Chapter 15
Breaking Point
'Mister? You doin' okay? You look sick.'
Nick jumped at the small voice, only to see a little red vixen, no more than six years old, holding what looked like a glow stick. There was a marmot and hyena behind her, also watching him worriedly while holding the shiny toys, still glowing in the park's evening shadow.
Your wife doesn't need to die.
Nick managed to crack out a pained smile.
'Nah… I'm fine. I've just got some… grown-up problems. Don't let me ruin your fun.'
The vixen's two friends shrugged and went back to chasing each other around the small park. The vixen girl followed them reluctantly, but not before giving Nick a curious, sad glance as she left. Nick's breath caught as it felt like a dagger through his heart.
Your child needs to die.
He self-consciously turned around on the wooden bench to face away from the children. He clutched the recording pen still, fighting his instinct to throw it away as his knuckles trembled. Instead, he bowed his head and pressed his knuckles against his temple.
Don't let them get to you… Don't let them get to you…
Your wife doesn't need to die.
…Stop it…
Your child needs to die.
Grenn's voice continued to repeat the lines in his head. He forced his eyes open and looked around. The area still evoked the city style of the council building, along with the steel walls of the prison. He suddenly got the urge to get up and get away, as far from this place as possible. He clenched the pen in his paw, trying desperately to ignore the threats in his mind so he could recall which way the subway was.
Your wife doesn't need to die.
Your child needs to die.
June 14th, Thursday, 7:30 pm
Judy had spent that entire afternoon twiddling her thumbs waiting for a message from her husband, to tell her he was coming back. Nick had assured that there was no need to worry, since his "squeaky-clean" past often involved sneaking in and out of places, usually to steal or plant lucrative items in one scheme or another. She had believed him, but as the hours went by, she'd run out of things to occupy herself with. There was only so much cleaning she could do, given how much more time she had for upkeep lately.
She tried calling him around 6:30, but forgot that he'd removed the SIM card. He should have put it back when he was done, but she still got the "this phone number is disconnected" message. Unable to work up an appetite, dinner came and went, and still not a peep from Nick. She was on the verge of calling the ZPD when her phone began vibrating and ringing. Her heart leapt with relief until she read who was calling, and saw it wasn't Nick.
'…Finn?'
The fennec's voice came out eerily subdued. 'Judes. I tried calling Nick, but it's like he's ghosting me. He back yet?'
Judy shook her head, her anxiety flooding straight back.
'I dunno! I knew he had stripped his phone card, but he should've been done by now… I've been worrying myself sick.'
'Well, they can't have caught him,' Finnick began, 'or we'd have heard by now.'
'Huh? How would you know that?'
Finnick paused. 'Let's just say I have eyes and ears in the right places. But even they don't know where he is.'
Judy gripped her phone and tightened her lips. 'What should I do?'
'You got any more tricks up your sleeve? To track that dumb fox of yours?'
The rabbit focused and forced herself to think. If this was a missing mammal case, she needed to think like she was on it herself.
A wolf, maybe…
'I… think I can manage. What are you going to do?'
'I'll see if I can't find him myself. He could be at one of our old hangouts that even you don't know about – I'll keep ya in the loop.'
Judy nodded thankfully. 'Thanks, Finn.'
'… Don't thank me yet.'
With that, the fennec hung up abruptly. Judy frowned at her phone for a moment. While Finnick hanging up like that was nothing new… there was something off about him. Towards the end, his words got more reserved, like he was apologising for something. She shrugged as she put the phone away.
That riddle will have to wait.
Her first thought was to call the ZPD to conduct a search, but when she stopped to think, she realised it would take too long to mobilise them. A moment later, she looked to her right through their window, and the answer was sitting right in front of her.
Judy got dressed, packing a jacket and umbrella as there was the chance of a light shower that night. She got a backpack and crammed in a few more things she might need, made sure she had everything else, before she left the house and locked her door.
The rabbit sped over to her neighbour's porch and knocked rapidly on their door. After some initial bustling from the kitchen, she heard Alex's guttural snort as if waking up from a nap.
'Just a second!'
Bertha's normally calming voice did little to allay Judy's nerves as she waited, her foot tapping the wooden planks nervously. The old wolf opened the door quickly as she heard, staring down at her worriedly as she beheld the anxious rabbit.
'Judy? Whatever is the matter, dear?'
At the mention of her name, Alex got up from his armchair inside, and came up to stand beside his wife.
The rabbit pressed her paws together desperately as she gazed up at the large predators.
'I need to find Nick – please.'
After studying the anxious rabbit for a moment, the pair of wolves could only glance at each other worriedly.
Nick found himself wandering Savannah Central's streets; everything that had happened after his talk with Ethan felt like a blur. The badger volunteered to create a distraction for the guard, allowing Nick to slip out as Vince eventually opened the door, and he was able to swipe a temporary pass after lockpicking one of the drawers. Evidently, Ethan made a convincing "mental fit" act that had him struggle with Vince for a good while. As Nick left, he hesitated on his way out, as he had half a mind to free Ethan. But the badger had made it clear that it was too stressful for him to be on the run, not to mention Nick had bigger things to worry about. And the badger was right. Nick had no idea if he could help Ethan, as he couldn't even help himself – or Judy. The very thought sent a stab of pain through his gut.
The tod's fight-or-flight instinct kicked in once he left the building, and he evaded the guards on the way back without thinking about it. In fact, he went a couple of blocks away before he realised how far he'd gone – and feeling sand in the air along with a warm wave of air. He had come closer to the border between Savannah Central and Sahara Square.
