As the line rang, Bogo knew it would take a moment to go all the way through, which gave Bogo time to consider if he was making the right decision. Hearing a commotion outside he looked to see Grizoli defending against a pair of P6 sheep, and possibly more mammals, as he saw Grizoli look off to the side. This convinced him as the line connected.

The deep voice from the other side sounded tired. "Chief Bogo. Please tell me you have good news"

"Sadly, no, Governor. I have confirmation of prey, again mostly sheep from current reporting, working within the ZPD and other parts of government. They arranged an attempt on Wilde and Hopps. Wilde is critical and may not survive another day, and the conspiracy is doing all it can to block the resources needed to save him. If he dies, Hopps, as his mate, will likely follow him into death.

I expect they'll use that as proof that Wilde somehow killed her. This is clearly the culmination of the Intel the mayor said was nothing. I am therefore initiating the Reaper protocol. I am locking down the region, and all officers not on the approved list are hereby stripped of authority. You have now been notified per that protocol requirements. I expect you to confirm authorization as needed."

The Governor got a single word response before Bogo disconnected. "Fuck."

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Dialing again, Bogo waited. The line connected though whoever answered simply waited, not that he expected a response. "Reaper protocol activated. Initiate notifications and confirm in the clear. Engage and lock down the county. Asset Hopps will be off leash. I now understand what that means."

A single word. A quiet question that expressed the gravity of understanding, responded. "Wilde?"

"Due to the conspiracy blocking delivery of the resources needed to save his life. He likely will not survive another day."

"Understood." The line disconnected.

Bogo pulled up a final number. The line picked up before the first ring finished. "Chief?"

"No real update. Mammals are trying to get the needed blood to allow the surgery. However the attack appears to be part of a conspiracy, knowing that you will likely follow him if he dies. Reaper protocol has been activated as it is ZPD and county officers doing the dirty work of trying to block delivery, or even the retrieval of the blood needed to save him." Bogo paused for a moment, recognizing, given the new things he understood about Hopps and Wilde, what he was about to do with his next statement. "Hopps. As a member of the Reaper authority group, you are hereby unleashed. I'm now aware of the source of your and Wilde's skills. I want you to put those to use. End this, Hopps."

"Chief. Do you truly understand what you are saying, sir? You're taking off a leash that Nick and I put there ourselves. Are you sure?"

Bogo gave a tired sigh. "I know that. I figured that out shortly after I was told, and I was told as a warning. That I should maybe have an assassin's bullet ready for you so that you would not go on a warpath. However, that was before it was revealed that we, the ZPD, the city gov, county sheriff, etc… are once again, compromised, and perhaps worse than what Dawn did to us.

I do not make this decision lightly, Hopps. Judy. I get that you both chose to use your skills in a way very much against the teaching of those traditions. A lot of what you were able to accomplish now makes more sense. I understand it. I appreciate it. I am unleashing that, knowing that you will do what is needed, but even if you lose him, you will leave the world better than you found it before leaving yourself. I am sorry. This is all I can do.

Now do what you have to. I need to get out there and help Grizoli protect Wilde and his mother. Focus on getting the blood here in time. If he dies… well. Live or die. I'm taking the leash off until I say otherwise or the Reaper is rescinded. Do what you have to." With that, he hung up, exited the room, and putting his head down, charged one of the sheep leveling a weapon at Grizoli, goring them.

Looking over at the shocked and horrified look on the other two sheep, a deer, and Grizoli. "Reaper protocol is active. Grizoli, I am hereby adding you, under my supervision, as a Reaper. End this. Officers, you are all under arrest. Failure to comply will result in your immediate termination, with prejudice. And I do not mean your jobs."

Grizoli grinned, flexing his claws. "You heard the Chief. Stand down and face the wall, and you'll get to live to see trial."

The deer charged Grizoli, head down and sharpened points of his antlers ready. The deer's intent, clear. Grizoli stepped slightly to the side, batting at the deer's antlers, then grabbing them and with a violent wrench and crunch, snapped his neck.

Looking over the two sheep, Grizoli grinned again, teeth on full display. "What'll it be? My claws? His horns and hooves? Or end this now, with your lives intact."

