War of the Dark Underground

by StrayShot

Choices. Zootopia denizens make them every day. In the underbelly of society are those who thrive on craftiness and questionable morals. If you fall to their schemes, you obviously aren't smart. The Dark Council rules the criminal element ruthlessly, and now time is ripe to wrest control of all Zootopia. Sides are drawn, choices must be made. Even for Mr. Big.

34. 4x04 - Family Feud (Part 2)

Family Feud Part 2.

Audrey sat calmly at the head of the conference table watching the presentation. The cameras' viewpoint was focused on a table where three vixens and three does sat, it wasn't unusual for mixed species to sit at same table; this was commonly done throughout Zootopia. Photos lay on the table placed one at a time first by a doe then by a vixen; casually the six females raised their paws making it appear they were voting on the fate of mammals depicted in the photos. Each photo was voted upon and each received same outcome, this was suggested by the nodding of heads in the affirmative. There was no audio with this video as it was a simple security camera meant to catch patrons attempting to slip out of the delicatessen or misbehavior in general. When the females left the establishment the scene switched to a long-distance view of the Hopps vegetable stand, the telephoto camera lens pulled-in the scene until the same three does were shown along with a group of mammals that clearly weren't farmhands. The view singled these and focused on them one by one; by the reaction of most in this room the identity of them was clearly known. Dark Paws... a small criminal group known for many things, kidnapping and ransom among a few.

Two young vixens sat on one side of the table, a guard stood behind them. Rachel Canny and Kathrin Wintersprite waited for the elder vixen's response; she was matriarch of the Wilde family... at least this branch. The plan relied on this singular vixen organizing a search through the Wilde family in hopes to weed out sympathizers, possibly to help locate the missing Officer Wilde. Their mentor once was hired by the elder vixen on a previous case regarding their missing clients, they came to her because she was their clients' grandmother and she also was a high-level government official. Therefor she was positioned to best know how to handle the information they presented to her, both to her family as well as to the Zootopian government. This meeting was scheduled in hopes to save time and frustration.

"Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I'll have this passed along to the proper governmental agencies that are better able to deal with this. As for both of you and your team I'm certain you all will make fine investigators someday should you complete your training. I know your mentor thus am certain your future."

Director Dench and Colonel Kohle sat nearby, the white mouse on her Segway and the dog next to her, these two sat on the opposite side of the table from the two vixens. Marcus Wilde, one of Audrey husbands' brothers and a department head in her organization sat next to her. Perhaps it was a good thing he was here, last time the director received bad news about her family she turned into a banshee and it took an emergency response team to get her under control, tranqu-darts notwithstanding. Marcus had to admit learning about family being members of the Servants of Truth was bad enough, learning these were actively engaged in sending innocents to death was something else.

When the two young vixens were escorted out of the room thus out of the building Audrey spoke quietly.

"Gena, Doris and Helen Wilde... Theodor's head will explode when he learns about this."

Colonel Kohle spoke up. "Apologies director... but what if he approves? You sure he should be told?"

She grimaced, he had a point.

"These are his daughters he loves most, perhaps a bit spoiled. I'm hard pressed to recall them having adverse opinions about any relationship wither between predators or between prey species.

Director Dench held up her tiny paw. "We should proceed as per protocol. This recording will have to be verified, if our technicians find it hasn't been doctored then these vixens will have to be arrested. As for the remainder of your family tree... we will go through our records to see if anything hints at involvement. When you're ready we'll have a team tag along with your representative. Perhaps this member of your family will suffice?"

Marcus cleared his throat, obviously wanting to get his superior's attention. When she nodded her permission he gathered his thoughts then proceeded.

"Director... Audrey. This is a family matter, we should handle this ourselves. I agree these three vixens should be brought in for questioning, and while this is happening their apartments should be searched. If we start asking questions of immediate family and then the other relatives it very well could spook the ones sympathetic to the servants cause."

Audrey looked into her best friend's eyes. "Judi... I agree this is a family matter and we should look into it ourselves. Discreetly. But I know I can't prevent you from performing your duties hence why I asked the two of you here alone. Marcus and I will talk to the elders of our family and when you have compiled what information you can gather then the GSD and the two of us can proceed on what you have uncovered. All I ask is give Marcus and me enough time to determine which family member may be corrupt."

The mouse sat as she scratched her tiny chin.

"Our agents will most likely have a complete dossier on your family by close of business tonight, the Family Tree from the progeny of your parents' siblings onward to your own parents' cubs. For the sake of our friendship I will have any further action paused until you and I speak again. As for these three young ones... I'll have them followed discretely. But if they do anything unlawful my paws are tied... they'll be arrested."

Audrey nodded her head as did Marcus.

"Thank you. We can't ask for more and this will have to do for now. Marcus and I must get started asap. I think two days from now should suffice."

The group ended the meeting and the mouse and dog departed the room and building. Director Dench was quiet as a church mouse during the ride back to headquarters, something the Scottish terrier was familiar with as he too was deep in his own thoughts. While he was detailing teams to do research she was setting parameters each department of their agency was to be doing regarding the search. Normally their agency only searched mammals outside the United Zootopian States since national law forbade working actively within the nation, but anything involving the Servants of Truth she considered justified breaking laws.

Meanwhile back in the conference room two foxes sat in silence.

"Butcher Stehli."

Marcus ears twitched as an eyebrow rose slightly. "What about him... and what brought this specter into the conversation?"

Audrey sighed. "Our family wasn't the only one that sought his *special meat* package."

"The one that was rare and pricy thus reserved for special occasions?"

She nodded. "When Judy's list of those that attended her *kangaroo court* was sent to the ZPD Judi allowed me to see the list. Why a small butcher in Happy Town was involved with the Servants of Truth raised eyebrows, as yours just testified to."

Marcus was not amused. "GSD makes regular investigations of all food processing companies. If there were any anomalies they would have been noticed by now."

She shuffled uncomfortably in her seat. "Remember the beginning months of this war with the Dark Underground?"

He nodded his understanding. "When tunnels appeared under farms in the Tri-Burrows?"

She nodded. "Back then our scientists Dr. Bevyton and Dr. Dexter did an analysis of crop production of the whole area. Not only did they discover the discrepancy between theoretical capacities and recorded yields... they determine that the Dark Underground had been stealing vegetables and fruit for many years. Possibly for decades if not centuries, this was one of the reasons why the chief of police in Bunny Burrow was replaced."

He leaned slightly forward. "But there's more?"

"There is indeed. These scientists also concluded that the Dark Underground was responsible for the disappearance of many rabbits. GSD had gone through records in an attempt to find the missing bunnies... to no avail. While it would be convenient to lay the blame for these missing at the feet of the Dark Underground... I suspect this isn't entirely true. Historical records should record an average month to month if those mammals were the sole reason, but this isn't true. Numbers of missing rabbits greatly increased shortly before important holidays, the coincidence is unmistakable."

Marcus' face started to show concern. "This relates to Butcher Stehli... how?"

Audrey didn't answer, her finger pressed on a button upon her desk. "Could you bring the container inside the fridge in here, please?"

Ginger Valiant, secretary to the director, entered the room shortly and placed the plastic dinnerware on the desk, her demeanor clearly indicated she wanted what was inside. Marcus instantly recognized which business this came from and his face also showed expectation.

"Ok Ginger... you can have one as well. Marcus, the other is yours."

The female river otter quickly opened the container and offered the male fox what was inside, then took the remaining piece of meat and ate it. The label on the lid stated it was from Stehi's Butcher Shop, it also indicated it was the special seasonal meat and was cooked with his special seasoning. Judging by the satisfaction on both muzzles it was obvious what they ate was quite pleasing. What the elder vixen said next caused both to suddenly freeze motionless.

"Stehli broke the Great Resolution of Zootopia."

Realization now showed clearly on both faces. The law forbade selling, cooking, and serving any prey species that were citizens of Zootopia... especially those that became sentient. Ginger looked at her boss who had become a close friend, clearly looking as if a personal trust had been broken. Audrey knew her friend wanted a reason why the meat was allowed to be eaten; deception was punishable just as much as eating the forbidden meat.

"Apologies for keeping the truth hidden, especially the species. When the lab finished tests I was floored just like both of you are now. Just so you know... I ate one of the pieces. Unlike both of you I know the species, the knowledge will forever haunt the holidays for me."

"Madam... thank you for being truthful. But now I must know... what specie is this? Promise I won't hold it against you."

At that moment Arnold Wilde, Audrey's husband, entered the room and sat in his usual seat. After noting the look upon both of their faces his took a look of sadness.

"They know about Butcher Stehli's secret meat" he said in a lower than usual tone in his voice.

"I haven't disclosed the specie."

Ginger put a paw gently on Audrey's. "I'll probably vomit... but I must know."

Audrey smiled sympathetically at her personal secretary. "It's rabbit."

Gingers' face went ashen as did Marcus; both looked at the containers' lid and appeared lost in thought.

Arnold spoke softly. "Same reaction I had when I shared a saucer with the director."

This seemed to comfort Ginger somewhat, Marcus it was tough to discern.

"The lab was able to identify the sample came from a citizen from the Tri-Burrows. They are working on which family; I've asked to keep the identity to themselves. Last thing I need is to know who I ate, but at least we can give closure to one family. Once the news about what was in Butcher Stehli's secret meat becomes public fur will hit the fan."

