Chapter X
It took some time to convince his old man to let Andrew join, but somehow it worked. He actually expected his father to decline his idea because of the reputation of the fox because he knew that foxes were really low; they were scam artists and having a fox join the rank of the police was the last thing they wanted. However, Luke folded really quickly. He didn't even put up an argument, nor did he even try to pry out a reason. Jake was prepared to give a speech, but Luke didn't want to hear it; he just offered blindly. Luke just told him to bring his friend to the percent, and meet with him personally.
Jake just looked shocked and left without a word...He knew that his father was smarter than that, but to give up so easily...It made him feel like that his father had something in mind, and he wasn't sure what! It honestly drove him bonkers; he hated it when he couldn't read his father! Luke always has this stoic look at work, but he knew he would not do that! When you have important work to do, but instead of filling out the forums like every mammal, he decides to meet with this mammal. It's not like Andrew had any unique talent that his father had to take a few minutes off just to meet him. Does he have anything planned for the fox? Will Andrew have a special role just for him only? He didn't know what to expect from this situation, so he did what his father told him: He told Andrew that Luke wanted to meet him. Same as him, Andrew didn't know how to take the news; he was stumped! But the fox did accept the offer to meet with the chief tomorrow. You can imagine the look on the faces of the others when they saw Andrew going up the stairs to meet with the chief.
His brother who was watching the scene didn't look too impressed. In fact, the older shepherd was kinda irritated mixed with some disappointment. The younger shepherd showed his older brother a weak smile, but he could feel that Charles would give him a stern talk when he saw him approaching 'So, this was your idea?! You do know the reputation of a fox right?! Please tell me you do, and you don't plan on him to joining the force!'' The older shepherd hoped, but the younger shepherd just gave him a dumb smile.
''M-Maybe...?'' The shepherd replied uncertainly, while Charles looked at Jake as if he was a complete idiot. It was actually surprising that Charles could figure him out in mere seconds. It was like Jake was transparent, and Charles could always see right through him. He really needed to keep his emotions in check.
''For Christ's sake! You are a nightmare! It's like you have no common sense!'' The older shepherd wanted to scream at him for his stupidity. They were trying to maintain peace, and to have a fox join the ranks would only cause a big commotion! It's not like he minded having a fox here, but it would ruin the reputation of precinct 1!
''Oh, shut up! What's the problem with having a fox join our ranks?! This is freaking discrimination! I am trying to fix this discrimination! Many mammals are harassing them, and they don't defend themselves even though they are innocent!'' The shepherd retorted.
The older shepherd sighed. He could see why his brother did this, but Charles still had a problem. ''I respect your idea. I respect what you wanted to help them. But it would help you to have more tact! You are blindly doing this without thinking of the consequences! You are giving more work to us! What do you think we'll happen once this comes out? The media will eventually find out, and once they do, the citizens wil-'' But was cut off by the younger shepherd.
''Why the heck do you care what they think about us?! It's not like you! I know you would help Andrew if you saw the harassment he was receiving!'' The younger shepherd countered. He didn't like that his brother was against him in this.
The older shepherd shook his head, displeased. ''You obviously don't understand the situation! It's not about helping, it's about society in general! You can't change what society thinks about foxes! Sooner or later, your friend will quit his position because of criticism, mocking, and even further discrimination! Do you think your friend can handle all that?!''Jake looked shocked, because he didn't think about that... ''Not only that, you are also dragging the precinct down! I can understand why you helped your friend, but I want you to think instead of doing these things on a whim!''
''Y-You can't say that! You don't know that! M-Maybe he can handle it! Besides, I'll be there to help him out! I'll make sure he can make it through this!'' The younger shepherd said with determination, because he was sure that he can do this. He wants to fix the issue, and perhaps inspire the other foxes to join because of Andrew's decisions.
''No! I know this! The freaking society is messed up! Even though our city is dubbed being peaceful, it's false! Not everyone is peaceful. Not everyone is always happy and kind! And certainly, no one will like this idea of yours! It's not like you can protect him from discrimination!'' The older shepherd argued. Jake couldn't really counter that statement. Diamond City is indeed dubbed peaceful because of the lack of conflict between the two communities, but it doesn't help that discrimination and harassment still do linger around. ''I just hope that your friend can really take this...'' And with that, the shepherd left his brother.
