Zootopia Origins - Part I

The End of Childhood

The young vixen looked around, her small body tense with anticipation. Around her, the wide, wood-covered hall was abuzz with the voices of children. Predators of all shapes and sizes, all around ten years of age, were sitting on small benches before a podium that looked so large for them. Next to, say, a lion cub, the vixen felt especially small. Will she be able to stand up when called, straighten up to look nice and well-behaved child, just like her parents taught her, when she receives her collar?
Forgetting her good manners, she pulled her legs under herself so she could turn all around to wave et her parents standing with the other adults in the back of the hall. Her parents waved back to her, with a smile that registered as something unnatural on her radar. Yes, they were smiling, but it looked so fake, so forced. Come to think of it, many adults looked uneasy, especially of the larger kinds of predators.
But all of a sudden, her Dad closed his sparkling blue eyes, took a deep breath she could not hear but see him pushing out, and gave her a beaming, genuine smile. His waving paw curled into a thumbs-up, and for the little vixen, it was more than enough to calm her.
The ceremony began, with a tiger cub named Andy Something (the little vixen didn't pay too much attention, she was awaiting her call after all) standing up, walking up the podium and getting the black collar around his neck tied by the moose in an expensive-looking blue suit. Then came an otter, a lion, another lion, twins by the looks of them, and so on. Finally, after nearly half an hour, the moose finally called:
- Holly Volpone!
The little vixen sprang up, skittered up the podium and stood in attention. The moose bent his bulky frame to affix the collar around her neck. He was smiling, the way a doctor smiled when he told that no, it won't hurt. Little Holly Volpone recognized that kind of faux smile just as well. And while the collar didn't hurt, it felt sickening. Its metallic smell invaded her sensitive nose, and its inside felt as if a thousand metal studs were pressing at her throat.
No, this can't be. She was just imagining it. She was blessed with a big imagination, it was only acting up now. And yes indeed, after a few seconds, the choking feeling was gone. She walked back to her seat with a proud smile. As of now, she was not a little girl anymore. She passed a predator's first test in life with flying colors.
She was among the last to receive their collars that day. Within ten minutes, the ceremony was over, with the moose encouraging them to grow up to be contributors of their great society, foster the friendship between predator and prey, and all the usual things they knew well from school and TV.
After everything was over, Holly jumped up and ran to her parents. They embraced her, with a mixture of pride and sadness on their faces.
- They grow up so fast. – Mama said with a tear in the corner of her eye.
- Now-now, Isabella. – Dad smiled – She's still so small. But she'll grow up something big, I'm sure of that. Am I right, sweetheart?
- Oh yeah! – Holly cried out – I'm gonna be a pilot! Or an astronaut!
Her imagination was running wild again, her parents could see the excitement in her eyes.
- I'll fly to the Moon and I'll plant the flag of Animalia!
She was jumping up and down, so full of energy and excitement. Yesterday, her parents laughed with her. Now, there was a look of worry on their faces she didn't see, still immersed in her fantasy.
- And meet the creatures who live there!
She couldn't finish the sentence. The LED on small metal box on the outer side of the collar flashed green and sent an electric jolt through the collar. Holly yelped in pain, falling to the ground, her body twitching.
Mammals all around them looked at her, the children in utter shock, the adults with a sense of sad understanding. Holly was lying on the floor, clawing at her collar, but it only made things worse. Her parents held her down, whispering soothing words in her twitching ear. She didn't know how much time it took for the pain to stop, but it was eventually over. She was almost crying, but her mother hugged her close.
- Don't cry. – she said, breathing heavily – It'd make it start all over again.
Holly looked at her, tears in her eyes. Her little body was trembling, not by the electric shock, not even from the sobs she had to suppress from now on. It was the realization that hit her. She now understood the small twitches her parents made when they were overtly happy or sad or excited or just expressing any overwhelming emotion. The same little twitch her father now displayed as he looked at the moose who put the collar on her.
There on that day, in the middle of the city of Zootopia, under a harsh summer sun, the innocence of childhood was lost forever. One of the many for that day and the days to come.

The last day of school was something every young mammal, preys and predators, big and small, all looked forward to. It has been almost seven years Holly wore the shock collar. She sat in the large, bright classroom, just hours away from summer vacation. In the past years, she, with all her predator friends and classmates slowly learned how to live a life that felt almost complete. Yes, you had to be careful, not give in to impulses, but it usually took a few long breaths and counting to ten with closed eyes. After a while, you could go on for a whole day without being shocked. One of Holly's friends, a cheetah named Oliver always boasted about lasting a whole week once. Of course, nobody believed him which sent him right into rage mode, earning him a shock from his collar and a laugh from her friends.
Holly, however, didn't usually laugh at such a sight. It made her sad and sometimes angry. It felt just wrong. Why did she and Oliver and all the other predators have to war this stupid contraption? And why were the prey animals exempted? Yeah, yeah, everybody knows the story: preys can live in safety only with the ancient hunting instincts of the predators being kept under control by the collars.
But Holly has never imagined hunting another mammal as prey in another lifetime. She has heard campfire stories about how it used to be, back in ancient times, back before Zootopia, back when animals have barely learnt to speak and walk upright. Chompers hunted grazers, but it was a thing of the past. Nobody, no predator Holly have ever spoken to, expressed a desire to hunt down another animal.
