The late night was quiet and still, the sound of crickets chirping through the open windows while the AC gave its subtle roar through the house. Psych, Nick and Aiden were fast asleep, the computer on standby and monitor showing a single orange light. Outside however a disturbance began to approach. A trio of vans slowing inching its way toward the gate of Raphael’s home. Two coyotes lunging out, searching for the panel that would open the gate. Sure enough, within moments it opened wide and with headlights off, the vans crept their way up to the driveway. Within each vehicle were a good half-dozen coyotes, each wearing black coats and pants. Their belts strapped with a pair of pistols, extra ammo and grenades, hefting in both paws a large assault rifle. Inside however, the monitor in Psych’s room turned on, snatching up the attention of Aiden who had his eyes closest to it. Blinking and wiping at his eyes, he glanced at it and was quick to realize the proximity alarm had been tripped. Tossing the covers off, he took a seat on the chair and double checked it. Sure enough the coyotes were set to surround the house, flanking each side of the mansion and a few heading around back. 
“Fuck.” He whispered at first, reaching over he pushed on Psych’s shoulder. “Get up, get up now, Psych.” He insisted. “Nick, you too!” He called back. 
“What is it?” Psych questioned, slowly rising from his bed and giving the scars on his chest a quick scratch. 
“We’re under attack. Makai family I think.” Aiden informed them. 
“What!?” Psych exclaimed, lunging to his feet and peering over Aiden’s shoulder. “Oh those cheeky motherfuckers.” 
“Dad?” 
“Nick! Get across the hall, get the others up. We’re being attacked.” 
“What!?” Nick exclaimed, snatching up his shirt. “Alright alright, I’m on it. I’ll get Phase and head across the hall.” 
“Pack a weapon.” 
“Right.” Nick agreed. “You too.” Psych immediately turned his attention to the phone and dialed in a page to all the others in the house. 
“Everyone up! Get up now! We have a hit squad inbound, coming in from all sides. Repeat, hit squad coming-“ Psych was cut off by the explosion blowing through the front door. It was more than enough to stir everyone awake. Raphael bolted up from his bed and opened up the dresser drawer beside his bed. Inside was a small lockbox with a gun inside. Within moments of grabbing it a pair of coyotes broke though his patio door. Raphael roared in and charged them both, taking them to the ground. He snared one by the muzzle and hoisted him up, whipping him into the other coyote, sending him into the nearby cabinet. Raphael fired three rounds into the stunned mongrels face before returning his attention to the one trapped in his grasp. With a gutful roar he snatched the grenade off his fallen comrade, pulled the pin and stuffed it into the broken muzzle of the coyote and tossed him outside. The explosion instantly killing him as he found the ground. 
“Max.” Raphael panicked. “I swear to god.” He flung open the door only to just miss being shot by a trio of coyotes. “Son of a!” he cried out. He took to shooting a few blind shots down the hall but they sailed well passed their targets. While the trio were reloading, the one at the base of their triangle formation asked. 
“Think we hit him?” Finishing, the others were caught off guard by the knife flung into his head. 
“What the!?” They cried out, but Vanessa was swift and merciless. With both blades she decapitated one and took to snaring the rifle off the second, spinning it from his grasp and then digging both blades into his groin. 
“I prefer neutered dogs!” She growled, tearing the blades in either direction she mutilated the coyote. Snatching up one of her throwing knives, she spun it in her paw and drove it down into his chest. Rushing down the hall she dove for Max’s room and threw the door open. “Max!?” 
“I’m ok!” He answered, hiding under his bed. Raphael appeared from his room, rushing down the hall and joined her. 
“Max, are you hurt!?” He urgently asked. 
“No, I’m ok. Go get em dad.”
“Here.” Raphael tossed him the gun. “Do what you have to do son. Understand?” Max reached for the gun and kept it close. 
“I got it.” 
“No heroics, stay hidden!” Raphael ordered. Back in Psych’s room, he was well geared up. His old combat suit, fitted with two pistols including his silver magnum and strapped to each of his paws his trademark stun gloves. Aiden fitted himself with his own, along with a set of flash-bangs. Psych could see them coming up through the patio and decided to have a little fun with them. As one of the coyotes tried to burst in shouting, Psych simply opened the door and allowed him to fumble in. Aiden charged in and swung hard, slicing the coyote deep and killing him. Two more followed behind and Psych did not hesitate. Blades drawn, he drove both into the stomach of one of the coyotes and let the current do the rest. The coyotes cried in agony while the other tried to fire on Psych. In a swift maneuver he dove out of the way, and Aiden fired his claws into the skull of the second attacker. With a cocky little smile, Aiden strolled over and drew the blades out of his victims skull. 
“You still threw your weapon away.” Psych noted. 
“Really, smartass remarks, now?” Aiden quipped right back. Gunfire began to erupt from Patrick, Bryan and Finnick’s room, folding his ears back Psych feared the worst and charged for the door. 
“Nicky.” Psych burst through the door to Patrick’s room and saw two dead coyotes along with the boys sharing a few well earned high fives. 
“Nice shootin Fin.” Patrick complimented. 
“Nicky, fellas you ok?” Psych asked urgently. 
“We’re fine.” Approved with a quick nod. “But we should sweep the rest of the house.” Outside, Jason and Niko had maneuvered themselves toward the front of the house where the vans were parked. Turning back to Jason and offering a go ahead nod, the big grizzly charged for the van and with a bellowing roar toppled it over. Jason leapt on top, producing a pair of shot guns from either side of his coat and fire into the vehicle, killing the driver by firing through the smashed window. It caught the attention of a few of the remaining Makai members who had placed themselves on guard near the entrance. Jason attempted to fire on them as they approached, but as the bullets began to shower back at his direction, Nikolai swept Jason’s legs and pulled him behind the van for cover. 
“Allow me.” The big grizzly smiled, his assault rifle aimed at the line of coyotes rapidly approaching. In a fel sweep, he mowed them down, watching them topple like dominos. “Haha! Fools, the lot of them!” 
“Niko, A few are headed toward the garage.” Jason alerted him. 
