Chapter Zero: Prologue: Important Author's Note - Please Read

HUZZAH HA HA HA HA HA HAH! *Cough* *Cough* *Cough* (Pounds chest) Speaks in a hoarse voice Been a while since I've done that. (Takes a swig of mineral water) Ah, much better. Hello ladies and gents, boys and girls, madams et messieurs, guess what? I'M BAAAAACK! A baker's dozen years of sitting on my ass is OVER! There are a few authors both here and on that have small snippets of why I stopped writing. To those of you of whom I speak, I have a confession: Everything I've told you is true just from different points of my 40+ years of life. I'll be updating my profile tomorrow to make sure I don't forget anything. Until then, it will remain blank.

So, First off: Welcome to my first Fanfiction for the Zootopia fandom. I'm currently working on another Original Work that I'll be posting as soon as I think it's worth posting. Anyway, as I stated above, I haven't written in nearly 1.5 decades so I'm really, really rusty. I also have no editor, beta reader, or anyone to slap me over the head when I make continuity errors. Well, that's not entirely true. LastEdge over on was gracious enough to give me his seal of approval, so thanks for that mate. Please check out his story Broken Clockwork, it's a great read and I really enjoy it.

I'm going to start off by requesting that you please read all the warnings, tags, and other things in the description. This story WILL contain elements that will have it rated Mature. If you refuse to scroll back up, I'll list them here. They are as follows: Rape/Non-Con, Underage, and Graphic Depictions of Violence. The tags list is too long to write here so I seriously suggest you reread the description. I in no way condone these acts in any way, shape, or form. This is a work of FICTION. Any person who actually commits these acts should be charged to the furthest extent of the law and either be sentenced to life in prison without parole or given the death penalty. I wrote these acts to give the story drama/horror/trauma and similar elements alone.

Now, I'm going to acknowledge the writers whose stories have inspired me to claw my way out of the personal hell I was trapped in to write this story. The order is NOT a ranking. *Ahem* LastEdge, Cimar of Turalis/Wildehopps, Zanrok, Fox in the Hen House, Midnightopheliac, Kulkum, Cloperella, neorenamon, Alps_Sarsis, Armasyll, Prester_John, Anheledir (Laverne), DatCatTho, Secrets_of_Starfang, twocentnuisance, Johnsoneer, Milesupshur47, MysteryGirl22, SilverStripes, weatheredlaw, Kittah4/VariableMammal, Humanities_Handbag, Lagarde, BjornBattlebear/GustheBear, and a few others who I can't remember off the top of my head right now.

Comments, Reviews, and Miscellany: Each chapter will contain at least one Easter Egg (References to other works and/or media). If you find them, please leave a comment along with your reviews. I'll be awarding minor prizes to the first four to get it correct. It could be an early release of the next chapter, a shout out in the notes, or even an offer to send me an OC that fits into the story. I really want to know what you all think. I have the first set of chapters prewritten but would like to know what you all want to see later in the series. I've planned this whole thing for a total of 85-100 chapters per set, for 5 sets, each set has 5 arcs/acts. This is the largest project I've ever undertaken.

Last part before Final Words. I know for a fact that there will be commenters who will insult the story. To those of you who find pleasure in this, sorry to break it to you but I thrive on your efforts. This story whether anyone reads it or not, is being written simply because I want to get back into the game after so long. To the others, I thankfully accept your constructive criticism and look forward to taking up the challenge of meeting your expectations. If I have offended anyone with this section, I apologize but I honestly feel it needed to be said.

Final Words: This story took me a good six months to come up with, search for references, come up with the story (which even I will admit is rougher than sandpaper), come up with a playlist to listen to while writing and for a soundtrack (which I will post a list of songs per chapter in the prenotes of each chapter once I can find the lists.), and find someone to give the first chapter a once over (Thx again, LastEdge!). 13 years of not writing has left me back at square one, so yes the story will seem all over the place. I will begin revising the chapters after I finish posting the first act, so please be patient and if you feel like contributing to the effort by all means leave a comment. If you managed to get through this long rambling Author's Note, you are truly a godsend. I hope you enjoy the story. I'll be posting a chapter about once every 2 to 3 weeks depending on how life treats me. Much appreciated, OG.

