Zootopian Nights

Zootopian Nights is a story by PrinceBalto.

## Premise

What if Judy went to Zootopia to be a secret agent instead of a cop? What if Nick was a dark-garbed vigilante by night? What if they were to meet, end up working together and begin a romance along the way? These are the questions answered in this story. Here, the crisis is still going to be the savage crisis, but in a new way: Jack Savage is also a Syndicate leader, and he and Bellwether are working together due to their mutual hatred of predators. Their plan? Cause the predators to go savage, frame Lionheart, have Bellwether become the mayor and then pass into effect a law requiring all predators to wear shock collars. I am going borrow some old elements. This includes the Wildes being a multi-billionaire family living in Sahara Square, with Marian being the headmistress of the bellydancing academy. New elements for this AU include Finnick being Nick's adoptive younger brother, adopted when Nick was seven and being more or less the same age as him. Finnick is dating Skye for a change of pace, as I decided not to include Vixey and her family here. Jack Savage and Dawn Bellwether are a couple too.

## Story

Judy felt so proud! She had done what no bunny had ever done before: become a secret agent in the great city of Zootopia. She was now part of the Agent Society of Zootopia, the biggest spy organization in Zootopia However, it hadn't been easy. None of the other mammals there in the training program, all of them animals far bigger than her, had wanted her there. However, thanks to the organization's leader, a gorgeous female jaguar named Esperanza Furwald, had shown willingness to give her a chance, besides accepting her application. Today was her first day. She had been summoned to Esperanza's office. She smiled.

"I'm ready!" she thought to herself.

For her secret agent attire, Judy had donned a tight-fitting black leather catsuit. Some might say it suited the gorgeous bunny perfectly, showing her beautiful body, including her curvacious hips and nice butt. Walking down the hall, and ignoring some of the looks of contempt sent her way by some of the bigger mammal agents, she arrived and knocked on the door.

"Ms. Furwald? This is Judy Hopps. I am here for my assignment," she said.

Suddenly, Esperanza's gorgeous, exotically-accented voice was heard from inside the office.

"Come in, Agent Hopps," the beautiful big cat said.

Judy opened the door. Behind the desk, in her seat, sat Esperanza herself. She wore a black women's work shirt with matching jacket and knee-length skirt. Hanging from the top flap of her jacket's front pocket was her ID/clearance badge. Judy could tell that she was a powerful female. She had met her previously, when she came to congratulate those who had completed the training program. She had been wearing similar attire to what she was wearing now, which was what she preferred to wear, and she clearly caught the eye of the male big cats in the program. Judy looked at her boss.

"I am here, Ms. Furwald," the bunny began.

Esperanza fixed her gaze on the new recruit.

"Have you heard about the mammals that have disappeared lately?" she asked.

Judy gave her a curious look.

"Disappeared? What do you mean?" the bunny asked.

Esperanza sighed.

"I have been in contact with Chief Bogo of the ZPD recently. He told me that there have been a lot of mammals disappearing lately. But there is something else that the ZPD is working on. For your assignment, I want you to go to Sahara Square and ask around regarding sightings of a dark-garbed fox that they call The Scimitar," she said.

Judy nodded.

"I will head out now. Is there anything else to go on?" she asked.

Esperanza showed a paper containing her report that she had been compiling based on the ZPD's account.

"From what I heard, the Scimitar only comes out for a certain period at night. He dresses in black robes with his face covered except for his eyes. He also carries a scimitar sword, hence the name," she stated.

Judy smiled and chuckled.

"A true vigilante. Now, what about the missing mammals? That's the part I am mostly interested in," she said.

This caused Esperanza to smile and chuckle. Judy really did remind her of when she first became a true agent, eager to jump into her assignments and prove herself.

"Very well, tell you what. If you find anything pertaining to that case, feel free to investigate. However, don't get your hopes up about cracking it. It's been weeks and even the top ZPD detectives have found nothing. The most current report of a missing mammal comes from a female otter named Sarah Otterton. She is the personal assistant to a legendary vixen bellydancer in Sahara Square named Marian Wilde, who is the headmistress of the Desert Blossom Bellydancing Academy. She says that her husband is missing. Regardless of which comes first, these cases need solving. Now, Agent Hopps, get to work. I will see you when you finish. Feel free to take whatever supplies that you need, and then take a vehicle to Sahara Square to begin," she replied.

Judy saluted proudly.

"Yes mam! I won't let you down!" she said eagerly.

Esperanza saluted back, and then Judy left to gather her spy equipment. She headed to the equipment room, where the rhino equipment manager begrudgingly helped her out when Judy said that this mission was on order from Esperanza. She got all the spy equipment she needed, from listening devices to climbing tools and more. From there, she got a car from the large garage and headed off for Sahara Square. At the Desert Blossom Bellydancing Academy, Marian was busy trying to make Mrs. Otterton feel better. The two were very close friends and on a first name

"I am sure that the ZPD will find Emmett and bring him home safely, Sarah," she said.

Mrs. Otterton smiled a bit at the legendary bellydancer. Before she could reply, however, there was a knock at the door.

"Who is it?" Marian called out.

The source of the knock answered.

"It's Regina. Nick and Finnick have dropped by to see you," she said.

