Foxes and Dragonsby cascaderapidsChaptersChapter 1: A world awayChapter 2: A New CaseChapter 3: A "Scent" to a PortalChapter 4: An Unexpected TravellerChapter 5: A walk in PonyvilleChapter 1: A world awayStarlight Glimmer felt an excited shiver down her spine as she looked again around the vast chamber. The restricted archives of Canterlot were accessed only by the few. Starlight's knowledge of magic made her valuable in cataloguing the precious contents on its shelves under the watchful eye of Princess Celestia. Today they were packing, not reading, books. There were many to be cleaned and rebound due to dust and mildew that had leaked into the library in the past thousand years of the castle’s existence. Many of the archives were known only to the Celestial Sisters and the secrets they contained were still dangerous if left unchecked. She felt very proud that they allowed her to be a part of this project. “I still think that we should find time to reclassify these books to locate them easier.” Starlight turned to Twilight Sparkle who was lending her librarian experience into the simple matter of storing the books, but she was over enthusiastic to take the next step and organise them. Not to mention mentally reference them for future reading. “We should focus on the repairs to the walls of this library first.” Princess Celestia said “Then we can see properly about organising its contents.” “I wonder if we could use some more light in here…” Starlight murmured. She turned, and her horn glowed as she tried to remove a lit torch from its stand.She frowned as it didn’t budge. She moved closer and tried to move it again. This time it did, and it had some kind of chain attached. Starlight frowned as she held the torch with her magic. "Twilight?" Starlight said. Suddenly the floor moved underneath Starlight shuddered. Between the cracks in the pavement dust began to flow through. "Starlight?" Twilight answered. "What is it?" "It looks like I've found some kind of..." One of the paving stones slid out from under her hooves. Starlight was too surprised to cry out as she fell into the opening She fell head over hooves down the stairs before coming to rest on the floor in a cloud of dust. “Starlight!” she heard Twilight cry. "Are you okay?" Starlight stood and lit the end of her horn. It punctuated by the large amount of dust disturbed after a hundred years. “Uh. I’m okay.” She faintly replied. She groaned lit the end of her horn and got on her hooves. It felt like she only got a few bruises. There was nothing really significant in the room that she had fallen into. She turned and saw something in the corner. It looked like a package wrapped in some kind of oil paper. She lifted it up with her magic and gasped as it started to glow. She frowned and cautiously pulled back the packaging to reveal a jade coloured crystal. As she glanced at it, her magic illuminated the crystal showing her reflection staring back at her in the polished surface, The swirling colours of green seamed to be moving like ocean water. She brought it closer to look into the swirling colours. She reached out with her magic trying to grasp what she was looking at. Cold. Loneliness. Helplessness. Deep rage. Starlight gasped and drew her head away. “Starlight!” Starlight turned to see her mentor at the foot of the stairs. “What is that?” Twilight's eyes widened at the gleaming green crystal. “Careful!” cried Starlight. “I just felt something… terrible. Like an incredible sadness…” Twilight leviatated the crystal but, but the crystal faded. Twilight covered the crystal again with the oil paper. “I didn’t feel anything. But I reckon we should be careful in regard to mysterious artefacts.” She turned to Starlight. “Let’s show this to Celestia…” Both mares ascended the staircase. Celestia was approaching the opening in the floor with a look of concern on her face. “Princess, we’ve found something down there.” Twilight levitated the oil paper package. Celestia looked at it with interest and drew back the paper revealing the green crystal. Her eye’s widened with recognition. “A Catena Garnet…” she whispered. “I’m trying to think where I last saw this…” “What does it do?” Starlight gasped. “I put my horn to it and I got this surge of… sadness.” “You felt something?” Celestia looked at Starlight. “These Garnets were used to project thoughts and messages a long time ago. They could also collect the power of different unicorns to be projected as one spell.” She looked back at the crystal. “If you did feel something then…” She paused. “Then whose thoughts did I feel?” Starlight spluttered. “It was really scary…” She stopped when Celestia’s horn lit up and she placed it on the garnet. The garnet glowed again with the green ambiance. Twilight and Starlight waited for the princesses response. Celestias horn stopped glowing and she frowned. “I don’t feel anything in this…” “I definitely felt something!” Starlight insisted. “Whoever was using it might have stopped using it.” Celestia wrapped up the garnet again. “I’ll keep this with me, if the garnet becomes active again.” Far away in another land… Phil setting up his camera in front of the statue of Olmeus the Great. A powerful tiger ruler from the Second Dark Age. It was an image carved out of jade standing in full armour. He would have held a mace in his right paw, his weapon of choice, but it had broken off in the subsequent centuries. Olemeus was a King who had defeated armies of many surrounding cities, carving out a kingdom that first encompassed species of different climates and cultures. Nevertheless, he wrote down codes to defend the rights of all mammals within his kingdom. Predator or Prey. He understood that co-operation between species needed to exist if his kingdom if order was to be maintained. He planted crops and created a fishing fleet to satisfy the needs of predators and prey within his realm. He wrote laws punishing predators that hunted prey animals and prey that attacked predator species. His significance to paving the ideals that would eventually come to the establishment of Zootopia. It was often displayed at the Natural History Museum. He was glad that it was on loan to the Museum in the city of Hidesdale. Phil adjusted his camera and knelt down by the statue. The low angle gave Olemus an image of dominance. He looked at the photo on his camera. He frowned. He thought his camera was playing tricks on him. He thought it had seemed brighter in the photo. He looked closer, but didn’t see any change to the green crystal. He then leaned forward and placed a hoof on the statues torso. He felt a twinge in his hoof when he toughed it. He stepped back in surprise. He frowned and put his hoof against it again. Who are you? To speak again after silence for so long is a blessing in itself "I don’t understand… Where are you and what are you doing here?" Open your mind and listen to my voice and I will show you how you can be more than that your physical body can limit you. Phillip felt his anxiety filter away and a smile came to his lips. “ Hey! You know you shouldn’t touch that!” The snow leopard security guard approached him as Phil slid his hoof away from the stone lion. “To be in the presence of an artefact of one so brave is such a privilege.” Phil smiled. “It is so hard to contain myself.” The leopard frowned. “Well, You’ll have to find another way to contain it around here.” The leopard said gruffly. The stallion shrugged and moved towards the exit. His expression grew dark as he approached the doors. “I’ve been contained for too long” he murmured under his breath. Two Weeks later Lila curled up against the bin. There was pain in her eyes. The Malik Gang were coming. Every time she came home from school they would shout her out in the crowd. “Watch out! She might turn on you!” “Predator! Keep your distance!” There were even mammals in her class that said that it was just a matter of time before she went savage. Some of her old friends wouldn’t talk to her. She would usually hang out with other predators. They had all felt the same way. Some wanted to fight. She got into one at school with a calf and so she was held back in detention. Which meant she was late getting home. The Malik gang didn’t just taunt her tonight. They chased her. Which is why she was holding her knees and trying to be a small ball behind bins in an alley. She sat there frightened, waiting them to go away. Then, she saw a green shoot come out of a crack in the pavement. She blinked back her tears and looked at the seedling. To her astonishment, the plant wound its way out of the crack. Before her eye’s the plant grew leaves. Finally, a bud formed on the end. The green covering peeled back and the golden petals of a flower appeared. The petals fell open. Showing a beautiful flower in the cracked dirty pavement. Lila smiled. “There it is!” She yelled in fright as the bin behind her moved and a large boar loamed over her. The bin over his head. “Well, little pred. Time to teach you a lesson if you get any ideas of being the dominant species….” The two other boars chuckled. Lila skitted back and until the wall behind her prevented her from going any further. Suddenly a green vine shot out of the crack and hit the boar in the middle of the stomach throwing him to the other side of the alley. “What the…?” Two more shoots sprang up and the two other boars squealed in fright. The vines wound themselves around them. Coiling and drawing tighter like a snake. The boar thrown against the wall looked up and ran down the alley as fast as he could. Nick slurped his gooseberry smoothie as he exited the Albino café. His long-eared partner was slurping at an iced coffee and pulled her phone as a message buzzed on her phone. “Hey Nick, we got a message from the station. It says that a dangerous felon is in the area. They sent through his photo.” Nick turned and frowned at the image his partner held up on her phone. “Well I’ll be…” “Nick?” “This boar has the clothing of a Malik Gangster. I reckon we can assume that he’ll be kicking and screaming when we find him.” “I don’t think we have that far to…” Judy pointed. She glanced at a crowd of mammals crossing the road. Among them a stocky boar in a jacket and trousers. Nick frowned. “Ninety percent sure that’s our guy… Let’s tail him a few blocks and ask him a few questions.” The two officers moved down the sidewalk and the boar turned his head. They saw his face and his expression. “THAT’S HIM!” Nick exclaimed. “I’ll take point!” Nick dashed past a group of Ibex who started running and springing out the way as the boar grunted and pushed through the crowd. Nick dashed through the parting crowd as he noticed a grey and blue streak move on by. He followed the boar into an alley as with rabbit partner standing in front of the boar. It was behind a large hardware store. The boar roared and picked up a broken garden stake. Nick screeched to a stop and pulled his dart gun out. Then his partner went into hyperspeed. He and the boar saw a blue and grey streak move on the walls, the bins, the windows before Judy finally reappeared connecting with the boars face. The boar groaned and came down like a tree falling. Judy panted. “Uh…uh. I got him!” Nick lowered the dart gun. “I take it that iced coffee wasn’t decaf…” Sergent Higgens pulled up in his cruiser and saw the semiconscious boar on the ground in handcuffs. He opened his door and chuckled as he pulled himself out of the car. “I guess it was the right place and right time…” he said. “Well, for him I think it was the wrong place…” Judy chuckled. Higgens hauled the boar to his feet and marched him back to the car. He non-candidly put the boar into the backseat. “I really hope you weren’t too brutal.” He said “There is a certain amount of restraint…” “He picked up a wooden stake, so I reckon he needed a bit of persuasion to come quietly.” Nick answered. Higgens nodded. “Well, time for the tedious time of getting this crook properly processed…” “It’s not muh fault…” he stammered “the shadow… the shadow…” Nicked pulled a water bottle from his belt and clicked the cap off. Pshh! “Gah!” the crook cringed. Nick looked at his bottle and then to the boar. “This guys a little jumpy.” He murmured. “I wonder what spooked him?” Equestria Twilight Sparkle walked out of the library and into one of the palace gardens. She took a deep breath and stretched her wings. She was getting claustrophobic sitting in the library all day. It was definitely worth it, now the archives could be repaired while the collection would be taken to Fillydephia with a continent of the royal guards and Princess Celestia. For Twilight, a weekend away was on the calendar. A place guaranteed where there was no-one to reach you. Starlight Glimmer came out weighed down with saddlebags. “Oh. All set?” Starlight Glimmer exclaimed. Princess Twilight grinned and Pow!. Teleported. Starlight waited a few moments when Twilight reappeared again with her own things. “Ready!” she said. They both teleported and reappeared in Twilights castle. They looked at the mirror and its glowing gemstones. “After you, my dear student…” Twilight said. “No No. Royalty has its right.” Starlight snickered. Sunset Shimmer waited by the broken horse statue. A weekend away. She really hoped that she wouldn’t jinx it. Especially the track record with her friends in this world. The pedestal glowed and two familiar faces came out weighted down by bags. “Should’ve warned me” Sunset smiled. “Then I would have brought a luggage carrier.” Twilight embraced her friend. 30 Minutes later All three girls were relaxing by the beach. They’d started with the volleyball, moved on to swimming and finally relaxing on towels on the sand. “You know what I think?” Starlight murmured. “Honest question?” Sunset smiled. “I reckon we should make this a compulsory weekend, once a fortnight.” “Yep. I reckon getting away to another world is the best way to escape and unwind.” ********************** Fluttershy flew over to her cottage. Discord was coming soon and she wanted the house prepared for his arrival. She saw Angel the rabbit leaning against the hutch. He had annoyed expression. “Oh… I’m so sorry. I forgot to get the alfalfa from the icebox.” She said. Fluttershy moved into her cottage and came out with the green foliage. Angel chewed away happily. “I’m really glad that rabbits are so caring and understanding…” Zootopia “Gah!” Delgato held both his arms up as another blow made him reel back a pace and a half. He was in the ring and he nearly didn’t fend off the last two blows. Judy Hopps was coming at him again and he ducked back again this time throwing a right hook and caught the rabbit as she moved through the air. He followed it up and tried to get the rabbit as she was still recovering on the floor. “Don’t reckon you’ve lost your touch on the beat rabbit.” He sniggered. “I’ve given up going easy on you!” “Really?” The rabbit replied “I was going easy on you!” “Oh… That’s it! You’re in for it now!” He threw a punch that caught Hopps square in the chest and sent her flying on her back. “Oof!” Degalto barely took a step forward when Hopps flipped back on her legs. He caught the dangerous glint in her eye. Delgato swallowed. He threw his arm up to cover his face… Only to have a double rabbit hindleg kick in the stomach. Delgato landed against the ropes. “Arghck!” He pulled himself up and tried to regain his footing The clanging bell signaled the end of the bout. The lion let out a weak sigh of relief. “Hate to end your bout, but there’s a few things that the chief wants Officer Hopps to deal with.” Rhinowhitz exclaimed The rabbit shrugged and pulled at the velcro on her mitts. “Thanks’ Hopps, I think I’ve learnt a thing or two…” Delgato murmured “Anytime.” Judy smiled. The rabbit picked up her towel and squirted some water into her mouth from her bottle. Delgato was still catching his breath. He glanced at Rhinowhitz and the Rhino gave him a sly smile before following the rabbit out of the arena. Chapter 2: A New CaseDetective Fangmyer entered the room with a takeaway coffee in hand and glanced at Detective Rhinowhitz organising some files. “Everything okay?” She asked. “Yes. I’ve got the files organised for the squad.” Rhinowhitz put a stack of files on his desk. “Looks like we will be joined by Wilde and Hopps in our enquires.” “Oh. Really?” Fangmyer pulled up a chair. “I mean they’ve been beat cops for a while. Do you really think they’re up to this?” “I think so. I would not have requested them unless I thought they were.” Fangmyer paused. “I… don’t like the idea.” She murmured. “I mean, we were working the Nighthowler case for months before Bogo extended it to the rest of the precinct. They just managed put the final pieces together.” Rhinowhitz shrugged. “There’s an old story about a prospector that dug in the same mine for years and didn’t find anything.” Rhinowhitz sighed. “Then some amateur starts some digging in the prospectors mine and hits gold. That’s life sometimes.” “I still don’t like the idea.” Fangmyer sniffed “I’m glad they did solve it. Otherwise, the city would be a different place right now” “What? So we can have foxes and rabbits running the show now?” Rhinowhitz gave the tiger a serious look. “I mean…” Fangmyer reiterated. “They’ve only been on the force for a few months now, so they might not have the right experience for this squad.” Fangmyer frowned. “and from what I know that Fox has experience in a lot of other areas already…” she added “I know that Wilde’s got a less then reputable background. Nevertheless, his work as an officer these past few months can testify that he’ll be able to work this case objectively and effectively.” “How can you be sure?” Fangmyer murmered “Can a leopard change its spots?” “You weren’t there when we caught up with them after they just got away from a savage jaguar…” Rhinowhitz countered in a low voice. “I have never seen Bogo speechless before and that fox was the first mammal I’ve seen with the guts to do it.” The tigress frowned “He talked down the chief?” “The chief was about to have Judy Hopps hand in her badge, we just all assumed that it was inevitable that she would be handing that badge in and it was only…natural.” Rhinowhitz stroked his chin. “Wilde could have walked away, apparently Judy and twisted his arm to help her with the case, but he told the chief that he was actually was setting her up to fail with the meagre equipment and no resources. ” Rhinowhitz leaned on his desk. “That just smashed the distorted lens I didn’t realise I was wearing. I’d never seen a mammal stand up for another like that.” Rhinowhitz turned. “You know the rest of the story. Nick gained the respect of a lot of mammals in the ZPD in that moment.” Fangmyer was silent. “With that kind of mindset, we will do well to have them work with us.” **************************************************** Judy was smiling. She and Nick had been reassigned from street duty by Chief Bogo. They were now part of a squad investigating a case under two other detectives. It was certainly something more interesting than the standard shifts patrolling the streets, but the work hours could be longer. After she spruced herself up and put her training equipment in her locker, she made her way down the hallway detouring from her normal route to the bullpen for an office on the second level. She approached the elevator and reached for the button, just about going on the tips of her toes to hit the “up” button on the lift. “I think they need to start thinking about redesigning this place for smaller mammals” said a familiar voice behind her. “After all, there’s about… thirty rabbits that have applied for the academy this year. They’ll need to work here too” Judy turned to a red fox with a small smirk on his face. “I didn’t see you at the training ring this morning…” Judy murmured as they entered the opening doors of the elevator. “Oh, I was busy. Besides, I like this snout just the way it is, thanks.” He rubbed his nose “So, what were you doing? “In the cafeteria, eating French Toast.” Judy glanced at her watch. “It’s just about oh eight hundred! You were in the cafeteria all morning?!” “Not by myself, there was Snarlov and Francine, they wanted to trade notes on a couple of cases they were working on.” “Oh… Sorry Nick.” “Tsk Tsk… What have we learnt about jumping to conclusions?” Judy rolled her eyes. Nick looked up at the passing numbers on the top of the doors. “three… three… three… fourteen. We’re here.” Judy knocked on the door. The door opened and Rhinowhitz extended his hoof to two chairs in front of a whiteboard. Seems like we’re back at school Nick thought. “Good Morning! I hope that this new routine won’t inconvenience you.” Rhinowhitz said “Not at all! I’ve been meaning to try the coffee in the cafeteria for a while now.” Nick smiled “I’m glad to be here!” Judy exclaimed. “What’s the situation?” “Well we got a bit to cover this morning, so I suggest you get comfortable first…” Fangmyer said turning around by the window. The two officers clambered up to their seats as the Rhino moved to the whiteboard Rhinowitz pegged several photos on the board. “Over the past few weeks, there has been an interesting number of Jewellery thefts throughout the city.” If Judy’s ears were drooping down they were fully attentive. “There has been amethyst stolen from a jewellers in Smith Street and a topaz crystal taken from the college of geology and a Diamond taken from a home in Lupinesford.” Rhinowhitz paused. “but the real