Nick kneeled over the broken body of his best friend, his handsh hesitating over her limp form. Nick had watched Judy and that cheetah fall forty feet down a cliff. The way she landed causing her neck to break instantly. Powerless. That was what Nick felt when he saw Judy fall. Even Immortals weren't gods.

Liquid dripped down onto the shiny badge of the bunny, her most prized possession. Nick had never seen a speck of dirt on that badge, it was always polished and shiny. Nick didn't bother fighting the hot tears that coursed down his cheeks, it would have been a pointless battle. His breathing was heavy as his mind refused to accept what his eyes showed. Judy, his Judy was dead.

He wasn't sure when he began to scream, but scream wasn't the right word. The noise that came from him was something ancient and primal. A sound that had no name. His paws slid under Judy's body and lifted her against him.

Staring down into her beautiful face he cursed himself again and again for being weak and powerless. A single paw stroked through her fur, down her cheek as he wiped away the blood from her lips. Nick rocked back and forth, the ache in his chest growing stronger with each thump of his heart. Judy... his Judy taken away from him. His best friend. Nick threw back his head as he glared at the sky.

"WHY," he roared at the very heavens themselves.

"WHY HER!?"

Nick looked back to the grey bunny. Begging her to come backto him as he rocked slowly.

"We were supposed to make the world a better place Judy, you and me."

He placed his head against her chest as he broke down and cried. Shoulders shaking as anguish and grief overcame him. His eyes turned slightly to the cheetah almost begging that it had survived so he could take his life with his own paws. But it was useless. The cheetah had died on impact as well. Nick turned back to his Judy, stroking her cheek. He imagined having to carry her up that hill, past the cameras and reporters, telling Bogo...her family. Nick broke down again as he imagined the hated looks from the bunnies he had come to love as family. He was supposed to protect Judy and she had... on his watch. Nick was tempted to let them kill him in revenge. It would only be right.

Nick bent his legs as he lifted Judy off the ground, cradling her in his arms as he made his way up the hill. A stabbing pain in the chest flowed through the fox. He wasn't surprised, physical pain was possible during grief. A few more steps and the sharp pain came again. Nick ignored it, pain was what he deserved. Almost to the top and a searing pain made the fox yelp and pull back. Looking down he stared into a pair of angry violet eyes.

"Geez Nick, trying to suffocate me? I couldn't breathe."

Nick stared down dumbstruck, his paw moved up and felt the bones in Judy's neck. Healed... not a one out of place. Nick couldn't believe it... it wasn't possible. But it was, new ones were born all the time. Nick cleared hist hroat that felt choked and closed.

"Carrots, how do you feel?"

Judy looked around for a moment, her eyes landing on the sheer cliff. The memory flowing back as she fell to the hard ice coated ground. The memory of a flash of pain so excruciating she thought she never be free of it. Darkness. Than she couldn't breathe. Her face was pressed tightly against a shirt. She came back with worry in her eyes.

"I feel fine. I know I shouldn't but I do."

Nick smiled widely and without thought he kissed the grey bunny. His lips pressing against hers with all the passion he had been holding back. Judy's eyes grew to the size of plates as she felt her partners lips against hers. Her brain finally caught up and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Holding him as she deepened the kiss. Nick finally pulled away much to the aggravation of the bunny. She wasn't done kissing her fox yet.

"This is incredible...we have to see my dad now. He can explain everything. Well I can but...no he better."

Nick wasn't making any sense and he knew it but he was excited and relieved at Judy being alive and what it meant.

Judy stared up at Nick, her only thoughts were focused on pulling him back down to continue their kiss. His words barely registering with the bunny. She had waited so long to tell Nick how she felt and hear he was kissing her. She had to admit it made everything easier to have someone else take the initiative for once.

Nick carried Judy up the hill, not even realizing the bunny hadn't tried to get down once. Delgato stood near his car, radio in paw when he saw the amazing sight but more it was what he felt. The normal aura of a fellow immortal in Nick but it was the new aura that shocked him.

He wasn't old enough to sense a pre immortal. Only the old ones had that ability but he never expected Judy to be one. Nick stopped by the cruiser still holding his bunny close. Judy snuggled into Nick's chest eyes closed. She had nearly died, she believed she had earned this.

"Stripes, gonna take Judy to meet someone. Can you handle it from here?"