Regina was a gorgeous female skunk who was about the same height as Judy, and had the same physique. She had very nice hips and a nice butt, perfect for her art, for she was a bellydancer, and one of Marian's star students, along with two other beautiful female mammals, a lioness named Sasha Lionheart, the daughter of Mayor Leodore Lionheart and the niece of King Mufasa Lionheart, and an Arctic fox vixen with white fur and blue eyes named Skye Furston. Nick and Finnick were Marian's sons, both about twenty-eight years old. Nick was her son by blood, the same species as her, while Finnick, a Fennec fox, had been adopted into the Wilde family as a child, when Nick himself was a child. Marian was the wife of multi-billionaire fox Robin Wilde, known to many as the "Sultan of Sahara Square" for his immense wealth and influence. He was also, of course, Nick and Finnick's father. Marian smiled.

"Send them in," she said.

Regina nodded. She then looked behind her at Nick and Finnick, focusing primarily on Nick. Four years previously, Nick had been romantically involved with famous and beautiful vixen model Courtney "Coco" Foxglove, but that relationship had not lasted long and was over after a few months. From then on, Regina, having had a bit of a crush on Nick due to his good looks and charms, had begun a little thing with him, though the two were not officially dating at all. They did flirt with one another, go out together and kiss and make out with each other, but they were clear that they were not really an item, and both were free to go out with other mammals.

"She says come in," the beautiful skunk said, batting her eyes at Nick.

The brothers entered the office to see their mother. Regina took one more look at Nick and then left. Mrs. Otterton left as well. Nick and Finnick greeted their mother.

"So, how is the most beautiful vixen in Zootopia today?" he asked.

Marian smiled. She was loved very much by her sons. She hugged them, Nick first and then Finnick.

"So, what brings you in today, besides seeing me? Checking out some of the students perhaps?" she said with a playful smile.

Finnick nodded. He thought of Skye, who was his beloved girlfriend.

"Well, for me, I wouldn't mind seeing Skye. She looks great in a bedlah. As for Nick, I am sure he'd like to see Regina a bit," he replied.

Nick nodded calmly. Though he did enjoy his little thing with the gorgeous skunk bellydancer, he really desired a true, committed, exclusive relationship. He knew that, while Regina was a great romantic companion, she, like Courtney, was not the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He was thankful that they weren't a true item.

"Yeah, that's fine," he said.

Marian smiled. She was one of only a few mammals that knew Nick's secret: he and the Scimitar were one and the same. She knew that Nick was trying to do his part. He was inspired to help mammals in trouble after an incident in his and Finnick's childhood in which, while at recess at school, a year after Finnick had been adopted, where a group of mean prey kids got hold of Finnick, choosing to take him rather than Nick due to his small size. Nick saw this and rushed to his brother's defense, beating back the bullies and getting him away from them. He then carried Finnick to the principal's office so that they could call their parents. Marian had rushed over to get them. That incident had inspired Nick. He adopted the robes of an ancient desert warrior and began to wield a scimitar sword. The vixen nodded in acknowledgement at both sons.

"Nick, Finnick, thank you for stopping by," she told them.

They talked for a long while. Suddenly, Mrs. Otterton entered the room again.

"Marian, there is a female bunny here. She just walked in. She says that she was referred to the academy by her boss. She wants to talk to me about Emmett and his disappearance," she said.

Marian looked at her friend.

"Interesting. I will come with you," she said.

Nick and Finnick, though they wanted to come along, knew that they had to get back to work. They worked in the office of the family business' main headquarters. They said goodbye and took off through one of the other exits, saying hi to Skye along the way as well. Marian and Mrs. Otterton headed to the main lobby, where Judy waited.

"Hello, mam. I am Marian Wilde, the headmistress of this academy. Sarah Otterton here is my friend and personal assistant," she said to the bunny.

Judy smiled.

"Hi, I am Agent Judy Hopps of the Agent Society of Zootopia. Now, what happened to your husband, Mrs. Otterton?" she asked.

Mrs. Otterton seemed surprised.

"You're not with the ZPD?" she asked.

Judy shook her head.

"No, but we are working with the ZPD. Now, please tell me what you know," she said in a calm voice.

Mrs. Otterton sighed sadly.

"Well, you see, Emmett is a florist. He was being picked up in a limo to talk to a wealthy client in Tundratown to talk about the flower arrangements for his daughter's wedding. What the ZPD told me is that something bad happened along the way. The driver was a jaguar from the Rainforest District named Esteban Manchas. He's the boyfriend of Fabienne Growley, Peter Moosebridge's co-anchor on ZNN. Maybe you could talk to Manchas. I could give you his number. Emmett and I both have it," she said.

Judy smiled.

"That would be great," she said.

Mrs. Otterton began giving the bunny the number. Following that, she said goodbye to Marian and Mrs. Otterton and headed outside again to contact Manchas. She got a meeting, but she was told that it would have to be that night. Elsewhere in Zootopia, a male rabbit walked through the hallways of City Hall. His name was Jack Savage, and he was the head of security for the sheep Assistant Mayor of Zootopia, Dawn Bellwether. However, little did most know that the two were also dating. He headed down to her office, actually the old janitor's closet. He knocked.

"Come in," a female voice said.

Jack entered and smiled.

"Hello, darling," he said.

Bellwether got up and hugged him.

"Good news. Doug got another predator in the Rainforest District. He's still there, ready to strike again," she told him.

Jack kissed her.

"Excellent. Soon, we will rule Zootopia together," he replied.