Holly suddenly felt a claw poke her on the shoulder. She looked up to see Brent Badger, her friend and classmate, motioning with his snout toward their teacher.
- I'm glad you're back with us, Miss Volpone. – Mrs. Woolsbury, the old history teacher said mockingly.
- You're right I'm ba-a-a-ck. – Holly said without thinking first. The class, even the grazers, burst out in roaring laughter. While her insolence didn't lead to her being shocked, she ended up in the principal's office.
- I honestly don't understand you, Miss Volpone. – Principal Miura, the large black bull shook his massive head slowly – And on the last day of school. Why are you making it worse for both of us.
- I'm sorry, Sir, I was stupid. – Holly sighed.
- Yes you were. – Mirua nodded. He looked at her with a look of concern on his face – What's happened to you, Miss Volpone? I remember when you were a model student. Now...
He waved his hoof dismissively.
- I'm still the top of my class, Sir. – Holly said.
- But that means nothing as long as you're behaving like those punks on the streets. I mean, just look at you, look at the choice of clothes you're wearing.
Holly knew well what she was wearing, something of her own choice, something her parents would never approve. The red-and-black checkered plaid skirt was okay, but the black shirt with the slogan PRED PRIDE in large, paw-written style font was something no self-respecting vixen should wear, at least according to society.
- And the way you're talking to your teachers. – Miura went on – An utter lack of respect.
- Sir, can I ask you a question? – Holly said slowly, not raising her voice. She took a deep breath to calm herself, lest she got a shock.
- Go on.
- Have you ever asked your colleagues why they treat us chompers the way they do? Why they mock us and belittle us?
- I'm sure you're just overreacting things. Mrs. Woolsbury is, well, what she is. In her age, being a bit agitated is something we must all accept.
- And yet she doesn't get shocked when she steps out of the line. – Holly said, jumping to her feet. Her heart was beating faster, she felt a shock coming soon, but the hell with it!
- Miss Volpone, don't make this into a question of race. – the Principal said, his voice raised.
- Why not? – Holly said with a snarl – Why can't we have predator teachers? Why must we learn that all predators are savages only kept in check by these damned collars?
- I'm not the one who set these rules. – Miura said, forcing calmness upon himself – This is the way it has been for generations. It cannot be changed, accept it!
- Accept it? – Holly cried out – You don't understand a thing! You grazers, you never do!
- Enough! – the Principal bellowed – Don't you use that word again!
- Yeah, preys can call us chompers but when we call you names, it suddenly feels wrong, doesn't it?
Miura didn't have to say or do anything. The excitement at her very own words activated Holly's collar. The electric shock coursed through her body, making her hiss. She was almost a full-grown fox by now, such a shock would not send her on her knees, not anymore. But it was a good reminder that she has crossed the line.
- Get out. – Miura said slowly – I want you to behave like a proper mammal when you come back in September. Now get out from my sight.
Holly nodded slowly, her neck still stiff from the shock. She left the principal's office with a deep sigh. It was obvious he didn't understand a thing. Preys, they never do.

- How was your last day, sweetie? – Mama asked after Holly arrived home, throwing her backpack down on the couch.
- Just the usual. – Holly sighed. She knew Miura won't call her parents about her little incident, but only because it would mean more paperwork for him, just as vacation started.
- Your final year at high school starts next September. – Mama said with a dreamy sigh – I remember when you were so little you could fit in my paw. And now... look at you. My beautiful grown-up daughter.
Her words felt genuine, as did her smile. Holly allowed her to embrace her. Yeah, she was almost an adult now, but she always remained her Mama's little girl.
- Just change into something less rebellious before your father gets home. – Mama said, still smiling – Pred Pride, my goodness! Back when I was your age, something like this would've landed me in serious trouble.
- Mama, have you ever wondered how it'd be without these. – Holly flicked at her collar, earning a small metallic chink.
- I used to. – Mama sighed – Not anymore. I've gotten used to it. And this thing, it's not the worst. My grandparents, they had it much worse than this. Back then, collars had a little backpack to house the batteries. Predators had to wear those too everywhere.
- Hooray for technology, I guess. – Holly sighed, her voice filled with irony.
- You'll get used to it, don't worry. Teenagers, they always rebel against the collars. Now go and change, your father'll be home any minute.
Holly trudged up the staircase to her room. The house the local council has assigned them was small, but her father made it look and feel like a real home. He was a born genius when it came to building or repairing things, he was just born with this talent. And here he was, opening the door, wearing his dusty dungarees and plaid shirt, toolbox in his left paw, keys in the right.
- I'm home! – he cried out cheerfully. From the door of her room, Holly saw her embrace his wife, kissing her on the cheek.
Holly changed into a pair of jeans and a simple white t-shirt and went down to greet her father as well. The family settled down at the kitchen table, with Mama handing out plates and filling them with steaming spaghetti Bolognese. The ground meat was, of course, not the real deal, it was made of fish, bugs and soy.
- Let us pray. – Dad said, his voice slow, almost majestic, making the others clutch their paws in prayer – Lion of Judah, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily meal, and forgive us our claws and fangs, as we ourselves forgive those who shackle and muzzle us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from subjection.
