What is Normal?

by fwelty

Nick's first day on the force , being partnered with Judy. They both proceed to stop the street racer , where something catches Nick's attention and the consequences seem to unravel the beginning of a bigger mystery, one that Judy and Nick may not be able to solve on their own. Will they be able to solve it before it is too late?

8. split second decision

Warning graphic content, viewer discretion is advised.

Finnick woke up, he knew he had a job to do. His body woken him up earlier than he was usually prepared to waking up. The sun was just at the horizon, which he saw through the passenger side window. He groaned at the sight, he hasn't woken up like this in literal decades. The rifle sat beside him fully kitted out, with a suppressor, fore-grip and scope. The stock was perfectly adjusted to the fox's size so he didn't hold it too far forward or have the gun constantly pummel his shoulder as the bullets fired. "Didn't think I would need it so soon." He groaned under his breath to no-one in particular. He remembered the address of the target from his contract. He drove to that location and checked the nearby buildings. Luckily for him, the building opposite her apartment was just as tall and so he could use his rifle from the roof and just about see his target. He walked in to the block of flats , an older model so the main door had no security such as fobs or keys, instead the actual doors had them . This let the fox enter the building without any interruptions or time wasting . He walked up the stairs slowly but surely his body size really didn't help him when travelling vertically and once again , it is an older block so no lift was installed. He reached the top eventually and scoped out his sight lines, he could see multiple windows for the apartment that the elk in question owned. Many opportunities to take out his target. After doing that, he decided that he needs his daily fix of caffeine , it would keep him semi-conscious until his body actually woke itself up, basically it was all the fox needed to stay awake. He left the roof then the old building. Now, that more mammals were waking up, he had to walk down the stairs with other mammals which lived in the building Finnick planned on using. He returned to his van and hid his rifle. No-one could find out,yet. He started his van and drove off.

Since he was in Savannah Central and not Tundratown, he decided to drive to a local coffee shop, named Coffee Central. It was cheap and quickly made coffee and Finnick didn't want any high quality coffee. He only needed his liquid gold to strike at his senses and awaken his mind for the day. He walked into the somewhat large establishment and walked over to the counter, "One catpuccino medium." He paid the amount necessary and remembered it of by heart at this point. The medium was only bought by Finnick if he needed that extra dose for the day, and today was most definitely one of those days. There wasn't much going in the building so he just sat patiently and waited for his morning joy to be delivered to him , hot and delicious. The usual was happening in the building, mammals on the phone with important business. Mammals arguing between themselves but one thing stood out today, at least for Finnick. There was a wolf staring at the fox, carefully studying what the fox was doing, seemingly to his minutest detail. Just then , Finnick got his coffee so he decided to talk to the wolf. "Hey, what do you want from me? I ain't gonna help ya if ya think I'm a charity."

"Mmm, sorry, just waiting for someone."

"You wouldn't be investigating my body movement if that were the case. I've lived long enough to see someone not trust a fox. You can admit it, I'm over it but I have the feeling that is not the case for some reason. So I'll ask again, what do you want from me?"

"Sir, I assure you, I'm just waiting for someone."

"You must really hate waiting then, if I asked you what was I doing, what would you answer?"

"Well, waiting for a coffee."

"More specifically?"

"I don't know."

"Stop lying."

A rhino walked up, "Hey Mike, who's this?"

"Hey Gabriel, Just some mammal that stopped me."

"Really? Officer Wolford that popular?" The rhino chuckled.

Finnick was shocked to hear that revelation, this was a police officer, he was so observant because it was his literal job. Basically line 2 after serve and protect.

"I don't think he knew, by the way, what is your name, pal? I don't wanna have bad blood with anyone ."

"Finnick."

"Finnick the fennec, no offence but someone was extremely unoriginal with your name."

"I know, said the same for 40 years now."

"40? you don't look over 30, and that's a full decade difference."

"Add another 5 and ya got me."

"So," the rhino interjected. "You're 45 , and you're up this early,why?"

"To have more time for myself. I sleep in a lot but today I woke up extra early for some reason."

"We get the pain, we have to do it every single day."

"We need the coffee to do our jobs at least half right, right Mike?"

"Yeah," Michael looked at his watch, "Oh shoot, we gotta go, see ya Finn, it was nice talking to you." They both ran out the store coffee in hand.

"Heh, Wolford ,eh? Must be an interesting fellow."

He pulled out his phone to check the time '5:45' being the middle of summer, the sun was still harsh outside.

He decided that he should finish his drink then visit the place that his 'boss' recommended to him. He left the shop after finishing his lavish drink , fully realising the potential of his morning senses. He drove to the location, a tailor in Downtown named Suits , hats and gloves. It was a terrible name basic as hell but it explained what it sold very easily. Finnick entered. A young mammal stood behind the till. "Hello, what would you like?"