Bogo spoke up. "So you are aware. The Reaper protocol was created after the Bellwether Nighthowler situation. The county is being locked down by the military as we speak. Only authorized and vetted officers retain power. All others lose their authority. Check your phones, you'll see you got a notification."

Doing that, they find a message from the ZPD emergency number.

Reaper protocol now active. If you are seeing this message, you are, until the Reaper has been withdrawn, a civilian. You have no authority under the ZPD or any other agency.

Only Authorized reaper officers have authority. Do not take any actions and stand down. If actively involved in law enforcement, complete those actions, but report to central dispatch your situation and expect Reaper relief or other instructions.

Important Note. Reapers are authorized to use deadly force, and not as a last resort, but for expedience. This means they may use anything to subdue you or anyone else. This includes the use of any natural weapons they may have, as well as lethal firearms. Failure to comply with orders from a Reaper can result in death.

Bogo nodded as the sheep looked up at him in terror. "Grizoli here was being vetted to be added to the Reaper ranks. As the Chief, I can deputize him. So… As he asked. What'll it be?"

xxxxxXXXXXxxxxx

The sheep surrendered. Their compatriot's blood staining his wool as he lay dead, gored by the chief of police. Their other compatriot lay in a heap, head at a weird, unnatural angle. More than enough motivation to choose their lives.

Once bound, Bogo radioed for a pickup while Grizoli began to shake. "Boss… I… I did that." Looking over at the deer, a hint of horror in his eyes as orderlies loaded the bodies on gurneys to take them to the morgue.

"You did what was necessary and required in the moment. That you are now bothered by it is why you were being considered as a Reaper. Reapers are authorized to kill without question of their reason for doing it, but that's intended to be used more as a threat. As happened here. We put down the most violently inclined, the others surrendered."

Grizoli nodded. "That really doesn't make me feel better about it."

Bogo nodded. "Good. Note, you're authorized to act only under my supervision because you have not undergone the training and induction. You've done great. Now keep watch here."

Grizoli saulted. "Aye, sir."

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Flash turned to his passenger as fast as the sloth could move. "If… they… do not… bring… the… blood… to us… There… is no… way… to… get… back… in time…"

With a nod Flash's passenger listened to their phone with a growl before hanging up. "Okay, Flash. Two exits back. They're bringing it to us, but we have to get there now. This…" Waving a paw at the traffic. "Is deliberate. Someone wants to stop us from getting the blood and getting it back to the city. You're the world's best getaway driver, so time to do your thing."

Flash blinked slowly. "You… are… sure?"

Giving another nod and smile. "Yeah. I'm sure. That's what Wilde tells me, anyway. I'm one of those kits he saved. So I don't care, but we need to get two exits back. Wildebeest boulevard. They're bringing it via ATV overland. Cutting through the orchards and fields. No way for these rutting scum to stop that." Throwing a paw towards the flashing lights in the distance. "But we need to be there to get it, before they can get there."

Flash nodded, at a normal mammal pace for most mammals not a Sloth. "Fine. Then hang onto your tail." Giving the shocked passenger a wink. "We're about to go fast."

"What?"

Flash didn't respond. Moving faster than the passenger had ever seen a mammal move, they were suddenly accelerating down the shoulder, drifting up the embankment onto the shoulder of the on-ramp. A few moments later they were on the on-ramp going the opposite direction and at more than 230 mph. "HOLY HELL!" The passenger yelled! "No wonder this has a five point harness." Trying desperately to secure themselves as Flash maneuvered around the cars that seemed to be standing still. The engine of the car roaring like a dragon that had just been unchained.

Flash chuckled lightly. "Been a while since I've been able to let Elenor run free. You'll be fine without the five point for now. Once we have the blood. You're going to want it. This is only fourth gear. She has seven."

"Fuck! Nick, you are going to owe me. You better not die before then."

Breaking hard as they exited at Wildebeast boulevard, Flash groaned. "I… Agree… I will hurt… for… days… after… this… … It… takes a… lot… to… move… like… that… And… I have… to do it… again… Get… the… blood…"

The passenger nodded, stepping out and looking off to the side where the distant sound of small engines could be heard approaching rapidly. Five minutes later four ATV's and a pair of dirt bikes exited the orchard next to the road and raced up to Flash's car. The bikes were ridden by rabbits, the ATVs by foxes and one wolf. The wolf speaking. "Let's get you loaded. The county sheriff is clearly part of the problem."

The blood was quickly secured in the trunk of Flash's car. As the passenger slammed the trunk shut, they all heard and saw a half dozen county sheriff's cars racing up the ramp. The passenger cursed. "Shit! Flash. Don't wait. Go! Now! You have the payload. Get it to Nick." Pulling his phone he grabbed one of the ATV's. "Distract them if you can. I need to get a call in." He dialed a number and then dropped it in his pocket as the bluetooth rang in his ear.

The line picked up, an angry, gruff voice answering. "Who is this?"

"Hey, unk. It's Billy."

"Billy? What… Why the hell are you calling me?"

"Listen, Fin. I need you to just shut up and listen for a second. Nick has been shot. He may not even make it until morning."

"Oh fuck." Every once of anger drained from the deep voiced fennec, replaced by concern.

"Right. Listen. There's something going down within the ZPD, county, etc… It is a whole thing, but the point is that they're trying to block the blood needed to save his life from getting to him. Flash has it in his car." The sounds of shouting and sirens became louder as he was pursued. "Call him. His number hasn't changed. Meet him and make sure the blood gets to Nick. Maybe we can save both him and Hopps' lives."

"Why does it sound like you're on an ATV being pursued by cops?"

"Because I am. We had just finished loading the blood into the trunk of Flash's car when the county scumbags showed up. I'm calling you while running from them so I could even make this call. From what I gather, moving and talking at normal speed for us, for Flash, takes a lot out of him."

"Oh hell. This is serious then. He doesn't do that. Ever. Not anymore anyway. If it weren't for Nick, Priscilla would hang him."

"Well he did it for me, and is doing it for the drive back to Zootopia. We were doing like two hundred until we hit a roadblock of traffic caused by the county guys. And that was for like an hour. So he's no more than an hour from getting back to the city."

Fin grunted. "What hospital?"

"I don't actually know. Flash doesn't either. Call Eric he'll know."

"Eric? Well, that's extremely unhelpful. He's not going to take my call."

There was the sound of gunfire. " He might… Shit!" Then the sound of a crash, smashing glass, and a moan of pain as the noise died down.

"Billy!"

"Yeah. I'll survive. They shot the tires of the ATV. Crashed into a store. Hardware store, actually. Gonna smash my phone. Call Eric. Call Flash." There was the sound of a crunch and then the line went dead. Billy looked up at the prey sheriffs with a grin, dropping the hammer he'd just destroyed his phone with. "Sorry, I had to make a call, but now my phone is busted. So…"

One of them growled. "Stupid. You're lucky they want you and your ilk alive. Probably to make examples out of you like that damn fox. Now, where is that car going?"

Billy chuckled painfully as he was wrenched up and cuffed. "Don't actually know. That's why I was sent. Supposed to call someone, once we were almost back. Sadly, that number was on my phone."

Billy was shoved unceremoniously out of the storefront and into the back of a cruiser.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Fin looked at his phone and groaned. "Shit." He quickly dialed a number he didn't think he ever would again. To his shock, it picked up. "Eric?"

The confused voice on the other end. "Fin? Why are you calling me?"

"I just got a call from Billy. He told me what is going on. Wants me to meet up with Flash. Something about county cops creating a traffic jam. Some story about ZPD being compromised."

"Yeah, it's worse than that. Bogo has activated what's known as the Reaper protocol."

Fin growled. "Fuck. Than things are utterly fucked. Where is Nick? I need to connect with Flash. He's using it to get the blood to Nick." The, it, in the statement carrying a lot of weight between the two.

"Oh damn. Okay, yeah. Nick is at Savanna General ICU right now. Get the blood there. Bogo is there."

Fin looked across the street to that very hospital. "Got it. ICU you said? I'm not far. I'll take care of it."

"Good. We were square a long time ago, Fin. just so you know."

"Glad to hear it, kit. You should come by for some Barbeque some time."

"I'll do that."

They ended the call and Fin packed up his stuff, slipping his bluefang in and dialing Flash. The line picking up on the second ring. "Hey, Fin. A bit busy right now."

"Aware. Savanna General ICU. I'm going in to make contact with Chief Bogo and prepare for your arrival. My van is parked in the alley between 5th and Vine. Pull in behind it if you need to hide. Ping me when you're no more than five minutes out."

"Roger. I'm burning the candle at both ends right now. Still a good forty five because I've been forced to use alt routes due to the county guys."

"Understood. Be warned. Reaper protocol was activated. We're some of the few out there that know what that means. Worse, if they let Hopps off leash, and if she loses Nick... I'm going to make contact with Buffalo Butt. I'll advise if sitrep changes."

"Got it, and I know. Last thing we need is either of them off leash like that. That's why I'm driving like I'm in a Rally Race."

"Then stop talking to me. You know your target."

The line disconnected and Fin jumped out of his van. Making his way into the hospital, he got to the ICU floor and paused. The smell of blood, sheep blood, and a lot of it hit his nose. Keeping to the side to be out of the way, he made his way around until he found a massive buffalo and a kodiak bear guarding a door, and a big smear of blood that an orderly was trying to clean up.

Stepping to the far side from the door, he could see Vivian through the window. Speaking loudly. "So, Buffalo Butt, did you eviscerate that sheep, or did you let the bear do it."

Both looked around trying to find the large, deep voice. Vivian exited the room with a grin but also tears. "FIN! What are you doing here?" Snatching the fennec into a crushing hug.

Fin just accepted it, he's learned long ago not to fight it with the vixen. "Here for Nick, why else? And to let the steer with the bloody horn, know what's up."

She set Fin down with a nod. "Well, it's good to see you."

Fin looked back up at Bogo. "Flash is inbound, but his passenger had to play decoy with the county mammals. Flash will let me know when he's about five minutes out. What you need to do is get things clear, because he's going to be coming in like a rocket. He's also going to need medical attention himself. He's doing what we call speed racing. Which means that sloth, right now, can talk and move as fast as you or I. It takes a toll though."

Bogo nodded. "Flash? As in the contract getaway driver that was never caught? Is a sloth?"

"One and the same, and with your activating the Reaper, you don't care. Also, he's not been active in years. Got himself a girl. Now understand this. Nick's son, my nephew, Billy, was the one playing decoy and picked up by the county mammals. When this is all over, I expect you to make sure those county pukes get what they deserve for any hurt they caused our boy."

Grizoli frowned. "Since when did Nick Wilde have kits?"

Fin shook his head. "Long story for another time. Short version. It has to do with Kit Services and Happytown. Nick and I looked after a bunch we rescued from a prey run orphanage. All sorts of species. Nick was their dad. I was Uncle Fin. We made sure they got fed, got educated, and they're doing good overall. One of the top EMT's, Eric, is one of our kits. Billy was one too. Got himself in a bit of trouble, but has gotten his life straight and is in college."

Bogo nodded. "I'd read about that in his sealed file. A lot of good work, that. DA looked at it and while illegal as hell, the things it would have revealed would have been yet another nightmare for the city. Things were done quietly. He spilled everything, keeping names of accomplices and the kits to his chest, which was fine. We shutdown twenty orphanages and several kit trafficking rings because of it. It's like those two just draw chaos to themselves and then weave it into making things better."

Fin nodded. "That's a good way to describe it. Anyway…" Checking his phone. "What are you gonna do about making sure Flash can get in here clean."

Bogo nodded towards Grizoli who chuckled. "Make and model?"

"Don't know. But it'll be going like a bat out of hell, and the plate is Fast Animal."

Grizoli nodded. "Oh, I know that car. Wait… A sloth drives that."

Fin grinned. "Yes. Yes he does. Best driver anywhere. Better reaction times than you or anyone you think you know. Anyway. I'm going to check on my brother for a few and I need to make a different kind of call. Big needs to know what may be coming."

Bogo nodded. "I'm been trying to figure out how to get that information to him. Thank you. I won't ask how you know or are involved."

Fin shook his head and waved towards Nick. "Old news. I've been clear of them longer than he has, and he's been clear for more than a decade now. You know that."

Bogo nodded with a dark chuckle. "Not that IA cares. If anyone had the possibility to be compromised, it would be Hopps, but as… As he put it. She's family, and that insulates her as long as she doesn't start asking favors."

Fin nodded. "Exactly. Something that, if he dies, she will, and you know it." Pointing a finger at Bogo.

Bogo nodded with a frown as the door closed behind Fin and Vivian. Grizoli looked over at Bogo. "Sir? What is he talking about?"

"Hopps first days on the force. When we, and especially I, thought her nothing but a stunt. I hadn't even bothered to try and get her a TO, so the only assignment I could give her was parking duty. She captured Weaselton when he stole some Nighthowler bulbs, not that we knew what those were at the time, though she did, being a farm rabbit. Also saved Fruticia Big during the pursuit. She's family because of that, and Big's granddaughter is named… Judy. She's the shrews Guide Parent."

"Bloody hell!"

"Yep, yet… As Wilde and that fox there pointed out, because she is family, Big would never deliberately do anything to compromise her. When she is attending a family party, no business can happen, well, not unless deliberately so that the information gets back to us. Couple of those huge drug busts were from information overheard by Hopps and Wilde at a family function. Because Big knows, Hopps was straight up front with him. Anything she hears has to be reported. She can't pursue it herself."

Grizoli groaned. "My gods. She's literally the perfect plant. Other sources can verify the information. But Big would also never feed her false info, as that would place her in just as much risk of compromise or at least of being seen as such."

"Exactly. The both of them are spies in the open, so the data they bring back is trustworthy. Anyway. We're going to have to split up when the delivery gets here. You are going to retrieve it, so I'm modifying your status. You remain under my supervision. Do what is needed to get the blood here so the doc can do his thing. He and his mate are sleeping in that room." Indicating two rooms down. "And everything they need to do the job is in Wilde's room already."

Grizoli shook his head. "Good gods, this entire thing is fucked. They're going to do the surgery in the ICU room?"

"Yeah. OR's are too far and we simply can't trust a lot of the staff."

With a deep sigh, Grizoli nodded again and turned to keep watch again, occasionally glancing into the room to the dying fox upon whose life so much seemed to hang.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

In the room, Fin climbed up on a chair and looked over his friend. "Good gods, Viv. I'll bet the idiot stepped in front of the rounds to protect her."

Vivian chuckled. "No question about it. It wouldn't have even been a thought. I fear the vengeance she will bring down on the city if he dies though. They're bonded, regardless of the name we or they as species use. They're bound, and his death will take her. It's a question of how many she takes with her."

Fin nodded. "And without even knowing her kits, she will have nothing to anchor her." Muttering under his breath. "Hang in there Red. People are working to get you what you need. Flash is on his way, and your bunny. Well, she needs you now more than ever." Then thinking to himself. "Come on Flash. Drive like you have never driven before."

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Flash drifted around a corner at 90, the advanced traction tires doing their job and preventing anything but a controlled skid. Even then, he was going far faster than he was necessarily comfortable with. For the first time since owning the car he was actually driving his car right up to the edge of the design specs, and i was performing exceptionally. No one had believed that he could drive so well, at least not until Nick and Fin challenged him to prove it. It wasn't even that great of a car. Just a cannibalized piece of crap they got from a junkyard.

He'd ended up crashing, but only because it was a piece of crap, he'd done great up to then. Nick and Fin had then helped him design and build a car that could truly leverage his skills. He parlayed that into being a getaway driver for all manner of mammals. No one ever believed it was him, because no one believed that a sloth could drive like he can. Of course, few knew about his ability to accelerate himself either. Well, accelerate himself to everyone else. To him, it's like slowing everything down, which just amplified his reaction time.

So, as he accelerated up the on-ramp to the Freeway, threading through the cars as he exceeded 250 mph, to him it was like anyone else doing 80 or less. He was however approaching a collection of semi trucks, and they were all the way across the freeway. There was no way he was going to get past and was forced to slow down. This, as the minutes ticked, caused the cops to be able to catch up.

However, the central truck began slipping back and Flash smiled. He quickly slipped past the central truck that then slipped back into his spot blocking the cops and showing Flash nothing but a clear road. Glancing in the mirror, Flash saw wolves driving all the a hard stomp on the accelerator, Flash, going 75 at the time, left a trail of engineered rubber as he accelerated through 300. "Nick. I don't know who you know, or who you have pissed off, but whoever your friends are, they are stepping up."

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Fin watched Nick for a few minutes before looking to Vivian. "Viv. I need to make a call. Please know, I'm not with the family anymore. Haven't been for a long time, but they need to know what is about to go down."

Vivan nodded. "I know, Fin. Judy and Nick explained it to me. And I heard you earlier. You're right. Judy just might do that."

Fin pulled his phone out and dialed a number he swore he would never call. One he shouldn't have, but still did. The line answered. "Who is this, and how did you get this number?"

"Sir. It is Finnick Dessertail. Please allow me to explain."

The voice responded with a tone that was very impatient and irritated at the call. "Be sure that your explanation justifies you having this number."

"Sir. A coordinated attack was planned and implemented against both Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. ZPD compromised, County sheriff compromised. Nick is still alive, but only barely and needs blood to get through a surgery to try and save his life, but this conspiracy is blocking that blood from getting to him. They shot up the bloodmobile when it tried to get into Happytown, and blockaded Happytown.

Someone recruited Flash, some of Nick and my kits, actually, to retrieve blood from a fox dominated town called Foxenburg. The county cops created a blockage and traffic snarl to prevent him from even getting there. However, they took the blood overland and got it to Flash. Flash is currently returning to the city, but he's got corrupt cops all over him.

Bogo has also enacted the Reaper protocol. Worse. He's let Hopps off leash. So if Nick doesn't make it. You can be assured that she is going to show up asking for weapons, and lots of them."

The voice on the other end, one that when it answered and normally commanded respect by its very tone sounded suddenly tired and sad. "I see. You were right to call me directly. This is very bad. Very bad indeed." There was a long pause, but Fin knew not to interrupt it. "If she is off leash already, but has not appeared, that means he still has a chance, no?"

"Yes sir. Though the longer it takes for him to get the surgery, the worse his chances get. He's already in a coma. The surgeon, a friend of theirs, is sleeping in a room nearby so they are here if and when the blood gets here. They're even going to do it here in the ICU room because they simply cannot trust getting him to the OR itself."

"This is even more serious than you implied."

Vivian took the phone from Fin. "Antonio, it's Vivian."

The voice almost sounded happy. "Vivian, dear. Where are you?"

"I'm in Nick's room watching over my son and hoping beyond hope that I am not here to oversee his death. The only reason he received any treatment at all was because of Hopps and then Bogo. Which only made things worse. Hopps… Judy had to perform first aid herself because the EMT refused to sully their paws with a fox's blood. Apparently she was covered in his blood when ejected from the hospital, and even Bogo couldn't stop that. They won't let her see him, that being the hospital admin and doctors other than their friend. She's apparently being looked after by the Wolford pack Regent, a tigress."

"Thank you for telling me. Look after your son. Please give me back to Finnick."

Fin took the phone back. "Sir?"

"You did well. Do not lose this number, but do not call it again without a reason such as this. Understood?"

"Yes sir. I would not presume otherwise."

"Good." The line disconnected.

Fin looked up at Vivian. "Well… that went well."

Vivian nodded. "It did. We can now only hope. Though I expect we will have a few polar bears outside shortly."

"My bet is on some arctic wolves and hares. Less obvious."

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Bogo pulled his phone out as it rang with an unknown number. Shrugging he answered. "Bogo."

The voice on the other end was not one he expected, but given the situation, it was one that he welcomed, depending on the results of the call. "Hello Adrian. I have just spoken with an old associate. They have been out of the family a long time, but they had the sense to inform me of what has transpired. I'm sure that you have someone guarding mister Wilde. Please expect and accept the mammals I am now sending along to supplement your mammals. Given the situation, and what may come if he expires."

Bogo gave a grunt of agreement. "Yes, and although I cannot deputize them as Reapers, having the additional mammal power is appreciated."

"I am sending four wolves and five hares. This should stand out less than a collection of bears. You will know them by the password, Gehanna."

"Understood. You don't happen to have any foxes that are universal vulpine donors?"

"I do not know the answer to that, but if I do, you can be assured that they will be along as well."

"Very good."

The call disconnected and Bogo gave a snort, looking over to a confused and concerned Grizoli. "Several wolves and a few arctic hares will be here shortly." Stepping over to Grizoli, Bogo whispered in his ear. "Gehanna." Stepping back. "That's how you will know that they are the ones we are expecting.

"Do I even want to know?"

Bogo nodded his head towards Nick. "Family, remember."

Grizoli groaned. "Right. Well, some extra eyes, ears, and noses in the case of the wolves, is probably helpful."

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Judy sat in the Wolford pack alpha's home. She was surrounded by wolves, tigers, and lawyers. She considered the lawyers an entirely different species. She had showered, overseen by Lizz, and was currently dressed in a dress that Victoria has produced from somewhere. The fact that it fit was no less concerning than its existence in a wolf home. Though with her as Lizz's second, she supposed it was less weird than it might otherwise be.

Since then, she had been fed, and reiterated the story of what happened all the way through being ejected from the hospital and being picked up by Lizz. She had learned a few things. Patricia had already filed the lawsuits on her and Nick's behalf. The pack lawyers were coordinating with her on some additional legal actions, and these lawyers were actually rather angry over it all. Something that made her feel a touch better.

The revelation of her kits came as a shock to everyone but Lizz, given that Lizz and Mike had helped her cover up the pregnancy and get away to give birth at the burrow. Vivian had demanded answers Judy simply didn't have.

As the last lawyer left, Victoria looked down at the rabbit on her couch. "And how come I don't know about these kits? What are their names?"

Judy deflated a little. "I don't know their names. I don't know what they look like. I don't know what their scent is. Neither Nick nor I do. We can't. It's the only way to keep them safe. It's why we got ourselves fixed. It's why Lizz and Mike are so careful. It only takes one prosecutor to push charges under those evil laws and they could get a judgment to have Nick, those kits, and me, put down. That's the terminology in the law. Put down. Murdered under the protection of law is more accurate."

Victoria looked up at the pained look on Lizz's muzzle. "Lizz?"

Lizz nodded. "It's true. Mike and I covered for them. Covered shifts and covered for their trip to have the kits in secret."

Judy looked up at Lizz. "Hey, can you go and get my go-bag from the apartment? I am going to need it, I suspect."

Lizz nodded. "Sure. Happy to." Looking up at Victoria. "Just ask the lawyers. It's what that case they pushed to the high court is about. But arguments are not even scheduled until next month, and it could take months still before a decision comes down."

Victoria nodded and turned to pursue the lawyers as Judy turned on the TV and Lizz headed out to retrieve Judy's go-bag.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Judy watched the TV and the reporting on who was clearly Flash.

She'd gotten the call from Bogo as she was drying off from the shower, so she knew that the Reaper protocol had been activated, and she was off leash. No one but Lizz understood what that meant, and for now, it meant nothing. She would take no action right now. At least not until her go-bag, which Lizz was retrieving for her, was in her possession.

She had also learned that there were several efforts in play to get the blood needed for Nick's surgery to him. Which included Flash, who had been on the news a few times about this mad mammal doing more than 300 on the freeway heading to the city. The fact that ZPD officers seemed to be simply ensuring the road was clear had resulted in all manner of speculation by the news and pundits.

She knew that it was Flash, and that he had blood for Nick. Knowing the freeway he was on, it was from Foxenburg. Someone must have been listening at the 10-7, and this gave her a sliver of hope that held her back.

Looking up at Victoria as she returned to the room, another video of Flash as he entered the city came on. "Vic. I don't know what you have to do, but if there is any way you can help that car get to the hospital where Nick is. Do it."

Victoria looked at Judy, then back at the TV. "What? Why?"

Judy laughed weakly. She was still only barely holding herself together because she wasn't with Nick. "That car is being driven by the current street racer champion. By the last mammal you would think could dive like that, and the way he is going, he's burning everything he has to get the blood Nick needs to the hospital. That's arguably the best getaway driver on the planet."

"And why would such a mammal care to expose themselves like this?"

"Because it's for Nick. They grew up together. The reason he has that car is because Nick and Fin helped him build it. He's not driven it much other than at the races."

Victoria nodded with a frown. "More explanation needed, but later." Turning to her mate. "Get the word out."

Aarron nodded with a smile. "You got it. Not that Flash needs the help, but everything helps at this point." Stepping away to make calls. Victoria gave Aarron a look of, you know this mammal, we will talk later, that he ignored.

Some time later, after they watched a collection of semi-trucks create a rolling blockade, let Flash through, and then block the cops pursuing him. A large bag landed on the couch next to Judy, Lizz leaning over and giving her a light hug. "Hey Bunny. How you holding up?"

Judy sighed in the hug. She appreciated it. "I'm not." Zipping open a side pocket on the bag and pulling out a small ziplock bag, Judy removing a small knit ball and breathed deeply from it." A little better now though."

Lizz chuckled. "A scent ball. Nice. Smart. Now, explain to me why that bag is so damn heavy." Judy looked back at Lizz with a raised eyebrow, who rolled her eyes in response. "Right… Well, why don't you go get ready." Judy nodded, stood and took off the dress, starting to dig into the bag. "Uhm… Judy. I didn't mean here."

Judy chuckled. "What? Not like you haven't stared at my tail in the showers."

"It's not like that!"

"No, but it's fun to tease you anyway."

Judy pulled clothing out and quickly began getting dressed. Panties, sports bra, a fur tight one-piece that made Lizz gasp. Then a second set of leggings and a fur tight shirt with clear armor patches. She then pulled on a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt. A belt and foot wraps finishing the ensemble. She began removing weapons in holsters from the bag and strapping those on. With a few additional moves, the bag unfolded into a duster coat and hat. The hat she set on the coffee table. Judy made some adjustments, pulled some tabs to get the fit right, and the handles of several items extended from slits in the coat's heavy fabric.

Judy then went through an inner pocket, attaching a Reaper badge to her chest, and putting a ZPD and ZBI badge away. She then dropped back down on the couch and closed her eyes, leaning against a collection of pillows set there to make using the medium mammal couch somewhat comfortable for her. "I'm as ready as I can now be." Taking the scent ball and breathing in again. "Hang on Nick. Our friends, even those we didn't know we had, are on the job."

Lizz stepped away and grabbed Vivian, whispering to her. "Vic, we need to talk."

Vivian nodded and they stepped into an attached room, closing the door. "You mean about the rabbit I just watched strip down and then dress herself out in what can only be described as full combat gear, as if she were going to war? I know you are both on the Reaper team, but what the hell was that?"

Lizz glanced at the door. "That…"

Judy interrupted. "That rabbit is one of two masters of the combined Cheth and Helketta traditions. Skills she has been teaching your son and daughter in law. Skills that, so long as she is still alive after all this, will teach to any kits they may have. Even if those kits have to be raised somewhere else to protect them. At least they will be able to know them. Now, I'm going to go back and watch the news. I can do nothing else." Opening the door. "At least not without heading out there, and until I know if he is going to live or not, I prefer to not let who I am to become be dictated by an unknown."

Lizz and Victoria looked at eachother. Victoria shook her head. "So, I take it Nick is the Helketta in that equation?"

Lizz nodded. "Yeah. There are a lot of reasons that rabbit is scary. Funny thing. This little tid bit is one of those things lower on the list."

Victoria chuckled with a nod as they watched Judy hop back up on the couch. "Don't I know it."

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A/N -I really don't know if I will have anything more from this. I know, this is perhaps worse than the original cliffhanger. Blame my muse. He's a fickle curr.