- Amen! – the three said in unison. They ate with gusto thereafter, but Holly's mind was running wild. Unlike her parents, she was never a fox of faith. She learnt her prayers, but they never meant too much to her, up until now. She didn't know who came up with the words, which predator of old times who was shackled and muzzled by the preys and looked up into the sky for deliverance. Whether or now there was a Lion of Judah, she didn't know, and, to be honest, she didn't really care. But the prayer to Him, she finally understood it. Behind the words was a history of subjection of predators. It wasn't just the shock collars, the white-washed history textbooks and the propaganda oozing from everywhere. It was something more ancient.
- Holly? – she heard her Mama's voice and she realized she has zoned off, as usual.
- Umm, yeah? – she shook her head to clear her thoughts.
- Your father was just telling some great news.
- They've promoted Castor Watkins as the new foreman. – Dad explained – And there will be another big construction project starting next month. With Castor in charge, guess who's in the queue for the next promotion?
- You go, Dad! – Holly high-fived him. She knew her Dad deserves it. He was a hard-working fox, quite unlike your stereotypical, shifty, up-to-no-good one. Not to mention, his colleagues liked him, predator and prey alike. He will be a good foreman at the construction, she was sure.
After they've finished dinner, the family settled down in the living room before the TV. It was an old, black-and-white contraption, soon to be a relic of the past as color ones became available only a few years ago. Dad turned the machine on, and it came to life, displaying the ZNN Evening News.
- Good evening ladies and gentlemammals, this is Mary Antelope from ZNN. – the news anchor was a young female antelope, with large doe-eyes, ready for a huge career – Zootopia was shocked today at an act of prey-predator cooperation not seen in decades. An outer district police captain, defying laws and regulations, has recruited a number of predators to serve as policemammals. ZNN was given exclusive access to Captain Bogo's office, with Angela Angora reporting live.
The image switched to a local broadcast, with a fluffy little rabbit standing on a big bulky desk, behind which stood an ample cape buffalo.
- Thank you, Mary. This is Angela Angora reporting live from District 20, Downtown. With me is Captain Idris Bogo, commanding officer of this district. Captain Bogo, please tell us, why did you feel the need to recruit large predators to serve in Zootopia Police Department?
- Miss Angora, prohibiting predators from police service is such an outdated idea. – the buffalo said. He looked young and full of energy, as if he could take down the world on his own – They can serve in the Army, right? Why not the Police?
- Captain Bogo, many say your simile is inaccurate. – Angela Angora said – Predators serving in the Armed Forces are housed in segregated barracks, outside Zootopia's premises. They also have to wear collars during most activities. Don't you think that by removing the collars of your new recruits, you gave way for a security risk to unfold?
- I see no security risk here. – Bogo said with an annoyed growl – I personally did the background checks, aided by experts of many fields. My predators are honest mammals loyal to the values of Zootopia and the Service. I would trust them my life.
- What you say might be true, Captain. – the rabbit said – But what if the new-found freedom encourages one if your recruits to step out of the line? One of our listeners asks, quote Could you look into a mirror again if one of your chompers mauled a citizen, even if they're a criminal, end quote?
- I'm afraid your listener spent too much time in his hidey-hole and hasn't seen this district for what it is. – the Captain quipped – Do you want to know why I need predators? Here's why: there are predator criminals out there. Only a predator can think like a predator. Employing predators will help us solve many cases much easier. Also, have you ever went toe-to-toe with a bear or a rhino? You need some serious muscle for that job, and these guys have it.
He motioned toward his left with his bony hoof, making the camera turn to the three mammals standing next to him: a lion, a polar bear and a tigress. They wore no shock collars and looked proud in their blue ZPD uniforms. The lion, his shaggy mane pulled back into a ponytail, waved at the camera, displaying a toothy smile.
The camera turned back to Captain Bogo and Angela Angora.
- Captain Bogo, is it true that you have not asked permission for this from your superiors, or from the city council? – the reporter asked.
- It's true. – Bogo nodded – I've acted on my own, in the best interests of the Service and this city. I don't want to sound overconfident, but this initiative is just the beginning of a better Zootopia.
- Still, you have acted without permission or consent of your superiors, breaking many laws and unwritten guidelines. – Angora said – Don't you fear being reprimanded?
- I have nothing to fear. – Bogo said – The future will verify me, you'll see.
The screen shifted back to Mary Antelope, who went on with the other events of the day. In the small living room, the Volpone family looked at each other with utter amazement.
- I don't know what to say. – Dad said with a whistle.
- It's awesome! – Holly jumped up from the couch, earning a shock from the collar but she didn't care – This is only the beginning! We'll be out of these collars in no time, you'll see!
- It ain't over till the fat lady sings. – her father sighed – Just look.
Holly turned back to the TV. A commercial was running, with a handsome-looking tiger being shocked by his collar. After the shocks subsided, he pulled out a little plastic bottle from his pant pockets, took out a pill and swallowed it, a blissful expression appearing on his face.
- Hey predators, tired of all the shocks? Can't control those pesky emotions? – he said in a sickeningly joyful voice – Try Pred Med, the non-prescription sedative for predators big and small. Comfort and tranquility in one pill, guaranteed by years of scientific research. Pred Med, it's g-r-r-r-reat!
- What in the world? – Mama whispered.
- They're drugging us now? – Holly moaned – This... this is...
She couldn't finish the sentence, her rage sent her collar shocking her until she managed to calm herself.
- Don't get too upset, it's not mandatory or anything. – Dad said with a smile.