“Bah, pity for them. The old dog can handle them.” He scoffed. Inside the garage, Shea was dressed in his bathrobe and holding a remote. He could hear the scurry of claws clamoring near the far left garage door. With a smile, he hit the button and allowed it to open, much to the surprise of the trio of coyotes. Clearing just over their heads, they took but a footstep inside before raising their rifles to the old coyote. 
“Paws up old timer.” 
“Aye! Ya wouldna shoot an unarmed ol hound would ya?” He submitted, raising his paws. 
“Unarmed, psh.” One of them brushed off. Shea just smiled and flung open his robes. 
“Well aside from this ol cannon eh? Comes wit two ol cannon balls ready ta go!” He laughed, showcasing his rather unkempt junk. The coyotes turned away, covering their faces in disgust as Shea slammed the green and black buttons on the remote. The failsafes on the door went off, and with hydrolic reinforcement slammed down on the coyotes, crushing their backs. Squirming and crying in pain, the only surviving coyote was trying in vain to reach for his gun. Shea strolled over and kicked it away. “Squirm all ya like boy.” He stated, heading back to the doorway to head inside. “Ya be dead before mornin, that I promise ya.” 
Inside the house, Phase had found his way to Max’s room. The two huddled beside the bed and away from the windows. 
“Think we’ll be ok?” Max asked softly. 
“I don’t know. Probably. Those Makai guys are real stupid.” Phase casually joked. 
“Ha, yeah. Wrong house to go for huh?” 
“Totally.” Phase chuckled. Within seconds however, a single coyote broke through Max’s window. Gun aimed high on the young tiger. 
“Freeze shit spawn!” He barked. 
“Don’t you dare!” Max cried out, trying to aim the gun his father gave him, but fumbled it to the ground in his panic. The coyote shot at the pistol with the rifle, sending it off Max’s dresser and almost right beside Phase. 
“Fucking idiot.” The coyote balked, tapping his ear. “I got the kid. Get Riley and Brayden here, gonna repel him down.” The coyote marched over and stuffed the barrel into Max’s face. “Get up you fucking piece of shit. You!” He turned to Phase. “On the fucking ground!” Phase complied, but concealed the gun that Max had dropped. 
“Dad! Vanessa! Someone!” Max cried out, but the coyote snared his muzzle. 
“Shut up, shut the fuck up, do you hear me!?” He shouted down at the cub. Planting his foot on the window though, a loud crack sounded behind him as a shot fired straight through the back of his skull. The coyote fell lifeless to the ground as Max slowly turned around. Phase was there, laying on the ground with the gun smoking from his hand. 
“Got him.” Phase whispered, setting the gun down. Max ran over and scooped Phase up for a tight hug. 
“Oh my god! Thank you.” He cried.
“Max!!” Vanessa shouted, bursting into the room. “Max I heard gunfire!” 
“Nessa!” Max whimpered, holding Phase tight.
“Maxy!” She moaned, sliding down for a quick hug and kiss to his head. “Maxy baby, are you ok?” 
“Lady Carvelle!!” Phase shouted, pointing to the two coyotes climbing up to the window. Vanessa fired her ears back and let loose with a ear piercing screech. Drawing her daggers, she drove them into the necks of the attacking coyotes and kicked them out through the window. Raphael, Psych and Aiden joined her in Max’s room and surveyed it in horror. 
“Max, are you alright son!” Raphael almost cried. 
“Dad!” Max leapt up from Phase and rushed to hug his father. 
“Oh my boy.” 
“Dad, Phase did it.” Max eeked out. 
“Did what?” He asked. 
“Shot him. The bad guy. He shot him. He was gonna take me away but Phase shot him.” 
“Ha, wouldn’t you know it.” Psych smiled. “Good on ya kid.” 
“Young kit.” Raphael smiled, taking Max to his side. “You have my deepest thanks. Needless to say you are welcome here perminantly. I’m sure Max would delight at the idea, yes?” He chuckled, giving Max a few playful squeezes. 
“Yeah, that’d be cool.” He sniffled, wiping his nose. 
“Thanks Mr. Barone sir.” Phase bowed. 
“You’ve earned it. Vanessa?”
“Yeah?” She grinned. 
“I think we got them all, but find Niko and Scout and do a good sweep. Once that’s done, bring the vans round back for Shea and his boys to chop up. Psych, Aiden have Nick and the others round up the corpses. Aiden you remember where to bring them, yes?” 
“Yeah, I got it.” Aiden acknowledged. 
“Dad, can Phase and me just play games for the rest of the night. I don’t think we’re sleeping.” Max shrugged. 
“Oh I suppose. Get a drink of water or two in you too. Try to relax. I’m sure we’ll have a media circus here in the morning.” 
“Cool.” Psych smiled as he exited the room. The dead coyotes decorating the halls along with a rather smug looking Shea coming up the hallway with a cup of coffee. All Psych could do was smile and shrug. 
“Just another day at the office.” 

 A few weeks passed since the attack on the house. Barone managed to dodge the media circus and even brushed off the barrage of questions from Chief Kasi. Now the hot July sun was soaring overhead, heating the already scorching streets of Predaton. Nick was dressed in another new outfit, all white with a green and black pair of sunglasses. He leaned on the side of one of the downtown buildings, sipping on a cup of cub-cola. Patrick moseyed up the alley behind him, approaching Nick and tapping his shoulder and exchanged something to stuff in his pocket. Nick gave a nod across the road to Phase who rushed over to collect it. A slip of paper wrapped around three vials and on it the address of buyer. 
“Got it.” Phase nodded, rushing out into the streets. Nick tossed the cup in the trash and walked across the main road, through the grass and onto the beach. The shoreline was dotted with several sun-bathing chairs, families enjoying their time at the beach, a few mammals building sand castles and other assorted works of art in the sand. Behind the beach was the thin bike path, trimmed with grass on either side. A fair way down was the snack shack, where an already massive lineup was growing longer. Finnick was laying underneath a large tree for shade near the edge of the beach. Enjoying the cool air and salty smell of the ocean washing over him as he aimed his muzzle to the sky.