Marcus found his voice. "All those years... so many packages feasted upon. All the while we never knew. Yeah I agree Audrey... holidays are now forever haunted. Hopefully the forbidden trade in Lapin meat has ended... and nobody else copies Butcher Stehli's secret produce. Zootopia Health Commission probably will have to add genetic tests to their certification process now, with random tests to assure the prey citizenry this has ended."

"Tests have already been added as standard practice soon as the lab presented the results."

Marcus sighed. "Back to the purpose of this meeting, if I may. Here's what I propose."

Audrey was grateful Marcus didn't make a fuss more than what he said. He laid out who should be talked to and in what order. She was impressed; it appeared solid and she agreed to his plan. Marcus clocked out and went home, she did some paperwork before leaving work. Her husband was receptive to an impromptu dinner at Antonio's Italian Restaurant; it was informal dining with good food. It also was a favorite spot the extended family met when something between clans needed to be discussed.

Culling of prey hadn't happened in decades, and rabbits being a favorite food source were last to be stopped. This involving Zootopias' favorite bunny was bad omen, if not rooted out and ended would mean the entire Wilde Family Tree would be ruthlessly uprooted. An unruly mob doesn't care about feelings, old fashion knives and pitchforks might be used against those assumed to be guilty. Considering foxes were already scowled upon by society she was certain the government would turn a blind eye upon the blood and gore being spilled.

Audrey sat quietly in the back seat as the driver went about his duties; her husband shared what caused her foul mood.

---

Four elder rabbits sat stunned. Agent Savage and his team operated the video and gave a running narrative what was shown on the screen.

Agent Cynthia Walker, Jack's right-paw agent, continued the narration. "The bunnies onscreen are Rose, Rhonda, René Hopps, members of this burrow. The vixens are cousins of Officer Wilde, approximately same age as these does. What they are doing now is holding court, before them the photograph is a distant relative of the Hopps Family. Apologies but there are many more photos you can see, but they are not in this presentation. We wanted to limit the total time so you can see what evidence we have against them."

"Then halt what you have so my partner and I can evaluate the legality of it."

Everyone turned towards the door to see who spoke. Jill Hopps and her partner Clare stood in the doorway, their lawyers' suits immaculate as always. Beside them were the other two grandparents, Floyd and Elizabeth Jumper.

"Our employer received a phone call given a head's up on what the GSD was sending to the farm, therefore we were sent. Agent Savage, may we have a moment to view the evidence before you proceed?"

Jack nodded. "Don't take long, Director Wilde is being read-in on this information at this very moment. We were sent to do likewise with your family."

Floyd nodded. "If what the GSD claim is true we may have to bring this to the Council of Elders attention."

"What we have is in addition to the message Officer Hopps sent after her escape from her captors" Jack said plainly.

Albert stood up, his demeanor clearly showed his authority as head of this burrow.

"Jill Hopps... I would that you join us in viewing what these agents have to show the family. They are not strangers to us therefore it stands to reason they want us to know what our family members have done. Clearly they have sanitized much of what they are going to present, but I'll grant you and your partner permission to view everything they have. Young eyes as well as a professional mind can better view the more... upsetting... evidence they are withholding."

Agent Stella Rogers, Cynthia's partner, waved her paws. "What we have that isn't in this presentation is nothing gross or upsetting, much is simply voting on pictures. We thought condensing everything down into a couple voting sessions would save time and avoid seeing the same actions multiple times. Come here and view what we have cut out."

Jill and Clara stepped over to the laptop computer and Agent Rogers pressed a few keystrokes. Whatever was displayed on the screen the other rabbits couldn't see, neither could they discern from the reactions of the two lawyers. A few moments later Jill and Clara nodded their heads in agreement and turned towards the elders of the burrow.

"It's the same thing over and over multiple times, only difference is who is being judged. Grandpa... some of these you and grandma know well. I'm not certain it is a good idea to present them as this might cause undue harm."

Opal's reaction was unexpected. "Jill Hopps... a great many of my close relatives have already been among the missing. Judy's last message, although riddled with many inaccuracies, gave enough information that my siblings and close relatives were able to identify them. This video is nothing more than stating what already has happened, therefor wither or not I see it doesn't change their fate. I want to know... if nothing more than have closure."

Albert now held his wife close. "I agree. It'll be painful seeing their fate but at least we will know; it's better than years of questioning what happened."

Agent Walker typed a few keystrokes and then pressed a button. On the big screen the presentation started over this time the whole video played in its entirety. Three female rabbits were shown entering the restaurant followed by three vixens. The scene changed showing a close-up of a table as the six females sat around it, three rabbit bucks pushed chairs underneath their rumps and shortly afterword's left the room, a minute later the Hopps family truck moved past the window. The six females sat with paws folded on their laps, moving only to indicate they were voting. Many times a picture was shown of a different rabbit and many times the females voted. Soon the last fate was decided and the females ate dessert, paid the bill and left the building.

The scene changed now showing the three vixens being waved goodbye by the three rabbit does. Hugs and kisses were given and the two groups went their separate ways, vixens went into town and the female rabbits got into a sedan which soon left town.

The scene changed again to the Hopps Vegetable Stand and the arrival of the three female rabbits. Another sedan pulled up and parked a distance from the stand; a group of mixed-species got out and beckoned the female rabbits over. It was clear from the body movements both groups knew each other and just like the meeting with the vixens something serious was being discussed. Arms animated clearly showed a disagreement and something being argued, how a pack of predators could be swayed by three prey females would keep psychologists busy for years. Moments later paws were shook and a large brown envelope given to the female rabbits, its thickness clearly indicated this was a payment of sorts.

Albert's face was ashen, he indeed recognized most of the rabbits being voted on, those he didn't know he was certain were relatives somewhere off on one of the branches in the family tree. Just as his wife said he was glad to know their fate, perhaps the government was at this moment making an attempt to find and rescue them. As was typical of most males he put forth a face of calm even though rage and other feelings raced underneath his calm exterior. As patriarch of the burrow it rested upon his shoulders to show calm and present an image of purpose, he was thankful his wife was nearby... she faithfully shouldered half of the responsibility running the burrow.

Opal's face was pale, she too noticed many of the rabbits being voted upon, those she didn't most likely were somewhere on the outermost branches of the family tree. It wasn't just the Hopps family tree she was considering; some of these were from her own family tree. Then there was Bonnie's family tree, both her mother's as well as her father's. As a female she was most attuned to which family a specific rabbit came from, maternal lineage was important to trace since litters sired by semi-close relatives could produce sickly kits. Opal sighed, she got more than she bargained for but as she said... knowing their fate was better than years of uncertainty.

Bonnie didn't need to buy a vowel or read minds, it was written plain on their faces. She knew the Hopps elders would take this hard, even her parents recognized some of these were from their family tree. Bonnie had always been able to compartmentalize her feelings, locking different feelings into separate mental boxes allowed her calmly and rationalize whatever was happening around her, comforting a kit that banged its thumb while giving a warning to a disagreement occurring in the next room was a daily even in her burrow. But this was almost too much for her to bear, three of her daughters betrayed the family, even as her mind put this isolated from her other feelings it threatened to break out of its confinement and wash over her.

Bonnie collapsed onto the floor, a phrase escaped from her mouth in a whisper: "They betrayed us."

Stu was a ball of mush, but outwardly he appeared calm. His father had been training him in the art of controlling his emotions, explaining it was necessary to control the burrow since someone had to remain calm and think clearly. When Bonnie collapsed onto the floor he instantly was by her side and holding her against him. Now wasn't the time to be emotional, his wife needed his focus, needed him to bring calm to their kits that now raced to their mother's side.

"Greg, Gary, James, Carl... bring that chair over here, please. Jody, Jane, Cindy... go get your mother something to drink. Jill... give me a paw, please."

Jill and Clara helped Stu lift Bonnie and put her onto the chair the four males brought over. Agent Walker held Bonnie up by her shoulders as Jill, Clara, and Stu guided her body. Agent Golden had went with Jody, Jane, and Cindy now the four of them returned with a pitcher of carrot juice and a table stand.

"Dr. Greenwood says keep her calm and comfortable, he's on his way."

It shouldn't have been a surprise that Agent Rodgers would be the one to call for the Hopps family doctor; she was the computer and communication specialist for the team. It was a surprise just how quickly the ambulance arrived and its coming to a screeching halt just in front of the burrow's main entrance. The elder rabbit doctor got out and walked in through the living room door held open by one of the Hopp's older kits. After making a few checks he confirmed she merely was exhausted and the news simply was too taxing.

"Confirms she's a true mother, I'd be worried if news of her kits misbehaving didn't have this effect. Now make sure she stays off her feet, rest is what she needs."

"Doctor... you have a strange definition of *misbehaving*" Agent Savage muttered.

The elder rabbit *Piffed*. "Agent Rodgers sent a condensed video file of what happened. As much as I could have chosen different words, my primary concern is for the well-being of my current patient. What her daughters did is out of my purview although I may have a personal opinion."

The good doctor left a prescription and a small container of pills he said to be taken according to the directions on the label and then left with the ambulance.