Delgato nodded and without a word climbed into his car to call in a emergency vehicle for a dead mammal. Delgato looked back and sighed. He had a special report of his own to give. Judy squirmed as she tried to get down.

"Did he say a dead mammal Nick? We have to stay they will need us."

Nick held his bunny tighter in his arms. "Judy, right now we have something bigger to worry about. Delgato is a detective he can handle it just fine. He gave us permission to see to your injuries. Now don't argue. Please."

Judy narrowed her eyes at the fox, trying to decide which action to take. Technically she had been injured and Delgato had given them leave to go. On the other paw she was a cop and should stay. She wasn't in any pain but she couldn't rule out a concussion or something. Guidelines would tell her to see a medical professional. She sighed and nodded at Nick.

Nick carried Judy to the Thunderbird and put her in the front seat. He smiled as he had to pry Judy's arms from around his neck. He bent down seeing her sulking and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. Judy melted into the contact, her heart hammering against her ribs as the kiss continued a little longer. Nick finally pulled away, pressing his head against hers. Smiling, he closed the door and walked around to the driver side.

Climbing in he started the car up with a roar. Pulling out as more cops showed up to take over the crime scene. Delgato would handle it. The drive to a tropical area, more like a ocean front property for the super rich of Zootopia that Judy had never been to was a quick one. Nick taking every short cut he knew. The pair pulled up to a set of two twelve foot tall iron gates, two cameras swiveling towards them. Nick reached over to a metal box and punched in some numbers. The gates opened and Nick drove in.

Judy looked around in wonder at all the sights. A large pond with fish leaping, a huge garden, a massive golf field. Thenc camethe house. Judy leaned back as she stared dumbstruck at the sheer size of the place. It was three stories tall and went on for some distance. Beautiful stone statues of different mammals and mythical creatures dotted the landscape. The parking lot was a big circle which Nick took and stopped in front of the house.

A young ferret ran up wearing a spotless white suit and a red cap. Nick stepped out of the car and the ferret froze. His eyes traveling from the fox to the car and back. Judy glared and stepped forward to say something about a fox able to own nice things. Nick stopped her as the ferret smirked.

"Does your dad know you took the car Nick?"

Nick laughed as he tossed the keys to him. "Yes Mich. He found out and I'm scared. But right now there is someone I want him to meet."

Mich looked at Judy and gave her a friendly smile. "You ever get tired of his so called wit. Look me up, I'll show you a life of romance and memories." He winked before climbing into the car.

Judy giggled at the ferrets antics, she gave a look up to Nick. "hmm, options."

Nick scoffed and took Judy by the paw and lead her up the thirty step staircase to a door made of oak wood. A silver knocker in the shape of a Minotaur head was the first thing Judy saw. Nick opened the door and ushered her inside. As soon as the door closed a aged badger came around the corner. He wore a black suit with a white under shirt and a red tie. Like the ferret his suit was spotless. The badger carried himself with a quiet dignity. His eyes lighting up when he saw Nick.

"Young Master, welcome home. If you are here to see the Master he is in the room none of us but you and Moris are allowed in."

"Thank you Oliver. We will have a guest for dinner tonight. Something vegetarian for her please."

The badger bowed at the waist slightly before turning to go back to his duties.

Nick smiled at the old badger with fondness, leading Judy through the mansion. Her eyes scanned everything she could find. A vase sat on a table and she betted it probably cost more than five years her salary.

"Ten." Nick said.

"Huh?" Judy responded.

"That vase. It is worth more than ten years our salary. It's a real Chinese vase made during the Han Dynasty. Cost was insane." He chuckled remembering when he bought the stupid thing a hundred years ago. Judy looked at the fox feeling very out of her element here. Yeah her family was well off, successful and able to hold a good living. But this was Omega rich, this was the kind of rich that made TV and mammal magazine. Judy suddenly stopped and glared at Nick.

"You lied to me!" She said angrily. Her foot thumping as she crossed her arms.

Nick looked back and shook his head. " No, I told the truth. I said I Nick Wilde am not rich. That's true. This is the accumulated wealth of Alex Declawe and Nicholas Declawe. Called a hustle sweet heart. Now come on. Got someone you need to meet."

Judy narrowed her eyes but Nick only took her paw and pulled her along. After many turns and several more expensive pieces to stare at, they came to reinforced wooden door. Nick reached over and punched in a code then scanned his paw and eyes. The door clicked and opened.

