Chapter 3: True Colors
In the Savage Household, Judy finds herself closely monitored by Jack's men as she sits alone in his office. After a restless night filled with failed escape attempts, she has taken a seat in Jack's chair, feeling the weight of exhaustion. The morning sun is just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the room. Jack had tended to her head wound the night before, cleaning and bandaging it himself. Drowsiness washes over her, and her head nearly droops onto the desk when Jack enters the room.
Jack: Ah, the queen seized my throne!
Judy: Please tell me you've changed your mind. Release me already!
Jack: I have to say, I'm impressed by your perseverance. You must have had such a restless night.
Judy: Yeah, just like your men. Some of them took a real beating. I will do it again and again and again!
Jack: That's because I told them to treat you gently. You're lucky they weren't empowered to use violence against you; otherwise, you'd have already been mauled to death.
Judy: At least my soul would be free! You're wasting so much time trying to get my heart back, you know? Are you going to spend all day here with me talking about how repentant you are about our romantic affairs and how much you've messed up by becoming a piece of forlorn, sadistic mess living off of other people's misfortune and suffering? I'm not really in a forgiving mood, so please keep it for yourself. Thank you! Now, escort me out of this unholy place!
Jack: Is there really nothing else you can do besides begging me for your freedom repeatedly? It's starting to wear thin, Judy.
Judy: Then what do you want from me?
Jack: You know exactly what I want! You are about to determine the fate of that con artist you think deserves more attention and love from you than me.
Judy: Okay, what game are we playing now?
Jack: The one where I ask you a simple question.
Judy: Out with it!
Jack: Do you love me? Be honest with me.
Judy: Jack...didn't I already tell you last night? You and me, it's done. There's no romantic connection to be restored between us. I fight against crime and vile monsters like you, loving you would be simply accepting this lifestyle and abandoning my dream job I have worked so hard for since I was a kid.
Jack: You just love making things unnecessarily complicated, don't you? Fine, this day will forever divide your heart from that obnoxious useless fox!
Jack turns around and starts walking out of the room until Judy shouts.
Judy: Jack! Wait!
She stands up from the chair and tries to stop Jack from whatever he is about to do.
Judy: You don't have to do this. You are better than this!
Jack: Why? What do you think is the most sensible approach for me in this situation? Tell me, why shouldn't I bring you his severed head?
Judy's eyes begin to well up with tears, and then the unexpected happens. Without uttering a word, she gently takes Jack's face in her hands and kisses him, leaving him momentarily stunned.
Jack: It was one of those remarkably delicate and affectionate kisses I remember back in the day. How I wish it wasn't so fake and full of pretense. You're just toying with me now. You think I am a fool, don't you? You are doing this for him...and not for me!
Judy: Please, I am begging you! Do not make the situation worse than it already is. Forget about him and move on. You have everything you ever wanted. You have me!
Jack: I am not the one who should forget about him. It's you, and I am going to make sure he will no longer tamper with your heart. Just sit back and relax. I have a new target on my hit list.
Jack turns around and walks out of the room, with Judy's desperate cries urging him to halt. He bangs the door shut, and one of the guards locks it right after.
Judy: I HATE YOU!!!
Jack: Make sure that she remains in solitary confinement during my absence. Given her expressed animosity towards me, you may lay a hand on her if she gets out and starts resisting again.
Guard: With great pleasure, sir!
Jack departs, preparing to gather a team of criminals to support him and ensure his safety while he searches for a particular fox.
On the busy roads of Zootopia...
Nick and Arwyn are now both on duty as fresh partners. Nick is resolute in his mission to locate Judy, vowing not to rest or sleep until she is safely in his arms. They are merely a few blocks from his house.
Nick: Almost there!
Arwyn: So, your house is where our extensive search begins.
Nick: It's where it all started after all. There have to be some clues or something. I really don't know where to start. I feel so lost, and I don't know if I'll ever see her again...
Arwyn: Hey, I know how distraught you are right now, but keep in mind that you have the support of the entire police station and a new partner with a single-minded will to find Officer Hopps. It's never too late. As long as we are together, hope exists.
Nick: I may have you, but not the support of the ZPD. They couldn't care less about Judy's disappearance. Bogo didn't seem to be much distraught either.
Arwyn: I heard he doesn't care much about almost anything, but believe it or not, he seemed pretty concerned about Judy. I am pretty sure we are going to have some good company later down the line with other officers joining us in search of your bunny.
