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When she stood up to stretch her back she was rewarded with a loud pop in her back. The hour was late and she was tired. Her back and knees ached from all the extra weight she carried. The trek back to the hideout had taken quite some time. Barker, the other wolf twin, had been nice enough to carry the two black duffle bags onto the elevator for her.\n\n“I called down to, Bleaker. He's going to help you get these bags to the baron. I...just wanted you guys to know, you did really great up there.”\n\n“Wait, what?”\n\n“Oh, you'll find word travels fast around these parts.”\n\n“Clearly. Well, thanks, it's not been easy. Name's Barker right?” Judy slid down to sit next to Nick, who was groggy from the tranq shot.\n\n“Yeah, how'd you know?”\n\n“Word travels fast around here.”\n\n“Har har, Bleaker told you, huh? I'm surprised he'd waste time talking about his dumb brother.”\n\n“Nah, he cares about you.”\n\n“How?”\n\n“I can just hear it in his voice.”\n\nThe wolf's tail wagged excitedly. “Really?”\n\n“Yeah.”\n\nBarker stepped out of the elevator, sliding the panel door closed before tapping the down button. She could hear him whisper 'thank you' in a thoughtful voice as the elevator car slipped away. Nick rested his head on Judy's shoulder sighing.\n\n“You just made that kid's night, you know that?”\n\n“Oh, you're awake. How are you feeling?”\n\n“Like, when I'm feeling better, I'm going to call Bogo and give him a piece of my mind.”\n\nJudy ran her fingers along Nick's feverish forehead. “I already did.”\n\n“What...When?”\n\n“When you were napping on the train.”\n\n“Did you ask him why he deemed it necessary to brutalized us?”\n\n“This was our first mission. Bogo was certain that the baron would send someone to spy on us, to see how we handle ourselves.”\n\n“That's sound logic.”\n\n“Bogo did take some precautions, though. The darts that Fangmeyer and McHorn used were filled with only a fraction of the tranquilizing gel.”\n\n“Oh, that's disheartening. I thought I was just getting better at resisting the effects.”\n\n“I don't think it works that way, hon. You'd have to inject yourself with an anti-tranquilizer shot right after getting hit, even then it's no guarantee.”\n\n“There's no such thing.”\n\n“I know, I just figured since you were living in a fantasy world where a regular mammal can be immune to tranquilizer darts, I thought I would join you in there rather than force you into the real world.”\n\n“Har har, Carrots, very funny, but you ran on too long. Quips need to be short and to the point, like your head.”\n\nJudy giggled and kissed the top of his head. “Stupid fox.”\n\n“Jerk bunny.”\n\nThe elevator slid to stop at the bottom of the shaft. Judy realized something was wrong from the first moment Bleaker pulled the panel door open. It sanctuary was quiet. No music, no talking at first Judy wondered where everyone had gone. Bleaker regarded Judy with a smile as he picked up the bags leading the way.\n\nJudy helped Nick to his feet, using her as a crutch. When they entered the main chamber of the hideout the pair stopped suddenly. The room was full of mammals, they were all standing looking at them curiously. Lavender and Pearl stood at the front clutching hands, smiles on their faces. Above the lot on the stage was the baron. He stood with his hands behind his back. To his left was Honey, who judging by the look on her face, wasn't as pleased as the rest of the group. To the Baron's right, Finnick, dressed all in black with a smirk on his face.\n\n“Our family...” The baron began. “...is made up of thieves, number runners, and con artists. Our sanctum is a hollowed out sewer that existed before this city even had a name. Our home is made from the scraps that society deems useless, dangerous, and not worth spit. When I look at you, I see family.” The baron looked at his daughter, gripping her shoulder.\n\n“They call us lowlifes and cast us aside, when it's their rules, regulations, and greed mongering that drove us to this point.” The baron made a grand gesture with his hands.\n\nThe baron pointed at a tall mustang standing down in front near the circle. “They took your home because you couldn't pay your mortgage.”\n\n“That's right.”\n\nThe baron point at a lion who was leaning on crutches. “They arrested you because an elephant attacked you and you defended yourself.”\n\n“Yes.”\n\n“You robbed a gas station, so you could buy medication for your child.”\n\nJudy's heart skipped a beat as she followed to where the baron was pointing. Pearl stiffened and rubbed the back of his neck. A red tint flushed his narrow face. Judy looked up at Nick, who was shaking his head.\n\n“And you! What did they do to you?” The baron pointed at Nick and Judy.\n\n“They're trying to foreclose on our farm house. The house belonged to my folks and been in the family for years. I was hoping to raise my children there.”\n\n“And now.”\n\n“My husband and I sleep under bridges and in parks.”\n\n“Not anymore, you're part of our family and this family welcome you both.”\n\nEach and everyone in the crowd walked up, tossing money on the ground at their feet. There were soft whispers of a 'welcomes', 'congrats', and 'glad you made its'. The pile at their feet grew exponentially until only a handful of family members were left to offer their welcomes.\n\nPearl took each of their hands and pressed them to his face for an affectionate nuzzle. Giving a soft kiss to each of their palms before fishing a twenty-dollar bill out of his scant shorts dropping it onto the pile. “I'm so happy for you, both.”