Stu went downstairs to his office and opened a computer program and set the facial recognition program for the three females, if he was disappointed in his daughters it didn't show on his face. He thought about it for a moment before narrowing the search dates from when the GSD's video evidence to this afternoon. He was saddened the cameras at the vegetable stand confirmed his daughters met the group behind the building, what shocked him was they were just outside the room when the GSD was giving their presentation. Unfortunately it showed them leaving the farm in his truck not too many minutes ago. He reset the program to search all dates these three daughters met with any group at the vegetable stand, again he was saddened how many times they met strangers not customers. This was recoded on a thumb drive which he would give to Agent Rodgers before the GSD team left the farm.

---

Rose, Rhonda and René Hopps were sitting on the train as it hurried towards the great city of Zootopia. Gena, Doris and Helen Wilde sat nearby talking with the Hopps sisters about recent developments. Servants of Truth paid them the usual fee for delivering another batch of rabbits that were relatives of the two abominations. Unfortunately the Servants requested stopping further shipments until an undisclosed situation could be resolved. While their usual *contact* didn't reveal it these sisters heard rumors, the most disturbing one was about two rabbits escaping their prison cell. If it were true this meant one of these would come after them, obviously having the training to do so. Thankfully the Hopps elders let the *good news* that although Judy was free she wasn't coming home anytime soon, there was that annoying habit about the young doe trying to make the world... now the caverns... a better place. How quaint of their sister.

The three vixens listened as the three does told how they discovered the elders of their family knew about their scheme. These were about to enter the room where the elder Hopps were watching a video, thankfully their habit of being cautious saved the trio from an embarrassing situation as well as being arrested. Looking through the crack between partially opened doors showed them everything, blowing apart their money-making operation that also cleansed their Family Tree. Worse yet... the mammals giving the briefing named the Wilde vixens as being involved in the scheme. It was no secret the trio of females could never again return home or show their faces anywhere near their stomping grounds.

"Well... it couldn't happen at a worst time" Rose said as she looked out at the scenery passing by.

"I can think of a few." Rhonda glanced toward her sister.

"and when our revenue is cut off." René looked dejected.

"Calm down... we're almost at the stop we can get off. My chosen males' apartment is close by; there we can make a plan what to do next. And for heaven's sake stop talking! Others around might hear you" Gena muttered.

The remainder of the train ride went quietly by, not counting the sound of the rails or mammals nearby talking about this-n-that. If anyone had overheard the six females they didn't appear to be bothered nor concerned. Soon the train stopped and the six females departed, took a Zoober ride to an apartment and knocked on the door. The grey fox that answered didn't appear wanting to help, until after the three vixens each showed him a photo his demeanor changed and allowed them inside.

"Gena, this better be an earth-shattering reason for pulling THAT card! Remember why we ended our relationship? YOU always wanted to wear the pants!"

The vixen reached over and kissed his lips as her arms folded around his shoulders.

"I don't recall any complaints all the times you wanted a tail call. But we're not here for that, at least not until you tell me when Max gets home from work."

A low growl emitted from the male wolfs' throat. "GSD recalled him earlier this morning, why... I don't know and he didn't say. Your todd probably won't be back anytime soon as you well know. So if I were you I'd get settled in for a few days wait. In the meantime I'm sure we can find... something to occupy the time."

Gena smiled sweetly before she boxed his ears then immediately leaped from his paws. She yelped when her tail was grasped and she found her body pulled backwards until her rump was firmly pressed against his loins. He looked at her with a mischievous grin and she looked back at him with a warning look on her face. The other vixens would have reacted but several mammals entered from the next room, these didn't need introductions as their ragged clothes made it clear these belonged to the Dark Paws gang. His paws were busy kneading her hips, her skirt and his trousers providing a protective layer between their loins.

"Eugene, do you mind? This dress isn't for you."

He smiled as she slapped his paw only resulting in him holding her firmly against his loins as his hips swayed slightly side to side. Obviously he was enjoying her struggling as it was highly suggestive and possibly erotic. Briefly he leaned back just enough for his hips to lift her off the floor to enjoy her antics before putting her back on the floor and releasing her. She scampered a safe distance away before turning around and growled a warning.

"Do that again and you'll regret it!"

"Awww Gena... we always do that, you know: you slap me I foil your attempt to get away and hold you as if mating and soon let you go. Maybe next time you throw away that skirt and stop this pretend."

Doris and Helen held their sister back as they gave the wolf evil eyes. Had they known their sister was leading them into a wolf den they would had made certain Gena wore something other than that dress. Confidence lasted just so long against a larger male; even a sharp tongue could hold him at bay only until his confidence overrode his fear or annoyance. But at this moment they needed to address the group that entered the room.

"Jocko... I suppose there's a reason you're here?" Gena was looking at the male warthog as her ears were tuned to the wolf's footsteps if he made any.

"You can't stay here 'cause the authorities know about your activities. We're here to get all of you out... unless you resist, then we have no choice but to eliminate you. After all, Dark Paws helped you thus we are exposed. If it were up to me I'd take all of you someplace nice and quiet for some tail fun, then kill you and get rid of the evidence. But our mutual *friends* want all of you tucked away safe and sound, apparently they think you still are useful."

The three vixens were cautious of these words and held their bunny friends close which earned them an eye roll from the warthog.

"The Servants of Truth were quite specific... all six of you are to be escorted down to their allies lair where your safety can better be assured. Now grab the minimum of clothing and personal effects you'll need for an extended stay 'cause it's too dangerous up here."

---

Maximus couldn't believe what the video was showing him. Displayed were three does and three vixens sitting around a table in a restaurant, photographs one by one placed on the table and the females voted on each, he could read lip hence how he knew. On a separate view screen was shown details from government records about the mammal the photo on the primary screen. He asked for a specific vixen's face to be magnified, his ears drooped when the magnified face confirmed it was indeed his chosen vixen. He didn't need to see the details displayed about her on the other screen: he knew her history, knew about her strong opinions against mixed species dating. His roommate enjoyed provoking her when she refused his hugs; after she slapped him he prevented her escape and held her rump against his loins. Sometimes he wondered if she really did enjoy a large male against her loins, her attempts to get away were half-hearted since she had no difficulty breaking free of his grip when he held her in same position.

"Agent Maximus der Fuchs... the GSD has need to know her whereabouts."

Maximus knew what was left unsaid, what would be spoken should he refuse to give them what he knew. It would be breaking the bond he had with her, but if what was shown was truth then it was her that trespassed on their agreement. Gena Wilde knew what agency he worked for, knew what his job entailed, and knew that although his loyalty placed the greater good of their fellow citizens before her but he would protect her before them. Gena knew that after a prolong separation she would be richly rewarded not only by a serious bedroom romp but pampered like the princess she thought she was. Was her hatred about mixed species dating really worth throwing him away?

"Sir... Her current whereabouts' I don't know. She does make bi-weekly trips to Bunny Burrow to meet *clients*, or so she claimed. Her job often takes her to cities and places far distant, sometimes to other continents. I have never had cause to doubt her word, seems I am mistaken."

Maximus watched the Interrogator; it was more an assumed title than actual since this was being held in a small auditorium than a small room with him chained to a table. The wolf started typing on a keypad and the view screen changed, obviously he was accessing the Zootopia security camera system. One after another different views displaying different views of the great city, slowly these seem to focus on his apartment on the outskirts of Savanah Central. Although the scene kept changing clearly the time of day also changed, finally it stopped and showed Gena exiting his apartment. They watched as she walked out of view, the camera view changed as it kept her in focus as she walked many blocks. She went into a coffee shop and spent nearly an hour, joined shortly by her two sisters that were identified as co-conspirators against mixed species dating.

The trio exited and moments later boarded the train bound for the Tri-Burrows. Maximus was not surprised the wolf was able to access the trains' security cameras thus able to reacquire view of the sisters. Soon they exited and showed the sisters embracing a trio of female bunnies, after a brief moment the six went into the delicatessen where the wolf accessed its security cameras thus again reacquired the six females. The scene fast-forwarded until the females departed, going separate ways. The bunnies got into a sedan and drove out of town, the vixens went what obviously was *window shopping*. The wolf fast-forwarded through time the vixens spent inside each store.

The wolf paused and typed something on the keyboard; the view reversed until looking over one of their shoulders, and then zoomed-in until focused on the zphones' screen held in her paws. Although not as clear as in real life the bunny shown on-screen was one of those the vixens had met earlier. A few more typing on the keyboard and a pop-up box at bottom of the screen appeared; words scrolled right-to-left obviously displaying what was being said. According to the words the speaker claimed their cover was blown and wanted to meet the vixens soon as possible, to plan escape and what they would do next. Whatever the vixen said pleased the bunny and the zphones' screen turned off.

Maximus' training kept him focused on one important detail... the date-time stamp on each camera accessed. The current view was a few hours ago thus it was obvious if they kept following the six females soon their current position would be known. The wolf kept accessing different cameras following the vixens, finally showing the old truck making a high-speed turn and hard-braking before coming to a stop in one of the parking spaces at the train station. Three does carried two large suitcases and a backpack; obviously they packed to stay somewhere for an extended amount of time. The six females went up to the ticket booth and afterwards boarded the train that arrived remarkably same time they entered the train station. When the train departed the wolf once again accessed the security camera and watched until the females exited.

Maximus noticed this station was not the one close to his apartment; this one was a couple closer to Downtown. The females went to a motel and into one of the rooms, when they left it became obvious this was only a temporary stay. Maximus noticed the date-time was only an hour ago, moments later after a Zuber ride-share they arrived at his apartment and went inside.