Edited as of 11/24/2017 due to site policy & guideline issues.

This chapter was edited and revised with the assistance of Fairlane302! Thanks for all the help!

Chapter One: Taking the First Steps

ZPD Precinct One HQ - Zootopia - Late Evening

Nick and Judy were sitting in Chief Bogo's office waiting for him to return from his meeting with the new interim Mayor. The Chief had requested to speak with them following the arrest of former Mayor Bellwether after they had been extracted from the display pit in the History Museum. The two of them had agreed, provided that they could have a couple of minutes to eat. The Chief had driven them himself to the precinct and ordered take out for them, before he was called away to an emergency meeting.

"Well, Carrots. I don't know about you, but I have to say that today was one of the craziest I've had in awhile." Nick stated. "Let's see. We raced all over Zootopia, crashed a train full of evidence, ran through a museum, hustled a criminal mastermind, and solved the largest case of the decade all in just under twelve hours."

Judy laughed. "Yeah. Hopefully we won't be brought up on charges of willful destruction of public property for the train. I don't have any way of paying for that. I don't even have any money to pay for a hotel room tonight."

Nick's ear twitched at the last part. Turning to her, he asked "What do you mean by that? Don't you have an apartment?" He found himself a little concerned that Judy had no place to stay.

Judy shook her head. "After the press conference three months ago, I dropped everything, Slick. I resigned, canceled my lease on the apartment, and moved back to Bunnyburrow. Did you think I was only there for a vacation?"

Nick's ears flattened against his skull as his jaw simultaneously dropped and his eyes widened. "Carrots! Why? You were constantly telling me how hard you worked to become a cop. Why would you turn your badge in after all that?"

Judy gave Nick a sad smile. "Let's see. I was assigned a case that I had no chance of solving on my own, conned a con-fox into assisting me, took turns saving each other's lives, nearly lost my badge before he stood up for me, asked him to be my partner 'cause there was no one I could see as more reliable to watch my six, before giving a speech that tore the city apart, and worse, ruined our partnership before it could even begin, losing the first true friend I ever had in the process."

Nick found himself speechless at Judy's words. It took him a minute to get his thoughts back in order, but once he did, he asked. "Wait. You quit because of me? Fluff, I'm not someone to throw your dream away over. Not only that, but how could you see me as a friend after everything I did to impede your investigation in the beginning?"

Judy chuckled softly. "You weren't the only reason I resigned but I think you were the most important. As for why I consider us friends, well, I don't even remember when I started thinking of you that way. I mean, we did start off antagonizing each other, but somewhere along the way I just came to see you as a friend." Looking down at her paws in her lap. "And when you ran off after the conference, I just didn't see a point anymore. I had lost the trust of the only mammal I trusted to be my partner."

Nick felt his chest constrict. He never imagined that she would resign because of him. Honestly, when she had called out to him to let her explain back then, he had to force himself to not look back because he knew that if he had, he would have let her. Now though, he felt horrible for having left her, for having broken that trust. She gave up everything because of him. "Hey. Back then you tried to stop me from leaving by asking me to let you explain. I didn't want to listen then, but if you'd like, I'll listen now."

Judy glanced at Nick and saw that he had a sincere expression on his face. Sighing, she turned to face him fully and indicated to her left cheek. "Rub your thumb here. You'll understand why I behaved the way I did once you do."

Nick carefully extended his paw and ran his thumb over her cheek. As he did he tensed upon feeling three raised scars. Gently parting the fur there, he saw them and soon realized the reason for her actions back at the press conference. Swallowing thickly, he said. "Y-you…where did you get these? And who gave them to you?"