Yes, the two were plotting against the city. Bellwether was not merely the Assistant Mayor, and Jack was not just her head of security. They were leaders of the organized crime group the Syndicate. Jack was the head of the Forest District chapter, while Bellwether was the head of the Meadowlands chapter. Both hated predators due to being bullied and mistreated by them in the past. Their plan was to cause predators to go savage, get Mayor Lionheart thrown out of office and have Bellwether take his place, and then sign a law into effect requiring all predators to wear shock collars.

"What predaor was shot this time?" Jack asked.

Bellwether smiled wickedly.

"An otter, Doug said," she replied.

The villainous couple was pleased, but alarmed. The animals disappearing hadn't been part of their plan. The plan was to allow them run wild in the city. However, this was at least keeping the ZPD off their trail. The day passed, and night fell. Judy began her trip out to the Rainforest District. It was an uneventful drive. Finally, she arrived at Manchas' home. The beautiful bunny got out and walked up to the door. She rang the doorbell. A moment later, Fabienne Growley herself opened the door. It was the lovely Snow leopardess's night off and she had come to see Manchas after what happened to him.

"May I help you?" she asked.

Judy nodded.

"I am here to see Mr. Manchas and ask what happened to him," she replied.

Fabienne opened the door fully, though Judy didn't completely enter yet. Manchas sat on the couch, covered in wounds. She looked at him for a long moment.

"What happened?" she asked, her heart beating hard.

Manchas looked up.

"Otterton...he...snapped...went...savage, I guess," he said.

Judy was giving him a curious look.

"Savage?" she asked.

Manchas nodded.

"It was like he had shed his sanity. He did all this to me," he said.

Judy took a long moment to process all of this. She began writing it down on a pad. Then, without warning, Manchas felt something strike him in the neck. He groaned as his hand-paw flew up as if swatting a mosquito. Fabienne looked at him.

"Esteban, honey, are you ok?" she asked.

Suddenly, Manchas doubled over. Fabiene rushed over to his side.

"Esteban! Are you all right?!" she exclaimed.

Suddenly, Manchas looked up. His eyes had changed. He was now snarling and growling in a feral manner. He was now savage. Judy took a step back. The jaguar turned toward her. Now that he was savage, he no longer saw a fellow mammal. Because Judy was a bunny, all he saw was prey. He began moving toward her on all fours, walking in a stalking motion. Fabienne quickly put herself between him and the bunny, hoping perhaps that the instinct to recognize his mate would kick in. It was all for naught. Manchas rushed passed her toward Judy, eager to catch, kill and eat the bunny. Judy began to run as fast as she could, heading away from the house. Fear flooded through her. For a long moment, she thought of the incident with Gideon Grey when she was a child. At least back then, Gideon only hit her and wasn't trying to eat her. As she ran, she suddenly tripped and fell hard.

"Oof!" she exclaimed.

It was then that Manchas pounced, despite Fabienne screaming for him to stop. Judy could feel his front paws on her back. This was it. She was going to become food for a powerful feline predator. Suddenly, she heard a shout.

"Get off that bunny!" a handsome-sounding male voice said.

Judy felt the pressure of the jaguar's paws leave her back as Manchas turned to face this new challenge. Judy, as she quickly got up, looked up to see, only barely visible in the glow of a nearby street lamp, a fox clad in black desert robes with a black head wrap that covered his entire face, except for his eyes. Around his waist was a broad, brown leather belt In his hands was a scimitar sword. This was just as Esperanza had described. This was the Scimitar himself. Unknown to her, the firstborn son of Marian Wilde, Nick himself, was under the head wrap and robes. He tapped Manchas with the sword's point in order to draw the jaguar's attention onto him. Fabienne looked worried.

"Please, don't hurt him," she said quietly.

Nick momentarily glanced at Judy, noticing her beauty. He was smitten. However, he didn't get much of a chance to look more before Manchas began his attack. In this case, Manchas wanted to defeat this newcomer who, for all he knew, given his current savage state, was trying to steal his kill. Nick fought back. A short time later, Manchas fled down a nearby path into the Rainforest District. What they wouldn't find out for awhile was what happened to him a short time later. Back up near the house, Judy looked at the robed fox as he slid his sword into his belt.

"You're the Scimitar..." she managed to get out.

Nick stepped closer. In the light of the street lamp, Judy could see his vibrant emerald eyes. She couldn't help but feel a bit smitten as well due to the glance of those stunning eyes. Trying to put that aside, she smiled at the stranger.

"Thank you for saving me," she said. Nick smiled under the part of his head wrap that covered his muzzle.

"Yes, I am, and you're welcome. It's all part of a hero's duty," he replied.

Judy took a few deep breaths. Fabienne took off to look for Manchas.

"So, you're the vigilante that I have been hearing about. Tell me, what makes you want to go out at night dressed like a character from one of those old adventure movies?" she asked.

Nick sighed.

"Once, I had to save my brother from mean prey kids who were bullying him. Once I got old enough, I decided that I would apply what I learned in protecting my brother to protecting all of Zootopia. If I had conflict with the ZPD, I would work it out with them," he replied.

Judy nodded.

"If I promise not to tell anyone, will you reveal your true identity to me?" she asked.

Nick agreed. He lifted up his hands and pulled down the part of his head wrap covering the lower part of his face. What Judy saw then was a breathtakingly handsome fox. He smiled.

"My true name is Nick Wilde. I am the eldest son of Robin and Marian Wilde and a resident of Sahara Square," he replied.

Judy was happy finally. She now knew who the Scimitar was. For Nick, the more that he looked at Judy, the more smitten he was.