 “On another delivery?” Finnick asked softly, gazing out at the ocean. 
“Yep.” Finnick slid off his glasses and smiled to his friend. 
“So what’s the address on this one?” 
“19 Ferine Park.” Nick replied. Finnick broke out his phone and jotted down the address on a note app and saved it underneath a long list of other ones. With a cool smile, Finnick stashed his phone away and turned his attention back to his friend. He could see Nick was somewhat distant, even behind the glasses. 
“What’s eating you?” 
“Don’t ask.” 
“I’m askin.” 
“Eh.” Nick turned away for a moment before gazing back out to the ocean. “Judy and I, we had our honeymoon on a cruise ship, just like that one.” Nick pointed out to sea. “There was a buffet on board, few nights in Judy gorged herself on some exotic tropical fruits and ended up really sick. Think she was allergic or something. I kept teasing her about being sea sick.” Nick chuckled. Curling in his legs, he aimed his nose to the ground, clearing lost in the memory he was describing. 
“Hitting you isn’t it.” Finnick stated. 
“It was hitting me before we left.” Nick answered, falling flat on his back and gazing up through the tree. Finnick gave it sometime before he spoke again. 
“It’s temporary, you know that.” He whispered. 
“Yeah. That’s what’s keepin me goin. I don’t know how she’s fairing though.” 
“She’s tough. She’ll handle it.” 
“That’s what I’m worried about.” Nick shrugged. Feeling his phone vibrate in his pocket, he took it out seeing it was his father and answered. “Yep.” 
“You have new orders Nicky. Head to Lightning Bay.” 
“The race track?” 
“Yes, Barone is interested in scouting some new runners. You know the racing scene reasonably well, yes?” 
“Once or twice undercover.” Nick quipped. 
“Uh huh.” 
“Ok yes, I was a teenager once.” Nick confessed. 
“Go, let Patrick and Phase handle the streets for a bit. Bryan will meet you at the track.” 
“Got it.” Nick replied, hanging up the phone. “Come on Fin, time to go see some races.”

It was a swift bus ride to the track, only a few miles to the Cliffside building that hosted the massive track known throughout the city as Lightning Bay. Passing through the turnstiles and gate, the sight was awe inspiring. Hundreds of cars, sport models, compacts, convertibles, muscle cars and even dragsters were strewn about. Thousands of mammals walking the grounds, checking out the tents for each dealership and racer. Food was in no short supply, multiple trailers billowing with smoke from cooking fish, synthetic meat, chicken, pork and veggies for the non-predators. Some of the tents had drivers signing autographs for cubs and adults alike, while others had clothing, headphones, sunglasses and other assorted goodies for sale. A massive engine revved, startling both Nick and Finnick, as a dragster was putting on a show for the crowd. Nick glanced to Finnick and asked. 
“Ok, we’re here, now how do we find him in this mess?” 
“I’ll shoot Bryan a text.” Finnick suggested. 
“Hi fella’s!” A rather cute young lynx walked up to them in a “Lobos” hat. “Need a pamphlet, or maybe a map of the grounds?” 
“Sure, I’ll take a map.” Nick agreed, relieving it from her paw. “Thanks hon.” 
“You’re welcome! Have a blast at the track!” She smiled, strolling away. Nick unfurled the map and took a quick look over. He could see where they were, not too far from the main building and drag track. Off to the left beyond all the food was the first stage for small performances and well off toward the water was a massive stage just along the circuit track. The circuit was massive, clearly annotated by the name “Lightning Bay Race Track.” It ran along the coast before circling back around the race grounds and up into the cliff, spiraling up high before sliding down a massive bank turn back toward the coast. There was also an oval loop track, but it seemed oddly displaced, way off to the left with its own little grandstand about half a mile away. 
“He said he’s run into someone we might be interested in meeting.” Finnick announced, snaring Nick’s attention. 
“Alright, lead the way.” After passing a few of the tents, Nick and Finnick found their way inside a large yellow and black one. A few mammals around, taking pictures of the car while set at the booth with Bryan was a familiar face. Nick cracked the biggest smile on his face and leaned on the booth. “Flash, Flash, hundred-yard dash!” Flash’s face slowly contorted from an awestruck look to a big smile. 
“Niiiiiiccckk.” Nick leaned over the counter and waited for the very slow hug that Flash offered up. “It’s... so nice.... to... see you... again... what... brings you... to ... .Pred...aton.” 
“Eh, long story bud. But it’s great to see you again too.” 
“How ya doing Flash.” Finnick smiled, taking a very slow fist bump from Flash. 
“Figured you’d know him.” Bryan chimed in. 
“Course, how can we forget? It was thanks to you we saved Judy, Bogo and Wolford from the mansion.” Nick spoke softly. 
“I...haven’t...forgotten....But...Nick....where’s.... Judy.... Right... now.?” 
“Eh, back at home let’s just say.” 
“Nick....come on.... some..thing...happen?” 
“It’s a long story. But let’s talk about you. Lookin real sharp in that suit bud.” Nick complimented. 
“I .... got ....sponsored...by... Wildcat...Oil....and....Tigerstrike....energy....drinks.” 
“Doing pretty well?” Finnick asked. 
“Really.....good... Last....four...races.... I... was...either ....first.... or ....second.” 
“Nice bud, real nice.” 
“Alright, so. Do you think he could work Nick?” Bryan asked. 
“Huh?” Nick shot back, suddenly reminded of why they were here.
“Work...for...what?” Nick leaned in close to his ear and whispered. 
“We’re looking for recruits for Barone, interested?” Flash’s expression turned slowly angry. 
“No...Not....ever....why....the hell...would you...ask...me....that?” 
“Easy bud, just a question.” Nick tried to sooth him. 
“Nick... listen...to me.... he’s.... a monster.... stay....away....from...Barone.” Flash insisted. 
“Sorry pal, kinda in the water already on that one.” Nick bashfully smiled. Flash slowly covered his face with his claws. It took ten seconds for him to draw in his breath for a sigh, and just as long to let it go. 