He found a secluded corner and took off the dark outfit, leaving him with a simple white shirt and blue shorts. It was still summer, so even in the evening, he didn't find it chilly.
His plan had been to return home as he usually did, but he was so desperate to not come up empty handed this time, that he had no idea what to do now. He needed to find this transfusion machine, even if it didn't work, for he had literally no other solution.
The problem was, the only mammal that knew about it had it taken from her. Evidently, from his last conversation with her, Gabby was not willing to broach the subject. Nevertheless, she was his only hope now.
As the thought began to take shape, his feet began to carry him forward. He knew Zootopia well enough to remember where the Breeze clinic was relative to the old apartment block he had ended up in – Oasis street.
It was dark enough to be past dinner time, and it was unlikely that the clinic was still open. But he didn't care. He needed to find Gabrielle Banner.
In what seemed like no time at all, he saw the carpark of the small clinic after zipping through the dark streets. Unfortunately, it was all but empty, with only one car left. He approached the glass door and, as luck would have it, spotted a familiar receptionist at the desk.
It didn't seem like the zebra was working. She was reading a document, her ears folded back miserably. Nick felt a pang of remorse as he guessed what the document was, but he had no time. He tapped on the glass.
Claire frowned with displeasure initially, and directed her gaze up at him. However, it morphed into shock and concern as she saw the fox pressed up against the door.
'Nick! What are you doing here?'
The fox couldn't answer at first. Claire opened the door, and as he looked up at her helplessly, it took a moment for him to talk.
'Sorry for being so late, but… I need to find Banner.'
'Gabby?' Claire tapped her chin thoughtfully. 'I can guess why, but… I don't know if that's such a good idea…'
'I don't have a choice… please.'
Claire sighed, before glancing to some streets in the east. 'Alright. She went east right after closing. I can't tell you exactly where she lives… but if you hurry, you should be able to catch her on Sander street after that.'
Nick bowed his head, and reached up to gently shake her hoofed digits. 'Thank you. And… if that paper you're reading is what I think it is… I'm sorry.'
Claire tensed for a moment before looking away sadly. 'There's no getting around it, I guess.' She gently pulled her hand out of his grip. 'Now go. I can only wish you luck.'
Nick nodded once more, then sped out of the building.
It wasn't until Nick arrived at Sander street that he began to feel the effects of running so far without a break, along with a slight drizzle that he hadn't felt until now. He had to stoop over and catch his breath, drinking some water out of the small bottle he had brought in his small bag.
He stood up straight and examined the run-down street ahead of him, with an old school sign and an unkempt stone path. It seemed grimly familiar; in a way that made him want to get out of here as soon as possible.
He ventured forth, scanning the street for any sign of the gazelle. There was no sign of her, but as he got further down, he heard the distant sound of high heels amongst the patter of rain on shingled roofs.
Nick rounded the bend, and there Gabby was, with blue jeans and a blouse, underneath an umbrella, just passing a worn-down set of stone stairs.
'W-wait!'
The gazelle froze at the sound of his voice, now broken and weak. She turned slight to meet his gaze, filled with pity and regret.
'Why are you here?'
'I…'
She paused, and shook her head as the fox remained silent.
'I already know what you want me to say, but there's nothing more I can do for you. I've already told you this.'
Nick slowly shook his head.
'I know… what happened to your daughter.'
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, but as she studied the downtrodden fox, it slowly faded away, and she looked up towards the rooftops.
'I don't know how you found that out… but it doesn't matter.' She pressed her forehead firmly with the tips of her fingers.'If you really knew, then you would know that the only possible solution is out of your reach.'
'That solution… being the transfusion machine?'
Gabby stared at the fox for a moment in shock, before her gaze hardened painfully.
'If you know that much, then you know the council has it. I've put that business behind me.'
'But…'
'No. It's too late, Nick Wilde. If Franklin was right about Hopps' stage of pregnancy, you need to have a discussion with her… and make a choice.' She tipped her head back to look at the grey sky, bitterness now all too apparent in her voice. 'Life isn't some uplifting story that rewards the good and punishes the bad. Fate can be cruel. Perfectly good mammals who had their whole lives before them can be snuffed out for no other reason that they fell in love.'
'But it's our only hope!' Nick retorted, desperation now re-emerging. 'Judy has already decided that she won't get an abortion! I need to save her!'
'Don't you get it?!' Gabby shot back, her composure now crumbling. 'Predator-prey pregnancies are doomed to fail! I poured months of work into that thing, with nothing to show for it but my daughter's blood on my hooves. I won't be responsible for another death!'
Nick approached her as she was talking, and without thinking, grabbed one of her hoofed paws and sunk to his knees.
'Please… I'm begging you…'
Gabby's eyes widened as the distressed fox stared up at her with pleading green eyes. Her breath caught in her throat; she completely froze for a second.
'G-Get away from me!'
She wrenched free, leaving Nick to fall to his knees with his paws on the ground. As he stared up at her helplessly, Gabby's shoulders sagged, returning a similarly miserable look, still shaking her head.
'I'm… I'm sorry. I can't help you. I wish it wasn't like this…'
The gazelle, still with a pained expression, slipped away, and Nick didn't have the strength to follow her. He could barely keep his head up, to the point where he could only stare at the ground.
Is this it? Is this all I can do?
His eyes clenched shut, as memories he'd suppressed before, now came flooding back in a violent wave.
We should have known an honest fox officer was too good to be true!
