The next morning, the station was on high alert to find the Iron Beast. Sapphire was walking into the station. Suddenly, an elephant came up to her.
"Hello Sapphire."
"Oh...Francine," Sapphire looked up at her, "hi there."
"I'm not sure if this will change anything but...I'm really sorry about what happened, to your parents. I bet they were very nice mammals..."
"It's okay...and thank you for your concern," she smiled, "Is the chief in his office?"
"He's on his way out from the meeting."
"Okay."
Francine looked behind her and saw mammals standing there. They were drill sergeants, all four were right by Sapphire.
"Um...are they with you?" the elephant asked with curiosity. By then, Chief Bogo was walking their way and noticed them.
"Lovell, what's going on here?"
"Chief Bogo," a drill sergeant polar bear came up, "we request your appearance for the test trial."
"Test trial? I heard it was to be next week," he kept a firm voice with a slight sound of confusion.
"I asked for an early request," Sapphire stood up straight, "they agreed to let me take the trial today."
"Lovell, I did not allow you to do such a thing," he slightly frowned at her.
"She was very persistent about it," a tiger sergeant spoke, "miss Lovell will be required to take one test."
"An obstacle course," another continued; it was a brown bear, "they will cover all environments of each district and a final trial at the end."
"If she passes," a rhino stepped up, "she will become an official police officer of the ZPD. If not, the recent date will still be available."
"Chief," Sapphire gave a serious look, "right now the whole city is in danger. You need all the help you can get, and believe me when I say this...you need me..." Bogo kept staring at her as she spoke.
"But if I can't go out on the field, then this trial is the only thing in my way right now. I'm not doing this to be not just a cop...I'm doing this because I want to protect the citizens of Zootopia...the only home I came to love. I am my parent's daughter...and just like them, I want to make a difference...to defend those in need. Chief Bogo...I have to try. I need you to trust me..."
For a while, there was silence between them. Chief Bogo saw how determined she looked, almost staring him down. He grunted, which made Sapphire feel confused. The buffalo then walked up to the sergeants.
"... Where will this trial begin?" was all he said to make Sapphire smile.
"We were hoping you would let us use your training course here," the polar bear said, "provided with the equipment we brought with us as well."
"Alright," the chief nodded.
"Also, we need some eye witnesses to confirm that Lovell will proceed with the training test."
"Actually," Sapphire interrupted, "I have a few in mind."
Fast Forward
A group of animals were out by the course. Sapphire was dressed in trainee clothes and police belt, as she stretched herself while waiting for the sergeants and the chief. Standing on the sidelines, were Judy and Nick. Next to them was Fangmeyer, Wolford, McHorn, Delgato, Snarlof, Higgins, and Grizzoli.
"It's too bad Martin and the others couldn't come," Nick said.
"They were put in charge of the investigation while away," Judy implied, "but we'll tell them later...and even if they knew, they probably believed she could do it." Nick smirked at her, but didn't say that she was right.
"Miss Lovell," the drill sergeant stood next to her, "are you ready?"
"Yes ma'am," she nodded.
"Alright...what you have hear is the state of the art obstacle course ZPD has to offer. Each section has different environments; the heated sands and steep rocks of Sahara Square...slippery ice and deep snow of Tundratown...and the dark and wet terrain of Rainforest District. There are ammunition of rubber bullets posted on the end of each section. Retrieve them as you go through each. On the end of the final stage, there are a line of weapons and a safety vest set up, that we provided for this trial. You will use them for target practice, along with live targets who will try to shoot you as well. There is no time limit, and the final stage will confirm the results." Sapphire stepped up to the starting line. She relied herself as the sergeants and Chief Bogo stood on the side.
"On my mark," the polar bear held her whistle in her paw, "you will start and finish to the other end. Ready!"
Sapphire gave a determined look as she did a running position. Just then, the drill sergeant blew the whistle and off Sapphire ran down the path. The first task was the tough sand, as she felt unbalanced from it. She jumped briskly to find higher ground, as some were deep or shallow. When she cleared it, she went on to the rock terrain. She looked down and noticed how steep it was like a canyon. She saw the ammunition on the other side. Sapphire jumped onto the rocks as it guided her to the other side. She landed safely and picked up the ammunition, running to the next stage. Soon she was climbing up, or should we say, jumping up and over the slope with ease that surprised the others.
"Good reflexes..." the sergeant tiger spoke to his colleague.
