Prologue

Somewhere in the world, there is a town known as Diamond City. It is a well-known town that has yet to suffer from the toxic environments such as: Violence, prejudice, and discrimination; None of these have happened yet. The mammals that lived in this city are civil and peaceful, at times prosperous. In fact, this city has gained quite a reputation for their masterminds, who wished to destroy the peace of the city. Change their minds, or they will get thrown in jail. Time will pass, and everything will settle down.

"Time is the basic principles of the world," one of the great mayors of Diamond City once quoted. Give it time and it will settle.

An alarm could be heard inside a local apartment in Diamond City. The alarm read 6:30 AM. As the alarm kept buzzing, a paw slammed on the snooze button causing it to shut up. The mammal slowly got up as he stretched his back. His name is Jake Barkin, who is a German shepherd and an officer of the DCPD. As a canine, he has a strong sense of smell, night vision, and a fine sense of hearing. While not having the hearing of a bunny, there are times that his hearing saves him somehow, like eavesdropping on an important conversation.

With his species being more of a guard type, rather than an officer, citizens outside of Diamond City tend to mock him. This would get on his nerves at times, but in the end, he is still respected by all as an officer of the law.

Being the chief's brother has its benefits as it immediately gets the respects of the rookies. Also being the chief's brother also has its downside. Such as being late will get your furry tail handed to you.

''Another day of work..." The canine muttered. He moved the curtains away, the room being enveloped by the light. Jake regretted it immediately, moving away from the harsh sunlight covering his light brown eyes. The German shepherd walked to his bathroom door. Upon entering the room, he noticed a towel was hanging behind his bathroom door, he took off his boxers and tossed it in a basket full of stinky clothes.

When he was done, he got out a fur dryer and flicked the switch on. He stood there waiting for hot air to come out, which he didn't have to wait long for. He heard the dryer turn on and felt his back getting hit by a hot breeze as he dried his fur. He switched the dryer off when he saw that his fur wasn't damp any longer. He grabbed a towel and covering his lower stores from any peepers. Then, he exited the bathroom while turning the lights off. He went over to his closet, opened it and found his most cherished uniform.

The most cherished moment in his life when he wore this uniform on his graduation day. It was a customized suit that had navy blue, black and yellow for its coloring, as well as a reinforced brown belt with 6 darts. At the shoulder area supported a symbol which was an octagon-shaped badge that says DCPD with a dog head shape. He also supported a tactical proof vest. At the back of the vest read: DCPDVX-129.

The German shepherd picked up navy blue boxers with a white tank top. After wearing the said items, he grabbed his police suit, then put it on himself along with his tactical vest. He grabbed his badge and tranquilizer gun as well as its holster, attaching it to his belt.

He glanced at his watch, reading 7:15 am. With spare time remaining, he figured he could drink coffee before going to work. He took a brush from the top drawer as he brushed his tail making it as fluffy as possible, as appearance does matter. Putting the hairbrush back to where it belongs, he reached for a pair of sunglasses. However, the sunglasses weren't on his desk for some reason. He shrugged, as he thought he might have left it at the desk in the living room.

Jake exited his bedroom and entered the main living room. His apartment wasn't that big. He had a modest kitchen on his right with the main living room attached to it. The living room had a sofa along with a TV hanging on the wall, a coffee table, and a dining table with four chairs. Let's not forget there is an extra desk near the front door. The sunglasses could be seen perfectly along with his phone.

The shepherd went inside the kitchen and opened the kettle. There was no water, making Jake sigh. He put the kettle under the faucet and filled it with water. After being done with that, he plugged the kettle to a power outlet before turning it on.

He grabbed a mug from the sink and washed the used mug. He also grabbed a jar, which was filled with coffee brown. He heard the kettle boiling, its voice slowly turning high-pitched. Grabbing a spoon from the kitchen drawer, he opened the jar and took 3 spoons of coffee brown and placed it inside the mug with some sugar as well. That is, when the kettle began to sizzle.

''I know kettle!''Jake replied to the object. Walking over to the kettle, turning off the power outlet ending its suffering. The canine poured the hot water in the mug and placed the kettle on the counter. The canine picked up the mug and took a small sip.