Nick: I wish you were right. We are here. Pull over...
Arwyn stops the car and parks it near Nick's house.
Arwyn: Nice house!
Nick: There are nicer things than this.
They get out of the car and walk inside.
Arwyn: Your life must have reached its peak after moving in with Judy.
Nick: I was the happiest fox in the world until that rabbit took her from me.
Arwyn: We will hunt him down together. This rabbit will pay the price by spending an eternity in the most unsanitary prison cell imaginable under extreme conditions.
They step into the living room, where a significant mess remains from the quarrel between Nick and Damon.
Nick: I was just about to start a new life, then this happened out of the blue. Where do we even start?!
Arwyn: Your window is broken.
Nick: Yeah, that's how he got in right after shooting gas grenades through the windows to stun us both.
Arwyn: This rabbit clearly knew what he was up to. He had a weapon that most petty criminals don't usually get their hands on, which suggests he was sent by some shady organization that outfits these guys with the gear they need to get the job done right. Pretty clever, huh?
Nick: I will never forget that scarred face.
As Nick surveys the house, his sense of devastation deepens with each glance.
Nick: Look around. This is all that's left of her. A lifeless, gloomy home.
Arwyn: Remember, this is only temporary. We'll find her in no time!
Nick: Look, bud, I know we barely began our search, but I'm losing my hope and my purpose. I have given up my previous job I wasn't proud of by a long shot because of her. I'm wearing this uniform because of her. I was a nobody before, and I was ashamed of my *work* until she came into my life and turned me into someone. But right now, I'm close to being a nobody again...
Nick walks around the living room, feeling a mix of anger and heartbreak, on the verge of an emotional collapse.
Arwyn: I don't know what to do or say to provide you the quality consolation you need, but there's absolutely no need to jump to conclusions. We are here for a reason, and as long as you're in that outfit, Judy's future will always be bright. With you as her protector and eternal love, you'll keep striving until she's back in your arms for those warm cuddles! You're not on this journey by yourself; keep that in mind.
Nick: Kid, why didn't you apply for a job as a therapist? You could make a great one!
Arwyn: Well, maybe because a therapist cannot fight against crime...
Nick: But a therapist can still fight for the wellbeing of their clients to help them cope. Thank you, Arwyn.
Out of nowhere, the sound of footsteps grows louder and louder until the entrance door swings open, and Damon bursts in, panting heavily, defenseless.
Damon: Nick! Nick Wilde, right?! I need you to hear me out right now!
Arwyn rests his hand on his firearm, prepared to draw it if Damon tries to make a move against them.
Arwyn: Slow down there; identify yourself! Wait, Nick, is it...
Nick: That's the one! The rabbit who took her away!
Arwyn: Crap, what do you want me to do?
Nick: Stay put! He is MINE!
Damon: Please, we don't have much time! Allow me to explain!!!
Nick refuses to listen to anything Damon tries to express and suddenly charges at him like a wild beast, seizing Damon and forcefully shoving him against the wall. Nick speaks to him angrily while choking him with one arm.
Nick: Where did you take her? WHERE'S SHE?!
Damon: Could you... lighten up a bit, please? You are not getting anything out of me this way...
Nick: Lighten up? Listen, you little miscreant, this is a matter of life and death, so treating you this way after what you've done is more than reasonable!
Arwyn: Nick...
Nick: Not now!
Damon: Hey, you kill me or arrest me. You will never find that charming bunny of yours! I am your only lead, your only key to finding her!
Nick: Why would you come back?! Why should I ever believe in you? A criminal coming back to my house after kidnapping my baby bunny is rather beyond belief! You are up to no good! You aren't backstabbing me! Where is she?!
He exerts even more pressure with his arm, tightening his grip on Damon to the extent that Damon can't utter a single word.
Arwyn: NICK!
Damon: She is with Jack!
Nick: Jack?
Damon: Jack Savage!
Nick: He hired you?!
Damon: Yes...
Nick: And you accepted his offer! YOU WRETCHED FOOL!
He punches his face a couple of times and throws him to the ground.
Arwyn: Cut it out already!!! Calm down!!! This is not how a police officer does his job!
Nick: NO! Judy's life is at stake here. I refuse to interrogate calmly! I cannot remain calm! He is the reason why I am in dire straits and on the verge of losing my sanity, as you can clearly see!!!
