Chapter 10 – Endings

A couple of weeks had gone by and Dylan was rather happy with things so far. He'd finished the computer program dealing with the gangs and, at Nick and Judy's urging, he'd gone to ZPD headquarters in Sahara Square and showed off his results to Chief Bogo and the Gang Task Force.

Dylan explained what he had done by creating a program that could track the various gangs by their activity, whether crime related or by expansion, and show where their headquarters were within a two block radius.

They were all, even Chief Bogo, impressed with what Dylan had accomplished. Using the program he'd developed, the ZPD was able to stake out the Happy Slayer's headquarters and, when they'd had enough evidence for a warrant, raid it. While some of the gang members, quicker or just luckier, managed to escape, a total of 27 members were caught and over twelve thousand dollars worth of stolen merchandise was recovered.

That one action on the part of Dylan and the ZPD had further reaching consequences than they knew.

oooOOOooo

Stan wasn't sure what to think. He'd been standing there for several minutes while The Boss simply sat back in that creepy chair with his eyes closed. The Boss seemed pensive if anything.

"Boss?" Stan prompted.

The Boss's eyes opened. They weren't filled with anger, they showed no concern or unquiet. They seemed... calm.

"Stan," The Boss began, his voice low and even. Calm, just like his demeanor. And that absolutely terrified Stan. "This plan has been years in the making and we're very close to it falling apart. That cursed mammal, that Furless Wonder, is close to causing that plan to come crashing down around our ears."

"Belisarius Boss?" Stan asked, afraid of a positive answer.

"No." The Boss said as he shook his head. "We've waited this long, we can wait a while longer. Have all gangs relocate their headquarters immediately. Have them slow their expansion drastically, no more than a block until I give the okay."

"What about Cutter Boss? You want him ended?"

Again, The Boss shook his head. "No. Cutter knows better than to bite the hand that feeds him, he's smarter than Gnasher was. We'll bail him out. Have the funds come from one of our dummy corporations. Give the money to some street sleeper and have them bail out Cutter, after they've done that, then have them disappear. Have Cutter relocated to, hmmmm, let's say Hyenahurst, he'll blend in there."

"You got it boss." Stan turned to leave.

"And Stan?"

Stan felt a chill run down his back as he turned around to face The Boss again, hoping in vain that The Boss couldn't smell his fear. "Yes Boss?"

"See what you can find out about this Dylan Ambrose that hasn't been reported yet."

Stan swallowed hard "Yes Boss."

oooOOOooo

Rick and Dylans meeting with Zootopia Telecom went better than they had expected. They sold the rights to two mobile phone games for a substantial amount of money. Dylan gave Rick his phone from Earth so that Rick could design similar ones using current technologies. Rick had such an ecstatic expression on his face, echoed by his tail which was twitching so much it was actually producing a breeze.

Wade had come through for him and found several mammals that liked Dylan's idea of a country band and what he wanted to do with it. So far the band had shaped up like this:

Edgar Paddington – Black bear – Drums

Jack Furly – Coyote – Piano/keyboards

Beth Purrdine – Lynx – Electric/acoustic Guitar

Mike Sharp – Porcupine – Bass Guitar/vocals

Dylan Ambrose – Human – Banjo/vocals

Rachel Svelte – Roe Deer – Fiddle/vocals

The band marveled at Dylan's banjo and, after hearing him play several different songs on it, said it would most certainly set them apart and above any other country band.

Dylan had been keeping in touch with his other friends, Stacy, Wendy, and Zoe, mostly just calls and texts. Stacy and Wendy were busy with work, but Stacy did say that her and her girlfriend, Tammy, had made their relationship public. The only downside was that they weren't allowed to work together.

Zoe was busy studying for her finals that were coming up in a few months. She'd told him how her boyfriend had been less than impressed with her hero comment.

oooOOOooo

"Why did you have to say that!? And on TV! Are you trying to make me a laughingstock with my friends?" Randall snapped at her.