deal comes from a Ruby taken from the Natural history museum. One of a kind Hathee’s Ruby.” “So… someone might be on a jewel heist spree across the city.” Rhinowhitz nodded. “There’s no indication of forced entry, no unfamiliar prints nor broken locks or evidence of picking. The Hathee amythest was stolen soon after a power failure at the museum. ” Nick scratched his chin and looked at the map on the wall. All the thefts took place within Downtown Zootopia, with one theft happening in the adjoining Ficus Grove. “There’s been a few traffickers in the past with blackmarket jewellery within the CBD…” he mused “but a Hathee’s amythest would be something pretty hard to sell off without word creeping down the grapevine.” “It seems like the gemstones need to be a certain size or quality…” Judy added “Any kind of jewellery that shows up with that kind of quality will need to come into question if any of these gemstones have been cut up for sale.” “We’ve given a description to the pawn shops in the city as well as the media team to monitor online shopping websites,” Fangmyer said. “ We’ll see if they turn up anything.” “It could be a private seller, a collector, or… maybe somemammals getting a kick out of lifting rare and exotic gemstones.” Nick murmured. “Perhaps we could see about the main robbery, the Hathees Gem and see if anyone has any special interest in that artefact.” Rhinowhitz murmured. “I guess the real problem is that whoever’s robbing these places is so well organised” “Well, the museum could be a place to make some enquires about the Hathee’s amythest. Maybe we can get a few questions done?” “Worth a shot!” Nick shrugged. This time Nick was driving the cruiser. The two cops moved down through the afternoon traffic as it passed to late morning. “Small mammals can pull off thefts all the time, but they still leave a scent behind them or if they mask it, it can be pretty oblivious what kind of animal was walking around there with little fur samples”. Judy murmured “The doors were left unlocked… the window wasn’t closed properly. There are a few possibilities.” Nick added. “Wingardum Leviosa!” She chuckled. “What?” Nick said “You know. Harry Spotter?” “Oh… Okay.” Nick murmured “Might’ve used a wand.” Nick glanced up the road. “I think using magic in a story kind of takes away creativity in solving a problem.” Judy frowned. “I mean hey we’re stuck and a giant squid’s about to get us! Poof! We magically got a sword and shield.” Nick murmured “Well, that’s the difference between good quality fantasy and poor fantasy!” Judy countered. “There’s responsibility for using magic just like it was another skill or applying it to ensure that mammals are safe.” Judy smiled “It allows you to appreciate mammals who are different and they have such power when they work together.” “I lost interest when the talking hat showed up…” Nick murmured. “What? That’s my favourite part! It’s the crossroads where Harry has to choose use his skills for personal gain or for his friends!” “Having that much power over something can really affect you though. Who can say what’s right or wrong?” “There are rules in place…” “Rules are there to be broken, Carrots…” Nick murmered. The museum had certainly improved since their last visit. There were several new exhibits for the Florescence Era. There was a clay slab that dictated the first set of laws that were written down in Zootopian history. The officers could see a few visitors filing their way out to the exit. They made their way to the directors office. Judy knocked on the door. There was no answer. It seemed rather weird that they would return there. The repairs were complete and there were mammals milling to and fro. A Ram and his son recognised the two cops and told them "to keep up the good work". Others just kept minding their own business. I guess fame is fleeting Nick thought. There was a table behind a desk packed with various items. They could make out a rabbit tail and hindquarters standing on a chair with his head between the items. The rabbit seemed to be searching for something. “Excuse me!” Judy exclaimed. “Sorry! One sec!” The rabbit replied. Several items on the desk shuffled around as the rabbit wiggled out of the collection to stand up on the chair. He turned to face them. “Oh…Wow! You’re… here…” The rabbit coughed and quickly brushed his nose with his paws and rubbed them together before hopping off the chair to greet them. “It’s an honour to meet you… both of you!” The rabbit smiled. “It’s just so great about how you got rid of Bellwhether. I knew that ewe was trouble the moment she took Lionhearts place.” Nick gave the rabbit a bemused look Judy opened her mouth to say something “Daniel Warren!” The rabbit exclaimed. “I’m one of the curators here. I guess you’re here about the ruby!” “That’s it…” Nick answered. “I can show you the room. It hasn’t been touched as the officers have said and I can answer any questions you might have.” Daniel smiled. Maybe we could start asking some “Sounds like a plan!” Judy said. “Yeah, my job is to categories the new museum acquisitions. What to go into the archives and what needs to be refurbished.” “Yeah” Judy answered “ I can see you have an old milk churn there. My father has one of those in the barn. My grandfather used to have cows as neighbours.” “Ah! Here’s an artifact!” Nick smiled. He held up a blue object in his hand. “A flip phone. I haven’t seen one of these in ages…” “Uh…That’s mine.” Daniel answered. “I was looking for that..” Nick quietly handed the rabbit his phone. Judy have Nick a look. Nick shrugged I wasn’t going to say anything “The ruby was kept in a private collection among some of the more… valuable items kept in this museum” They were definitely after it specifically as nothing else in the archive was touched. Daniel directed them down the hallways past a snow leopard security guard. Daniel pulled out is pass card and the security guard lead the three of them to a large steel door. The officer put gloves on and typed in the code on the panel near the door. The vault was a small room with items arranged sealed in plastic or in crates. Daniel indicated to a vacant cabinet opposite a large chariot. “It was shut when we came in.” Daniel said “Who was on duty that night?” Nick asked “Henry Sumerson” “Can we have a chat to him?” “He’s currently in a meeting with the directors about the incident. He should be finished soon.” “Have you sent the security footage to the ZPD?” “Most of the stuff is static during the blackout.” “Perhaps we could have a look for ourselves if we could pick up anything. Nick glanced at the black and white footage of the cameras. Why does everything in a museum have to be ancient? “..and then, poof there it goes…” Static filled the screens. “Well, play it again Daniel and let’s see if we pick anything out of the ordinary.” There were a few mammals wondering in the hallways around the entrance to the archives that day. A squirrel kit got lost and was directed to the foyer. There were two pigs holding a map arguing with each other. Judy’s ears perked up at the heavy footfalls behind her. The Leopard security guard was approaching the desk. “This was just before the robbery right?” Judy asked Daniel nodded. A stallion with a camera around his neck walked past the hall. “Wait…” The snow leopard security guard behind them moved forward and looked at the screen. “That horse there… he looks familiar…” “Play it again Daniel!” Nick said The rabbit rewound the footage and they saw a light brown stallion in a black jacket walk on by. “I remember seeing that horse the other day in front of a statue of Olemus…” The guard murmured. “What was he doing?” “He was pretty fixated by the statue. I wonder if he was casing it for something.” Judy looked at the footage again. “Are you sure it’s him?” “Each paint horse always has a unique pattern of his coat. That’s him definitely.” The interview with Henry was basically the same information. The hippo was very disgruntled about the incident. The two officers made some notes and made their way to the cruiser. “Did you pack lunch today, Carrots?” Nick asked “You mean me. Or are you asking did I pack carrots?” Judy answered “Probably both…” Nick drove the cruiser back to the station. The two of them headed to the squad room. The door was partly open and Nick pushed the door open. Rhinowhitz and Fangmyer were already present and discussing something over a desk. The two of them stopped their conversation and turned to them. “We ran a few security checks with some of the surveillance companies that were used at the crime scene. We went down to IT and they ran a few checks on online marketing website and nothing seems to have come up now.” Rhinowhitz said “We think we may have a suspect.” Judy murmured. The other detectives looked at the picture on her phone. “We have no idea who this horse is” she continued “but we think he might be a part of this heist.” ********************************* It was 4pm and Judy had just about had enough. They tried to make some progress with some of the files, but after some more enquires with the other crimes scenes. There were no other leads other than that horse at the museum. Judy wrapped up her progress notes on her computer and turned to go home. They had a lead and it didn’t pan out. She moved to the park in front of the station. She could make out the last of the suns ray’s disappearing between the high spires of the skyscrapers. She sat down on one of the benches near the fountain. Why was she feeling so down? All her ideas and all her other suggestions that afternoon had been turned down and She had put her effort into this case and there was nothing more she could give. “Not a bad time to come out and enjoy the evening eh?” Judy’s thoughts were interrupted by a ram moving up the path, a cane in hand. “Yes, it is beautiful…” Judy agreed “Phew, I’ve been trying to get to eight thousand steps per day. It’s not that easy!” Judy let out a small huff. “Mines the opposite, I think I do too much walking for my job. My feet could use a spa right now.” It felt good talking to someone that wasn’t trying to meet a deadline. “What’s you’re line of work are you in?” the ram asked. Judy frowned. Probably couldn’t see the uniform in the fading light. “I’m a police officer.” “Ah right! Well, I assure you I won’t loiter around here for long!” the ram chuckled Judy smiled. “I really give you credit to take that kind of work.” The ram continued. “It takes a special kind of individual to put in so much for all the flak you take and not receiving any special commendation back for it.” Judy shrugged. “Well, I’ve been on the force for almost a year now. Some day’s have action, others are just putting cases in the right folder.” The ram frowned for a moment in thought. Judy was about to say something when he spoke again. “You know your voice sounds familiar? Were you on TV a while back?” Judy swallowed. “Uh…” Then she remembered the long cane by the rams side. His eyes lit up in recollection. “You’re that rabbit aren’t you?” “Yes…” Judy frowned “you can’t…” “…See?” the ram finished. “No. I can’t.” “Oh. I…” “No need to apologise. I’ll admit it’s annoying sometimes.” Judy scratched the back of her neck she wasn’t sure what to say next. “How long have you been blind?” “Oh. It started just after my twenties. I was a pretty good baseball player in my youth.” “So, what are you now?” “They saw me losing my eyesight. So, they made me an umpire!” Judy burst out laughing. The ram laughed a bit at his own joke. “Sometimes life chucks you a wretch, but you make the most of it.” Judy felt a little embarrassed. After all she’d been through, things had turned out pretty well. She made her goal. Helped make life better for a lot of animals in this city. A little stonewalling for one case didn’t seem all that big a deal in that light. “After all you said on TV, you must feel pretty proud of yourself.” Judy stiffened. “We can all make the world a better place, just passing on a bit of kindness. Trying to understand one another.” The ram answered. Judy relaxed. “Yeah we…” Judy trailed off. “…all make mistakes.” she finished. “And we learn from them.” The ram added. “So what kind of work are you in now?” Judy asked. “I’ve found that I’m pretty good at listening to mammals so…” “Sorry.” Judy interrupted. She felt her phone vibrating in her pocket and flicked it out. There were several miscalls from Nick. She flicked answer on her phone. “Nick?” “No, it’s a fruit bat in lederhosen. Where are you?!” “In the park out front…” “You up for a drive? We might have found someone, who saw someone who said that he might know something aaaand it might be important.” “Okay…” She looked up at the ram. “Gotta go!” “No worries, duty calls…” the ram shrugged. He heard the light footfalls fade away up the path. “Young folk these days…” Nick was once again in the drivers seat and on the quiet streets of Hyenahurst. “Don’t you think that this is a little bit suspicious?” Judy said. “A call in the darker hours on a tip for one of our jewellery stores?” “I don’t know about you, but I was getting a bit tired of sitting on my tail.” Judy looked out on the faded streets. Mostly streetlights shone out on against the older buildings. There were hardly any cars on the road. “HEY WAIT NICK STOP!” The fox slammed the breaks and followed his partners direction. “What?!” “There’s a tiger cub standing alone on the sidewalk there!” Nicks shoulders relaxed. Little bleeding heart. By the tone of your voice I thought somemammal was getting strangled… He pulled the cruiser into park and the two officers jumped out. The cub was still standing there under a streetlight at the corner of one of the alleys. “Excuse me…” Judy cried. The cub turned but otherwise said nothing. There was a look of uneasiness in it’s eyes. “Are you lost?” Judy asked. The cub shook it’s head. “No.” she said “I was told to wait here…” “Who by?” Nick asked. “Who would ask you to wait here after lights out?” “I’m safe don’t worry.” The assurance in her voice made Judy stop for a second. The cub raised it’s paw and stroked a small golden flower stuck in the top pocket of her tattered shirt. “Do you know where you live?” Nick pressed. The cub nodded. “I need to wait here to give him something.” The cub answered “Give who, what?” The cub raised her other paw that had been clenched in a fist and opened her fingers slightly. The gem sparkled in the street light and Nick made out a shade of green. “How’d you get that?” “Um… I…” She looked at Judy. Judy held her gaze and said nothing. “Somemammal gave it to me…”the cub finished “Can you tell us who this mammal was?” Judy asked gently Once again silence. “What’s your name?” Nick asked “Lila…” “Alright Lila. You’re going to have to come with us…” “No. She is not.” The two cops and the cub looked up the street and saw a horse in a green hooded jumper approaching. Judy’s eyebrows shot up. The horse from the museum. “Are you aware that there’s been a number of Jewellery robberies throughout the city?” The stallion seemed amused by the question. “Is that so?” “So if your little friend here has a whoopin’ huge emerald in her hand, it causes us cops to ask questions…” Nick added The stallion approached Lila and placed a hoof on her head. “I do not see any law enforcement here… I see two misguided mammals alone at night.” He mused Judy felt the tips of her ears get very hot. Her paw reached for her dart gun. “Well, proceed then. Place me in irons.” The stallion smiled nastily Judy pressed her lips into a hard line “Sir. You are under arrest.” Judy said firmly. The stallion remained unfazed. Lila looked at the officers and then to the stallion again. “Move it!” Judy raised her dart gun. The stallion held her gaze. Judy squeezed the trigger. Nick picked up the radio off his chest and spoke into it. The fired dart appeared a few inches from the stallions chest. It stayed in mid-air for a split second, then fell and rolled around on the pavement. Judy’s jaw dropped and Nick raised his head with a confused look. A blinding burst of light caused the two of them to cover their eyes. Nick tried to blink the red and blue colours away to see that apart from Judy they were alone on the sidewalk. The two cops looked left, right then up the street and down the street. They looked at each other. “That…” Judy gasped. Nick shook his head with a frown. “That’s just… not fair…” ************************************************ Lila gasped as she found herself in a dimly lit warehouse with a panting stallion on the group. “Are you okay?” she gasped. “I’m tired.” The horse replied. “But if my source is right. I will have more magic than ever now that we have that last gem.” Author's Note Finally finished the second chapter! Been a hectic few weeks with uni placement and hit by the flu. Hopefully the next one will be sooner.:) Chapter 3: A "Scent" to a PortalJudy glared at the red letters on bedside clock as her alarm went off. After the incident, they reported the findings as well as they could to the rest of their squad. They proceeded to their original rendezvous on the street. They got to their contact. They finally had a name to their suspect from a goat who was offered ten thousand dollars for a gemstone and she gave them a name: Phillip Rodintrot. After that they hadn’t got back to the station until later and she finally went to bed. She had been so wired up and various scenarios kept playing out in her head that is was after midnight when she finally fell asleep. After washing her face in the apartment’s community bathroom, she pulled on her uniform and buckled on her vest. She clicked her badge on. She headed down to the café out front for a bagel and coffee. She munched on the bagel in the café and waited for her coffee. There was nothing in the morning news feed on her phone other than the discussion on the Mehoctra Stars coming the closest to earth in a millennium. The rose-coloured light of dawn turned light orange as her coffee came. She picked it up and made it to the bus stop just as her ride was coming. **************************************** Judy passed through the revolving doors of the precinct. She saw Nick talking with Clawhauser at the front desk and plodded on over. “You look like you could use a donut!” the cheetah extended a chubby paw with a strawberry jelly donut. Judy smiled and took the treat. “We’ll need all the energy we can get if we’re gonna catch this wacky wizard!” Judy exclaimed. Nick sniggered. “Love the bravado Carrots! It’s just a matter of time now we gotta face and we gotta name.” Rhinowhitz appeared in the lobby. Both officers turned and greeted their squad leader. He motioned with a hoof to follow him. The walked down the corridors and into a room with several computers and servers humming. There was a squat figure in a wheelchair infront of a computer screen and heard the tapping on a key board. “Piconi, would you show the footage again please?” “Oh, yeah! Right away!” The horse grinned and pushed a button on a console under another screen. “The footage of you talking to the cub is here. Pretty normal. Then the horse comes and stands next to the cub and then you pull your pistol and…” They all squinted at the footage. “Poof!” The screen went to static. “Gone! Can’t see anything. All the feed for three blocks are white noise for twenty minutes.” There was an uncomfortable silence in the room. “So they’re turning off the cameras like the ones in the jewellery store.” Rhinowhitz murmured “I have no idea how they would do that!” Judy shook her head. Nick glanced at Piconi’s keyboard. “Just outta interest, how do you use your hooves on there?” Piconi extended his hoof. Nick saw a ring attached to the toe of the hoof. He saw a small outlet where a ring was placed. The horse placed his hoof in the centre of the ring and there was a slight click on the device. He held up his hoof and there were two struts with spheres on the end. He then turned his wrist from side to side and started pressing the buttons on the keyboard. Nick raised his eyebrows with interest. “We’ll have the interegation room prepared when we bring those two in.” Rhinowhiz commented “We could bring em here.” Nick murmured “Have a good clop bad clop routine.” “Not funny!” Piconi turned “Sorry, I’ll stop horsen around…” “I’ll give you horsen around in a sec!” Judy shook her head. “Seriously, that was terrible…” ************************************************************* In the squad room, Rhinowhitz pinned another picture on the wall. “So now after this little encounter last night, we have an amateur photographer stallion called Phillip, that’s taken quite a following of horses with him with some rather interesting rituals…” The corners of Nick’s mouth went up slightly. “So… we have ourselves a “Colt Cult”?” Rhinowitz sighed. “Essentially” “Is there any idea what they are after or what they’re trying achieve?” Judy asked. “Oh… power in themselves, the brotherhood of the true path type of thing.” “I guess those kinds of groups would be attractive right now even after the imprisonment of Bellweather.” Judy murmured “Well, they actually preach the “foundation” of Zootopia saying that the statue of Olemus must be kept in the city as a symbol of healing the tension between the species.” Rhinowhitz countered. “Okay. I can see the appeal in that.” Nick said. “Right.” Said Judy “So what does that have to do with civil order?” Rhinowhitz looked at Fangmyer. “There’s a number of interesting things in the literature they