\n\nManx, the wolf, who fought Judy, held out a hundred-dollar bill to her. Through a trembling smile, he whispered 'sorry' and backed away from them.\n\nLavender stepped up, passing a gold coin to them. “This is a VIP coin for use in my establishment. It's good for one whole night. Only the best for you both all on the house.”\n\n“Thank you.” Judy uttered, her voice was quiet at first. “Thank you all, my husband and I are so pleased to finally have a place we can call home.”\n\nThe crowd erupted in applause. Nick's shifted his eyes to look at Judy, there was a glistening light in her eyes. A huge smile on her face. Judy felt her chest swelling with pride. The comradery in the room was spell bounding. The baron's conviction, charisma, and words lingered throughout the chambers. It caused her heart to flutter.\n\n“Lavender, tend to brother Patrick. Fiver, Bleaker come to my parlor. The rest of you enjoy yourselves tonight. This is a celebration, everything is on the house.” The baron started back up to his inner sanctum.\n\nLavender wrapped her arms across Nick's back and chest. Finnick dove off the stage into the crowd. He played hopscotch on the shoulders of the mammals in the crowd until he dropped down next to Lavender helping her move Nick.\n\n“Is he going to be alright?” Judy asked, the sudden request for her separation from Nick scared her.\n\n“I'll take good care of him, you have nothing to worry about.” Lavender smiled back over her shoulder, reassuring Judy.\n\n“Finnick?”\n\n“I ain't got nothing I can do for you. You've been summoned.”\n\nJudy watched as Nick whispered something to Finnick. The tiny fox responded with a sharp nod. When Judy turned around she'd almost bumped into the Pearl, who was working diligently to stack the money they had been gifted. “I'll sort this out and have it ready for you when you get back.”\n\n“Thank you.”\n\nJudy didn't feel right about taking the money but knew refusing it could possibly blow her cover. Bleaker gave a loud wolf whistle grabbing Judy's attention. He was looking back at her, waiting to help deliver the bags to the baron. Judy hurried after as the tall wolf lead the way.\n\n\n\nInside the office, the air smelled a little fresher. It was cooler against her sweat moistened fur. Bleaker didn't make a sound, he slipped in set the bags down on the floor and left even before the baron could notice him. Judy wasted no time slumping in a chair grateful to finally sit down again. The baron sat hunched over in his chair looking at the picture once again.\n\n“Drink?”\n\nEverything seemed to play out much as it did on her first visit. The baron poured her a drink and delivered it to her before sitting back in his seat. Judy could see how tired he was, the lines on his face grew deep. His face grew grayer the longer he stared at the picture. The dark circles under his eyes weren't just his face markings, they were a sign of sleeplessness. The way his fingers trembled as he cradled the picture. Judy found herself sympathetic to the crime boss.\n\n“I wasn't always this way.”\n\n“What way, sir?”\n\n“This. I use to be a pharmacist in Tundratown, one of the best.”\n\n“What happened, sir?”\n\n“Miranda.”\n\n“Sir?”\n\n“Miranda Bouncer, she was my wife.”\n\nThe baron took a sip from his glass, turning the picture around so Judy could see. His trembling hand barely able to stand the picture up.\n\n“She's beautiful.”\n\n“Was, they took her away from me.”\n\n“Who did?”\n\n“A madman, with the help of the ZPD.”\n\nJudy felt her ears flush, she took a sip from her drink to hide her flush. The brown liquid burned going down, searing in her stomach. It caused a hot burp to catch in her throat. A shiver traced up her spine as she dared another sip.\n\n“You don't have to tell me, sir. That is unless you want to.”\n\n“My wife use to work at the courthouse. Just a simple clerk responsible for marriage licensing A senator...a madman was enraged by his ex-wife getting remarried. Barged in and took everyone on the floor hostage, including my wife.”\n\nJudy finished her drink, remaining quiet as the baron told his story. “The senator killed two of the clerks already. The ZPD didn't think that was enough reason to take the shot. Apparently tranqing a senator 'wasn't necessary at this point in time' according to the negotiator. He told me...he told me to trust him. He knew what he was doing.”\n\n“What happened?”\n\n“The senator killed her, then the other three and then himself. My world turned upside down that day. I had to be the one to tell my baby girl that her mama was dead. That there was no justice served and the bozo responsible for it got a promotion. I wish I could screw up so badly and end up with a raise. Worthless ZPD as crooked as the day is long.”\n\nJudy wanted to be angry at the harsh words towards the ZPD, she wanted to give the baron a piece of her mind. Judy's head started to swim from the alcohol. The story the baron told resonated a bit heavy in her heart. How could someone at the ZPD be so incompetent? How could they reward them for such gross underestimation of the situation? Judy looked at the sad figure known to her as the baron,tears running down his narrow muzzle.\n\n“I...promised I would make them pay.”\n\n“Pay, sir?” Judy almost missed using her accent her head was heavy.\n\n“I will crush the ZPD. I will make them pay for what they did to my family.”\n\nJudy slipped down from her chair, she had to hold the desk to stabilize herself as she walked around. She took the baron's hand in hers, feeling the weight of the golden frame he held. It was heavy, just like the weight of his promise to his family. The baron looked up at her and wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his nice jacket.