She landed on the other side and continued on, but soon realized there were ice daggers planted everywhere. She slid across, skating her way as she dodged the thick ice. Sapphire saw the ammunition by one ice tower, and she picked up the pace. She purposely went on her back as she grabbed it while sliding to the Rainforest section. She got up and started climbing onto some monkey bars. Sapphire was already getting wet from the imitation of rain being poured on her. She grunted as she made her way to the end; it led her climbing up a ladder, higher as she went until she saw the next ammunition above her. The only way was to climb on the vines, but the dampness caused by the water could make her slip, so she got an idea. Sapphire grabbed one and tied it around her waist. Thankfully the vine was long enough to tie the middle part around herself. With a quick tug, she started climbing. With each pull, she climbed higher and higher. Suddenly, her hand slipped and she was falling back. The others gasped and thought she would brace for impact. However she was saved, thanks to the vine knot around her waist as she tried to compose herself again.
"That was a bold decision," the bear said.
"But quick thinking...she planned ahead," the polar bear complimented. Chief Bogo smirked to himself. He watched as Sapphire untied herself and put the ammunition in her pockets with the rest. She swung down with the vine and was running to the final stage. She could hear her heart pound through her ears, her breath panting hard as she kept running. Sapphire was now standing in front of a maze, with blocks and carts positioned everywhere. It was then that the polar bear started shouting.
"This is your final test!" she yelled, "make no mistakes...we composed some of our cadets to hide and take you down on the first sight! Be aware, and keep your mind sharp!"
Sapphire saw the weapons laid out; different guns that matched with the ammunition. However, her eyes went towards two glock pistols and started to load them up. She placed one gun on her belt, and briskly went into the maze while holding up the other short pistol. She ran carefully to a nearby crate and hid behind it. Sapphire peeked on one side, and noticed a few cadets on the other side. They had protected armor on along with helmets with shields in front of their faces. Just the, she heard a cracking sound. She turned her head and noticed a lion's tail nearby.
"Well, here goes..." With just a quick jump, she landed on the crate. When he wasn't looking, Sapphire shot the rubber bullet on the lion's vest. The other cadets saw her and shot their rubber bullets, but she dodged them easily.
'Looks like they're going all out...' Sapphire smirked, 'if that's what they want!'
"Nick, look!" Judy yelled out.
BANG! BANG BANG!
Sapphire had both her guns out, and was shooting at every cadet she comes across.
"She's a two-gun shooter!?" Both Fangmeyer and McHorn exclaimed in shock. Everyone was jaw-dropping at the scene.
"Geez, and all that time we did those training exercises...she was going easy on me," Fangmeyer smirked.
"Oh~? Chief Bogo, did you know of this?" the drill sergeant looked at him.
"She never said anything about handling both," he smirked, which the polar bear chuckled.
Sapphire showed no mercy. She hid, she reloaded her guns, and shot without missing anyone. She was a professional shooter. Sapphire was nearly finished, but then out of the blue, three wolves were aiming at her in a standstill. Everything was quiet as the others kept their eyes on Sapphire. Without thinking, she could only do one thing. Sapphire shot their weapons out of their paws, and then quickly shot them on their vests. They thought it was over, but Sapphire heard a click. She spun around and shot at a cadet, who was standing on high ground before he could shoot her. Sapphire quickly put her weapons away and looked at the others. Judy was smiling ear to ear as Nick smirked. The others were amazed by her efforts. Just then, the drill sergeant blew her whistle. Both the sergeants and Chief Bogo walked towards Sapphire.
Fast Forward
At the front desk, Clawhauser was doing some paper work. Standing in front of the desk was Randal and Francine.
"Is that true!?" Randal exclaimed.
"Yes," Francine nodded, "I was there when they discussed it."
"Wow. Sapphire must have been serious," Clawhauser looked up at them.
"Randy, there you are," Martin and Daniel walked towards them, "we have to go back on patrol."
"Guys, did you hear?"
"About what?" Daniel asked.
"Sapphire is taking her trial exam today."
"What?" Martin's eyes shot open.
"She's probably getting her results now," Francine stated.
"But why so soon?" Suddenly, they heard murmuring behind the desk. As they looked, everyone was clearing a path as Chief Bogo and the sergeants were walking ahead.
"Sir," Martin and the others saluted to the chief. Just then, he and the sergeants stepped back. Behind them was Judy and Nick. Standing in the middle was Sapphire herself. She had her hair tied back and wore her uniform, but with a new 'accessory'.
"No way," Randal smiled.