- No, not yet. – Holly hissed – Don't you understand? Can't you see what's happening right in front of your eyes?
She stormed out of the living room, up the stairs, slamming the door shut behind her. She couldn't cry, the collar didn't let her, but she was crying inside.

West Downtown Zootopia was a place with predator majority. It was not the brightest part of the concrete jungle that was the capital of the United States of Animalia, but still better than the smaller predator towns up North. Although the coastal area was traditionally reserved for docks, a public beach here and there meant predators too could have some summer fun. And in the summer heat, even a predator had the taste for some munchies.
Badger's Bug Burgers was a small family business, operating a mobile stand that stood at the beach during summertime and in the city during winter. It was owned by Brent Badger's father, who was fond of his son's friends, offering them part-time jobs for a little pocket money. Holly worked at the burger stand last year's summer holiday, and this one's as well. While it wasn't the easiest of jobs, it paid well enough to get some new clothes or jewelry.
She worked at the stand from noon to 4 PM, and spent the rest of the afternoon with her friends. Brent was there, and Oliver, and Felicity the mountain lion, and also Ramsey the sheep, the only prey in the gang. The kids enjoyed loitering at the beach, usually up on the grass-covered embankment that protected the city from the occasional high tide.
- I can't understand why you hang out with us, Ramsey? – Felicity teased – Aren't you afraid we'll make lamb chops out of you one day?
- Looks like someone forgot to take her Pred Med. – the ram quipped back.
- Hardy-har-har. – Felicity shook her head – You don't even eat bug burgers, for cryin' out loud.
- Yeah, but the ice cream is good. – Ramsey grinned – Your pa's the best, Brent.
- Righteous, herd boy! – the badger and the sheep bumped their fists.
- Speaking of herd, have you guys heard about what happened to that buffalo cop? – Oliver asked.
- Thumbs down for the bad pun, Spots. – Holly laughed.
- Seriously, guys. – the cheetah went on – The local council agreed with him. He wasn't reprimanded for employing chompers.
- Maybe you should join too. – Holly said. The others looked at her, waiting for a joke, but she was serious – You're a cheetah. You're big, fast, you're good at sports.
- Holly, he has a serious disadvantage. – Felicity said – He's dumb as a brick!
- Why you...! – Oliver howled, but was shocked into submission. He sighed and laid down on his back on the grass – Just look at us, guys. One year of high school left and we have no idea what to do with our lives.
- Oh no, these two golden boys will live the dream. – Felicity quipped – Family business for Brent and whatever sheep do for Ramsey. It's just the three of us, Oliver. Top of the food chain, bottom of the social chain.
- Maybe I will join ZPD. – the cheetah said musingly – Who knows, I might be the first cheetah in the Service.
- First they recruit cheetahs for the police, then what? – Holly laughed – Bunnies?
- And what about you? – Oliver asked, not caring about her remark – Miss Top-Of-The-Class? Which university you'll be going to? Hareward? Deermouth?
- Yeah, like they'd ever take me in. – Holly sighed in resignation – Even if I get perfect grades next year, I'm sure all the big universities will send me an apologetic letter about all the quotas being filled and all the baloney.
- Come on, they accept chompers. – Ramsey said encouragingly.
- Chompers yes. But I'm not just a chomper. I'm a fox for cryin' out loud. You know, shifty little mongrel who scams mammals out of their money. I could be the best student in the world, but I'd still remain a fox.
The others all looked at Holly, who sighed deeply and rolled on her back, enjoying the grass tickling her.
- But who the heck cares right now? – she finally said – A lot of things can happen in a year, am I right?
They spent the afternoon talking about what the future might hold for them, deliberately predicting outlandish things like Oliver becoming a gold medalist at the Zoolympic Games and Brent making big as the CEO of a successful restaurant chain. Dream big, it's for free, an old fox saying said, and Holly was a fox to live by it. Being a predator meant your future was uncertain, but she had at least one more year to dream.

The weeks went by, with a long heat wave settling in, keeping the urban jungle in its unforgiving clutch. Arctic animals took it the worst, with air conditioners and fans becoming sold-out within two days. Not that others had it better. One day, as Holly was walking home from shopping, she saw that a couple of kids opened a fire hydrant and were enjoying the stream of cold water. Even a couple of adults joined the fun, predator and prey sharing the refreshment in unison. Holly herself thought about cooling her feet a bit, but was discouraged by the sound of sirens. A police patrol car came drifting out from a corner, coming to a screeching halt, with two heavy-set cops, a rhino and a yak jumping out.
- Hey, hey, hey, what's the big idea? – the rhino bellowed.
The kids skittered off, but as the adults tried to follow suit, the yak jumped before them.
- Don't you know it's illegal for a civilian to open a fire hydrant? – he said mockingly.
- Come on, man, it's a thousand degrees out here. – a young wildcat said, sounding annoyed – We were just having some fun.
- You heard that, Slammo? – the yak roared with laughter, an unsettling kind of one – They were just having some fun.
- Fun, eh? – the rhino stepped closer, grabbed the wildcat by the scruff of his neck, lifting him up the ground. He leaned close to his frightened face – Let us have some fun, too.
All the other animals looked frightened now. A camel tried to step in, saying in a conciliatory voice:
- We didn't mean any trouble, Officer.
- You shut your trap, Humpy! – the yak bellowed, hitting him square across the jaw, sending the camel to the ground.