The wolf paused the screen, and then picked up a phone handset, spoke an alpha-numeric code then hung up. It was obvious Higher Authority would now send a team to his apartment; break down the entrance door if necessary to apprehend the six females. Maximus looked at the date-time stamp again and gasped, the six females had been at his apartment only for a few minutes. If the GSD teams acted quickly they could be there within minutes, if they acted quickly the whole ordeal would end today and he could return to his duties. He asked the wolf to resume the screen and was pleased he did as requested; now both resumed watching. Maximus felt as if he was sitting on pins and needles, it would be all for naught if the females departed before the team arrived.

It seemed in record time several mammals dressed in tactical gear swarmed the building, entering through as many doors as possible. Maximus looked at as many points his training said could be a possible escape point, somewhat relieved he could not see a mammal trying to make a break for it. Something didn't seem right so he asked the wolf to send a technician to inspect a camera in which the shadows didn't change. At this time of day he knew at that street corner the shadows from nearby trees made a different pattern upon the sidewalk. He waited impatiently hoping the knot in his stomach was only jitters, unfortunately the twisting of the camera's viewpoint told him what he suspected.

The world fell away now showing multiple mammals looking up towards the camera and shaking their heads in obvious disbelief. A lens cap had been placed on the camera, a miniature display screen showed a scene time-looped making it appear as if nothing out of the ordinary was occurring. It didn't take rocket science to know whoever did this worked on behalf of the six females, since the mammals making motions of disbelief were most of the GSD team that entered the building.

Maximus asked the wolf to access a series of cameras, having each fast-forward from a couple hours ago until the current time. He wasn't surprised the shadows remained the same, and when the technician checked each camera the same world-twisting view was shown. The wolf pressed a paw to his earpiece, nodded his head and then turned his attention to the fox.

"You've been cleared to resume your normal duties. It has become obvious experienced elements of a criminal nature are involved. Be prepared for further questioning."

Maximus left the room and headed to the small flower garden outside in an enclosed area where agents could relax. He was anything but relaxed, whoever was helping his once-chosen vixen had studied him carefully. Technicians would be studying the lens caps, mostly to determine when these were placed. He theorized it had been days if not weeks ago, the scene carefully recorded so it could be used when needed, like covering the escape of six females.

He went back inside; if this was a ruse he would be met by a security team and promptly arrested. Even making it back to his desk didn't mean he was safe; he could be arrested at any time from now until bedtime... even during the night. He decided to close a few cases before his authorization to access government computer files were revoked. Hours later he shut down his computer, clocked out from work, and drove to Antonio's Italian Dinner for supper. Afterwards he called a friend and when the Arctic vixen arrived he explained why he couldn't go back to his apartment.

Instead of taking him to the motel he requested she took him to her apartment. She made it clear he would be staying here for as long as necessary and as he went to her bedroom preparing to take a shower she went into the bathroom prepare it. When he entered it was clear she had an ulterior motive, so he called-in to the night watch informing them he wouldn't be at work the next morning since he had a doctor's appointment. She pushed her muzzle against his cheek when he started rubbing fur shampoo on her body, it was obvious Gena's scent was weak thus by vulpine societal rules he was fair game to be marked thus claimed. His paws were pushing soap lather along her curves as she pushed her matriarchal scent into his fur, when satisfied she would allow him to push his mark into her fur. Afterwards they could enjoy the rekindling of their previous relationship perhaps with a new understanding what separated them in the first place was simple immaturity.

She once pushed away the best mammal her friends once said was a mistake, now she had to encourage him to stay forever. She had an idea and hoped it will work.

---

The six females blinked. Go down there? Is the warthog crazy?

"I didn't stutter... up here your life expectancy is practically nil. The Tundratown boss has his minions looking for you; the authorities of Zootopia have everything they control looking for you. Neither the Hopps nor Wilde relatives want a thing to do with any of you; in fact they're actively looking for you to claim the reward. Face it ladies... the Servants of Truth can't protect you. Our allies down below have graciously decided to hide you for a while."

The Dark Paws gathered with the warthog and left, leaving the six females with a weasel.

Rose, Rhonda and René Hopps and Gena, Doris and Helen Wilde reluctantly accepted his advice and prepared their travel bags; they were annoyed when he vetoed the dozen suitcases and bags they prepared. They huffed when he told them there was no one that would be carrying their belongings, only what they could carry themselves would be brought down. He gave them a bare-bones list of items he thought they needed, basically one-change of clothes for one week, pair of undergarments each day for two weeks, pajamas and shower robe. Panty hose and sexy garments wouldn't be needed down there since nobody had such things, same thing with makeup except they could bring what was already in their purses.

When they got down to the cavern they were met by a dark priestess.

"Welcome to your new life here among us. We have agreed to harbor you for a short amount of time. Beware... the cozy life you once knew is suspended temporarily, down here you will obey what is told of you *if* you wish to remain hidden for the Zootopian authorities. Our agreement with our allies, the Servants of Truth, does not include providing meals for you. Therefore I strongly suggest being nice to this weasel, he very well may be your only means to a meal. Don't expect it to be what you're used to; he isn't obligated to tend to your needs unless there's profit to motivate him. Otherwise... may I suggest put away your pride and become barmaids?"

The six females were puzzled at these words as the priestess led them and the weasel along twisting pathways and dark alleys until she came to a doorway. The mammal that answered said a phrase, she must have answered correctly because the door opened and the six Zootopian refugees were hurried inside. If the six thought things couldn't get any more rough they now stared at the room full of males, every mammal turned around almost in unison as if a spark hit them. The room went quiet as it became obvious there were no females in the room not counting the newcomers.

"That one is mine!"

"The one with long legs belongs to me!"

"She waved her rump towards me! No... It was towards me! Get your eyes off my vixen!"

This went on as many males placed ownership on one of the females, some tried to reach out and touch them stopping only when the priestess looked directly into his eyes. The howl of pain hurt ears and the six newcomers pressed paws against their heads and watched as the male writhed in pain upon the floor. The weasel whispered something to the six causing them to look horrified at him.

"He tells the truth. Down here females are auctioned off to any male able to prove he can provide for her litters. As you can see this is a saloon, our opinion this is the last place the Zootopian authorities will look for you which makes it the safest. Being hidden among love-starved males that can claim any of you as his bride is the most effective means of ensuring each of you behave as we dictate. You will be provided security from them as well as from those seeking you... if you make yourselves useful and don't give us cause to throw you to the wolves. As you can see they now have a reason to... behave... and compete for your loins. Don't flag your tail: down here it means offering yourself in marriage to him."

The priestess led them into the room. It was surprisingly spacious with six beds in the back room; bathroom had a counter with two sinks, a shower, a full-size fur drier and two toilets inside separate stalls. The front room was half living room and half kitchen, the kitchen being the larger of the two because as the priestess said *a female's place is in the kitchen... unless she is being stoned to death*. To emphasize this point she opened the cupboards and larder, these was stuffed with things to make meals from scratch. If the priestess was annoyed at the horrified expression on these female's faces she was a master at hiding her reaction.

"Since you are not citizens of the caverns our government will not provide services or benefits. The Servants of Truth therefore were obligated to provide your first month of subsistence allowance so you will not starve, unless none of you know how to cook. These are enough to feed the six of you for one month. Only meat you will find is powdered eggs, as you can see there is no refrigerator therefore no fresh meat. For a price I'm certain the weasel will gladly solve this for you... the fresh meat as well."

After the priestess left the room the six friends sat down wearily.

"Finally noticed it... didn't you?" the weasel said with a wry grin. Blank stares looked back at him which gave him pleasure.

"Judging by your blank expressions it is clear none of you know a thing about a dark priest. Consider this the first item on your tab; we'll discuss payment at a later date. Alright, your first clue she isn't normal flesh and blood was what she did to that wolf. Dark priests can drain your life essence as easily as they can focus energy, the wolf demonstrated this."

Gena weakly waved a paw. "Are you telling us these... priests... are some kind of vampire?"

He nodded. "Yes... and no. Exactly what they are is up to debate, what is known they aren't flesh and blood like you and me. Why anyone would desire to become a dark priest I can't understand, but they do. They live for centuries, what sustains them is up to speculation; we know being in their presence makes one grossly tired therefore it stands to reason they need living bodies for some unknown reason."

"Why are you not affected?" Doris asked as she looked at the weasel, her gaze making it clear her annoyance.

His wry grin was annoying as much as his lack of empathy. "And reveal my secret? You will have to earn that. But for now she will not return as her duties require her presence elsewhere, when she returns most likely will be next week. In the meantime my duty is to settle you into your new home and into your new duties."

Rose waved a paw wearily. "What is this she mentioned, something about a barmaid?"

There it was again, that wry smile. "Isn't it obvious? There isn't cable Tv down here nor is there a movie theater much less a video store. The Servants of Truth decided the best way to keep all of you occupied was to have you perform some kind of work. This would not only give you something to do but also repay the Servants for the expenses of these supplies. Besides... it also gives these gentle-mammals something pleasurable to view and fondle. Warning... it is customary down here to allow a male hold your paw or place his upon your rump. Slapping these only encourages them; your only justifiable action is to move away, if they follow the barkeep is allowed to use his weapon. May I suggest sucking up your pride and endure the paw? Oh there is one thing that is forbidden: paws are not allowed inside your underwear or bra, if you don't resist then it is considered you gave him permission."