"She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, more beautiful than Courtney and Regina put together," he thought.

A smile came to his face.

"So, do you need any more help?" he asked.

Judy knew that she needed to get back.

"Not at the moment. If I need to find you again, I can always ask your mother. I met her today," she answered.

Nick smiled.

"Ah, so you went to either our house or the bellydancing academy," he told her.

Judy remembered.

"The academy. Now, since you seem to be getting out a lot, have you witnessed any of the savage animals?" she continued.

Nick sighed. Just days ago, he had witnessed a Tasmanian devil go savage.

"Yes. The mammal was a Tasmanian devil, and he was shot at by a suspicious-looking ram," he answered.

Judy's eyes went wide.

"My name is Judy Hopps. Could you come back with me to the base? My boss, Esperanza Furwald, sent me to uncover the truth about you, and about the savage mammal case. She'd want to hear from you," she told him.

Nick thought about it.

"It's getting late. Would I have to stay overnight?" he asked.

Judy nodded.

"Yes. Come on, we can talk to my boss tomorrow. I will help you get a visitor's clearance and you can tell us what you know," she told him.

Nick sighed.

"Fine. First, however, I need you to take me by my apartment in Sahara Square so that I can get my things. How long do you think I will have to be away?" he answered.

Judy smiled. She was more and more drawn to this fox every moment.

"For as long as you are needed. You're a witness after all, and yes, that's fine. Just remember, the base we need to go to is in Savanna Central," she replied.

Nick was ready.

"All righ. Let's go now," he said.

The two of them got into Judy's car and headed off for Sahara Square. Nick and his family, given all the money that they posessed, lived in the biggest of Sahara Square's palm tree apartments, which boasted three bedrooms. One was Robin and Marian's, the other Nick's and the third a guest room that had been Finnick's bedroom since he was adopted. Inside the apartment, the Wilde family waited. It was begining to get late, and Nick was due to return home soon.

"I hope it's sooner than later," Marian said.

Robin was smiling at the beautiful bellydancer vixen.

"Oh, he will. He always does," he said.

In Sahara Square, Robin and Marian were considered to pretty much be the ultimate couple. Robin was the head of Wilde Industries, Inc, an enormous, city-wide business conglomerate with its hand in virtually every industry one could imagine. Robin and Marian had been friends as kits and were around the same age. He had been a main supporter of hers when she began bellydancing lessons as a teenager. Around eighteen or so, they fell in love and, later, in their twenties, they got married. When they were twenty-seven, Marian got pregnant and then gave birth to Nick. Then, when Nick was seven. They decided that their family was not yet complete. When Nick was seven, they found Finnick, then seven years old himself, in an orphanage here in Sahara Square and they chose him. From then on, the Fennec fox had been part of the Wilde family. Some time later, the door opened and Nick entered. After they greeted him, they noticed Judy.

"Ah,Agent Hopps. Good to see you again. What brings you here?" Marian asked.

Nick looked and then smiled.

"She's investigating the disappearing mammal case, and she needs me to go with her for a few days or so," he answered.

Finnick snickered.

"Yeah, we all know what you're really up to, Nick. We're aware of your thing for smaller prey mammals," he replied, laughing until Marian glared at him.

Judy said nothing, but that remark got her attention. Putting that aside, she got back to business.

"Don't worry, I will keep an eye on Nick," she told them.

Marian sighed in relief. Nick went to get out of his robes and put on some regular clothes, as well as pack his bags. Sometime later, he came back, ready and carrying a bag of stuff, as well as his sword.

"All right, Agent Hopps. I am ready. I have everything I need," he told her.

He then said goodbye to his family, who wished him well. He then left with Judy. They got back into the car and began the drive back to Savanna Central. It was a bit late when they finally arrived. Judy made it through the base's door and parked in an area where the garage staff would come to retrieve it, per protocol. Judy turned to Nick as he got his stuff.

"All right, follow me. I have to get you a clearance badge. After that, I will get you to a room, and then you can sleep and we will talk to my boss about what you know," she said.

Nick nodded.

"Will do, Agent Hopps," he answered.

Judy smiled and sighed.

"You know, you can just call me Judy," she said.

She then walked ahead of him. Nick followed. As he did so, he looked at Judy as she walked. She was beautiful, with a gorgeous physique, curvaceous hips and a very nice butt. Honestly, to him, she looked like she'd be better suited as one of his mother's bellydancing students than a secret agent. For a moment, he tried to picture her in a bedlah before finally putting the matter aside in his mind. They finally arrived at the desk.

"Hello. I need a clearance badge for this fine fox here. His name is Nick Wilde. He is a witness in one of the cases we have going," Judy told the male leopard at the desk.

However, due to what happened tonight with Manchas, Judy suddenly felt herself become uneasy in his presence. She was eager to get out of his presence. For a long moment, Judy was tense as he typed some information into the computer. Nick took notice. However, before he could say something, the leopard handed over the clearance badge.

"Thank you. Welcome to our base, Mr. Wilde. Agent Hopps will find you a room in our guest wing," he said.

Judy sighed as she nodded and they left toward the guest wing.

"You looked tense," Nick said to her.

Judy tried to look as calm as she could under the circumstances. Both she and Nick were feeling the first stirrings of romantic feelings for one another. Judy, especially given what happened with Gideon Grey when she was nine, never expected that she would feel this way about a fox. For Nick, this was the strongest attraction to a female that he had ever had.