Predators like you give us a bad name.
Your wife doesn't need to die.
If you thought we would ever trust a fox without a muzzle, you're even dumber than you look!
Nick's arms began to shake, and he pressed a palm to his head forcefully in an attempt to silence the voices.
What did I do wrong? What should I have done?
… What am I supposed to tell Judy?
Finnick's old van clattered through the streets as he went from place to place, taking a path through the city that passed through his and Nick's favourite hangouts. Most were alleyway entrances that had good proximity to lucrative locations, such as the furnace with the pile they'd used to melt Jumbo-pops. Others were in wider open areas such as the factory district which had been long abandoned by Zootopia's construction teams. He stopped for a quick look at each site before heading to the next.
As he kept searching, the small vulpine began to wonder if Nick would really go to one of these spots. They were the kind of places that a guy would go to just forget about the world, at least temporarily. But he couldn't see Nick doing that now, after joining the police and marrying Judy.
So where the hell are you, Nick?
His first stop had been the area around the council building, where Finnick had parked and looked on foot. But there had been no sign of Nick, and the few guards on duty hadn't seen anything. Which was the whole idea of the tod sneaking in, but now presented its own set of problems.
After the fifth hangout, Finnick realised that he was thinking the wrong way. He'd assumed Nick's behaviour based on the past, but the tod had changed for the better in the last few years.
Yeah… even if he found out terrible shit from Hodge, he wouldn't give up yet. In that case…
He spun the steering wheel and returned to the council vicinity. As the buildings closed in, Finnick reluctantly parked the van and got out, and after arriving back at the council building, began to walk towards Gabby's clinic.
As the fennec continued, he got out his phone.
8:12? Damn.
The clinic would have closed at 7:45 on a Thursday. If Nick got there in time, he might have caught Gabby on the way out. If he was any later than that, someone else might have pointed him in the gazelle's direction, as she lived in a single apartment within walking distance.
That's a lotta "ifs"…
If his hunch was correct, though, then there was no point going to the clinic. Instead, he started to wander through the streets between Gabby's apartment, and the clinic's carpark.
The drizzle began to irritate him after a while, which only spurred him on to move faster. The place was eerily quiet; far too much for his liking. He also had a hard time picturing Gabby living in such a run-down suburb, when he remembered her living in a sizable house closer to the city centre.
Just what happened to you, Gabs? Or rather, what did the council do?
These thoughts continued even as he combed the alleys and streets. The fennec's large ears were perked up at full alert, and it wasn't long before he heard familiar paws on pavement, but only for a second.
Nonetheless, it was enough for him to zero in. As Finnick cleared the building on his right, he came across a decrepit gate that caused him to shudder, but he couldn't put his finger on why.
He spotted Nick not too far in as he stepped through the open gate, the red fox sitting against a wall outside an abandoned building. The stone steps leading up to the door were frayed and crumbling in several places. Finnick examined a sign that was almost unreadable, and he squinted at it as he approached the red fox.
The sign had crumbled stuck-on letters that had mostly fallen off or been stolen, as if for a school. The old building to his left had no lights on, but Finnick made out "23 89" above the double door. There was a rusted fire hydrant on the kerb, and two dead trees with rusted trunk guards down the bottom.
What kind of shitty twist of fate is this?
'Nick?'
The tod had his head buried in his arms against his knees. The only indication that he'd heard the fennec was a slight flick of his ears.
'Shouldn't you be at home? Judes is worried about you.'
When Nick didn't respond, Finnick quickly sent Judy a message with their position. As he put his phone away, the red fox whispered.
'Where did I go wrong, Finnick?'
Finnick frowned. 'Whaddya mean?'
'You remember… two weeks ago? I told you I wouldn't screw things up with Judy. Ohhh… how wrong I was.'
'Dude, this isn't your fault.'
Nick finally raised his head, and Finnick flinched under his hard gaze. 'Isn't it? Did someone else fall into Judy's graces and get her pregnant?'
'That's… not what I mean.'
'Then what do you mean?'
Finnick's jaw tightened while he clenched a fist. 'Shit happens sometimes. It doesn't always mean you did somethin' to deserve it. The council has been covering this up, and if they actually educated–'
'It wouldn't have changed much,' Nick continued. 'I was the one who gave in and kissed her. I was the one who couldn't control himself. I brought this on her, and even knowing what I do now, it was going to happen so long as we were involved in each other's lives.'
Finnick couldn't talk back to that. They both fell silent for a minute, in dour contemplation.
'I'm… guessing you found Gabs here?' Finnick finally said after Nick dipped his head back down. 'She couldn't help you, could she?'
Nick let out a hollow laugh. 'You did warn us. Serves me right.'
The self-loathing in his voice was so apparent that Finnick could barely look at him. 'Then… what are you gonna do?'
Nick's shoulders stiffened.
'If I knew that, I wouldn't be here, sitting in the rain without an umbrella.'
'What did Gabs say?'
Nick fell silent, slowly lifting his head to look up, to the point where he started blinking at the light droplets hitting his face.
'She said… getting an abortion is the only way.'
They let the silence play out, and Nick sunk his head back into his knees.
'Then… maybe you gotta do it.'
Nick's ears flicked again after several seconds. He slowly raised his head again and narrowed his eyes at Finnick.
'… Do you know what you're saying?'
The tan vulpine returned his firm gaze. 'It means you'll lose the baby, but at least she'll be alive.'
Nick slowly shook his head. '… You don't get it. Judy's already made up her mind about this.'
