Judy sat in the seat as Nick drove. "I've heard the stories, but I thought that those were pure myths. Old propaganda stuff, from back when Carnivores hunted down Herbivores. You know, to terrify children in to behaving - don't be mean to your siblings or a Gulper will get you. Eat the greens or a Gulper will get you. Do your homework or a Gulper will get you. That sort of stuff."
"There are days that I wish it was just a myth," said Nick. "But, I know all about it, first hand."
"What did you mean about being a Class 5?" Judy asked.
"There's a ranking system, usually between 1 and 5, with five being the highest," said Nick. "It's a matter of how big the Gulper is, compared to the size of the, for lack of a better word, Meal. The bigger the Meal compared to the Gulper, the higher their rank. Class 1 is Same Size Meal and smaller. As for someone like me, let's just say that an elephant could easily end up in my stomach. You, you're at least a Class 2."
"Then, why haven't I heard about this before?" Judy asked. "I mean, you could have Gulped down-"
"Remember that time you thought that I might attack you after that conference?" Nick asked. "Imagine if you knew then what you know now."
Judy sighed. "I see. So you, and other Gulpers just keep quiet about it to everyone else?"
"Ideally," said Nick. "But, we do have to Register, and go through training."
"Why?" Judy asked.
"So that we know how to control ourselves," said Nick. "Remember when I 'bit' your neck?"
Judy nodded.
"If I had been hit by the real thing, you would have vanished into my stomach," said Nick. "On the plus side, Bellweather probably would have followed soon after, along with those dirty sheep cops. Still, if I didn't regain control of myself, and get you out, you'd have died."
Judy gulped. "I see. What about my family?"
"They'll be tested," said Nick. "It usually occurs in families. Scientists think it's genetic, but they aren't too sure what causes it."
"But, what if they don't have it?" Judy asked.
"Then you might find out some truths your family didn't tell you, like you being adopted," said Nick. "But, there's just me talking. Sometimes it just happens. Never heard of a bunny being a Gulper though, or any Herbivore for that matter."
"What about him?" Judy asked, pointing at the wolf sitting behind them.
Nick grinned. "Let's just say that, in addition to stealing jewelry, he also owes Mr. Big a lot of money. Oh, and just to let you know, two of his polar bear guards would have no issues making him disappear if he decided to blab about it." He looked back at the wolf. "I hope you understand."
The wolf nodded, fearfully.
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