“Nick....I...have...a family.... to think...of...Pricilla...and I....have cubs....we need... to...raise...safely...” Flash stated, slowly raising a claw. “As....long....as...you’re....with....him...I ....can’t....be seen... with you.... you....need to...leave...all...of you.” Nick hung his head, genuinely ashamed that he had disappointed his friend. 
“Sorry to bother you bud, really. Good luck out there today.” 
“Goodbye.....Nick.” 
Exiting the tent, Nick gave a good long huff and turned his attention to Bryan. 
“Well that went well.” 
“If he was clean, why the hell did ya even ask?” Bryan all but exclaimed. 
“If anything I’m glad he turned us down. This isn’t something I wanted to drag him into.” Nick tried to rationalize. 
“Well in that case, I’ma go check around some of the other tents. Some of the less popular or non-sponsored racers might be interested.” Bryan thought about for a moment. “Why don’t you guys make yourselves scarce? This is kinda my scene anyhow.” 
“Sure, we’ll go catch a race.” Finnick agreed. 
“Know, I always wanted to see a pro race out here. Now’s a good chance.” Nick perked up. 

Nick and Finnick took to top seat in the bleachers not far from the circuit track. A massive screen just off to the left, showcasing the television broadcast and commentary on the race. Nick could see the pit crew working on Flash’s car along with several others alongside the starting line. Waves of heat radiated off the track with the sun high overhead. Though off in the distance they could see some clouds lingering over the ocean. The announcer started speaking over the radio and stole away their attention. 
“Ladies and Gentlemammals welcome to Lightning Bay race track! The intercity semi-finals are just about to start as the drivers make it to their marks!” 
“That’s right Jim, we got great representation here today, just about every city across the nation has at least one or two racers here, we’re in for a great show.” 
“From right here in our hometown ladies and gentlemammals, we have in the yellow car, sponsored by Tigerstrike and Wildcat, Flash!” 
“A sloth with a lead foot and amazing cornering capability, what an odd combo to see here today!” 
“WOOO!!!” Pricilla cheered from the sidelines with a pair of cubs in her arms and several standing all around her. 
“That’s right and also from Predaton. Samuel Surge!” A hyena standing near a red car waved to the cheering crowd. 
“Samuel with three trophy wins over the last four years, a seasoned veteran of the sport, we’re sure to see some serious skills from him today.” 
“From Los Felanis, Kiara Whitmore!” A skinny lioness with a white car and track suit cheered for the crowd. 
“Kiara pulling third in her last two races, she’s got something to prove here today though doesn’t she?” 
“She sure does. From San Canido, Erin Cross!” A black doe waved briefly to the crowd. 
“Lacking pigment doesn’t mean you can’t lack skill. The forest tracks in San Canido are hers and hers alone, 10 consecutive wins in her hometown uncontested!” 
“And finally from Zootopia, Robert Stag!” A deer waved to the stands, clasping his hooves together. 
“Robert, definitely an underdog in this competition but the change in his crew has allowed him to set all new records for his races here in Predaton, going from long-shot to serious contender in a very short time!”
“Not to mention the tragic history behind his son’s downfall.” 
“Such a shame. Tyler had real potential in the rally races, but is still serving time in Zootopia.” 
“Huh.” Nick huffed. “So that’s how Tyler Stag was able to get such a nice car. When I checked into his file, he wasn’t really doing much else career wise.” 
“Snitch.” Finnick quipped, nudging Nick’s side. 
“Shaddap.” Nick playfully flicked Finnick’s ear. After a few minutes of preparation, the racers took to the starting line. Nick’s eyes fixated on Flash’s car, along with the other Predaton Racer, Samuel Surge. It seemed like they were both near the front, with Flash just a pace behind him. Up on the screen, they could see the Christmas tree, beginning to count down. Red, Red, Yellow and green and in a thunderous roar of engines, they burst from the starting line and swarmed down the track. Nick cheered for Flash, watching on the screen as they took the first bend. The track walled off and running through a portion of the city until it aimed for a long tunnel that burrowed into the cliff. Flash was trying his best to overtake Sam but the Hyena was quite skilled at keeping the lead. Swerving out through tunnel and out into the coastline, that flew down along the beach and onto a straightaway. 
Flash capitalized on his chance and kicked up, managing to get his car side by side with Sam. Kiara in the white car was cutting in close as well, trying her best to get in on whomever would fall back. Hitting their breaks, they approached the hairpin turn and with a swift handbrake maneuver, Flash found himself in the lead heading into the second tunnel. The roar of the engines boomed through, as they ascended the cliff, higher and higher. Sam managed to get himself back in line with Flash and was managing to overtake him on the final turn at the top of the cliff. The tight curve fed way to what was without a doubt the scariest part of Lightning bay. A large, downward hill that fed toward an ocean bridge that banked on a wide angle. Sam and Flash really pushed their cars, going down at full speed so they wouldn’t slip from the track into the ocean below. The announcing reminding the crowd that a crash here, could mean death by drowning. Flash entered into the banking turn and took the high road, the steepest angle. Nick watched in awe, as it seemed he was slowly overtaking Sam who took to a more middle ground. Sure enough as they made it to the last bend that would carry them back to the starting line, Flash cut in and took a commanding lead and burst across the line to complete his first lap. 
“WOOOO GO FLASH!!!” Nick cheered heartily. 
“GO BUD GO!” Finnick praised just as loudly. Bryan rushed up the bleachers and leaned in close to Nick. 
“We got a problem.” 
“What is it?” Bryan gave a quick nod behind him, noting the uniforms entering the building. Much to Nick’s surprise and dismay, it was Mariah Kasi and Ben Clawhauser. “Shit.” 
“We better make ourselves scarce. I’ll bring the car around to the entrance.” 
“Got it.” 
“Right.” Finnick joined in. Nick swiftly slid down the bleachers and did his best to avoid a confrontation with Kasi and Clawhauser. A little patience would pay off, giving him the chance to slip below the stairs and scurry through into the main grounds. Checking his phone, the two awaited conformation from Bryan that their ride was ready. Something caught Nick’s eye however, a wall with dozens of names listed on it. It seemed something of a memorial wall at first and sure enough a few names were annotated with deceased, but many of them were race winners with their record times recorded. 