Holly knew well she should turn away, take another street home and forget she was ever there. Almost every part of her screamed Run. Almost every part. But the other part of her has seen enough of this. Her youthful idealism said to her: If you won't step up, who will? So she walked straight up to the scene and shouted:
- Leave them alone!
The cops turned toward her, the rhino dropping the wildcat to the wet tarmac.
- What did you say, fox? – he said, dangerously slowly.
- I said, leave them alone. I though rhinos only had bad eyesight, not bad hearing too!
- Listen here you little bitch, if you don't want to end up on a hospital bed, you'd better turn around, tuck your tail between your legs and make a run for it! – the yak snarled.
- I'm a vixen, you idiot! – Holly said, keeping her breathing steady to evade the collar being triggered – Only dogs and wolves have bitches.
Before she could react, the yak leaned down and hit her in the guts. She was sent flying to the ground, not even feeling the shocks as the collar activated around her neck. Her vision was blurry and all she knew she could be glad it was the yak. A punch from the rhino would have done her in, that's for sure.
- Come on, Hector, this scum isn't worth it. – the rhino growled. The two cops sat back in their car and drove away.
Holly was still seeing stars. She could feel the wetness of the water pouring from the hydrant. In her mouth, it mixed with that coppery taste that made her nauseous. The adults helped her get up, with the camel saying:
- Miss, that was incredibly brave of you. And incredibly stupid.
- Geez, thanks. – Holly mumbled.
- You shouldn't mess with the Service. – a weasel said – They'll screw you up for good if you aren't careful enough. And this comes from experience, I did time at Zootopia Penitentiary.
- Thanks for the advice. – Holly said, spitting out some blood. The others helped her pick up the groceries she dropped when she fell to the ground. She continued her walk back home, grooming her fur to look half-decent when she arrived. She was lucky her fur covered the bruises, the last thing she wanted to do is explaining them to her parents.
- My goodness, what happened to you? – her mother exclaimed as she arrived home – Your clothes are all wet!
- They were spraying the roads with a big dumb watering cart. – Holly lied – Not that they ever bothered to honk when they came up behind me.
- Mammals these days. – Mama sighed – Allright, get some dry clothes on. Your father'll be home soon, and you know it's the big day.
Holly put down the grocery bag on the kitchen counter and hauled herself up the stairs. Her whole body was aching, all she wanted is a painkiller and some shut-eye, but she couldn't do this to her father. It was, just as Mama said, his big day: the new construction project began and they needed a new foreman. And who could be a better mammal for the job than Dad?
So Holly took the painkiller only, put on a fresh set of clothes, her shirt emblazoned with the logo of her favorite pred rock band, Zoonarchy. She looked into the mirror on the inside of her closet: reddish-brown fur, three earrings in each ear, rebellious clothes matching her attitude, your typical half-decent predator teen.
She went back to the ground floor, eager to see her father again. She helped Mama cook a delicious dinner, and just as they were finished, the door opened with a creak. In stepped her father, in his usual dungarees and plaid shirt, toolbox in his left paw, keys in his right, with a sorrowful expression on his face. He put down the toolbox next to the door, gave a deep sigh and shook his head.
- I didn't get the promotion. – he said quietly.
No further words needed to be said. The three settled down at the kitchen table, eating in complete silence. All of them lost their appetite, they were almost just playing with their food. Finally, after almost half an hour, Dad finally said:
- Fred Steinbock got the job. Well, yeah, he's good. Hard-working, on good terms with the crew.
- And a prey. – Holly said silently.
Her father looked up at her, their eyes meeting. He then turned his head away and sighed.
- Nahh, it's not about that. He's an ibex, of course he's needed to lead the construction of a high-rise.
- Dad, don't lie to yourself. – Holly said, earning a disapproving look from her mother.
- Watch your language, young lady! – she said.
- Why are you doing this to yourselves? – Holly cried out, receiving a shock from her collar but she didn't even care anymore – Why do you keep your heads buried in the sand? You both know what's it all about!
- Holly, it just wasn't my day. – Dad said, trying to sound as if he didn't really care – Such things happen.
- Dad, you've been working for them even before I was born, for cryin' out loud! – Holly shouted, her body convulsing at the accompanying shock – Have you ever got promoted? Has any of the chompers who work there?
Her father looked at her, his eyes wide. He slowly shook his head.
- You wanna know why? – Holly cried, clawing at the collar that sent shock after shock course through her body. She grabbed the sides of the table, lest she fell over from the shocks – It's because of this! It's because you're a predator, and the worst kind of predator! It's because no matter what you are, they look at you and see a no-good ruttin' fox!
She expected her mother to slap her in the face, and she knew she deserved it. Dad would never hit her. But instead of that, all she got was silence. And that silence was worse than the pain, than a collar shock, it was worse than anything, because it meant that her parents understood her words well, but were too well indoctrinated, too deeply subjugated, to even care anymore.
- I've had enough of this! – Holly hissed. She stood up, winced as her bruised ribs acted up, and trudged out of the house. Her parents ran after her, calling her name, but she ran off, out into the night. She stopped believing in miracles, and also in a just society, but her final dreams were shattered now: she lost faith in her own family. As she ran through the streets of Zootopia, she came to a realization that sent a shock through her body bigger than any collar could: her ordeals as a predator in Zootopia came to a full circle. It began seven years ago, with her receiving the collar, and now it ended with her running away into the uncertain future. Only one thing was certain: her childhood was over forever.