Judy locked eyes with Nick and in a soft voice said. "I got them during a festival back home after the school play where I announced I wanted to be a cop. Some of my classmates were being bullied by Gideon Grey. He had taken their tickets and when I stepped in, he focused his attention on me. We had a scuffle then he knocked me to the ground, said that I was never going to be a cop, and to prove it he clawed my face." Changing her voice to a whisper, she continued. "Gideon Grey is a fox."

Nick jerked his paw away and stared at her. It all started making sense to him. The fox repellent, her anger when she found out he had conned her, and even her actions at the press conference. He realized that the repellent was probably given to her by her parents and she had never intended to use it. She had been angry because she had thought he was different from other foxes. It hadn't been him she saw during their fight, but this Gideon Grey. Nick wanted to die. The first mammal that had ever actually trusted him, wanted him to be their partner, and he had unwittingly caused her to relive a traumatic experience from their kithood and left before she could explain, leading her to give up everything she had strived for. He didn't realize he had started crying until Judy brought her paws to his cheeks and began wiping them away.

Seeing Nick begin to cry, Judy went to brush them away. In a soft voice, she whispered "Hey. It isn't your fault. You didn't know. Besides, I shouldn't have reached for the repellent anyway. I knew you weren't going to hurt me, but I reflexively reached for it, thinking it was a tranquilizer, even though I hadn't been issued one due to my inexperience on the force. You aren't the one at fault, Slick."

Nick whimpered. "I'm still sorry. I just…I never thought that…I mean, I didn't think that you had experienced something like that." Gulping, he went on. "I don't know if you will agree, but if…if you are willing, I would still like to be your partner on the force."

Judy smiled at him. "Of course, I still want you to be my partner. But I'm not a cop anymore, Slick. I mean if Chief Bogo rehires me then absolutely I'll give you my recommendation, but I'm not going to assume anything."

They both looked at each other for a moment before they heard the door open. Turning to see who it was, they saw the Chief come in carrying a bag. They watched as he set the bag down on his desk, before taking his seat. Once he was situated he opened the bag, pulled out the takeout containers, and stated "OK. So, I have a fried rice with fruits and vegetables, a box of spring rolls with crickets, spiders, and other bugs, and two orders of mashed potatoes. Is that agreeable?"

Nick and Judy nodded. Nick took the spring rolls while Judy took the fried rice. They both took a container of mashed potatoes. The Chief then gave them each a bottle of water before continuing. "Now, I have good news, bad news, and worse news. Where would you like to start?"

Judy went to answer but was cut off by Nick, who said. "Let's start with the bad news first, then have the good news, and finish off with the worst." Judy looked at Nick with an expression that conveyed 'Really?'.

However, Chief Bogo nodded and replied, "That may be for the best." The Chief put his elbows on his desk, steepled his fingers, and began to speak in a serious tone. "Bad news is that Doug Ramses managed to evade capture. As he is the one who manufactured the Night Howler Serum, I consider his capture a priority. However, the good news is actually a couple of items. First, Officer Hopps, you have been reinstated, effective immediately. You are however, required to wait until you are fully recovered from your leg wound. The medic suggested two weeks would be optimal. Secondly, Mr. Wilde, I seem to recall that you filled out an application at Officer Hopps' request to be her partner. Do you still have it?"

Nick was caught off guard by the question, causing him to choke as Judy started patting his back to help him clear his airway. Once he was able, he replied, "Sorry. No sir, I do not. If you have a spare I can fill out another one." His ear twitched in Judy's direction hearing her clear her throat. Turning to look at her, he saw her pull out her wallet, extract a folded piece of paper and hand it to the Chief.

Cocking his brow, Bogo took what Judy offered to him and unfolded it. Looking at it a minute, he turned to Nick and handed it over. Nick accepted the page and was shocked to see that it was the application he had filled out three months ago. Handing it back to the Chief, he looked at Judy and asked, "You kept it?"