'What do you mean? There's nothin' to be gained from going through with it. You need to convince Judes–'
'Of what? That we never should have married? That us being together is wrong?'
Finnick's gaze softened as Nick unleashed his thoughts.
'That every mammal that ever looked down on us was right? That it's wrong for me to want a child – something I've wanted ever since I married her?'
'I…'
Nick threw up his paws. 'We already know what'll happen if we get the abortion. Sure, you'd think things would go back to normal, but they won't. At some point, it'll be painful just to look at each other. And we'll spend the rest of our lives wondering why she was able to get pregnant in the first place just to have it ripped away. And she was the one who made me realise that.'
Finnick couldn't say anything as Nick lowered his head. 'I really am a good-for-nothing fox.'
'Nick, I'm sorry, I didn't–'
The tod swiftly stood up, his eyes unfocused and wandering. 'Whatever. Just leave me alone.'
Finnick's ears shot up in alarm as the tod began to wander further down the alleyway.
'Wait, Nick! Judes is looking for you–'
Whether Nick was ignoring him or just not paying attention, the red fox picked up speed as he crept away. Finnick pursued, but within a few turns, the tan vulpine had lost sight of him.
Damn it, Nick!
Judy found it somewhat frustrating being strapped down in a sidecar, as she could only see out the side ports. It was somewhat understandable, since it was clearly designed with large predators in mind, but she was not used to having so little agency while travelling at high speeds.
Bertha had quickly got her and Alex ready to ride her motorbike that was thankfully already fitted with a sidecar. It was a sleek, metallic black with silver bars. The compartment was also more comfortable than Judy expected. She guessed they had modified it so it was still safe for smaller mammals to ride in, with the seatbelt an adjustable length so she strapped down properly on the otherwise large seat. They also had a comparatively smaller helmet for her, though it was old and slightly too big, and she had to keep her ears pressed down behind her. Alex also had the sense to find a spare and store it in a small compartment in the sidecar.
Alex sat behind his wife, both the wolves also wearing helmets. Judy had found Nick's favourite tie, made sure it was sufficiently smelly, and had the two wolves take a whiff. Then, she got Finnick's tip-off, which narrowed their search area considerably.
Unfortunately, the trip wasn't completely smooth, as Bertha was not the most careful driver. Alex often clung to his wife in intermittent terror as they rounded bends or hit potholes.
'Learn to drive, woman!'
She just laughed it off. 'If I was a careful driver, we wouldn't have met, now would we?'
'…Hrrmph.'
The drizzle was barely noticeable, but the wolves had gotten one of their umbrellas and fitted it as a makeshift roof for Judy. She repeatedly counted herself fortunate that she was able to get out to find Nick so quickly.
However, as they arrived in the narrow streets bordering on Savannah Central, it seemed her fortune had run out, as Finnick had texted her again and she opened the message.
i lost him, Judes
She frowned as she texted back.
Why, what happened?
i said something i shouldn't
Judy deflated a little with a sigh.
I figured that would happen one day… the timing could be better
u got a plan for finding him?
Yeah, some wolf help
k, i'll keep looking, but he'll prob bolt if he sees me
Just keep me updated, Finn
right, and… I'm sorry btw
Once again, Finnick was being unusually apologetic. As she sat there in thought, she felt the sidecar slow down.
'Judith! I need that tie again.'
Alex's commanding voice prompted her to obey, and the old wolf took it and sniffed it as she held it out to him. As the bike had come to a stop, she peeked her head out to see they were just at the turn off into Sander street.
'This should be the place.'
Alex nodded as he handed the tie back. 'He definitely went down this way.'
Judy was about to take off her seatbelt, but the wolves remained on the bike.
'Aren't we getting off?'
'Nah,' Bertha said proudly, 'we should be able to go a bit further. I'll try and keep the speed down though, dear.'
They continued down the dark street until they were blocked by a metal gate, and their vehicle was too big to fit through. It was then that the wolves took off their helmets and parked the motorbike off to the side in a free parking bay.
Judy undid her belt and carefully got out, and she shook with apprehension. In the back of her mind, she worried that Grenn or one of the Razorbacks would be coming after Nick, but her husband had always excelled at sneaking around and avoiding larger mammals. But if the tod had ditched Finnick after being found, she had to wonder if something else was wrong with him – or what he'd found out from Ethan.
She also found it somewhat comforting that Alex especially was so quick to help her. Aside from some of the larger ZPD officers, the old wolf was the only mammal she knew that would be capable of defending himself if a physical confrontation with the Razorbacks was unavoidable.
Alex led the way, and they passed several blocks before Alex sniffed one final time and stopped.
'He's close.'
They were standing in a small park with a slide and a swing behind it. After stepping forward, they instantly saw Nick sitting despondently on it. Relief flooded her chest as she raced towards him.
'Nick!'
She saw the fox's ears flick towards her, but he didn't otherwise respond.
Alex whispered something to Bertha, who doubled back towards the parked motorbike. The old wolf stayed at Judy's side as she gently tugged at her husband's paw resting on his knee.
'Come on, Nick say something! Where have you been? What happened?'
The tod managed to meet her gaze for a moment, but he quickly flinched and lowered his eyes again.
Alex studied the tod with a frown, before a heavier drop of rain hit his nose. 'We don't have time for this. Forgive me, both of you, but there's no sense staying out here.'
Judy opened her mouth to question him, but the wolf moved to pry the fox from the swing, gently but firmly. She fell in line as Alex immediately carried the fox back to the sidecar. The tod offered no resistance.
