The convoy of GFC and UBC vehicles is currently making its way to the residence of Victor Barker, the rabbit who has deceived The Golden Fang Clan. Having just departed from Zootopia, the convoy is now traveling towards Bunnyburrow along an extended route next to the fields. The lead car, occupied by Blake and Zack, is at the front of the convoy. In the back of their van, Blake and Zack engage in conversation about a range of subjects and events that have transpired in their lives over the last decade.
Blake: Why did you leave me all of a sudden? You have no idea how depressed I've become after I've lost the only and best friend I've ever had. I thought you were dead, really. What happened to you?
Zack: It was tough when my adoptive parents split up, and my mom ended up moving abroad, leaving us behind. As I got older, my dad actually threw me out of the house. He just handed me a bag with my clothes, something to eat, and told me to figure out my own life. He said I was useless and just taking up space. That day was just so heartbreaking. My dad wasn't nice to me, but surprisingly, he rarely raised his hand against me. He struggled with alcoholism, which was part of why my mom left. She had a rough time with him and was always feeling trapped. He would get violent with her, leaving her hurt. After each of their fights, I was the one who had to clean up the chaos they created. She promised she'd come back for me and take me with her, but she never did.
Blake: At least your mother really cared about you and treated you well, unlike your frivolous father, who was a pretty big, careless asshole. Geez, I pity you a lot, bro. What did you do after being kicked out?
Zack: I gave my dad my final goodbye and warned him he'd regret that moment. I grabbed my bag and walked away for good. For a few weeks, I was basically homeless, crashing under a bridge I stumbled upon that felt like a decent spot. It became my only refuge. I still remember digging through my bag and discovering moldy bread and spoiled fruit that my dad had packed. It was gross! I had to rummage through the streets for food for days just to avoid starving. I had to endure all this shit.
Blake: But why the hell didn't you come to my house?! I would definitely make you my roommate.
Zack: I just couldn't do it. I didn't want you to see me like that, in pain and feeling so unwanted, like I was just tossed aside. I hoped you'd move on and forget about me after everything that happened.
Blake: Forget YOU?! Are you kidding me?! You made me extremely worried. You disappeared for tem years without any trace. I was thinking of you every single damn day. I called you countless times, sent you dozens of messages, and got absolutely no response from you!
Zack: My dad broke my phone, so I couldn't reach out to anyone, and eventually, you just forgot about me. When I walked into the conference room, you could hardly recognize me. How could you?
Blake: Listen.....
Blake exhales softly, shifts nearer to Zack, and drapes his arm around his neck, giving his shoulder a gentle tap.
Blake: Hey, I really apologize for that. Ten years is a long time, and a lot has happened to me during that stretch. I also faced a massive loss in my family. I still regret that day when I went shopping with them at one of the malls in Zootopia. That's when everything went wrong. Someone hit me with a brick from behind, and I just collapsed. I was completely out of it. When I finally recovered, I was dizzy and covered in blood, with everyone around me panicking and rushing to get out. As I started to grasp what was happening, I realized I had turned into someone unrecognizable, a monster without any feelings. The Blake everyone knew was gone! That day shattered my mind, and I lost my grip on reality after seeing my kids and my beautiful wife hurt, shot, and taking their last breaths. I ended up in a mental institution after that. I lost my job at ZDF (Zootopia Defense Forces) too. I wasn't a soldier anymore. Losing my family... it was just too much pain to bear. Life feels so unfair... I just can't handle talking about this anymore.
Zack hugs Blake strong.
Zack: Oh man. I truly empathize with you. I am just so glad we've reunited after all those years! How did you become a member of the GFC, though?
Blake looks at Zack with teary eyes...
Blake: Do you really want to know?
Zack: Oh, sorry, you obviously don't want to talk about it, my bad.
Blake: I'll finish what I started.
Blake dries his eyes and pushes on with his gloomy backstory.
Blake: I spent two months copped up in the mental institution. When I finally got out, I thought I'd be welcomed home with big hugs from my kids and a kiss from my wife. But then reality hit me hard. I fell into a deep mental slump again and felt like giving up on everything. Just when I was at my lowest, my phone started ringing. I told myself to pull it together and pick it up. You won't believe who it was.
Zack: A relative or someone from the ZPD?
Blake: Far worse, Raphael was the one reaching out. I've known him since I was eighteen, and he called me up to offer his help. He wanted me to work as a hitman and promised to help me track down the animals behind the ambush. I kept pushing back, insisting that joining his crew would only make things worse and that it was too late for me. But somehow, he convinced me to join his gang. I signed up in no time. I even had to sign a contract, and now here I am. I've taken out so many people out of anger, all because of this gang, and I still haven't found the answers I'm looking for. I thought joining would help me get revenge for my family, but so far, I've had no luck, and the killing just won't stop...