Damon: I am not the one behind your suffering! Jack Savage is! And he is coming for you as we talk!
Nick: Bullshit! You are just a scheming rabbit not to be trusted by anyone! A lifeless soul living to kill and take. You are not outwitting me pal with your cheap acts of deception! What did you do to Judy?!
Nick lifts him off the floor and tosses him around the chaotic living room, delivering punches and kicks until he crashes back down, his face covered in blood. Arwyn is just standing there lugubriously, not knowing what to do until...
Arwyn: Hey! Stop! Please! What happened to the code of conduct you swore to abide by?! Look at you! What are you doing?! You wanna know where Judy is? Then let him talk! You are better than this!
Nick steps back from Damon, taking deep breaths.
Nick: I am sorry. I lost my cool.
Arwyn: You're overwhelmed by your emotions. Let me handle it from here, please.
Damon: I never thought I'd make your blood boil this hard. So much unprovoked violence...
Arwyn: You got any weapons on you?
Damon: Unarmed...
Arwyn: Okay... but I'll still have to handcuff you for our safety...
Damon: Just make it quick and let me talk. We are running out of time...
Arwyn reluctantly handcuffs Damon with little effort...
Damon: Have you always been this gentle with criminals? You're treating me with the utmost care. I can already see where this is heading—the good cop, bad cop routine.
Nick: It's his first day. Let him do what I failed to do because of my emotions.
Arwyn: I'm trying to eliminate violence in this city, not encourage it.
Damon: Look at you two. An experienced veteran gets outperformed by a rookie. You'll have to resort to violence soon enough, young lad.
Arwyn: And I'm not afraid to use it when needed.
Nick: My patience is running out at a supersonic speed...
Damon: Relax, dude. I am here to help you!
Nick: Help me? Nonsense! Why?! It's you who started it all!
Arwyn: So, Jack Savage? Did I catch that name right earlier?
Nick: I can't believe this asshole is here to help us for some unfathomable reason. This better not be a setup, or I swear I will do something so nasty to you; your face and your body will be unrecognizable, and I'll be forced to resign!
Damon: Conduct yourself, man. You are violating your code. I am not even resisting, but who cares? I am already a victim of police brutality after all.
Nick: What? I just punched a few disciplinary holes in your hideous scarred face full of malice and shame! What makes you come back right into my house after what you've done?!
Arwyn: You are saying this, Jack...
Arwyn struggles to remember his surname.
Damon: Savage...
Arwyn: Ah, yes! Savage! That's what I had on my mind...so this Savage guy is behind all of this?!
Damon: Yes, and since I have nothing more to lose anymore, I am going to blow the whistle on his ungrateful ass. He has completely lost his mind and betrayed me for... reasons. Now we are both on his hit list. His men have been pursuing me all night, and who knows, they might be just around the corner, ready to bust a cap in our brains!
Nick: That doesn't mean I'll be forgiving and considerate. You're getting your miniature ass pummeled one way or another. You are involved as his accomplice; therefore, you are both held accountable for her kidnapping, and this horrendous act is the biggest mistake you've both done because you don't just take a little bunny away from her fox like that. You made me a warrior, a knight in shining armor who won't stop until he has rescued the bunny of his dreams. You are nearing the end of your days, BOTH OF YOU! I will make sure you will never lay your dirty, wicked hands on any of the innocent people!
Damon: What if I revealed the location of Jack's utopia? It's the reason why I'm here after all.
Nick: Is she alright? She better be. Or else you're leaving the land of the living.
Damon: You seek answers to that? Pay him a friendly visit in the Rainforest District. He resides in a luxurious mansion.
Damon tells them the exact address and location of Jack's residence.
Damon: So, we square? You and me...we wipe the slate clean...
Nick: No, you just ran into another ungrateful person. Thanks for the info, but...
Arwyn: We are taking you in.
Nick: You heard him.
Damon: You better call for backup now if you want to live!
Nick: What? You're powerless! Why call for backup?
Arwyn: Is this a joke?
Damon: They're here! Those dogged bastards! Quick! Take these handcuffs off! I have to leg it or I'm a dead meat! Just like you!
Nick and Arwyn have lost all trust in Damon as they completely ignore him. Their focus shifts as Jack's men suddenly invade the house from every direction, breaking in through the windows and any other available entry points.
Nick: Could you stop breaking my windows?!?!