Judy gave him a small smile. "I wanted something to remind me of you. To remind me of my mistake at the press conference." She didn't tell him that she had also kept it hoping that, by some miracle, she would be able to fix things between them.

The Chief asked, "Mr. Wilde? Do you still want to apply?"

Nick looked at the Chief and nodded wordlessly. As he watched Chief Bogo sign the application, Nick felt something akin to pride swell in his chest. He was going to be a cop. He was going to be Judy's partner. He was fulfilling his kithood dream of helping others. He suddenly felt something else swell in his chest as he realized that he had Judy to thank for that. Turning to look at her, he saw that she was smiling and his heart skipped a beat, something that was starting to happen more often whenever Judy was around.

The Chief cleared his throat to gain Nick's attention. "You will be required to report to the Academy in five weeks." Placing the application in his outgoing paperwork, he once again took on a serious expression. "Now, as for the worse news: After we arrested former Mayor Bellwether, we issued search warrants for her home and office. At both locations, we discovered a massive collection of evidence that has complicated matters to the nth degree."

Both Nick and Judy felt a mixture of intrigue and dread. They simultaneously asked, "What sort of evidence?" Quickly glancing at each other with smiles on their faces at the occurrence, they listened carefully to the Chief as he elaborated.

"Among other things, we found paw-written letters written in code, encrypted emails from anonymous sources, phone records showing calls to and from burner cells, as well as bank statements showing money transfers from untraceable accounts." The Chief decided to test them by asking, "Do you know what the obvious conclusion we have drawn from this is?"

Nick and Judy looked at each other. They both knew what this possibly meant. Judy gave Nick a subtle nod indicating that he should be the one to answer. Nick nodded back before returning his attention to Chief Bogo and stating, "That this is far from over. Everything you listed points to the fact that she was a low man on the totem pole. No doubt there are others she conspired with and they will soon attempt to finish what she started."

Bogo nodded. "As it stands, we have no way of knowing who else is involved. The level of encryption on her laptop and emails is equivalent to those used by the Zootopian Security Agency. The coded letters also seem to be on the level of agents in the Counter-Intelligence Sector of the Mammalian Intelligence Bureau. As for the burner phones, we have no way of tracking them, but our Financial Department is currently trying to determine where the money transfers originated."

As Bogo was speaking, Judy started to realize the severity of the situation. She spared a glance at Nick and saw that he seemed to be in deep thought. Deciding to inquire about his thoughts, she asked, "What are you thinking, Slick?"

Looking at Judy out of the corner of his eye, Nick replied, "What I'm thinking, Fluff, is that this level of organization reminds me of someone from my past. He often told me that there were dark places in this city, and even the world, where very few would venture." Meeting the Chief's gaze, Nick asked, "Do you mind if Officer Hopps stays with me for a while? It's getting late and we need to rest if we are going to assist."

Bogo had to restrain himself from smiling. "Why are you asking me? I may be her superior officer, but what she does on her own time is none of my concern." He could tell that the fox cared for Officer Hopps, even if he didn't know it himself yet. It was also clear to the Chief that Hopps had feelings for the fox, as revealed by the fact she had kept his application and that she had even stated in her letter of resignation that without the help of her friend, she saw no point in continuing.

Judy felt blindsided by Nick's statement. Sure, she was grateful that he willing to let her stay with him, but she really wasn't pleased that he just assumed she would agree. Yes, she had told him she didn't have anywhere to stay, but she hated the idea that he didn't think she could care for herself. She went to tell them she was fine when a small pang in her leg reminded her that she was injured. She loathed to admit it, but with her leg as it was, she would need someone to help her, if only for a short time. 'At least this way, I'll get to be with Nick.' Sucking up her pride, she said, "I don't mind. If Nick is willing to let me stay with him until I'm recovered and can find a place, then I am more than grateful."