Zack: Aligning yourself with that clan after enduring such experiences was a profoundly misguided choice.
Blake: I would love to cease working for the GFC and join your clan instead. But there isn't such a big difference between your clan and Raphael's, is there?
Zack: There's a big difference here. Everyone in our group respects one another, lends a hand, treats each other right, and only takes lives when absolutely necessary. Most of the time, other clans hire us to help with operations like this. We get the lowdown on our tasks before heading out. If a clan wants us to take out a specific target, whether it's a single person or a whole family, we just incapacitate them with tranquilizer guns and then return them to the clan that requested our help. Like I mentioned, we don't usually kill unless the target is armed or poses a real threat to us.
Blake: Now that's much better compared to the GFC. Those simpletons are bloodthirsty, reckless, and merciless. They kill everyone who doesn't obey their authority, and I am afraid Victor is going to end up dead today.
Zack: I remember Raphael telling us that we can put him asleep with a tranquilizer gun. It shouldn't be a big deal.
Blake: Yeah, but he also warned us about his apparent bodyguards. We must act cautiously.
Zack: True. It is uncertain whether he has some goons guarding his ass or not. We'll find out soon enough.
They get interrupted by the driver of the van...
UBC Driver: Sir, I apologize for interrupting your conversation, but I am afraid we can already see the Bunnyburrow sign in the distance. We're almost at our destination.
Zack: Continue onward! There ought to be a designated parking area for rabbits. If you adhere to the GPS directions, we will arrive there shortly.
UBC Driver: Yes, sir. I've marked the parking lot on the GPS.
Zack: Why the hell do they have a parking lot here anyway? I have scarcely seen any cars passing by here.
Blake: I've visited this place a few times in the past. Each year, they host a fantastic festival filled with all sorts of activities, including talent shows and fun fair games. You can also find fresh vegetables and delicious food for sale. On that day, the area is bustling with bunnies everywhere, and the parking lot is definitely useful. It gets packed to the brim!
Zack: So they build a little ridiculous amusement park for themselves here where kids show off their skills and dazzle every other rabbit, especially in talent shows. Lame. How big is the population here once again?
Blake: It's more than 81 million and growing...
Zack: These rabbits are pretty durable breeders. I have a strong aversion to these animals and their exuberant characteristics, especially their habits and behaviors. If I possessed the ability to eradicate this... what is this location... sigh... burrow... no...
Blake: Rural neighborhood... a countryside near Zootopia, dummy...
Zack: Really? This remote place should be demolished and all those carrot diggers exterminated or evicted at least. Damn herbivore suckers.
Blake: You do realize that there are also foxes, ferrets, cougars, and jaguars living here as well? It's not only herbivores...
Zack: Are you joking?! I would definitely deport them from this burrow land thing. Why are they living here? It's totally not their habitat.
Blake: Zack, for the love of God, it's none of your concern. Since the time predators and prey started to get along, they've been living together in peace. Animals have formed friendships and bonds across species.
Zack: I just don't understand. Animals are supposed to be hunting each other. Predators eat their prey, right? That's what they're meant to do! They're wild creatures, Blake; their role is to hunt! It's their natural instinct, and it seems like they're fighting against it by not acting the way they're supposed to.
Blake facepalms and sighs in annoyance...
Blake: You're being stupid right now. We live in the modern days. We don't live in the prehistoric era where animals used to be savage, killing each other to survive.
Zack: Blake, you've killed many animals before. It's just like snapping their necks with your teeth. Do you still fancy killing? If yes, you will help me exterminate all animals in Zootopia! I got huge things planned for our future, Blake!
Blake is totally freaked out by what Zack just said.
Blake: Zack, for god's sake, enough. Have you lost your mind?! I am not going to support you in creating a disaster.
Zack: Oh boy... I am pretty certain you won't fail me, and kindly help me with this. I have everything it takes to incite savagery in predators. We have everything at disposal at our base.
Blake: Zack, please. I am not up for some apocalyptic shit. Let it go!!
Zack: FINE! We'll discuss this after the operation.
Blake: NEVER. Forget it!
Zack: Don't worry, I only want to contaminate the city of Zootopia, and you know why? Because it doesn't belong to the animals living in it!
Blake: ZACK!
Zack: Alright, but envision the two of us positioned atop the tallest skyscraper in Zootopia, observing as the entire city succumbs to the effects of the bioweapon we possess. Predators would revert to their primal instincts, ruthlessly hunting their prey and unleashing chaos throughout the streets, with sirens blaring in the background. Just think about the sheer terror of such a situation, Blake! This is the inherent nature of these animals, a reality they have suppressed for thousands of years.
Blake puts his paw over Zack's muzzle, shutting it.
Blake: Seriously? You really think you can pull that off? Come on, use your tiny ass brain! Even if you somehow managed to do it, how would you keep yourself from going wild? Think before you act! It's just too dangerous and impossible even.