Nick lead Judy inside and closed the door. A metallic lock sounding as it shut.

Judy looked around seeing large blue mats that covered half the floor, a punching bag hung in one corner, a little ways pass the end of the mats was a large white circle. Past that was a fully upgraded modern gym that made even the ZPD's gym look outdated. It looked like one of those mixed martial arts studios.

But it was the mammal that stood in a small square, shirtless and holding two massive weights in each paw that caught her attention. His legs were together and straight, arms out like a cross. Each dumbbell he held looked to weigh a hundred pounds. Sweat trickled down his body and made a puddle on the floor. Another mammal stood by, a ratan saber in his paws. The mammal stepped forward and before Judy could act, swung the wooden saber against the mammals chest where it connected with a solid thud. The grey lynx stared ahead not even acknowledging the blow.

Nick held Judy back and shook his head. Pointing at the sight. The wood struck the lynx several more times before the golden cougar set the weapon down and bowed out. Leaving the room through another door with a code.

Nick cleared his throat getting the attention of the mammal. Two thuds sounded as the dumbbells hit the floor.

Angry eyes landing on the fox. "You took my car," he stopped when he noticed Judy and tilted his head.

WaWalking towards them Judy felt like a piece of meat being stalked by a hunter. The lynx moved with a grace she had never encountered. He stopped a few feet away and bowed at the waist.

"Judy Hopps I presume. A pleasure. My name is Alex Declawe. Nick's father."

Judy waved a little when something clicked in her head. Her sisters voice ringing out. A Gunmetal colored lynx, his name was Alex. Her eyes narrowed as her paw shot towards her pawcuffs.

Nick however stopped her. "Hold on Carrots."

Judy whipped around and pointed back. "It's him, the lynx Kira saw."

Nick gave her his best sly smirk. "Judy, we have no evidence of that. A grey lynx is not a rare thing at all. As for the name I'm sure we can find hundreds of Lynxs with the name Alex."

Judy glared at her partner and opened her mouth to argue.

"Forget it pup, she has a brain." Alex interrupted.

Backing up he headed towards the blue mats. "Tell yeh what bunny, beat me and I'll confess to whatever you want. But if I win then you hear me out. Deal?"

Judy let out a unbunny growl and nodded. "Deal!"

Alex nodded and took a small pair of mma gloves and threw them to Judy. Taking a larger pair he slid them on, making sure they were snug on his paws. He stepped on to the mat as Judy removed her vest and top to stand in only a sports bra.

Alex bowed at the waist once more though Judy got the feeling this was more traditional.

Judy bent her legs as she considered her options. 'ok, he is bigger than me and after what I just saw him do he is obviously much stronger. Gotta be smart, use my speed.'

Judy bent her legs and rocketed forward, her right fist coming back, as she got close she bounced hard, leaping in the air she swung a heavy right for the Lynxs head. Alex lifted his left arm catching the blow perfectly on his guard. His other paw whipped out grabbing Judy by the arm and with one paw slammed her to the mat.

Judy felt her back arching as air rushed from her lungs.

Alex stepped a few paces backwards and allowed Judy to recover. Normally he would have dropped her into a arm bar or a reverse choke hold but this wasn't to prove a point. He was testing her skills.

Judy sat up and glared at the mammal who watched her calmly. Leaping to her feet she took a couple steps back than rushed forward hard. Deciding on her ultimate move to knock the lynx out. Jumping forward, she threw both her powerful leg paws out for a double kick aiming for the Lynxs chest.

Alex watched the bunny charge, tilting his head at such a reckless attack. He sidestepped the kick, as Judy landed Alex kicked backwards, smacking into the unbalanced ankle of the bunny and sending her sprawling onto her back. This time he planted his knee against her throat. Sharp claws next to her face.

"Surrender?" His voice was playful, obviously enjoying the little game.

Judy wanted to keep fighting but she was stuck. The knee against her throat cutting off the blood to her brain, the sharp claws right next to her face. She gave a quick nod in response to his question.

He nodded and stepped off the bunny. Helping her to her paws.

"I see we have a long way to go. But I've dealt with worse." His eyes flicking to Nick in a playful way.

Nick placed a paw to his chest and stumbled back. "Oh, you wound me father. How much shame I brought upon you."

Alex stared at him for a long moment. "I still regret letting you try out for those plays. You are a terrible actor."