"Hey, do you know what an old mammal can get that is somewhat more modern."

"Of course, may I ask why did you come here?"

"Recommended by a friend."

"Ahh, maybe I'll know him, who was it?"

Finnick was unsure if he should answer the question. In the end he decided he should. "A wolf named Victor Fenrir."

"Ahh, then nothing here will suit your needs ,sir."The young mammal responded. "Hey, Pa , we got another one."

A quieter voice returned "Send him up then."

"Go down the corridor then up the stairs."

Finnick nodded then walked up the stairs. There was a wooden room filled mainly with tables ,which all had cloth sewing machines thread and needles on them. There were also papers with designs on them and receipts next to them. There was also a part of the wall that Finn only noticed because of his past , both as a conmammal and as a hitmammal. The wall probably stored the materials that weren't for the regular customer."So I assume you can get me a good suit."

"Of course, that's my job. What's yours , enforcer, hitmammal? Don't answer that but what I need to know is , what do you want for it? Light and sleek? Heavier and armoured? Maybe both if you can splash the cash a bit."

"A light sleek armoured suit that can be quite mobile."

"That will be made as long as you have the appropriate funds of course."

"Of course , how much would it be?" Finnick responded smiling.

"Looking at your size ,roughly 2.5 million zoollars , not easy to make and it will take some time but you can speed it up by paying an extra half a million."

"How much faster are we saying?"

"By the end of today about 19:30. Is that good enough?"

"Yes. I shall return momentarily."

"Of course, cash in hand right?"

"Wouldn't want it traced now, would we?"

He walked back downstairs. "Hey , would you help me a bit, I'm not that big as you can see."

"Of course the customer is king after all."

"I don't know if that is a good mentality here , boy"

They left the store and Finnick opened his van. From there , he grabbed 2 suitcases ,2 million each. "Here's the deal, these two suitcases are filled with 2 million and I can't take both suitcases."

"Very well, I shall help you carry the payment." The young suited professional mammal responded. They both return to the upstairs tailor room.

"4 million all together . What could I get for 1 million?"

"Ahh , a man who has funds I see. You can also have custom fitted gloves that would improve grip of any weapon from swords to knives to axes if you so desire."

"What about rifles?"

"That, is a good question but the answer is that it would work as well. Not many ask about such weaponry, most are more melee combatants you see."

"Yeah much easier to swing a bat than fire a gun especially at my size. I would want all the help I can get."

"So return at 19:30 it will be done by then. But right now, I need your measurements."

"Understood." Finnick walked up, got measured then left. Then in a more intimidating tone. "If I don't get it and you did steal 4 million from me, I will return with something less savoury."

The older tailor chuckled, "I'll keep you to it. But I'm not worried about it."

"Oh and you'd probably wanna cover that up better." Finnick points at the wall. "If the police was to search this place that would be found."

"Thanks for the advice." He nodded to the younger mammal who hid the suitcases behind the wall and pulled out two identical suitcases filled with materials, once again as a precaution. "But we got it mostly covered."

Finnick shrugged, "Don't get caught yet. That's all I ask."

"Will do."

Finnick left the small tailor shop. He didn't have much to do and it was still early in the morning. He decided he should visit the hospital then return to the factory that looked like it would break down any second now. At the hospital, he shown his note and asked to see the police duo. The receptionist responded that they were already out. He then asked for Gary. She told the fox the room and he went on his merry way to the bear.

The fox entered the room, he had no nurse escorting him, he didn't need it. Inside was a nurse checking his vitals and the bear himself laying on a bed asleep or unconscious. "Has he woken up?"

"No, his lungs were basically collapsed , he struggled to breathe and needs to rest a bit more. He should wake up soon."

"Thank you for telling me."Finnick responded. He looked at Gary for a second 'Hope you wake up soon , buddy. I have chosen to do things that I promised I wouldn't. If you ever find out, please forgive me.' He felt dirty for what he has chosen to do but alas he felt like he had to. Break a few eggs to make an omelette. Finnick knew it would cost something of him to continue this.

He stood up, after realising he sat down. He didn't realise when he sat down but he did. "Thank you for letting me in."

"No problem, next time come at actual visiting hours."

"Y-yeah, I'll remember that. Goodbye."

"Bye, and please don't worry about Mr. Urson, he will live."