Jake blinked, he didn't realize this...He just jumped to this idea to help out a friend...And if Andrew left because of this, he would feel terrible. The younger shepherd noticed that most of the mammals in the precinct was staring at him, and they quickly averted their eyes away from the shepherd, pretending that they didn't see nor hear the conversation. The shepherd frowned. They were probably judging his decision just like his brother did. He didn't like that, and decided to ignore it while waiting for his friend.
The shepherd was busy driving the vehicle while keeping his eyes out for anything suspicious. Ever since he was feeling those emotions, he was slowly starting to panic over the slightest things. He remembered during this one time while he was driving, he found this one 'suspicious' individual. He thought they were suspicious because of their intimidating look, even though he was taught not to do judge a book by its cover. It's just these new freaking feelings that were clouding his judgment, affecting his emotions. He did conclude that because of specie's flaws, it might have triggered these new emotions. He did remember that their kind was a guard-mammal, but he wasn't too sure! He should have known about his biology! To forget about it...It makes him feel like he's stupid...He knew bits and pieces about his species biology, but because he wasn't paying attention, it really sucked.
It was already afternoon, and they already had their lunch. He was keeping his eyes on the rearview mirror because one of these days, he will see someone following him. Amalia, who couldn't really focus on what she was doing, frowned. She frowning because Jake was acting weird. In the restaurant, he was constantly looking out the window just like yesterday, but this time he was keeping a close eye on the roads as well as the mammals. It was starting to worry her, and Jake being like this didn't help! She wanted to know if there was something wrong or if someone was following them! Then at least she can prepare herself for the worst! She was thought about asking him about it, but he might say not to worry...It's like he didn't trust her...
The shepherd continued to drive, maybe a light conversation can calm Jake down? ''Hey, Kiddo?'' He didn't receive an answer. He glanced at the girl, and he could see that she wasn't using his phone like normal. She was facing away from him looking at the window. As he stopped the car because of the red light, he asked again. ''Kiddo? Are you alright?'' This time the girl answered him.
''I...I don't know...'' The girl replied. That made the shepherd confused, he was unaware if something happened to make her feel gloomy.
''What's wrong? You can tell me.'' The shepherd replied. He wasn't sure if something did happen, or was it something in the past she remembered. Then maybe he can help her, or maybe he can comfort her if there is anything that is making her feel uncomfortable.
''It's just...I can tell you aren't okay, I'm not stupid...I want to know, but I think you are don't want to tell.'' The girl replied. Jake was confused by what she meant, then it hit him. He looked away. Yes, he wasn't acting very appropriately, because he was always looking concerned. He was trying to calm down, so the girl could see everything was in control. But because of these feelings preventing him from doing so, he was still wearing this concerned look.
''I see...'' The shepherd sighed, he might as well tell her. ''It's not like I don't want to tell you, I'm just worried that you might get scared if I told you. I don't want you to be worried and scared.'' The shepherd chuckled lightly. ''You really are perceptive...Alright, I'll tell you.'' As the light turned green, he began to drive again. ''You see...I was worried. I thought someone was following us, and this morning, I did smell a fox. I couldn't tell if we were being followed, I guess. What's more...I have new feelings that I found out last night.''
The girl, who was now paying attention looked confused. ''New feelings?'' The girl asked in curiosity. Even though, she is mature sometimes she still has some child in her; it's kind of easy to get her attention.
The shepherd nodded. ''Yeah...To be honest, I don't know how to deal with them. This is my first time...feeling them. It's not love because I certainly have felt that before, this is kind of beyond that. It's like I want to protect something precious because of my inner canine," The shepherd explained, and the girl didn't understand what the shepherd meant. ''I'm not sure what those feelings are called, but I have them because I want to protect you from horrible threats...''
The girl didn't know what to say, but she felt safe around him. It's like his words are true, and he will make sure to always protect her. ''I-I...T-thanks...'' The shepherd smiled at her words. It was silent by then while the shepherd continued to drive. He didn't know if he should say something since what he did say was a little sappy.