"NO! But it seemed appropriate under the circumstances. As opposed to you, you're the one telling everyone we're sleeping together. How do you think that makes me feel?"

"We've been dating for nine months now and all we've done is make out a little!"

"I'm not ready for anything more intimate yet! And the more you push me, the further I want to be from you!"

"Maybe you're sleeping with him, that freak of nature! That's why you don't want to sleep with me. You're just twisted!"

Zoe's jaw dropped and her eyes widened in shock. Her body froze for a few seconds before fury erupted behind her eyes and her body took on a more aggressive stance. Randall knew he'd stepped in it this time.

Zoe's finger pointed at him and she took a step forward.

"Don't you EVER say something like that to me again! You're supposed to be my boyfriend! You're supposed to be supportive and comfort me after almost being gang raped! Yet here you are more worried about how something I said is going to make you look to your friends!"

Randall's body shrunk in on itself and, in a meek voice, said "I'm sorry Baby!"

Zoe couldn't accept the apology. Randall had hurt her for the last time! She was still beyond pissed off. She glared at him as she grabbed her purse, turned, and said in a voice that dripped scorn "No, I'm not having it, not anymore! We're through! Don't call me! Better yet, forget my number! I'm going to forget yours!"

She then left his apartment, making sure to slam the door. While she felt a little bad about disturbing the neighbors, it did make her feel a little better. She couldn't belive the audacity of him! Her anger still seethed beneath her fur. Tears of hurt and frustration spilled down over her cheeks, soaking into her fur. Her gait had become quick an stiff legged in her anger. She realized that she wasn't so much heartbroken over losing Randall, it was more the emotional pain that he would think so little of her to say those things.

oooOOOooo

Dylan let Zoe know that he felt bad that she was having to go through something like that and she was to let him know if she needed anything. She told him that she appreciated everything, but she'd be okay.

Dylan and Fabienne had several dinner dates since he had been attacked in his apartment. Unfortunately, they had been shadowed by a photographer for each one. Dylan was upset as this was supposed to be their private lives but Fabienne explained that her producer insisted on it after Dylan had saved Zoe. While it worried Dylan, Fabienne seemed to become even more affectionate. However, the affection seemed to fade like smoke when they got back to her apartment. Anything beyond chaste kissing seemed off limits. While Dylan respected her limits, it seemed kind of incongruous.

At a loss trying to figure out what was going on and in desperation, Dylan did the one thing he thought would help.

"Judy Wilde's phone, Nick speaking."

"Sorry Nick, I was trying to reach Judy. I need her advice, is she there?"

"I'm sorry Dylan, but she's a bit... tied up at the moment."

The image that brought to Dylan's mind caused his jaw to work with no sound coming out. When his mouth finally did catch up to his brain he sputtered "Gah! No! TMI! Brain bleach, I need brain bleach!"

Dylan heard a laugh on the other side of the line as Nick answered "Now, why is your mind in the gutter there Dylan? Judy is tied up, in a meeting with the other ZPD Sergeants."

Dylan realized that Nick had set that up. He was both embarrassed and impressed.
"I'm going to get you for that Nick. You won't know when, you won't know where, but I'll get you!"

"Can't out fox a fox my friend!" More laughter. "Seriously though, is there anything I can help you with?"

Dylan sighed "Well, I was hoping for a female perspective but you might have some ideas." He then explained how things had been going with Fabienne, hot in public, lukewarm in private.

"Okay, so there's a photographer following you and Fabienne around, ordered by her producer, during dates which are supposed to be only you and her. One question, is she more affectionate now as opposed to before when you were dating?"

"Yeah." Dylan said sadly.

"And this affection seems to end the moment that the two of you enter into a private setting?"

"Yeah." Dylan replied in the exact same tone. He had a sinking feeling about what Nick was leading up to.

"I'm sorry buddy, but it seems like you're being conned. And, no one knows about cons that a con mammal, sorry, former con mammal." Nicks initial sentence was filled with concern and sympathy.