Holly's first few days alone and out there were a blur, she didn't even remember how she ended up in the other half of the city. After she ran off, the overwhelming emotions sent her collar into such a furious array of shocks she probably passed out more than once, dragging herself through the streets between her stupor. Her emotions of joy, sadness, fear, anger and disgust slowly faded away, giving way to something much more primal: hunger.
For a few moments, she was tempted to go back home, apologize and enjoy Mama's delicious dishes, but she knew there was no turning back. Not that her parents wouldn't have taken her back: she couldn't live there ever again, living the life they did, being the instruments of their own subjugation. In her idealistic young mind, even starving to death was better than that.
On the other hand, her will to live was much stronger. No, she won't die like this, in some forlorn alleyway. She needed money, and fast. She was disgusted of herself when she pick-pocketed a fat old hare. At least he was a grazer, she said to herself, Probably gotten so fat from exploiting predators. And yet, she felt like the lowest form of life. She became the very thing society saw foxes as: a thief. The bug burger she ate felt bitter in her mouth. She couldn't keep this up, she was better than this.
She needed a job, and was ready to take on every low-end employment she could get. She snatched a Daily Honker newspaper from a dumpster and began to look for a job. After days of searching and surviving on the street, she found herself at a construction site at the Northeast part of the city.
- How old are you? – the foreman, a giraffe, asked.
- Nineteen. – Holly lied.
- You look more like sixteen to me. – the giraffe said – Are you a street urchin or what?
Holly looked over herself and had to realize she did indeed look like one. It was more than a week since she had a shower and a change of clothes.
- Yeah, sort of. – she said with a nod.
- I've been at this company for thirty years but I have never seen a street urchin come here for work. Especially a fox.
- Listen, I just want a job. We both know you'd have to pay less for an unreported underage worker than someone with full employment benefits.
- Would you look at that. – the giraffe laughed – I like your spirit. I also like that you want to earn your money, not steal it.
He knows, Holly thought. The memory of her pick-pocketing the hare felt like an open wound.
- I'm a hard worker, Sir. – she said, not daring to meet his eyes.
- I hope you are. I need someone who brings water to my workers on the scaffoldings.
- Oh, I'm good at climbing things. – Holly said, another lie. But her father was doing it for decades, it must be something foxes were built for.
- You better be. I need my crew in shipshape, this will be one huge project.
- I see. – Holly said, not really interested – Umm, there is something else...
- Yeah?
- Is there someplace here for me for the night?
- You can use the tool shed. But if a single screwdriver goes missing, I'll skin you alive and wear your fur as a coat, so help me the Lamb of God.
Holly nodded without saying a word. Being a fox meant you were always accused of being a thief, a smuggler and the sort. Now, it was better not to start arguing about it, she could show her new boss the opposite later.
- By the way, what's your name? – the giraffe asked.
- Holly. – the vixen said curtly.
- Holly what?
- Holly the water girl.
- Smart-ass. – the giraffe said, grinning – I'm Sam Fortunato, but everybody calls me Honcho.
- So, do I get the job? – Holy asked, knowing well she's already qualified.
- You've got five minutes ago. That's five minutes of time you've wasted. Go and make yourself useful!
- Aye-aye, Honcho! – Holly said and off she went to fill some water buckets.

Seeing herself on a milk carton was something Holly found hilarious and saddening at the same time. She noticed it about a month after running off, while she was buying something to eat. While her payment was negligible, it still kept her from starving. She had a hot meal almost every day and had a place to sleep, even if it was nothing but a dusty tool shed. But Holly was not a pampered princess, she was a fix with blue-collar background, and that made her a survivor. Still, seeing her photo on a milk carton while shopping for food at a supermarket left her speechless.
It was the photo from her student ID card, she left it at home when she ran off. She was about a year younger, but she has changed so much. Come to think of it, she changed a lot in the past month alone. She looked thinner, accentuated by the oversized jumpsuit she wore, something she got from the company stock. She also wore no earrings anymore, being a safety hazard on the construction.
All in all, she fulfilled what she considered her destiny: she became a blue-collar worker just like his father and grandfather. Her parents had no son, so it was up to her to do the job. Come to think of it, being a stay-at-home mother wasn't something she longed for, either. She didn't live the dream life now, but at least she felt as if she were in control of her real one.
- Hey, you buyin' that milk or what?
Holly realized she zoned out again. An annoyed-looking marmot stood behind her, seemingly not content with having a fox of all mammals running around so close to him.
- Sorry. – Holly simply said, not wanting any trouble. She put the milk in her basket, paid at the counter and headed back for the construction site. She ate the plastic wrapped hot dog (No heating required, said the package) and drank the milk, throwing the box into a trash can. She stopped for a moment, looking back to see her old self on the milk carton and smiled sadly.
- Nice to have known you. – she sighed and entered the construction area.
The place was abuzz, with apparently the biggest construction project ever seen in the history of Zootopia. There were rumors about what it actually will be, but nobody seemed to know at the moment. There were whispers of a sealed-off environment for a special factory or even a big sports hall. Wilder theories speculated a closed-off environment for predators, or, on the contrary, a safe zone for rich and paranoid preys. All in all, the plans called for the construction of a mile-tall wall stretching from Downtown to the Eastern coast of the peninsula Zootopia stood on.