"Sapphire...you mean you—"
"Hey...I'm not going to let you take this case by yourself," she smirked. As she walked towards them, the light from the windows shined on her new police badge.
"Now that I'm officially an officer, I'm ready to go to work."
"Officer Saber," Chief Bogo turned to him, "have you found anything yet?"
"Yes sir. It seems we found tunnels...tons of them that are connected everywhere in Zootopia."
"That would explain how the Iron Beast could capture all those mammals in one go," Daniel explained.
"We could use those to cut him off. You know, flush him out and in to the open ," Sapphire implied.
"That could work."
"Alright! Hopes, Wilde, you two follow Blizzard to Tundratown!" Chief Bogo ordered, "Fangmeyer, Higgins, Wolfram... head down to Rainforest District! McHorn, Grizzoli, Delgato...Sahara Square!" They all ran out the door. Chief Bogo then looked at Sapphire and Martin.
"You two are with me," he said, "Saber, are you sure there is a tunnel here in city central?"
"Yes sir." As they were talking, Sapphire went towards Clawhauser.
"This is for you." Confused, Clawhauser opened the box. What he saw made him gasp in shock. It was two concert t-shirts that tributes his favorite singer, Gazelle. They were selling out for weeks, but it was hard to come by. He looked at Sapphire with a big smile, but it soon turned to a confused expression. He saw her give him a weak smile, almost trying to act happy.
"You are the nicest mammal I ever met, so...I thought I should thank you...for being my friend up until now."
"...I...thank you, Sapphire," the cheetah smiled.
"Lovell," the chief called out, "let's move!" Sapphire turned back to Clawhauser and waved. She then dashed towards the chief and Martin until they were out of the building.
"So where's the tunnel?" Sapphire asked.
"Its in the subway...the entrance is abandoned." Martin led the two to the entrance where he broke down the borders when he found it. Down the stairs, they were down in the subway, where no mammal ever set foot on for years. The rusty walls, banged up signs and ripped posters showed how much they aged. Martin led them to the other side of the rail. There, he went down on his knees and opened a secret passage from the floor. Sapphire was the first to jump down, then the chief and finally Martin. Sapphire took out her phone and put on the flashlight. Visible to them, they were now in the tunnel as it stretched down and forward to who know where. Chief Bogo took point as the other two followed behind.
"Chief, I think we can get a signal down here," the tiger stated.
"Good. We'll need to contact the others."
"...?" Sapphire turned around and pointed her flash behind her.
"Lovell," Bogo turned around, "what's wrong?"
She said nothing. Sapphire put her hand up as she looked carefully. From the shadows, she could see a dark figure. Without warning, a growl was heard as a pair of red eyes shot up.
"...Run..."
"What?"
"Run...run now! Go!" She pushed them forward as they started to sprint. Sapphire looked back as she ran, and right on their tail were the same two henchmen she encountered before.
"We can't outrun them!" Martin shouted.
"Not for long!" Chief Bogo turned his heel and ran towards the cats. He used his horns and knocked them down. Sapphire and Martin stopped and turned around.
"Chief Bogo!"
"Go! I'll take care of these two!"
"Let's go!" Martin grabbed Sapphire's arm.
"But the chief—"
"He can handle them. Trust me, I've seen him take down an elephant before," he held onto her as they ran through the tunnels. As they reach the other side, they found themselves between Rainforest District and the far end of Downtown by the harbor.
"This is where Grizzford said he was after escaping..."
"Which means the Iron Beast might be in one of the warehouses," Sapphire whispered. Martin and Sapphire readied their weapons and started scouting each building. Just then, Martin saw one of the warehouses, with the sliding door open. He went up to it and carefully peeked inside. His eyes widened when he saw the Iron Beast. The masked feline was injecting some serum into a syringe with the needle. Martin didn't hesitate to engage as he put his weapon up.
"Freeze Grayson!" He shouted. The Iron Beast stood still, slowly putting his paws up and slowly turned. Sapphire was right behind Martin as she pointed her weapon at Grayson.
"Well done officers," the jaguar implied, "you've done an excellent job at tracking me. However..." He showed a switch in his right paw. He pressed the button. Out of the blue, carts were opened and inside were the mammals that went missing from before. They jumped out and then stood next to Grayson.
"...this will be the last time..."
"He's already controlled them!"
"That's why you left them in the cave. You've set a trap for us...and we played along without knowing it."