''Hey, Jake...?'' The shepherd's ears perked as he listens to what the girl wanted to say, letting out 'hm?'.
''I need to go to the bathroom...''
''Oh...Is it that bad?'' The girl looked away preferring not to answer, but she really wanted to get to there. He guessed that this one restaurant must have a bathroom since most food areas have a restroom from his knowledge. He stopped the vehicle close to the food place. ''Alright, I'll wait here okay? You go on ahead.'' The deerling nodded as she opened the door. Now being left alone, he decided to keep an eye out. He saw the girl open the door, but he noticed at the corner of his eyes another mammal entered after her. This raised a bit of suspicion. Getting out of his car he followed after the mammal. He could tell this one is a predator, a panther most likely, but he couldn't see the face since the mammal had its back turned. He entered the building as he was greeted by a waiter, he offered a menu, but the shepherd declined it. ''I'll not be dining in, I was just wondering if you saw this panther walk past here?''
The waiter nodded. ''Of course, he is heading to the restroom. He said he will be dining in, so we are preparing his table.'' The otter explained, and the shepherd nodded. But it still didn't ease him. He walked past the waiter as he looked around, looking for the restroom. There was no sign or anything, but he did notice a door. He can assume it was the bathroom. Opening the door, he noticed two other doors, But then he heard a click, and he could feel something was aiming at him.
Slowly turning his head, he could see a barrel pointed at him, and the person who was aiming at him was the same feline that entered the restaurant. ''Well, Well...I assumed you were smart, but I am not surprised that about this. All you agents of justice are really stupid!'' The panther mocked, but that didn't faze him. He just glared at the feline.
''With how loud you sound, I'm pretty sure Amalia is hiding," The shepherd simply answered. He noticed that this panther had yellow eyes, and a scar going down...It's just like how Amalia described him! It was either him or a similar henchman. He was not feeling bothered that there was a tranquilizer being aimed at him, and he noticed that it looked like one of those gadgets that shoots the nighthowler serum, so he might have a nighthowler dart ready. To be honest, even though he sounds calm, he could feel his heart pumping really fast.
''In a bathroom! Is this a horror movie?! Besides...I wasn't laughing that loud...The girl could think it was just some strangers!'' The panther laughed, and then Jake growled. ''What's this? little doggy here is angry? Do you want me to play fetch with you?'' The panther asked, mocking him even further. He didn't like how this guy was starting to annoy him. Matter of fact...how come the other customers weren't hearing his ridiculous laugh?
''So...You were the one responsible for Kevin Leans death? Otherwise, you wouldn't be pulling out a pellet gun, and aiming it at me!'' The shepherd snarled at the panther, knowing the panther will try to play a mind game with him...
The panther chuckled in amusement. ''Oh, officer...What if I am?'' The panther asked making a kind of cutesy voice perhaps? He wasn't sure, but this guy sure likes mocking others.
''Not only you killed Amalia's father, but you also left a child without a father! How come you have no remorse!?'' The shepherd asked hotly, trying to suppress his emotions.
The panther laughed once again. He faked crying while saying. ''Oh, boohoo! Such a sob story! I feel so bad!'' The feline dropped his act. ''I don't care! I just do it for the money, and since you are in the way of my target...I have to get rid of you...This tranquilizer has a deadly acid. You can imagine what will happen once this dart makes contact with your skin.'' The shepherd can imagine, but he would rather not. ''I am ashamed...I was really expecting a fight from you, but you fell into a stupid trap...How sad...''
The shepherd may be stupid enough to fall for this, but this is something that he doesn't plan to repeat...''Oh, how sad really...Maybe...'' Before anything was to be said, Jake could see the bathroom door was opening; Amalia was coming out! In a swift motion, he grabbed the panther's arms to pull away from the tranquilizer away from his head pinning the panther to the wall. ''Amalia! Don't come out! Stay there! Oof!'' He felt a kick on this stomach as it sent him down. Looking up, he could see the tranquilizer being aimed at him!