Blake releases Zack's muzzle.
Zack: BLAKE Just listen to me! I got a plan! Don't worry about that. Now, keep your muzzle shut. This is going to be your last assignment from the GFC. We smuggle Victor's shit back to Zootopia to get that money. It took me several years to find you, Blake. Years of searching for you. I trust and love you, and I want to have you back in my life. You're going to help me achieve my goal. I've had this goal planned ever since I met this girl... I am not asking for too much. So please, make me happy once again. Make your best friend happy.
Blake: You are insane, and... what girl are you talking about?!
Zack: So, after weeks of crashing under a bridge, I finally saved up some cash and thought, why not hit up a local bar for a drink? That's where I bumped into her. She approached me with a couple of bodyguards, and it seemed like she was trying to stay low-key, maybe hiding from someone or scouting the area. She seemed really out of place, almost otherworldly. We chatted for a bit until she figured out that I was the top target they were after. Their most wanted "subject.".
Blake: Hold up, what did you just say? Seriously? And by the way, have you thought about the fact that you're an animal too? So maybe ease up on the negative talk about them since you're part of our kind!
Zack: Hey, I know this might not be the right moment, but I really need to share something important with you. I'm not just any regular animal; I'm actually not an animal at all. Honestly, there's never going to be a perfect time for this, and I really don't like keeping secrets, especially from my best friend. So, I'm just going to spill everything I know, and you should definitely be in the loop.
Blake: Oh my god, please tell me you're joking! This can't be true. Whatever, what's the deal?
Zack: Keep in mind that all this stuff I am telling you should be strictly kept a secret, but since you're the fox I was looking for for years and also my best friend, I'll tell you anything! See the color of my fur? No wolf in Zootopia has fur like me. I got double the power a normal animal has. I can even neutralize a rhino with my bare hands. I am nothing but an experiment belonging to a dark place, far from Zootopia, located beyond the horizon. You never questioned my appearance, yet all the other animals I've talked to did. This is why I was mistreated my whole life. Everyone differentiated me from others and made fun of me. I just simply don't belong here.
Blake: Unbelievable. How about this girl? Who is she? And what happened next? Did they take you into custody? And how did you even end up in an orphanage? I got so many questions for you to answer, just...clarify everything because you're making me confused, especially really worried...
Zack: Her name is Neyla Odynhood. She brought me along with her military forces to the location of my origin. It was there that I regained my strength, undergoing rigorous training to ensure I would be sufficiently powerful to fulfill my singular mission in life: to annihilate Zootopia. The most distressing revelation I have encountered thus far is that upon my creation in the laboratories, I was dispatched to Zootopia, specifically to an orphanage. The intention was for me to experience a childhood in this city, where they anticipated I would be mistreated and undervalued due to my unique nature. It was during this formative period that my animosity towards animals began to take root, and Neyla believes I am the key to Zootopia's ultimate downfall. I have sworn to not disappoint her. My disdain for animals is profound. I must see this through, Blake.
Blake: Don't do this! You're heavily deluded! Animals are not your main enemy, and this "place" from which you came from, where is it? I have to admit you managed to hold my interest.
Zack: Can't you understand? Nobody will stop me from fulfilling my dreams, Blake. And that place I am talking about is unreachable by normal means. It's literally encircled and protected by maelstroms and thunderstorms with unthinkable destructive power amidst the Pacific Ocean. No ships or aircraft can pass beyond that barrier unless it is deactivated by the armed forces within.
Blake: It's really hard to believe what you're talking about, but that girl's name is just so familiar, especially her surname.
Zack: Odynhood?
Blake: Yes.... I know there was a great war a few decades ago. Some kind of army swept over Zootopia in an attempt to assume control over everything. It was led by someone with that name. But they were stopped and vanquished by the ZDF.
Zack: Trust me, I know more about that war than everyone else in Zootopia. It was Neyla's father who was responsible for the invasion of Zootopia those many years ago.
Blake: Kids are literally studying about it during history lessons in schools nowadays, no joke.
Zack: So that event was really recorded in history. Interesting....
Blake: Didn't you mention something about having some sort of hideout too?
Zack: Well, it's not technically a hideout. I am not sure if you heard of it, but I run a big company called Onyx Technologies in Zootopia.
Blake: Nope. Never heard of it before.
Zack: Alright, you don't have to have it all figured out just yet... So, there's this girl, Neyla, who told me my main goal is to bring total chaos to your city. She pitched me this special mission, and since I've got my eyes set on ruling, I jumped at the chance. We struck a deal. If I help her either wipe out Zootopia or take control while eliminating everyone, she'll bring me into her elite squad and make me a general in her army. She was dead serious about it, and I'm not about to let go of my epic future! I must do this, Blake. She picked me for this task for a reason. She knew I'd be on board with her plan and, more importantly, that I'd dive into the dirty work with enthusiasm.