Arwyn: Nick, what do we do now?! We are greatly outnumbered! What are we going to do?
Damon: The end of time is upon us. Tread carefully, young one, and you may be set free... I can't say the same about your partner, though.
Jack's men hold them at gunpoint until the boss himself arrives.
Jack: Well, well, well, what do we have here?! Nick Wilde and Damon Nightblower...or should I say, Whistleblower? Sounds so much more applicable, right? I hope you are both ready because I am about to fill two needs with one deed!
Nick: Jack...
Damon: Boss, you are going to need my excellent spying and hunting skills. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness. We all make mistakes, and I do repent my most recent one. Please boss!
Jack approaches Damon while pulling out his gun...
Jack: Thank you for your service.
Damon: Fire and brimstone it is, then.
Jack fires a shot that hits him in the head, causing blood to splatter across the floor and onto the nearby furniture, leaving Arwyn feeling uneasy. It's the first time he's witnessed someone being shot right before his eyes. Meanwhile, Nick stands unaffected; he's already witnessed more than his fair share of violence.
Nick: Hey! What did you do to Judy?!
Jack: She is alive and happier than ever without you.
Nick: Such a cheap lie! What the hell do you think you are doing?! This is not you! I don't recognize you anymore!
Jack looks over to Arwyn.
Jack: And who's this? A feckless temporarily assigned partner working with you while you painstakingly go through every region of Zootopia with a fine-tooth comb, searching for Judy to no avail?!
Arwyn: I joined the force today...and I cannot wait to bring you all to justice!
Arwyn is putting in a lot of effort to keep his feelings of fear and anxiety at bay.
Jack: This is getting very interesting. Your blood will soon decorate Nick's furniture too with a beautifully red eye-catching color!
Nick: Jack, I am going to beat the living daylights out of you! Leave him out of this! I am the one you should be worried about here...because I really do feel like it's rabbit hunting season today!
Jack: To the ground!
One of his men hits Nick from behind and forces him to kneel with his hands behind his head. Everyone aims their weapons at him.
Nick: You confounded cowardly lunatics; aiming your weapons at me is the best thing you can do? Face me alone, without a weapon, especially you, Jack!
Jack stands in front of him while Arwyn watches hopelessly, quiet with his arms up in the air.
Jack: This is not a competition, but my vengeance.
Nick: For what? What did I even do? I don't recall having any heated discussions with you. This isn't anything personal. I really don't understand your one-sided antagonism. If I hurt you, I am sorry, okay? But my conscience tells me otherwise. I did nothing wrong to you.
Jack: You stole her from me, drove a wedge between us, and made her turn against me! She was mine before you showed up to steal her heart from me!
Nick: That black rabbit was right all along; you really lost your mind... I didn't even know she was dating you before to begin with. So, what are you talking about?
Jack: She didn't really touch upon this fact, did she?
Nick: Ditching you is probably the best decision she has ever made. You've become an irredeemable monster full of jealousy and sadism, nothing more. You could have been someone, but no, you rather chose to be a criminal, someone society strongly rejects, just like Judy does. She doesn't wish to be with someone with such a dreadful history deserving contempt.
Jack: Right...
Jack makes his way back to Arwyn, reaching into his holster to draw his gun.
Arwyn: My gosh, you are making me extremely uncomfortable. Just what are you up to?
Jack: Relax. I am not going to waste a bullet on an innocent. Talk about our past endeavors; do you know who he truly was before?
Arwyn: No, and I don't intend to find out if it is against his own will.
Jack: I guess it's nothing to be proud of mentioning because of how dishonorable it is...
Nick: Just stop. Don't bring up the past...
Jack: Fraud, fraud, FRAUD! Nick is a prime example of a persona he avails himself of to use the people around him for his own advantage, while deep down he is just a con artist ready to snatch your money whenever you let your guard down. If it wasn't for Judy, he would still be stealing from the poor on a daily basis, selfishly.
Arwyn is deeply shocked hearing about Nick's past.
Arwyn: Is this true, Nick?
Nick: Yes...but it's nothing compared to Jack's wrongdoings!
Jack: I have only scratched the surface. There's more to it, right, Nicholas? I may have lost my fairness and rectitude for my iniquities, especially in Judy's eyes, but you and me—we are not so different. There's absolutely no reason for her to love you more than she loves me! She doesn't know everything about you. You haven't really told her everything, did you? You keep the worst about you in secrecy. It all started with your illegal pawsicle business, right?