"It's amazing how beautiful she is," he thought.

Judy glanced up at Nick's eyes.

"Wow, so green...like emeralds," she thought.

Both of them had a feeling that they would have to settle this eventually. Soon, Nick got his room. He said goodbye to Judy and prepared for bed. Judy went to her own room. However, sleep did not come easy. Horrible dreams of that night's events plagued her. She could see Manchas' teeth and claws, hear his snarling, hear Fabienne Growley screaming at him to stop. She awoke with a shout, sitting up in bed.

"Ahh!" she exclaimed.

Her heart was pounding. She looked around to show herself that all was ok, that she was in a place where she was safe.

"It was only a dream..." she said to calm herself.

Judy laid back down on her pillows, trying to banish the dream from her thoughts. However, an all new issue came to her. If she had already felt uneasy in the presence of the leopard at the desk, how was she going to be in the same room with Esperanza, who was the same species as Manchas. This worried her as she slowly drifted back into sleep. Thankfully, she didn't have more nightmares. Before long, morning dawned. Each and every agent knew their wakeup time and they hit the showers and got ready to start the day, including Judy. Each of the agents' rooms was equipped with a small bathroom with a shower, the size of which depended on the species and size of the mammal occupying the room. The large mammals, such as the elephants, rhinos and hippos, all had quite large showers. Smaller species, such as the many big cats, had medium size showers, and small mammals, of which there were few, got small shower stalls. Once washed and dressed, Judy headed for the cafeteria for breakfast. There were two such areas, one for agents and another for guests with clearance. Nick would be eating in the latter, while Judy ate in the former. As the bunny walked toward the cafeteria, Esperanza appeared.

"Congratulations, Agent Hopps. I got a message last night that you found the Scimitar, and that he is in the base right now. After we eat, can I talk to him?" she said.

Judy began to feel herself get uneasy again. The fact that Esperanza happened to be a jaguar was not making matters easier. However, Judy tried to put this aside and be a proper, brave secret agent.

"Uh...sure..." she replied.

Esperanza could sense the bunny's uneasiness.

"Are you all right, Agent Hopps?" she asked.

Judy nodded.

"Yes. I just had a bad experience last night," she said.

Esperanza became concerned.

"Please, tell me all about it. I am on your side and perhaps I can help you," she replied.

Judy looked around as they went through the doorway into the cafeteria. The smells of breakfast items for both predators and prey were being cooked as mammals went through the line. Finally, she just said it.

"I encountered one of the savage mammals, a jaguar. He tried to prey on me, but the Scimitar saved me," she said.

Judy continued to explain as they went through the line, as well as talking about Nick being the Scimitar. Meanwhile, Nick ate his own breakfast, then went back to his room in order to wait for Judy to come to him for his interview. He called his family to assure him that he was all right and would be some soon. It wasn't long after that the bunny came to him.

"All right, you sly fox, let's go. My boss wants to see you," she said.

Nick got up and followed her. Eventually, they arrived at Esperanza's office. Nick stepped in first and sat down in front of the beautiful jaguar. He took a deep breath, hoping that she wasn't about to tell him that there were ZPD officers waiting for him. Instead, she smiled in a friendly manner. Judy stayed back a bit. Though telling her boss about it had helped, Judy still felt uneasy due to the fact that Esperanza was the same species as Manchas. Esperanza smiled at Nick.

"Hello there. I am Esperanza Furwald, the had of this agency," she began.

Nick gave a charming smile in return.

"Hello Ms. Furwald. My name is Nick Wilde, the son of Robin and Marian Wilde of Sahara Square. My family has business interests all over Zootopia. Now, to answer your question. Yes, I am the Scimitar. I know that I am taking the law into my own hands, but I decided that the ZPD needed just a little bit of help in their quest," he answered.

Esperanza was very intrigued by this fox. She listened intently to every word that he spoke, telling him that they would have to go down to the ZPD to tell Chief Bogo the truth. When the meeting finally ended, close to lunch time, Nick and Judy met in the hallway. Nick sighed.

"So, you never did tell me. How does a gorgeous bunny like you end up here, as an agent? To me, you seem better suited as a bellydancer at Desert Blossom Bellydancing Academy. You're perfect for it in every way," he said with a flirty smile.

Judy smiled back playfully.

"Oh, you foxy flirt..." she replied.

From this statement, she could tell that he really was attracted to her. In that moment, Nick decided to tell her what he was really, truly thinking. He hoped she responded well.

"Judy, I know that this probably not a good time, but...you're really pretty. I'd love to take you out sometime, if you can leave the base," he told her.

Judy was stunned. How had a predator developed feelings for her? Well, it had happened, and now she had to make her response to that predator's request. She would never have imagined herself going on a date with a fox before, but she knew the truth now. The organization had no specific rule against agents leaving base for personal reasons when they weren't on a mission.

"I'd love to, handsome," she said, batting her eyes and allowing her flirtatious, feminine side to emerge.

Nick smiled.

"That's great. We can talk about it later. Maybe, now, though, you can help me prepare what I am going to say to the ZPD when we go in a little bit," he answered.

Judy agreed. At Jack's mansion, Bellwether came for a visit. During the day yesterday, with Doug's help, she had finally figured out what the ZPD had not: that it was Lionheart that had been taking the savage mammals via the wolves in the unmarked white vans. What perfect news! Now, she could let that information slip to the ZPD, they would arrest Lionheart and then Bellwether could become mayor. Jack smiled at her as she entered his home. He hugged her.

"Ah, my darling, I couldn't wait for you to be present. Doug completed the shock collar prototype, and we are ready to test it today. I picked up a Clouded leopardess in the Rainforest District. We will test the collar in her," he said.

Bellwether smiled sadistically as she followed Jack to the torture room/lab of his estate. In a cage, the Clouded leopardess, a young adult named Rachel Clawson, sat scared in a small cell. Jack looked at her as one of his rhino guards opened the door.

"All right, you predator scum, sit up. We're about to test something on you," he said.

Rachel was too scared to say anything as Doug handed the collar to Jack. The rabbit turned on the collar, switching it to the high setting before snapping it around the Clouded leopardess' neck.

"PLEA....AHHH!" she began to scream when the shock was activated.

Jack and Bellwether were pleased. After several more painful shocks, Jack took it off in order to continue working on it. Deciding that her fear of him protected him, he decided to just let Rachel go instead of killing her. She was uncerimoniously dumped out on the streets and left to find her way out of the Forest District.. Bellwether left after that, returning to City Hall. She went to her office and downloaded the video of Lionheart that Doug had sent her in an email. She then headed for the ZPD. At this same time, Esperanza went to find Judy, who was talking with Nick.

"We have to get to the ZPD. As well as Nick's revelation, there is also a witness to question, a teenage female cheetah, the daughter of the ZPD dispatch. Apparently, she saw the wolves loading a savage hyena into a unmarked white van," she said.

Nick and Judy got up and followed her. They got into a car and rushed off to the ZPD. Inside, Benjamin Clawhauser was talking to his daughter, Fuli, who, although normally a very confident individual, felt intimidated by the presence of Chief Bogo and other officers. The pretty teenage cheetah was wearing athletic garb. Nearby was her mother and Clawhauser's wife, Rebekah, who had left the office of her fashion company to pick her up and bring her here. Clawhauser smiled at Fuli.

"It's all right, sweetie. They are just going to be asking you some questions. We are just waiting for someone that's helping to investigate. I heard that among them is the Scimitar himself," he said.

Fuli smiled politely.

"The Scimitar is just a story to frighten the bad guys. I mean, a fox that goes out at night wielding a sword?" she replied.

No sooner had she finished speaking did Esperanza arrive with Nick and Judy. She looked at Chief Bogo.

"Chief Bogo, I found him. I have the Scimitar," she said gesturing to Nick.

Bogo looked at the fox for a moment, but then looked at Fuli.

"The witness is over here. Now, let's get this done. We can talk about the fox later. Ms. Furwald, if you want, you can ask the questions. It might put her more at ease, since you arent't with the ZPD," he told her.

Esperanza went over to where Fuli was sitting.

"Hello there. My name is Esperanza Furwald. I am an agent who is assisting on this case. Your name is?" she began.

Fuli nodded at her.

"My name is Fuli Clawhauser. I am a student at King Mohatu Lionheart Hight School. I am a track and field athlete," she replied.

Esperanza got down to business.

"Ms. Clawhauser, please tell me what you saw," she continued.

Fuli sighed and began to tell how she was outside practicing for an upcoming race. However, nearby, she witnessed the savage hyena being loaded into the unmarked van by the wolves. Immediately, she got her cell phone from her gym bag and and called her father. It wasn't long before she was here.

"I see," said Chief Bogo.

Honestly, he couldn't wait for the end of the day, when he would go and visit his fiancee, mega pop star and Marian-trained bellydancer Kira Hornston, known to all as Gazelle. They had met a year earlier at a ZPD benefit event where she had performed. Suddenly, before anyone else could say anything else, Bellwether entered the ZPD with Jack. Bogo looked at her as soon as he saw her.

"Ah, Assistant Mayor Bellwether. What brings you to the ZPD on this fine day?" he asked.

For a moment, Bellwether looked at all the predators in the area. She couldn't wait to see them all wearing shock collars. Getting back into her act, she smiled.

"Chief Bogo, you need not look any further for the cause of the disappearing mammals. They are all predators, and I know who is behind all of this," she said.

Bogo looked at her with narrowed eyes.

"Who?" he replied.

Bellwether smiled.

"Mayor Lionheart is behind all of this," she said.

Everyone was stunned as Bellwether proceeded to show the videos she had been given and gave them the location of the asylum. Bogo was completely stunned. He knew what had to be done. He turned to some of his officers.

"Officers, assemble. Once Assistant Mayor Bellwether leaves, we have to get an arrest warrant and head for City Hall," he told them.

Bellwether saluted.

"I will inform him that he is in trouble and that you know what happened," she said.

Bogo nodded and watched as she and Jack exited. As soon as they were safe in their car, they smiled at each other. However, no sooner had they left did Rachel make her way in. She had been helped to Savanna Central by a sympathetic bear couple. She had hidden away so that Jack and Bellwether would not see her. The Clouded leopardess went up to the desk.

"You have to help me. The Assistant Mayor and that bunny aren't innocent. Both of them are part of the Syndicate, and Assistant Mayor Bellwether is plotting to take over the city. She is turning the predators savage with toxic flowers called Night Howlers. I know this because I was just released after several days as the bunny's captive. Honest, I am not making it up," she said, then continued to talk about what she had learned in captivity, including the location of Jack's home.