Blake: I don't know what to say. I mean, you know, if you destroy Zootopia, you will also destroy my only home.
Zack: This is not your home! Your true home lies elsewhere, and I am committed to ensuring your safety while Zootopia is reduced to ruins. She has even indicated that I do not need to completely destroy this city. Instead, I can repurpose it into my own industrial complex. She mentioned that I have the freedom to do as I please, provided I eliminate all the animals inhabiting it. Thus, the destiny of Zootopia rests firmly in my hands, with my objective being to transform everyone into feral creatures. I intend to establish a scientific enterprise focused on technology and the advancement of sophisticated weaponry. Zootopia will face extinction along with all its inhabitants. It will basically vanish, allowing us to construct military installations and similar structures in its place. The entire city will undergo a complete transformation. We will start from scratch. This is the path I have chosen upon receiving the opportunity from Neyla. However, all of this hinges on one condition...
Blake: Which is?
Zack: The industry I will build will be supervised by the authorities from the Odynhood Empire. My industrial company will be dependent on it then.
Blake: And this weapon you will use to achieve your goal—what is it capable of?
Zack: Well, the bioweapon is currently in the final stages of development. One of my leading scientists has dedicated years to this project, and I sense that the doomsday is approaching. This bioweapon represents a pivotal element of our success, Blake. It is a creation that must be handled with extreme caution due to its tremendous potential. If deployed from the highest skyscraper, its impact and range will be significantly amplified, resulting in the infection of the entire city. This is why I must reach the summit of the tower.
Blake: How did I get myself into this situation... well. What happens to the animals affected by the weapon? How do you expect to clear the city from them?
Zack: They will wander through the streets of Zootopia aimlessly for several weeks, engaging in mutual violence. We will allow them a week to eliminate one another. Should any animals still be alive after this period, my team will deploy exterminators to locate and eliminate the survivors.
Blake: That's horrible. You are doing this just to become a tyrannical, self-centered ruler? Think about all the innocent lives out there, bro. C'mon.
Zack: I am doing this for our own sake. I've hated every single animal in this city ever since my childhood, and this is something I can't deny or resist. I want to lead an army too, you know? To have my own little empire. Oh, and the only self-centered, tyrannical ruler was Neyla's father, but I am different! So do not call me a self-centered, tyrannical ruler. The destruction of Zootopia will bring me nothing but great happiness and a new life I could only dream of since I was younger.
Blake: So you hate every single animal in this city—that includes me. Neyla couldn't have hired a better "creature" to do this. Why do you even trust her? Zack, you know that I am an animal too, a living being. Are you going to kill me too?
Zack: Hell no! Don't you ever ask me such a ludicrous question ever again! You embody all that I cherish in my life. It is true that you are an animal, yet you are truly exceptional. You were the sole source of joy during my childhood until we were parted. Now, following our reunion, that joy has returned to my heart once more.
Blake: Despite all this horrific news and information you gave me, I still feel your heart is full of love.
Zack clenches his fist for a fist bump. The two fist bump each other...
Zack: Brothers for life!
Blake: Absolutely, brothers for life! I'm still in shock that you have such an incredible weapon and firepower to make this happen. I won't fully buy into all of this until I see it for myself.
Zack laughs hysterically.
Zack: You'll be astounded by the riches and the secrets of my company very soon!
Blake: Why does Neyla want all the animals to be exterminated so badly?
Zack: That's... that's a story for another time.
Blake: Good! We don't need to talk about this anymore.
Blake tries to stray away from the current topic of this conversation about Zack's wicked thoughts and intentions...
Blake: Hey, have you ever had a chat with your mom after getting kicked out? That's definitely a topic I'd prefer to dive into...
Zack: I tried to stay in touch with her after I got back from The Odynhood Empire. She returned to our house, trying to give my father a second chance, but after she learned he kicked me out, she had a terrible fight with him, and it ended tragically with him taking her life. He had been consumed by alcohol. When I found out she was gone, I decided to take action myself. I sent a few of my men to the prison to take care of him, and they succeeded. Justice was served.
UBC Driver: Sir, we've passed through the Bunnyburrow sign. We'll reach the parking lot approximately in five minutes.
Zack: Oh shit! Time flies really fast when you talk to someone about something that interests you.
Blake: Both of our lives are extremely dark. We should both appreciate that we're still alive, I guess, considering how much shit we've been through.
Zack: Yep! Well, foxy, prepare, because we'll be at our destination soon!
The convoy of GFC and UBC vehicles arrives at Bunnyburrow. They are making their way to the nearby parking area to establish themselves and strategize for an ambush. Will they succeed in executing this operation without resorting to gunfire? Probably…not.