Say Something I'm Giving Up On You

26: Nick!

Judy dragged her feet down the halls. She gave up way too easily! She should have fought more, but she knew that she could do nothing. Dr. Barns might have tranquilized her if she hadn't left. Maybe it was for the best, but...Nick...

Judy continued to sob as she walked down the hallways. Her last moments with Nick would never be forgotten. That fox would never be forgotten. His name would be known everywhere. Judy would make sure of it.

Suddenly, she heard a blood curling shout. But she was practically positive that it was her name that was being called out. Judy turned around and perked her ears forward. It was coming from Nick's room! Judy didn't hesitate. Her feet took off running down the hall. She didn't stop, instead she ran right through the room and the sight shocked her.

Dr. Barns pointed his gun at Dr. Tales. Judy stood in shock for a moment, taking in the scene, before returning to her senses.

"Stop!" Judy shouted. Dr. Barns sent in a venomous look that made Judy's blood stir. What was going on?

Judy was so grateful that she was wearing her police uniform. If she wasn't, then she wouldn't look so intimidating without her gun. Dr. Barns saw as Judy drew her gun from her side and pointed it at him.

"Drop the gun, Walter Barns!"

Dr. Barns stood in shock for a moment. She had just used his first name. That probably meant business, but he wasn't going to lose this thing. He was going to win this battle.

"Judy Hopps, drop the gun," Dr. Barns spat.

"That's Officer Judy Hopps to you," Judy responded, tempted to load her gun. "Now, explain to me. What is going on here?"

"Barns had the antidote all along and he was trying to kill Nick!" Dr. Tales shouted. Dr. Barns glowered at Dr. Tales and pointed his gun closer to the leopard, indicating that he was about to shoot. But before he could, Dr. Barns felt a sharp pain in his head and he dropped to the floor. Judy stood above him, pointing her gun at the badger.

"You what?" she hissed. "You were going to kill Nick all along?!"

"Well, that was the plan," Dr. Barns shrugged. But Judy loaded her gun and clenched her teeth together.

"This is no time for jokes," she growled. "Why would you want to kill him?!"

Dr. Barns only gave a grunt and looked away from the bunny. Judy grabbed hold of his shoulders and shook them, vigorously.

"WHY?!" she demanded.

"Why do you even care about him? He's a fox. Foxes used to eat rabbits!" Dr. Barns said.

"Because he is my best friend and I love him!" Judy replied, saying more than she meant to. But she went on. "He's the most extraordinary fox ever, and he can't die. Not yet. There is no reason for him to! So tell me. WHY DO YOU WANT TO KILL HIM?!"

"Because he's a FOX!"

Judy didn't expect the blow, but Dr. Barns brought up his back legs and kicked Judy straight in the jaw. Judy stumbled backwards with a yelp. When she looked up, Dr. Barns stuck his gun at Judy's throat. Her heart pounded. What could she do?

"Listen to me, rabbit. I have my reasons for him to die, and you have your reasons for him to live. The only one who gets what they want it the one who has the power. That's me."

Dr. Barns turned around for a second and glanced at Dr. Tales—who was creeping towards him with his claws out. The badger furrowed his eyebrows and aimed his gun at the leopard before releasing the bullet. Dr. Tales fell to the ground and blood instantly flowed out of his bullet wound. Judy let a scream escape from her before she covered her mouth with her paws. Dr. Barns turned around again to face Judy and let an evil smirk creep on his face. He shrugged with the smug look on.