As Holly climbed the scaffolding, two plastic water barrels strapped on her back, she heard two beavers discussing the topic while they were welding two steel beams together.
- If the plans are correct, this thing will reach from the mountains to the coast. It'll seal off a quarter of the peninsula. I'm sure they'll make a pred ghetto out of the place.
- Come on, Charlie, this is ridiculous. – the other beaver said – Why would they do this? Predator-prey relationship is so much better now than it used to be.
- I don't mind them chompers, but the government does. – Charlie spotted Holly and beckoned closer – Oy, water girl, c'mere!
Holly skittered closer, balancing on the planks of the scaffolding. She was getting good at it. She knew well she'll never reach the level of sure-footedness some mountain-dwelling mammals did, but she was a natural. Maybe such things didn't come with her fox blood, it was merely a Volpone family trait, but she didn't really care. It landed her a job and that was worth it.
- You guys thirsty?
- Parched. – Charlie said and took a plastic cup full of water. He drank it down with two long gulps – Thanks.
- Welcome. – Holly nodded, taking another plastic cup from the bag she tied to a water barrel and giving it to the other beaver.
- My friend Max here, he doesn't know what to believe these days. – Charlie said – He's a fine natured boy, that's what he is. He thinks the government's not gonna corral you predators off beyond the wall here we're building. What do you think, water girl?
- I have no idea. – Holly said with a shrug – To be honest, I wouldn't mind. Just leave us alone and get these things off of our necks, and I'd be happy.
- How does it feel? – Max the beaver said, looking up from his cup of water. Holly looked at her and saw only genuine interest mixed with some sad understanding in his eyes.
- When was the last time you felt happy? – she asked back.
- Happy?
- Yeah. You know, happy, having fun, something like that.
- Well, we had this huge birthday party for my cousin last Saturday. All the family came together. Okay, we ended up at a bar and made a ruckus, but it was the most fun I'd had in years.
- Now imagine you getting shocked at the first louder word, or overjoyous toast. – Holly said bitterly – Imagine you can't even sing Happy Birthday with real emotions in it if you don't want this thing to go crazy. So yeah, that's that it feels like.
The two beavers were left speechless. They looked at Holly and then at each other, their mouths hanging open. Holly found the scene almost comical.
- Why are they doing this to you? – Max asked finally in a small voice.
- They think we'd eat you without the collars. – Holly said with a sad smile.
- Bollocks! – Charlie groaned – I've seen many things in my life, but I have never seen a chomper, pardon my words, tryin' to eat a prey. Not even wanting to. Those things used to happen, like when, a thousand years ago? I don't know. But not in this day and age.
- Tell that to the government. – Holly sighed – Sorry, guys, gotta go. Can't keep all you hard-working mammals thirsty. Nice talking to you.
And off she went, handing out cups of water for the thirsty. She continued her ascent up till the very top of the scaffolding, where she felt dizzy just by looking down. Under her, the peninsula spread northwards, where it connected to the grassy meadows of the mainland.
Holly stopped for a moment to catch her breath and to think about what is really being built here. It couldn't just be a wall, why would they build a mile-high wall to contain the predators? Whatever it was, it was beyond her care. It was a big project, way bigger than anything her father has ever worked on. And while she was just a water girl, a runaway and basically an unwanted person everywhere, it provided her with a means to live. She knew she won't stay here forever, but these were just the first steps. As the sun set and the horns sounded to signal the end of the workday, she climbed down the scaffoldings, took a shower and went to sleep in the tool shed that was now her home.

Under the unwritten contract she had with Honcho, Holly had one day off each week. On every Sunday, she was free to do whatever she pleased. Holly knew well she couldn't just wander off, she was, after all, a missing minor and she didn't want to be taken back to her parents. Even after all these weeks, she was angry at them. How could they let themselves be subjugated? How could they become the willing participants of a system that held them for nothing but scum? Of course, these were the thoughts of a bitter teenager, who was now strolling down the evening streets, enjoying the late summer glow. She managed to save a few dollars and she decided to go and watch a movie.
It was a suspense movie directed by Alfred Hippopotamus, about a crazy jaguar with serious mother issues murdering young unsuspected female victims. The end twist made the moviegoer audience emit a collective gasp, Holly included. It left her reddish fur standing on edge, her mouth was left open with her paw stopping mid-route with a to-be-mouthful of popcorn.
After the movie was over, Holly decided to go back to the construction site. In the last couple of days, she developed a habit of climbing up to the top of the scaffolding to watch the sunset. Without the heavy barrels, it was much easier, and the view was extraordinary. As she walked down the street, she couldn't wait to be up there again.
The sun was already setting, Autumn was at the doorsteps. Holly watched as streetlights lit as she walked past them, a string of fireflies lighting up the streets already darkened by the shadows the houses cast. The massive wall loomed over the whole city block, it looked imposing and foreboding even in its current state. Holly imagined it being fully lit when done, casting an eerie artificial glow over the city. What will lie beyond it was a question she found herself not liking to think about.
The main gate for the construction site was near. During workdays, trucks came and went, hauling construction material. The traffic never seemed to stop and the gate was always open. But now, for the first time since Holly started to work there, the gates were closed.