Both Nick and Judy could tell that she was being honest. Thankfully, Chief Bogo could tell from her voice that she wasn't making it up. Clawhauser ran a quick Zoogle search on his computer for Night Howlers and they came up as blue flowers, often used by the farmers of Judy's hometown of Bunnyburrow to keep insects off the produce. Judy remembered this from her youth. Rachel went on to describe the bunny. A search of records revealed him as Jack Savage, the Syndicate leader in the Forest District, who was well-known to the ZPD. Bogo sighed.

"All right, we will deal with Lionheart later on. One team, go right now to the asylum with the transport team and bring the savage predators for treatment at one of the treatment facilities, and arrest the badger doctor if you find her. As for the rest of us, we need to take a few days to devise a plan. Normally, I wouldn't use someone working outside the law, but, if the fox really is the Scimitar, I would like his help," he said.

Nick smiled.

"I am the Scimitar, and you have my help," he stated.

Bogo was pleased.

"Good. Now, we just need a plan to get past Jack's guards," he continued.

As they had talked, Judy had been thinking about Nick's remarks that she should be a bellydancer. Then, suddenly, she had an idea. She looked at Nick.

"Nick, do you think that your mother could teach me to bellydance, just the basics?" she asked.

Nick nodded excitedly.

"Yes, why?" he replied.

Judy smiled.

"I could go in there and dance for the guards to get their attention. The rest of you can go in and get Jack Savage, and Bellwether, if she is present," she answered.

Everyone loved it. Bogo dismissed them all, declaring that they would meet up in several days, giving the exact date. After that, everyone began getting ready. The team assigned to bringing back the savage mammals got together and headed over there. Nick and Judy walked outside together while Esperanza waited nearby.

"So, you want to learn a bit of bellydancing, do you? Well, let's call up my mom and see what she says," Nick began.

Judy nodded.

"Sure, but first, there is something we need to finalize," she said.

Nick got a curious look on his face.

"What is that?" he asked.

Judy held his hand.

"Well, you asked me out on a date when I could. Is tonight a good time for you, or do you plan on donning your robes again and going to save the day?"

Nick shrugged.

"Well, the ZPD can handle the criminals tonight. I would much rather be with a bunny like you. I know a nice little restaurant in Sahara Square. I can also help you get a little hotel for the night. I guess this means that we are more than friends now. So, would you...like to be my girlfriend?" he said.

Judy nodded.

"I'd love to be the girlfriend of a handsome and sly fox like you," she answered.

An instant later, she jumped on Nick, her hands on his shoulders, her feet on his chest, and kissed him on the lips then and there. After a moment of surprise, he returned the favor. So thrilled was he that he nearly forgot about the call to his mother. However, he did remember it, and when he called her and asked if she would be willing to spend a few days teaching Judy bellydancing, she was thrilled.

"I'd love to. That bunny would be a great dancer. She has the body, hips and butt for it," Marian side with pride.

After the call, Nick told her that he loved her and then hung up. They went with Esperanza to get Judy's things for her stay in Sahara Square, as well as pick up Nick's stuff. Meanwhile, Bogo, after finishing the last of his paperwork, left and headed to an enormous mansion here in Savanna Central. One of the most luxurious homes in the area, it belonged to one of Zootopia's wealthiest citizens after the Lionheart family and the Wilde family, Gazelle herself. He came here as often as he could. Going past her security, he knocked on the door. Gazelle, who was expecting him, rushed over and opened the door. She hugged him.

"Oh, Bogo, my darling, I have been waiting for you. I can't wait to continue our wedding plans," she told him.

Bogo smiled.

"Nothing could keep me from you, my love," he said.

Bogo and Gazelle kissed before they went inside the home. She couldn't wait for their wedding However, first things first. She would first discuss her fiancee's day at work.

"So, how are things going at the ZPD?" she asked.

Bogo sighed. He knew that he had to be careful, and that he couldn't just share things about the cases in casual conversation. He held her close as they sat on the sofa.

"We're very close to solving one of the current cases. We got some important tips today," he said.

Gazelle nodded and then decided to change the subject to something more pleasant.

"We have our wedding cake tasting soon," she continued.

She and Bogo continued their conversation about their upcoming wedding. Meanwhile, after getting their stuff, Nick and Judy took a taxi to Sahara Square. Because it was just a little before dinner time, they decided to head first to the hotel to get Judy's room and allow her to get comfortable, and then they would go to dinner before taking her to see his family so that they could finalize Judy's bellydancing lessons. They went to the hotel's front desk and checked in with the wolf clerk, and Judy got her room. Soon, it was time. Nick took her to a restaurant, a place where sporting events from all over Zootopia played on screens. Their first date was a monumental success. After the meal, Nick dropped by the hotel to get his stuff, and then he took Judy to his family's apartment. Everyone was overjoyed to see him.

"Everyone, I have big news. Judy and I are dating," he announced.

Finnick laughed.

"Oh man, it's only been a short time too. You sly fox!" he said.

Marian went over to Judy. She was surprised by the news that the bunny was dating her son so quickly, but didn't say anything about it. She went into headmistress mode.

"Ah, so there is my new student. I can't wait to start. Can we start tomorrow? I sensed some urgency about that call," she stated.

Judy nodded.

"Yes. I am learning bellydancing in order to help distract some criminals the ZPD is seeking. We move on our targets in a few days," she replied.

Marian looked her over for a few moments.

"Mmm. You are perfect. A purple bedlah will suit you and bring out your eyes," she said.

Judy was listening intently.

"I can't wait until tomorrow. I will be there bright and early," she answered.

It was then that Robin approached the bunny.

"Glad to see that my son has found himself someone," he told her.

Judy bowed her head.

"I am honored to be part of his life," she told him.

Judy stuck around for awhile, then Nick took her back to the hotel. The next day, Judy got up early and got in a taxi, heading for the Desert Blossom Bellydancing Academy. As she sat in the backseat, the memories of the incident with Manchas flooded her mind. Perhaps she wasn't suited for secret agent work. Maybe, just maybe, her parents had been right. Perhaps she should seek out a safer career. Before long, she was at the academy. She entered, where she was greeted by Marian. With her were Regina, Skye and Sasha, each in their bedlahs, as was Marian. Marian wore a crimson red bedlah, Regina's was magenta, Sasha's was gold and Skye's was hot pink. Marian was the first to speak.

"Welcome, Judy. You are now one of us, at least for now. If you decide that you like it, you are more than welcome to join us full time. With me here are Sasha Lionheart, Skye Furston and Regina Pawson. We are the main dancing troupe for this school," the vixen said.

Sasha nodded.

"Mrs. Wilde said that you were perfect for this sort of thing. I see now that she was right," she added.

Skye smiled.

"Welcome to the academy, even if it is only for a short time," she stated.

Regina was the last to speak.

"That is unless you decide to join us full time," she said.

Knowing that they had to get started, Marian ended the introduction there.

"All right, girls. That's enough. Let's get Judy ready. It's time to find a bedlah for her," she told them.

Judy followed as they headed for the room where all the dancer outfits were kept. Searching through the large inventory, she found a royal purple bedlah, trimmed with gold on the bra and pants as were hers and the others. It was perfectly sized for a bunny. Judy went to a dressing room, undressed and put it on. Looking in the mirror, she liked the way she looked. Maybe bellydancing was a fit for her. She returned and the classes got started. This went on for the next few days. In that time, she grew to love it, and fully intended on joining the troupe when this was all over, at least part time. Finally, it was time. Everyone met at the ZPD. Judy wore her new bedlah, drawing some attention, especially from Nick, who was clad in his Scimitar attire. Bogo got everyone's attention.

"All right, this is going to be dangerous, but we can overcome. My agent in Jack's organization says that Bellwether is there today. Now, I need to be absolutely sure that we all know what we're doing. We will enter, and, as the rest of us move on, Judy will dance in order to distract the guards. Meanwhile, the rest of us, including our local hero, the Scimitar will get in there and grab both Savage and Bellwether. As for Lionheart, we will get him for his part in this later. Am I clear?" he stated.

"YES SIR!" came the reply from everyone.

Bogo said it was time. They headed off. With help from the agent, a male coyote, they were able to get in. As they thought, it was crawling with guards. Nick smiled at Judy.

"All right, gorgeous, do your thing," he said.

Judy nodded and strutted into the midst of the guards.

"Oh do I have a surprise for all of you!" she said,

She then turned on the dance music she had been using in Marian's classed on a boombox and began dancing. Although she was a beginner, she was very good. The guards, primarily rhinos with a few rams in the mix, watched with excitement. The others stealthily traveled through Jack's home. Communicating on a hidden radio, they located Jack and Bellwether. They burst in with Chief Bogo at the front.

"FREEZE!" he exclaimed.

Jack and Bellwether had not been expecting anyone to barge in like that. They were stunned. They tried to flee, but Nick stood in their way, sword drawn. Bellwether's eyes went wide.

"The Scimitar...you do exist..." she managed to get out.

Nick nodded.

"Yes, and you are both about to be arrested by the ZPD for the crime of plotting against the city's predator population," he said.

Bogo and some of his officers cuffed them, while the other part of the group arrested the guards that Judy had been distracting. Nick and Judy walked together as the criminals were dragged off to the ZPD squad cars. Nick pulled down the lower part of his head wrap.

"So, how was it bellydancing?" he asked.

Judy smiled at her new boyfriend, the first in her life.

"I loved it. I actually want to join the troupe and leave the secret agent life behind for my safety. I just need to tell Esperanza. Can we stop and give her a call real quick?" she asked.

Nick nodded and they did exactly that. While Esperanza was surprised, she didn't protest. Agents left the group all the time for various reasons. She told Judy that she would need to come and sign some paperwork, but that could be done tomorrow. Judy was pleased. They said goodbye. Judy then looked at Nick.

"I am ready for this new chapter in my life," she said.

Nick nodded.

"I'm certainly ready for the bellydancer bunny," he told her.

In the next few days, Judy left the agency fully and devoted herself to performing with her new bellydancing troupe. She got a car and apartment in Sahara Square with help from Robin and Marian. Nick continued on fighting crime by night as the Scimitar. Lionheart was arrested, Jack and Bellwether were charged, and the savage mammals were all cured. Now that things were back to normal, Nick and Judy prepared themselves for the next event: the wedding of Chief Bogo and Gazelle, where Marian and her troupe, including Judy, would be performing. They were appearing because Gazelle had been a student of Marian's, and wanted to display the prowess of her old mentor. The night before the event, Nick and Judy went to dinner at one of the restaurants at the Palm Hotel and Casino. On the balcony after the meal, Nick smiled at Judy.

"I will love you through every Zootopian night," he said.

The vigilante fox and the now-bellydancer bunny kissed, proud to have each other's love.