“Huh.” Nick pondered for a moment, his finger gliding underneath a few of the last years. 
“Nick. We good to go?” Finnick whispered. Nick ignored him, seemingly drawn in by one of the entries. “Alexander Kasi. Lightning Trophy Winner 2010, 2011, 2013. Best lap 1:01.” 
“I fought with the Predaton racing commission to keep his name on the board.” Mariah spoke up from behind Nick. His ears shooting up, knowing he had been spotted. “Alex may have lost his way, but in his prime, he was a fantastic racer and a crowd favorite. He held the lap record for three years, a record that hadn’t been broken since 1989. But the stress of his last few losses was too much, I suppose.” She said, leaning in close. Ben wasn’t too far behind, an incredibly concerned look on his face. “So what’s your excuse, Nick?” 
“We don’t talk-“ Finnick tried to bark, but his muzzle was clamped shut by Nick as he shook his head. 
“Don’t talk? Hmm, strange.” She sighed, standing upright. “Here I thought the trademark of the Wilde Family was a slick tongue.” She quipped, but Nick kept his composure and his lips sealed. “Nick, you know what you have to do. You came to the wrong city fox boy. You’ll never out run me here.” 
“Nick, please.” Ben pleaded from behind her. “You’re my buddy aren’t ya? Just come with us, Judy hasn’t given up trying to find you; she’s worried sick about you.” 
“Ben, I’ll handle this.” Mariah assured him, turning around for a moment. “Nicholas Wilde, you are-“ She tried to announce, but darting under her legs with Finnick in tow he made a break for the parking lot. “After him!”  

Finnick was clasped onto Nick’s shoulders as they tried to make a break for the exit. Kasi and Clawhauser were hot in their tail, but speed wouldn’t win this race. Nick slipped through the crowd much more easily than Mariah or Ben could. They started to weave in and out of tents, and managed to ditch the two cheetahs for the moment. 
“Damn it.” Mariah fumed. Radioing in she announced. “This is Kasi, we have two fugitives confirmed at Lightning Bay, we need eyes on the crowd for Nick Wilde and Finnick Fennec asap.” 
“Roger that, Chief. Ryder and I will be down there shortly.” 
“10-4.” Kasi nodded. “Ben, keep your eyes peeled.” 
“Right right!” He happily complied. Nick and Finnick were at a loss as for what to do. They felt cornered as they could see Kasi and Ben searching the grounds for them. Scurrying toward one of the main buildings, Nick pushed open a steel door and ducked inside. 
“What are you doin!?” Finnick protested in a hushed tone. “You’re gonna get us locked in here!” 
“Well.” Nick glanced back and noticed a hefty construction jacket, hat an goggles. With a devious smirk he tussled his shoulders and dropped Finnick off. “When you gotta hide, hide in plain sight.” 
Kasi was still sweeping the area as another cruiser arrived at the entrance. Sure enough two big tigers rushed out, one with infrared goggles on and started talking over the radio to Mariah. Nick walked toward the turnstiles, dressed in the construction uniform and had Finnick strapped to his belly hidden away. Approaching the jackal stationed at the exit, he gave a quick tip of his hat and headed out. 
“Whatcha doin?” The Jackal asked, as they just stepped through. 
“Light out in the lot again.” Nick replied in a more gruff voice. 
“Ah. K, get it done before the storm hits.” He consented, pointing up toward the darkening sky. Nick managed to get the slip passed the gate as Bryan pulled up. Scurrying into the car and dumping Finnick off his back, he shouted for Bryan to go. Making a break for the street, they thought they had outrun Kasi, but within moments of heading up the road, a pair of cruisers were giving chase. 
“Shit.” Nick scowled. 
“I can lose em.” Bryan grinned, kicking the car into high gear. The little red sports car could really move and while Bryan was no slouch behind the wheel, neither was Kasi. With Ben riding shotgun, they managed to stay hot on their tail right up into the downtown section of Pantharia. Weaving through traffic seemed effortless, the infernious had no trouble drifting the corners and carving a path through traffic. Kasi started firing at the tires, prompting Nick to peer out the window and fire back. He only made three shots before his gun jammed up. 
“Damn it. Fin, pass me yours.” Nick pled urgently. 
“Don’t bother!” Bryan cut in. “The glass on the car’s bullet proof and their tires heal.” 
“So what do we do!?” Finnick barked from the back. 
“I need a straightaway here.” Bryan answered, swerving up into an alley. “Somewhere I can line em up clean from behind.” 
“Why, what are you gonna do?” Nick spoke up. 
“Save us from jail you idiot! Now keep yer head down and let me know when they’re right behind us!” Bryan ordered. Nick groaned and parked himself between the seats, watching as Kasi and Ben were catching up. Much to Nick’s surprise, Ben leaned out the window and started firing on the car. A few bullets ricocheted off the top and sides of the car. The pings carried on until he got one through the rear window, shattering it. The bullet slicing Nick’s shoulder as it passed. 
“AH!” 
“Nick!” Finnick cried out. Nick grasped his shoulder, feeling a good amount of blood spill onto his paw. A quick flash of lightning shot through the alley as they swung out onto the open road. “Nick, you ok?” 
“I’m fine, but now I’m pissed off!” Nick yelled. Taking to his position while clenching his shoulder, he watched through the fractured glass to see if they were lined up enough behind them. Kasi started closing in, Ben still leaning out of the window seemingly ready to fire. “Whatever you’re gonna do Bryan, do it!” 
“Eat this, pigs!” Bryan cried out, slamming a button on his console. A pair of small harpoons lowered from the back end of his car, lassoed together by a steel cable. They fired out, snaring the tires on Kasi’s cruiser. The shot tore the bumper apart and tangled up into the tires, ripping the rims, axel and tires to shreds. Kasi immediately lost control and was sent spiraling, tossing Clawhauser from the car and out onto the road. Kasi remained inside, bracing herself as it tumbled over and over before finding rest near the median. Kasi could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the ringing in her ears. Eventually giving way to the sound of the second cruiser stopping to tend to her as Nick, Bryan and Finnick carried on ahead. 