Before more questions could be asked a pair of middle age wolves entered and introduced themselves as the barkeep and madam, they were married and this saloon and these rooms were their home. Harold was the husband and Harriet his wife. The vixen made it clear she was in charge of these Zootopian refugees and she would be training them how to perform the duties as waitresses or barmaid, either word didn't matter to her since taking a customer's order was basically the same. Over the next few minutes she had her husband sit in a chair and act like a customer, his ogling was convincing as was his paw moving over a female's rump regardless if bunny or vixen. It became apparent the elder vixen's allowed him only so much, her paw slapping his made it clear where the boundary line was.

Soon Harriet must have been satisfied and opened the front door, several females entered carrying boxes. They opened them and pulled out the clothing that was freshly pressed then laid these on the beds in an orderly fashion, their style made it clear exactly what these were and what their purpose was: barmaid uniforms. Harold and the weasel was ushered out of the room before Harriet turned around and ordered the Zootopians to strip naked, if necessary it would be done for them but their current clothing would be ruined. A moment later the group of workers helped each Zootopian get dressed; adjusting the low-cut dress so more fur was exposed in the opening. Only one article of clothing was missing and it needed an explanation.

"Once I'm satisfied you know how to perform your duties each of you may wear your undergarments. Nothing encourages a female to quickly learn and properly perform her duties quite like the potential for a male forcing himself upon her exposed loins. This evening you will learn how to extract yourselves properly without hurting the customer. Any male that goes beyond putting his paws gently upon you will result in deadly force... learn how to dunk."

The remainder of the evening saw the six Zootopians working as barmaids, slaps testified to how lively the saloon became. This evening it was packed, obviously news of new females had been hired drew males like honey for bears. The Zootopians learned that sitting crosswise on laps was the best method of limiting number of paws upon her hips, changing laps encouraged males to wait his turn as the *barmaid* allowed his paws to roam as she took his order. By the end of closing hour the new barmaids were exhausted but quite happy. Unfortunately they learned their duties included cleaning the floor and furniture, something the Hopps sisters knew since this was part of the Rules of the Burrow, but for the Wide sisters this was something new. With help and encouragement from their bunny friends they performed marginally but at least kept their disgust somewhat hidden.

"An excellent effort for your first day. You learn quickly... therefore tomorrow all of you will be allowed to wear underwear; don't be surprised if paws try to go under the waistband. I suggest continue sitting on his lap, but warn him remove them if he wishes to continue living. Remember Harold's signal: give him time to grab the weapon before you attempt to pull away."

The elder wolves opened a closet; the interior of the closet pivoted thus revealing it was a false room and revealed a door slightly further inside.

"Yes, this is our true home. Don't attempt to enter as this is prohibited and we will not hesitate to kill anyone entering. I'm certain back in your world your bedroom is similarly private and considered *no go* zone. Respect our wishes and someday we may allow you to visit. If I discover Harold has brought any of you inside without my permission, both will die. If I discover he has sneaked out and bedded one of you... both will die. I trust I made myself clear?"

She only received annoyed nods of heads as the new barmaids begrudgingly acknowledged her words. Everyone went to their beds and turned out the lights. The vixens smiled wryly: their night vision showed them the Hopps sisters were on one bed huddled together, typical rabbit behavior. But still it had merit and soon the Wilde sisters mimicked them and were sound asleep, two beds moved together and three blankets covering them.

---

General Puller listened attentively to the commander of the expeditionary force, asking few but pointed questions to get the necessary information quickly. Grand Technician Beverton was participating via video link, mostly listening to the information of the aftermath of the droid's destruction at the beachhead in the underwater cave. If he was pleased at the automatic safeties preventing a full-scale explosion it couldn't be noticed, his mind must be devising the removal and necessary repairs. Somehow the Servants of Truth had either *tuned* one of their junior technicians or inserted one of their own. The sabotage of the caterpillar battle droid certainly gave away their surprise that was meant to drive deep into the cavern before the main invasion began. Thankfully the remainder of the droids was unscathed and now headed deep into the cavern tunnels. Ready or not their forces must travel as far inside enemy territory to create as large of a buffer zone before the much larger force of the Dark Underground repulsed them... even with two honey badgers that were priests.

"Sir... we've managed to get as far as the outskirts of what we call the underground border of the Tri Burrows. There we were stopped, but the droids are chewing through the enemy at a slow but steady pace. Unfortunately their tunneler droids lay pit traps... our soldiers pass over the rock layer but our droids break through thus become unable to back out."

Grand Technician Beverton scratched his chin.

"That's something one of my underlings feared and devised a solution. Pull a pawful of the droids back and meet him back at the beachhead. There we'll adapt these with his counter-void technology. In the meanwhile I'm afraid a select few will have to perform these duties in harms way... using this."

The item was composed of a long pole with a flat circular plate at a slight angle, these connected to a backpack worn by a soldier. General Rommel smiled.

"Borrowed something from our last Great War to end all wars, eh?"

The elder beaver raised an eyebrow.

"Perhaps. This device is something we once used in ancient days to determine if a rock layer was suitable for building large facilities upon. Certain types of rock are softer than others thus unsuitable to hold weight, thus this must be removed to reach the more durable rock underneath. We are using old technology to determine if a void exists, thus avoid them. Meanwhile we have finished making a smaller version of our rock chewing machines, as you Zootopians so ineloquently call them. These we'll use to excavate our droids and then can use them to fill-in the voids as we find them. Unfortunately... we had to make compromises. These are poorly shielded just like their caterpillar counterparts. You'll have to protect them as they work."

The general scratched his chin. Murphy's Laws always mucked things up in a combat situation. The enemy rarely was as unskilled as the Keystone Cops, making them as unpredictable and deadly as his own forces. Nobody thought about possibility of the battle droids getting trapped in something akin to a n old fashion tank trap; if they did most likely the weapons would have been put on arms that could fire over the droid, but what's done is history and the battle has been started thus no time to return the droids for modifications. It would take too long to transport them back to the Valley of the Oracles, modify them, and then transport back here. He needed a quick temporary fix that in the short term would keep the battle from pushing them back into the ocean.

"Commander, bury the droids. When our forces have pushed ahead far enough unbury them and rig up a frame that we can use to raise them out, dismantle the bulwark if you have to. Try using one of the droids held back at the beachhead attempt to pull it out, use two if need be. Meanwhile have someone keep an ear towards the ground, if the enemy tries tunneling underneath our droids move them quickly. Dig out our trapped droids best you can until these diggers get there. One more thing... would someone kindly ask the two priests to call their superior? She's asked more than once about their physical condition and the governor is asking as well."

The expeditionary commander nodded. "I'll have your order forwarded immediately."

Salutes were rendered and the general and his aides boarded the small submarine when the hatch was secured it departed. The expeditionary commander watched momentarily as one of his aides went into a nearby tent to relay the order, as was military custom he would wait until a reply was received. He would also ensure both had talked to each other before leaving to report back to the expeditionary commander. Troops departed in specially-designed carriers using fuel cell technology towards the front line, followed by several caterpillar droids.

---

Three priests that made up the Triad Council listened patiently as the technician theorized what the strange vibration was that reverberated through the caverns. Grand Tracker Magnus Strongpaw sat with his small team he brought along to answer questions. Whatever caused it wasn't natural because several of their power plants were forced offline when the safeties were triggered. If he was surprised by the lack of concern from the three high priests he didn't show it, word got to his ears they had done something they called *scrying* and succeeded in contacting their nemesis.

A messenger rushed into the room and stopped next to the elder wolf, placed a folded paper on table next to him, and then rushed out of the room. He picked it up and read it, then reread it before putting it down. He remained silent for a few moments before one of the undead loudly cleared its throat, a signal it was getting impatient.

"One of our patrols ran into the Zootopians, they were coming up the tunnel that leads to Lover's Leap, a traditional spot for committing suicide when they are denied permission to marry. This as you know has brackish water which proves it opens into the ocean."

"So the Zootopians were caught where we least expected them. Pity... we'll push them back into the ocean" High Priestess Greta muttered.

The grand tracker raised a paw. "There's more. While the patrol succeeded in slowing down their advance it was smart enough to raise the alarm and retreat. Our security has been heading there in irregular numbers; meanwhile one of our tunnel boring machines dug a trap under the path. This succeeded in stopping their machines which in turn caused their advance to come to a halt. This gave us enough time to form a blockade. One of our machines attempted to come out of a wall and run over their soldiers, but it was destroyed by two priests hurling purple bolts. We are waiting until our priests reach the blockade before we start to repulse them."

"So they not only brought one of their priests but those damnable machines" High Priest Billie muttered.

"Two honey badgers" the grand tracker muttered.

Now realization spread across the priest's faces. This explained how their scrying so easily contacted the two badgers... they were so close! But this wasn't their only setback; recently the Dark Underground was driven out of an ancient computer complex by the newly reestablished oracle council. These were backed up by machines resistant to her priest's plasma bolts but quickly killed any dark priest that attempted to fight it, the bolts were deflected by an invisible barrier but its own weapons easily killed her priests. It was bad enough to lose such a valuable find but now these damnable machines were deep inside the caverns, as was the oracle priests. Correction... two honey badgers. It was proven how deadly and effective a badger could fight, combined with the arcane and priest's abilities it became nearly unstoppable. Ancient manuscripts told how a singular badger purified the ancient watering hole that became the great city of Zootopia, with two badgers fighting together in close quarters they would certainly be unstoppable... unless carefully diverted to a place where a concentrated attack could be arranged.