"Technically, yes," the masked feline implied, "There's still a flaw in the program. However the DNA I got from your...injury right there...it made the ultimate formula to control over one's body and mind."
"Don't hurt them," Sapphire told Martin, "they may be controlled, but they're still civilians."
"Fetch me the human." As he commanded, the mammals charged at them.
Sapphire and Martin did their best to avoid the animals. Martin was blocking himself from two mammals, while Sapphire dodged swift attacks from another pair. One of them was Tony, as he tried to claw her while moving forward.
"Tony! It's me, Lovell! Snap out of it!" She dodged while trying to speak with him. She ducked as Tony punched a crate. When he was caught off guard, Sapphire pinned him down. As she did, something caught her eye; it was a small, hexagon chip on the back of his head.
"What the—"
BAM!
Sapphire was knocked away by an antelope. She picked herself up and faced the mammals. She jumped over them before they could do anything. Sapphire went by Martin.
"You okay!?" the tiger asked.
"Yes! And I found something interesting!" Sapphire helped Martin push three mammals off their feet, with their backs facing them.
"There's a chip on the back of their heads. That's the key source to the serum's mind control," she said. Martin saw the shape on the back of their heads.
"So how do we get it off?"
"He said there was a flaw," she stated, "but that could be anything though."
"Well, only one way to find out!" Martin grabbed one of the mammals.
"Martin wait!" Sapphire tried to warn him. Martin instantly pulled out the chip and crushed it in his paw. Within seconds, the mammals came to, shaking his head as his eyes turned back to his original color.
"Wh...what happened? Where the heck am I?"
"Sir, you need to get out of here! Go!"
"Y-yes!" He briskly ran out of the warehouse.
"That was risky, but it looks like it worked."
"Think you can do it?" the tiger asked. Just then, Tony pounced on him and pinned him down with his paws. Martin struggled to get free. Suddenly, Tony started grunting in pain. Sapphire stood up, throwing the chip down and smashed it with her foot.
"Huh? What am I doing...?" Tony was back to normal. He got off of Martin and helped him up.
"Good to have you back Tony," Sapphire smiled. They were now looking at the other five mammals who were still being controlled. Just then, Nick and Judy were running inside.
"Guys! Guys, were he~re...woah," Nick and Judy gawked at the numerous mammals. All red eyes were on them.
"What's going on?" Judy asked.
"Long story short. Get the chip... smash it and no more mindless drones."
"Well, that sums it up," Nick gave a dead pane look.
"Need some help?" Tony smirked.
"Gladly," Martin did the same. The mammals came at them as they dodged each attack. One of them jumped in the air. Tony grabbed Sapphire's hand and swung her up. She pulled out the chip and the prey was back to normal. Tony caught her just in time before the others came charging.
"Want to dance?"
"I'll follow you." As the mammals attacked, Tony and Sapphire danced their way around them, blocking every punch and kick that came flying in.
"Nick!"
"Got it!" Nick used his paws to help Judy jump over and tackle the mammal. She broke the chip. Behind her, Nick's ear twitched and turned to see a large mammal charging at them. He smirked, and right when the mammal tried to punch him, Nick climbed on his arm and grabbed the chip and smashing it.
"Watch your back!" Nick turned to see Sapphire blocking two mammals from lashing at him and Judy.
"Thanks!" Judy shouted.
"On your left!" It was Martin's turn to save Sapphire.
"Thanks Martin," Sapphire smiled at him. Soon every mammal was no longer under Grayson's control.
"Tony, get everyone out of here," Martin said.
"Right," Tony nodded, and was soon leading everyone out of the building.
"Is that everyone?" Nick asked.
"Looks like it," Judy implied.
"Now let's get the serum before—"
STAB!
Suddenly a needle was injected. Martin, Judy, and Nick turned around to see Grayson behind Sapphire, injecting a syringe in her skin. Sapphire stuttered as the iron masked feline finished his task, putting a chip on the back of her neck. The human went down on her knees as Grayson backed away.
"Sapphire!" Martin went to her as she was gasping for air. He then glared at the Iron Beast.
"What did you do to her!?" Martin growled as his fur stood on end.
"Sapphire," Judy and Nick came to her side, "Sapphire what's wrong!? Say something!"
"Isn't it obvious? I've injected the serum into her body. Its a more powerful substance that was intended for her parents...but since they're not here, she will make a perfect subject. Now then...Lovell..." By saying her name, she slowly stood up. As she faced them, Martin saw how her eyes turned red.
"Finish him."