"Yeah thanks."Finnick left the room and followed the green arrows littering the corridor to the exit. He strolled through the sterile white corridors and finally reached the silver shining elevator at the end of the corridor. Finnick rode the elevator down and exited. He was a bit down about his friend being unconscious directly because of him. The lift dinged breaking his train of thought and provoking the small fox to leave. He headed for the exit and then checked the time, he wasn't sure what time it was now. '9:56' 'What? Over 4 hours passed since the coffee shop? Well, when did the time go?' He walked to his van and drove off, there really wasn't much to do this day.

As he drove, he saw a car accident, a giraffe hitting a goat. The police officers there were seeming to be tired of the constant bickering that was occurring between the two civilians. The shouting was loud enough that the fox heard it from his van. The voices were loud and obnoxious and clearly the two mammals were just sabre-rattling. The mammals clearly didn't want a fight. But we're acting in a way that was trying to force the other to either fight or give up. It seemed the giraffe's main strategy was to look down on the goat with an air of 'superiority' to make the goat feel inferior,wheras the goat kept barraging th giraffe with words,sometimes even incoherently. This was until the two police officers on scene quietened both of them down and separated them. By the looks of things they were getting nowhere with the two, and Finnick wouldn't be surprised if one was arrested . Finnick rolled his eyes and carried on driving when he saw that, it wasn't his problem. The van cruised past and none of the mammals took any notice of the garish rust-orange van. He continued down the surprisingly empty road , empty until he reached a junction . The roads were filled , the cars were moving at such a slow pace that it would be faster to walk. "Ugh, hurry up , I don't have all day." He patience was running thin and his temper was rising. Couldn't they move any faster? Finnick sat in that traffic jam for about 35 minutes before being able to finally turn down the right road. "Finally, it seemed like it would never end." The road was once again mostly clear until it was fully clear and Finnick reached the factory. He drove round the back and parked his van out of everyone's view,just like Victor told him to. He walked in through the backdoor and found not many people here. Most were probably dealing with their hangover from yesterday. Finnick wasn't surprised at the turnout for today.

"These are the ones that can hold their drinks or don't drink."

"More than I expected."

"Yeah, we are a surprising bunch."

"Good, anything to do today?"

"For you? Not really, I'd say acquaint yourself with the quartermaster. You should know about him, he can bring in anything you want at the right price, mostly. Because I deal with his pay cheques so I'm treated differently, since you are my right paw, maybe you'll have an easier time."

"One can only pray."

"He'll be in that room." Fenrir points down the corridor and to a door on the left. Finnick instantly understood which room and headed towards it. Once he opened it, he saw a familiar stoat inside. "Teddy?"

"Hah, so we meet again, though not how I expected i'."

"No shit. So you're the quartermaster here?"

"Yea', I deal wit' the swords, axes , whacha want I got."

"So if I was to ask ya for 5.56 bullets?"

"That is unexpected, we mostly don' use guns but I gotcha. I assume you already have a gun, if ya want I can check it at and maybe find some stuff."

"It's a F.U.R.5."

"Oh, o-" He paused for a second. "Y-you have a F.U.R.5? Why didn't ya say so."

Finnick chuckled when he heard that. "What's so special about it?"

"Wha-What's special about it? Are you fucking serious? Ya did not just ask tha. Okay, so the F.U.R.5 as you know fits most mammals from the smallest bunny to the largest wolf and considering that the largest wolf is in that room," He pauses to point. "Ya can see how versatile it is in terms of mammal usability. Wha ya pro'lly also know, is tha it is a rare gun to obtain. But did ya know these guns cost millions these days as there are only a 1500 ever made? And ya tell me ya have one." The stout pauses to breathe. "Just wow, tha ain't whachu expect in one dae. Can ya show it , please?"

"Fine, follow me." The two leave the room and head out back, to Finnick's van. "Wait here, I'll get it out." Finnick gets in and pulls out the constructed rifle. He makes sure the gun is empty and places his empty magazine back next to the other 5. "Here. DON'T. BREAK. IT."

"This is like the holy grail of guns, if ya die kin I have it?"

"Nah, I already know who will get it, sorry."

"Okay, tell him to come to me for any help with this then. I don't care who it is."

"You sure? Even if he is blue?"

"If ya trust him, he's good."

"Fair enough."

Theodore examined the weapon, every detail , every crevice and when he slightly opened it up checked all the systems inside. "If ya let me disassemble it, I will be able ta recreate i'."

"How certain?"

"99% certain, most guns need to be produced bah me anyways so ya kin trust me. I know who ta build guns and I'm a professional gunsmith, at least here."

"I think we will be good friends in general."

"Ah agree."

Finnick chuckled again, the enthusiasm found in the stout was completely unexpected. "I won't give it today as I need it but, tomorrow I'll give it."

The stoat pumped his fist in the air "Yes." He turned back to the fennec. "You're a good mammal. Thank you." The sincerity was obvious to the fennec.