Or perhaps the tunnel collapsed. In ancient times a careless operator drilled into an aquifer resulting in severe flooding that put much of the deepest parts of the caverns under water. If not for the quick action to close doors that segregated and sealed sections of the cavern from that which had been flooded their whole society would have drowned. It took months of learning how to reform rock that resealed the aquifer, giving the technicians valuable skills in identifying types of rock strata and most importantly how to scan through rock to identify if an aquifer lay beyond. Now this knowledge could be used to open the tunnel to the sea, it would effectively halt the invasion... at least here.

Sentries reported the Zootopians were starting their invasion from many of the topside access chutes. It didn't take rocket science to know they were doing this as a diversion, a method to draw away many defenders from the surprise beachhead. Word from their ally, the Servants of Truth, told him they had a mole at the beachhead and this mammal sacrificed himself in order to upset their preparations. Too bad it wasn't much earlier because the beachhead already had a sizeable force, but at least its sacrifice forced the Zootopians to begin their attack before completely prepared.

The meeting ended with the Triad Council agreeing to begin the counter attack now. Neither side, the Zootopians or the Dark Underground, was prepared for the battle now joined. But Fate favored the side willing to use more force against the opponent, and these priests certainly didn't quibble about restraining the use of force. The Zootopians may have machines that were an effective counter to these priests, but the Trackers had secrets up their sleeves. The Zootopians wouldn't attack without having traitors assisting them, the so-called Resistance. Grand Tracker Magnus Strongpaw grinned; he had been feeding them misinformation that would be manipulable at a time of his choosing. Now he could use this to herd the Topsiders into killing zones. War was hell, and Fate favored the prepared.

He departed to put his plans into action.

---

Rose, Rhonda and René Hopps were scrambling through the passageway. They barely escaped the numerous males that rushed into the room that they shared with their vixen friends. Helen's bad habit of teasing the males finally backfired, now the three vixens were overwhelmed. Last thing the Hopps sisters saw of Gena, Doris and Helen Wilde was each being assaulted by several males. If anyone claimed an orgy was organized and males waited their turn obviously such mammal never witnessed one in real life. Males large and small battled each other to the death in hopes to claim many of the females. The Hopps sisters escaped only because a few predators decided to kill the bucks that were groping and forcibly removing their clothes.

Rose stopped and sat down. "I told her NOT to do that again! Did she listen? *smirk* No... Now they all are paying the price for her boredom. Hope it was worth it."

Rhonda sat beside her. "We gotta go back, I hope when it's over we still have friends alive."

René sat beside Rhonda. "History doesn't favor it. If one male knots any one of them it'll set off a killing spree. Males tend to shred both bodies because lust demands removing the penis to gain access to her loins and as you know the smell of blood itself sets off a killing spree."

The other two sisters looked at her.

"Thanks for that optimistic evaluation" Rose said sarcastically.

"Yeah... it's gonna take months to get THAT image out of my mind" Rhonda echoed.

Rhonda gently rubbed her loin, obviously sore from the wolf that succeeded in getting what he wanted. It was unwanted and after the deed was done she finally understood why her sister Judy shunned bucks, technically they shunned her first so perhaps it wasn't a great loss. There was an old saying: once you experienced it, it's difficult to go back. Now she was faced with a choice: go through withdrawal until the memory was quashed or enjoy this with smaller predator specie, like one of Gena's brothers. Either decision meant going through the Walk of Shame if she sought one, or going to one of those addiction help groups.

A sound from around the corner brought the sister's ears fully upright and pointed towards the source of the sound. They blew a sigh of relief when the weasel that led them down here came from around the corner followed by the dark priestess who greeted them when they arrived. It didn't take rocket science to know these were disappointed to find the sisters away from the saloon that had been reserved for their protection. If she was disappointed one would be hard to find evidence, but the weasel made no attempt to hide his displeasure.

"Why are you breaking our agreement? Isn't it obvious just how dangerous life is down here in the caverns?"

René glared at the weasel, making no attempt to hide her anger. "Use that noodle resting between your ears... try to think of something that just might force us out of that room! I'll give you a hint... aroused males."

The priestess merely shook her head. "You were warned. Word of your friend's teasing reached my ears hence why I'm here. But what's done cannot be undone, I could intervene but that would stop the lesson they are being taught. We'll enter when the dust settles."

The priestess forced the sisters to return to the saloon's front door and wait outside as she entered, the weasel preventing them from running away. It seemed like hours but their wristwatches showed only minutes went by. Finally her voice beckoned them inside, the scene waiting was what the sisters hoped wouldn't be true but their minds weren't surprised. Bodies lay everywhere and blood splattered on every surface, throats slashed open as was legs and other body parts. Limbs lay thrown hither and yon, testifying to the fierceness as male fought to overcome male. It would have been horrifying enough if only males suffered dismemberment.

Helen's body lay underneath a wolf, her position proved she died knotted thus unable to pull away from the larger male. His throat was torn open and her belly was slashed open and her innards sprawled on the floor, proof a male tried to remove the wolf so he could relieve his loins, these bodies remained knotted proved the killer had been pulled away before he could accomplish his deed. Let it be said males in lust rarely thought rationally.

Gena's body was over in a corner surrounded by several dead males, her last stance ended by two large males pulling as if she were the rope in a Tug-of-War match. Her eyes red and swollen tongue told everyone she had been strangled to death nevertheless the males still vied for her loins. Their own deaths were from gunshot wounds, Harold the barkeep's body found behind the bar with his throat torn out.

Doris's body was found in the hidden room next to Harriet, the madam responsible for training them and ensuring they behaved. The closet hallway was littered with bodies and the hidden door was broken opened, the only evidence any was inside was the position of the female bodies. The color of skin, eyes, and frothing from the mouths clearly indicated cyanide poisoning; clearly death was preferable to rape and desecrating a corps was clearly done by males.

Before leaving the saloon the Hopps sisters closed the eyes of their friends, leaving the remainder open for medics to close.

Perhaps it was an insult for the weasel to demand payment for services rendered, the sisters suspected the tab had been padded with unnecessary expenses but a warning from the priestess convinced them to call their bank and transfer payment to his account. They almost suffered a killing blow from the priestess when they scoffed at making another payment to an account specified by the priestess; this payment almost drained their account.

"What is it worth to be rich if you're dead? Don't worry my lovelies; I have plans to assist you in recuperating your loss. Follow me... if you want to live to escape."

The priestess led them through winding streets, the rushing of citizenry was out of the ordinary, testifying to something highly unusual occurring. Dark priests went by wearing thick leather pads outside their normal garb, an unusual act that begged explanation.

"They are going to battle the Zootopians who as we speak have begun their invasion. The leather allows them more physical protection than their cloth-based clothing, something I'm sure we can agree with. Keep up with me; we must pick up the pace if we are to avoid the battle zone. Fail to keep up and I'm forced to leave you behind to fend for yourselves."

The three sisters kept up for quite a while, but no living thing has the endurance of an undead thus soon they were alone. Wither the priestess planned this or she was ordered to reinforce someplace was up for speculation; at least they were deep inside the caverns thus far away from the invading Zootopians. This area seemed devoid of anything living, the nearby shops empty and doors left open, it was as if the occupants feared the invaders more than thieves. It was an unusual sight with three females walking unescorted, especially prey and bunnies in particular. Citizens were hurriedly making their way in the opposite direction, as they passed the young females casually heading towards danger they gave warnings of intruders coming this way from Lover's Leap.

It was bound to happen; a group of Trackers stumbled upon these three females that were heading in same direction as they were. Why they didn't arrest them was a mystery, perhaps they were needed elsewhere, perhaps they decided to travel with the young females until their paths separated. Besides it was pleasurable having attractive females to ogle was a bonus... until they turned around a corner.

Waiting at the bend of the tunnel were two rabbits. One whose body looked like it went through a meat grinder but was dressed in a black body-hugging suit, the other in a loose jacket with a ZPD sergeant's uniform barely hidden underneath. Rose, Rhonda and René Hopps stopped dead in their tracks. These were the last bunnies these sisters expected to see down here, not that they didn't already know their sister was already down here in the caverns, escaped from her captors and hidden somewhere.

Judy and Kimberly were out walking the streets trying to identify safe places to bring citizens so they would be out of the line of fire when the Zootopian army reached this area. They were coming out of an alleyway when the other group came from around a corner in the street a few yards away. It was too late to avoid detection as several paws pointed in their direction; nevertheless they dashed back into the alley and ran as fast as they could. For several minutes it was a foot race as both groups attempted to outmaneuver the other, but Fate determined the chase should end in a sense of irony.

At the end of the path was a steep drop into a seeming bottomless void. If their wrist-mounted computers didn't beep a warning both rabbits would have ran off the cliff's edge. They didn't have time to contemplate their good fortune; the other group arrived and stood a few yards away, obviously blocking the path of retreat. No sooner than she turned around than the identities of who was who became obvious. One couldn't blame Judy for becoming callous if she chose to.

"Well well... look what we have here. Miss *make the world a better place* and her cohort... or perhaps better described as *what came out of a meat grinder*."

Kimberly responded with a simple *flipping the bird*, if she thought about doing anything else obviously the presence of trackers shelved it. Judy's training from Camp Billie kicked-in, now was not the time to provoke them considering they were barely healed, at least enough to be mobile, and these mammals had the advantage. Her eye's peripheral vision was focused on where she could move once the fight began; it was obvious these weren't going to allow them to go on their merry way. As far as her vision could tell, without moving her head which would be a dead giveaway that she was preparing to fight, the opponents were properly spread out thus effectively react no matter which direction she turned.

"Looks like we've recovered the escapees, now get your paws above your head and on your knees. Failure to do either and we will be forced to do it for you."

Judy spat on the ground and pointed her paw towards her sisters.

"I don't think that's an option, not since these three raised paws against their blood. I'm an officer of the law and what these did I'm obligated to take them into custody, what they did doesn't deserve jail time but I have no other option."

Howls of laughter rang through the cavern, when it stopped Rose answered snidely.

"The abomination doesn't realize *she* isn't holding the upper paw here... we are. So... dear sister... know your proper place in our hierarchy and obey. Otherwise we'll have to do things the hard way... but you're used to doing things that way, aren't you? Just can't use your brain and use subterfuge to get bucks do your will. Who cares if they think they own you? We females always have subterfuge to get males do whatever we want, they go along thinking we're dumb and weak so long as it results them getting a tail call. Males... easily swayed and slaves to their lust. Perfect leverage we always used against them without being any the wiser."

Judy shook her head. "Still relying on using lies and deceit to get your way. So be it. Perhaps that's why you three go through males like there's no tomorrow. But grandma saw through it, and tried counsel you three in the error of your ways. That's why she had that bruise on her cheek, isn't it? One of you three slapped her hard, slapped your own grandmother! But you didn't have the bravery to do it to Elizabeth, did you? That grandmother would have hauled the three of you before the council, and I would have been forbidden to be on the court. Wouldn't that have been quite the irony? Me being one of many sitting in judgement of your actions"

Wither she intended it or not her words caused the sisters to become angered. Rose was the first to lash out, slapping Judy just as she did to Opal. Judy's head turned hard to the side, seemingly as if it were going to spin unnaturally around which caused her body became off-balance and land on the cavern floor. Rhonda kicked her sister when Rose's slap caused Judy's imbalance, this forced Judy to fall off to one side. René waited until Judy struggled to get up, and then kicked towards the belly hard as she could.

Kimberly had troubles of her own. Thankfully the three sisters stopped their attack as sudden as it started, had they continued she knew going to Judy's aid would only serve to concentrate the fight. Three against one was unfair, so too would the group of trackers if they joined the fight. Since Judy had training in how to fight against multiple opponents thus could hold her own, Kimberly had to spread the field of battle so both could fight their nemeses' with adequate room to maneuver. She was unarmed and these trackers had weapons, it was imperative to make the fight a bit more equal.

Kimberly looked at her fellow Trackers and said a simple phrase. "I declare rights of Kametka!"

Judy didn't understand what she said; it was said in a language she didn't understand. Unfortunately there wasn't time to ask for an explanation, clearly the other group understood. The trackers placed their weapons in a bag and activated the locking mechanism. Damn... now these would be unavailable for either side, except for the length of rope. On one end was fashioned a hangman's noose, it didn't take rocket science to know what this was going to be used for, now the trackers started to encircle Kimberly who while the weapons were being put in storage had moved away far enough for the room she needed to begin the ritual battle but not too far as to be outside the invisible ring in which the fight were to be fought. The bag marked the outer limit of this circle, Kimberly marked the other limit and this meant the cliff also marked the limit of the fight. Unfortunately one of the trackers remained armed and had positioned himself at the entrance of the tunnel, thus he was the remaining limit of the fight.

Judy rolled around until she could position herself and make a leg sweep, catching and knocking one sister off her feet and then rolling again to get to a new spot. In her roll she knocked another sister down and managed to run a short distance away before being grabbed from behind. A kick downward along the shin caused enough disorientation for her to break the hold and spin the opponent. It was not enough; René grabbed Judy's arm and now both were attempting to spin the other, trying to fling the opponent to the floor. A sudden stop and inhale of breath ended the struggle; it also caused the guardian tracker to force Judy back towards the others. Judy only had enough time to verify René was now out of the fight, her mind forcing the scene from her conscious less it interfere with her focus which was badly needed now that Rose and Rhonda was back on their feet.

Kimberly was dodging paws and thrusting back in paw-to-paw combat. She managed to fling one of her opponents towards Judy's fight which quite possibly helped knock two off their feet, at least it prevented the three sisters from attacking all at once which certainly would have ended Judy's fight quickly thus put three additional opponents against her. Unfortunately the motion she used to fling the tracker towards Judy meant she was exposed, her opponents took advantage. She felt the noose land over her head and quickly pulled rearward, the loose knot allowed the rope to quickly tighten around her neck which the remaining trackers pulled hard as they could. She struggled to hold onto the knot trying to prevent complete cutoff of air as she felt her body being drug backwards on her back. She barely recognized the metal frame used to hang a body off the floor; obviously this was unpacked before they sealed the bag. She once used this tactic to immobilize a subject during questioning; she also saw it be used as a method to hold a body before a traitor was executed. It didn't take rocket science to know she was about to die.

"Should we pause and help the others or get this over with?" one of the trackers mumbled.

"Let's get this over but not too quickly. After all, one of our own has betrayed us and this deserves a special kind of punishment only we know how to deliver."

"Agreed. It was sure luck the abomination ended her fight so quickly, no thanks to this traitor knocking two down. Now the others are back on their feet and have regained the advantage. Two against one are still good odds. We should immobilize this before we sit down and watch the fight. Any bets?"

The tracker that had been flung rejoined the group and helped pull the traitor onto the framework just enough so she was forced to stand up on her footpads if she wanted to breathe, otherwise the rope was taut enough to strangle if one stood normal posture. When they were done they stood and observed the traitor, apparently confident it was immobilized enough that tying its paws was unnecessary. They were males and having a female that surly would be dead in moments seemed too good an opportunity to pass up. They removed her clothes and made snide remarks at her missing body parts, the fuzzy hairs covering small mounds indicated these parts were growing back. Neither of them saw the group of bunnies slam against them, causing them to fall against the metal framework and knocked it over thus freeing the traitor.

Judy was busy dodging paws and kicking legs, barely noticing the tracker that rejoined his group. Her fight was quite literally moving all over the place, forced back towards the cliff when they got too close the tracker acting as guardian. But Rhonda managed to grasp her arm and Judy tried the trick of spinning her opponent, unfortunately this time it didn't work. She must have been psychic because she dunked down quickly in time to watch Rose sail over her, landing against the group of trackers. Rose's movement caused Rhonda to loosen her grip and attempt to dodge Rose's body; this was the opportunity Judy needed. She now firmly grasped Rhonda's arm as she twisted around and attempted the spinning maneuver, pleased this time it worked. A moment later she released and after coming to a halt looked at result of her effort. It was not what she expected.

Kimberly felt the noose suddenly release and collapsed on the ground, before she had enough time to recover she felt herself being drug again. Voices told her those attempting to do more than punish her now were yelling at others, her vision was fuzzy but it seemed the trackers were helping a bunny get back up onto her feet. Neither saw another body coming towards them until it landed against the bunny they were helping. A scream announced someone was injured but nobody had enough time to comprehend who and what happened. Several trackers found themselves sliding over the edge of the cliff; the rope was long enough and happened to follow these towards the cliff. Kimberly didn't have time to get the noose off her neck, a body slammed against hers sending both over the cliff's edge.

Judy regained her footing and stood up, now able to have enough time to look around and see who-was-where. René's body was lying near the guardian tracker, impaled by a spear that now protruded out of her chest. Why the tracker didn't move out of the way she couldn't care less, she could only conclude he was going to kill either one of them. She looked around to find her other sisters, forcing her mind to focus on those that meant to kill her. Rhonda didn't move, her body lying against a pile of metal told her this sister wouldn't be bothering her again. She looked over towards the cliff just in time to see Kimberly's body sliding over the edge, the other end of the rope following a tracker who obviously was sliding over the edge of the cliff. Movement from corner of her eye forced her to dunk, this time Rose didn't fly over her body.

"Nice move abomination, but I'll not fall for that same trick again. Time for you to die."

Judy didn't respond, training up at Camp Billie taught her this drained mental focus thus should be reserved for coordinating movement with her fellow officers. Rose on the other paw kept talking obviously confident in her movements since they forced Judy into a defensive posture time and again, Judy's remaining quiet now appeared to be getting under the sister's fur. Both were dodging or pairing the other's attacks, this also having an effect on her.

"Nothing to say, abomination? How quaint."

Judy remained quiet, not counting the grunts made as she parried attacks or made her own. Their fight drew them near the pile of metal that once held Kimberly; both sisters had the same idea as they each grabbed a piece of metal bars. By now both were nearing exhaustion even with adrenalin that was flowing through their blood, both knowing they needed a killing blow or risk capture. Rose took an unexpected step backwards and immediately spun around, throwing the bar towards Judy. Judy barely dodged the attack and was momentarily distracted by the scream behind her before Rose made a dash towards her and succeeded in grasping her in a bear hug. Now both were trying to twist and turn in an attempt to gain the upper paw, whoever did could deliver the coup de grace. Both kept twisting and turning for a few moments until Judy lost her footing, her body's movement forced both to land hard on the ground.