The bomb had dropped. Dylan had seen the signs but just hadn't wanted to admit it.

"I know" Dylan said dejectedly "I just didn't want to admit it to myself."

"You thinking about Alexis?" Nick asked gently, worried his friend might be slipping into depression.

"No. I haven't thought about her in months. Different circumstances buddy. Fabienne and I never seemed to get past the dating stage, there was no commitment and she never cheated on me. Besides, when we kissed it seemed more like good friends than anything else. Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy about it, but it's not the same."

"You could try talking to her."

"I going to have to."

It was a conversation that Dylan really didn't want to have even though it was one that he needed to have.

oooOOOooo

Dylan and Fabienne were seated at a table in Koslov's Palace, a nice little restaurant in Tundratown. Dylan had been unusually quiet after Fabienne had picked him up at his apartment, but she didn't seem to notice as she happily chatted about what some of her friends were doing.

Dylan was only listening with half an ear, he was trying to figure out how to bring up his concerns. Even at the age of 23 he hadn't really had much experience with relationships. Being with Alexis was the most committed he'd ever been and she had only been the third girl he'd dated.

Although warmer than the outside, it was still cold enough that Dylan was wearing one of his winter jackets. Even Fabienne was wearing a light sweater. Mist would form from their breaths making it look like they were using smoke signals.

Fabienne was still going on about her friends antics, reaching out to hold his hand, looking at him affectionately. Both had ordered the fish, which was excellent, but Dylan couldn't seem to enjoy it as much as he should, merely observing her.

Fabienne paused in her recitation and asked "Dylan? Are you okay? You've hardly said a word all night."

Dylan sighed and said "Yeah, we just need to talk."

Fabienne's face changed from a concerned expression to a crestfallen one. "What is it?"

Looking in her eyes Dylan reluctantly began "Fabienne, I need to know what's going on. You're going hot and cold on me and I'm not sure why. You've been much more affectionate with me in public since we've been shadowed by that photographer, but when we're alone we barely kiss. Now, I respect your limits, I really do. But I keep getting crossed signals. So please, be honest with me, do you even really like me?"

Fabienne looked shocked at first before her face softened and her muzzle dropped down toward the table. Her sad eyes looked up at Dylan, telling him everything he needed to know.

"Why?" He asked in a calm and quiet voice.

"My producer, Kevin. He convinced me that it would be a big boost to my career. At least that was all it was at first. Then I got to know you and you seemed like a great person. I started to like you and respect you. I stopped answering your calls and texts trying to find a way to break it off without hurting you, but then you had to go and get all heroic. It made me feel worse about what I was doing. And when Kevin found out, he forced me to continue dating you and told me to play it up, be more affectionate. I like you as a person Dylan, I do! But I just don't like you romantically. It's not the way you look, honest. I'm not really attracted to any mammals except for other felines. I'm sorry Dylan, I really am!"

At that she dropped her eyes and Dylan could see actual tears falling. So, either she was a much better actress than he gave her credit for, or this was genuine. He wished he could trade being a genius for being an empath right now. It hurt, but not as bad as he thought it would. He even felt sorry for Fabienne, at least a little.

Dylan could feel tears threatening to fall as well but he gathered his willpower and shut them down. He took Fabienne's paw and, when she looked up at him with sorrow written all over her face, said "It's okay Fabienne. I'm not angry, just really disappointed. I can understand your reasoning. It's a little cold hearted but that's not entirely your fault. Your morals were telling you it was wrong but you were roped back into it. And when I confronted you about it, you were honest with me. That I can appreciate."

Fabienne stopped crying and calmed down "You're not angry with me? Why not? I mean, I'm glad you're not, but if it was me I'd be infuriated."

"I was kind of expecting it. There seemed to be something missing, especially when we kissed. It wasn't until later I figured out what it was – passion. It was similar to my former girlfriend when she started cheating on me, the way she expressed her affection changed."

Fabienne started crying again, making Dylan feel bad. "I'm sorry Fabienne, I didn't say that to make you feel bad. I still like you, even if we're not going to be a couple."