Before the panther could fire, Amalia, who had the courage to help the shepherd, quickly rushed in an attempt to punch the panther's leg with her tiny arms. But, it was proven ineffective! The feline, amused, chuckled as he knocked the girl away. The shepherd quickly reacted, dashing towards the panther to grab his arm before he had a chance to shoot. Getting it, he twisted the arm, which made him drop the tranquilizer. He let out a small yelp, and Jake pinned the panther at the wall. This time, he punched the panther at the snout repeatedly until the panther grabbed the fist. Jake expected a kick, but this time he received a headbutt that knocked him away.
The feline rushed to the shepherd afterward, throwing a punch at the shepherd's cheek, then another at the stomach before throwing a larger punch, sending the shepherd to the wall. The panther didn't let the shepherd regain his composure, he was gonna keep up the pressure. The panther once again went towards the shepherd pinning the canine. Damien, smirking, threw punch after punch relentlessly; but he didn't stop there. He grabbed the shepherd by the collar, and threw him at the door, and because of how hard the panther threw the shepherd, the door broke upon impact. Many of the guests stopped eating and looked at the sudden commotion. The shepherd slowly got up as he felt hot liquid going down his nose. It felt like his nose and face were basked in it, even though that was not the case. wiping it off as he recovered from the fall, he realized how much his back had hurt.
The shepherd heard screams from all the customers who fled from the restaurant in hopes of avoiding the fight. He felt relieved, but he also pitied the owner of this place, since they might end up damaging the furniture and all. Who knows how much money it costs to make this place so decorative...it must have been expensive.
Jake prepared himself as he watched the panther charge towards him again, hoping to throw a jab at him. As the panther threw hook punches as well a front kick, Jake blocked all of them in perfect synchronization. Despite that, the feline didn't let up, and continued his combo. Jake continued to block most of the attacks, waiting for an opening so he could fight back. He then realized that his karate training ended up helping him at the very least. The panther then threw a backhand. Jake evaded the attack by backing away, giving himself some space, but not too far so he can keep an eye on the bathroom. The panther might attempt to kidnap the girl and if he were too far away from her, he might not reach Amalia in time.
The panther ran at Jake, grabbing his shoulder. The shepherd quickly reacted before the panther could throw him or pin him to the wall by flicking off the arms latching to his shoulders. Getting into the offensive finally, the shepherd threw two punches before going for a jump kick, causing the panther hit the ground with a thud. The panther had this sour look as he stood up. Jake carefully watched the panther take out a sharp-looking large knife from his coat! The feline had a menacing look, flipping the large knife around. The shepherd quickly took out his dart gun and aimed it at the panther. But the feline didn't stop, he was having this look. He didn't like it...
Suddenly, Damien slashed the knife towards the shepherd; he needed to be careful! If he swung with a strong enough force, then it can cut deep into the skin and Jake didn't want to wrap bandages. The shepherd fired, but the feline evaded by hiding behind one of the tables. Jake would have loaded another dart if he didn't see a pellet gun being aimed at him. His opponent fired a shot, he evaded it as the dart landed on a wall. He didn't have the chance to reload, because he could see the feline was ready to hack at him. So, he dodged the slashes, but with such unfortunate luck, his opponent threw an upward diagonal slash hitting his right arm. He yelped, feeling a hot liquid coming from the cut. Then he received a kick in the stomach, sending him crashing to a table. Landing on a hardwood didn't feel pleasant, but right now, he didn't have time to think about that. The panther was gonna stab his head, and he quickly moved his head, making the knife hit the flat wood right next to him. His opponent tried once again dodge to the side and quickly threw a punch to get the feline off of him.
The shepherd stood up, inspecting the cut. His fur was soaking red. Most likely, it was a deep cut. He was afraid that it might get infected and that would be a pain to deal with. Damien got to his feet, chuckling a bit, and then said aggressively ''Oh...You're a feisty one! I like it!''