Nick: Jack...no! I am not that Nick you are about to tell him about...not ANYMORE!
Jack: From pawsicles to selling harmful drugs for even more profit, teenagers included!!!
Nick: He is LYING! Don't listen to everything he says, Arwyn!
Arwyn is there, attempting to grasp all the discussions happening right before him.
Jack: That was months before you met Judy after she left me. She left me for yet another criminal, but the worst part about the breakup was that I was honest in front of her, and I had no secrets to keep away from her before we parted ways, unlike YOU! She knew about my felonious intents. She knew I had signed a contract with the Golden Fang Clan and became their hitman to kill for money and immeasurable wealth, and I even offered her a life so secure and luxurious that she would have no idea what poverty means. She wasn't in the best shape financially, yet she denied and rejected me out of her life because of who I've become. You, my dear orange fox, weren't so honest in front of her, so you just simply beguiled her, used her, and made her think you were just the perfect boyfriend for her. Shame on you! I will break this woeful relationship between you. She belongs to ME! Do you see why I've come now? I've come for your head and heart that I will rip out of your chest and crush in the palm of my hand so you will no longer bother her with your fake personality and awful charm you use to derive pleasure from the princess you don't deserve!
Nick: That's enough! Stop! Not everything you're saying is true! So much jealousy, oh my god! You need some mental help because you are losing it, Jack! You want my candid confession? YES! I sold drugs... I was involved in unlawful acts, but I forfeited everything after I met her, you know? It's been almost a decade, and I am already a better fox than I was before. Being a con artist and drug dealer... it was not worth any of it!!! I admit I didn't tell her my whole story, but you don't really need to exaggerate Jack just because you're despairing with jealousy and that she loves me for a reason. You're far worse than me, but sadly, you're not aware of that. She knows who to love, and I know she feels safer with me. She does not wish to be near someone who can snap and do nasty stuff like you with your crime gang.
Arwyn: What else are you hiding from me, Nick?
Nick: Arwyn, please don't believe everything he says. He's trying to antagonize me and make me the main villain here. There's nothing more to be told about my past, I swear! That's everything!
Jack: Hey, stop trying to invalidate my remarks about your questionable past! Once the truth is out about you, which is, it shall not be kept secret anymore. Just wait till the chief of the ZPD finds out! Wait...what am I saying? He doesn't need to know. Your rotten corpse will be of no use to him anymore!
Arwyn steps up...
Arwyn: Can you both stop this madness? Because you are really driving me around the bend with your vehement verbal fight! I don't even know what to do or even react to anymore. This is too much for me to grasp!
Jack: Right, it's just some bickering, nothing more. I nearly forgot the main reason I came to visit your house, Nick. It was nice seeing you after a while.
Nick: You're done uttering how displeased you are with my existence? I won't stop till I have rescued Judy from your dirty hands!
Jack walks up to Nick and kneels before him, placing Arwyn's gun under his jaw, ready to send him to the other world.
Arwyn: No....
Jack: A dead fox can do nothing to steal her from me again!
Arwyn: HEY! I am still here in case you somehow miraculously forgot about me. That gun is also my property, so kindly give it back to its rightful owner, will you? That bunny you two fight for will never love you if you stay a coldblooded killer with conduct beyond the pale. Girls don't like that. Reconsider this move right now!
Jack: A police officer defending a criminal—now I've seen everything. Hold old, are you kiddo?
Arwyn: I'm twenty-two, but what's it to you anyway?
Jack: You sure do look menacing for your age; my men already tremble in fear. Who's side are you really on? This isn't justice you've sworn to spread when you joined the force, kiddo.
Nick: Jack, stop this madness. What's this? A test of resolve? An attempt at getting him on your side?!
Jack: You utter one more word, and this kid will see your brain pieces splattered all across the living room. So, Arwyn... that's a beautiful name! Look...you want your gun back? Good.
Jack walks back to Arwyn and gives him back his gun.
Jack: Where does your allegiance lie? Because right now, you are working with a criminal in disguise, a criminal I loathe. You know, just because I am just like him doesn't mean I don't wish for his death. In my own criminal underworld, we have our own set of specialized rules. We punish or slaughter those who are unworthy of being considered family for various reasons. Sympathy is not always present, and in Nick's case, he is no more than an ill-fated fox awaiting execution for hurting my very own feelings by leading Judy astray and turning her against me.