\n\n“I'm sorry this happened to you.” Judy focused on staying in character. “If I can help you get justice, I will.”\n\nThe words echoed in the back of her mind. Another consciousness throwing up red flags. She could no longer say for certain if it was the drink or if what she said was how she really felt. Her face was warm, her ears were hot. She could rationalize what she was thinking. It felt like anger, frustration at the injustice this badger and his daughter had been put through.\n\n“Thank you, Fiver. With yours and Finnick's help, my plans will be ready soon.” There was a pause, a smile creeping to his lips. “But I digress, go have some fun. I'll speak more of this later.”\n\n“Yes, sir.”\n\nJudy stepped out of the room onto the catwalk. The music was in full swing, all life had returned to the sanctuary. The smells that she had grown accustomed too was back as well. Honey sat on a stool on the stage, her fingers flicking the strings as she graced them all with her husky voice. A song about a broken heart or someone doing her wrong. Judy couldn't tell amidst her hazy head. Judy just wanted to find Nick and return home. Maybe she just wanted to forget what the baron said and get back to some normalcy.\n\nWhen Judy made her way down the stairs to join the rest of the crowd mammals shouted her name. Some patted her back while others whistled as she walked past. A large polar bear took her hand and brought her around so they could face each other. The female polar bear got down on her knees so she could be closer to the bunny.\n\n“Fiver, please stop by my joint for a drink. Maybe something to eat, all on the house.”\n\nA weasel slink up gripping her shoulders, pulling her away from the conversation with the bear. “Nah, doll, come play poker, maybe some pool.”\n\nThe more mammals gathered around her, the more engaged she became. They asked for her specifically, urging her to do this or that. A small mouse even asked her to dance. It was sweet at first but the tighter the group drew in, the more closed in she felt. Hands patted her, gripped her, groped her. Words of congratulation assaulted her ears. An echoing voice in her head, the voice was once angry but now was soft and alluring. It was Manx, his hand gripping hers, pulling her along.\n\n“You work hard, Fiver, you deserve to play just as hard.”\n\nMaybe the scrappy wolf was right. If she'd learned anything from tonight it was that Fiver did work hard and so did Judy. They both needed a night to just cut loose. The small rabbit followed Manx to the bar as she went her entourage grew.\n\n\n\nNick sat up rubbing his eyes. There was a rough throbbing on his inner thigh where the bandages rubbed against the wound. With the exception that, the headache, and still feeling of being a little groggy, he felt pretty good. A quick look around the dimly lit room gave way to the realization that he was in one of the brothel's bedroom. The walls were painted with black light paint so it glowed against the purple light. The sheets were silk and felt good against his fur. Nick's clothes were gone replaced by a pair of red silk pajama bottoms too small for him. A soft snoring came from the bed beside him. He was amazed to find Judy sleeping next to him. She'd been stripped down as well. Her clothes replaced with a nightgown and a pair of shorts.\n\nNick couldn't remember what happened. How did they both get here, like this? The first thoughts that entered his head made him blush. When he touched her back she moaned and rolled over. Wrapping her arms around his waist, planting kisses on his chest. The affection only made his blush more. He caressed along her head and down to the back of her neck, bringing another moan from her.\n\n“Nick.” Judy whispered his name, pushing her face hard against his bare chest.\n\n“Nick...”\n\nThe room was so dark he didn't even notice the white fox sitting in the chair across the room from the bed. Pearl was quiet and remained motionless. Nick could only tell it was him by his piercing blue eyes catching even the slightest light from the black lamps making them glow.\n\n“It was her-”\n\n“Don't lie.” Pearl reached into the front of his shorts pulling out a small tranq gun.\n\n“Phraxus?”\n\n“What's that?”\n\n“It's...nevermind.”\n\n“So Nick's your real name?”\n\n“That's-”\n\n“You were stupid enough to bring your phones with you, I know who you both are. Officer's Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps.”\n\n“Alright, so you got me. Wanna know why?”\n\n“I know why, Finnick told me. I don't know how you managed to make him betray us, but...”\n\nNick's ears fell back. “I-”\n\n“You both need to leave. There is so much more going on here than just arresting the baron.”\n\n“The family?”\n\nThe fox didn't answer, he aimed his gun at Nick instead. “If you're both not gone by the end of this week, I'll tell everyone and then darting will be the least of your worries.”\n\nThe fox slipped down from the chair backing towards the door, his tail curled between his legs. Nick tried to shift away from Judy but her grip on him was tight. “Wait!”\n\nPearl was in mid turn, when he stopped he didn't look back. “What?”\n\n“What did you do to Judy?”\n\n“I didn't do anything, she just made some very dangerous friends that aren't going to be happy to find out she's a cop.”\n\nThe fox slipped out the door, closing it behind him. Nick rested back against the headboard sighing. Things just went from bad to worse. Their list of allies growing thinner. They were running out of time.", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "A High Vice to Pay