The shepherd ignored him; he planned on bringing this panther down! The shepherd didn't want to go to the offensive, since the suspect is armed. Just like he expected the panther rushed at him. Jake locked down on the defensive! He would use one of those dinner knives, but that large dagger would just break the knife into two; it was such an unfair advantage! Doing his best to evade the attack, he could use this to his advantage. Perhaps he could tire the panther out...But sooner, or later he would run out of stamina too. He needed to counter him somehow, but with what?
The feline flipped his knife, holding it from behind. Whatever this panther was going to do, Jake was going to be ready. The feline raised his arm, wanting to impale the shepherd. Jake managed to stop the knife from coming down to him by blocking, but he could feel the knife pierce through his skin...This panther was really strong. The panther smirked, Jake could feel the strength of the feline lighten when he felt his legs being kicked. He dropped and received a strong punch to the cheek.
Landing front first on the floor, The shepherd came down with a huge thud. The canine attempted to get up, but before he could stand up, he felt a really hard stomp on his back, forcing him to stay down. Jake couldn't get up because of that hard paw on his back! He could feel the presence of the feline closer, because he was sitting on his back!
''That was a refreshing fight. I would have finished you when you fell, but I prefer this...Sorry to say, but goodnight!'' The panther grabbed his fur tightly, pulling his head up. The shepherd saw the weapon in front of him and it was slowly going to his throat. Stopping the knife from advancing to his throat, Jake used his arm to push it away, but with how strong this feline is it wasn't going too well. In fact, the feline was enjoying this...he could tell by the wide grin. It was fruitless, he was only delaying the inevitable...How could he be so weak? This wasn't the first time he fought a tough opponent, but it felt like this opponent was more...
Out of nowhere, there was a scream. ''LET HIM GO!'' Both mammals looked up, and they didn't expect a plate coming full speed at the panther. Hitting the face, The panther stumbled back, letting go of his victim. Taking advantage, Jake broke loose. The shepherd recovered and this time he isn't going to hold back; he will give everything he has. He hasn't practiced this move in a long time, but this was one that can knock out a mammal if used right. He saw this twist on ZooTube and wanted to implement it in fights. Now, this was his chance. In slow-motion fashion, the shepherd dashed at the panther, and jumped, twisted his body, making it look like he was doing a b-twist, and stretched out his leg. The panther threw the plate to the side, as he was covered with sauce. He looked forward and saw a hind paw coming for his face. It hit the target, sending the panther crashing to a nearby table. The shepherd felt proud for he got the move right, but now's not the time to celebrate. Hearing the sirens, he felt relieved. The panther slowly got up.
The panther growled. ''You win this time...But it won't last for long...'' The panther quickly dashed off to the exit. The shepherd wanted to chase after him, but his body refused. It hurt too much, and he wanted to check up on the girl. Approaching her, he didn't need words to figure out that she wasn't okay.
''You were brave, Amalia...You were really brave...'' He whispered to the girl's ear trying to make her feel better as the other officers entered the place. Jake sighed he had a lot to explain...
And he was right...He was brought to the hospital for a quick check-up, along with the girl who is in another room. Jake didn't want the girl in another room, so he could keep an eye on her, but the doctor insisted. Grumbling, he agreed. While the nurse was fixing his nose, his arm was clean and bandaged. It actually really hurt when they were cleaning the cuts he received. Bogo decided to interrupt. The nurse left as her work was done, closing the door behind her. It was silent. Right now, Jake was trying to keep his nose from bleeding too much.''Barkin...May you explain what just happened?! Clawhauser received a call, explaining that there was a situation about a german shepherd and a panther in a fight in a restaurant!''
The shepherd mentally groaned. He didn't want to deal with this! ''Chief, I was doing what's right! That feline...he is after the girl! He point blanked threatened me! I had to act!'' The shepherd explained, very seriously. The buffalo glared at him, not impressed.
''If you had suspected that he was involved, then why haven't you called for backup to apprehend him?!'' The buffalo asked angrily. Jake didn't feel threatened by this. He was more used to Charles's constant anger being directed at him.