Nick is on his knees, holding back his tears as much as he can.
Jack: So, I ask you once again, who's side are you on?
Arwyn: Nick doesn't deserve so much denigration, no matter how bad his past is. Do you really think I am some kind of credulous kid who will fall for your cheap tricks? Killing people will never give me the respect I want. It's not about killing people, you know? I will never abandon my purpose.
Jack: You are smarter than this. You are a rookie in the police force. You seek respect and admiration from your fellow colleagues, don't you? Too bad you have nothing. I can see that in your eyes. You can have so much more with just one swift pull of the trigger. I'll tell you what, you blow this miserable fox's brains out, and I guarantee you everyone in this very room will show you respect.
Nick speaks up with a teary voice.
Nick: Don't listen to him. He's manipulating you.
Jack: I just love it when he suffers emotionally. The truth is really painful, isn't it? You wretch! Now, listen...Arwyn. You are young and capable, and your whole life is just ahead of you. You kill this nobody, pledge your allegiance to me, and you can live your life in magnificence, making money simply by punishing those who stand in our way and threaten to bring our criminal utopia down in flames. Finish him off, and all of your dreams will come true! Here, let me help you.
Jack gently takes Arwyn's hand, guiding him to point the weapon towards Nick.
Jack: There's your target. If it is justice you want, you show him the purest of justice by pulling the trigger right now!
Arwyn: You must be madly crazy to think I'll simply give up this job I have. My dream was always about helping those in need. The good people, you know? I joined the force to fight against crime, not join your cause. I can't do this!
Jack: Of course you can't. It requires a stout heart worthy of deserving our respect, something that you plainly lack. That's minus two ZPD officers today!
Jack is about to order his men to kill them both. Arwyn has just a few seconds to come up with an escape plan. He knows he's no match for Jack and his men. There are still a few tear gas grenades left lying around the room that Damon dropped when he quarreled with Nick.
Arwyn: I will do it!!!
Jack: Hold your fire!
Jack's men lower their weapons when Jack gives the signal, giving Arwyn a chance to think on his feet. He takes aim at one of the grenades and fires, causing a massive explosion. Jack and his men are caught off guard as the smoke quickly fills the room. That's when Nick seizes the moment, grabbing Arwyn and struggling to get them both out of the house. They're coughing and half blind, but they manage to escape death. Meanwhile, Jack and his men are left in a haze, disoriented and unable to see through the thick smoke. Their eyes sting, and they stumble around the living room, coughing and bumping into furniture.
Jack: Nooo! Don't let them get away, fools! After them! NOW!
While Jack and his men are still holed up inside, struggling to shake off the effects of the gas, Nick and Arwyn dashed back to their car to figure out their next steps.
Nick: Nice aim! You really just saved my life. I owe you one, partner! Look...I haven't got time to explain...but I am sorry. Sorry for everything.
Arwyn: Hey, no hard feelings. We still got some evil guys to tackle!
Nick: You don't deserve a partner like me.
Arwyn: Nick! Focus! Save those somber emotions for later. Our lives are on the line!
Nick: It shames me that you know my full backstory and all.
Nick opens the trunk of their car and pulls out two semi-auto rifles.
Nick: Take this.
Nick throws Arwyn one of the rifles.
Arwyn: Shouldn't we call for backup?
Nick: Forget about it. Everyone's so busy they can't even begin investigating the disappearance of my bunny, let alone come to our aid.
Arwyn: But Bogo said whenever we get in trouble, his men will always be ready to assist us!
Nick: I don't care! We don't need backup for just a few two-bit assholes!
Jack steps out from the front of the house accompanied by his men.
Jack: There they are! Gun them down before they call for backup!
Nick: Arwyn, behind the car, now!
They take cover behind their car as Jack's men begin to shoot. The gunfire draws the attention of nearby civilians, leading to widespread panic.
Arwyn: What now? We are about to be brought to our knees!
Nick: I've assessed the situation thoroughly while we were inside the house. We may be outnumbered, but they lack firepower. We have semi-automatic rifles; they're much more effective in combat than their cheap handguns.
Arwyn: We will retaliate then. Come hell and high water!
Jack hides behind a wall as his men try to outmaneuver Nick and Arwyn. The ZPD cruiser acts as a shield for both of them. As Jack's men get nearer, Nick and Arwyn begin firing back, taking down most of them until only a handful are left.