They all wordlessly worked to get Nick secured in the sidecar where Judy had been, as well as the rabbit securing herself next to him. She quickly got out a towel from her backpack and began wiping the fox's face free of the built-up condensation.
As the motorbike took off, she hastily got the spare helmet and did it up for Nick, as well as herself. When she then got the towel and began to dry off his arms, he finally spoke.
'Carrots?'
Her ears perked up behind her helmet.
'… I don't know what to do.'
She slowly but gently brought his snout over to meet hers.
'It's alright, Nick. Just tell me what happened.'
He gripped her paw gently, his eyes glistening sadly. Slowly, but surely, he recounted everything that had happened, from Ethan's story to his encounter with Dr. Banner. By how quiet and smooth the ride was, Judy could tell the wolves were listening too.
After listening to the whole thing, Judy felt shaken too. After all that, it was no surprise that she found Nick the way he was.
'I'm sorry, Nick. I… can't think of anything either. At least, not right now.'
'You two should worry about yourselves for tonight, at least,' Bertha said gently from the motorbike. 'We need to get you out of this weather, and I can make you both some tea. How does that sound?'
Judy smiled up at the old wolf through the side opening. 'That'd help a lot, Bertha, thank you.'
'Old man?' Nick said after a moment. 'I need a favour.'
Alex, who had been silent up until now, furrowed his brow. 'Shoot.'
'The fact that Grenn and the Razorbacks came after Ethan in his own home… It might be too much to ask, but can you watch out for us? I don't know why they haven't done this already, but…'
Alex continued to frown thoughtfully, but nodded after a moment. 'You have my word. But… did you say "Grenn"?'
Judy and Nick raised a brow. 'Yeah,' she continued, 'he made it no secret when we first met last Thursday.'
Alex's gaze trailed off to the nearby scenery, mulling something over. Judy was about to pry further when a ding sounded from her phone, and she found she got another text.
Judes, you find him yet?
She hastily texted back, a moment of regret passing as she had forgotten to tell the small vulpine.
Finnick, sorry, yeah we found him about ten minutes ago. We're on our way home now.
good
After getting nothing back after a few seconds, she sent another message.
Bertha's going to make us some tea… which we could all use right now. Did you want to join us?
Finnick, as per usual, gave her one last message before he dropped off.
Sorry, but there's something I gotta do.
The pristine grandfather clock pressed against a decorated mahogany wall chimed as the minute hand struck the top, signalling 10 pm. The white hamster sitting at his desk looked up in surprise, seemingly oblivious to how dark it had gotten outside.
Gilesby had a habit of sneaking back into the office to work longer, unbeknownst to his assistant, who would have reprimanded him for his overzealous work ethic.
Well, time flies when one is having fun…
Being on level 21 within the Mayor's office building had a calming effect, as he knew he wouldn't be disturbed unless it was either a grave matter, or there was an appointment. Back home, he frequently put up with reporters and representatives of each region's representatives, even outside of work hours, for a moment of his time. As such, despite it being his work environment, he found it more relaxing, even as he continued to do extra paperwork.
He then got a notification at the bottom right of his PC screen, and he furrowed his brow with fascination.
Hm… I was expecting him to contact me around now, but not in this manner.
The Mayor waited a couple of minutes, and the late-night guest appeared from the elevator visible through the large wooden double-doors. The fennec fox wordlessly shoved through them without so much as a greeting, and strode straight up to the chair with a frown etched in his forehead.
'Well, that was cold, Finnegan. Turning up without an appointment, for the first time in years, and not even a peep or hello? If this is another business proposition, you're off to a bad start.'
Finnick continued to frown grimly as he presented a roll of papers in his right paw.
'Explain something to me.'
The tan vulpine jumped up onto the desk and spread out several pages over it, completely disregarding the extensive paperwork already folded out neatly before the mayor. As the hamster took a moment to examine them, disorderly as they were, he recognised the names – even some faces – of the dozen or so mammal files. He glanced up at the scowling vulpine calmly.
'Exactly what do you need explained?'
The question was rhetorical; both of them knew exactly what was being asked. All of the mammals were female, and most of them prey species. And all had the same cause of death, with the same lack of detail.
Childbirth.
Finnick stomped on the table, causing all the paperwork to scatter further over the table.
'Don't fuck with me, Gilesby. Or should I say – Quincy?'
Gilesby raised a brow. 'Call me what you like. You always have, Finnegan.'
Finnick retracted his paw as he tried – unsuccessfully – to keep rage out of his voice.
'How much do you know about this?'
That, also, felt like a pointless question, as Gilesby's lack of surprise at the scandalous files told Finnick all he needed to know.
Gilesby put down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and took a long, deep breath as he closed his eyes thoughtfully.
'First, I want to know what you think this all means. After all, I find it puzzling that you find this objectionable now, when you have spent many years overlooking similar files in your jobs with us.'
Finnick tightened his fists, but did his best to remain composed.
'Childbirth. Who – or rather what – were the fathers?'
'Come now, Finnegan. We are both intellectuals; in admittedly different fields. It doesn't take a genius to figure this out. Given by your wording, I think you already know.'
'For the prey, predators. And for the predators, vice versa. Correct?'
Gilesby then leaned forward, regarding the fennec with an unusually steely gaze. 'Are you sure you wish me to answer? This is exactly the kind of rabbit hole one would want to avoid, especially in your line of work.'