Jake winced as he felt his tongue burn. He swallowed the hot liquid in his mouth. As he felt his throat heating up, he cursed forgetting to cool down the drink. Jake walked back to the living room, grabbing a remote from the coffee table as he turned the TV on.

There was nothing interesting happening on the news, which pleased the German shepherd; It meant the peace in the city. Suddenly, he heard his phone buzzing from the desk. He walked over to it, grabbed his phone and checked to see who was calling him. Much to his surprise, it was his brother: Charles Barkin, the chief of ZPD. Wondering what he wanted. He sighed as he accepted the call and placed the phone next to his pointy ears.

''Barkin." The deep voice of Charles could be heard, but his voice was not showing emotion.

''Yes, what is it chief?'' Jake asked.

Ignoring the comment, he continued.''I need you to come to work.''

''This early? My shift starts at 8. Wh-'' But he was cut off.

''All you can ever do is complain. Why don't you do something useful once in a while and come here and meet me in my office? It never harms a mammal to come this early. Maybe you will learn a lesson?'' Before Jake could retort, Charles hung up the phone ending the conversation.

Jake let out a sad sigh as he stuffed his phone in his pocket. Ever since that incident, his brother changed his attitude toward him. He shook his head as he drank his coffee. What a way to ruin his day...The canine put the mug in the sink while grabbing his apartment key. Jake stepped out of the front door, locking it behind him.

As he stepped in the elevator accompanied by other mammals, he pressed the "G" button which stands for "Ground Floor". When he heard the ding, he exited the elevator with the horde of mammals that were probably heading to work as well. Jake exited the building, he breathes in the fresh air and exhaled. It was a beautiful day outside...He saw a lot of mammals, young and old, big and small, fast and slow...Many different species heading to work or school. Jake loved living in this peaceful city he calls home. The neighborhood wasn't loud, the surrounding areas were peaceful and the DCPD was a 20-minute walk. A fresh morning, a fresh walk all to start the day. Not that your brother didn't ask you to come to work early.

As he walked, he was being greeted by a citizen.''Officer Jake!''An old Armadillo said, who was sitting on a bench.

''Ms. Sophie. How is your day?'' The young shepherd greeted as he helped the old lady stand up.

''Oh, I'm doing good. I heard you turned 39-years-old just yesterday. Is it true?''The old lady asked.

Jake let out a short laugh as he answered.''Technically I'm 32-years-old, but yep my birthday was just yesterday. Old age catching up.''

''When are you going to get a girlfriend, dear?''The German shepherd looked uneasy as he replied.

''I...have not found the right mammal yet...''The old lady nodded in understanding.

''I hope you do.''There was a moment of silence before she spoke again.''Well, I shouldn't be bothering you in your line of work. Don't mind this old lady, I have to go to the hospital and get my medicine.''She stood up.

''Are you sure you can go there alone? Maybe I can call a taxi, or maybe I c-'' The lady placed her paw on Jake's mouth as he was silenced.

''Don't worry about me.''She placed her paw on the canine's snout.''You have to head for work before your late. I can handle this alone.''

The shepherd sighed as he nodded.''If you insist...Take care.''

''You take care too, dear.'' Jake nodded as he walked away. He felt a little uncertain leaving an old armadillo to walk alone, for he should have done something. But what's done is done and he should learn to let go. As Jake walked, he came across a park. He stopped and watched the teenagers playing, and remembered that was him before. Playing with his older brother, and their parents watching...

''We used to play soccer together...''The smile faded into a frown. ''I just wish memories like these can last forever...When was the last time I spent time with Charles? It's been 6 years before that incident. His personality is more rigid as ever...''

The canine noticed that the ball was approaching him fast, passing the cars in the street. As the canine stopped the ball with his foot, he glanced up and noticed the curious looks from the teenagers. With a smirk, he rolled a ball into a more comfortable position, then launched the ball up before kicking the ball straight toward the them.

''Thank you, officer!''One of the teenagers yelled out as they continued their game. Jake shook his head as he continued his walk to the police station. At the heart of Diamond City this is where the DCPD is located. Living near the center, you'd expect it to be noisy but surprisingly it is not. You'd hear mammals talk, but not as loud.

Mammals would greet each other no matter their species. It was a normal day for everyone who lives in this city. Jake along with the other mammals crossed the zebra line. The shepherd received some greetings like "Good Morning" or "Good day to you.". He also returned the greeting with some gestures as well.

As the German shepherd arrived at the DCPD, he stopped in front of the entrance as he stabilized his breath. Not that he was tired or anything, more like he was nervous for the "Talk". He entered the building and he was immediately met with a cold breeze from the AC. The cold breeze was touching his fur; It felt nice. He looked around, seeing a bunch of officers laughing and chatting.

Behind the reception desk was a raccoon, who was at the moment preoccupied with his phone trying to find something to entertain him. Jake walked over to the counter and placed one of his paws on it while the other at his side.

''Hey, Martin.'' Jake greeted.

This got the raccoon's attention. He looked up and put his phone away.''Heya, Jake and early? This is a surprise. Normally, you'd be on time or you'd be 10 minutes late to role-call.''

The German shepherd let out a chuckle as he lifted a finger and he said.''Hey, that was one time!''

The raccoon also let out a chuckle.''Anyways, what can I do for you?'' Suddenly Jake got in a good mood as he seemed to be enjoying the small talk. Jake cleared his throat as he replied.

''Is my brother here?''

Martin looked confused.''Chief Barkin?' 'The shepherd nodded. ''Yes, he's here. Why? You two normally don't get along, like at all...''

Jake shrugged.''He needed to speak with me about something. I can't tell if he is concerned or mad because of his cold personality...''

''I'd say both. You can find the chief in his usual area.'' The shepherd looked confused.

'''Usual area?'''Jake asked.

''The office.'' Martin simply replied. The canine nodded as the raccoon went back to his phone getting ready for another long hour of boredom. Jake got his arm off of the counter and walked toward the office. The German shepherd went up the stairs and he arrived at the door that said "Chief Barkin".

The canine could feel a cold ambiance coming from the room. This made him shiver, because he doesn't know what to expect, but if his brother asked him to come see him, then it might not be good. He sighed as he mentally prepared himself. The shepherd finally had the courage and knocked. Jake waited for a while but no answer. He frowned and knocked again. This time he heard a cold, emotionless voice. ''Get in.''

That made Jake shiver as he opened the door, and saw a cold glare that his brother gave him. He froze in his spot as they maintained eye contact. Feeling uncomfortable due to the eerie silence and the glare,l Jake closed the door and approached his brother. His brother let out a growl and Jake stopped as he now glared at his older brother. No one spoke. Jake figured that he should start.

''Well...I came just like you asked. What do you want?'' No response. He only received a harsh glare from his brother. But he paid no mind to it.''Well?'' The shepherd crossed his arms as he waited for a response. Still no response, Jake was getting annoyed by this. ''If you don't have anything to say, th-''

The older shepherd threw something at the younger one. Jake's reflexes caught the paper that was thrown at him. He frowned, looking down at it. In response, his ears dropped. It was a plane ticket. He looked up and saw no emotion from his brother, only a look.

''A plane ticket? to Zootopia?''

''I received a call from Chief Bogo of ZPD 3 days ago. He requested that I lend one of my officers to him, and I decided that you are going.''Charles replied again, not showing emotion in his voice. He went back to his paperwork, but Jake didn't care.

''Y-you can't decide on something like that!'' Jake practically shouted at his brother. The older German shepherd raised his head to look at the younger shepherd, seemingly not impressed.

''And you question my decision? If you forgot, I am the chief of this department which meant I make the decisions. But why do I bother? You don't seem to listen to anything I say. Why don't you help others out there instead of here? Since you're so kin, a learning experience is perfect for you.' 'The chief said, giving his younger brother a glare.

Jake was furious as he tightens the grip on his plane ticket.''A learning experience? Well, excuse me for denying your orders. It's not like those civilians were in the crossfire or anything!''

Charles slammed his paw on his desk as he stood up.''Because of your insubordination, a crossfire happened! Officer Stripefang had everything under control using diplomacy without causing harm to the citizens! and you ruined it by going in armed!''

The younger shepherd didn't give in and said: ''At least the citizens were fine!''

Charles didn't buy it as he pointed his finger at Jake and snarled.''Don't be an idiot! You are an officer of the law, not some stunt devil! Many individuals were hurt because of your stunt! If you were to listen to your superiors, then it wouldn't have had happened. You never listen to anyone, and that got dad killed!''Jake saw the rage in his brother's eyes and sighed.

''When will you drop it? It's been 6 years since his death. I know, how much this affe-'' But another slam to the table stopped him. He knew, he made his brother even madder now.

''You know? You know?!''Jake winced as he felt the rage crawling on his skin.''Then why? Why?! Why did you not listen to dad?! dad had the suspect! The suspect was gonna surrender! And you decided to just follow him and jumped in on the suspect!''

''Because I saw the suspect pulling out a gun! An illegal weapon! He was gonna shoot him! I couldn't let the guy shoot dad!'' The younger shepherd argued.

''Dad had him cornered! Even if he did pull out a gun as you told, he wouldn't have enough time to shoot it at our father! Do you know what's worse?! you didn't even come to dad's funeral.'' Charles slammed his paw on the desk again, causing Jake to flinch.''Where were you?! Where were you when mom asked for you?! Where were you when the family needed you the most?!'' Charles was practically screaming at Jake.''I was there comforting her like a good son and you! You didn't even show up. Why?! Is it because you were afraid?! Is it because you couldn't face your mistakes?! Or maybe because you felt guilty and you decided to hide?!''Jake was silenced. ''I can't believe you...''

The younger German shepherd took a step back as he tried to argue once again, but his argument wasn't strong enough for his brother to hear him out.''No! I won't hear any argument from you! You are to pack your things and leave! My decision is final! Now get out.''

''C-Charle-''

''I said GET OUT!''

The younger shepherd sighed as he left the office. He couldn't blame his older brother. He was right...He couldn't forgive himself. He was afraid...afraid to face his mistakes. It was just one horrible mistake, and he couldn't take it back...No matter what.''I'm sorry, Charles...I'm really, really sorry Charles...'' And at that, he walked away.

The young shepherd left the department early. He needed to shift his equipment to the DCPD. As he loaded the box with his equipment, he finally finished. Now wearing a fresh set of clothes, Jake let out a tired sigh. He took out his phone it read: 3:48 PM. Time was passing by really quickly. He sat on a chair and rested his head on the top rail as he closed his eyes.

He opened his eyes as he eyed the plane ticket on the coffee table. He grabbed the plane ticket and examined it. He frowned. He still couldn't believe it...He had to fly to Zootopia and there is was no turning back. His scheduled flight was today at 9:30 PM. Jake looked out his window. The sun was still out and shining. He still had one more thing to do...He had to visit her. Lilly Barkin: His own mother.

The German shepherd got up and left his apartment. As he exited the building, he noticed that street wasn't as loud. Kids were supposed to be out and playing, teenagers should be hanging out or doing a school project. This felt unsettling to him, but he brushed it off as he lifted his arms calling for a taxi.

As a yellow cab stopped. The taxi driver rolled down his window revealing the mammal to be a Sloth. Jake frowned.''May...I...help...you?'' The sloth asked slowly. The shepherd shook his head. He was normally not annoyed. But he was now, not at the sloth particularly.

''District 171 Boregem road?'' Jake asked. The sloth slowly nodded, Jake got in the cab as the driver stepped panel and allowed the car speed to the destination. Jake seemed nonchalant because a normal mammal wouldn't be sick. The shepherd experienced this once and nearly vomited, but now he was accustomed to it. As the cab made it to its destination, he paid the sloth and exited the cab.

As the car sped off, the canine walked off crossing the zebra crossing line. As the German shepherd continued to walk, he stopped to he face the building. The canine was nervous. How long was it? 6 years? He was too ashamed to show his face to his mother especially because he didn't show up the funeral. But knowing Charles, he won't say a thing about his transfer. He had to make it up.

As the shepherd walked up the stairs, he placed his paw on the doorknob, turning it slightly. As the door opened, Jake cleared his thoughts as he entered the house. The house was clean as ever. He stepped on the wooden floor as a creak could be heard. His ears perked, hearing the water running. He assumed his mother was washing the dishes.

''I'm in the kitchen, Charles.'' Jake winced, as he didn't expect this. He just stood there unsure if he should enter or not. But that didn't stop anything as the mother he loved walked out of the kitchen.''Honey, did you buy that magazine I wa-'' She stopped and noticed the newcomer that wasn't her eldest child. Both of the canines stared at each other, but the female took a step forward.''J-Jake...? I-Is that you?''

Jake looked away as he replied.''Yes, mom...It's me...I-I'm back...''

He couldn't face his mother after he left. Instead of shouting with anger as he expected, he was instead met with kind words. ''Jake...where were you...?'' She asked. He felt a paw touched his cheek and he looked at his mother. There were tears of joy...He could see it...

''I'm sorry, mom...I'm sorry, I disappeared like that.'' Jake apologized, but she shook her head.

''No, I am happy that you are here. Charles told me that you came to work, but why didn't you visit me? No text messages, no calls...I even tried to call you, but you didn't answer. What happened?'' She asked. Jake had the look of sadness, he let out a deep sigh as he grabbed his mother's paw.

''Mom...can we sit? I...have a lot to explain.'' The younger shepherd asked.

''Of course, come on this way,'' Lilly said as she closed the door. She lends her younger shepherd in an old living room, in fact, this room seems quite lonely...two lone chairs, a fireplace, a bookshelf in the corner, a red carpet placed near the fireplace, and a plant. It was really decorated...

As the two Barkins sat on the chair, Jake had his arms crossed with a grim expression. He was not sure how to start this conversation...''Well...The reason why I didn't contact you for 6 years...was because...because of Dad's death.''

''Oh, Jake...''She knew where this conversation was going.

But the younger shepherd ignored her and continued.''I blame myself...If I remember him, I feel those memories coming back to haunt me. That...feeling of...regret; Failure. I couldn't face him, or you because I thought, well, you might hate me...for being a failure. " He laughed, tears beginning to stream down his eyes. "Heh...Charles hates me...He only proved that with his cold attitude toward me, and the lack of contact with each other, of what I did. I don't blame him. I don't blame you either if you hate me. I did not come to dad's funeral, and I have been ignoring you for the past 6 years because of fear...I have been a horrible son to you. I-I should be with you comforting you, helping you, loving you, or even talking to you...like a normal loving son would do.'' He said as he hung his head. There was so much sadness in his voice. "But I have done the exact opposite...I'm such a mess...''After he was done explaining, he was met with silence. A few more minutes of silence had passed. He felt arms wrapping around his neck in a loving embrace. Jake continues to sit not knowing what to do.

''I don't blame you, Jake...We are a family. Even if your father isn't here. I will always love you. You know why? because you mean the world to me, Jake, you and Charles. I don't know what I would if you or Charles were not here. I will never hate you. That is not what a mother would do to her child...'' She soothed.

''But...''

''Shh...I forgive you, Jake.'' Jake smiled as he placed his paws on his mother's arms.

''I'm sorry for ignoring you all this time...'' Jake apologized. Lilly kissed her son's head as she said.

''I forgive you.''

''I love you, mom.''

''I love you too, Jake.''

As the two were still in the loving embrace, Jake remembered he still had to tell her that he was going to transfer.''Mom, I know we are having a mother and son moment, but I have something to say.'' As Lilly let him go, Jake stood up and faced his mother.''Did...Did Charles tell you about my work?''

''What do you mean? I know about your work.'' Lilly replied confused. Jake mentally face-palmed. Why couldn't he word it properly?

''No, you see we had an argument and it ended up me getting...transferred.'' The young shepherd asked feeling uneasy, he was unsure how his mother would take this news. However, it was worth a shot as she deserved to know.''Did Charles say anything?''And the look that his mother was giving was a scary one.''Anything at all?''

''Why is this the first time that I'm hearing this?'' Lilly asked with narrowed eyes.

''I'm pretty sure it was irrelevant...?''The younger canine suggested. But that just ticked Lilly off.

''Irrelevant?! This is not irrelevant! You are going out of the city?! Why didn't Charles told me?!''She was furious, He knew his mother very well; This reaction was to be expected.

''I don't know! Ask him! He was the one who said I was to be transferred to Zootopia!'' He argued, but opening his big mouth was a bad idea. Lilly looked at her son, shocked. Realizing what he said, he facepalmed for saying 'irrelevant'. ''Mom...please. Let me explain before you go in a fit...'' He could clearly see the expression on her mother's face.''I don't blame him for doing that. I heard just today when I was heading to work. He apparently bought a ticket for me 3 days ago because Chief Bogo of ZPD requested an officer. I think he chose me not because he hates me but because he knew I would be able to help," he explained.

''Jake...Zootopia is dangerous. Do you know the night howler incident?'' Who hasn't? He read a file about the case and he was impressed that a bunny partnered up with a fox, and they were able to solve it. But it has been 9 months, and nothing happened yet. ''I'm concerned...what if the night howler came and it hit you? I don't want that happening to you...' 'He knew the risk, but "risk" happened to be his middle name. He always has done something reckless to bring criminals to justice.

''Mom, I'm an officer. It's my job to bring peace. If the chief of ZPD is requesting, and Charles picked me, I must go through it. I know innocent mammals need someone brave to stand up to criminals and bring them in. I promise I will be careful.'' Half of it was a lie because he sustained injuries as a result of being reckless, and he will always be the one that jumps into danger.

''Only if you promise to call me every day.'' She stated to which Jake nodded. ''Alright...When is your flight?''

''9:30 PM.'' He answered.

She sighed and nodded.''I can't believe that one of my boys is going outside the city.'' Deep down, he felt horrible. Not only he will be spending most of his days away from his mother, with her only company being Charles.

''I'll be fine mom,'' he assured. Then again, he was not sure himself. But it's best to keep her hopes up.

''I know you will...'' Jake smiled as he stood up.

''I'll be going mom. I need to shift my equipment to the DCPD. Martin is expecting it soon.'' He explained. He could see the sad expression on her face, but she smiled as she nodded.''I'll see you at the airport...''He said as he walked to the front door with his mother...

Jake sat on the sofa as he watched a movie. The movie was about teenagers obtaining powers, forming an organization known as The Thieves Of Hearts. Their mission was to steal the hearts of the crooked villains while remaining hidden to society. He was not really interested in this movie. He just turned on the TV, and this movie was playing. He looked at his watch and for it to read 8:07 PM. He knew the ride to the airport would take a while, so it was better to leave early than later. He grabbed ahold of the remote and turned it off. He stood up, as he took his suitcase. It consisted mostly of clothes, and shampoo as he needed it. Most of the apartment was cleared out. Jake walked toward the door as he unlocked the said door. He took one glance at his home as he closed the lights and exited his home, locking the door.

He walked down the stairs as gave his keys to the apartment owner, saying that he will be moving somewhere else. The owner didn't question his reasons as the sheep took the keys to his apartment and thanked the canine. Jake took a step out of the building, and he was met with a familiar car. He saw who the driver was; It was Charles. Confused, he walked to the black car and he knocked on the window. The window started going down revealing his older brother, wearing his uniform. He turned to his younger brother as he spoke .''I came here to pick you up for your flight.' 'Jake looked thankful. He was lucky that he didn't have to waste money on calling a taxi.

''Then-'' But he was cut off.

''I'm only doing this because mom asked, I'm not doing this for you.'' He said with the cold tone as the window went up. Jake sighed. He knew that he shouldn't get his hopes up. He opened the car door to the back. He was not sure if Charles would want him in the front...but he didn't want to risk it. He entered the car as it began to move to the destination. It was silent, and he knew why his brother was acting like this.

As the car stopped, Charles decided to speak.''I still hate you, but I appreciate that you have the balls to visit our mother.'' He said. ''But don't expect our relationship to improve just because of that.''Jake slowly nodded as he understood. Even though, he did say sorry. He knew his brother could not forgive him as he is the opposite of him. Jake is the trouble maker, and Charles follows the protocol. The ride to the airport remained as the younger shepherd glance at the window and closed his eyes...

He wondered...what Zootopia had in store for him...But he knew one thing...

It will be a long road ahead...

...

A/N: This is a rewrite of an old story called The New Road Ahead. I gave it some thoughts and decided to change a lot of things to avoid the OC to be a Mary-sue. There is already many changes on the first chapter and I hope it will be staying like this.