was so dark, the walls were wet and dripping with water, and only a few lamps were on nailed to each cage. I didn't know where I was, but I knew I had to get out of there. The door was right next to me, so I used my claw to pick the lock...and when no one was looking, I escaped. The next thing I knew, I was outside on the streets."

"Where were you exactly when you escaped?"

"Somewhere between Rainforest District, and Downtown."

"Well, we are in Rainforest District," Randal implied, "we might as well check out the area."

"Alright then, Daniel, Randal," Martin pointed to his left, "you fan out over there...Sapphire and I will go the other way. I'll call the station about this."

"I'll keep a look out here in the festival," said Raphael, "just in case." Just before Sapphire left with Martin, the bear stopped her.

"Hey, I just want to say I'm sorry..."

"For what?"

"I should have told them the truth, but I didn't know how to explain it."

"It's okay. You were still in shock...you were too scared to say anything because you thought it would happen again. Fear does that to all of us, so there's no shame in it. Up till now, I think it was brave of you to tell the truth. We just might be able to find the others thanks to you."

"You know for a human mammal, you are very understanding than most mammals I've known," he smiled. He then grabbed a navy fedora and gave it to her.

"Here...a gift for you."

"Wow, thank you Oswald."

"Call me Ozzy," he tipped his hat.

"And you...can call me, little gem." She tipped her hat as well.

"Little gem?"

"I hear my parents used to call me that. Well, I hope to see you again Ozzy."

"Me too. Oh, and can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Can you keep me in the loop with your investigation? I'd really like to help to make up for my mistake."

"Of course," she nodded and then gave her number to him, "if you find anything, just call and I'll be on my way."

"Good luck Sapphire," they both waved to each other as she left. However, unaware to her a mammal in a long coat was watching from afar.

"Well, well..." he smirked, "it seems the little jewel has returned."