dispense.” Fangmyer began. “According to the information they put out, there appears to be a large emphasis on gemstones and the statue of Olemus.” “This group has no trails online or has any messages. There mostly off the grid.” “How did we find out about this?” Nick asked “We did a few enquiries back at the museum and one of the guards talked about this cult that had gathered at the museum to rever the statue after it was brought back from Hydesdale.” Fangmyer tapped her paws together. “Perhaps we should have another look at the locations of the thieveries and ask around if anyone’s heard of any activities of this cult in this area.” “They are concentrated in the central district, so we can assume that they’re in that area.” “Alright, how about we mix things up a bit now.” Rhinowhitz declared. “Hopps you’re with me and Fangmyer and Wilde you’re together.” He ignored the looks and surprised gasps that there thrown his way. “We’ll comb each side of the district and see if we can find anything.” Judy and Rhinowhitz walked to the lobby and a ram walked through the revolving door. Judy stopped short when she saw the cane in his hand. “It’s you!” The ram straightened “Oh, Hello Judy!” “Is everything alright?” “Yes actually, I’m just startng my new job today!” Judy frowned “What’s that?” “Police Chaplin.” The ram smiled. “If you want to talk again my door is always open.” Judy raised an eyebrow as the ram continued on. *********************************************************** Nick and Fangemyer travelled together in silence. The radio occasionally responded about police positions, but there was no other noise in the vehicle. “How long you been on the force?” Nick finally asked. Fangmyer gave the fox a quick glance and turned her eye’s back on the road stopping and a red light and turning on her left signal. “Five years.” She murmured. There was silence for a moment “There was quite a bit of interest in recruiting predators to the police enforcement. There was advocates for stronger representation in the police ratio of prey to pred in the precinct.” Nick quietly nodded. “I guess it starts at the bottom before it changes at the top for these things. Attitudes and all. When I was a kid, mammals would scoff at the idea of having a lion as major.” Fangmyer opened her mouth to say something then a voice perked up over the radio. “We have a 911 emergency call for an armoured car robbery on Jackelson Street.” Nick glanced at the GPS. “We’re pretty close.” The lights went green. Fangmyer flicked on the siren and sped down the street. Coming up of Jackelson Street they saw the armoured car with doors flared open on the side of the street. They saw several mammals standing around it in body armour and in the uniforms of the guards. On seeing the cruiser, a few waved them down. The officers pulled over. A moose in uniform strolled over. “What’s going on?” Fangmyer asked “Well, the vehicle lost control and went onto a driveway after that the doors popped open.” The moose explained. “Had just enough time to turn and hit the panic button before I got struck by some kind of painful shock.” “Was anything taken?” Nick asked. “Surprisingly, only a diamond from one of the lockboxes. Everything else was untouched.” Nick and Fangmyer looked at each other and turned to the back of the vehicle. There was nothing in sight. “Waita minute…” Nick murmured and bent down and sniffed. His nose travelled around one of the benches in the back he glanced at the spot and then straightened. “There…” he pointed The tiger lowered herself. She saw a barely visible smudge on the floor. She sniffed it cautiously. “Ice Cream…” She turned and looked up the fox. “Something left at the crime scene at long last! We’ve got something!” *************************************************************** ZPD precinct “Frozen Yogurt.” “What?....” “This substance is Frozen Yogurt.” The monotone voice of the goat did little to liven Nicks mood. “No DNA?” “No.” “No hair?” “No.” “No nails?” “No.” “No ball?” The goat turned wordlessly and walked away. Nick shook his head. He returned to the squad room and closed the door behind them. “Frozen Yogurt!” He announced. “….and nothing else we can find about it.” Everyone in the room sighed. All the rest of the squad felt this look at defeat. There was a knock on the door. Nick turned. Rhinowhitz turned the handle. Seeing no mammal in front of him, he looked down. Standing before him was a grey rabbit in a black suit and tie. He frowned. The rabbit started speaking first. “Good Morning.” “Good Morning.” Rhinowhitz returned “Can I assume I am addressing, Detective Rhinowhitz?” “Yes… That’s right.” “Excellent.” The rabbit pulled out a leather wallet “I am Agent Savage of the ZBI, I am here to inform you that this case is now under the jurisdiction of the Bureau and we will be requiring all information that you have gathered so far.” None of the squad answered for a moment as they had never had a rabbit that displayed such a commanding tone. Judy broke the silence. “Uh… I’m Officer Hopps…” “I know.” “I…” she paused with a frown. “Can you give us a reason why this is reassigned?” she finished. “We have reason to believe that the ‘group’ you’re following is connected to a wider operation that we’ve been tracing for months and we would very much like it to have a stable situation when we progress in closing their operation.” Nick raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying we’re shakin’ the tree too much?” “Indeed. We will include you in on this operation but it will be on a need-to-know basis.” “There’s been a lot in this case that hasn’t added up.” Rhinowhitz murmured. “These mammals are organized and dangerous. We have means to deal with these mammals that the ZPD is unprepared for.” No ego stroking here Nick thought The rest of the morning was taken in relaying Savage the footage, the notes from their interview and the crime scenes. The rabbit did not provide any information about the group or go into any detail with the questions they asked. Nick looked up at the clock. “Time for some lunch.” He murmured “Something sweet I think.” His mind cringed at the thought of that frozen yogurt. He knew it was frozen yogurt when he smelt it with his acute sense of smell, but no DNA or other evidence. There was something distinct about that scent. It was frozen yogurt, lycee flavoured… a fair amount of sugar… Some kind of syrup. He could remember tasting that syrup.He snapped his finger. La Bambi Frozen Treats… “Nick?” Judy asked “You still with us?” “Hmmm?.... Yes, I was thinking of going out for lunch today. A nice bit of stag beetle grub casserole I think…” ***************************************************** Twilights bags were packed and slung over her shoulders. She winced a bit as she had a “touch of the sun” on her skin. “I was thinking we could pick up a pie together at Sweet Apple Acres before we call this vacation officially over.” “Sure it’s going to fit in our schedule Twi?” Sunset sniggered. “No.” Twilight chucked “Applejacks pies are starting to get into a few cafes around Canterlot now.” “Above working in the school, maintaining the farm and baking pies, I don’t know how she does it…” Starlight murmured. Twilight turned towards the statue pedestal. “Maybe next time we take Applejack with us huh?” ********************************************************** After taking the bus and walking several blocks he finally found the building. The Old La Bambi factory. A cult could be selling frozen treats to raise funds. I like the way these guys think Nick had tasted the frozen yogurt variety when he was fifteen soon after the company went bust.It seemed just as derelict as before. It’s location near the jewelry thefts put it in question though. Nick quietly slipped around the fence to a side gate.He saw the padlock on the gate Organized and dangerous, my tail… He turned and checking for anymammal around, quietly picked the look with his dewclaw before slipping through the gate. He saw an open window near the back of the building. With little effort he moved swiftly up the drainpipe and glanced through the window. He could hear voices up the other end of the building. He jumped through the window and grabbed onto the catwalk above the large vats in the factory.He could see several contained large containers of ice cream. Best not to fall. Fox flavoured ice creams don’t sell all that well. Nick crept across the catwalk to the other side of the factory. Nick looked down from the rafters. He could see that the members of this “Colt Cult” was made up of a bison as well as a snow leopard he could see that they were placing a number of the stolen jewellery in an interesting pattern in a circle. Nick scratched his chin. Must be an initiation ceremony to demonstrate the power of each of the members. One of the “Coltists” spoke. The horse in the centre of the circle. He shuffled forward leaning on a cane. He could tell from the coat pattern that it was Phillip. “Now it is time for power to be balanced once again, with the strength of Hoaris and our dedication to justice.” Nick frowned. This horse had made his voice sound like he was speaking with some kind of unearthly ambience. I like the theatrics. A cult leader has to sound convincing. Really toned up the smoke and mirrors. The stallion held up a large tankard of water and raised his head. “The city of seasons will provide the power of Hoaris to return and the claim on the rightful order.” Phillip poured the water into the circle of gems and it quickly filled to a puddle. The colours of the gemstones seemed to shine. As the water began to fill with ripples to spread throughout the water. The reflections disappeared as the water turned almost white. Nick could see it almost shimmering in the darkness. The fox watched with a slack jaw. Suddenly the surface of the water was broken by a gasping figure and Nick saw a small bear emerge from the pool. “What?” it gasped. It’s eyes blinked with incomprehension as it tried to get rid of the water pouring down its clothes. “What?! What’s going on?” That’s it. I’m calling it. Nick pulled his phone out when a scream made him look up as the bear was hit with some kind of tranqulliser dart. “Get her to the truck.” Phillip instructed the bulls. The muscular bolvines hauled the semi-conscious bear into the truck. She still moaned and turned her head from side to side. Come on reception! RECEPTION! He saw the bars flick up and he hit “Judy Hopps” in his contacts. It started ringing. “Hello?” “Judy! I’m at the La Bambi Ice Treat factory! I need to…” “Sorry Nick I didn’t catch that… what?” Nick gasped as the sound of screeching filled his ears. Oh…Bats! Nick turned and ran down the catwalk “La Bambi! It’s the old La Bambi… argk!” A bat brushed past him loosing his grip on his phone. Nick cursed as it disappeared into an icecream vat. He gasped as one of the bats hit his shoulder and and saw the flash of fangs. “Oh no! No biting! No biting!” He leapt off the cat walk onto a pile of crates then flipped onto the concrete floor. He dashed for the door. He extended his paws as the door handle rushed to meet him. He yelled as a large paw closed around his tail. He was hurled off his feet. Dangling by his tail. He saw the fierce expression of a jaguar look back. Nick saw the scar along his jawline. “Gnasher…” Nick stammered. “Heard you were on parole…You’re a new believer too, huh?” “Mr. Big would have my hide if he heard I ended you’re sniveling existence” The jaguar seethed. “but…” Nick yelped as the strode towards the circle with him waving through the air like a rag doll. “…there are other avenues we can explore to dispose of you.” Nick craned his head and saw the glittering pool beneath him. He winced as a voice seemed to pierce his head resonate throghtout his head. “You curious Fox, your time is closing, Your city of swindling, slinking and nosing… No! Stop this! Who are you? Hope you enjoy your means to prance, Tell Celestia that she still cannot dance.” Nick shook his head as the voice died down. Nick yelled as he was suddenly swung by his tail through the air and hurled into the pool of water. “ARRRRRR-“ Chapter 4: An Unexpected Traveller“-RRHGH. Oof!” Twilight tried to regain her hooves as she got ejected out of the mirror. She groaned as she reoriented her hooves with the floor. A wave of dizziness washed over her. “Oh wow… What happened?” she stammered. “I feel like I got caught on the runaway at the Wonderbolts headquarters.” “I don’t know” Sunset answered “I feel like I wrenched my neck and got hit in the gut…” “Mmmm… I feel like a bunch of mice went river dancing through one ear and out the other…” “Huh?” Twilight turned Lying next to them was a pegasus stallion with a blood orange coat and bright blue coloured mane. Twilight looked around with rising fear. “Where’s Starlight?” “What?” said Sunset Twilight looked at the stranger and raised him off the ground with her magic. “What happened? Who are you? Where’s Starlight?!” The strange stallion groaned again. He blinked as his eyes began to focus. There was the clutter of hooves and Twilight saw Pinkie Pie and Rarity enter the library. “Oooh!” said Pinkie Pie “You bought a friend back with you?!” “I don’t know this pony, Pinkie!” Twilight replied, “He came through the portal and we thought Starlight was just behind us!” “Princess Twilight.” Sunset said “ Do you think he was passing by the statue when we went through and followed us?” “Huh?” The stranger murmured. “Pony’s?..... Portals?.....” He looked up his eye’s narrowed. “Princess?!” Twilight set the stallion down on his rump and asked again: “Where is Starlight?” “I don’t follow…” he answered “STARLIGHT! Have you seen her?” “Umm… Wish I may, wish I might?” “Starlight Glimmer!” Sunset exclaimed “Do you know what happened to her?!” The stallion turned to her. “Still don’t follow! Animal?... Vegetable?... Mineral?” “A pony called Starlight Glimmer. My student. Went through the portal with us. Have you seen her?!” Twilight stated “Oh….. you’re asking about another PONY!” Everyone in the room waited for him to speak. “….Sorry, I don’t know a Starlight Glimmer.” The stallion finished. Everyone sighed. The stallion raised an eyebrow and a small smile touched his face. “Is this some kind of new hipster trend you’ve all done with your fur? Really interesting…. but I might have to book you for indecency…” Nick groaned “ Gah! Why is everything so bright and why does my head feel heavy and why do I…?” He trailed off. Reason being, he raised his right hoof to rub his forehead and he froze when he felt it touch his face. His eyes widened and he slowly turned to look at it. He stared at the hoof attached to his arm. “What is…?” He looked down at his body. “OOOOHH MY …GAH!” He gasped as his wings suddenly whipped out from the shock and he gasped and his head turned when he heard them cutting through the air. “WHAT THE…?” He tried to get to his feet. “WHAT THE HECK AM I?!” He tried to stand on his back hooves, but his centre of balance was completely off and he landed on his back with his wings still fluttering around his ears. “Hooves. Check. Tail. Check…” he muttered He grunted and a short whinny escaped “Equine vocal chords check. The wings really stump me, but no halo so…” He looked at Twilight. “What exactly am I?” “You’re a Pegasus.” “What?” “I’m a Unicorn, well actually not anymore I’m an ali…” “No!” “What?” “There’s no such thing as unicorns!” “Hey!” “No,no! Stop talking!” “But…” “Stop talking!” The stallion threw an arm over his eyes. “Um…” “Shh! This is just a mess up dream! The stress of the job has finally got to me!” The pony’s looked at the stallion on the floor covering his eyes for about a minute. “You still there?” the stallion asked. “Yes!” said everypony in the room. “You’re not mascots for some soda company?” “No!” The stallion let out another sigh and put his arm down. “Why am I a pony again?” he asked “That’s what the portal does when you pass through.” Twilight verified “Well, in the first place I didn’t ‘pass through’, I was chucked in. Secondly: Where are my clothes and thirdly…. WHY?!” “Well…I guess it’s the way you can walk around without startling the creatures that live in other worlds…” Twilight said “I went through the first time, I found it pretty disturbing to begin with.” “The ‘no clothes’ part or the species mutation part?” “Well, we don’t really wear clothes…” Twilight shrugged “I guess the mirror decides what’s suitable when you pass through.” The stallion pushed himself up to a seated position with his front hooves spread out to his sides. “So…you do this regularly?” “Only once in a blue moon…” Twilight chuckled lightly. Sunset gave a small smile. “Does… that mean I’ll go back to normal if I go back through?” “Well…yes…but…?” “Okay! Great! I’ve got a few things to sort out, and I’ll…” He paused “…make… a … report?” He trailed off. He cast a look to the ponies in the room. “I’ll figure this out later!” He continued “There’s some crooks into some weird stuff, but I can…” He tapped his hoof against the glass on the mirror. “Uh… is it supposed to let me in?” “It is…” Twilight touched the mirror. “Okay… somethings wrong.” “Do you have to clap your paws or something?” Clop! Clop! “Gah!” He jumped He sighed “Oh. I forgot I had hooves…” “The portal’s… closed.” “…But you can get it working?” Twilight turned. “Not straight away…” she said. “How long will it take?” “I’m not sure…” The stallion gave her an incredulous look and let out a loud sigh. “Would you like to sit down, Darling?” Rarity gently asked. She indicated to a reading chair next to the mirror. “I think I will…” the stallion sighed He clambered up onto the cushion and sunk back into the padded backing. “How about we introduce ourselves first?” Rarity continued. “My name’s Rarity.” The others moved forward and sat down. “I’m Twilight Sparkle.” “I’m Sunset Shimmer.” “I’m Pinkie Pie!” The russet stallion was quiet for a moment. He looked across the room to each of them. “Wilde. My name’s Nick Wilde.” He sighed. Pinkie Pie turned quietly and whispered to Twilight. “Nick Wilde? Where he comes from has really strange names…” “Perhaps you can tell us how you got here…” Rarity continued. “Sounds like a good place to start…” A few minutes later “Then I got thrown into the water, and I came through here…” “Hmmm… so this colt seemed to know about equestrian magic.” “He said something interesting as well.” Nick frowned. “Does the name Horais mean anything?” “No… That doesn’t sound familiar” “Okay… how about Celestia?” Everyone in the room gave the new stallion their full attention, if they were daydreaming about cupcakes then it was suddenly cut short. Nick raised an eyebrow. “Okay… good.” He reached down and sighed. “Clothes got vaporised in the portal as well as my notebook.” He frowned “My phone too!” He looked back up “Who is this Celestia?” He asked “She’s the Princess. The ruler of Equestria!” Twilight exclaimed. “Now that is interesting…” Nick mused. “Any chance I can get an audience with this princess?” “Well, she’s at a conference in Manehattan at the moment.” “Alright… annnd you’re a princess too, so does that make you the next in line?” “NO!...uhhh… yes… um… uh…” Nick held her gaze with a perplexed expression. “She rules with her sister.” Twilight finished “So… she shares responsibility with her sister for the throne?” “That’s right!” “And… you’re a princess with other responsibilities?” “Yes!” Twilight lifted her head. “As the princess of Friendship I uphold the elements of harmony and ensure that every creature gets along no matter how different they can be” She smiled “Plus we run a school of friendship where we work on the magic of friendship.” Nick raised an eyebrow. “Sounds pretty full on….” He murmured. Great. Another idealist. Nick raised his head to the ceiling. “Okay. So…… we got interdimensional crooks in Zootopia?!” He shook his head. “Well that changes things… gonna have to bring Savage in on this.” “So what kind of place is this Zootopia?” “Well, I’ve never ever known that ponies could come in so many different colours…, but… uh… there are many different animals there. Ponies included.” He replied. “It’s the only place in our world where all sorts of creatures can live side-by-side. Last count I think there were about five hundred different species in the city…” “Oh!” Twilight’s eye’s sparkled with interest “Well, we got a number of creatures that live here. Ponies, Griffins, Yaks,…” “Oh. Got them!” Nick exclaimed “Changelings, Buffalos… “Them too!” “Dragons…” “Dragons?!” “You have dragons?” “No, but we have stories about them.” Nick said “Big, scary, firebreathing lizards that snap up little kits and take em to their cave.” “Hey, Twilight!” said a new voice “I got some cross-referencing done and there were several passages about the Cycad Constellation that you would find interesting.” Nick saw what looked like a stack of books with a pair of purple scaly legs and wings. “Good to see you back by the way!” the voice finished Spike put down the books and turned to the ponies in the room. He stopped when he saw Nick. “Who’s this?” “Hi Spike.” Twilight said. “This is Nick.” Spike frowned at the gaping Pegasus. “Is he okay?” “He’s just a little frazzled. First-time cross world traveller!” Pinkie Pie smiled. “Oh, well I’m a dragon and Princess Twilights assistant!” Spike puffed his chest out. “Need anything just ask me!” “Thanks…” Nick offered a hoof. “So where you from?” Spike shook his hoof “Zootopia… The city of Zootopia” “Wow! This is exciting!” Spike exclaimed “Shall get a message written up? I know that Celestia and Luna will be interested in meeting you!” “Draft a letter to Starswirl too Spike.” Twilight added. “I think that he would be helpful in restoring the mirror.” Spike gave a salute and flew out the door. Author's Note The fox has landed! Chapter 5: A walk in Ponyville“Can I offer you something to eat?” Twilight asked “That would be nice…” Nick answered. “Ooooohh That would be great!” Pinkie pie squeed “ I got cupcakes, I got donuts, I got fairy floss….” Pinkie Pie’s eye’s widened.