Judy shifted out from under the fox's weight helping to lean him against the wall of the elevator. When she stood up to stretch her back she was rewarded with a loud pop in her back. The hour was late and she was tired. Her back and knees ached from all the extra weight she carried. The trek back to the hideout had taken quite some time. Barker, the other wolf twin, had been nice enough to carry the two black duffle bags onto the elevator for her.

“I called down to, Bleaker. He's going to help you get these bags to the baron. I...just wanted you guys to know, you did really great up there.”

“Wait, what?”

“Oh, you'll find word travels fast around these parts.”

“Clearly. Well, thanks, it's not been easy. Name's Barker right?” Judy slid down to sit next to Nick, who was groggy from the tranq shot.

“Yeah, how'd you know?”

“Word travels fast around here.”

“Har har, Bleaker told you, huh? I'm surprised he'd waste time talking about his dumb brother.”

“Nah, he cares about you.”

“How?”

“I can just hear it in his voice.”

The wolf's tail wagged excitedly. “Really?”

“Yeah.”

Barker stepped out of the elevator, sliding the panel door closed before tapping the down button. She could hear him whisper 'thank you' in a thoughtful voice as the elevator car slipped away. Nick rested his head on Judy's shoulder sighing.

“You just made that kid's night, you know that?”

“Oh, you're awake. How are you feeling?”

“Like, when I'm feeling better, I'm going to call Bogo and give him a piece of my mind.”

Judy ran her fingers along Nick's feverish forehead. “I already did.”

“What...When?”

“When you were napping on the train.”

“Did you ask him why he deemed it necessary to brutalized us?”

“This was our first mission. Bogo was certain that the baron would send someone to spy on us, to see how we handle ourselves.”

“That's sound logic.”

“Bogo did take some precautions, though. The darts that Fangmeyer and McHorn used were filled with only a fraction of the tranquilizing gel.”

“Oh, that's disheartening. I thought I was just getting better at resisting the effects.”

“I don't think it works that way, hon. You'd have to inject yourself with an anti-tranquilizer shot right after getting hit, even then it's no guarantee.”

“There's no such thing.”

“I know, I just figured since you were living in a fantasy world where a regular mammal can be immune to tranquilizer darts, I thought I would join you in there rather than force you into the real world.”

“Har har, Carrots, very funny, but you ran on too long. Quips need to be short and to the point, like your head.”

Judy giggled and kissed the top of his head. “Stupid fox.”

“Jerk bunny.”

The elevator slid to stop at the bottom of the shaft. Judy realized something was wrong from the first moment Bleaker pulled the panel door open. It sanctuary was quiet. No music, no talking at first Judy wondered where everyone had gone. Bleaker regarded Judy with a smile as he picked up the bags leading the way.

Judy helped Nick to his feet, using her as a crutch. When they entered the main chamber of the hideout the pair stopped suddenly. The room was full of mammals, they were all standing looking at them curiously. Lavender and Pearl stood at the front clutching hands, smiles on their faces. Above the lot on the stage was the baron. He stood with his hands behind his back. To his left was Honey, who judging by the look on her face, wasn't as pleased as the rest of the group. To the Baron's right, Finnick, dressed all in black with a smirk on his face.

“Our family...” The baron began. “...is made up of thieves, number runners, and con artists. Our sanctum is a hollowed out sewer that existed before this city even had a name. Our home is made from the scraps that society deems useless, dangerous, and not worth spit. When I look at you, I see family.” The baron looked at his daughter, gripping her shoulder.

“They call us lowlifes and cast us aside, when it's their rules, regulations, and greed mongering that drove us to this point.” The baron made a grand gesture with his hands.

The baron pointed at a tall mustang standing down in front near the circle. “They took your home because you couldn't pay your mortgage.”

“That's right.”

The baron point at a lion who was leaning on crutches. “They arrested you because an elephant attacked you and you defended yourself.”

“Yes.”

“You robbed a gas station, so you could buy medication for your child.”

Judy's heart skipped a beat as she followed to where the baron was pointing. Pearl stiffened and rubbed the back of his neck. A red tint flushed his narrow face. Judy looked up at Nick, who was shaking his head.

“And you! What did they do to you?” The baron pointed at Nick and Judy.

“They're trying to foreclose on our farm house. The house belonged to my folks and been in the family for years. I was hoping to raise my children there.”

“And now.”

“My husband and I sleep under bridges and in parks.”

“Not anymore, you're part of our family and this family welcome you both.”

Each and everyone in the crowd walked up, tossing money on the ground at their feet. There were soft whispers of a 'welcomes', 'congrats', and 'glad you made its'. The pile at their feet grew exponentially until only a handful of family members were left to offer their welcomes.

Pearl took each of their hands and pressed them to his face for an affectionate nuzzle. Giving a soft kiss to each of their palms before fishing a twenty-dollar bill out of his scant shorts dropping it onto the pile. “I'm so happy for you, both.”

Manx, the wolf, who fought Judy, held out a hundred-dollar bill to her. Through a trembling smile, he whispered 'sorry' and backed away from them.

Lavender stepped up, passing a gold coin to them. “This is a VIP coin for use in my establishment. It's good for one whole night. Only the best for you both all on the house.”

“Thank you.” Judy uttered, her voice was quiet at first. “Thank you all, my husband and I are so pleased to finally have a place we can call home.”

The crowd erupted in applause. Nick's shifted his eyes to look at Judy, there was a glistening light in her eyes. A huge smile on her face. Judy felt her chest swelling with pride. The comradery in the room was spell bounding. The baron's conviction, charisma, and words lingered throughout the chambers. It caused her heart to flutter.

“Lavender, tend to brother Patrick. Fiver, Bleaker come to my parlor. The rest of you enjoy yourselves tonight. This is a celebration, everything is on the house.” The baron started back up to his inner sanctum.

Lavender wrapped her arms across Nick's back and chest. Finnick dove off the stage into the crowd. He played hopscotch on the shoulders of the mammals in the crowd until he dropped down next to Lavender helping her move Nick.