Finnick opened his mouth to answer, but he hesitated, his rage momentarily replaced with apprehension. If Gilesby was making a threat, it was no idle one. But as he remembered seeing Nick pressed against the wall, his resolve returned as he returned Gilesby's gaze.
'I asked, didn't I?'
The Mayor didn't move, but simply closed his eyes for a moment. '… You are correct.'
His words confirmed what Finnick suspected but it didn't make it sting any less.
'Damn it, why? Why would you or the Council do somethin' like this? Most of these mammals were perfectly capable mammals, that would've benefitted your idea of a prosperous city! One was even going to be a doctor. So why?!'
Gilesby's expression was unchanged. 'I know you have shown little interest in politics, but… have you really not heard any of my speeches, or any idea of what I strive for as mayor?'
Finnick waved a paw dismissively. 'Yeah, some spiel about how every species is useful and important, with different talents, blah blah blah. It's the main reason why some mammals are so good at their jobs.'
'Such as… Nick and Judy, perhaps?'
Finnick growled. 'Don't try to change the subject, Quince.'
'But I'm not. Your talented friends are part of this prosperous society that I work towards every day. It's just unfortunate that they've – so far – chosen not to heed their warnings.'
'Don't pretend to know why my friends are or aren't relevant.'
'I don't? Then I'm sure you're aware of their recent forays into speaking with the old mayor, or should I say, mayors. I should also mention your red fox friend recently – and illegally – I might add, sought the audience of a certain prisoner?'
Finnick kept his face as neutral as possible, but he couldn't help the spike of alarm shooting through his gut.
'If that's the case, why aren't you arresting him?'
Gilesby leaned back, gesturing outwards, with the gall of a smile. 'But don't you see? I have no intention of forcing this fate upon your friends. They have to make the choice themselves – and if they make the wrong one, they need to suffer the consequences.'
Talk about a helluva contradiction…
'To what end, then?'
'What else? For Zootopia to remain prosperous and inclusive, as it has always strived to be.'
Finnick shook his head, genuinely confused. 'Now you've lost me. If by "wrong choice" you mean going through with the birth of their kid… how does that have anything to do with Zootopia's prosperity?'
Gilesby's smile fell, the hamster sighing with disappointment. 'And here I thought you a fellow intellectual, Finnegan. Very well.'
He stood up from his seat, pressing a button on the arm rest to lower down to the floor, and he hopped off. Finnick reluctantly hopped down from the desk and followed the hamster as the rodent looked out at the bright and colourful cityscape.
'Do you know the ideals upon which Zootopia was founded?'
'I'm guessing yer gonna tell me.'
'All in good time, good fox.' Gilesby turned to him. 'I want to know your view on the matter.'
Finnick tightened his muzzle, having dealt with the hamster long enough to know when to capitulate.
'For predators and prey to live together without ripping each other's throats' out.'
The hamster gave a hearty chuckle. 'Crass, as always, but more or less correct. But that is not the only ideal. After all – why would our ancestors have wanted to do such a thing? It would have been easier to simply keep away from each other once predators such as yourself evolved enough to not require prey as a food source.'
Finnick shrugged his shoulders indifferently. 'I dunno, 'cos they wanted to play nice? Out of the goodness of their oh-so precious hearts?'
'Again, you jest, but we both know such a thing would not last.'
'Fine. They saw practical benefits from different mammal species workin' together.'
Gilesby smacked his paws together in delight. 'Now you're getting to the heart of it. The way I see it, the divisions between predator and prey are not so different from that between an elephant and a rabbit, or a tiger and otter. All have their strengths and weaknesses, and it is from harnessing these together that Zootopia can thrive.'
Finnick frowned. 'That's not entirely true, though. There's something about predator-prey relationships – specifically when it comes to screwing each other – that ticks you off in some way or another. Isn't that right?'
The hamster frowned, Finnick's tone now no longer amusing to him.
'If you want to put it that way, then fine. I would be perfectly content to leave them alone if nothing could tangibly come from these… unions… but against all better judgement, they have. For quite a long time' – the hamster's gaze flicked over to the files – 'as you are no doubt aware.'
'So what is it about these "unions" that bothers you so much then?'
Gilesby sighed again. 'Again, I would think you capable of thinking of it yourself. I've given you enough clues, I think.'
Finnick folded his arms thoughtfully. 'So that's how yer gonna play it, huh? Fine.'
Internally, he did have a pretty good idea of what Gilesby was talking about. However, as soon as he said it out loud, he knew he would be torn in two directions. And Gilesby knew that too, as the hamster continued to watch him with veiled amusement.
But then… why did I even come up here? Why did I come this far?
'It's the kids.'
Gilesby slowly nodded, his amusement replaced with approval. 'Do you see, now? Why, as unfortunate as it is, I cannot allow such creatures to be born?'
Finnick narrowed his eyes. '"Creatures"? You're gonna use the "them" and "it" justification now, are ya?'
'Just think of what would happen if such births were normalised. Yes, it wouldn't be immediate. The change would be subtle… occurring over several generations. Perhaps we wouldn't feel the effects for hundreds of years into the future. But one day… say, your fox and rabbit friends… if the precedent they set were allowed to continue, foxes and rabbits as we know them would cease to exist. As will all their strengths and weaknesses that Zootopia should value, diluted into creatures that resemble monsters. The weaknesses of both; the strengths of neither.'
Finnick stared.
'That's a helluva claim. Not to mention cowardly.'
Now Gilesby was frowning. 'What do you mean?'