“I’ve got enough to throw a “Welcome to Equestria Party! EEEEEEEEEEE!” “Pinkie! I don’t think he…” With that Pinkie Pie disappeared out the door. “…Would want a party right now…” Rarity dashed after Pinkie Pie. Nick looked at the empty space where the pink pony had been and began to chuckle. “That’s okay, Princess. I know a cheetah back home with the same kind of naught-to-sixty kind of personality. Although… can’t say the same for him physically.” Spike came back with two scrolls. One significantly bigger than the other. “I got two replies already. Starswirls currently visiting Yakyakistan and Luna has is just a response that she wouldn’t be disturbed when she’s sleeping.” Twilight sighed “Oh. Well, I thought that with the sunset being so close she would be willing to come.” Twilight shrugged and turned to Nick. Twilight opened the scroll from Starswirl. “He’s written a lot of questions to ask you…”Twilight said. “and so do I! Perhaps we can talk about things.” “Sure.” Twilight was quiet for a moment “Starlight?” Nick nodded. “I can only assume that the wolverine that they pulled out of the puddle was Starlight. “ Nick replied. “I don’t know why they took her, but I know that they didn’t hurt her.” “Whoever did this must have planned this somehow. There isn’t anypony in Zootopia that knows about magic?” “I can honestly tell you that no-mammal I know could perform the things I saw in that warehouse.” Twilight glanced at Starwhirl’s scroll then placed it on the table. “We can work on restoring the mirror properly when Starswirl and the other princess arrive, but in the meantime perhaps you’d like to rest?” *********************************************************** Princess Twilight walked through the darkened hallways of her castle. It was a small affair as the crystals illuminated the passageways well. Coming to the library, she busily started looking through the books that lined the shelf about ancient Equestrian rulers. She had this idea nagging her at the back of her mind where she might have seen the book. There were annals about the seasons within the period before Luna’s banishment. Starswirls ingenuity of ridding Equestria of the sirens lead to further research into creating links into other worlds. The creation of the mirror was the result of numerous unicorns into the matter. There were even accounts chronicling the journeys that ponies undertook to different worlds. The cities they had seen. The strange and fascinating creatures they had met. Such things were abandoned with the rise of King Sombra and later attempts by other magical creatures to overthrow the princesses. Twilight found several faded copies of the books of stories from that period. She browsed through the pages about what the inter-dimensional explorers used to summon portals. She was sure that there were details about creating a link, but… “Oh…” she whispered. Lord Tirek. When her library was destroyed, a great many of her collection was burned in the battle. That copy of the Equestrian Annals was gone. She had to go back to the library in Canterlot. There had to be some copy for such an essential time period… “Find anything?” “WAAHH!” Twilight spun around with a light on the tip of her horn Nick shut his eye’s and threw his arm over his face. “Ow!” “How did you? But you… What were you doing out here?!” “I couldn’t sleep.” Nick shrugged. “But… when we were talking before I saw that look in your eye like you were thinking of something important. I was out for a late night stroll and then saw you moving down the hallway.” Nick frowned “If you did find something, I would be pretty anxious to hear it.” Twilight frowned. She could believe she couldn’t hear him up the hallways. “There is an account in the pre-classical period that made me think of what you went through coming to Equestria. Unfortunately, I think the copy is in Canterlot right now.” “Right.” “I’m just glad Rarity stopped Pinkie before she got to the whole town coming to my doorstep.” Twilight smiled.“Well… I’ll try going to sleep again. Got a lot to do tomorrow.” Nick nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you in the morning then.” Nick nodded and walked down the hallway. Twilight watched him go. She was feeling a little unsettled by this newcomer. Nick finally did fall asleep. When he did he dreamed. He dreamt of himself strolling down Savanna Central with a coffee in hand. No other mammal paid him much attention, as usual. A goat with a black and tan coat colour and wearing a satin dress glanced at him for a second and then continued down the sidewalk. Before he knew it, he was in Tundra Town, his favourite halibut restaurant was on the corner and he took in its mouth-watering scent. When he crossed the road at the walk signal, he quickly noticed that every mammal was looking at him. He open his mouth to say something, but then he realised that he was walking on all fours. He looked down and saw two hooves. “Wha…?” The mammals in the crowd looked at him with fear and suspicion. His worst fears became reality when they swarmed him as an angry crowd. “Argh!” He found himself flying as he instinctively flapped his wings. He saw the crowd beneath him. Including that goat from Savannah Central. He glanced over the city and saw a small rabbit jumping out of a cruiser with flashing lights strutting towards the crowd. “Carrots!” He dived forward. Then everything went black as he hurtled towards the streets below. Nick found himself in an unfamiliar room made of dark crystal with a window, desk and several posters with “Wonderbots” emblazoned on them. He glanced back up at the roof and pressed his eye’s shut together. He put his head down towards his chest. He opened his eyes and saw a blue horse’s tail. “That hardly compensates…” He sighed. “Well, hopefully I might get home today…” He tried roll over onto his hooves, but as he raised his head part of his mane fell over his face. He grunted and tried to toss it back and raised his left hoof. He crawled towards the edge of the bed. He heard the dull sound of his hooves connecting with the floor as he made his way to the door. He passed by a mirror set up next to a wardrobe. He saw a Pegasus with a sour expression and unkempt hair. He tried to press his hair down with his hoof to make it a bit more dignifying. He tossed his head back. That seemed to help. His mane still looked like a frazzled blue mop. He stretched his arms and flexed his shoulders. His wings rose from his sides. He stopped at the sight of his wings spread out. He relaxed them and they fell to his sides. He raised an eyebrow. He flexed his wings again. He stretched them out as far as they could go. He grinned. A set of flat equine teeth grined back at him. He flared his wings out suddenly then dropped them. He flared them again and he hissed at the pony in the mirror. “Ya think you’re leaving Jurrassic Park pal?” he chuckled. He dropped his wings and tried to fold them again. “Well, hippy hop off we trot…” Nick murmured He pushed the door open and made his way down the hallways to the front door. He needed some coffee. “Hey Nick!” Nick turned. He saw the small purple dragon walking down the stairs. “Spike… right?” “Yep!” he smiled. Nick glanced at the small dragon. “Did you sleep well?” Spike asked “Well you know… this palace does have some plush beds. I’m a little hoarse though…” “Oh. Well, it’s spring so you might get a bit of hayfever. I know it doesn’t affect me that much since I’m a dragon, but…” he trailed off when he saw the look on Nick’s face. A small smile and a raised eyebrow. “Oh…” Spike burst out laughing. “Oh horse!” Spike laughed. “Hee hee hee…” he trailed off at Nicks deadpan look. “…I guess it takes a bit of getting used to.” He shrugged “That it does, buddy. That it does.” “So… what kind of animal were you before you came here?” “I AM a fox and I think I would very much like to get back ASAP.” He turned to Spike. “As much as it is an interesting experience having hooves and a set of wings, I really miss the comforts of home.” “That’s understandable. I actually went through with Twilight for the first time through the portal to the human world and I ended up becoming a dog. I think I got a bit of a taste for those biscuits now.” “A dog, huh?” If I were even a squirrel. Why a pony? “What’s a human?” Nick asked “Oh… it’s a …two-legged creature with long limbs and lots of fingers on each hand. They don’t have any fur other than the small part on their head.” “Hmmm…” Nick frowned. “They sound pretty weird…” “We got on with them pretty well.” Spike laughed “Know any places that serve coffee around here?” “Sure um… pretty sure they have some at the market place.” Spike tapped his chin “I think the arabica stall would be the best place to go.” “Mind if we go out and stretch my legs?” “Uhh… I don’t see why not… Twilight’s still sleeping and it might be a while before she get’s up.” “Morning!” Said a lime coloured filly as they walked past. “Morning…” Nick replied. “Morning!” said an amethyst coloured Stallion “Morning…” Said Nick He looked down the main street. It was actually quite refreshing. Most mammals in Zootopia wouldn’t give him a second glance. A shadow moved overhead. Nick looked up and saw two Pegasus circling the skies. He followed their flight and saw the castle and the large school beside it with its waterfalls and fountains. He had to admit, it was pretty. “Quite a nice town…” Nick observed. “I’m not really the country type, but I reckon it seems pretty slow around here…” The small dragon snickered. “What?” Nick raised an eyebrow “Oh, you’d be surprised.” Spike answered “Wait long enough in Ponyville, things can happ…” Whump! Nick felt a displacement of air as an orange and maroon blur whipped by him.He turned and saw that Spike was no longer beside him. Turning around he saw Spike groaning on the ground as an orange filly with a helmet on struggled to her hooves. There was a scooter on the ground just next to her. “Hey!” Nick yelled and ran towards the pair. “What do you think you’re doing?!” “I’m sorry” stammered the filly “I didn’t mean…” “Just how fast were you going?!” “I…I…I” “Does this look like BMX track to you?!” “I… what?” “It’s okay Nick.” Spike cried “This happens all the time. I’m fine!” “That’s still no excuse!” The filly looked a little shocked by Nick’s barrage. Nick sighed and dropped his tone. “You need to think about who’s walking down the street when you’re in town, girl.” He said evenly. “Otherwise you’re gonna be hurting other pedestrians.” “I’m sorry!” the filly stammered. “I was just so excited! Rainbow Dash said I could be her assistant for her class and I just… forgot.” “Well, try to get there in one piece now. ‘K?” “Okay.” Said the filly “I’m sorry Spike.” “That’s okay, Scootaloo.” Nick turned. “Hey! You don’t have a cutie mark!” Scootaloo exclaimed “A what-what?” “A cutie mark! How come you haven’t got one? You’re a stallion! You mean you haven’t found your special talent yet?” “I have a variety of talents for your information…” Nick replied “Is getting coffee one of them?” Scootaloo frowned. “But… you’re a blank flank…” Nick considered the mark on the filly’s flank. The mark on her flanks seemed like a family emblem. “I need a bit of caffeine before I start talking about skin art…” he sighed. “I’ve got to keep going, sorry girl.” Spike looked at Scootaloo and shrugged and then followed the stallion. Scootaloo watched the stallion go with a curious look on her face. “One Saddle Arabica Brusha! Enjoy!” The smiling attendant extended a cup of the aromatic brown brew in his hoof. Nick reached out and extended his hoof. He held it upright and the pony placed his cup in the centre of his hoof. Nick shifted his other front leg and began to move. I hope the princess get’s that mirror up and running. I don’t know how much more I can take of this. He put the cup to his lips and drank. He swirled the rich brew in this mouth and gratefully swallowed. He sighed in satisfaction. He turned and saw Spike pick up a cup of tea. “I’ll pay you back Spike, buddy. This is one good cup.” “Oh, don’t worry. I mean you can’t really pay me back if you aren’t making money right?” Don’t you worry about me Spike, my boy. “We should probably get back. Twilight might have already woken up and getting ready for the school day.” “Right. Let’s go then.” “Oh My!” Nick nearly lost his balance on his coffee. He turned and saw a familiar pearl coated, heavily-perfumed, purple maned mare. “I’m so glad you came out to see Ponyville! I dare say you would have had a fantastic tour with Spike!” “Oh.” Nick replied “It was more of a coffee run than a tour. Spike had a bit of a run in with some crazy filly on a scooter.” “Well, is there anything that I can do to make you feel more comfortable?” Rarity exclaimed “I know this must be simply dreadful being in a place you know nothing about.” Rarity pulled out the packages she was carrying. “I was getting some fabric with some tartan patterns for my new line. I think there would be more variety of fabrics available next week though” Nick frowned. “You make clothes?” he asked. “Why yes I…” Rarity stopped. “Oh. You mentioned you lost come clothes coming to Equestria, maybe we could find something that would suit you.” Nick thought for a moment. “You know actually that would be really good…” Nick answered. “Not sure if we should stay long. The princess might be a little worried with me going AWOL…” 45 minutes later “I dunno… I found those dress uniforms really tight around the neck… maybe the collars too much.” Nick was standing in the middle of several mirrors with a leather- brown jacket being adjusted over his shoulders. Standing in front of the mirrors he had to admit, he did make a pretty good stallion in the right outfit. Rarity loosened the collar and started pulling pins out of the collar. “Hmmm… something that’s practical, but not too casual…” “That’s better.” He had a navy blue jacket over his shoulders with a tie and a light grey shirt underneath with a satin black tie. A brown pair of pants with large pocket flaps on the sides. “That jacket does accentuate your mane.” Rarity murmured. Nick turned in front of the mirrors again with a smug smile. “I think that should be fine.” Nick saw a rack with some sunglasses arranged on them. “Oh wait… one more thing.” He plucked some aviators from the stand and placed them on his muzzle over his eye’s. “Perfect.” Nick brushed at his mane with his hoof. “I need to do something about this hair…” 15 minutes later “…And then I’m like… ‘Hey Rainbow why don’t you show me your expertise on cloud clearing?’ and she’s like … ‘Nope get off your flank and start pushing clouds’ and I say ‘What about stretching? I mean this obviously requires a lot of strain on your wings and upper body’ and she’s like ‘ It’s clouds, there’s nothing too it! I’ll show ya’ and she starts moving a cloud and I’m like ‘Good to know, maybe I should let the experts do their job. The sky looks so much better with you in it.’ And you know what she does?” Nick sat back in the wide chair of the hairdressing saloon as strands of his mane fell on the tiled floor. “Nah buddy. What’d she do?” “She zaps me with a storm cloud! I mean obviously I’m giving her a compliment! I mean, What girl doesn’t like a little ‘affirmation’”? “Some girls don’t recognise appreciation.” “I know right!” He bent over. “So just part that mane on the right side?” “Yeah, that’ll be fine.” “Fine? I take pride in my work! Obviously, this topknot declares somepony with sophis-tica-tion when it comes to hair stylin’.” “I think she should be flattered that you’re interested in her…” “Exactly!” The pegasus stallion exclaimed. “Well, you’re done. Just a trim, but you sure you don’t want any of ma signature touches? Beads? Colours?” “No thanks…” “Okay! The light green pegasus stallion put down his scissors. “Well… Nick. Thanks for coming in.” “No problems Zephyr. Anytime.” Rarity got up from her chair in the front of the shop and put down the magazine she was reading.There was the sound of stomach rumbles. Spike blushed and patted his belly. “Haven’t you had breakfast yet?” Rarity exclaimed. “I dunno…. Maybe we should be getting back to that castle.” 30 minutes later “Then these two stags ended up with their antlers tangled up in the alley!” Nick sniggered. “I mean. They both tried to run through the alley at the same time.” Spike laughed. “I mean if you’re going to steal a bike in the middle of the night, leave it to the nocturnals!” Nick smiled. “Doesn’t sound boring being a police officer!” Rarity chuckled. Nick shrugged. “Paper work aside, things never really go according to plan.” Nick took another slice of toast with his hoof. The movement was starting to get easier “Hmmm… So what kind of foods do foxes eat in your world?” Rarity asked. “Oh a lot of different things. I’ve got a weakness for berries. My mom’s witchetty-grub casserole is always a favourite of mine.” “I beg your pardon. Did you say grubs?” “Yeah, a lot of predators eat fish or bugs for protein or in rare occasions chicken or birds.” Spike and Rarity looked at each other with an expression of disgust. Nick tapped his chin. “So uhhh… just out of interest… are there anything here that eats well… ponies?” “Oh you needn’t worry about that darling!” Rarity exclaimed. “All the monsters stay in the Everfree forest far across the fields there.” “There’s Roc’s, they’re enormous eagles, there’s manticores and hydras, timberwolves are pretty nasty.” Spike counted off his fingers. Nick raised an eyebrow. “Do you know about a creature with a goats head and mismatched horns, snake tail, lions paw and a talon?” Nick asked “Oh that’s a draconequss!” Spike exclaimed. Spike’s face suddenly fell, and he turned. “Discord doesn’t come to town all that often…” he said warily. He saw Discord hovering above the crowd and saw a familiar yellow Pegasus beside him. At that moment caught a flash of blue in the corner of his eye. Spike turned. A small blue jay landed on the table. Nick looked at it for a moment. “That’s a bird…” “Yeah…” said Spike “I’ve never seen one before…” “They don’t have birds in Zootopia?” “Not recently. They got scarce around Zootopia when animals started trying other food sources then eating other mammals.” Nicked nudged some crumbs off his plate to the bird. The blue jay considered the pony for a moment, then hopped over and started pecking at the crumbs on the table. “Well, Discord…” Rarity said as a shadow passed over the table. “How are you doing today?” Hovering in the air Discord looked at her with a sour expression. “Disappointed. Actually…” he murmured. He looked up. “Everything is painfully and pathetically normal! No warped reality! No endless wormholes! I definitely felt a rift in the space time continuum around here!” He sniffed. “Honestly, I’m starting to get a little bored…” He turned to look back up the main street and hovered higher to get a better look around. Spike swallowed. A yellow Pegasus with a pink mane trotted to the groups table . “Alardo!” she cried The blue jay looked up and gave the yellow Pegasus a look. Nick chuckled. “Is that what “Pips” here is called?” “Oh… yes. I thought he would like to see the town and he got a little excited.” Spike stood up. “This is Fluttershy!” “Oh yeah… hello!” she quietly answered. Nick pushed his aviators down his muzzle showing his eye’s. “I’m Nick.” He smiled. “Nice to meet you…” Fluttershy answered “There you are!” The group turned and saw a slightly annoyed Sunset Shimmer towards them. “Nick just wanted to step out for some coffee…” Spike murmured “It took me almost an hour to find you!” Sunset exclaimed. “Seriously! Twilight must be waiting at the school wondering where you got to!” “Yeah… you’re right, we should probably be getting back.” Nick shrugged “Thanks for the tour around Ponyville Spike.” “No problem.” “And thanks for all the trouble you went to Rarity. I’ll pay you back when I get the chance.” “You’re welcome darling!” “AND SCOOTALOO WILL YOU STOP FOLLOWING ME?!” There was a small squeak of surprise behind the hedgerow near the tables and chairs. An orange head emerged. “How… how did you?” “In my line of work it’s a good skill to notice yourself being followed. Didn’t your Mom tell you not to follow strangers?” “My mom’s uh…” “Just go with your friends Scoot, I won’t be here long enough for you to worry about.” Scootaloo frowned and looked up. “Why are you here?” “Very thoughtful question, but I am here because I took a wrong stop at the train. As soon as it’s fixed I’ll be on my way.” Scootaloo looked at Nick with narrow eye’s and then galloped down the street. Nick sighed and looked at the others. “Come on, let’s go…” Rarity, Spike and Sunset all made their way up the street. Nick started walking when he felt something land on his back. He turned to see the blue jay sitting just behind his whithers. Nick raised an eyebrow. “What? I got no more crumbs.” The bird nestled itself on his back. Nick rolled his eyes. “Fine. But this is a brand-new jacket, so you only things I want to see you leave just feathers…”