''Sir, with all due respect, I'll be frank...sir. The girl's safety comes first. The girl's safety means everything to me as one of the species that specializes in protecting whether it be a thing or mammal...their or its safety comes above all...and I don't plan for her to get hurt or kidnapped even if it means I'll have to disobey a few orders just to make sure she's okay.'' The shepherd explained, staring at the buffalo's eyes as if he were challenging him. What the heck is wrong with him?! He would never say these things! Especially to his superiors...'disobey a few orders'? That is not something he would do, nor say! It was like someone was doing the talking for him! He wanted to apologize, but it was like he was being blocked! Instead, the chief just glared at him.
''Barkin...! I may have assigned you to protect the child, but I expect you to act professionally! You are not working under Chief Charles! You are working under my rules! This type of behavior will not be tolerated under precinct 1! Am I clear?!''The shepherd didn't show any sign of emotion. He just gave his boss a stoic look, not bothered about this.
''Yes, Chief.'' The shepherd simply said. ''Sir, may I report what happened?'' he buffalo sighed heavily rubbing the bridge of his nose, giving the okay sign .''Sir...While I was doing some activity with the suspect, I noticed he matched the description of what the girl told me...It looked like he was keeping an eye on me somehow...He simply walked into the restaurant and went after the girl. The only problem is...I haven't gotten his name. But I can tell that he was the same one the matched the description the girl gave me. It is suggested to keep an eye of a panther with a scar.''
The buffalo grunted. ''You are not the one giving the others! But perhaps that would be best...''
''Also...I believe it's best for me and the girl to move to another area. Moving her to a different location would be ideal, because this panther isn't working alone...she is being hunted,'' The shepherd said, and the buffalo looked intrigued.
''And what has lead you to believe that?'' The buffalo asked, but the shepherd didn't answer, taking a deep breath.
''I believe he has a partner. I have noticed a lingering smell when I was walking to the precinct as well as when I was on my way back. It's like this fox was nearby...I feel like this fox is his navy boy...But I cannot be sure...This is just a theory...'' The shepherd explained. ''And if I'm correct, they will most likely be close by...''
''Very well, Barkin. I will go along with your plan. I will have all available officer patrols look for this panther and his partner. You will be moving locations, so the girl can be protected. I will have two officers near your locations to help with any possible threats. You are not to come to the precinct until the girl can safely be taken by her mother.'' The shepherd didn't like the idea that he will be followed by two fellow colleagues, but he didn't want to complain about such a minor thing.
''Yes, Chief.'' The buffalo grunted in response as he left the room. Jake sighed. Right now, he is still waiting for Amalia, and tomorrow he will move to a hotel along with two new backups that will be following them wherever they go...He really didn't like it, but having help wouldn't be too bad. The shepherd looked at the clock tick. All he needs is to wait...
In a dark building, Damien was sitting on a chair looking pissed. He didn't like that the officer managed to win him over; it honestly sucked! He was wiping off the sauce of his fur. It reeked of rotten fish...He didn't expect the girl to fight back. he should have gone for her instead of mocking her bodyguard. He continued to wipe his face as he heard his phone buzz. Looking at it, he knew who was calling him. He sighed. Getting up from his chair, he walked to the table, grabbing his phone and accepting the call. ''This is Damien...''
''How long are you making me wait, Damien! Time is running short!''
''Yes, sir. I'm aware! I'll get it done soon. I need more time! Just give me three days! I swear, I'll get it done It's just her bodyguard!''
''I don't care! Hmph...That's not what I called you about. I want you to bring the girl to me.''
''Huh...? You want me to get her to you? I thought you wanted me to get rid of her?''
''I still want to get rid of her, but I have a better way. I would like to know, is her guard predator or prey?''
''Predator. May I ask, what are you planning to do sir?''
''Perfect. You told me, she has a bodyguard correct? And since her guard is a predator, I'll be able to set an example for those two. Lure her bodyguard here. I will make him do the dirty work. Now enough questions, bring the girl to me and don't kill her. Do not forget about the nighthowler, Clawson!''
''O-okay, sir!'' And the call ended. The panther sighed. If he wants to deal with the shepherd, then he will need more power. The panther dialed on his phone as he waited for the caller to pick up. The call went through.
''Hey, morons. Meet me at my place soon. I need to complete this bounty in three days.''