Chapter 7: A Glimpse of Humanity

"Okay, now that he can speak, what now?" Honey asked, putting her paws on her hips.

"Now he can leave me alone." Finnick replied nonchalantly. He started making his way to the ladder leading to the exit. "I did what I agreed to, now I'm outta here."

A pit grew in my stomach and I would frown seeing him so quick to leave. Obviously our departure was gonna happen eventually. I just couldn't believe it's already happening. Just when I thought I'd made a friend.

"You're leaving already?" I asked, trying to hide my disappointment. I tried to follow after him, hoping to at least convince him to change his mind.

Finnick then whipped his head and shot a warning glare in my direction.

"Don't act surprised kid, You knew this was coming. It's been nice knowing you and all that sappy shit." Finnick muttered. He continued making his way over the ladder, grabbing the first bar and before he began to make his exit he looked at me one final time. He gave me that same look from before, one full of sympathy but this time with a little regret. "If it makes you feel any better, I hope you find what you're looking for."

With that being said, I helplessly watched as the small fox climbed the ladder until he was out of view.

Even though we hadn't known each other that long, I felt like we may have been becoming friends. I guess the feeling wasn't mutual. Why do I always get ahead of myself like this?

Honey rubbed my shoulder, "Between you and me, I think he likes you."

"You sure? He seemed pretty tired of having me around." I retorted. I sulked back over to the table and sat back down, folding my arms.

"Don't take it personally, big guy. Finn's that way with everyone." Honey said. "But I'm surprised he even helped you this far. I've never seen him go to such lengths to help anybody else since the last fella he was hangin with."

"Yeah, his name's Nick. They were like two peas in a pod. I rarely ever saw them not together, but then he joined the five-o and I think it may have rubbed Finn the wrong way." Honey replied. "Hold up, how did you two even meet?"

"I was getting jumped by some jerks who said they'd help me find a spot to eat. Thankfully Finn saved my ass before it got too bad. He even let me stay in his van for a bit when it started raining." I answered as I recalled our first interaction.

"Oh yeah he definitely likes you kid, probably just in denial about it." Honey repeated. She leaned back in her chair propping her feet up on the table and crossing her arms as she watched me closely. "So you got any idea on what you'll do next?"

I simply shrugged my arms, accepting my precarious position. What else was there left for me to do?

"I don't even know anymore. At this point I might as well turn myself in."

"Really? You're gonna give up already?" The badger questioned as if she were shocked to hear me admit defeat.

"Unless you've got any better ideas?" I raised an eyebrow, now open to any suggestions Honey may have. My question silenced her real fast as she tried to respond but seemingly couldn't put the words together.

"Ok, you got me there." Honey replied, dumbfounded.

We sat in silence for what felt like an hour. In that extended amount of time I was able to piece together where I could go from here. I then remembered Honey somehow knowing what I was. Maybe that's where I needed to start, do some digging on my origins.

"Honey, how much do you know about humans?" I asked her.

"As far as I'm aware you guys aren't supposed to exist…allegedly." Honey replied, putting a lot of emphasis on the last word. "In fact, I've got a book around here somewhere."

Honey left the table now in proceeding to scavenge the room for said book. I anxiously tapped my finger on the table as I waited for the badger to retrieve the said book in question. I took a quick glance at the clock hanging on the wall. A ram wearing a trenchcoat and a fedora, eyes cautiously darting from side to side, and holding an open briefcase which revealed a little black rectangular screen which revealed the time in bright red numbers.

"8:57pm"

"Man, it's getting late." I muttered.

SLAM!

A large thick book was dropped on the empty space on the table in front of me. I jumped, completely snapping out of my trance before placing my attention on the book Honey had retrieved. That was fast. I slid the book closer trying to get a better look at the cover page. The title read "Monsters, Myths, and Legends of Zootopia by William Hoover".

"Boom! Found it!" Honey shouted with a victorious grin. "Everything that you'll wanna know should be in this book."

"Thanks Honey" I smiled gratefully.

"No problem." She smiled back.

I could feel the excitement and wonder coursing through my body as I flipped the book open. The first page being the table of contents. I would then start tracing my index finger along the pages, Honey peering over my shoulder and watching me scan the pages for any possible clues. My finger eventually landed on the seventh chapter.

" Page 38, Chapter 7 'Humans: The Missing Link'. That's the one!" I read aloud.

I rushed through the book, flipping page after page until I reached the first page of chapter 7. We were immediately greeted with a very accurate diagram of human's appearance. The bidepal stature, the lack of any fur except for the patch of hair on the head, the opposable thumbs, the five fingers and five toes. The broad chest and well toned muscles along the arms and legs. It's only piece of clothing being a garb made of cloth that concealed it's entire body save for it's head, hands, and feet. I began reading the passage of text aloud.