Chapter 1: A world awayStarlight Glimmer felt an excited shiver down her spine as she looked again around the vast chamber. The restricted archives of Canterlot were accessed only by the few. Starlight's knowledge of magic made her valuable in cataloguing the precious contents on its shelves under the watchful eye of Princess Celestia. Today they were packing, not reading, books. There were many to be cleaned and rebound due to dust and mildew that had leaked into the library in the past thousand years of the castle’s existence. Many of the archives were known only to the Celestial Sisters and the secrets they contained were still dangerous if left unchecked. She felt very proud that they allowed her to be a part of this project. “I still think that we should find time to reclassify these books to locate them easier.” Starlight turned to Twilight Sparkle who was lending her librarian experience into the simple matter of storing the books, but she was over enthusiastic to take the next step and organise them. Not to mention mentally reference them for future reading. “We should focus on the repairs to the walls of this library first.” Princess Celestia said “Then we can see properly about organising its contents.” “I wonder if we could use some more light in here…” Starlight murmured. She turned, and her horn glowed as she tried to remove a lit torch from its stand.She frowned as it didn’t budge. She moved closer and tried to move it again. This time it did, and it had some kind of chain attached. Starlight frowned as she held the torch with her magic. "Twilight?" Starlight said. Suddenly the floor moved underneath Starlight shuddered. Between the cracks in the pavement dust began to flow through. "Starlight?" Twilight answered. "What is it?" "It looks like I've found some kind of..." One of the paving stones slid out from under her hooves. Starlight was too surprised to cry out as she fell into the opening She fell head over hooves down the stairs before coming to rest on the floor in a cloud of dust. “Starlight!” she heard Twilight cry. "Are you okay?" Starlight stood and lit the end of her horn. It punctuated by the large amount of dust disturbed after a hundred years. “Uh. I’m okay.” She faintly replied. She groaned lit the end of her horn and got on her hooves. It felt like she only got a few bruises. There was nothing really significant in the room that she had fallen into. She turned and saw something in the corner. It looked like a package wrapped in some kind of oil paper. She lifted it up with her magic and gasped as it started to glow. She frowned and cautiously pulled back the packaging to reveal a jade coloured crystal. As she glanced at it, her magic illuminated the crystal showing her reflection staring back at her in the polished surface, The swirling colours of green seamed to be moving like ocean water. She brought it closer to look into the swirling colours. She reached out with her magic trying to grasp what she was looking at. Cold. Loneliness. Helplessness. Deep rage. Starlight gasped and drew her head away. “Starlight!” Starlight turned to see her mentor at the foot of the stairs. “What is that?” Twilight's eyes widened at the gleaming green crystal. “Careful!” cried Starlight. “I just felt something… terrible. Like an incredible sadness…” Twilight leviatated the crystal but, but the crystal faded. Twilight covered the crystal again with the oil paper. “I didn’t feel anything. But I reckon we should be careful in regard to mysterious artefacts.” She turned to Starlight. “Let’s show this to Celestia…” Both mares ascended the staircase. Celestia was approaching the opening in the floor with a look of concern on her face. “Princess, we’ve found something down there.” Twilight levitated the oil paper package. Celestia looked at it with interest and drew back the paper revealing the green crystal. Her eye’s widened with recognition. “A Catena Garnet…” she whispered. “I’m trying to think where I last saw this…” “What does it do?” Starlight gasped. “I put my horn to it and I got this surge of… sadness.” “You felt something?” Celestia looked at Starlight. “These Garnets were used to project thoughts and messages a long time ago. They could also collect the power of different unicorns to be projected as one spell.” She looked back at the crystal. “If you did feel something then…” She paused. “Then whose thoughts did I feel?” Starlight spluttered. “It was really scary…” She stopped when Celestia’s horn lit up and she placed it on the garnet. The garnet glowed again with the green ambiance. Twilight and Starlight waited for the princesses response. Celestias horn stopped glowing and she frowned. “I don’t feel anything in this…” “I definitely felt something!” Starlight insisted. “Whoever was using it might have stopped using it.” Celestia wrapped up the garnet again. “I’ll keep this with me, if the garnet becomes active again.” Far away in another land… Phil setting up his camera in front of the statue of Olmeus the Great. A powerful tiger ruler from the Second Dark Age. It was an image carved out of jade standing in full armour. He would have held a mace in his right paw, his weapon of choice, but it had broken off in the subsequent centuries. Olemeus was a King who had defeated armies of many surrounding cities, carving out a kingdom that first encompassed species of different climates and cultures. Nevertheless, he wrote down codes to defend the rights of all mammals within his kingdom. Predator or Prey. He understood that co-operation between species needed to exist if his kingdom if order was to be maintained. He planted crops and created a fishing fleet to satisfy the needs of predators and prey within his realm. He wrote laws punishing predators that hunted prey animals and prey that attacked predator species. His significance to paving the ideals that would eventually come to the establishment of Zootopia. It was often displayed at the Natural History Museum. He was glad that it was on loan to the Museum in the city of Hidesdale. Phil adjusted his camera and knelt down by the statue. The low angle gave Olemus an image of dominance. He looked at the photo on his camera. He frowned. He thought his camera was playing tricks on him. He thought it had seemed brighter in the photo. He looked closer, but didn’t see any change to the green crystal. He then leaned forward and placed a hoof on the statues torso. He felt a twinge in his hoof when he toughed it. He stepped back in surprise. He frowned and put his hoof against it again. Who are you? To speak again after silence for so long is a blessing in itself "I don’t understand… Where are you and what are you doing here?" Open your mind and listen to my voice and I will show you how you can be more than that your physical body can limit you. Phillip felt his anxiety filter away and a smile came to his lips. “ Hey! You know you shouldn’t touch that!” The snow leopard security guard approached him as Phil slid his hoof away from the stone lion. “To be in the presence of an artefact of one so brave is such a privilege.” Phil smiled. “It is so hard to contain myself.” The leopard frowned. “Well, You’ll have to find another way to contain it around here.” The leopard said gruffly. The stallion shrugged and moved towards the exit. His expression grew dark as he approached the doors. “I’ve been contained for too long” he murmured under his breath. Two Weeks later Lila curled up against the bin. There was pain in her eyes. The Malik Gang were coming. Every time she came home from school they would shout her out in the crowd. “Watch out! She might turn on you!” “Predator! Keep your distance!” There were even mammals in her class that said that it was just a matter of time before she went savage. Some of her old friends wouldn’t talk to her. She would usually hang out with other predators. They had all felt the same way. Some wanted to fight. She got into one at school with a calf and so she was held back in detention. Which meant she was late getting home. The Malik gang didn’t just taunt her tonight. They chased her. Which is why she was holding her knees and trying to be a small ball behind bins in an alley. She sat there frightened, waiting them to go away. Then, she saw a green shoot come out of a crack in the pavement. She blinked back her tears and looked at the seedling. To her astonishment, the plant wound its way out of the crack. Before her eye’s the plant grew leaves. Finally, a bud formed on the end. The green covering peeled back and the golden petals of a flower appeared. The petals fell open. Showing a beautiful flower in the cracked dirty pavement. Lila smiled. “There it is!” She yelled in fright as the bin behind her moved and a large boar loamed over her. The bin over his head. “Well, little pred. Time to teach you a lesson if you get any ideas of being the dominant species….” The two other boars chuckled. Lila skitted back and until the wall behind her prevented her from going any further. Suddenly a green vine shot out of the crack and hit the boar in the middle of the stomach throwing him to the other side of the alley. “What the…?” Two more shoots sprang up and the two other boars squealed in fright. The vines wound themselves around them. Coiling and drawing tighter like a snake. The boar thrown against the wall looked up and ran down the alley as fast as he could. Nick slurped his gooseberry smoothie as he exited the Albino café. His long-eared partner was slurping at an iced coffee and pulled her phone as a message buzzed on her phone. “Hey Nick, we got a message from the station. It says that a dangerous felon is in the area. They sent through his photo.” Nick turned and frowned at the image his partner held up on her phone. “Well I’ll be…” “Nick?” “This boar has the clothing of a Malik Gangster. I reckon we can assume that he’ll be kicking and screaming when we find him.” “I don’t think we have that far to…” Judy pointed. She glanced at a crowd of mammals crossing the road. Among them a stocky boar in a jacket and trousers. Nick frowned. “Ninety percent sure that’s our guy… Let’s tail him a few blocks and ask him a few questions.” The two officers moved down the sidewalk and the boar turned his head. They saw his face and his expression. “THAT’S HIM!” Nick exclaimed. “I’ll take point!” Nick dashed past a group of Ibex who started running and springing out the way as the boar grunted and pushed through the crowd. Nick dashed through the parting crowd as he noticed a grey and blue streak move on by. He followed the boar into an alley as with rabbit partner standing in front of the boar. It was behind a large hardware store. The boar roared and picked up a broken garden stake. Nick screeched to a stop and pulled his dart gun out. Then his partner went into hyperspeed. He and the boar saw a blue and grey streak move on the walls, the bins, the windows before Judy finally reappeared connecting with the boars face. The boar groaned and came down like a tree falling. Judy panted. “Uh…uh. I got him!” Nick lowered the dart gun. “I take it that iced coffee wasn’t decaf…” Sergent Higgens pulled up in his cruiser and saw the semiconscious boar on the ground in handcuffs. He opened his door and chuckled as he pulled himself out of the car. “I guess it was the right place and right time…” he said. “Well, for him I think it was the wrong place…” Judy chuckled. Higgens hauled the boar to his feet and marched him back to the car. He non-candidly put the boar into the backseat. “I really hope you weren’t too brutal.” He said “There is a certain amount of restraint…” “He picked up a wooden stake, so I reckon he needed a bit of persuasion to come quietly.” Nick answered. Higgens nodded. “Well, time for the tedious time of getting this crook properly processed…” “It’s not muh fault…” he stammered “the shadow… the shadow…” Nicked pulled a water bottle from his belt and clicked the cap off. Pshh! “Gah!” the crook cringed. Nick looked at his bottle and then to the boar. “This guys a little jumpy.” He murmured. “I wonder what spooked him?” Equestria Twilight Sparkle walked out of the library and into one of the palace gardens. She took a deep breath and stretched her wings. She was getting claustrophobic sitting in the library all day. It was definitely worth it, now the archives could be repaired while the collection would be taken to Fillydephia with a continent of the royal guards and Princess Celestia. For Twilight, a weekend away was on the calendar. A place guaranteed where there was no-one to reach you. Starlight Glimmer came out weighed down with saddlebags. “Oh. All set?” Starlight Glimmer exclaimed. Princess Twilight grinned and Pow!. Teleported. Starlight waited a few moments when Twilight reappeared again with her own things. “Ready!” she said. They both teleported and reappeared in Twilights castle. They looked at the mirror and its glowing gemstones. “After you, my dear student…” Twilight said. “No No. Royalty has its right.” Starlight snickered. Sunset Shimmer waited by the broken horse statue. A weekend away. She really hoped that she wouldn’t jinx it. Especially the track record with her friends in this world. The pedestal glowed and two familiar faces came out weighted down by bags. “Should’ve warned me” Sunset smiled. “Then I would have brought a luggage carrier.” Twilight embraced her friend. 30 Minutes later All three girls were relaxing by the beach. They’d started with the volleyball, moved on to swimming and finally relaxing on towels on the sand. “You know what I think?” Starlight murmured. “Honest question?” Sunset smiled. “I reckon we should make this a compulsory weekend, once a fortnight.” “Yep. I reckon getting away to another world is the best way to escape and unwind.” ********************** Fluttershy flew over to her cottage. Discord was coming soon and she wanted the house prepared for his arrival. She saw Angel the rabbit leaning against the hutch. He had annoyed expression. “Oh… I’m so sorry. I forgot to get the alfalfa from the icebox.” She said. Fluttershy moved into her cottage and came out with the green foliage. Angel chewed away happily. “I’m really glad that rabbits are so caring and understanding…” Zootopia “Gah!” Delgato held both his arms up as another blow made him reel back a pace and a half. He was in the ring and he nearly didn’t fend off the last two blows. Judy Hopps was coming at him again and he ducked back again this time throwing a right hook and caught the rabbit as she moved through the air. He followed it up and tried to get the rabbit as she was still recovering on the floor. “Don’t reckon you’ve lost your touch on the beat rabbit.” He sniggered. “I’ve given up going easy on you!” “Really?” The rabbit replied “I was going easy on you!” “Oh… That’s it! You’re in for it now!” He threw a punch that caught Hopps square in the chest and sent her flying on her back. “Oof!” Degalto barely took a step forward when Hopps flipped back on her legs. He caught the dangerous glint in her eye. Delgato swallowed. He threw his arm up to cover his face… Only to have a double rabbit hindleg kick in the stomach. Delgato landed against the ropes. “Arghck!” He pulled himself up and tried to regain his footing The clanging bell signaled the end of the bout. The lion let out a weak sigh of relief. “Hate to end your bout, but there’s a few things that the chief wants Officer Hopps to deal with.” Rhinowhitz exclaimed The rabbit shrugged and pulled at the velcro on her mitts. “Thanks’ Hopps, I think I’ve learnt a thing or two…” Delgato murmured “Anytime.” Judy smiled. The rabbit picked up her towel and squirted some water into her mouth from her bottle. Delgato was still catching his breath. He glanced at Rhinowhitz and the Rhino gave him a sly smile before following the rabbit out of the arena.
Chapter 2: A New CaseDetective Fangmyer entered the room with a takeaway coffee in hand and glanced at Detective Rhinowhitz organising some files. “Everything okay?” She asked. “Yes. I’ve got the files organised for the squad.” Rhinowhitz put a stack of files on his desk. “Looks like we will be joined by Wilde and Hopps in our enquires.” “Oh. Really?” Fangmyer pulled up a chair. “I mean they’ve been beat cops for a while. Do you really think they’re up to this?” “I think so. I would not have requested them unless I thought they were.” Fangmyer paused. “I… don’t like the idea.” She murmured. “I mean, we were working the Nighthowler case for months before Bogo extended it to the rest of the precinct. They just managed put the final pieces together.” Rhinowhitz shrugged. “There’s an old story about a prospector that dug in the same mine for years and didn’t find anything.” Rhinowhitz sighed. “Then some amateur starts some digging in the prospectors mine and hits gold. That’s life sometimes.” “I still don’t like the idea.” Fangmyer sniffed “I’m glad they did solve it. Otherwise, the city would be a different place right now” “What? So we can have foxes and rabbits running the show now?” Rhinowhitz gave the tiger a serious look. “I mean…” Fangmyer reiterated. “They’ve only been on the force for a few months now, so they might not have the right experience for this squad.” Fangmyer frowned. “and from what I know that Fox has experience in a lot of other areas already…” she added “I know that Wilde’s got a less then reputable background. Nevertheless, his work as an officer these past few months can testify that he’ll be able to work this case objectively and effectively.” “How can you be sure?” Fangmyer murmered “Can a leopard change its spots?” “You weren’t there when we caught up with them after they just got away from a savage jaguar…” Rhinowhitz countered in a low voice. “I have never seen Bogo speechless before and that fox was the first mammal I’ve seen with the guts to do it.” The tigress frowned “He talked down the chief?” “The chief was about to have Judy Hopps hand in her badge, we just all assumed that it was inevitable that she would be handing that badge in and it was only…natural.” Rhinowhitz stroked his chin. “Wilde could have walked away, apparently Judy and twisted his arm to help her with the case, but he told the chief that he was actually was setting her up to fail with the meagre equipment and no resources. ” Rhinowhitz leaned on his desk. “That just smashed the distorted lens I didn’t realise I was wearing. I’d never seen a mammal stand up for another like that.” Rhinowhitz turned. “You know the rest of the story. Nick gained the respect of a lot of mammals in the ZPD in that moment.” Fangmyer was silent. “With that kind of mindset, we will do well to have them work with us.” **************************************************** Judy was smiling. She and Nick had been reassigned from street duty by Chief Bogo. They were now part of a squad investigating a case under two other detectives. It was certainly something more interesting than the standard shifts patrolling the streets, but the work hours could be longer. After she spruced herself up and put her training equipment in her locker, she made her way down the hallway detouring from her normal route to the bullpen for an office on the second level. She approached the elevator and reached for the button, just about going on the tips of her toes to hit the “up” button on the lift. “I think they need to start thinking about redesigning this place for smaller mammals” said a familiar voice behind her. “After all, there’s about… thirty rabbits that have applied for the academy this year. They’ll need to work here too” Judy turned to a red fox with a small smirk on his face. “I didn’t see you at the training ring this morning…” Judy murmured as they entered the opening doors of the elevator. “Oh, I was busy. Besides, I like this snout just the way it is, thanks.” He rubbed his nose “So, what were you doing? “In the cafeteria, eating French Toast.” Judy glanced at her watch. “It’s just about oh eight hundred! You were in the cafeteria all morning?!” “Not by myself, there was Snarlov and Francine, they wanted to trade notes on a couple of cases they were working on.” “Oh… Sorry Nick.” “Tsk Tsk… What have we learnt about jumping to conclusions?” Judy rolled her eyes. Nick looked up at the passing numbers on the top of the doors. “three… three… three… fourteen. We’re here.” Judy knocked on the door. The door opened and Rhinowhitz extended his hoof to two chairs in front of a whiteboard. Seems like we’re back at school Nick thought. “Good Morning! I hope that this new routine won’t inconvenience you.” Rhinowhitz said “Not at all! I’ve been meaning to try the coffee in the cafeteria for a while now.” Nick smiled “I’m glad to be here!” Judy exclaimed. “What’s the situation?” “Well we got a bit to cover this morning, so I suggest you get comfortable first…” Fangmyer said turning around by the window. The two officers clambered up to their seats as the Rhino moved to the whiteboard Rhinowitz pegged several photos on the board. “Over the past few weeks, there has been an interesting number of Jewellery thefts throughout the city.” If Judy’s ears were drooping down they were fully attentive. “There has been amethyst stolen from a jewellers in Smith Street and a topaz crystal taken from the college of geology and a Diamond taken from a home in Lupinesford.” Rhinowhitz paused. “but the real deal comes from a Ruby taken from the Natural history museum. One of a kind Hathee’s