Fabienne's head popped up with a hopeful countenance to look him in the eyes and asked "Friends?"

Dylan smiled and nodded "Friends."

oooOOOooo

Dylan was walking to his next class to take his finals when his phone rang. Looking at the caller ID, he could see it was his friend Nick calling. Tag, you're it buddy! Dylan flipped open the phone and answered "Mort's Mortuary! You stab 'em, we slab 'em!"

There was silence on the other end for several seconds before Nicks voice hesitantly asked "Dylan?"

"No, this is Mort."

"Dylan!" Nick said emphatically.

"What do you want you out foxed fox?" Dylan couldn't help grinning. Tied up indeed.

Dylan could hear the chuckle on the other side of the line. "Okay, we're tied. At least for now. The reason I called is to let you know that Finnick was able to finish your Jeep. He said that it took a little bit more work than he thought to get it road worthy, but it's ready for pickup tomorrow."

Dylan stopped walking, trying to absorb the full extent of what Nick had just told him. Freedom to go where he wanted, when he wanted. Then his face fell. "Oh gods, what happens if I accidently run over a small mammals car? Or a small mammal?" Suddenly he felt terrified and slightly sick to his stomach at the possibility.

"Dylan, you passed your drivers test with perfect scores in both the written and the practical. You have that memory of yours so just follow the rules and you'll be good to go. By the way, how'd your date go with Fabienne?"

Dylan puffed out a breath before answering "Nice segue there Nick."

"Glad you liked it! Now, Fabienne?"

"Let me get this straight, you're asking about my friend Fabienne?"

"Ah."

"Yeah, 'Ah'. I'll tell you and Judy more about it next time we get together."

"We'll hold you to that Buddy! Bye!"

"Bye"

oooOOOooo

Cutter was filled with rage. Cutters angry growls were the only sounds in the otherwise silent safe house. He'd almost had that meat sack! He could still feel how close he was to sinking his claws into that mangy creature! The Boss said to hold back and he wasn't about to disobey The Boss. No, Cutter liked his skin attached to his body. But staying put didn't mean he couldn't be productive, he didn't have to sit on his paws. No. while his plan before was good, and would have succeeded if it wasn't for that cowardly fox and his dart gun, he would have to come up with a better one. Because, the next time that he met that disgusting mammal, he was going to end him.

oooOOOooo

"What are we going to do? She hasn't eaten in seven days! She's barely even drank anything!" Amanda said tensely.

"I don't know. It's like, once finals were over, she just switched off." Desiree was worried as well. Zoe hadn't been herself since she broke up with that sorry excuse for a mammal. And Layla was worse than no help either. Amanda and Desiree was ready to kick her out of the apartment, but they needed Zoe's vote to do so.

Nothing the two friends had tried, whether it was wheedling, demanding, tough love, soft love, cuddling, intervention, nothing worked.

Amanda looked at her friend and said sadly "I think we're going to have to take her to a Psychiatrist."

Desiree shook her head. "Not yet. There's one more thing I want to try."

Desiree went into her bedroom where Zoe had been since Finals. Zoe appeared to be asleep, but then, she usually did. Desiree grabbed Zoe's phone off the nightstand and left the room, shutting the door quietly.

Opening the phone, she pressed the first button and put the phone to her ear. Several rings later a male voice answered.

"Hey Zoey! Everything okay?"

"Dylan? This is Desiree, I'm one of Zoe's roommates. Could you come over? Zoe needs help."

A/N: I'm sorry if there are more than the normal number of mistakes here. I haven't been feeling very good this last week. It's not Covid, it's a migraine strength headache caused by an ear infection.

I've been trying to decide which story I want to start posting after this one. To my surprise, I think it might be my other Zootopia fic, Deathtouched. I didn't plan it that way but ideas about the story just started popping into my head and I went with it.

I'm also thinking about writing a story in the first person. Let me know what you think about that idea.

Speaks With Spirits out