"Happy I could help, I guess."

"Yeah, whatever you need I'll get just say the word. I owe ya , big tam." The stoat handed the rifle back. "I'm serious. Anything."

"I'll remember that. Good ta know."

"Oh, boss wanted me ta giv ya dis." The stoat pulls out a knife. The knife was sharp and sturdy. It was also thin and small ,allowing the fox to carry it around with him.

The fox just chucked it in his van then hid the rifle again. "Got anything ta do, Teddy?"

"One thing and it's quick."

"Well, got nothing better to do." The two returned to the armoury and workbench.

"Here hold dis." Teddy handed a flashlight. He then pulled up a different rifle frame, Finnick didn't recognise it but assumed it was a new prototype weapon or something of the sorts. While working on the gun , Theo asked "Ya need a sidearm? Got plenty, heh if you ever become a cop , I got some pistols that are completely within the requirements set. Maybe ya kin give it ta ya friend." The stoat winked .

The fennec rolled his eyes, if he rolled his eyes any harder they would slip out of their sockets and bounce around the workplace. "Really, what would that be?"

"Just a standard issue M9 Bearetta, loaded in 9mm, with a suppressor and toggle laser sight. Would be perfect for a cop actually." The stoat responded.

"I'll consider it."

"Just say the word and it's yours. By the way wha-OW" something in the rifle clicked and the stoat pulled his paw out. His finger was bleeding. "Ya don't need ta hold the laight anymore."

"Yeah, I noticed, need a plaster?"

"I'll be fine, happens all the time. Every job has its downsides."

"I hear ya."

"I heard ya have ta kill someone."

"Yeah, haven't done it in so long, don't know if I can."

"If it means anything, I believe you know what to do."

"Yeah , I think I do, doesn't mean I like it."

"Then why do this?"

"Sometimes the past catches up to ya, best ta be ready for it."

"Nah , I mean why do it for them?"

"Who?"

"The two cops. Gift is for foxy righ'?"

"Back in the bar, ya noticed."

"Yeah, then ya here, It ain't no coincidence, and if I'm honest, I think this place needed ya. What the boss didn't tell ya, is that we're all outcasts of this 'clan'. We have more loyalty to Fenrir than that stupid piece a shit storm. Very few will side wit' storm but those that will are weaker and will be easily killed."

"Or trained better."

"Or that. Oh yeah had ta ask, is it true ya beat the alpha?"

"Heh, yeah, don't know how long I'll keep that victory though, he can beat me just as well. And you'll probably hear him call me zero."

"I know, Zero contracts failed and Zero targets missed. The name stuck, I ain't stupid, I still know things, shame about scorcher though."

"Yeah, says he knows how ta blow shit up."

"That he does, quite well , I may add. But he wasn't happy ever. And he was crushed when his flamer was taken."

"I can imagine that."

Just then Fenrir walked in. "You two doing well?"

"Ye boss." The stoat replied. "Just discussin' business."

"Good, good. You know that he is one of our top performers right?"

"I know ,doesn't change a thang. But wha ya didn't tell me was , he had a F.U.R.5 , that is like a diamond in a dirt patch."

"It may have slipped my mind."

"How? Tha don't jus' do that."

"I have a full pack to lead, and 3 decades is a long time."

"3 decades, so it is an original? That is even better, the fire rate is higher and the bullets fly further then its newest cantapart. In otha words, tha shit good."

Finnick chuckled again. "You pick your men well, I can't lie."

Fenrir chuckled, "Yeah, Mr. Stoatson is very enthusiastic and before you came the only one here but three with a gun. The other three are also higher level, guns aren't cheap after all."

The three left the armoury ,still talking like old friends. Two of them were old friends but that is besides the point. Stoatson gave a young perspective one that the two elder mammals lacked. He also 'let slip' to Finnick that since he owns a bar , he hears "lotsa info that am willin' ta share" to which the fox smiled, "Good to know."

"Did you go get your suit?" Fenrir asked eventually. "If so then , they would've asked how you heard of them. You mentioned my name, right?"

"Yeah, I did. Reason why was, who are you outside of this room? No-one and in this room you are well known and a threat, what would they do?"

"Doesn't matter, you were supposed to anyways. I own their tailor, instead of rent they build suits at cheaper prices."

"I noticed, the suit I ordered is usually 5 mil but I got it for half."

"Of course you spent that much."

"Ya had tha much cash on ya?"

"'Course, I lived in that van practically my whole life."

"Fair 'nough."

"So when are you to pick it up?"

"19:30."

"Okay, that is still some time. Want to grab a bite now?"

"Sure, getting' hungry."

"And you, Teddy, want to come?"

Theo was shocked that he was asked, he usually sits in the armoury forgotten until wanted, which was why he enjoyed the bar he owned. When he heard the question, his mind almost overloaded , but not as much as when he held the fox's rifle. "Yessir."

"Pawsome ,let's go."

"Lead the way boss." Fenrir stopped, turned and glared daggers at the fox.

"You're lucky you can fight." Fenrir continued walking to his car, the two smaller mammals followed him.

"Ah don' get it."

"He doesn't like it when I call him boss or anything similar."

"Huh, that's weird."

"Eh, it's funny." Finnick shrugged.

"Ya not wrong."

"Need to ask, How was ripper?"

"Ah, good question. He was a little sceptical the entire time but, we had a few drinks a few laughs and I think we are good now. Once again, alcohol helps the situation."

Fenrir started his car and drove to a nearby Grubhouse. Once they arrived , the three walked in, all three grabbing everyone's attention as they all look so different. A stoat in jogging bottoms and an oil covered vest. A fennec fox in casual slacks and some shades. A giant wolf towering over the other two in a four piece suit. All the conflicting attires confused the mammals in the restaurant but none cared too much to ask. They all looked at the menu and Fenrir tried to convince the three to buy them their meals. Although Theo agreed,since he was obedient, Finnick was too proud to accept. They argued for a few minutes about who will pay. When they reached the till they all ordered.

Finnick ordered "Bugburga with fries."

Then Fenrir ordered "Chicken burger with chicken fries."

Finally the stout ordered "Nugget box chicken and bug mix."

The cashier asked "Any drinks?"

The stoat just ordered a glass of water.

Finnick then added "A cowke."

Finally Fenrir stated "Ditto."

The cashier tapped it all in and finally said the price "$32.47"

The two hotheaded and proud mammals continued to argue. After one minute, the stoat chuckled and paid himself. "They are both too proud ta let the otha pay. I was told ta neva let a free meal go but now am payin' , ain't tha funny?"

The cashier shrugged and taken the money. He gave back the change and when Theo pocketed his change, he turned to his superiors. "Hey, both a you's, stop arguin' , I already paid. Le's go sit down." The other to turned and stared at him.

The both yelled at the stoat , "Why did you pay?"

"Why are ya upset that y'all gettin' free food."

"That is true."

"Fair."

They all sat down and waited for their food. "So ah gotta know, wha did yous two do togetha?"

"Nothin' much different from what we're doin' now. Maybe some time when we're all drinkin' I'll tell ya."

"I don't see why not."

"Aight, we gotta have a drink soon then, mah bar drinks'll be free or at least the cost'll be a few stories."

The three laughed a bit when they heard the stoat say that. Just then the three got their food. Fenrir looked at Finnick, "Lucky, you're an omnivore."

"We can all eat these, didn't ya see the reports, apparently prey can have some meat and handle it and it also works the other way 'round."

"Huh, that is interesting."

"Yeah, Ah'd wanna read that."

The three ate their food and enjoyed it well. They were satisfied with what they just consumed and slowly started to leave. After 20 minutes of trying to leave, they finally left the fast food restaurant. They started returning to the factory. Finnick sat in the back, where the seatbelt was actually easier to handle than at the front, also the stoat was larger so he could handle the seatbelts ,somewhat well.

Finnick checked his watch. It said "16:43" so much time has been wasted over now and Finnick was happy.

Victor asked "Are you sure you're ready?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean."

Finnick sighed sharply "I've done it before, what will be different now?"

"You haven't been in this for a while, all three of us know that. What if you hesitate? We all know your moral compass has stabilised or at least it has been temporarily repaired. Do you think you can pull the trigger when the time comes?"

"...Yes. I have no choice."

"Will it be worth it for 'em."

"He knows about?"

"Yeah, everyone here knows about … me."

"How did he find out?"

"He learned in the bar the day of the incident. Said nothing until today."

"Yeah, he wasn' exactly hidin' it. Saw the TV and him panickin' . Thought it was weird then he left, gave a good tip though." Theo smiled, chuckling at the memories. "So wha, ya friends wit Hopps an' Wilde or jus one of 'em?"

"Wilde but both by proxy."

"Makes sense to me."

"Yeah, i' does."

"I missed tha news thin' . Wha's up wit' 'em?"

"Last I heard and checked, they're back at Nick's place as Nick is still 'savage' and coz of that is extremely protective of Judy even though she smells nothing like Nick."

"Wow, he didn' jus' maul 'er, am impressed."

"That's the 'Wilde' effect, worked on more than just me."

Fenrir chuckled, "I'd love to meet the mammal."

"Be warned , he has a horrible sense of humour, I mean it's good but the bar is set low with him."

"Really? I really want to meet him now."

"Should've joined you technically but the original boss died so he didn't have to. Never told him."

"So he's trained, and isn't questioning it?"

"Tha ain't normal."

"That was the deal. But I stuck with him ever since, until she came."

"The blues can bring personal blues."

"You said it." Finnick lowered his head a bit

"Chin up, he still cares about you and if something we are here for you as well."

"Zactly , lak I said , we all feel a stronger sense of duty and loyalty to the alpha than storm. And the alpha trusts you with undying loyalty. Most already know that."

"I can neither agree nor disagree with that statement."

Finnick smiled slightly feeling reassured. "There's the smile that you need. Sorry to bring it back but you need your head in the game for your job."

"Yeah, your right, boss." The smile widened , Vic just shook his head.

"Scorcher," Fenrir knew that if he was asked a question like that then it was about one thing. "Why don'cha want a new flamer?"

"It wouldn't feel the same. I wouldn't be able to deal with it."

"But if it was an exact replica?"

"You can't, I personally made it and made no blueprint, I know, that is stupid, but the idea was that it would make it impossible to replicate or exploit even if there was a weak point."

"Tha makes sense but Ah kin make it from words, Ah swear, Ah wanna see your prime."

"No, just drop it please. It's not worth it."

"Why not?" Finnick chimed in

"Because, it was a past me. I can't stick to the fire, that life isn't for me as much any more."

"What about your sword?" Both instantly responded simultaneously.

Fenrir shook his head, "I said as much."

"It's about them , isn't it? Vic , you can tell me." Finnick knew using his real name would hit the wolf more than regular.

The wolf for the first time ever jumbled his words and spoke incoherently. "Damn it Vic ,I told ya they don't own ya."

"The answer is no. I won't change my mind. I'm sorry."

There was just awkward silence for the rest of the ride. "Alright we're here. Stoatson, you're going back to the workbench to work on the rifle. Damians needs it."

"Yessir."

"Who's Damians?"

"He was our best marksman, that is if you're still as good. The firing range is bottom floor. You'll probably see him there using his sidearm."

"Yeah, I'll talk to him then. I have a couple hours anyways." Fenrir smiled at the response.

All three leave. Finnick heads to his van while the other two head inside. Just before Teddy enters, Finnick calls out, "Do you have any 5.56?"

"A few, need 'em?"

"I'll take 'em."

"Cool ya know where ta find me."

Finnick takes his rifle and slings it over his chest. He then pulls out his pistol and puts it in his holster. The fox felt a bit weighted but was expecting more weight to come. It was just him adjusting to this life again. He heads inside. The mammals inside started whispering amongst themselves as they saw Finnick.

"Why does he even need guns?"

"You think , he's just as good with them as his fists?"

"That gun is extremely limited, he must really be good with one."

Finnick felt his ego being stroked a lot. He was happy. He reached the door to the armoury. "Do you think you can find a folding bipod for the F.U.R.5?"

"Yeah, give me a few days and it'll be yours."

"Nice, now for the rounds."

"Yeah , yeah , they're there."

"Thanks" Finnick leaves some money on the desk when the stoat wasn't looking and grabbed about 3 mags worth. He had more in his van but wanted to make sure he could use the gun with standard bullets instead of some of those custom ones.

Just as Finnick was leaving,he heard "Ya didn' have ta pay." . Finnick just left, pretending he didn't hear it and walked down the stairs that were next to the armoury. There he saw a heavy door and heard muffled bangs from beyond it. He picked up some ear protection, put it on and went through the door. There he saw a lion firing a pistol the size of Finnick into the paper target in front of him. Finnick took a cubicle closer to the end to not disturb the lion. The paper target stood before Finnick, well hung before Finnick. He didn't lower it to ensure that he was shooting at an average sized mammal. Before the fox fired , multiple bangs were heard from beside him. The fox focused and tried to block out all outside noise. A trick, he hoped he remembered. He calmed himself down, then fired at his target as well as he could. Mostly headshots, 10s and 9s. The lion noticed and stopped shooting. This caught the attention of the vulpine in the room. They both took of their ear protection put their weapons back on safety and the lion initiated the conversation. "So you are Zero?"

"Yeah, what of it?"

"Want a little friendly competition? Heard you won in the melee tournament and even beat the boss. Let's see if it happens here as well."

"Sure. How many shots?"

The lion looked at his pistol, it was a Five Serpent . "20"

"Sounds fair to me."