Ruby.” “So… someone might be on a jewel heist spree across the city.” Rhinowhitz nodded. “There’s no indication of forced entry, no unfamiliar prints nor broken locks or evidence of picking. The Hathee amythest was stolen soon after a power failure at the museum. ” Nick scratched his chin and looked at the map on the wall. All the thefts took place within Downtown Zootopia, with one theft happening in the adjoining Ficus Grove. “There’s been a few traffickers in the past with blackmarket jewellery within the CBD…” he mused “but a Hathee’s amythest would be something pretty hard to sell off without word creeping down the grapevine.” “It seems like the gemstones need to be a certain size or quality…” Judy added “Any kind of jewellery that shows up with that kind of quality will need to come into question if any of these gemstones have been cut up for sale.” “We’ve given a description to the pawn shops in the city as well as the media team to monitor online shopping websites,” Fangmyer said. “ We’ll see if they turn up anything.” “It could be a private seller, a collector, or… maybe somemammals getting a kick out of lifting rare and exotic gemstones.” Nick murmured. “Perhaps we could see about the main robbery, the Hathees Gem and see if anyone has any special interest in that artefact.” Rhinowhitz murmured. “I guess the real problem is that whoever’s robbing these places is so well organised” “Well, the museum could be a place to make some enquires about the Hathee’s amythest. Maybe we can get a few questions done?” “Worth a shot!” Nick shrugged. This time Nick was driving the cruiser. The two cops moved down through the afternoon traffic as it passed to late morning. “Small mammals can pull off thefts all the time, but they still leave a scent behind them or if they mask it, it can be pretty oblivious what kind of animal was walking around there with little fur samples”. Judy murmured “The doors were left unlocked… the window wasn’t closed properly. There are a few possibilities.” Nick added. “Wingardum Leviosa!” She chuckled. “What?” Nick said “You know. Harry Spotter?” “Oh… Okay.” Nick murmured “Might’ve used a wand.” Nick glanced up the road. “I think using magic in a story kind of takes away creativity in solving a problem.” Judy frowned. “I mean hey we’re stuck and a giant squid’s about to get us! Poof! We magically got a sword and shield.” Nick murmured “Well, that’s the difference between good quality fantasy and poor fantasy!” Judy countered. “There’s responsibility for using magic just like it was another skill or applying it to ensure that mammals are safe.” Judy smiled “It allows you to appreciate mammals who are different and they have such power when they work together.” “I lost interest when the talking hat showed up…” Nick murmured. “What? That’s my favourite part! It’s the crossroads where Harry has to choose use his skills for personal gain or for his friends!” “Having that much power over something can really affect you though. Who can say what’s right or wrong?” “There are rules in place…” “Rules are there to be broken, Carrots…” Nick murmered. The museum had certainly improved since their last visit. There were several new exhibits for the Florescence Era. There was a clay slab that dictated the first set of laws that were written down in Zootopian history. The officers could see a few visitors filing their way out to the exit. They made their way to the directors office. Judy knocked on the door. There was no answer. It seemed rather weird that they would return there. The repairs were complete and there were mammals milling to and fro. A Ram and his son recognised the two cops and told them "to keep up the good work". Others just kept minding their own business. I guess fame is fleeting Nick thought. There was a table behind a desk packed with various items. They could make out a rabbit tail and hindquarters standing on a chair with his head between the items. The rabbit seemed to be searching for something. “Excuse me!” Judy exclaimed. “Sorry! One sec!” The rabbit replied. Several items on the desk shuffled around as the rabbit wiggled out of the collection to stand up on the chair. He turned to face them. “Oh…Wow! You’re… here…” The rabbit coughed and quickly brushed his nose with his paws and rubbed them together before hopping off the chair to greet them. “It’s an honour to meet you… both of you!” The rabbit smiled. “It’s just so great about how you got rid of Bellwhether. I knew that ewe was trouble the moment she took Lionhearts place.” Nick gave the rabbit a bemused look Judy opened her mouth to say something “Daniel Warren!” The rabbit exclaimed. “I’m one of the curators here. I guess you’re here about the ruby!” “That’s it…” Nick answered. “I can show you the room. It hasn’t been touched as the officers have said and I can answer any questions you might have.” Daniel smiled. Maybe we could start asking some “Sounds like a plan!” Judy said. “Yeah, my job is to categories the new museum acquisitions. What to go into the archives and what needs to be refurbished.” “Yeah” Judy answered “ I can see you have an old milk churn there. My father has one of those in the barn. My grandfather used to have cows as neighbours.” “Ah! Here’s an artifact!” Nick smiled. He held up a blue object in his hand. “A flip phone. I haven’t seen one of these in ages…” “Uh…That’s mine.” Daniel answered. “I was looking for that..” Nick quietly handed the rabbit his phone. Judy have Nick a look. Nick shrugged I wasn’t going to say anything “The ruby was kept in a private collection among some of the more… valuable items kept in this museum” They were definitely after it specifically as nothing else in the archive was touched. Daniel directed them down the hallways past a snow leopard security guard. Daniel pulled out is pass card and the security guard lead the three of them to a large steel door. The officer put gloves on and typed in the code on the panel near the door. The vault was a small room with items arranged sealed in plastic or in crates. Daniel indicated to a vacant cabinet opposite a large chariot. “It was shut when we came in.” Daniel said “Who was on duty that night?” Nick asked “Henry Sumerson” “Can we have a chat to him?” “He’s currently in a meeting with the directors about the incident. He should be finished soon.” “Have you sent the security footage to the ZPD?” “Most of the stuff is static during the blackout.” “Perhaps we could have a look for ourselves if we could pick up anything. Nick glanced at the black and white footage of the cameras. Why does everything in a museum have to be ancient? “..and then, poof there it goes…” Static filled the screens. “Well, play it again Daniel and let’s see if we pick anything out of the ordinary.” There were a few mammals wondering in the hallways around the entrance to the archives that day. A squirrel kit got lost and was directed to the foyer. There were two pigs holding a map arguing with each other. Judy’s ears perked up at the heavy footfalls behind her. The Leopard security guard was approaching the desk. “This was just before the robbery right?” Judy asked Daniel nodded. A stallion with a camera around his neck walked past the hall. “Wait…” The snow leopard security guard behind them moved forward and looked at the screen. “That horse there… he looks familiar…” “Play it again Daniel!” Nick said The rabbit rewound the footage and they saw a light brown stallion in a black jacket walk on by. “I remember seeing that horse the other day in front of a statue of Olemus…” The guard murmured. “What was he doing?” “He was pretty fixated by the statue. I wonder if he was casing it for something.” Judy looked at the footage again. “Are you sure it’s him?” “Each paint horse always has a unique pattern of his coat. That’s him definitely.” The interview with Henry was basically the same information. The hippo was very disgruntled about the incident. The two officers made some notes and made their way to the cruiser. “Did you pack lunch today, Carrots?” Nick asked “You mean me. Or are you asking did I pack carrots?” Judy answered “Probably both…” Nick drove the cruiser back to the station. The two of them headed to the squad room. The door was partly open and Nick pushed the door open. Rhinowhitz and Fangmyer were already present and discussing something over a desk. The two of them stopped their conversation and turned to them. “We ran a few security checks with some of the surveillance companies that were used at the crime scene. We went down to IT and they ran a few checks on online marketing website and nothing seems to have come up now.” Rhinowhitz said “We think we may have a suspect.” Judy murmured. The other detectives looked at the picture on her phone. “We have no idea who this horse is” she continued “but we think he might be a part of this heist.” ********************************* It was 4pm and Judy had just about had enough. They tried to make some progress with some of the files, but after some more enquires with the other crimes scenes. There were no other leads other than that horse at the museum. Judy wrapped up her progress notes on her computer and turned to go home. They had a lead and it didn’t pan out. She moved to the park in front of the station. She could make out the last of the suns ray’s disappearing between the high spires of the skyscrapers. She sat down on one of the benches near the fountain. Why was she feeling so down? All her ideas and all her other suggestions that afternoon had been turned down and She had put her effort into this case and there was nothing more she could give. “Not a bad time to come out and enjoy the evening eh?” Judy’s thoughts were interrupted by a ram moving up the path, a cane in hand. “Yes, it is beautiful…” Judy agreed “Phew, I’ve been trying to get to eight thousand steps per day. It’s not that easy!” Judy let out a small huff. “Mines the opposite, I think I do too much walking for my job. My feet could use a spa right now.” It felt good talking to someone that wasn’t trying to meet a deadline. “What’s you’re line of work are you in?” the ram asked. Judy frowned. Probably couldn’t see the uniform in the fading light. “I’m a police officer.” “Ah right! Well, I assure you I won’t loiter around here for long!” the ram chuckled Judy smiled. “I really give you credit to take that kind of work.” The ram continued. “It takes a special kind of individual to put in so much for all the flak you take and not receiving any special commendation back for it.” Judy shrugged. “Well, I’ve been on the force for almost a year now. Some day’s have action, others are just putting cases in the right folder.” The ram frowned for a moment in thought. Judy was about to say something when he spoke again. “You know your voice sounds familiar? Were you on TV a while back?” Judy swallowed. “Uh…” Then she remembered the long cane by the rams side. His eyes lit up in recollection. “You’re that rabbit aren’t you?” “Yes…” Judy frowned “you can’t…” “…See?” the ram finished. “No. I can’t.” “Oh. I…” “No need to apologise. I’ll admit it’s annoying sometimes.” Judy scratched the back of her neck she wasn’t sure what to say next. “How long have you been blind?” “Oh. It started just after my twenties. I was a pretty good baseball player in my youth.” “So, what are you now?” “They saw me losing my eyesight. So, they made me an umpire!” Judy burst out laughing. The ram laughed a bit at his own joke. “Sometimes life chucks you a wretch, but you make the most of it.” Judy felt a little embarrassed. After all she’d been through, things had turned out pretty well. She made her goal. Helped make life better for a lot of animals in this city. A little stonewalling for one case didn’t seem all that big a deal in that light. “After all you said on TV, you must feel pretty proud of yourself.” Judy stiffened. “We can all make the world a better place, just passing on a bit of kindness. Trying to understand one another.” The ram answered. Judy relaxed. “Yeah we…” Judy trailed off. “…all make mistakes.” she finished. “And we learn from them.” The ram added. “So what kind of work are you in now?” Judy asked. “I’ve found that I’m pretty good at listening to mammals so…” “Sorry.” Judy interrupted. She felt her phone vibrating in her pocket and flicked it out. There were several miscalls from Nick. She flicked answer on her phone. “Nick?” “No, it’s a fruit bat in lederhosen. Where are you?!” “In the park out front…” “You up for a drive? We might have found someone, who saw someone who said that he might know something aaaand it might be important.” “Okay…” She looked up at the ram. “Gotta go!” “No worries, duty calls…” the ram shrugged. He heard the light footfalls fade away up the path. “Young folk these days…” Nick was once again in the drivers seat and on the quiet streets of Hyenahurst. “Don’t you think that this is a little bit suspicious?” Judy said. “A call in the darker hours on a tip for one of our jewellery stores?” “I don’t know about you, but I was getting a bit tired of sitting on my tail.” Judy looked out on the faded streets. Mostly streetlights shone out on against the older buildings. There were hardly any cars on the road. “HEY WAIT NICK STOP!” The fox slammed the breaks and followed his partners direction. “What?!” “There’s a tiger cub standing alone on the sidewalk there!” Nicks shoulders relaxed. Little bleeding heart. By the tone of your voice I thought somemammal was getting strangled… He pulled the cruiser into park and the two officers jumped out. The cub was still standing there under a streetlight at the corner of one of the alleys. “Excuse me…” Judy cried. The cub turned but otherwise said nothing. There was a look of uneasiness in it’s eyes. “Are you lost?” Judy asked. The cub shook it’s head. “No.” she said “I was told to wait here…” “Who by?” Nick asked. “Who would ask you to wait here after lights out?” “I’m safe don’t worry.” The assurance in her voice made Judy stop for a second. The cub raised it’s paw and stroked a small golden flower stuck in the top pocket of her tattered shirt. “Do you know where you live?” Nick pressed. The cub nodded. “I need to wait here to give him something.” The cub answered “Give who, what?” The cub raised her other paw that had been clenched in a fist and opened her fingers slightly. The gem sparkled in the street light and Nick made out a shade of green. “How’d you get that?” “Um… I…” She looked at Judy. Judy held her gaze and said nothing. “Somemammal gave it to me…”the cub finished “Can you tell us who this mammal was?” Judy asked gently Once again silence. “What’s your name?” Nick asked “Lila…” “Alright Lila. You’re going to have to come with us…” “No. She is not.” The two cops and the cub looked up the street and saw a horse in a green hooded jumper approaching. Judy’s eyebrows shot up. The horse from the museum. “Are you aware that there’s been a number of Jewellery robberies throughout the city?” The stallion seemed amused by the question. “Is that so?” “So if your little friend here has a whoopin’ huge emerald in her hand, it causes us cops to ask questions…” Nick added The stallion approached Lila and placed a hoof on her head. “I do not see any law enforcement here… I see two misguided mammals alone at night.” He mused Judy felt the tips of her ears get very hot. Her paw reached for her dart gun. “Well, proceed then. Place me in irons.” The stallion smiled nastily Judy pressed her lips into a hard line “Sir. You are under arrest.” Judy said firmly. The stallion remained unfazed. Lila looked at the officers and then to the stallion again. “Move it!” Judy raised her dart gun. The stallion held her gaze. Judy squeezed the trigger. Nick picked up the radio off his chest and spoke into it. The fired dart appeared a few inches from the stallions chest. It stayed in mid-air for a split second, then fell and rolled around on the pavement. Judy’s jaw dropped and Nick raised his head with a confused look. A blinding burst of light caused the two of them to cover their eyes. Nick tried to blink the red and blue colours away to see that apart from Judy they were alone on the sidewalk. The two cops looked left, right then up the street and down the street. They looked at each other. “That…” Judy gasped. Nick shook his head with a frown. “That’s just… not fair…” ************************************************ Lila gasped as she found herself in a dimly lit warehouse with a panting stallion on the group. “Are you okay?” she gasped. “I’m tired.” The horse replied. “But if my source is right. I will have more magic than ever now that we have that last gem.” Author's Note Finally finished the second chapter! Been a hectic few weeks with uni placement and hit by the flu. Hopefully the next one will be sooner.:)
Chapter 3: A "Scent" to a PortalJudy glared at the red letters on bedside clock as her alarm went off. After the incident, they reported the findings as well as they could to the rest of their squad. They proceeded to their original rendezvous on the street. They got to their contact. They finally had a name to their suspect from a goat who was offered ten thousand dollars for a gemstone and she gave them a name: Phillip Rodintrot. After that they hadn’t got back to the station until later and she finally went to bed. She had been so wired up and various scenarios kept playing out in her head that is was after midnight when she finally fell asleep. After washing her face in the apartment’s community bathroom, she pulled on her uniform and buckled on her vest. She clicked her badge on. She headed down to the café out front for a bagel and coffee. She munched on the bagel in the café and waited for her coffee. There was nothing in the morning news feed on her phone other than the discussion on the Mehoctra Stars coming the closest to earth in a millennium. The rose-coloured light of dawn turned light orange as her coffee came. She picked it up and made it to the bus stop just as her ride was coming. **************************************** Judy passed through the revolving doors of the precinct. She saw Nick talking with Clawhauser at the front desk and plodded on over. “You look like you could use a donut!” the cheetah extended a chubby paw with a strawberry jelly donut. Judy smiled and took the treat. “We’ll need all the energy we can get if we’re gonna catch this wacky wizard!” Judy exclaimed. Nick sniggered. “Love the bravado Carrots! It’s just a matter of time now we gotta face and we gotta name.” Rhinowhitz appeared in the lobby. Both officers turned and greeted their squad leader. He motioned with a hoof to follow him. The walked down the corridors and into a room with several computers and servers humming. There was a squat figure in a wheelchair infront of a computer screen and heard the tapping on a key board. “Piconi, would you show the footage again please?” “Oh, yeah! Right away!” The horse grinned and pushed a button on a console under another screen. “The footage of you talking to the cub is here. Pretty normal. Then the horse comes and stands next to the cub and then you pull your pistol and…” They all squinted at the footage. “Poof!” The screen went to static. “Gone! Can’t see anything. All the feed for three blocks are white noise for twenty minutes.” There was an uncomfortable silence in the room. “So they’re turning off the cameras like the ones in the jewellery store.” Rhinowhitz murmured “I have no idea how they would do that!” Judy shook her head. Nick glanced at Piconi’s keyboard. “Just outta interest, how do you use your hooves on there?” Piconi extended his hoof. Nick saw a ring attached to the toe of the hoof. He saw a small outlet where a ring was placed. The horse placed his hoof in the centre of the ring and there was a slight click on the device. He held up his hoof and there were two struts with spheres on the end. He then turned his wrist from side to side and started pressing the buttons on the keyboard. Nick raised his eyebrows with interest. “We’ll have the interegation room prepared when we bring those two in.” Rhinowhiz commented “We could bring em here.” Nick murmured “Have a good clop bad clop routine.” “Not funny!” Piconi turned “Sorry, I’ll stop horsen around…” “I’ll give you horsen around in a sec!” Judy shook her head. “Seriously, that was terrible…” ************************************************************* In the squad room, Rhinowhitz pinned another picture on the wall. “So now after this little encounter last night, we have an amateur photographer stallion called Phillip, that’s taken quite a following of horses with him with some rather interesting rituals…” The corners of Nick’s mouth went up slightly. “So… we have ourselves a “Colt Cult”?” Rhinowitz sighed. “Essentially” “Is there any idea what they are after or what they’re trying achieve?” Judy asked. “Oh… power in themselves, the brotherhood of the true path type of thing.” “I guess those kinds of groups would be attractive right now even after the imprisonment of Bellweather.” Judy murmured “Well, they actually preach the “foundation” of Zootopia saying that the statue of Olemus must be kept in the city as a symbol of healing the tension between the species.” Rhinowhitz countered. “Okay. I can see the appeal in that.” Nick said. “Right.” Said Judy “So what does that have to do with civil order?” Rhinowhitz looked at Fangmyer. “There’s a number of interesting things in the literature they dispense.” Fangmyer began. “According to the information they put out, there appears to be a