“Is he going to be alright?” Judy asked, the sudden request for her separation from Nick scared her.

“I'll take good care of him, you have nothing to worry about.” Lavender smiled back over her shoulder, reassuring Judy.

“Finnick?”

“I ain't got nothing I can do for you. You've been summoned.”

Judy watched as Nick whispered something to Finnick. The tiny fox responded with a sharp nod. When Judy turned around she'd almost bumped into the Pearl, who was working diligently to stack the money they had been gifted. “I'll sort this out and have it ready for you when you get back.”

“Thank you.”

Judy didn't feel right about taking the money but knew refusing it could possibly blow her cover. Bleaker gave a loud wolf whistle grabbing Judy's attention. He was looking back at her, waiting to help deliver the bags to the baron. Judy hurried after as the tall wolf lead the way.



Inside the office, the air smelled a little fresher. It was cooler against her sweat moistened fur. Bleaker didn't make a sound, he slipped in set the bags down on the floor and left even before the baron could notice him. Judy wasted no time slumping in a chair grateful to finally sit down again. The baron sat hunched over in his chair looking at the picture once again.

“Drink?”

Everything seemed to play out much as it did on her first visit. The baron poured her a drink and delivered it to her before sitting back in his seat. Judy could see how tired he was, the lines on his face grew deep. His face grew grayer the longer he stared at the picture. The dark circles under his eyes weren't just  his face markings, they were a sign of sleeplessness. The way his fingers trembled as he cradled the picture. Judy found herself sympathetic to the crime boss.

“I wasn't always this way.”

“What way, sir?”

“This. I use to be a pharmacist in Tundratown, one of the best.”

“What happened, sir?”

“Miranda.”

“Sir?”

“Miranda Bouncer, she was my wife.”

The baron took a sip from his glass, turning the picture around so Judy could see. His trembling hand barely able to stand the picture up.

“She's beautiful.”

“Was, they took her away from me.”

“Who did?”

“A madman, with the help of the ZPD.”

Judy felt her ears flush, she took a sip from her drink to hide her flush. The brown liquid burned going down, searing in her stomach. It caused a hot burp to catch in her throat. A shiver traced up her spine as she dared another sip.

“You don't have to tell me, sir. That is unless you want to.”

“My wife use to work at the courthouse. Just a simple clerk responsible for marriage licensing A senator...a madman was enraged by his ex-wife getting remarried. Barged in and took everyone on the floor hostage, including my wife.”

Judy finished her drink, remaining quiet as the baron told his story. “The senator killed two of the clerks already. The ZPD didn't think that was enough reason to take the shot. Apparently tranqing a senator 'wasn't necessary at this point in time' according to the negotiator. He told me...he told me to trust him. He knew what he was doing.”

“What happened?”

“The senator killed her, then the other three and then himself. My world turned upside down that day. I had to be the one to tell my baby girl that her mama was dead. That there was no justice served and the bozo responsible for it got a promotion. I wish I could screw up so badly and end up with a raise. Worthless ZPD as crooked as the day is long.”

Judy wanted to be angry at the harsh words towards the ZPD, she wanted to give the baron a piece of her mind. Judy's head started to swim from the alcohol. The story the baron told resonated a bit heavy in her heart. How could someone at the ZPD be so incompetent? How could they reward them for such gross underestimation of the situation? Judy looked at the sad figure known to her as the baron,tears running down his narrow muzzle.

“I...promised I would make them pay.”

“Pay, sir?” Judy almost missed using her accent her head was heavy.

“I will crush the ZPD. I will make them pay for what they did to my family.”

Judy slipped down from her chair, she had to hold the desk to stabilize herself as she walked around. She took the baron's hand in hers, feeling the weight of the golden frame he held. It was heavy, just like the weight of his promise to his family. The baron looked up at her and wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his nice jacket.

“I'm sorry this happened to you.” Judy focused on staying in character. “If I can help you get justice, I will.”

The words echoed in the back of her mind. Another consciousness throwing up red flags. She could no longer say for certain if it was the drink or if what she said was how she really felt. Her face was warm, her ears were hot. She could rationalize what she was thinking. It felt like anger, frustration at the injustice this badger and his daughter had been put through.