Humans, otherworldly beings with abilities and knowledge far beyond anything we could imagine. Are they a thing of the past? Or a simple fairytale our ancestors used to their children and so forth? It's a question that's left anthropologists from all around the globe scratching their heads. There have been various accounts throughout Zootopia's history that may suggest that their existence is more than just a nonsensical campfire story. The most compelling evidence is the tablets of Tiwet. As their name states, they are ancient artifacts that originated from the city of Tiwet located in Savannah Square. A city that was once thriving with mammals of all backgrounds both predator and prey. A city of mammals…led by a sole human named Aton.

"Wait really?!" I asked in astonishment, shifting my head to look at Honey.

"Yep, keep reading though it gets more interesting." Honey replied.

More interesting? How could it get more interesting than this?

It was believed that Aton could change his form. Into one of pure light and fire and another of fury and pure animalistic rage. His physical strength would increase tenfold. His blood was also said to have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. He could bestow his astounding power onto those of his choosing and grant them powers beyond their wildest imaginations. Aton used these powers to protect and help the inhabitants of Tiwet. His valiant efforts earned him endless worship and praise from the town's natives, revered as a god by many. A shrine would even be made in his honor within the temple of tranquility, where Aton supposedly resided until his unexpected passing four years later after his arrival.

Now many would wonder how the tablets fit in all of this. The reason why they're so important is because they were written by Aton himself as laws for his people to abide by after his death. Laws that prohibited the killing of fellow mammals and strongly encouraged diversity and peace which many theorized had eventually became the foundation of our society today. Again these stories are to be taken with a grain of salt as there isn't much evidence that validates his existence other than the tablets themselves and the city of Tiwet. Fact or Fiction? You be the judge.

I proceeded to the next page only to find a completely different topic unrelated to what I was reading prior. I frantically flipped back and forth hoping I skipped a page by accident. "No, no, no! That can't be it. He died? How? I need to know what happened next."

"Woah Woah, no need to panic Seven." Honey muttered, remaining calm and collected. "I agree that the human chapter is a bit of a letdown but when you actually visit Tiwet it's a lot more informal."

Hearing that helped me calm down tremendously. I can't believe I had already forgotten about that detail. If Tiwet is a real place, there's nothing stopping me from going there and doing some investigating for myself. Except for the constant fear of getting caught lingering in the back of mine. Even then, it's still worth the risk if it means possibly getting some answers on my past. As tired as I am from going in circles like this I have to stay determined and hope I'm on the path of making progress of finding the truth. I'm tired of feeling confused and lost every waking moment of my life.

"Then that's where I'm going next." I retorted with full conviction.

"That's the spirit big guy!" Honey cheered, patting me on the back. "I'll tag along so you don't get lost out there. The streets of Zootopia are not for the weak. Not that I'm implying you're weak or anything, but…y'know?"

"I get what you mean, no worries. I know from personal experience." I nodded understandingly. "I'm very thankful for your help.

"Hey I couldn't pass up an opportunity on making history with Zootopia's first human in ages. Then it's settled! First thing in the morning you and I are taking a trip to Tiwet!" Honey affirmed with pure joy.

"Sooo…you'll let me stay here?" I asked.

"Hell to the yes! I'd be honored to have you spend the night. You can take the couch. Sit tight, I'll go get you a blanket and a pillow." Honey happily grinned as she walked over to the closet.

I didn't waste any time getting comfortable on the couch. My body sinking into the plush cushions being smushed underneath my weight. Honey returned bringing a plain white pillow and a thick black padded blanket setting them at my feet. Honey couldn't do a better job at containing her elation.

"Look at you all getting all comfy." She commented with a snicker.

"We've got a big day tomorrow. Might as well get as much rest as I can so I'm not tired on the way there." I replied.

"Nothing wrong with being prepared. Speaking of sleep, I'm gonna go pass out in my room. Holler if you need anything." Honey waved at me one more time as he made her way to a door which I assumed led to her bedroom. "Goodnight Seven."

"Goodnight!" I called back.

I picked up the blanket and pillow she'd brought me. Setting the pillow at the end of the couch where I'd lay my head and throwing the blanket over myself. Allowing my body to be swallowed into the comforting and warm confines of the fabric. Felt fresh out of the dryer, when a blanket is at its most enjoyable state in my opinion. I rolled over on my side and let out a relieved sigh, slowly blinking as I slowly slipped into a state of slumber.

Humans had powers? If that's the truth why don't I? Was it a feat that only Aton himself could achieve? Deep down inside I hoped the story wasn't just some made up story the citizens of Zootopia told each other to pass the time but an actual clue that could provide helpful insight on my past or as to why I couldn't remember anything before waking up in this strange new world. Only time will tell, we'll just have to see tomorrow.