Nick smiled at Judy's words despite the pang in his chest at the use of the words 'until I can find a place'. Despite his impeccable memory, he had difficulty recalling ever experiencing anything like it before, though he was beginning to have a slight suspicion as to what this feeling was. "That settles it then. Let's go, Fluff." Hopping down from the oversized chair they were sitting in, he helped Judy down and led her out of Bogo's office, and the building. After exchanging a few words of farewell with Clawhauser, Nick decided to lead Judy to a small park a couple of blocks away. As they walked, Nick was still trying to place what this feeling he was having was, but was having a difficult time identifying it. 'I swear, I know what it is, but…' Approaching the park, he asked Judy, "What do you think, Fluff? Knowing what we now know, how do you suggest we proceed?"

Judy had been lost in her own world, thinking about how glad she was that she and Nick were together again until Nick asked his question. She thought about her answer before saying, "Let's just take it one step at a time for now. We still need to get you through the Academy and I need to fully recover before I'm allowed back to active duty. Not to mention we have things we need to discuss."

Nodding, Nick responded. "I agree. We need to prepare ourselves as best we can. I also have things I think we should talk about, but right now we just need to rest." Stopping, he scanned their surroundings until he saw one of the CCTV cameras. Taking Judy's paw to lead her over to it, Nick felt a rush of emotion at the contact, but kept his face relaxed. The minute they were in range of the camera's view, Nick quickly began to tap a pattern on his leg using a variation of binary, taps being one with pauses as zeros, using the claws of his free paw. Once he was done he took Judy to one of the park benches and had her sit down.

"What was all that for, Slick?" Judy asked. She wasn't sure of what to make of Nick's actions just then and was curious as to what he had done.

Nick shrugged and answered. "Remember that guy I was telling you and the Chief about?" When Judy nodded, Nick continued. "Well, I was actually talking about my dad. His past isn't something he really talks about but he taught me some of the tricks he used back then. His late brother, Walter, was a hacktivist. He taught Ian, his only kit, everything he knew. I sent Ian a message that the two of us need a ride to my place using the CCTV camera. He's never told me why, but he's spliced into to system."

Judy tilted her head and asked. "If your cousin is spliced into the system why didn't we go to him while we were working the Missing Mammals case?" It made no sense to her that Nick hadn't utilized this familial connection back then.

Nick gave Judy a sheepish smile. "I, um, I'm not really on speaking terms with my cousin at the moment, but since he has an alert out for anytime the name 'Wilde' pops up in the system, hopefully he will be notified of my application to the ZPA. I'm pretty certain that with what's going on, the Chief will have scanned it into the system by now." Indicating in the direction of the CCTV camera, he stated, "Ian'll know that something's happening and that I'm involved. Then, he's going to begin using a Muzzle Recognition Software he designed to search the last thirty minutes to an hour for me. He'll see me tapping out a message requesting a favor for transportation to my place." He really hoped his cousin didn't ignore the notification once he saw his name. Judy was injured and he didn't want her to make it worse by having to walk too much, since his place was a good distance from where they sat. Nick silently prayed Ian would see the message he sent and be willing to put aside their differences for now.

Judy gave Nick a look that said 'You have got to be kidding'. Seeing Nick's still smiling sheepishly, she let out a huff. After thirty minutes or so, she went to say something before her ear twitched at the sound of a vehicle approaching and turned to see it.

Nick noticed Judy's movements and decided to see what had grabbed her attention and immediately blanched. "No, no, no, no, no. Damn it Ian, why did you tell him?" Nick whispered. Grabbing Judy's shoulder, Nick told her "Stay behind me at all times, and whatever you say or do, do not under any circumstance make any sudden movements."

Judy felt afraid at Nick's words, but nodded, trusting him to keep her safe. When Nick left the bench, she immediately got behind him and stayed as close as she could. As they approached the vehicle she witnessed a pure black-furred fox with emerald green eyes exit it. The instant she saw the eyes she knew exactly who Nick's cousin had sent to retrieve them: Nick's father. 'They have the same eyes. Exactly the same eyes.' Judy thought as she glanced between the two. She curiously wondered why Nick didn't share the same pitch-black fur as his father. 'A question best left for another time, I suppose.'