'You're condemning innocent mammals to death, as well as ruining the lives of others, because of what "might" happen. Have you ever seen one of these "monsters" survive comin' into the world? Huh?'
Gilesby was silent, but Finnick continued.
'No, because yer too afraid of what "might" happen.'
'Well, I know what "has" happened,' Gilesby countered firmly. 'Since the very first case centuries ago, such couplings have always resulted in tragedy. And this was long before Zootopia's founders became aware, and took measures against it.'
'Those measures bein'… fannin' the flames?'
The hamster was silent for another moment, studying the fennec suspiciously.
'Explain yourself.'
Finnick threw up his paws. 'Okay, Gilesby, ya got me. Everything you've told me up 'til now, I already knew or had a strong hunch about. It's quite the clever web you've set up, huh? Back in the good ol' days when predators and prey had started working out how to build stone houses, they kept their distance most of the time. But they at least were past warring with each other, and when some decided to try livin' with those on the other side of the fence, they got a hankering they never got before. But of course, technology bein' what it was, the first predator-prey pregnancy ended up with the mother and child dead. And it was an omen, ain't that the truth?
'But to avoid predator-prey relations crumblin', the leaders decided to keep this hush-hush. As soon as some form of predator-prey government came into power, this probably became one of their traditions. "Don't get too close to them" and all that jazz, even though they touted working together because of everythin' you've been preaching up until this point.'
From the hamster's widened eyes, Finnick knew he was right on the mark.
'Y'know, my old man always used to say "prey make good customers, terrible friends, and worse girlfriends". I guess there were many ways I could've taken that, but I didn't listen to that drunk much anyway. He slept around a lot when I was a kit, so I didn't pay attention to what species they were. He treated them all like shit. Who'd have thunk all those arguments and abortions were manufactured?'
'Is that an invitation to ask about your personal life?' Gilesby's ears twitched with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. 'You've never been one to share such details.'
'Well, I'm sharing 'em now to make a point.'
The mayor studied him further, his guard up the whole time, but he relaxed his shoulders a little after several seconds of contemplation.
'I find it hard to believe that your father's life would have improved with hindsight, regardless of whether his partners were predators or prey. "Manufactured" is a bold claim.'
'You would be right…' Finnick placed a finger on his muzzle, 'if my old man was the only example. You seem to forget that I've been around the block, so to speak, compared to you having spent your whole life in this city.'
Gilesby was silent, now scowling.
'It all starts with the pregnancy,' Finnick continued. 'Since education is pretty much non-existent – I know, because I've checked – this always catches the couple off guard. It's become something of a taboo, hasn't it? Any mammal that's been through wouldn't talk about it, and silences anyone else who does, including those who could have otherwise raised awareness about this possibility. Most mammals, especially parents, who lost one of their kids to one of these will tend to blame the mammal who got their precious daughter pregnant, while ignoring said mammal's protests in the face of such tragedy. Any daughter that obeys the doctors for the abortion, will find it too painful to talk about afterwards. Unless they never cared, in which case they wouldn't bring it up in conversation anyway. It's easier to control dialogue about a problem if a normal everyday mammal will have their own reasons to keep silent about it, warding off blame from yourselves.'
The Mayor continued to scowl, which Finnick took as a confirmation that his trail of thought was correct.
'It's actually quite clever, objectively speaking,' Finnick managed a hollow laugh. 'Even now mammals still think that this kind of pregnancy is impossible. Even I'm still wrapping my head around it. And normally, I wouldn't have given a shit.'
'Oh, really?' Gilesby's mouth twitched with a hint of amusement. 'Then why the change of heart?'
'Why else? Because it happened to my friends!'
Gilesby glowered for a moment, before narrowing his eyes with disappointment. 'So… the only reason you care about this instance is because mammals you know are directly affected by it. Meanwhile, you have done decades' worth of work, negatively affecting others, but you treated them as no more than jobs. Why do your friends' lives matter so much more than everyone else's?'
Finnick was speechless for a moment, long enough for Gilesby to sigh.
'This is why you could never be a leader, Finnegan. You fail to see the big picture. I have to make decisions that affect millions of mammals, while also factoring in future generations. The reality of the matter is that the precedent of a predator-prey pregnancy cannot be allowed.'
Finnick glared at the hamster, who returned his attention to the city below. After several tense seconds of tense silence, he spoke again.
'You wanna talk reality? You might want a check yourself, if you still don't get it – even after I literally threw it in your face.'
Gilesby raised an irritated brow. 'What are you on about now?'
Finnick didn't answer, and instead strode over to the mayor's desk. The hamster watched him guardedly as the vulpine gathered the papers scattered over the desk and returned to hand them over in order.
'If you're as much involved in this as I think you are… there's somethin' that you're either missing, or selectively choosing to ignore.'
The Mayor frowned, going through each of the profiles.
'We've already discussed this…'
Finnick shook his head. 'Nope. It's my turn to make you figure it out. If you're as smart as you say you are, you'll know what I'm talking about.'
Gilesby stopped and clasped the papers hesitantly, but Finnick could spot his conflicted gaze as the hamster stared through the paper.
'Actually, I lied. It's two things. But I'll give ya the first one.'
He reached over and tapped the date registered in the table towards the top of the document, but the hamster pulled away.
'You know, don't you? The pattern isn't going away. It's getting worse.'
'…Nonsense.'
'Is it?' Finnick said venomously. 'Or are you just ignoring it, because you've got a stick shoved so far up your ass you can't admit to being in the wrong?'