Arwyn: They are dropping like flies!
Nick: Just a few more to send to the depths of hell!
Arwyn: Our car is quite bulletproof. A true lifesaver for a police officer!
Nick: She's a tough nut, just like Judy. Okay, they're reloading! Now is our time to strike back!
They both start firing back at them at the same time, hitting the last couple of goons until Jack remains alone.
Arwyn: We are so lucky to have these rifles equipped with large magazines, which means we don't have to reload frequently. Is that all of them?
Nick: The rabbit still lives! Jack! Come out now!
Jack is hiding behind a wall, alone, already planning an escape route.
Jack: You will never take her from me again!
Nick: Come out of your hiding, you little black-and-white annoyance!
Arwyn: Just surrender already! It's over!
Jack: I won't surrender to another criminal and a wannabe police officer! Nick, come find me at my mansion if you dare. There you will have one last glance at your love until you meet your doom! Adios, suckers!
Jack runs to the backyard, disappearing from Nick and Arwyn's view.
Nick: Jack! We are not done, you dirtbag!
Nick comes out from behind the car and runs after him.
Arwyn: Nick! Stop! What if it's a trap?
Nick ignores the calls and keeps chasing after Jack, with Arwyn swiftly trailing behind him. They arrive at the garden just in time to spot Jack speeding off in one of his group's cars after leaping over the fence.
Arwyn: There he goes...fleeing. He's fast and nimble for sure, but a monumental coward I never want to be.
Nick: Run my sweet little prey. The predator will never cease hunting you!
Arwyn: How are we still alive?!
Nick: It's because of you. That was very heroic of you back there. You wanted backup for this? Silly!
Arwyn: I guess I still have so much to learn about you. Hey, shouldn't we pursue the guy? He's getting away!
Nick: Do I look like I am in a hurry? No. I know exactly where he resides now, and after being told she is fine, safe, and sound, I am not that worried anymore. I don't think he will hurt her. He seems to have this special one-sided bond with her that I will break real soon. We'll pay him a nice little visit and negotiate peacefully to the point Judy will be walking out with me holding her paw while Jack will be walking out with his dirty hands handcuffed!
Arwyn: I have a feeling this Jack rabbit will cordially welcome us to his mansion he mentioned earlier, except we will be using our guns much more often than our mouths.
Arwyn looks around the garden for a second.
Arwyn: Would you look at that? A garden where your favorite fruit and veggies can grow along with your dreams.
Nick: This garden will be the growing heaps of carrots one day for my bunny, nothing else. Let's get back to our car and report this to the ZPD. I don't want those dead corpses in my yard spoiling the irresistible beauty of my property.
Arwyn: I... I killed them. This is not what a police officer should do.
Nick: I killed some of them too. So what? Our lives were in danger, and they would do the same to you mercilessly if you weren't smarter and quicker than them. Do not feel sorry for these hapless schmucks. These people are the reason you have that badge and uniform on you, isn't that right? You had every right to pull that trigger in this situation.
Arwyn: Yeah, I'll try to get to terms with killing those who wish to kill me too. Let's just go after that rabbit. I don't want to linger around here any longer. Blood and dead bodies... it's repulsive, and I feel like I am going to throw up...
Nick: Not in my yard, please.
Nick and Arwyn stroll by the lifeless bodies and hop into their vehicle. Nearby civilians watch the scene from a distance, their faces etched with shock and fear. Arwyn turns the key in the ignition.
Nick: Okay, you do the driving while I get in touch with Clawhauser to report this shooting and get those bodies taken away.
Arwyn: You may want to ask him if there are any ZPD officers ready to be dispatched to Jack's mansion. We can't do this alone, just saying...
Nick: You drive. I'll handle this. Next destination: Rainforest District. Go.
Arwyn: I hope you're being rational here, partner.
They leave the neighborhood. Jack is just ahead of them leaving the suburbs and about to go on a highway while he is being watched by a mysterious white arctic fox in red dress from the rooftop of a building. The female fox is standing there on the edge of the roof, intently watching Jack's car through binoculars.
???: It seems that things have come to a pretty pass for you, Jack. Men of Justice are hellbent on arresting you, and that begs the question, Who's going to save you now?
She lowers the binoculars, revealing her enchanting blue eyes. She picks up her briefcase and continues her "secret mission.".
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone