A/N: The trailers for Zootopia really got me into this. This idea had been running around in my mind for days and I really love it. Can't wait till the movie comes out this year XD.

Disclaimer: Zootopia belongs to Disney Studios.

The Reason For Being Me

Chapter 1: Descendant of Robin Hood

Nick Wilde coughed and sputtered, fanning his tongue with his paw. The burning sensation filled his mouth, numbing his taste buds. His tongue felt like a thousand ants were crawling all over it. Next to him, Judy Hopps tried to hold in her mirth but was visibly failing.

"I told you it was hot, but you didn't believe me," she laughed. Nick glared at her.

"I know it was hot, but I didn't expect it to be scalding," he grumbled.

The two friends had just left Cuzmo's Coffee, one of the lesser known coffee shops in the city located at the lonelier parts of the metropolis. Judy came across it when she was on a case, took pity to Mr. Cuzmo and bought a drink. To her pleasant surprise, the coffee actually tasted better than StarBucks, and it was cheaper too. Soon, she became a regular and tried to get her fellow cops to check the place out. At the moment, she was with Nick on her off day. They were headed to the latter's apartment, located Southwest of Downtown, just twenty minutes away from the stadium where Gazelle frequents for her concerts.

"Duh, it's hot coffee. You were a little too excited to drink it," Judy said and rolled her eyes.

"You said it was nice. I trusted you." Nick pouted, pretending to look hurt.

Judy didn't buy the act. She knew he was just bluffing so she snorted. "Yeah, like you didn't trust me when I said I was a real cop." She thought back to the first time they met each other. Hopps had been a meter maid back then, but she had finally gotten the respect she deserved, thanks to Nick. What if she had never met her new best friend? What if she had never followed him into the ice cream shop with intentions of apprehending him?

I wouldn't have had a lead to solve the case at all, and I would probably be home now, selling carrots with my parents, she realised. She grudgingly admitted that her prejudice had truly done her good, although in an unexpected way. It was fate that they had met, and it was fate that had saved her sorry butt from losing the dream career she had put so much effort into getting. She had to admit, she was definitely naïve and foolish, for staking her new job over something like that. She subconsciously felt her pocket where her police badge was, only to discover that it wasn't there. Judy panicked for a moment before spotting Nick holding it in his paw, smirking smugly.

"Hey!" Judy swiped her precious badge back from the fox and stored it in her other pocket where it was harder for Nick to reach. "Nick, stop doing that."

The fox shrugged and blew the steam off the surface of his coffee before taking a careful sip. "Then you should probably be more careful with your belongings, carrots. This is Zootopia, not the carrot farm where you came from. There are thieves everywhere, and there's one right there who is dumb enough to try and pickpocket a cheetah of all animals," he said as he pointed across the street. Sure enough, a weasel was racing down the walkway with a brown wallet in his paw while a slim male cheetah was gaining on him, teeth bared in anger.

Unfortunately for the large cat, he was stalled by a crowd of animals he had run into. The smaller and slimmer thief wove his way through the gaps between legs of the passer-byes and belted across the street, dodging the oncoming cars that blared their horns in annoyance.

"Someone stop that thief! He has my wallet!" the cheetah wailed desperately.

The weasel snickered at his lucky getaway, but he hadn't counted that he'd be running right into Zootopia's first and best bunny cop (who happened to be out of uniform) and her trusted sidekick. All he saw was a bunny and a fox standing next to each other, yet more pedestrians that he'd push out of the way.

Thus, he certainly didn't expect Nick to toss his entire cup of scalding hot coffee into his face. Blinded by the still-steaming liquid, the weasel tripped and fell face down onto the hard concrete, his grip on the wallet failing and he threw it into the air. The brown object landed right in the centre of open Nick's paw.

The crowd of animals gasped and watched on as the thief writhed on the ground, trying to wipe the coffee off his facial fur and snorting to remove the liquid from his nostrils. When he finally did, he opened his eyes and glared at Nick. "What on earth, mate?" he yelled and lunged at the fox, only to hit the ground again, with Judy on his back.

"You are under arrest for theft, mister," she announced as she handcuffed the weasel.

"What? No! You got it all wrong, that's my wallet! He was the one who stole it from me," the weasel protested, indicating the cheetah that was running up to them.

Nick chuckled and said, "Uh huh, which is also why this wallet belongs to Mr. Dash McGuire the cheetah eh?" He flipped the brown holder open and showed an ID card with the owner's face on it.

The weasel paled and stuttered, "N-no, I don't know how that got in there. I'm innocent, please!"

"I should think not," a gravely male voice came from behind Nick. The fox looked up to see the towering figure of Officer Fangmeyer in full uniform, folding his arms and frowning down at the handcuffed criminal. "Well done, Officer Hopps. I'll take it from here," he said as he lifted the small mammal by the scruff of his neck, the weasel whimpering at the sight of the tiger's narrowed eyes. Dash McGuire had also joined the party, snarling at the fearful thief.

"You're about to get what's coming, coward," he spat, causing the weasel to shriek and curl into a ball to protect himself. Fangmeyer raised a paw and spoke, "Calm down, mister. You will have to come with me to the station for a while. We'll solve this the right way, okay?"

Mr. McGuire snorted, not taking his furious eyes off the mammal in cuffs, but he didn't act irrationally. Nick cleared his throat and called, "Hey McGuire, this is yours." The cheetah looked down and saw the red fox holding his wallet in an outstretched paw. Taking it and checking to see if all the contents were present, Dash smiled when he found that nothing was absent.

"Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it. Is there any way I can repay you?" he asked gratefully. Nick shrugged, not really caring about repayment.

"It's alright, you don't need to repay me now. Maybe some other day when I need a favour," he replied. Dash nodded eagerly and handed him a business card. Apparently, Mr. McGuire was a businessmammal working for a sports equipment company.

Nick grinned and pocketed the card. Extracting his sunglasses from his breast pocket, he put them on and gave Dash his signature two-fingered salute. "Come on, carrots. Let's go," he called and crossed the street. The traffic lights had just conveniently turned red and the cars had all stopped before the pedestrian lines, their drivers peeking curiously at the spectacle. Judy followed, but not before taking her own cup of coffee which she had unceremoniously handed a stranger who stood nearby, staring awestruck. The crowd then dispersed as ordered by Fangmeyer, of them returning to their daily lives as if nothing had happened.

This was yet another day in the golden city of Zootopia.

As the fox and rabbit duo resumed their trek back to Nick's apartment, Judy couldn't help but beam at her friend. Pride was what she was feeling at the moment; Nick's quick thinking had resulted in the nearly effortless apprehension of a criminal. Theft was a petty act, but Judy remembered that Weaselton's robbery of what appeared to be mouldy onions was a part of an underground plot to turn against all predators. Small as pickpocketing may be, it was still a step in bringing Zootopia a step closer towards the scum-free dream.

"What?" Nick asked, his snout facing forward but Judy knew from the slight tilt of his head that he was looking at her through his shades.

"Nothing. Here you go." She thrust the coffee cup at him. When Nick raised an eyebrow, she explained, "You lost your coffee because of that weasel, so you can have mine." The fox smiled and took it. He sipped the warm coffee, then he sighed contentedly. "No kidding, this is better than StarBucks," he remarked.

Judy giggled. "Say, that was some cool action back there. You'd make a fine cop. The ZPD could really use someone like you."

Nick snorted and handed her the coffee. He had refused her offer before, and this wouldn't be the last time. "Don't be silly, carrots. We foxes don't do well with the law enforcers. We're not famous for being law abiding citizens, very much the opposite in fact."

The rabbit ran in front of him and stood there, forcing him to halt his steps. "You'll just have to prove them wrong. No-one thought a bunny could be a cop, but here I am. Come on, Nick, show them that foxes are more than con-artists."

The last part was a stab to Nick's feelings. Pursing his lips, he shoved his hands into his pockets and walked around Judy. Realising what she had just said, she gasped in horror and hurried to catch up with her friend. "Oh I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it that way. You know, I was just saying, not all foxes are the same and you're very different. But there are some foxes who—"

"Enough, carrots. I get it," he said in a firm but soft voice. "Everyone has their reasons for doing what they do. What is yours? Why did you become a cop?"

Judy was taken aback by the question. "Well… it was my dream. I used to live on a farm, in a small town on the southern outskirts. There was a Sheriff that I respected a lot and I wanted to be like him. I wanted to help make the world a better place."