They both returned to their stations re-equipped their ear protection and reloaded their weapons. Here Finnick noticed his muscle memory remained, he still reloaded with extreme speeds. They both changed their targets to ensure no mistakes in counting up their points."3"

"2" The lion responded

"1" They both said in sync. Then a lot of shots were fired. A lot of flashes occurred in the room , if someone else were to enter they could be possibly blind. Bullets whizzed down the range and hit the paper. If these were normal riflemen, the paper would look like Swiss cheese but that wasn't the case here. Both armed mammals were so specialised in their usage that most if not all bullets passed through practically the same hole for both of them. After the 20 bullets were fired, Both mammals smiled, all 10s with only a few 9s between them. The lion counted his points at the same time as the fennec. It turned out there was only a difference of one point. The lion won and Finnick didn't mind.

"Good shootin' ,Tex."

"Thanks, name's Lionel , Lionel Damians ,sir."

"Drop the sir shit, sure I may have higher rank, but what does that really mean? It means that you listen when it matters that's all."

"Yes si-, I mean Zero."

"I don't mind it but damn does it make me feel old. We need mammals like you, able to replace the older generation just as well."

"Sir I don't believe you are that old."

"How old are you?"

"I struggle to see the correlation."

"Just answer the question."

"33"

"Yeah, I'm 55. Calling me sir makes me feel even older, as if another day has been removed from my lifespan."

"The curse of being a legend."

"I guess you're right."

"Sir, permission to inspect your weapon."

"Granted and this ain't the military , buddy."

"Just feels more appropriate."

"Makes sense. Don't break it, I don't think you would be able to afford its repair."

"I would doubt that but that is an original F.U.R.5 v1 so you're probably right. Perks of being a legend, right?"

"That is 100% true."

The lion adjusted the rifle to his measurements and was surprised at how comfortable it was, "You can shoot it, I don't mind."

"Thank you sir." He loaded the rifle a bit sluggishly as he never used the gun before. Pssht pssht pssht. .3 bullets were fired and all 3 hit its intended target . "The three Ts , unfortunately only works on males." The fox laughed.

"I'll remember that for later. That is really good information ,kit." The lion handed the gun back, where Finnick readjusted the gun. Now it worked for him perfectly, He had 2 more magazines and needed one bullet for the job. Time for full-auto. He walked back to the cubicle he was at ,flicked the fire selector and grinned. He wondered if the giddy feeling of the gun bouncing on his shoulder was just as exciting as before in his youth. T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T . Bullets sprayed out of the gun, the gun pushed back each time another metal projectile launched out. Finnick was happy with the feeling. "Time for a live target" he whispered to himself. He packed up his rifle to a suitcase made sure the gun was on safety and spoke to Lionel for a little longer. "Make sure your accuracy is better next time, cos I won't be as generous." Finnick half-smiled showing only his left teeth.

"Of course sir, I would hate to disappoint you sir."

Finnick headed back upstairs. He took a small detour to talk to the resident gunsmith, who was now absent. 'Probably running his bar. I could use a drink right about now.' He walked back to the atrium where many mammals were going about their business. It was 18:52 right now and Finnick wanted his suit ASAP. So he was willing to be a little early. He walked past every mammal still presenting his bravado but now hiding his brandished gun. He stepped outside and entered his van. After he put the briefcase down, he started to shake. His arms vibrated wildly but not enough to prevent him from driving. "Why is this happening to me?" Then Victor's voice echoed in his mind "Are you sure you're ready?" He didn't know the answer right now but he had no time to debate it with himself, he had a tight schedule and he wanted to stick to it. He turned the ignition and raced off on the road as much as the speed limit allowed him. He reached the tailor at 19:26.

"You are here slightly early, my friend ."

"Better early than late. I can wait a couple minutes." The young mammal leads Finnick upstairs to the tailoring room.

"Ah Finnick, you're here. Don't worry I'm practically done. You can try on the gloves and mask." The gloves seemed very rigid but were surprisingly flexible. They really helped the fox hold things in his hand better,the grip was unreal. The mask had both eyes covered, when he put it on, he saw that those weren't lenses but goggles. He could change the view filter from light to night vision to thermal to electromagnetic. The mask also acted as protection as it was covered in graphene. The issue was that a bullet to the head would still hurt like the devil. "Done! Here is your suit and finished earlier than stated." It was 19:29. "Try it on, can fit over current clothes just in case. It has many hidden pockets for spare magazines or bullets or just a regular knife. It is covered in graphene and has an inside padding of kevlar to reduce the pressure of being shot. The graphene also acts as a conductor next to an insulator so gsws and stun sticks will have no effect on you. The gloves are designed similarly but less kevlar to be comfortable. The mask however, firstly conceals your identity and provides protection. Sorry but no kevlar there, it would be extremely uncomfortable so you may need to suck up more pain there. The goggles have sonar ,thermal, night vision and electromagnetic. For your information only sonar works through walls but it isn't a constant image and running will blur it. The waistcoat and shirt acts just like the blazer, graphene and padding."