Alex walked towards the fox, a evil smile growing on his face. "Now, about the car."

Nick gulped as his dad drew closer.

Nick sat on a bench nursing his back. His dad had thrown him around like a rag doll on the mats. Punishment for taking his car without asking. Judy sat beside him rubbing the aching spots of her... boyfriend? She had to think what their relationship status was now.

Alex returned to the pair in some shorts that fell to his knees and a white sleeveless shirt that hugged his muscular frame and freshly showered. He sat down cross legged on the floor before looking at the pair.

"First off congratulations on your new found relationship. Hope it works out. Next, Nick don't you ever take my car again. Third, Judy, welcome to the immortals. I'll have Sebastian bake a carrot cake in your honor."

Judy stared for a long moment. "Immortals? What are you talking about?"

Alex shrugged and pointed at the bunny. "You are a Immortal. A member of a secret race that live alongside mortals on this planet. Nick and myself are both apart of this society. I am two thousand and twenty years old. Nick here is four hundred and thirty five. Nick?"

Nick looked sheepish as he turned to his father. "She's twenty five." The fox quickly avoided the bunnies gaze.

Judy stood up and held out her paws. "Ok, someone please explain to me what is really going on here. I'm on a game show aren't I? Nick brought me here as some kind of set up to a long joke. Well it ain't happen...NICK!" She screamed as Nick fell over, impaled in the chest by a dagger the lynx had produced from his shorts. It had been so sudden she never even saw the dagger.

Judy dropped next to the fox who's eyes were already clouded over. Her hands trembling she looked quickly at the lynx expecting him to dial nine one one. Grabbing her ears as tears began to spill down her cheeks. Alex reached over and yanked the dagger free. Hot blood splattering the floor. Judy turned in anger, pulling her gun. "You are under...under arrest for m..m..murder." The bunny was shaking as she looked down at Nick's lifeless body.

Judy turned her head back to Alex and screamed. No words just rage as for once she wanted to just kill instead of arrest. Alex watched her with an air of indifference.

"Judy, do you really think I would have killed my own son on a whim? Give it a little time."

A paw was placed on her shoulder, her head turning quickly to find two familiar green eyes staring at her.

"Hi." Nick said from where he laid on the floor.

Judy stood dumbfounded as she looked upon Nick. Even his wound was gone, no scar or anything. She leapt forward, hugging the fox tight around the chest as she cried.

Nick stroking her ears lovingly. "Sorry for that Carrots, but seeing is believing with you."

Judy nodded than punched the fox hard in the chest for scaring her before looking back at the lynx who sat calmly watching them. "How are you Nick's dad?"

Alex smiled at the question, for all of them to be asked she focused on that one. " Well, four hundred years and more ago I was walking home when a snot nosed little tod tried to hold me up for money. He wasn't older than nine or ten but the dagger he held was stained with fresh blood II admired him for his resolve and felt what he was. So I knocked him out, took him home and adopted him. I killed him at the age of thirty five and he came back as a immortal."

Alex set out three more daggers, laying them on the floor. "You see, new immortals are born all the time, howeveri n order for them to awaken they have to die a unnatural death first. Anything but old age and natural causes will result in them coming back as a Immortal. Now don't get it in your head that we are invincible. A lop off of the ol top noggin and you singing the heavenly blues."

Judy sat in Nick's lap listening as she absorbed the information. "So, what is the point of being immortal?"

Alex looked up with a sad smile. "A question every Immortal has asked numerous times. What is the point, why must we fight, how is this fair? All good questions with no answers. We don't know why or even how we are chosen. But you are born with it."

Alex stood up and turned to leave. " Two things. One dinner is at seven. And two, you won't be leaving the mansion for some time. Nick loves you and for that alone I will train you. But until you are trained and ready I can't allow you to leave the grounds.

Judy leaped up quickly. "But, my job... I'm a cop."

"Your job is now to stay alive Miss Hopps. The moment you step beyond those gates you are beyond my protection. Any immortal you come across out there can challenge you and guns and tranq darts aren't allowed. The consequences are severe to those who break the ancient laws. Laws you know nothing about. Rules you don't even know exist now bind you. Dinner is at seven."

Alex left the room leaving the pair. Judy turned around to see Nick leaning against the wall. His eyes locking with his beloved. "Dinner is at Seven."