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This was the type of neighborhood even the homeless didn't want to stop off in. Almost all the building were condemned and boarded up. The streets were empty for the most part, if there was a vehicle on the street it was up on blocks, stripped of anything of worth. Nick slowed his pace when he came to the street sign,\n\n“Lafayette,” Nick mumbled to himself.\n\nNick looked both ways down the streets trying to figure out which way to go. Judy stepped away to examine an old bus route map. Parts of it were torn while other parts were faded from the sun. At least she managed to find the way to go, quickly she hurried back to Nick's side.\n\n“Let's try this way.” Judy rested her hand on Nick's arm.\n\n“You sure?”\n\n“I found this old bus map that said that Figaro avenue intersects down here.”\n\nThe pair continued on down the road. Nick falling in behind Judy letting her lead the way. The further down the road they walked the more Nick started to notice the street signs were missing like someone took them down on purpose. Judy started slowing her steps, looking around frantically.\n\n“We have to stop for a second, I think we're lost.” Judy uttered, looking back at Nick.\n\n“I don't think that's a smart idea, stopping in this neighborhood unarmed is-”\n\n“Suicide.”\n\nThe deep voice came from the shadows of an old brownstone building to their left. The building itself was as old as they come, scorch marks blackened the thirty-some-odd windows that had long since been boarded up. Even the front door was chained closed with a combination lock.\n\n“You two just gonna stand there looking dumb?”\n\nJudy pulled Nick along after her, heading towards the familiar voice. When they got to the shadow of the building, Finnick grabbed the hem of her jacket, pulling her down closer so they could talk. The small fox emanated a strawberry smell. It didn't take Nick long to discern the source, a white stick pinched between his lips. Finnick shifted the strawberry flavored lollipop from one cheek to the other. The sweet smell of the strawberry caused Judy's stomach to growl loudly. Finnick shot her a glance over the top of his sunglasses.\n\n“You hungry, boo?”\n\n“Yeah, I haven't eaten since this morning.” A blush crept along Judy's ears.\n\n“Nick, why ain't you feeding your woman, hang on sugar, I got you.” Finnick took the large round lollipop out of his mouth, shoving it into Judy's.\n\nNick's jaw dropped as he shot a glare from Finnick to Judy, who was already blushing to the point she might pass out. Finnick threw up his hands in a universal 'fight me' motion towards Nick. The sucker was delicious and Judy was grateful for it, despite being overheated from the blush,\n\n“Alright, so I need to know who y'all are. You can't just be Nick and Judy. So, hi my name is Finnick, what's yours?”\n\n“You can try it without the sarcasm.” Nick snapped.\n\n“That's a lovely name, where are you from originally?”\n\nNick mouthed a laughing motion, not the least bit amused by Finnick's antics. The whole thing only made Judy giggle.\n\nFinnick looked at her with a big smile on his muzzle, nodding. “I know right, he so mad.”\n\n“Alright, so you clearly got this, I guess I can go.”\n\n“Nick, come on. He's just playing around, it takes the edge off. I don't know about you, but I'm really scared.”\n\n“You are?” Nick and Finnick said at the same time.\n\n“Don't you worry, Hop Along. No one will hurt you while I'm around.”\n\n“Thank you, Finnick. I know that you and Nick will do everything in your power to protect me.”\n\nJudy took Nick and Finnick's hands in hers. “Partners.”\n\nNick smiled giving her hand a squeeze. “Partners.”\n\n“...with benefits?” Finnick chuckled.\n\n“No!” Judy giggled, elbowing the little fox.\n\n“Oh, alright. Let's get on with it then, Nick what's your name?”\n\n“I was thinking, Patrick.”\n\n“Nice.” Judy chimed in.\n\n“Yeah, it just seemed like the right one to use.”\n\n“Well, it ain't original, but that might be a good thing. What about you, Flopsy?”\n\nJudy thought for a moment. “I was thinking about, Fiver.”\n\n“Fiver? What is that?”\n\n“It's a name from one of my favorite books. His character was a little underrated I thought, but-”\n\n“Some sorta bunny history book, I'm guessing.” Finnick cocked his head.\n\n“Not exactly, it's about a great exodus...you know what, it's not important.”\n\nFinnick pulled his sucker from Judy's mouth tucking it in his cheek again. “Alright, Patrick and Fiver, I guess. This building is the way to the safe house.”\n\n“What should we expect down there?”\n\n“Listen, we'll discuss this later alright. Let's just get inside.”\n\nFinnick gave Judy back the sucker before stepping out of the shadows, walking over to the door. He banged on the door as hard as he could. Something shuffled around on the other side of the door. A slat somewhere higher up on the door slid open. Judy could see a pair of eyes staring down at her before moving to Nick.\n\n“Is that you, Finnick, all I can see is your ear tips?”\n\n“Then it must be me, right genius?”\n\n“Who do you have with you?”\n\n“Friends, they're looking for refuge.”\n\n“On the run?”\n\n“Yeah, you could say that. Tried to steal rent money and got caught.”\n\n“Alright, come in. I'll unbar the door.”\n\nJudy waited for Finnick to input a combination on the lock, instead, a second door made of brick to the left of the door slid back, then away showing a ragged opening. Finnick looked up at Judy, whose mouth was hanging open. He pointed at her and clicked his tongue, before disappearing through the new door. Nick was the next one through, once his tail disappeared into the darkness, Judy followed.\n\nThe room was pitch black against the light shining in through the opening. A shadow moved up to her, causing her to jolt away. A bulky wolf moved the piece of the wall back into place, sliding a metal girder down into the cradle that barred the door shut. After Judy's eyes adjusted to the darkness, she looked around. Inside the large room was nothing to speak of. It was a big empty expanse with a large freight elevator in the center of it. Seemed more like a warehouse than anything. By the entrance was a desk with a small computer on it. A few books and a half-eaten sandwich that likely belonged to the wolf. Once everything was secure, the wolf turned and started to grope down Judy's sides.\n\nNick reached out, grabbing his wrists, pulling his hands off of her. “Don't touch my wife, ya hear.”\n\nIt was a voice she'd never heard Nick use before, it fit well with the persona he adopted. The tone of boogie-down dilapidated streets. The voice of a man who'd seen stuff and did what he could to survive. Judy was impressed with how easy it was for him to fall into character.\n\n“Easy bud, it's my job.”\n\n“Yeah, but you tell a brother before you go touchin' his lady.”\n\n“I...I'm sorry Finnick. I didn't mean any harm, ma'am.” The wolf's said, his voice higher pitched and oddly nasally if Judy didn't know better, she'd thought it was a fake voice.\n\n“It's alright.” Judy was mortified when she spoke, in her attempt to imitate Nick's street accent, the only thing that slipped out was her ancient family drawl, she'd believed long gone.\n\nBehind the wolf, she could see Nick smiling, shooting her a thumbs up. Finnick had his sunglasses up on his forehead, pinching the bridge of his nose. The wolf offered a polite nod and stepped around the desk to get his clipboard and pen.\n\n“Alright, let's get this over with. Write your names on this paper and leave anything that can be deemed as a weapon.”\n\n“Baron finally instigate that rule?”\n\n“Yeah, after the incident with Manx last week.”\n\n“That was bad, never touch another dude's girl, never.”\n\nNick shot the wolf a glance, forcing the larger mammal to look away nervously. Judy signed 'Fiver' on the line in a handwriting that was completely foreign to her. Nick penned 'Patrick' beautifully on the line below hers. He didn't bother to hide his real penmanship, she imagined it didn't matter as long as it wasn't his real names.\n\n“Finnick, Patrick, Fiver, you can head down. Bleaker's at the bottom to further check you guys in. Have fun down there.”\n\n“Bottom, doesn't he mean top?”\n\n“Nope, the hideout's underground.” Finnick motioned for Nick to open the front panel on the large elevator.\n\nThe three of them scurried under the door before Nick let it drop down again, with a loud clack that echoed around the room. Finnick pointed at the down button on the control panel and Judy pushed it. A loud honk echoed through the chamber and the platform started sliding down into the floor.\n\nThere was an eerie darkness the swept in on them the further they got from the surface. It was replaced by funky multicolored lights radiating from the hideout below. The lower they got, the brighter the lights became. Judy sniffed the air, the smell of cigar and cigarette smoke heavy in the air. The closer they got the more smells her nose could pick up, cheap perfume, booze, wine, and other vices. Loud music thumped on, vibrating the platform more than the descent was doing. When they finally reached the bottom, Judy could hear the legions of voice talking, laughing, and cheering. She couldn't make out any words over the music, however. She didn't want to admit it, but she was starting to get scared all over again.\n\nThe back panel of the elevator slid open, another large wolf was there to greet them. This one looked almost identical to the one they'd just spoke too. It was so uncanny that even Nick rubbed his eyes for a better look.\n\n“Ain't seeing double, fox. We twins.” Bleaker woofed, he took a brief look at the two of them, a smile spreading across his lips when he saw Finnick.\n\n“Oh...if it ain't Little Big Fox. How the heck are you?”\n\n“Livin' the dream, dreamin' the life.”\n\n“Ain't that the truth. What's up, Lil dude?”\n\n“Not me, that's for sure.” Finnick made a gesture of his lack of height.\n\nThe wolf started laughing, it quickly turned into a howl. Finnick and Judy both cupped their ears against the wretched sound. Nick stood, looking around for the other howls that were guaranteed to follow. A large familiar looking badger in the crowd muscled his way through.\n\n“Shut it, Bleaker! That's your last warning. Start another howl and we'll bounce ya right outta here!”\n\nBleaker licked his lips, doing a quick chest thrust until the badger glared at him again, with that the wolf retreated back to behind his desk. Judy pulled on Nick's hand pointing at the badger. It was the one from the car chase, the one that tried to shoot her. Nick gave a nod and cupped her hand in his.\n\n“Well, well, well. What have we here? New Blood.” The wolf gave the pair a once over, his crystal blue eyes linger longer on Judy than she felt comfortable with.\n\n“You eyeballing my wife, Howlie?”\n\nNick's accent rumbled from his throat, when she looked at him, the menacing tough guy look on his face sent shivers down her spine. He was very committed to the role in this investigation. It was interesting to witness his methods first hand.\n\n“Wife? You married a bunny?”\n\n“Got a problem with it?”\n\nJudy gave it a chance, the twin wolves seemed like they were easily intimidated. It was hard to tell if it was because of the personas they projected, or the company they kept. The wolf raised his hands as if to say 'sorry'.\n\n“Listen, I didn't know. I don't want any trouble with any of Finnick's friends. You guys are cool, but you should know. Baron Bouncer ain't seeing new hopefuls. Still, stranger things have happened.”\n\nThe wolf looked down at his watch and then back at Nick and Judy. “Hey Finnick, the baron's daughter is about to perform real soon. I know you like her music, so don't miss it. You two get in there and enjoy yourselves. If Finnick's been slouching on the job, then he forgot to tell you that everything's on the house. Mi Casa Es Su Casa. If the baron likes you, then he'll let you into the family. Once you're in, you can pay him back then. If he doesn't...well no one's gonna miss ya.”\n\n“See? It's a pay to play sorta deal.” Finnick said, ushering them in.\n\nThe further they walked into the inner sanctum, the louder the noises got. The yelling, cheering and music thumping filled Judy's ears, making it impossible to discern one thing from another. She managed to find Nick's hand in the confusion. The room was shoulder to shoulder, a realm of sweaty bodies that reeked of booze, smoke, and debauchery. It was scary, but there was a twinge of excitement working it way into Judy's heart.\n\n“Over there is the eatery. Open twenty-four, seven. You can make something to eat for yourself. Or pay someone to cook for you. Whatever you want.”\n\nThe doorway lead away from the crowd, Judy could barely see the cafeteria style seating before another body closed her into the pack. Finnick took her other hand keeping her from getting lost.\n\n“Over there is the pool hall. You play games, gamble, and drink 'til you're poor and drunk. Don't throw up on the floor, you'll never live it down.”\n\nJudy could barely see the Neon sign that hung over the classic saloon doors. It read 'Cloven Hooves'. Not the most friendly of names, but Judy was sure this was as close as she was going to get to it. Finnick changed paths, pulling the two along with him through the wave of bodies. Something firm bumped into Judy, the force almost took her off her feet. A tan and white wolf staggered back and glared at her. Be tough, she told herself, thumbing her bucked teeth at him, a universal rabbit sign that told people where they could stick it.\n\nWhen Finnick finally stopped, the smell of booze and perfume was thicker. It caused Judy to cough, forcing her to cover her nose and mouth with a gloved hand. Finnick called a name out, something Judy couldn't hear until he said it again, louder.\n\n“Lavender.”\n\nThis time he used his booming voice, sending a few nearby patrons stumbling away from him. It was amazing how much respect the little fox commanded in a place like this.\n\n“Finnick!” A singsong voice called back.\n\nA blush filled Judy's ears, as a scantily clad skunk lady moved through some of the lounging bodies. What little clothes she was wearing barely covered anything. Red fishnet stocking that disappeared under a pair of short-cut, leather shorts and nothing on top, except for six metal loops piercing her nipples. Judy's eyes traced each one of them. Stopping at a shaved part on her hip. There was a strange tattoo that she couldn't recognize what it was. The lovely skunk's blue eyes met with Judy's as walked over.\n\n“Window shopping is free, hon. But if you want to try it on, it'll cost you.”\n\n“Oh...oh my no...I mean...” Judy stammered, forgetting her accent.\n\n“Lavender, come give me some sugar.” Finnick barked as he came over to her. “Uppy!”\n\nLavender giggled, scooping the tiny fox off the ground into a hug. Judy turned around to look at Nick, who was wearing the same blush on his face. It caused a jealous twinge in her chest again, much the same as when she looked at the picture of him staring at the badger girl.\n\n“You guys, this is Lavender. The sweetest female in existence. She is the one who runs the Pleasure Palace. They have males, females, and beds to spare. If you want to delve into deeper stuff, they can help you for the right price.”\n\n“Down boy.”\n\n“I can't because you're still holding me.”\n\nThe skunk laughed, “Always with the jokes, this guy.” She set the small fox back down.\n\n“Welcome...?”\n\nIt took Judy a moment to realize Lavender was waiting for her name. “Oh, Fiver.” Her accent returning just in time.\n\n“Patrick.” Nick stretched his suspenders.\n\n“It's really nice to meet you both. Please feel free to partake, first one is free.”\n\n“Thanks for the offer, but I'm here with my wife.”\n\nJudy felt a rush of adrenaline when she watched Nick give the skunk the once over. The jealous feeling growing stronger, twisting her stomach. She gripped his hand firmly giving him a tug to bring him closer. The skunk turned her gaze to Judy, one that sunk deep into the bunny's soul.\n\n“A shame you're married, my girlfriend and I would have liked to get to know you better.”\n\nJudy's mouth slipped open as she turned to look at Nick, who was smirking. Finnick had long since teetered to the ground in a fit of laughter. Lavender simply winked and went on her way back to taking care of her customers.\n\n“You knew?”\n\n“You didn't? See the tattoo on her hip.”\n\n“Yeah.”\n\nJudy looked closer, barely catching a glimpse of two circles on crosses intertwined. It was symbol she'd seen before on the internet. This was the first time she'd seen anyone with it.\n\n“Oh dang you guys.” Finnick got up from the ground taking Nick's hand, pulling him through the crowd. “The show is gonna start soon. Let's get to the circle.”\n\nNick barely had time to take Judy's hand before he was pulled away. They managed to cut through the group to the center, where are large ring was dug a few feet into the floor. Large four-by- fours were staked into the ground around the outside of the ring. It was large enough to fit forty mammals easily.\n\n“This is the judgment circle...I'll tell you more when the time comes.”\n\n“You mean 'if' right?” Judy asked.\n\n“No, when. Everyone goes in here at least once while they're here.”\n\n“Even you?”\n\n“Yep.”\n\nThanks to the expanse of the ring, it gave Judy a chance to take in the sights better. Along the far wall was a concrete box hanging above the room. It worked as some sort of manager's office. It was a small room built directly into the concrete wall but was surrounded by a metal catwalks. Large windows covered the entire front of the building, but they only reflected what was going on in the room. One way mirrors, Judy thought, like the ones they had at the precinct.\n\n“What's that?” She piped up with her southern accent.\n\n“That's where the boss is. No one goes in there unless he asks for you.” Finnick leaned in close so he could whisper in Judy's ear. “I gotta talk to hubby, in private, for a moment. We'll be right back.”\n\nJudy nodded, looking up at the building. The door open and several shadowy figures stepping out onto the catwalk. The lights above started dimming. The rowdy voices around her started quieting down. In the wake of whatever was happening. Judy could hear the sound of spotlight popping on. Casting blinding light around the room, stopping on the large stage built on the other side of the circle. Finnick was desperately trying to pull Nick away but stopped when he saw a female badger being escorted to the stage by none other than Baron Bouncer himself.\n\n“Bouncer...he's here.”\n\nBut Nick was oblivious to the fact that she even spoke. She watched as he gazed at the female badger following behind the baron. There was something familiar about her, but Judy couldn't place it. Nick touch his chest, his eyebrows going as slacked as his bottom jaw. Finnick started pulling on Nick again, desperately trying get his attention.\n\n“Honey?” Nick whispered.\n\nJudy felt her heart falter as the rest of her body quaked. When he said the name, she remembered the badger immediately, the one from the photo Finnick showed her. It was Nick's first real love, and she was Baron Bouncer's daughter.", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Wretched Hive of Scum and Villainy

The further they walked the streets, the emptier and emptier the they got. This was the type of neighborhood even the homeless didn't want to stop off in. Almost all the building were condemned and boarded up. The streets were empty for the most part, if there was a vehicle on the street it was up on blocks, stripped of anything of worth. Nick slowed his pace when he came to the street sign,

“Lafayette,” Nick mumbled to himself.

Nick looked both ways down the streets trying to figure out which way to go. Judy stepped away to examine an old bus route map. Parts of it were torn while other parts were faded from the sun. At least she managed to find the way to go, quickly she hurried back to Nick's side.

“Let's try this way.” Judy rested her hand on Nick's arm.

“You sure?”

“I found this old bus map that said that Figaro avenue intersects down here.”

The pair continued on down the road. Nick falling in behind Judy letting her lead the way. The further down the road they walked the more Nick started to notice the street signs were missing like someone took them down on purpose. Judy started slowing her steps, looking around frantically.

“We have to stop for a second, I think we're lost.” Judy uttered, looking back at Nick.

“I don't think that's a smart idea, stopping in this neighborhood unarmed is-”

“Suicide.”

The deep voice came from the shadows of an old brownstone building to their left. The building itself was as old as they come, scorch marks blackened the thirty-some-odd windows that had long since been boarded up. Even the front door was chained closed with a combination lock.

“You two just gonna stand there looking dumb?”

Judy pulled Nick along after her, heading towards the familiar voice. When they got to the shadow of the building, Finnick grabbed the hem of her jacket, pulling her down closer so they could talk. The small fox emanated a strawberry smell. It didn't take Nick long to discern the source, a white stick pinched between his lips. Finnick shifted the strawberry flavored lollipop from one cheek to the other. The sweet smell of the strawberry caused Judy's stomach to growl loudly. Finnick shot her a glance over the top of his sunglasses.

“You hungry, boo?”

“Yeah, I haven't eaten since this morning.” A blush crept along Judy's ears.

“Nick, why ain't you feeding your woman, hang on sugar, I got you.” Finnick took the large round lollipop out of his mouth, shoving it into Judy's.

Nick's jaw dropped as he shot a glare from Finnick to Judy, who was already blushing to the point she might pass out. Finnick threw up his hands in a universal 'fight me' motion towards Nick. The sucker was delicious and Judy was grateful for it, despite being overheated from the blush,

“Alright, so I need to know who y'all are. You can't just be Nick and Judy. So, hi my name is Finnick, what's yours?”

“You can try it without the sarcasm.” Nick snapped.

“That's a lovely name, where are you from originally?”

Nick mouthed a laughing motion, not the least bit amused by Finnick's antics. The whole thing only made Judy giggle.

Finnick looked at her with a big smile on his muzzle, nodding. “I know right, he so mad.”

“Alright, so you clearly got this, I guess I can go.”

“Nick, come on. He's just playing around, it takes the edge off. I don't know about you, but I'm really scared.”

“You are?” Nick and Finnick said at the same time.

“Don't you worry, Hop Along. No one will hurt you while I'm around.”

“Thank you, Finnick. I know that you and Nick will do everything in your power to protect me.”

Judy took Nick and Finnick's hands in hers. “Partners.”

Nick smiled giving her hand a squeeze. “Partners.”

“...with benefits?” Finnick chuckled.

“No!” Judy giggled, elbowing the little fox.

“Oh, alright. Let's get on with it then, Nick what's your name?”

“I was thinking, Patrick.”

“Nice.” Judy chimed in.

“Yeah, it just seemed like the right one to use.”

“Well, it ain't original, but that might be a good thing. What about you, Flopsy?”

Judy thought for a moment. “I was thinking about, Fiver.”

“Fiver? What is that?”

“It's a name from one of my favorite books. His character was a little underrated I thought, but-”

“Some sorta bunny history book, I'm guessing.” Finnick cocked his head.

“Not exactly, it's about a great exodus...you know what, it's not important.”

Finnick pulled his sucker from Judy's mouth tucking it in his cheek again. “Alright, Patrick and Fiver, I guess. This building is the way to the safe house.”

“What should we expect down there?”

“Listen, we'll discuss this later alright. Let's just get inside.”

Finnick gave Judy back the sucker before stepping out of the shadows, walking over to the door. He banged on the door as hard as he could. Something shuffled around on the other side of the door. A slat somewhere higher up on the door slid open. Judy could see a pair of eyes staring down at her before moving to Nick.

“Is that you, Finnick, all I can see is your ear tips?”

“Then it must be me, right genius?”

“Who do you have with you?”

“Friends, they're looking for refuge.”

“On the run?”

“Yeah, you could say that. Tried to steal rent money and got caught.”

“Alright, come in. I'll unbar the door.”

Judy waited for Finnick to input a combination on the lock, instead, a second door made of brick to the left of the door slid back, then away showing a ragged opening. Finnick looked up at Judy, whose mouth was hanging open. He pointed at her and clicked his tongue, before disappearing through the new door. Nick was the next one through, once his tail disappeared into the darkness, Judy followed.

The room was pitch black against the light shining in through the opening. A shadow moved up to her, causing her to jolt away. A bulky wolf moved the piece of the wall back into place, sliding a metal girder down into the cradle that barred the door shut. After Judy's eyes adjusted to the darkness, she looked around. Inside the large room was nothing to speak of. It was a big empty expanse with a large freight elevator in the center of it. Seemed more like a warehouse than anything. By the entrance was a desk with a small computer on it. A few books and a half-eaten sandwich that likely belonged to the wolf. Once everything was secure, the wolf turned and started to grope down Judy's sides.

Nick reached out, grabbing his wrists, pulling his hands off of her. “Don't touch my wife, ya hear.”

It was a voice she'd never heard Nick use before, it fit well with the persona he adopted. The tone of boogie-down dilapidated streets. The voice of a man who'd seen stuff and did what he could to survive. Judy was impressed with how easy it was for him to fall into character.

“Easy bud, it's my job.”

“Yeah, but you tell a brother before you go touchin' his lady.”

“I...I'm sorry Finnick. I didn't mean any harm, ma'am.” The wolf's said, his voice higher pitched and oddly nasally if Judy didn't know better, she'd thought it was a fake voice.

“It's alright.” Judy was mortified when she spoke, in her attempt to imitate Nick's street accent, the only thing that slipped out was her ancient family drawl, she'd believed long gone.

Behind the wolf, she could see Nick smiling, shooting her a thumbs up. Finnick had his sunglasses up on his forehead, pinching the bridge of his nose. The wolf offered a polite nod and stepped around the desk to get his clipboard and pen.

“Alright, let's get this over with. Write your names on this paper and leave anything that can be deemed as a weapon.”

“Baron finally instigate that rule?”

“Yeah, after the incident with Manx last week.”

“That was bad, never touch another dude's girl, never.”

Nick shot the wolf a glance, forcing the larger mammal to look away nervously. Judy signed 'Fiver' on the line in a handwriting that was completely foreign to her. Nick penned 'Patrick' beautifully on the line below hers. He didn't bother to hide his real penmanship, she imagined it didn't matter as long as it wasn't his real names.

“Finnick, Patrick, Fiver, you can head down. Bleaker's at the bottom to further check you guys in. Have fun down there.”

“Bottom, doesn't he mean top?”

“Nope, the hideout's underground.” Finnick motioned for Nick to open the front panel on the large elevator.

The three of them scurried under the door before Nick let it drop down again, with a loud clack that echoed around the room. Finnick pointed at the down button on the control panel and Judy pushed it. A loud honk echoed through the chamber and the platform started sliding down into the floor.

There was an eerie darkness the swept in on them the further they got from the surface. It was replaced by funky multicolored lights radiating from the hideout below. The lower they got, the brighter the lights became. Judy sniffed the air, the smell of cigar and cigarette smoke heavy in the air. The closer they got the more smells her nose could pick up, cheap perfume, booze, wine, and other vices. Loud music thumped on, vibrating the platform more than the descent was doing. When they finally reached the bottom, Judy could hear the legions of voice talking, laughing, and cheering. She couldn't make out any words over the music, however. She didn't want to admit it, but she was starting to get scared all over again.

The back panel of the elevator slid open, another large wolf was there to greet them. This one looked almost identical to the one they'd just spoke too. It was so uncanny that even Nick rubbed his eyes for a better look.

“Ain't seeing double, fox. We twins.” Bleaker woofed, he took a brief look at the two of them, a smile spreading across his lips when he saw Finnick.

“Oh...if it ain't Little Big Fox. How the heck are you?”

“Livin' the dream, dreamin' the life.”

“Ain't that the truth. What's up, Lil dude?”

“Not me, that's for sure.” Finnick made a gesture of his lack of height.

The wolf started laughing, it quickly turned into a howl. Finnick and Judy both cupped their ears against the wretched sound. Nick stood, looking around for the other howls that were guaranteed to follow. A large familiar looking badger in the crowd muscled his way through.

“Shut it, Bleaker! That's your last warning. Start another howl and we'll bounce ya right outta here!”

Bleaker licked his lips, doing a quick chest thrust until the badger glared at him again, with that the wolf retreated back to behind his desk. Judy pulled on Nick's hand pointing at the badger. It was the one from the car chase, the one that tried to shoot her. Nick gave a nod and cupped her hand in his.

“Well, well, well. What have we here? New Blood.” The wolf gave the pair a once over, his crystal blue eyes linger longer on Judy than she felt comfortable with.

“You eyeballing my wife, Howlie?”

Nick's accent rumbled from his throat, when she looked at him, the menacing tough guy look on his face sent shivers down her spine. He was very committed to the role in this investigation. It was interesting to witness his methods first hand.

“Wife? You married a bunny?”

“Got a problem with it?”

Judy gave it a chance, the twin wolves seemed like they were easily intimidated. It was hard to tell if it was because of the personas they projected, or the company they kept. The wolf raised his hands as if to say 'sorry'.

“Listen, I didn't know. I don't want any trouble with any of Finnick's friends. You guys are cool, but you should know. Baron Bouncer ain't seeing new hopefuls. Still, stranger things have happened.”

The wolf looked down at his watch and then back at Nick and Judy. “Hey Finnick, the baron's daughter is about to perform real soon. I know you like her music, so don't miss it. You two get in there and enjoy yourselves. If Finnick's been slouching on the job, then he forgot to tell you that everything's on the house. Mi Casa Es Su Casa. If the baron likes you, then he'll let you into the family. Once you're in, you can pay him back then. If he doesn't...well no one's gonna miss ya.”

“See? It's a pay to play sorta deal.” Finnick said, ushering them in.

The further they walked into the inner sanctum, the louder the noises got. The yelling, cheering and music thumping filled Judy's ears, making it impossible to discern one thing from another. She managed to find Nick's hand in the confusion. The room was shoulder to shoulder, a realm of sweaty bodies that reeked of booze, smoke, and debauchery. It was scary, but there was a twinge of excitement working it way into Judy's heart.

“Over there is the eatery. Open twenty-four, seven. You can make something to eat for yourself. Or pay someone to cook for you. Whatever you want.”

The doorway lead away from the crowd, Judy could barely see the cafeteria style seating before another body closed her into the pack. Finnick took her other hand keeping her from getting lost.

“Over there is the pool hall. You play games, gamble, and drink 'til you're poor and drunk. Don't throw up on the floor, you'll never live it down.”

Judy could barely see the Neon sign that hung over the classic saloon doors. It read 'Cloven Hooves'. Not the most friendly of names, but Judy was sure this was as close as she was going to get to it. Finnick changed paths, pulling the two along with him through the wave of bodies. Something firm bumped into Judy, the force almost took her off her feet. A tan and white wolf staggered back and glared at her. Be tough, she told herself, thumbing her bucked teeth at him, a universal rabbit sign that told people where they could stick it.

When Finnick finally stopped, the smell of booze and perfume was thicker. It caused Judy to cough, forcing her to cover her nose and mouth with a gloved hand. Finnick called a name out, something Judy couldn't hear until he said it again, louder.

“Lavender.”

This time he used his booming voice, sending a few nearby patrons stumbling away from him. It was amazing how much respect the little fox commanded in a place like this.

“Finnick!” A singsong voice called back.

A blush filled Judy's ears, as a scantily clad skunk lady moved through some of the lounging bodies. What little clothes she was wearing barely covered anything. Red fishnet stocking that disappeared under a pair of short-cut, leather shorts and nothing on top, except for six metal loops piercing her nipples. Judy's eyes traced each one of them. Stopping at a shaved part on her hip. There was a strange tattoo that she couldn't recognize what it was. The lovely skunk's blue eyes met with Judy's as walked over.

“Window shopping is free, hon. But if you want to try it on, it'll cost you.”

“Oh...oh my no...I mean...” Judy stammered, forgetting her accent.

“Lavender, come give me some sugar.” Finnick barked as he came over to her. “Uppy!”

Lavender giggled, scooping the tiny fox off the ground into a hug. Judy turned around to look at Nick, who was wearing the same blush on his face. It caused a jealous twinge in her chest again, much the same as when she looked at the picture of him staring at the badger girl.

“You guys, this is Lavender. The sweetest female in existence. She is the one who runs the Pleasure Palace. They have males, females, and beds to spare. If you want to delve into deeper stuff, they can help you for the right price.”

“Down boy.”

“I can't because you're still holding me.”

The skunk laughed, “Always with the jokes, this guy.” She set the small fox back down.

“Welcome...?”

It took Judy a moment to realize Lavender was waiting for her name. “Oh, Fiver.” Her accent returning just in time.

“Patrick.” Nick stretched his suspenders.

“It's really nice to meet you both. Please feel free to partake, first one is free.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I'm here with my wife.”

Judy felt a rush of adrenaline when she watched Nick give the skunk the once over. The jealous feeling growing stronger, twisting her stomach. She gripped his hand firmly giving him a tug to bring him closer. The skunk turned her gaze to Judy, one that sunk deep into the bunny's soul.

“A shame you're married, my girlfriend and I would have liked to get to know you better.”

Judy's mouth slipped open as she turned to look at Nick, who was smirking. Finnick had long since teetered to the ground in a fit of laughter. Lavender simply winked and went on her way back to taking care of her customers.

“You knew?”

“You didn't? See the tattoo on her hip.”

“Yeah.”

Judy looked closer, barely catching a glimpse of two circles on crosses intertwined. It was symbol she'd seen before on the internet. This was the first time she'd seen anyone with it.

“Oh dang you guys.” Finnick got up from the ground taking Nick's hand, pulling him through the crowd. “The show is gonna start soon. Let's get to the circle.”

Nick barely had time to take Judy's hand before he was pulled away. They managed to cut through the group to the center, where are large ring was dug a few feet into the floor. Large four-by- fours were staked into the ground around the outside of the ring. It was large enough to fit forty mammals easily.

“This is the judgment circle...I'll tell you more when the time comes.”

“You mean 'if' right?” Judy asked.

“No, when. Everyone goes in here at least once while they're here.”

“Even you?”

“Yep.”

Thanks to the expanse of the ring, it gave Judy a chance to take in the sights better. Along the far wall was a concrete box hanging above the room. It worked as some sort of manager's office. It was a small room built directly into the concrete wall but was surrounded by a metal catwalks. Large windows covered the entire front of the building, but they only reflected what was going on in the room. One way mirrors, Judy thought, like the ones they had at the precinct.

“What's that?” She piped up with her southern accent.

“That's where the boss is. No one goes in there unless he asks for you.” Finnick leaned in close so he could whisper in Judy's ear. “I gotta talk to hubby, in private, for a moment. We'll be right back.”

Judy nodded, looking up at the building. The door open and several shadowy figures stepping out onto the catwalk. The lights above started dimming. The rowdy voices around her started quieting down. In the wake of whatever was happening. Judy could hear the sound of spotlight popping on. Casting blinding light around the room, stopping on the large stage built on the other side of the circle. Finnick was desperately trying to pull Nick away but stopped when he saw a female badger being escorted to the stage by none other than Baron Bouncer himself.

“Bouncer...he's here.”

But Nick was oblivious to the fact that she even spoke. She watched as he gazed at the female badger following behind the baron. There was something familiar about her, but Judy couldn't place it. Nick touch his chest, his eyebrows going as slacked as his bottom jaw. Finnick started pulling on Nick again, desperately trying get his attention.

“Honey?” Nick whispered.

Judy felt her heart falter as the rest of her body quaked. When he said the name, she remembered the badger immediately, the one from the photo Finnick showed her. It was Nick's first real love, and she was Baron Bouncer's daughter.", "pools_count": 0, "title": "Zootopia: Underworld Chapter Seven", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "text/rtf", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "0", "rating_name": "General", "ratings": [], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "f", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "1", "views": "65" }