"Thank you" Finnick looked at the suit, although it wasn't for him, he had to say that a black blazer, black tie ,black trousers, black waistcoat and black shirt really appealed to the fox. Especially since his mask and gloves were also black. The blazer also had a pocket on the inside for the mask and it was designed in a way that it didn't change the shape of the suit jacket. "I'm impressed."

"Well, your friend does own this building so we aim to please."

Finnick put the suit on then picked up his briefcase. "Goodbye, hopefully this suit will last me long enough to not see this place for a while."

"Aww, we like returning customers."

He left the tailor in a semi-hurry and drove off to the location he picked this very morning. He climbed to the top of the roof and set up his spot. All he needed was one clean shot through the skull. Diana's skull. She was sitting by her desk just as written on the report. He sat there stuggling to pull the trigger. It was like something was pulling his index back against the wishes of the fennec even though it wasn't even on the trigger. His breathing sped up and his rifle swayed more. He was likely to miss in this emotional state and in this career there is no room for emotions. Not if they hinder you. After a few minutes he calmed down, his heart stopped slamming his ribcage with a sledgehammer and his finger rested on the trigger. He could finally focus, and so he flicked off his safety. The rifle was set to Semi-automatic. Once again he was struggling. His eyes were getting heavy , he couldn't look there anymore. His hands were giving up and begging for the fox to drop the rifle. Even his mind was working against him, 'she has done nothing wrong, she is only doing her job, she is innocent, no point of killing her, you know you will regret it.' That thought hurt Finnick, but he wasn't willing to give up just yet. Just then , the elk turned her head and noticed the scope reflect the light from her house, she panicked and tried to flee. This caused Finnick to forget everything and do his job. He quickly readjusted his sight line and pulled the trigger. The elk was hit in the knee. She fell to the floor, and Finnick felt sick seeing that. It wasn't the sight, he didn't care about that, it was his actions that truly disgusted him. She carried on crawling but her head was visible. Pssht. The window was broken again it splintered and crashed onto the floor. What else happened was the bullet continued and entered the skull of the elk. It shattered and broke apart. Bone fragments recoiled out of the back of her skull . Out the other end , her brain was splattered all over the wall and floor , her skull also shot out of the front. There were pieces lying in front of her. She laid there. Motionless. Finnick breathed slowly, he knew panicking now won't change anything so he had to get away from the location. He almost failed the contract. He hesitated. But, he just took another mammal's life and he didn't know how to react. So he just didn't , he cleaned up the bullet casings and returned to his van. In the van , he took off his suit ,mask and gloves, which he hid under his trusty seat. As he sat down on the seat, he felt dizzy. His entire body was shaking violently. He re-did his breathing exercises and calmed his body down. He returned to the factory. What's done is done. No-one could change that.

Back at the factory, he went to the pseudo bar and got a bottle of beer. Victor noticed him there and sat with him. "Wasn't easy ,was it?"

"She's dead."

Victor didn't know how to respond. So instead he just remained silent.

"I did my job and she's dead. Tomorrow it will be on the news and everyone will know."

"Very well, want to discuss something that isn't the contract?"

"Yeah, what's happening tomorrow?"

"Nothing, honestly we really don't have much planned. You'll get paid soon but we are just sitting here waiting for something anything."

This hurt Finnick, he knew this meant he couldn't take his mind off of his actions, he was scared and disgusted of himself but refused to show it. The pain was to fester within him and he had no-one to turn to or he wanted to turn to no-one. Instead he just smiled and took another swig of his beer. "To a job well done."

The wolf reciprocated the gesture. "To a job well done."

A/N: Finnick finally went all in , in this chapter one could say . He killed another mammal . He will continue and this will most likely snowball.

Next time we will be seeing Judy after a couple weeks, so she is returning to her career and she has more information about Nick's condition. But I don't think she enjoyed the couple of weeks too much.

Next time Finnick is presented, I will show how he is coping and that will be important for a couple chapters but I won't say anything else.

No reviews once again so there is nothing here.

Now that this part is done, I feel that I can say the setting up act is over , Finnick is now in place, a few members are feeling a strong dislike to Raccson/Storm and the Judy is returning but who will her partner be?

I want to once again repeat my gratitude for those reading this story. I really enjoy writing it so much so that I have uploaded three chapters in one week. (that can't be healthy ,can it?) So I just want to say that I'm happy that people find enjoyment or at least some form of emotion from these creation.