large emphasis on gemstones and the statue of Olemus.” “This group has no trails online or has any messages. There mostly off the grid.” “How did we find out about this?” Nick asked “We did a few enquiries back at the museum and one of the guards talked about this cult that had gathered at the museum to rever the statue after it was brought back from Hydesdale.” Fangmyer tapped her paws together. “Perhaps we should have another look at the locations of the thieveries and ask around if anyone’s heard of any activities of this cult in this area.” “They are concentrated in the central district, so we can assume that they’re in that area.” “Alright, how about we mix things up a bit now.” Rhinowhitz declared. “Hopps you’re with me and Fangmyer and Wilde you’re together.” He ignored the looks and surprised gasps that there thrown his way. “We’ll comb each side of the district and see if we can find anything.” Judy and Rhinowhitz walked to the lobby and a ram walked through the revolving door. Judy stopped short when she saw the cane in his hand. “It’s you!” The ram straightened “Oh, Hello Judy!” “Is everything alright?” “Yes actually, I’m just startng my new job today!” Judy frowned “What’s that?” “Police Chaplin.” The ram smiled. “If you want to talk again my door is always open.” Judy raised an eyebrow as the ram continued on. *********************************************************** Nick and Fangemyer travelled together in silence. The radio occasionally responded about police positions, but there was no other noise in the vehicle. “How long you been on the force?” Nick finally asked. Fangmyer gave the fox a quick glance and turned her eye’s back on the road stopping and a red light and turning on her left signal. “Five years.” She murmured. There was silence for a moment “There was quite a bit of interest in recruiting predators to the police enforcement. There was advocates for stronger representation in the police ratio of prey to pred in the precinct.” Nick quietly nodded. “I guess it starts at the bottom before it changes at the top for these things. Attitudes and all. When I was a kid, mammals would scoff at the idea of having a lion as major.” Fangmyer opened her mouth to say something then a voice perked up over the radio. “We have a 911 emergency call for an armoured car robbery on Jackelson Street.” Nick glanced at the GPS. “We’re pretty close.” The lights went green. Fangmyer flicked on the siren and sped down the street. Coming up of Jackelson Street they saw the armoured car with doors flared open on the side of the street. They saw several mammals standing around it in body armour and in the uniforms of the guards. On seeing the cruiser, a few waved them down. The officers pulled over. A moose in uniform strolled over. “What’s going on?” Fangmyer asked “Well, the vehicle lost control and went onto a driveway after that the doors popped open.” The moose explained. “Had just enough time to turn and hit the panic button before I got struck by some kind of painful shock.” “Was anything taken?” Nick asked. “Surprisingly, only a diamond from one of the lockboxes. Everything else was untouched.” Nick and Fangmyer looked at each other and turned to the back of the vehicle. There was nothing in sight. “Waita minute…” Nick murmured and bent down and sniffed. His nose travelled around one of the benches in the back he glanced at the spot and then straightened. “There…” he pointed The tiger lowered herself. She saw a barely visible smudge on the floor. She sniffed it cautiously. “Ice Cream…” She turned and looked up the fox. “Something left at the crime scene at long last! We’ve got something!” *************************************************************** ZPD precinct “Frozen Yogurt.” “What?....” “This substance is Frozen Yogurt.” The monotone voice of the goat did little to liven Nicks mood. “No DNA?” “No.” “No hair?” “No.” “No nails?” “No.” “No ball?” The goat turned wordlessly and walked away. Nick shook his head. He returned to the squad room and closed the door behind them. “Frozen Yogurt!” He announced. “….and nothing else we can find about it.” Everyone in the room sighed. All the rest of the squad felt this look at defeat. There was a knock on the door. Nick turned. Rhinowhitz turned the handle. Seeing no mammal in front of him, he looked down. Standing before him was a grey rabbit in a black suit and tie. He frowned. The rabbit started speaking first. “Good Morning.” “Good Morning.” Rhinowhitz returned “Can I assume I am addressing, Detective Rhinowhitz?” “Yes… That’s right.” “Excellent.” The rabbit pulled out a leather wallet “I am Agent Savage of the ZBI, I am here to inform you that this case is now under the jurisdiction of the Bureau and we will be requiring all information that you have gathered so far.” None of the squad answered for a moment as they had never had a rabbit that displayed such a commanding tone. Judy broke the silence. “Uh… I’m Officer Hopps…” “I know.” “I…” she paused with a frown. “Can you give us a reason why this is reassigned?” she finished. “We have reason to believe that the ‘group’ you’re following is connected to a wider operation that we’ve been tracing for months and we would very much like it to have a stable situation when we progress in closing their operation.” Nick raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying we’re shakin’ the tree too much?” “Indeed. We will include you in on this operation but it will be on a need-to-know basis.” “There’s been a lot in this case that hasn’t added up.” Rhinowhitz murmured. “These mammals are organized and dangerous. We have means to deal with these mammals that the ZPD is unprepared for.” No ego stroking here Nick thought The rest of the morning was taken in relaying Savage the footage, the notes from their interview and the crime scenes. The rabbit did not provide any information about the group or go into any detail with the questions they asked. Nick looked up at the clock. “Time for some lunch.” He murmured “Something sweet I think.” His mind cringed at the thought of that frozen yogurt. He knew it was frozen yogurt when he smelt it with his acute sense of smell, but no DNA or other evidence. There was something distinct about that scent. It was frozen yogurt, lycee flavoured… a fair amount of sugar… Some kind of syrup. He could remember tasting that syrup.He snapped his finger. La Bambi Frozen Treats… “Nick?” Judy asked “You still with us?” “Hmmm?.... Yes, I was thinking of going out for lunch today. A nice bit of stag beetle grub casserole I think…” ***************************************************** Twilights bags were packed and slung over her shoulders. She winced a bit as she had a “touch of the sun” on her skin. “I was thinking we could pick up a pie together at Sweet Apple Acres before we call this vacation officially over.” “Sure it’s going to fit in our schedule Twi?” Sunset sniggered. “No.” Twilight chucked “Applejacks pies are starting to get into a few cafes around Canterlot now.” “Above working in the school, maintaining the farm and baking pies, I don’t know how she does it…” Starlight murmured. Twilight turned towards the statue pedestal. “Maybe next time we take Applejack with us huh?” ********************************************************** After taking the bus and walking several blocks he finally found the building. The Old La Bambi factory. A cult could be selling frozen treats to raise funds. I like the way these guys think Nick had tasted the frozen yogurt variety when he was fifteen soon after the company went bust.It seemed just as derelict as before. It’s location near the jewelry thefts put it in question though. Nick quietly slipped around the fence to a side gate.He saw the padlock on the gate Organized and dangerous, my tail… He turned and checking for anymammal around, quietly picked the look with his dewclaw before slipping through the gate. He saw an open window near the back of the building. With little effort he moved swiftly up the drainpipe and glanced through the window. He could hear voices up the other end of the building. He jumped through the window and grabbed onto the catwalk above the large vats in the factory.He could see several contained large containers of ice cream. Best not to fall. Fox flavoured ice creams don’t sell all that well. Nick crept across the catwalk to the other side of the factory. Nick looked down from the rafters. He could see that the members of this “Colt Cult” was made up of a bison as well as a snow leopard he could see that they were placing a number of the stolen jewellery in an interesting pattern in a circle. Nick scratched his chin. Must be an initiation ceremony to demonstrate the power of each of the members. One of the “Coltists” spoke. The horse in the centre of the circle. He shuffled forward leaning on a cane. He could tell from the coat pattern that it was Phillip. “Now it is time for power to be balanced once again, with the strength of Hoaris and our dedication to justice.” Nick frowned. This horse had made his voice sound like he was speaking with some kind of unearthly ambience. I like the theatrics. A cult leader has to sound convincing. Really toned up the smoke and mirrors. The stallion held up a large tankard of water and raised his head. “The city of seasons will provide the power of Hoaris to return and the claim on the rightful order.” Phillip poured the water into the circle of gems and it quickly filled to a puddle. The colours of the gemstones seemed to shine. As the water began to fill with ripples to spread throughout the water. The reflections disappeared as the water turned almost white. Nick could see it almost shimmering in the darkness. The fox watched with a slack jaw. Suddenly the surface of the water was broken by a gasping figure and Nick saw a small bear emerge from the pool. “What?” it gasped. It’s eyes blinked with incomprehension as it tried to get rid of the water pouring down its clothes. “What?! What’s going on?” That’s it. I’m calling it. Nick pulled his phone out when a scream made him look up as the bear was hit with some kind of tranqulliser dart. “Get her to the truck.” Phillip instructed the bulls. The muscular bolvines hauled the semi-conscious bear into the truck. She still moaned and turned her head from side to side. Come on reception! RECEPTION! He saw the bars flick up and he hit “Judy Hopps” in his contacts. It started ringing. “Hello?” “Judy! I’m at the La Bambi Ice Treat factory! I need to…” “Sorry Nick I didn’t catch that… what?” Nick gasped as the sound of screeching filled his ears. Oh…Bats! Nick turned and ran down the catwalk “La Bambi! It’s the old La Bambi… argk!” A bat brushed past him loosing his grip on his phone. Nick cursed as it disappeared into an icecream vat. He gasped as one of the bats hit his shoulder and and saw the flash of fangs. “Oh no! No biting! No biting!” He leapt off the cat walk onto a pile of crates then flipped onto the concrete floor. He dashed for the door. He extended his paws as the door handle rushed to meet him. He yelled as a large paw closed around his tail. He was hurled off his feet. Dangling by his tail. He saw the fierce expression of a jaguar look back. Nick saw the scar along his jawline. “Gnasher…” Nick stammered. “Heard you were on parole…You’re a new believer too, huh?” “Mr. Big would have my hide if he heard I ended you’re sniveling existence” The jaguar seethed. “but…” Nick yelped as the strode towards the circle with him waving through the air like a rag doll. “…there are other avenues we can explore to dispose of you.” Nick craned his head and saw the glittering pool beneath him. He winced as a voice seemed to pierce his head resonate throghtout his head. “You curious Fox, your time is closing, Your city of swindling, slinking and nosing… No! Stop this! Who are you? Hope you enjoy your means to prance, Tell Celestia that she still cannot dance.” Nick shook his head as the voice died down. Nick yelled as he was suddenly swung by his tail through the air and hurled into the pool of water. “ARRRRRR-“
Chapter 4: An Unexpected Traveller“-RRHGH. Oof!” Twilight tried to regain her hooves as she got ejected out of the mirror. She groaned as she reoriented her hooves with the floor. A wave of dizziness washed over her. “Oh wow… What happened?” she stammered. “I feel like I got caught on the runaway at the Wonderbolts headquarters.” “I don’t know” Sunset answered “I feel like I wrenched my neck and got hit in the gut…” “Mmmm… I feel like a bunch of mice went river dancing through one ear and out the other…” “Huh?” Twilight turned Lying next to them was a pegasus stallion with a blood orange coat and bright blue coloured mane. Twilight looked around with rising fear. “Where’s Starlight?” “What?” said Sunset Twilight looked at the stranger and raised him off the ground with her magic. “What happened? Who are you? Where’s Starlight?!” The strange stallion groaned again. He blinked as his eyes began to focus. There was the clutter of hooves and Twilight saw Pinkie Pie and Rarity enter the library. “Oooh!” said Pinkie Pie “You bought a friend back with you?!” “I don’t know this pony, Pinkie!” Twilight replied, “He came through the portal and we thought Starlight was just behind us!” “Princess Twilight.” Sunset said “ Do you think he was passing by the statue when we went through and followed us?” “Huh?” The stranger murmured. “Pony’s?..... Portals?.....” He looked up his eye’s narrowed. “Princess?!” Twilight set the stallion down on his rump and asked again: “Where is Starlight?” “I don’t follow…” he answered “STARLIGHT! Have you seen her?” “Umm… Wish I may, wish I might?” “Starlight Glimmer!” Sunset exclaimed “Do you know what happened to her?!” The stallion turned to her. “Still don’t follow! Animal?... Vegetable?... Mineral?” “A pony called Starlight Glimmer. My student. Went through the portal with us. Have you seen her?!” Twilight stated “Oh….. you’re asking about another PONY!” Everyone in the room waited for him to speak. “….Sorry, I don’t know a Starlight Glimmer.” The stallion finished. Everyone sighed. The stallion raised an eyebrow and a small smile touched his face. “Is this some kind of new hipster trend you’ve all done with your fur? Really interesting…. but I might have to book you for indecency…” Nick groaned “ Gah! Why is everything so bright and why does my head feel heavy and why do I…?” He trailed off. Reason being, he raised his right hoof to rub his forehead and he froze when he felt it touch his face. His eyes widened and he slowly turned to look at it. He stared at the hoof attached to his arm. “What is…?” He looked down at his body. “OOOOHH MY …GAH!” He gasped as his wings suddenly whipped out from the shock and he gasped and his head turned when he heard them cutting through the air. “WHAT THE…?” He tried to get to his feet. “WHAT THE HECK AM I?!” He tried to stand on his back hooves, but his centre of balance was completely off and he landed on his back with his wings still fluttering around his ears. “Hooves. Check. Tail. Check…” he muttered He grunted and a short whinny escaped “Equine vocal chords check. The wings really stump me, but no halo so…” He looked at Twilight. “What exactly am I?” “You’re a Pegasus.” “What?” “I’m a Unicorn, well actually not anymore I’m an ali…” “No!” “What?” “There’s no such thing as unicorns!” “Hey!” “No,no! Stop talking!” “But…” “Stop talking!” The stallion threw an arm over his eyes. “Um…” “Shh! This is just a mess up dream! The stress of the job has finally got to me!” The pony’s looked at the stallion on the floor covering his eyes for about a minute. “You still there?” the stallion asked. “Yes!” said everypony in the room. “You’re not mascots for some soda company?” “No!” The stallion let out another sigh and put his arm down. “Why am I a pony again?” he asked “That’s what the portal does when you pass through.” Twilight verified “Well, in the first place I didn’t ‘pass through’, I was chucked in. Secondly: Where are my clothes and thirdly…. WHY?!” “Well…I guess it’s the way you can walk around without startling the creatures that live in other worlds…” Twilight said “I went through the first time, I found it pretty disturbing to begin with.” “The ‘no clothes’ part or the species mutation part?” “Well, we don’t really wear clothes…” Twilight shrugged “I guess the mirror decides what’s suitable when you pass through.” The stallion pushed himself up to a seated position with his front hooves spread out to his sides. “So…you do this regularly?” “Only once in a blue moon…” Twilight chuckled lightly. Sunset gave a small smile. “Does… that mean I’ll go back to normal if I go back through?” “Well…yes…but…?” “Okay! Great! I’ve got a few things to sort out, and I’ll…” He paused “…make… a … report?” He trailed off. He cast a look to the ponies in the room. “I’ll figure this out later!” He continued “There’s some crooks into some weird stuff, but I can…” He tapped his hoof against the glass on the mirror. “Uh… is it supposed to let me in?” “It is…” Twilight touched the mirror. “Okay… somethings wrong.” “Do you have to clap your paws or something?” Clop! Clop! “Gah!” He jumped He sighed “Oh. I forgot I had hooves…” “The portal’s… closed.” “…But you can get it working?” Twilight turned. “Not straight away…” she said. “How long will it take?” “I’m not sure…” The stallion gave her an incredulous look and let out a loud sigh. “Would you like to sit down, Darling?” Rarity gently asked. She indicated to a reading chair next to the mirror. “I think I will…” the stallion sighed He clambered up onto the cushion and sunk back into the padded backing. “How about we introduce ourselves first?” Rarity continued. “My name’s Rarity.” The others moved forward and sat down. “I’m Twilight Sparkle.” “I’m Sunset Shimmer.” “I’m Pinkie Pie!” The russet stallion was quiet for a moment. He looked across the room to each of them. “Wilde. My name’s Nick Wilde.” He sighed. Pinkie Pie turned quietly and whispered to Twilight. “Nick Wilde? Where he comes from has really strange names…” “Perhaps you can tell us how you got here…” Rarity continued. “Sounds like a good place to start…” A few minutes later “Then I got thrown into the water, and I came through here…” “Hmmm… so this colt seemed to know about equestrian magic.” “He said something interesting as well.” Nick frowned. “Does the name Horais mean anything?” “No… That doesn’t sound familiar” “Okay… how about Celestia?” Everyone in the room gave the new stallion their full attention, if they were daydreaming about cupcakes then it was suddenly cut short. Nick raised an eyebrow. “Okay… good.” He reached down and sighed. “Clothes got vaporised in the portal as well as my notebook.” He frowned “My phone too!” He looked back up “Who is this Celestia?” He asked “She’s the Princess. The ruler of Equestria!” Twilight exclaimed. “Now that is interesting…” Nick mused. “Any chance I can get an audience with this princess?” “Well, she’s at a conference in Manehattan at the moment.” “Alright… annnd you’re a princess too, so does that make you the next in line?” “NO!...uhhh… yes… um… uh…” Nick held her gaze with a perplexed expression. “She rules with her sister.” Twilight finished “So… she shares responsibility with her sister for the throne?” “That’s right!” “And… you’re a princess with other responsibilities?” “Yes!” Twilight lifted her head. “As the princess of Friendship I uphold the elements of harmony and ensure that every creature gets along no matter how different they can be” She smiled “Plus we run a school of friendship where we work on the magic of friendship.” Nick raised an eyebrow. “Sounds pretty full on….” He murmured. Great. Another idealist. Nick raised his head to the ceiling. “Okay. So…… we got interdimensional crooks in Zootopia?!” He shook his head. “Well that changes things… gonna have to bring Savage in on this.” “So what kind of place is this Zootopia?” “Well, I’ve never ever known that ponies could come in so many different colours…, but… uh… there are many different animals there. Ponies included.” He replied. “It’s the only place in our world where all sorts of creatures can live side-by-side. Last count I think there were about five hundred different species in the city…” “Oh!” Twilight’s eye’s sparkled with interest “Well, we got a number of creatures that live here. Ponies, Griffins, Yaks,…” “Oh. Got them!” Nick exclaimed “Changelings, Buffalos… “Them too!” “Dragons…” “Dragons?!” “You have dragons?” “No, but we have stories about them.” Nick said “Big, scary, firebreathing lizards that snap up little kits and take em to their cave.” “Hey, Twilight!” said a new voice “I got some cross-referencing done and there were several passages about the Cycad Constellation that you would find interesting.” Nick saw what looked like a stack of books with a pair of purple scaly legs and wings. “Good to see you back by the way!” the voice finished Spike put down the books and turned to the ponies in the room. He stopped when he saw Nick. “Who’s this?” “Hi Spike.” Twilight said. “This is Nick.” Spike frowned at the gaping Pegasus. “Is he okay?” “He’s just a little frazzled. First-time cross world traveller!” Pinkie Pie smiled. “Oh, well I’m a dragon and Princess Twilights assistant!” Spike puffed his chest out. “Need anything just ask me!” “Thanks…” Nick offered a hoof. “So where you from?” Spike shook his hoof “Zootopia… The city of Zootopia” “Wow! This is exciting!” Spike exclaimed “Shall get a message written up? I know that Celestia and Luna will be interested in meeting you!” “Draft a letter to Starswirl too Spike.” Twilight added. “I think that he would be helpful in restoring the mirror.” Spike gave a salute and flew out the door. Author's Note The fox has landed!