Neither moved for what seemed like eternity. Judy felt weaker than before and now a throbbing pain in her side meant something was seriously wrong. If it was as bad as she feared then all her sister had to do was get up and kill her. Something was wrong as Rose's body slid off hers emitting a weak grunt when it hit the ground. Judy rolled onto her side away from her sister now clearly able to see what caused her pain. A deep gash was across her side signaling this was the cause. Now she looked at Rose and instantly knew the fight was over.

"Touché... good fight. Now I know... your stories... about the academy... and the ZPD... was not all... bluff and... hot air."

Judy now saw the rod she had been fighting with was lodged into her sister's belly. She knew enough about position of foreign objects protruding from a body to know this was a grave wound. Judging from where it was at she knew only medical intervention could save the young doe, and they were far from a hospital. On one paw she wished this sister had received a quick death just as their sisters did, but on the other paw if anyone deserved a slow agonizing death it was this sister. Rose was alpha of her litter and led her littermates into many activities, only when they became teenagers did all but these three fall away to follow other endeavors. Rose must have noticed the look in Judy's eyes.

"You could have... avoided this... if only you... never got... involved... with that fox. All of this... is your... fault."

These were the last words spoken by Rose Hopps.

---

Judy collapsed onto the floor, exhausted not only from physical exertion but by a heavy heart. Bunnies should never kill a sentient being, especially when such is a close family member. Minutes went by as memories from kithood flowed through her mind: many times they ran through the fields on the Hopps farm; times when these sisters teased her when she blushed upon seeing one of her brothers naked bodies especially their sheaths and Family Jewels; times enjoying the many birthday celebrations of their siblings; and many more times both happy and sad. A tear trickled down her face as she remembered when the Resistance gave her proof these sisters were responsible for orchestrating the capture and handing over her relatives to be killed before her as she was held firmly on the rack, helpless to intervene.

Now by her own paws she killed these females, ruthlessly just as they tried to kill her. The ZPD Academy gave her the basics on deadly force, something she thought she never would use since there were plenty of predators serving on the force. Camp Billy forced her to hone this as superior numbers were thrown against her; she almost gave in to despair as she was forced to overcome her species natural abhorrence to kill. She still had nightmares about the time she was forced to fire her service weapon until out of ammunition, and then resort to killing the remaining member of a criminal gang of raccoons with anything she could grab and swing. Nick had attempted to keep them at bay, killing so many until the pile of bodies hampered his movement which caused them to gain the upperpaw and knock him unconscious. They would have killed him if she didn't use her weapon.

Judy sat unmoving as she couldn't bring her to avert her eyes from the gristly scene. Three pairs of eyes stared unmoving towards nothingness, their appearance as haunting as any horror story could describe... no, more than words could possibly describe. Tradition said the soul couldn't rest until the eyelids were closed, but exhaustion wouldn't permit her thus she stared into these unblinking eyes that now seemed to demand her to close them.

So she sat for untold minutes simply looking at the dead bodies, her three sisters and the lone tracker.

A movement from the corner of her eyesight forced her head to turn.

Kimberly Canter finished climbing over the edge of the cliff and then walked towards the bodies and one by one closed the eyes, after this was completed the female Tracker paused and bowed her head saying a prayer in a tongue Judy couldn't comprehend. It seemed the appropriate length, neither too short nor too long; it seemed to strike the perfect balance between avoiding giving proper respect and grandstanding. When she was finished Kimberly walked over to Judy, sat down and leaned against her. Both remained quiet as the gravity of what they were forced to do remained heavy in the air.

"I swore you were dead when they kicked you over the edge" Judy said weakly.

"Drug quite a few of them along with me. They forgot about the rope they intended to hang me with, it was a no-brainer keeping my grip hoping the numbers of them would hold me up. Guess I was wrong. I was lucky... landed on a small ledge and removed the noose just in time to see them falling down into the abyss" Kimberly replied weakly.

"We make a good team... as long as it doesn't include.. include..." Judy's voice stopped cooperating.

"Killing family" Kimberly finished the sentence for her, and then let the emotional bunny sob against her.

Kimberly would never let this Topsider know about the secret she kept close to her heart. Back during the Great Purge, before she was asked by her mother to become a Tracker... she was forced to kill one of her siblings. Abigail was from her mother's first litter and held eerily similar ideology as the Servants of Truth. Kimberly discovered Abigail giving family secrets to a dark priestess, receiving special favors for each member she could prove was acting against the Dark Council. When Abigail discovered their mother had plans to join the Resistance Kimberly couldn't allow this sister to turn in their mother. Their father had been killed the year before and without a parent remaining the government would split up the family to whichever mammal was willing to finish raising them, unmarried males would assuredly *volunteer* as the government only wanted homes found quickly. Thus Kimberly intercepted Abigail and fought her to the death. This was one of several reasons why the Dark Council immediately accepted her application to join the Trackers.

Both does were startled by a sound coming from around the corner, their ears raised high and turned towards the sound. When three polar bears came into view both relaxed not moving since their tired bodies still needed rest.

Koslov held Mr. Big in his paw and moved from one body to another, taking time so the arctic shrew could view the manner of death and someone's effort to respect the dead by closing the eyes. Keven and Raymond stood nearby, remaining vigilant as well as paying their own respects to the dead.

"Godmother... you have fulfilled your revenge quite satisfactory."

Judy felt angry, enough to raise her head towards the shrew.

"No one should be forced to kill family, rabbits especially."

The shrew nodded his head respectfully.

"Normally you would be correct, but these acted directly against their kin... against their blood. Such action can only be honorably avenged by family."

Judy's eyes closed tightly, the memories returned and she tried to quell them. The shrew waited patiently as the female Tracker tried to console the emotional doe. He seemed to understand how long it would take before the bunny regained her presence of mind.

A moment later Judy recovered and glared at him.

"Cry if you must, Godmother... but by the Old Ways you have redeemed you family's honor. Nothing in the old text said this would be pleasurable, indeed it cuts the soul. But through this your Family Tree is healed, allowing new branches to replace those forcibly cut off."

His words appeared to temper her anger, at least enough for her to kiss his cheek which he returned letting his lips linger slightly longer than normal.

"We shouldn't tarry here on blood-spilled ground. Besides Godmother... you still have another important duty to perform."

Judy looked at him quizzed. "These mammals still need me therefore my promise hasn't been fulfilled."

"Your presence here honors us, Judy of the Prophesy."

Everyone turned to see who spoke those words. Standing a few yards away was the jaguar she met not too long ago, beside him was those that stood beside him and beside these were mammals wearing the unmistakable uniform of the GSD. Nurse Teresa Riverbay now walked towards the two exhausted rabbits, followed by a GSD medic and a few other mammals. Teresa and the medic took vitas and with the assistance of the GSD team put the two does upon gurneys and strapped them in. Normally Judy resisted getting an IV needle into her arm but she simply was too weak to adequately resist. Once the females were fastened properly the jaguar spoke again.

"Your fellow Zootopians are beginning their campaign against the chancellor as we speak. Thus now is a proper time to get both of you out of the caverns. The beachhead has been compromised but not beyond the power of your machines to keep them at bay. Your army is now heading down into the caverns through many of our access tunnels, not to mention using your own tunnel machines."

He placed a paw on Judy's forehead and uttered words eerily similar to the language Kimberly spoke when she prayed over the dead. When he finished his paws made a symbol above their bodies as he uttered different words in the same language. Judy noticed these had a profound effect on the Tracker female, perhaps someday she would ask for an explanation.

The jaguar spoke once again. "Thus far only one of the prophesy fulfillers have made it down into our home. If it is to come to pass you, Judy Hopps-Wilde, must return to the Topside world and find your husband. Find and bring him down here quickly, only then will prophesy be fulfilled and we be released from the Dark Ones evil grip."

He didn't wait for her response, immediately he and the other Resistance members turned around and left.

Nurse Teresa Riverbay spoke again as she checked the bandages. "I am to accompany both of you. GSD has promised me I will be allowed to be among the evacuees."

The GSD teams formed ahead of them both guiding and looking for trouble. The medic and nurse walked close to both gurneys as these followed the guards. Judy was alone with her thoughts roaming amok, how could she find her husband when she wasn't certain where he was? Her mind went back to the meeting she had with two bishops the Resistance claimed were the only living mammals of the Dark Priesthood. They showed her an ancient book opened to a passage containing the actual prophesy.

"Two slaves would rise up and resist the captors. These would be joined by two mammals from the normal world and together they would overthrow them and lead the captives to the real world."

Judy mulled these words in her head. Clearly whoever brought this prophesy out from the caverns had fuzzy memory or wrote it slightly different, possibly knowing members from the underground society were roaming the Topside world thus doing this hid his identity. The Canter Family proved Trackers indeed roamed freely and Kimberly admitted to discovering how to mitigate the sun's brightness on eyes accustomed to darkness. Still she wondered why the written prophesy in the ancient book didn't show the figures of fox and bunny, perhaps the mysterious writer above ground wanted to make the least-likely pair the focus thus easily dismissed, perhaps he had a vision of his own. Whichever it was thinking about it could drive one to madness, so she decided to let it go for now.

As the group carried her she let her mind formulate a plan, certain when she was among the Zootopian authorities they already had one of their own.