Mariah sat in her car, left upside down on the road, breathing loudly and staring ahead in shock at what had just happened. Ryder got out and peered through the mangled window while a lioness officer went to go tend to Ben. 
“Mariah! Chief, are you ok!? Can you hear me!?” He begged. Mariah just kept her gaze fixed ahead, stammering as she gasped for air. Ryder roared, gripping the door and tore it off and cut the seat belt with his claws. “Easy chief, easy.” He soothed, carefully pulling her from the car. The rain started to come down, spitting on the sight of the crash. Mariah moaned in pain, grasping her right leg which had been injured in the crash while Ryder took her over toward Ben. 
“Ben?” She whispered, seeing him unconscious on the ground. “Ben!!” She cried out. Cringing as she scurried to him, she cupped his head and pat his cheek. “Ben, don’t do this to me. Wake up!” 
“Chief!” The lioness interjected. “He’s got a pulse; I’m calling for paramedics now!” Mariah clenched her eyes tight and pressed her head against his chest. 
“Oh Ben. Please be ok. I can’t lose my big softy pillow.” She whispered. Taking a moment to compose herself, she spotted a few more cruisers gathering at the scene to shut down the road. Glaring ahead, she sniffled and slammed her fist on the ground. “You crossed a line now, Wilde.” 

Bryan managed to get to an alley and parked to check on Nick. Finnick was calling Patrick to let him know where they were while Nick shrugged off his button up shirt. 
“Let’s see.” Bryan spoke softly. 
“It’s fine. Just a graze, I’ll be ok.” Nick replied in the same tone. He dug into the glove box and looked for any sort of bandages or first aid kid but couldn’t find one. “No first aid?” 
“No. This ain’t your daddy’s car bud.” Bryan playfully pat Nick’s good arm. “Just keep it covered and we’ll get ya cleaned up back at the house.” 
“Yeah, ok.” Nick agreed. 
“What do you mean?” Finnick spoke up from the back. Nick and Bryan turned their attention to Finnick. “Well where’d ya last see him?” 
“Who?” Nick spoke up. Finnick raised a finger hushing him while he listened. 
“What was the last address you sent him too?” Finnick questioned. “Uh huh. 131 1018 Predator Gardens.” Nick started writing down the address. “Ok, yeah come to-“ Finnick cut himself off, as gunfire could be heard over the phone. “Patrick? Patrick!?” He called out, turning on speaker phone. 
“FUCK FUCK FUCK, NOT GOOD!” Patrick bellowed over the phone. “Yeah, I’m gonna need a pick up guys! One of those Makai mother fuckers spotted me and he no likey the white foxy!” 
“We’re on our way!” Bryan replied. 
“What about Phase?” Finnick questioned. 
“I’ll get him. You guys go get Patrick, I’ll go find Phase and call ya when I grab him.” Nick ordered, leaping out of the car. Bryan pulled out of the alley and sped away, heading toward Patrick. Sure enough, even through the rain, Nick could hear the gunfire a good distance away. 

Rushing down the increasingly soaking street, he finally arrived at Predator Gardens. It was an apartment complex, near the shore line. The lightning and thunder was really starting to put on a show, the beach that was once thriving earlier in the day was now deserted as huge waves began to crash ashore. He crossed the parking lot and headed toward the staircase leading up to the main door, when he felt a quick punch on his wounded arm. 
“Ow!! Jeez!” Nick cringed rubbing his arm. Phase just giggled, and playfully bounded in front of him. 
“See, getting better at sneaking up on ya already.” 
“We were worried about you; Patrick said you didn’t check in!” Nick scolded. 
“I tried to but.” Phase showcased the black screen on his phone. “Battery died.” 
“Didn’t you charge it last night?” Nick asked. 
“Yeah, about that.” 
“Again?” 
“Wasn’t my fault, I can’t find my charging cable. I think I left it in Max’s room.” Phase thought for a moment, glancing out toward the coast. Folding his ears back, he could see a wall of white heading toward them. “Oh fuck, uh yeah. Not good!” 
“Huh?”
“Here!” Phase tugged on Nick’s arm and pulled him into the doorway. Within seconds huge chunks of hail started pelting the area, bouncing off the cars in the lot and in right behind it a wall of heavy rain. The storm had really intensified; the street lights that were standing in the lot began to shake and fizzled out. Chunks of ice began to litter the doorway they stood in while the splash back from the rain swirled around them like mist. “Jeez, it’s a real big one!” 
“Is it a hurricane or something?” Nick wondered, checking on his phone. He checked the little lightning notification and read the message. “Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for City of Predaton, Fairways, Cliffside County and The Lynxwood.” Huh, how did I miss that?” Nick scratched his head. Phase rolled his eyes with a big smile until he saw the patch of red on Nick’s shoulder. 
“Hey, you’re hurt! What happened?” Phase pleaded. 
“Oh, I’m ok. Bullet grazed me earlier. I’ll live.” Nick shrugged off. “Does itch though.” 
 “But you’re shot! We should get you back to-“ Phase was cut off by an brilliant flash and crackle of lightning as it struck one of the trees across the street. “AHH!!” He screamed, latching onto Nick. Caught off guard by both the lightning strike and Phase, he put a paw on his back and kept him close. 
“It’s ok kido. It hit across the way. Heck of a strike though, huh?” 
“Y-y-yeah-h.” He stammered nervously, still clinging to Nick. 
“Aww, are you afraid of lightning, is that what this is?” He grinned. 
“No!” Phase scoffed at the idea, pushing off from Nick. “Me, afraid of a little lightning.” He finished, just in time for another brilliant flash. This one left a few seconds between the lightning and thunder but gave a good boom that shook the building nonetheless. Phase scurried back to Nick’s side and stayed a little closer to the building. “Ok, I’m not afraid of it. I just don’t feel like being a flash cooked fox steak today.” 
“Yeah, good point.” Nick agreed.