Her fox companion grunted and replied, "I'll tell you mine when we get home. We're almost there." They two walked in silence for the rest of the journey. They came up to a weathered apartment block. They took the elevator to the sixth floor, where Nick's home was. The fox unlocked the door and let his friend in. "Welcome to the Fox's Den, mi casa."

At the doorstep was a dark maroon mat with yellow woven words 'Welcome'. Empty flower pots were stacked upside down, but there was a small one with a turquoise floret sitting on the window sill. Judy walked in and looked around. The house was small but comfortable, unexpectedly clean and dust-free. However, there was a musty smell in the air, causing the bunny to wriggle her nose.

Judy had only a room in an apartment to rent, whereas Nick had the complete quarters to himself, which made her slightly envious. It was fully furnished, had a wholesomely equipped kitchen, and three rooms. It wasn't brand new, but she thought Nick was pretty fortunate to own such a decent home. She wondered if there were other animals that stayed there, and the answer to her question present itself when she came across a locked door with the nameplate Finnick hung on it.

"Do you like it?" Nick asked as he locked his door. He chucked the keys over his shoulder without looking and it landed in a small basket of stationery.

Judy nodded absently as she studied the pictures on the walls. A few of them were family photos and others were of himself. A photo of young Nick with his parents and a birthday cake. A photo of Nick and his parents with fireworks in the background. A photo of an adolescent Nick carrying a baby female fox in his arms. A photo of a teenage Nick chasing the small female fox as she held his GameKid in front of her. A university graduation photo with Nick and his family.

"Those were my parents, and that was my sister Rena," Nick said sadly. He touched the frame of the graduation photo in which all four of them were grinning at the camera.

Judy noticed his choice of words. "Was?" she asked him, "What happened?"

Nick hung his head. "I lost them in an earthquake. My parents didn't make it and my sister's body was never found." That was nine years ago, a week after his convocation. A family vacation that was supposed to a celebration had ended in tragedy. He fought the tears that came to his eyes when the horrible memory surfaced.

Judy's ears drooped. She had apparently brought up a sore subject. She took his paw and held it in her own. "I'm sorry to hear that."

Nick sighed. "Don't worry. I'm sure they're in a happier place now." He looked at her and tried to smile. "Take a seat, I'm going to show you something," Nick pulled out of her grip and went to rummage his room.

Judy sat down on the sofa for a few moments before Nick came back holding a bow and a quiver of arrows. They were carved out of oaken wood. The red fletchings were ruffled and the string looked like it could snap anytime. She looked back and forth between her reddish-brown furred friend curiously.

Nick smiled. "This bow and arrow set has been passed down in my family for generations. Have you heard of the legends of Robin Hood?"

Judy scratched her cheek and nodded slowly. "I have. I think my mother once told it to me and my siblings as a bedtime story. If I remember correctly, it was about an archer who…" Her eyes widened and she leapt down from the sofa. "Is that what I think it is?"

The fox gave her a positive nod and ran a paw over the wooden bow. He turned it around and showed her the underside of the upper limb. "It even has his name here."

Judy stared at the name in awe. She was up close and personal with the living descendant of a supposedly mythical being. "How many animals know about this?" she asked.

"None other than my family and now, you."

Hopps felt a sense of pride and was touched by Nick's trust. "Wow, this is amazing… But how does this relate to you?"

Nick set his precious heirlooms on the table. He sat down on the couch and crossed his legs, clearing his throat before he spoke, "After I came home from my… unpleasant induction ceremony with the Rangers, I swore that I would show everyone what they wanted to see: a deceitful fox. I think my dad saw through it because he told me tales of Robin Hood and his Sherwood friends almost every night after that. He said that Robin Hood was a great being who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Most versions of the story nowadays don't say that he is a fox because apparently, a fox can't be such noble," he said bitterly.

Judy took the bow and examined it. The wood was surprisingly well-preserved for an antique like it. She lightly plucked the string, and the taut line vibrated in a low pitched hum. Unlike what she expected, the thin rope did not break into half. Nick watched her and continued his story.

"Dad told me that although the world didn't see us as good mammals, we would still try and prove them wrong because someday, somebody would understand." He smiled at Judy, who returned it. "And he did manage to get through to me cuz I softened up and aspired to be like my new idol after that."