Feeling Judy freeze next to him, Nick halted his advance without looking away from his father. He wrapped his tail around her waist protectively. Nick didn't know what to expect of his father since they hadn't seen each other in years. The one thing Nick knew was that he wouldn't allow his father to hurt his mate no matter what. Nick's mind ground to a halt. 'Mate.' he thought. 'She's my mate.' He began to think back over everything: The sense of betrayal he felt at the conference, the lifelessness he felt when she had no longer been there, the unadulterated happiness upon her return, the maelstrom of emotion he had felt during their debrief back at the precinct, and the sense of wholeness with her wrapped in his tail now. He knew what that sensation he felt was. He had seen it before in old movies, read it in books, heard about it in music. He, Nicholas Piberius Wilde, was in love, in love with this bunny doe named Judy Hopps. The instant he realized that he had thought of Judy as his mate, Nick identified the source of the sensations he had been experiencing. He had fallen in love with Judy. He didn't know when or how it happened, but it had. For the first time in his life, Nick found himself more determined than ever. He was going to woo Judy and have her fall in love with him too. Locking eyes with his father, Nick tightened his tail's grip around Judy's waist thinking, 'I'm taking the first step to realizing a dream I didn't even know I had, and I'm not going to let anything, not even my own father, stop me!'

Meanwhile the ZPD

Tobias Bogo had placed his head on his desk after the fox and bunny left his office. Letting out a long, droning groan, he sat up. Opening his drawer, he pulled out an old photograph. The picture was of him at his graduation from the ZPA. Standing next to him was another Buffalo that made even Bogo look tiny. The older Buffalo was wearing a full military uniform with a chest full of medals. Looking at the photo, Bogo said, "You were right you senile old codger. I should have listened to you, instead of telling you that you were crazy." Glancing at the clock, he saw that it was past time to head home. He looked between the photo and the drawer. Two minutes later, Bogo closed and locked his office. The photo was now positioned next to his computer monitor beside the photo of him and his mother, right where it should have been from the very beginning.

On the furthest fringes of Zootopia

A lone mammal cloaked entirely in black looked out at the brilliantly lit city. Turning away, they walked into the woods behind him. As he continued further in, he was joined by more cloaked mammals. They all arrived at a large clearing in which a massive flattop stone rested in the center. Atop the stone, sat a highly unusual looking mammal dressed in a black loose-fitting tunic and robe. The lead mammal of the exodus march approached and stated, "Your Chancellorship, I regret to inform you that Dawn Bellwether has failed to accomplish her goal."

The Chancellor didn't turn to look at the speaker. He merely continued to look at the night sky. "No. She did exactly as I anticipated. You, however, failed." As he spoke those words, the one who had spoken was grabbed by his comrades. "You were the one who gave your word that she would succeed. Her failure is your failure." Snapping his fingers, he signaled those restraining the focus of his contempt to approach with the mammal. Once they were close enough, he gripped the poor unfortunate soul's garb and hauled him close. "You will be punished accordingly." Without hesitation, he lunged forward and ripped his victim's throat out, before beginning to devour him. Tossing aside the remains, he swallowed, saying, "All of you can go. Continue with your assigned duties. I'll contact you when it's time."

The mass of black clad mammals dispersed leaving their Chancellor alone. None wanted to share the same fate as their former comrade. A single mammal stayed behind, waiting. After a substantial amount of time had passed, he said, "Your Chancellorship, I don't mean to overstep my bounds, but if I may speak, I would like to inquire why you have yet to give me a mission."

This time the Chancellor did turn to look at the speaker. "I have a need for you yet. Do not despair my loyal paw. Your time will come and is swiftly approaching. Patience is the key." Waving a paw away, he added, "Go. When the time is upon us, I will call upon you to complete the task I have planned." He watched as his follower bowed and took his leave. Laying back, he once more looked at the stars. "We're just getting started. We're merely taking the first steps."