“Hey!” A skunk called from inside the hallway. “No loitering! Especially with that, drugged up little fox! Get out!” 
“Ah crap.” Nick fumed. 
“I’m calling the cops!” 
“Run.” 
“Yep!” Phase approved, rushing off beside Nick into the pouring rain and hail. “Keep your ears down! Wrap your tail around your belly, it’ll help with the hail.” 
“Yeah, I’m getting that.” Nick acknowledged as the two made a break for the main road on foot. Torrents of rain were surging the streets, skipping over some gutters and washing out to the roads down toward the shoreline. Nick and Phase did the best they could to keep to sidewalks, giving them some elevation over the rising water. Each pelt of hail hitting his shoulder was agonizing, Nick did the best he could to clasp his hand over the wound site but exposing his fingers to the pounding hail felt just as bad. They would finally catch a break from it as they ascended the main road cutting through Pantharia. The hail let up, but the rain picked up in intensity along with the wind. Branches, garbage and trash can lids joined the list of debris being hurled down the road. “This is getting out of hand, fast! We need shelter!” 
“I know a place, it’s up this way, come on!” Phase shouted, taking the lead. Guiding Nick onto Ferine Park Drive and up through an alley, they weaved through the array of houses until they found a series of condos. Phase took Nick through a concrete bike path that lead into a green belt dividing the rows of condos until much to their surprise they felt the ground grumble beneath them. “The fuck?” Phase whispered. The path began to split and with a gasp, Phase leapt across to the other side with Nick right on his tail. The ground opened up, collapsing the slab of concrete and a good chunk of the ground into an open sewer below. “Holy fuck!” 
“Yeah, jeez that’s not good.”
“Come on, not much further!” Phase advised, taking charge once again and rounding out the path and back onto the street. They headed up the road a bit more until they were just south of the science center in Summerset District. The building Phase headed for seemed something of a bunker with a massive radio tower not far from it. Phase got to the door and punched in the code: 45015 and pressed the door open, letting Nick inside and then slamming it shut. Flipping the switches, he revealed it to be something of a shelter. A fair sized area that could hold a few dozen well sized predators, but seemingly abandoned. Two windows were on the right, broken open from what seemed like neglect over the years. A small heating block off to the left, partially rusted and quite old, along with a three steel cabinets. 
“What is all this?” Nick wondered, stepping down the two little stone steps into the building. 
“This guy, Stephan Dam used to work here. He’s a beaver that works in construction and he took care of this place along with the radio tower out there. I heard he still comes by to check on the light and stuff but, I haven’t seen him now in about a year.” Phase explained, shaking the water off his paws and legs. “He was really cool to me. He told me I could crash here if things got too rough and sometimes I found sandwiches and muffins in the freezer back there.” Phase pointed toward the white box at the edge of the room. “I crash here during Hurricanes and stuff.” 
“Wow, this place stands up to hurricanes?” Nick smiled. 
“Probably.” Phase chuckled, leaping onto a box and peering out the window. “Whole building is concrete. You just can’t go near the windows. I’ve seen all kinds of crazy shit fly in here. Car parts, garbage can lids, heck one time I had a hundred buck bill fly in here. Was soo awesome!” He carried on giggling. Nick started taking off his shirt and wrung it out, leaving it to hang on the radiator. Giving his shoulder a quick shrug, he wandered over to Phase and peered out the window beside him. 
“It’s rare we see storms like this ever in Zootopia.” Nick mentioned. 
“We don’t see them a lot, but big ones like this. At least once or twice a year.” 
“Well.” Nick peered down to his phone and started to text his father. “Gonna message Psych, see if he can get Aiden or Bryan to pick us up.” 
“Cool.” Phase nodded, still gazing out the window. Cringing, Nick stashed the phone in his pocket. 
“Fuck this hurts. It wouldn’t have been so bad if it wasn’t for the hail.” Nick complained, riling up his shoulder again. 
“Oh!” Phase exclaimed, jumping down off the box. “Lemme see if there’s a med kit here.” 
“Ok.” Nick approved, leaning on the wall. Phase opened up the steel cabinet and hummed. 
“Not really. There’s these though.” Phase suggested, pulling a few packaged blankets out. 
“Well, I can work with that.” Nick shrugged with a smile. Snatching one of them up, he opened up the package and unfolded the grey fleece blanket. It was fairly thin, but seemed like it could at least keep him warmer than the wet clothes he was wearing. He took off his under shirt and made a quick check to see if Phase was looking but he had already returned to his post at the window. Nick dropped his pants and threw them up on the radiator. Wrapping the blanket around himself, he searched for something to turn the radiator on. Snatching up the plug, he tried to plug it in, but the outlet threw up a plume of sparks. “Yikes!” 
“Yeah, tried that before. Things busted.” Phase commented. 
“Lovely. Well, least I can dry my clothes on it.” Nick stated, strolling over to Phase. He could hear the cub’s teeth chattering as he continued watching the storm. The spray from the rain was coming in through the window and while it was refreshing in a way, it was keeping the room rather cold. “Phase, you ok?” 
“Huh?” Phase briefly turned to him. “Oh, yeah I’m fine. Used to being cold on days like this.” 
“That shirt is soaked though, why don’t you go grab a blanket. Do what I did.” Nick lightly protested. 
“I’m fine, really.” Phase answered with a shiver. “I’ve lived through worse, I’m sure I’ll be ok.” Nick gave a quick laugh and shook his head. 
“Tough little kit, aren’t ya?” 
“You know it.” Phase touted with a toothy grin. “This is my turf after all.” 
“Yeah yeah, cut the tough guy act.” 
“Whateves.” Phase brushed off with another stammer, turning back to the window. Nick heard his phone vibrate and dug it out of his pants that hung on the radiator. Swiping it, he answered the call. 
“Hey Aiden.” 
“Nick, we can’t get to ya.” He promptly answered. 
“What?” 
“You said the emergency bunker, near the end of Ferine Park right?” 
“Uh huh.” 
“The whole area’s washed out and the rain is not letting up anytime soon. Can you hold out?” 
“Maybe for a bit, yeah.” 
“I’ll have dad cook something up for ya when you get home. When you can get to South Summerside Road, let me know. I’ll pick ya up there.” 
“Ok, thanks bud.” Nick hung up the phone and sighed. “Well that’s just wonderful.” 
“What?” 
“Stuck here for a while. Aiden says the whole area’s washed out. We gotta wait for the storm to ease up.” He explained. 
“Oh. Oh well.” Phase shivered. Nick could see his legs and arms trembling as the young cub kept peering out the window. 
“How long are you gonna keep up this tough guy act?” Nick boldly asked. 
“Wha?” Nick leaned over and pat Phase’s arm. 
“Kid, you’re gonna freeze your tail off. Come here.” Nick insisted, guiding the cub toward the cabinet. Ripping open two more blankets, he placed one on the floor and kept the other in his hand. “Ditch the shirt, come on.” 
“Fine.” Phase drew out the word, finally submitting to Nick’s request. Tossing off his ripped up orange shirt, Nick started patting the cub down with the blanket and drying him off. Getting up to his head, he started tussling his fur.
“You are more stubborn than any of my kits at home, you know that?” Nick quipped, shaking out the blanket. “Legs too, come on.” 
“You want me to take my pants off?” 
“You can dry yourself off if you like, but yes, toss your wet clothes on that radiator there and let them hang and dry out. Can use this blanket to cover yourself up after.” Nick suggested, kicking the other blanket on the floor closer to him. Nick took off the blanket he was wearing and held it up. “Here ya go, privacy screen.” He chuckled. “Go ahead.” 
“Ok.” Phase nervously agreed. Dropping his shorts he started drying himself off with the spare blanket. Getting everywhere he could, he even managed to get his tail relatively dry, all the while Nick holding up the blanket. Behind the screen however, Nick could hear the cub begin to sniffle and stammer. 
“Everything ok?” 
“I’m fine.” Phase’s voice breaking in his reply.
“Kid, what’s wrong?” Nick braved lowering the blanket a little. Phase was naked, hugging the blanket tightly against his chest. 
“You.. You aren’t gonna make me do anything with my privates are you?” Phase stammered through. 
“What!? Phase, no not a chance in hell! Why would I do that!?” Nick exclaimed. Phase covered his face and let the blanket drop. Nick could see two fairly faint scars on either of his legs, just offset from where his genitals were. “Oh god. Kid, what happened to you?” Nick breathed, snatching up the spare blanket, he wrapped Phase up tight and pulled him in close, the cub’s muzzle buried in his chest. “Sh, sh sh sh, it’s ok. I’m not gonna do anything like that to you. You’re safe with me, ok?” Phase didn’t respond, he just kept to crying in Nick’s arms. Taking a hand free, he wrapped himself up with his old blanket and picked Phase up, cradling the cub in his arms and sat him down near the window. Reaching underneath, he took hold of Phase’s paw and brought his head to his neck. “Shh, I got ya.” 
“At, the orphanage. The headmaster. Mr. Boaragard. He. He had a way of punishing us when we were bad and. When I was old enough, he brought me in for one. He took all my clothes off and started. Well, he was trying to suck on me. I called him a stinking pig and kicked his head to get him off me and that’s when his tusks got me.” Phase cried. 
“Shhh, it’s ok. I understand kid. That, son of a bitch.” Nick whispered. “Phase, listen to me. I’m not going to let that kind of thing happen to you, ok?” 
“Why?” Phase protested. 
“Why what?” 
“Why do you even care about me!? I heard them say it when I was in the orphanage, I’m not even supposed to exist. Neither of my parents wanted me, I was just one big stupid mistake.” 
“Let me tell ya a little something here, kit. My mother died when I was around your age. As for my dad, he was here in Predaton hiding from the cops. I spent a bit of time with my grandparents but for the most part, I was living on the streets with Fin and Patrick. We did ok you know? Hustling and turning a bit of profit.” 
“But what does that have to do with me?” Phase moaned. 
“Cause I think you’re stronger than we were. All that time I thought I had it rough; but seeing you on the street, taking a shower in the rain.” Nick laughed, shaking his head. “You stood up to a lion you felt was cheating ya, dusting off being tossed like a toy and getting right back up. You gave us the heads up on that cheetah, even risking your own life to do it. It’s like you aren’t scared of anything. You have strength in ya kid. Maybe you don’t see it yet but, growing up in the streets like we did, you learn to read mammals pretty well. That’s why I wanna stick by ya.” 
“I just.” Phase spoke quietly. “I only did what I had to.” 
“Some mammals would have just run back to the orphanage.” Nick noted. 
“I’ll never go back there again.” Phase shook his head. 
“Exactly, you’re stronger than that. And if you stick with me, you’ll never have to.” 
“You mean, you’ll adopt me?” Phase perked up. 
“Well.” Nick smiled, bobbing his head. “I doubt they’ll let me sign any papers saying I can legally adopt you but, yeah. I’ll take you in.” 
“Wow.” Phase breathed. “I didn’t think.” He cut himself off wiping his nose. “I didn’t think anyone would adopt me, ever.” 
“Heh, well it might not hurt for me to know your real name if I’m really taking you in.” Nick commented. 
“Oh. Well.”
“Hmm?” 
“I don’t know, I wanted to ditch my name cause like. It reminded me of that place.” 
“It’s your name kid, you own it. Not them.” Nick reassured him. Phase gave a quick chuckle and eventually nodded. 
“Jacob. But my friends called me Jake.” 
“Nice to meet ya, Jake. Got a last name?” Nick shook the little cub’s hand. 
“No, I never knew it.” 
“Ah. Well then, how does Wilde strike ya?” 
“Jake Wilde?” He peered up. 
“Mmhmm.” Nick approved. Jake began to tear up and buried his nose in Nick’s neck. Nick held him a little tighter, the tears turning of sorrow turning to joy in the cub’s eyes. Nick gave the window a glance as lightning flashed through the room before bringing them back to Jake. “I got ya kid. We’ll wait out this storm and head home.” 
“Home.”