- Oh, come on! – the vixen moaned, tugging at the padlocked chain keeping the gate firmly shut. She looked around, deciding to try another gate about a mile Eastwards. As she continued her walk, she arrived to a territory she never visited before. The place reminded her of her old neighborhood, only it was prey territory. She didn't see any predators on the streets, and even the prey animals didn't look like the best crowd.
To add further annoyance to her life, Holly found the Eastern gate closed as well. She knew there are further gates, each of them separated by a mile or so, but she didn't want to walk another mile just to walk two back to her tool shed home. And nothing guaranteed that any gates have been left open. So she decided to try her luck and scale the fence. She became quite a skilled climber, after all. She cracked her knuckles and grabbed onto the metal mesh fence, pushing herself upward.
- Hey, fox!
At first, Holly didn't even recognize the voice. But it called for a fox again, and she realized she was the only fox in miles. She turned back to see a couple of mammals walking up to her: two rams, a goat, a tapir and a donkey.
- What'cha doin' there, fox? – the donkey called out.
- I need to get inside. – Holly called back, moving her feet onto a higher link in the fence.
- And why do ya' need to get inside? – the donkey asked, stepping closer.
- I work here. – Holly said.
- You hear that, guys? – the donkey laughed – Foxy lady here says she's workin' there! Get over here, you shifty little fox!
He grabbed Holly's overalls and yanked her down. Holly came crashing to the tarmac below. She jumped to her feet and cried out:
- Have you lost your mind?!
It earned her a shock, her body convulsed. She took a few deep breaths to calm her heartbeat.
- You ain't gonna go there and steal stuff, you filthy chomper! – one of the rams said, pushing Holly back to the ground.
- Leave me alone! – she shouted – I told you, I work here!
- What do you say, boys? – the tapir grabbed Holly by the neck of her overalls and pulled her up – I think this fox is a big fat liar.
- We don't like chompers in our neighborhood. – the goat said – Especially foxes!
- Please, I don't want any trouble. – Holly pleaded. She knew she couldn't fight back. Even if the collar allowed her, she was overwhelmed.
- You are the trouble, fox! – the other ram said – I can't wait till they corral your kind behind that wall. But until they finally do it, you need to be taught a lesson.
He punched Holly square on the jaw. She cried out in pain and collided with the tarmac again as the tapir slammed her down. She tried to crawl away, but her assailants yanked her back and began to pummel her.
Holly's body was a bundle of pain. The kicks and punches were bad enough already, but her collar sent jolt after jolt. She cried out for help, her vision becoming blurry.
- Enough! – a voice came and Holly saw a figure approaching from the darkness that separated two streetlights.
- You stay out of this! – the tapir shouted, but the figure came closer. Through the fog of pain clouding her vision, Holly saw that it was a warthog. He was short and stocky, wearing black pants and a matching turtleneck pullover.
- Do you know what the Lamb of God's words tell you? – he asked. His voice was deep and sonorant.
- What the rut are you talkin' about? – the donkey said with a mocking laugh.
- And the Lamb of God sayeth, Let those who punish the innocent be cast down to the bottomless abyss, their names and memories damned, for I sayeth so, and I am Truth beyond Truth and Justice beyond Justice. – the warthog said. Holly, half-conscious, felt her fur stand on edge. It was not because what the warthog said, but the way he said it.
- Hey, church's thataway! – one of the rams said – Now get lost or you'll get some too.
- I need no church, for the star-dotted sky is the basilica of mine. – the warthog said – And I'm just an instrument of a higher will.
What happened next was something that left Holly's swollen eyes pop open. The warthog moved so fast it was almost unbelievable. He punched the ram with a swift move, knocking him out cold.
- Okay, you freak, you've asked for it! – the tapir howled. He swung his hammy fist but he was too slow. The warthog blocked his hit and sent him down with a hook. The other ram, the goat and the donkey lounged at him, but the warthog was an exceptional fighter. It took him about two minutes to knock all but the goat out.
- Is there something you want to say? – the warthog asked, giving a deep, tired sigh.
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! – the goad mumbled, crying – Please don't hurt me!
- It's not me to whom you must apologize to. – the warthog said. The goat turned to Holly, who was still lying on the ground, beaten and bloody.
- Please forgive me! – the goat cried and as the warthog stepped closer, he added – Please tell him to leave me alone!
- The day will come when each and every one of us must face judgment. – the warthog said – But for today, you have learned a valuable lesson. Pray that I don't have to teach you again.
The goad could only nod, tears were rolling down his face. He ran off, not looking back. The warthog walked slowly up to Holly and cradled her in his strong arms.
- You poor girl.
- Who...? – Holly mumbled, her consciousness fading.
- You're safe now. Don't worry, everything will be allright.
Holly felt him moving, the warthog took her somewhere. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to be overtaken by the numb darkness. Every now and then, she awoke for a second or two, only to hear voices her mind couldn't fully register. The only thing that came through the wall of numbness was a sentence spoken from what could have been up close or a mile away:
- Someone get Paddy.

Written by: thefirstfleet (David Metlesits)

Notes:
The first part of my Zootopia prequel.
Guys, this won't be a light read. It's much more down-to-earth and brutal than my previous installments. I based many concepts on the original, unproduced Zootopia script, and yeah, it's dark.
My original concept was an American civil rights movement kind of story, but it wasn't enough. So I went full Apartheid, and that gave me the inspiration. So yeah, this isn't too Disney, more like Nolan.