Chapter 5: A walk in Ponyville“Can I offer you something to eat?” Twilight asked “That would be nice…” Nick answered. “Ooooohh That would be great!” Pinkie pie squeed “ I got cupcakes, I got donuts, I got fairy floss….” Pinkie Pie’s eye’s widened.“I’ve got enough to throw a “Welcome to Equestria Party! EEEEEEEEEEE!” “Pinkie! I don’t think he…” With that Pinkie Pie disappeared out the door. “…Would want a party right now…” Rarity dashed after Pinkie Pie. Nick looked at the empty space where the pink pony had been and began to chuckle. “That’s okay, Princess. I know a cheetah back home with the same kind of naught-to-sixty kind of personality. Although… can’t say the same for him physically.” Spike came back with two scrolls. One significantly bigger than the other. “I got two replies already. Starswirls currently visiting Yakyakistan and Luna has is just a response that she wouldn’t be disturbed when she’s sleeping.” Twilight sighed “Oh. Well, I thought that with the sunset being so close she would be willing to come.” Twilight shrugged and turned to Nick. Twilight opened the scroll from Starswirl. “He’s written a lot of questions to ask you…”Twilight said. “and so do I! Perhaps we can talk about things.” “Sure.” Twilight was quiet for a moment “Starlight?” Nick nodded. “I can only assume that the wolverine that they pulled out of the puddle was Starlight. “ Nick replied. “I don’t know why they took her, but I know that they didn’t hurt her.” “Whoever did this must have planned this somehow. There isn’t anypony in Zootopia that knows about magic?” “I can honestly tell you that no-mammal I know could perform the things I saw in that warehouse.” Twilight glanced at Starwhirl’s scroll then placed it on the table. “We can work on restoring the mirror properly when Starswirl and the other princess arrive, but in the meantime perhaps you’d like to rest?” *********************************************************** Princess Twilight walked through the darkened hallways of her castle. It was a small affair as the crystals illuminated the passageways well. Coming to the library, she busily started looking through the books that lined the shelf about ancient Equestrian rulers. She had this idea nagging her at the back of her mind where she might have seen the book. There were annals about the seasons within the period before Luna’s banishment. Starswirls ingenuity of ridding Equestria of the sirens lead to further research into creating links into other worlds. The creation of the mirror was the result of numerous unicorns into the matter. There were even accounts chronicling the journeys that ponies undertook to different worlds. The cities they had seen. The strange and fascinating creatures they had met. Such things were abandoned with the rise of King Sombra and later attempts by other magical creatures to overthrow the princesses. Twilight found several faded copies of the books of stories from that period. She browsed through the pages about what the inter-dimensional explorers used to summon portals. She was sure that there were details about creating a link, but… “Oh…” she whispered. Lord Tirek. When her library was destroyed, a great many of her collection was burned in the battle. That copy of the Equestrian Annals was gone. She had to go back to the library in Canterlot. There had to be some copy for such an essential time period… “Find anything?” “WAAHH!” Twilight spun around with a light on the tip of her horn Nick shut his eye’s and threw his arm over his face. “Ow!” “How did you? But you… What were you doing out here?!” “I couldn’t sleep.” Nick shrugged. “But… when we were talking before I saw that look in your eye like you were thinking of something important. I was out for a late night stroll and then saw you moving down the hallway.” Nick frowned “If you did find something, I would be pretty anxious to hear it.” Twilight frowned. She could believe she couldn’t hear him up the hallways. “There is an account in the pre-classical period that made me think of what you went through coming to Equestria. Unfortunately, I think the copy is in Canterlot right now.” “Right.” “I’m just glad Rarity stopped Pinkie before she got to the whole town coming to my doorstep.” Twilight smiled.“Well… I’ll try going to sleep again. Got a lot to do tomorrow.” Nick nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you in the morning then.” Nick nodded and walked down the hallway. Twilight watched him go. She was feeling a little unsettled by this newcomer. Nick finally did fall asleep. When he did he dreamed. He dreamt of himself strolling down Savanna Central with a coffee in hand. No other mammal paid him much attention, as usual. A goat with a black and tan coat colour and wearing a satin dress glanced at him for a second and then continued down the sidewalk. Before he knew it, he was in Tundra Town, his favourite halibut restaurant was on the corner and he took in its mouth-watering scent. When he crossed the road at the walk signal, he quickly noticed that every mammal was looking at him. He open his mouth to say something, but then he realised that he was walking on all fours. He looked down and saw two hooves. “Wha…?” The mammals in the crowd looked at him with fear and suspicion. His worst fears became reality when they swarmed him as an angry crowd. “Argh!” He found himself flying as he instinctively flapped his wings. He saw the crowd beneath him. Including that goat from Savannah Central. He glanced over the city and saw a small rabbit jumping out of a cruiser with flashing lights strutting towards the crowd. “Carrots!” He dived forward. Then everything went black as he hurtled towards the streets below. Nick found himself in an unfamiliar room made of dark crystal with a window, desk and several posters with “Wonderbots” emblazoned on them. He glanced back up at the roof and pressed his eye’s shut together. He put his head down towards his chest. He opened his eyes and saw a blue horse’s tail. “That hardly compensates…” He sighed. “Well, hopefully I might get home today…” He tried roll over onto his hooves, but as he raised his head part of his mane fell over his face. He grunted and tried to toss it back and raised his left hoof. He crawled towards the edge of the bed. He heard the dull sound of his hooves connecting with the floor as he made his way to the door. He passed by a mirror set up next to a wardrobe. He saw a Pegasus with a sour expression and unkempt hair. He tried to press his hair down with his hoof to make it a bit more dignifying. He tossed his head back. That seemed to help. His mane still looked like a frazzled blue mop. He stretched his arms and flexed his shoulders. His wings rose from his sides. He stopped at the sight of his wings spread out. He relaxed them and they fell to his sides. He raised an eyebrow. He flexed his wings again. He stretched them out as far as they could go. He grinned. A set of flat equine teeth grined back at him. He flared his wings out suddenly then dropped them. He flared them again and he hissed at the pony in the mirror. “Ya think you’re leaving Jurrassic Park pal?” he chuckled. He dropped his wings and tried to fold them again. “Well, hippy hop off we trot…” Nick murmured He pushed the door open and made his way down the hallways to the front door. He needed some coffee. “Hey Nick!” Nick turned. He saw the small purple dragon walking down the stairs. “Spike… right?” “Yep!” he smiled. Nick glanced at the small dragon. “Did you sleep well?” Spike asked “Well you know… this palace does have some plush beds. I’m a little hoarse though…” “Oh. Well, it’s spring so you might get a bit of hayfever. I know it doesn’t affect me that much since I’m a dragon, but…” he trailed off when he saw the look on Nick’s face. A small smile and a raised eyebrow. “Oh…” Spike burst out laughing. “Oh horse!” Spike laughed. “Hee hee hee…” he trailed off at Nicks deadpan look. “…I guess it takes a bit of getting used to.” He shrugged “That it does, buddy. That it does.” “So… what kind of animal were you before you came here?” “I AM a fox and I think I would very much like to get back ASAP.” He turned to Spike. “As much as it is an interesting experience having hooves and a set of wings, I really miss the comforts of home.” “That’s understandable. I actually went through with Twilight for the first time through the portal to the human world and I ended up becoming a dog. I think I got a bit of a taste for those biscuits now.” “A dog, huh?” If I were even a squirrel. Why a pony? “What’s a human?” Nick asked “Oh… it’s a …two-legged creature with long limbs and lots of fingers on each hand. They don’t have any fur other than the small part on their head.” “Hmmm…” Nick frowned. “They sound pretty weird…” “We got on with them pretty well.” Spike laughed “Know any places that serve coffee around here?” “Sure um… pretty sure they have some at the market place.” Spike tapped his chin “I think the arabica stall would be the best place to go.” “Mind if we go out and stretch my legs?” “Uhh… I don’t see why not… Twilight’s still sleeping and it might be a while before she get’s up.” “Morning!” Said a lime coloured filly as they walked past. “Morning…” Nick replied. “Morning!” said an amethyst coloured Stallion “Morning…” Said Nick He looked down the main street. It was actually quite refreshing. Most mammals in Zootopia wouldn’t give him a second glance. A shadow moved overhead. Nick looked up and saw two Pegasus circling the skies. He followed their flight and saw the castle and the large school beside it with its waterfalls and fountains. He had to admit, it was pretty. “Quite a nice town…” Nick observed. “I’m not really the country type, but I reckon it seems pretty slow around here…” The small dragon snickered. “What?” Nick raised an eyebrow “Oh, you’d be surprised.” Spike answered “Wait long enough in Ponyville, things can happ…” Whump! Nick felt a displacement of air as an orange and maroon blur whipped by him.He turned and saw that Spike was no longer beside him. Turning around he saw Spike groaning on the ground as an orange filly with a helmet on struggled to her hooves. There was a scooter on the ground just next to her. “Hey!” Nick yelled and ran towards the pair. “What do you think you’re doing?!” “I’m sorry” stammered the filly “I didn’t mean…” “Just how fast were you going?!” “I…I…I” “Does this look like BMX track to you?!” “I… what?” “It’s okay Nick.” Spike cried “This happens all the time. I’m fine!” “That’s still no excuse!” The filly looked a little shocked by Nick’s barrage. Nick sighed and dropped his tone. “You need to think about who’s walking down the street when you’re in town, girl.” He said evenly. “Otherwise you’re gonna be hurting other pedestrians.” “I’m sorry!” the filly stammered. “I was just so excited! Rainbow Dash said I could be her assistant for her class and I just… forgot.” “Well, try to get there in one piece now. ‘K?” “Okay.” Said the filly “I’m sorry Spike.” “That’s okay, Scootaloo.” Nick turned. “Hey! You don’t have a cutie mark!” Scootaloo exclaimed “A what-what?” “A cutie mark! How come you haven’t got one? You’re a stallion! You mean you haven’t found your special talent yet?” “I have a variety of talents for your information…” Nick replied “Is getting coffee one of them?” Scootaloo frowned. “But… you’re a blank flank…” Nick considered the mark on the filly’s flank. The mark on her flanks seemed like a family emblem. “I need a bit of caffeine before I start talking about skin art…” he sighed. “I’ve got to keep going, sorry girl.” Spike looked at Scootaloo and shrugged and then followed the stallion. Scootaloo watched the stallion go with a curious look on her face. “One Saddle Arabica Brusha! Enjoy!” The smiling attendant extended a cup of the aromatic brown brew in his hoof. Nick reached out and extended his hoof. He held it upright and the pony placed his cup in the centre of his hoof. Nick shifted his other front leg and began to move. I hope the princess get’s that mirror up and running. I don’t know how much more I can take of this. He put the cup to his lips and drank. He swirled the rich brew in this mouth and gratefully swallowed. He sighed in satisfaction. He turned and saw Spike pick up a cup of tea. “I’ll pay you back Spike, buddy. This is one good cup.” “Oh, don’t worry. I mean you can’t really pay me back if you aren’t making money right?” Don’t you worry about me Spike, my boy. “We should probably get back. Twilight might have already woken up and getting ready for the school day.” “Right. Let’s go then.” “Oh My!” Nick nearly lost his balance on his coffee. He turned and saw a familiar pearl coated, heavily-perfumed, purple maned mare. “I’m so glad you came out to see Ponyville! I dare say you would have had a fantastic tour with Spike!” “Oh.” Nick replied “It was more of a coffee run than a tour. Spike had a bit of a run in with some crazy filly on a scooter.” “Well, is there anything that I can do to make you feel more comfortable?” Rarity exclaimed “I know this must be simply dreadful being in a place you know nothing about.” Rarity pulled out the packages she was carrying. “I was getting some fabric with some tartan patterns for my new line. I think there would be more variety of fabrics available next week though” Nick frowned. “You make clothes?” he asked. “Why yes I…” Rarity stopped. “Oh. You mentioned you lost come clothes coming to Equestria, maybe we could find something that would suit you.” Nick thought for a moment. “You know actually that would be really good…” Nick answered. “Not sure if we should stay long. The princess might be a little worried with me going AWOL…” 45 minutes later “I dunno… I found those dress uniforms really tight around the neck… maybe the collars too much.” Nick was standing in the middle of several mirrors with a leather- brown jacket being adjusted over his shoulders. Standing in front of the mirrors he had to admit, he did make a pretty good stallion in the right outfit. Rarity loosened the collar and started pulling pins out of the collar. “Hmmm… something that’s practical, but not too casual…” “That’s better.” He had a navy blue jacket over his shoulders with a tie and a light grey shirt underneath with a satin black tie. A brown pair of pants with large pocket flaps on the sides. “That jacket does accentuate your mane.” Rarity murmured. Nick turned in front of the mirrors again with a smug smile. “I think that should be fine.” Nick saw a rack with some sunglasses arranged on them. “Oh wait… one more thing.” He plucked some aviators from the stand and placed them on his muzzle over his eye’s. “Perfect.” Nick brushed at his mane with his hoof. “I need to do something about this hair…” 15 minutes later “…And then I’m like… ‘Hey Rainbow why don’t you show me your expertise on cloud clearing?’ and she’s like … ‘Nope get off your flank and start pushing clouds’ and I say ‘What about stretching? I mean this obviously requires a lot of strain on your wings and upper body’ and she’s like ‘ It’s clouds, there’s nothing too it! I’ll show ya’ and she starts moving a cloud and I’m like ‘Good to know, maybe I should let the experts do their job. The sky looks so much better with you in it.’ And you know what she does?” Nick sat back in the wide chair of the hairdressing saloon as strands of his mane fell on the tiled floor. “Nah buddy. What’d she do?” “She zaps me with a storm cloud! I mean obviously I’m giving her a compliment! I mean, What girl doesn’t like a little ‘affirmation’”? “Some girls don’t recognise appreciation.” “I know right!” He bent over. “So just part that mane on the right side?” “Yeah, that’ll be fine.” “Fine? I take pride in my work! Obviously, this topknot declares somepony with sophis-tica-tion when it comes to hair stylin’.” “I think she should be flattered that you’re interested in her…” “Exactly!” The pegasus stallion exclaimed. “Well, you’re done. Just a trim, but you sure you don’t want any of ma signature touches? Beads? Colours?” “No thanks…” “Okay! The light green pegasus stallion put down his scissors. “Well… Nick. Thanks for coming in.” “No problems Zephyr. Anytime.” Rarity got up from her chair in the front of the shop and put down the magazine she was reading.There was the sound of stomach rumbles. Spike blushed and patted his belly. “Haven’t you had breakfast yet?” Rarity exclaimed. “I dunno…. Maybe we should be getting back to that castle.” 30 minutes later “Then these two stags ended up with their antlers tangled up in the alley!” Nick sniggered. “I mean. They both tried to run through the alley at the same time.” Spike laughed. “I mean if you’re going to steal a bike in the middle of the night, leave it to the nocturnals!” Nick smiled. “Doesn’t sound boring being a police officer!” Rarity chuckled. Nick shrugged. “Paper work aside, things never really go according to plan.” Nick took another slice of toast with his hoof. The movement was starting to get easier “Hmmm… So what kind of foods do foxes eat in your world?” Rarity asked. “Oh a lot of different things. I’ve got a weakness for berries. My mom’s witchetty-grub casserole is always a favourite of mine.” “I beg your pardon. Did you say grubs?” “Yeah, a lot of predators eat fish or bugs for protein or in rare occasions chicken or birds.” Spike and Rarity looked at each other with an expression of disgust. Nick tapped his chin. “So uhhh… just out of interest… are there anything here that eats well… ponies?” “Oh you needn’t worry about that darling!” Rarity exclaimed. “All the monsters stay in the Everfree forest far across the fields there.” “There’s Roc’s, they’re enormous eagles, there’s manticores and hydras, timberwolves are pretty nasty.” Spike counted off his fingers. Nick raised an eyebrow. “Do you know about a creature with a goats head and mismatched horns, snake tail, lions paw and a talon?” Nick asked “Oh that’s a draconequss!” Spike exclaimed. Spike’s face suddenly fell, and he turned. “Discord doesn’t come to town all that often…” he said warily. He saw Discord hovering above the crowd and saw a familiar yellow Pegasus beside him. At that moment caught a flash of blue in the corner of his eye. Spike turned. A small blue jay landed on the table. Nick looked at it for a moment. “That’s a bird…” “Yeah…” said Spike “I’ve never seen one before…” “They don’t have birds in Zootopia?” “Not recently. They got scarce around Zootopia when animals started trying other food sources then eating other mammals.” Nicked nudged some crumbs off his plate to the bird. The blue jay considered the pony for a moment, then hopped over and started pecking at the crumbs on the table. “Well, Discord…” Rarity said as a shadow passed over the table. “How are you doing today?” Hovering in the air Discord looked at her with a sour expression. “Disappointed. Actually…” he murmured. He looked up. “Everything is painfully and pathetically normal! No warped reality! No endless wormholes! I definitely felt a rift in the space time continuum around here!” He sniffed. “Honestly, I’m starting to get a little bored…” He turned to look back up the main street and hovered higher to get a better look around. Spike swallowed. A yellow Pegasus with a pink mane trotted to the groups table . “Alardo!” she cried The blue jay looked up and gave the yellow Pegasus a look. Nick chuckled. “Is that what “Pips” here is called?” “Oh… yes. I thought he would like to see the town and he got a little excited.” Spike stood up. “This is Fluttershy!” “Oh yeah… hello!” she quietly answered. Nick pushed his aviators down his muzzle showing his eye’s. “I’m Nick.” He smiled. “Nice to meet you…” Fluttershy answered “There you are!” The group turned and saw a slightly annoyed Sunset Shimmer towards them. “Nick just wanted to step out for some coffee…” Spike murmured “It took me almost an hour to find you!” Sunset exclaimed. “Seriously! Twilight must be waiting at the school wondering where you got to!” “Yeah… you’re right, we should probably be getting back.” Nick shrugged “Thanks for the tour around Ponyville Spike.” “No problem.” “And thanks for all the trouble you went to Rarity. I’ll pay you back when I get the chance.” “You’re welcome darling!” “AND SCOOTALOO WILL YOU STOP FOLLOWING ME?!” There was a small squeak of surprise behind the hedgerow near the tables and chairs. An orange head emerged. “How… how did you?” “In my line of work it’s a good skill to notice yourself being followed. Didn’t your Mom tell you not to follow strangers?” “My mom’s uh…” “Just go with your friends Scoot, I won’t be here long enough for you to worry about.” Scootaloo frowned and looked up. “Why are you here?” “Very thoughtful question, but I am here because I took a wrong stop at the train. As soon as it’s fixed I’ll be on my way.” Scootaloo looked at Nick with narrow eye’s and then galloped down the street. Nick sighed and looked at the others. “Come on, let’s go…” Rarity, Spike and Sunset all made their way up the street. Nick started walking when he felt something land on his back. He turned to see the blue jay sitting just behind his whithers. Nick raised an eyebrow. “What? I got no more crumbs.” The bird nestled itself on his back. Nick rolled his eyes. “Fine. But this is a brand-new jacket, so you only things I want to see you leave just feathers…”