"You don't expect me to believe that you steal from the rich to give to the poor, do you?" she scorned.

"Yes. No. Not exactly. Well, I started doing this in high school and continued in college and university. Rich bullies who picked on others, they were my targets. Wealthy snobs who flaunted their cash, you got it. I took a part of my... earnings for myself and gave the rest to my poorer friends. The way I saw it, if the rich buggers could afford to live life luxuriously, they could afford to buy us some food and bare necessities. I never took more than I need to."

"Then what about that time you scammed me into buying you a jumbo pop?"

Sighing, Nick replied, "Those times were different. When I was younger, the world was so simple. I saw rich brats, so I punished them for being so and helped others. But after I lost my parents, I sank into depression. I couldn't get a job easily because corporate companies didn't like hiring foxes to work for them, and my parents were never that well off in the first place. Unlike the way I used to help others, nobody came to my aid when I was in need. I realised that the world wasn't cruel, it was just me who was too kind.

I blamed everyone for my miserable life. I blamed the Junior Rangers for forcing me to wear the mask of deception, I blamed God for taking my family away from me, and most of all I blamed the city for being how it has been towards foxes." Tears flowed from his eyes and Judy hugged him comfortingly.

"So I decided that the city didn't deserve a Robin Hood anymore. It deserved my cold wrath. I became a con artist, pushing all thoughts of getting a legal job, finding my Maid Marian and settling down. The anger I hadn't felt since I was eight resurfaced, and I vowed to show the world that I would survive, even if it meant taking from others.

"And that's how I met Finnick. Boy, was it an absolute pleasure to scam the hell out of others, make them give me money without realising what they were actually buying."

Officer Hopps frowned. Despite the cruel relish in the fox's tone, she could detect a discernible amount of guilt and sadness. It was then that she knew Nick did hurt inside under the mask of coolness she always saw him wear. She gripped Nick's paw tightly and patronized, "Is this what your parents would have wanted, Nick? Is it what your dad would have wanted? I don't think he'd be happy if he knew you doing goes against his philosophy."

He looked the Judy seriously. "My dad's philosophy didn't help me make a living. Let's face it, carrots. I chose to be who I am, and I can't change that, not when I am already so deep in the mud."

Judy's gaze softened. "No, Nick, you can. You can start over, be rid of your past. I can help you find a job, I know a few kind people. What you're doing is not right at all, so let me help you. You opened my eyes, and we're supposed to be mortal enemies, so what makes you think you can't show the world that you are special?"

Nick avoided her gaze and stared at Robin's bow. His ears were droopy just like his friend's, and his jaw was clenched tightly. She put her paw on his. "Change starts with you, Nick. Because only by changing yourself can you change the world. I know that much. Promise me you won't ever con again."

When he didn't answer, Judy moved in front of him and cupped his face, forcing him to make eye contact. "Promise me?" she said fiercely, purple eyes gazing into emerald green.

The fox sighed. "I promise." He pulled the bunny into a tight embrace.

"To think that I would have probably carried on doing what I did, if I hadn't met you at all… Thank you," he said softly.

Judy smiled as she pressed her head into his chest. She thought about how he helped her in the past and how much they had been through. Their destinies had crossed, and now their lives were as tightly intertwined as they could be.

She whispered back, "No, thank you."

And so they stayed like that for a while, silently enjoying the moment without a care in the world.

A/N: I love these two. They'd make a great couple, although it's up to Disney to determine if they'll be friends or more. Did anyone see what I did with StarBUCKS? Guess what animal owns that franchise ;D. Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed.

EDIT 7/9/2016: After almost a year of writing, I came back to take a look at my work and I decided that it really needed a rewrite. My skills have improved slightly, so this one needs some touching up, or perhaps a complete makeover.

In the original version of this chapter, Nick became a con artist and thief to emulate his ancestor and idol, Robin Hood. However, I felt like this could have been done better and I wanted to follow the canon film closer. So in this updated version, Nick became a con artist for revenge and to survive in a world where foxes are usually mistreated, much like the film. The chapter is now twice as long as it originally was, and more immersive as well.

Also, check out J Shute Norway's stories. He's a very good writer and I'm glad to have beta read his latest fic.

I'll be back to rewrite chapters 2 & 3 soon, ciao. Remember to review, because it really helps me out and gives me a push to update ;)