“Thank you, Fiver. With yours and Finnick's help, my plans will be ready soon.” There was a pause, a smile creeping to his lips. “But I digress, go have some fun. I'll speak more of this later.”

“Yes, sir.”

Judy stepped out of the room onto the catwalk. The music was in full swing, all life had returned to the sanctuary. The smells that she had grown accustomed too was back as well. Honey sat on a stool on the stage, her fingers flicking the strings as she graced them all with her husky voice. A song about a broken heart or someone doing her wrong. Judy couldn't tell amidst her hazy head. Judy just wanted to find Nick and return home. Maybe she just wanted to forget what the baron said and get back to some normalcy.

When Judy made her way down the stairs to join the rest of the crowd mammals shouted her name. Some patted her back while others whistled as she walked past. A large polar bear took her hand and brought her around so they could face each other. The female polar bear got down on her knees so she could be closer to the bunny.

“Fiver, please stop by my joint for a drink. Maybe something to eat, all on the house.”

A weasel slink up gripping her shoulders, pulling her away from the conversation with the bear. “Nah, doll, come play poker, maybe some pool.”

The more mammals gathered around her, the more engaged she became. They asked for her specifically, urging her to do this or that. A small mouse even asked her to dance. It was sweet at first but the tighter the group drew in, the more closed in she felt. Hands patted her, gripped her, groped her. Words of congratulation assaulted her ears. An echoing voice in her head, the voice was once angry but now was soft and alluring. It was Manx, his hand gripping hers, pulling her along.

“You work hard, Fiver, you deserve to play just as hard.”

Maybe the scrappy wolf was right. If she'd learned anything from tonight it was that Fiver did work hard and so did Judy. They both needed a night to just cut loose. The small rabbit followed Manx to the bar as she went her entourage grew.



Nick sat up rubbing his eyes. There was a rough throbbing on his inner thigh where the bandages rubbed against the wound. With the exception that, the headache, and still feeling of being a little groggy, he felt pretty good. A quick look around the dimly lit room gave way to the realization that he was in one of the brothel's bedroom. The walls were painted with black light paint so it glowed against the purple light. The sheets were silk and felt good against his fur. Nick's clothes were gone replaced by a pair of red silk pajama bottoms too small for him. A soft snoring came from the bed beside him. He was amazed to find Judy sleeping next to him. She'd been stripped down as well. Her clothes replaced with a nightgown and a pair of shorts.

Nick couldn't remember what happened. How did they both get here, like this? The first thoughts that entered his head made him blush. When he touched her back she moaned and rolled over. Wrapping her arms around his waist, planting kisses on his chest. The affection only made his blush more. He caressed along her head and down to the back of her neck, bringing another moan from her.

“Nick.” Judy whispered his name, pushing her face hard against his bare chest.

“Nick...”

The room was so dark he didn't even notice the white fox sitting in the chair across the room from the bed. Pearl was quiet and remained motionless. Nick could only tell it was him by his piercing blue eyes catching even the slightest light from the black lamps making them glow.

“It was her-”

“Don't lie.” Pearl reached into the front of his shorts pulling out a small tranq gun.

“Phraxus?”

“What's that?”

“It's...nevermind.”

“So Nick's your real name?”

“That's-”

“You were stupid enough to bring your phones with you, I know who you both are. Officer's Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps.”

“Alright, so you got me. Wanna know why?”

“I know why, Finnick told me. I don't know how you managed to make him betray us, but...”

Nick's ears fell back. “I-”

“You both need to leave. There is so much more going on here than just arresting the baron.”

“The family?”

The fox didn't answer, he aimed his gun at Nick instead. “If you're both not gone by the end of this week, I'll tell everyone and then darting will be the least of your worries.”

The fox slipped down from the chair backing towards the door, his tail curled between his legs. Nick tried to shift away from Judy but her grip on him was tight. “Wait!”

Pearl was in mid turn, when he stopped he didn't look back. “What?”

“What did you do to Judy?”

“I didn't do anything, she just made some very dangerous friends that aren't going to be happy to find out she's a cop.”

The fox slipped out the door, closing it behind him. Nick rested back against the headboard sighing. Things just went from bad to worse. Their list of allies growing thinner. They were running out of time.", "pools_count": 0, "title": "Zootopia: Underworld Chapter 13", "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": "0", "views": "63" }