When Gilesby tightened his jaw, Finnick snatched the papers and turned it around, shoving it in the hamster's face while pointing at the date.
'March 19th, 1962.' Finnick dropped the front sheet, pointing at the next, one by one. 'July 2nd, 1979. January 1st, 1989. May 4th, 1997. August 25th, 2004–'
Gilesby silently went to snatch the papers back, but Finnick pulled away.
'The gaps between these pregnancies are getting shorter. And if you had spent any time with normal mammals on the ground, instead of spendin' your whole life inside your ivory tower, the reason why'd be obvious. And you would also know that this whole… thing you and the council set up will inevitably fail.'
Gilesby balled his fists, his temple tightening with tension unseen until that point. 'Then why don't you enlighten me?'
'It's simple. Enough exposure to different mammals will mean they will eventually get bored of their own species, especially if their parents pushed them into "conservative" relationships. Strictly within the straight spectrum – prey women are likely to find male predators attractive, because the typical masculine traits are amplified. And vice versa. Why do you think most of your victims are female prey?'
'Victims? You–'
'I'm not finished.'
Gilesby remained silent.
'The individual strengths and weaknesses of each mammal is another part of why they're attracted to each other. This is your whole schtick, isn't it? Well it's also feedin' this pattern, too. Two mammals that can cover each other's weakness better than they would if they were the same species makes more sense for long-term romantic partners, wouldn't you say?'
He found Gilesby's scowl and twitching brow oddly satisfying.
'You want mammals of all kinds to work closely together and get past their fear of each other, but the moment they want to have the same right to a family as anyone, you condemn it. That's ass-backwards, and you know it.'
Gilesby was silent for a long time, but his scowl lessened as the seconds passed by, and the hamster regained his composure.
'Then… what would you suggest?'
'Ain't it obvious? The council had a hand in beatin' Gabby down into the wreck she is. Let her and other doctors like her research these pregnancies!'
The hamster slowly shook his head, and Finnick found his fist balling up again.
'I'm afraid you are mistaken, Finnegan. Just like you say there is no proof that a predator-prey pregnancy will result in a monster, there is no proof that there will not be. The council and I have upheld this belief passed down through generations, and any attempt to convince me otherwise are pointless. Call me a hypocrite, murderer, whatever you want. I will stand by my beliefs, and will enforce them so long as I am Mayor.'
Damnit… I knew he was a calculating bastard, but this…
Finnick kicked at the scattered sheets on the carpeted floor.
'Damn you! Where's the machine?'
Gilesby raised his brow in blatantly fake confusion. 'I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about.'
Finnick shot forward, grabbing the hamster off the floor by his suit collar and shoving him against the glass window. The hamster barely reacted.
'The transfusion machine, dumbass! I know the council wouldn't be stupid enough to destroy something that useful. Where is it?'
'Why should I tell you?'
The vulpine's gaze flicked down towards the city streets below.
'How about not ending up a red stain on the pavement down there?'
Even Finnick was taken aback by the amused smirk that passed across the hamster's face.
'And what would that accomplish? You wouldn't get any closer to finding the machine. Besides, this glass is far too thick for the likes of you.'
Finnick stiffened, but pushed the rodent against the window further. 'I know plenty of exits on this level. It wouldn't be too much of a hassle to drag you out there.'
'My, my. I wouldn't have dreamed you would ever stoop to murder, Finnegan. That was a line you vowed never to cross.'
'You're one to talk. Sick bastard.'
Finnick was holding the docile hamster for long enough that his elbows started to tremble. Gilesby continued to regale his piercing stare, and Finnick slowly lowered him back to the floor.
'You might tell yourself you hold Nick in high regard as your friend, but we've been working together for far longer than you've known him. You've betrayed other friends over matters that were far less costly for you. That's why I know you can't ultimately go through with this. Even you won't sacrifice everything for the sake of a friend.'
Finnick's shoulders sagged as he stared at the ground helplessly. 'Screw you…'
Gilesby paused before placing a comforting paw on his shoulder, and Finnick couldn't tell if it was genuine or not.
'Mammals in our position do need to make sacrifices. Keeping the city running, keeping all parts in check – from clean to unclean – is a burden that only we really understand.'
The mayor then began gathering the papers scattered all over the floor. After he was done, he went to sit at his desk. All the while, Finnick remained where he was.
'Now, so we're clear,' Gilesby cleared his throat, prompting Finnick to reluctantly turn hamster held the papers above an electronic shredder next to his desk bin. 'I am going to shred these documents, and if you don't stop me, I'm going to take that as you making the right choice, and that you'll forget this conversation.' As he studied Finnick's expression, he softened his tone. 'I don't want to see Judy Hopps die any more than you do, so if you could convince her and her fox husband to follow the advice they have been given, that would be much appreciated and in all your best interests.'
Finnick snarled for a moment, but otherwise didn't move.
'Very well, then.'
The hamster pushed the paper through the shredder. Finnick remained expressionless as the mechanical whirs continued for several seconds.
After that was done, Gilesby nodded with satisfaction.
'Well, this meeting has been productive. If you would kindly show yourself out, I won't need to report you to security, and things can go back to normal.'
'Tch…'
Finnick growled again as he kept his head bowed all the way back to the elevator. He didn't bother turning around before the doors began to close, but he could tell that the hamster was going back to his paperwork as if nothing had happened.
Confident bastard, are ya?
However, just before the doors closed, the Mayor failed to notice the fennec fox glance over his shoulder defiantly.
This isn't over.