THE FIRE WITHIN

Chapter 5

My eyes grew as wide as they could.

"The Zootopia Black Ops? THE Zootopia Black Ops?" I couldn't contain how much was going on. Is this seriously happening or am I really dead? General Meadows smiled with no signs of boasting.

"The one and only." He stated calmly. That then gave me a conclusion.

". . . So it's true then. They really are back? The Brotherhood of Savages?" I asked in a rather unassured demeanor. "Because we need them gone. I can't deal with a city ruled by these kinda hoodlums." Meadows seemed to understand who I was talking about and started with the seriousness.

". . . The men that "killed" you or should I say drained you, were, in fact, the Brotherhood. We tracked their last known sighting and headed off immediately to take care of the situation. But, as we all know, it was too late by then. The ship was sunk along with all the evidence to back up our debrief. Luckily, before we were just about to hunt them down, we found you. When I found out that it was you who was quite literally blown away, I knew it was time to bring you to this safehaven. I also knew, since you are the supposed son of my dear friend Mr. John Wilde, that this brought me much ideas. Ideas that will both change you and the way you think of this world. I'm sure your father will be proud of you as he always has. Though we have a long road ahead of us and the Brotherhood is still out their planning and doing God knows what. Questions will be answered soon enough, but first, you must rest. Training starts early in the morning and we want the body to be well-rested to function properly."

"Wait. Training? What training?" Training now? For what?

"You said you wanted to get rid of these men and we will overtime. But you cannot just waltz in their without the proper training. I'm sure you know that the group are much higher than the average pair of terrorists. They are smarter and they are quicker. So please understand, Nicholas. If you want to defeat them you must learn. Learn the ways of the Zootopia Black Ops and find your inner fighter."

". . . So why did you pick me then?" Meadows slightly smiled again.

"We didn't pick you because you were the son of John. We picked you because we knew that deep down inside of that hard shell of your's, you are a fighter. But you also are a peacekeeper. Why did you join the ZPD? I know it was not just only for the partnership of your friend Ms. Hopps. Because once upon a time, there was a boy. A boy who wanted to be a ranger scout. That dream was crushed on that fateful night, but it was not forgotten and neither was your legacy. Almost 24 years later, you became a police officer. And you thought you were going to stick with the hustling. The truth is, Nicholas – you HAVE made the world a better place and so has your partner. And you will continue to make it an even better place one small step at a time . . . I picked you because I saw that boy."

Everything seemed filled. Everything I've heard from a man I hardly know. He knew me when I was just a kit. He knew the night I was muzzled at the Junior Ranger Scouts club. How much else does this guy know about me? Though I've gotta say those were some good and persuasive words. Maybe the idea of joining the ZBO isn't that bad after all. Heck, I think it would be insane and probably in both ways."

"Alright. You got me. I guess I really am joining the crew. Never thought this day would come but what else is new."

"I'm glad you've decided. The training will be good, I am sure of that. So for now, I believe it is bedtime for all of us. Yes?" The old fox looked around seeing the guys nod their heads and put up thumbs. They headed off into their living quarters until it was just me and the general left standing in the wide room.

"So um, hate to interrupt the silence but, where do I sleep?" I was already rubbing my eyes from exhaustion.

"Whichever room you woke up from."

"Come on. I'll getcha back there." I looked behind me and noticed the arctic vixen from earlier was leaning right on the doorway. Dang, she's quiet. I hope that's part of their stealth habits they practice. Nearly gave me a heart attack. I then, followed her back to where I first came from. It was dark and the lights were off but as foxes that didn't give us any trouble. We soon found my room number. 10. Ok, gotta remember that. I decided before I headed off to bed I should at least get to know this girl's name. Can't be that hard for ya, Mr. Smooth.

"So, Snowflake, what's your name? Or is that your real name?" I immediately regretted calling her that 'cause the next thing I know, I'm pulled by my arm, over her head, and onto the ground with a thud then with a huge-looking knife that she incredibly stabs right beside me, into the floor which was nothing but rock solid concrete. Icy blue eyes were staring into my very soul. She smirked menacingly.

"Esther. That's my real name. And under no circumstances are you allowed to call me that name again. Deal?" This is probably gonna make it worse if I run my mouth about this, but of course, that's just little 'ole me.

"You know, as much as you frighten me, I really really think that name is catchy, and memorable, and beautiful. Just like you." I nervously winked. Did I just see a blush form from this chick?

"I'm not beautiful."

"Say that to the mirror, Sweetheart." Her expression first looked stern but then it kinda softened. She pulled me up and dusted me off, just looking at me as if I was a mystery she couldn't solve.

"Meadows did remind us you were always the slick and sly one. The good kind though."

"Oh? What else did he tell you?"

"That you have much to learn from people like us."

"What must I learn?"

"We don't fall so easily from words. Goodnight, Wilde." And with that, she turned on her heels and headed off to her living quarters.

"I will never look at another vixen the same way again." I said softly to myself. I then proceeded to lounge in my room, already getting ready for bed. But just before I hit the hay, I thought of a familiar grey bunny. I wonder what she's thinking about now. Of me? Of what happened today? I'm pretty sure from her point of view, I was decimated from the explosion and didn't stand a single chance of survival. I can still hear her crying out my name. Ugh. Why did this had to happen? All I can think of is what will become of me and what's gonna happen to Judy while I'm away. Far away. Gosh, I miss her. So much. Wherever you are, whatever you might be thinking, I'm not giving up on you. I'm coming back to you. Someday. I don't know when but I will. I looked at my phone and the wallpaper of me and Judy on my first day on the force. The phone just read 12:00 a.m. . ". . . Happy New Years, Carrots." I went to bed, shut my eyes, and drifted off into a deep sleep.