A/N:Well...Where to begin...Lets say I have been gone for a few months because my laptop decided to die on me, so I had it repaired. Updates should be back soon I hope. Once again sorry for the long wait! We're nearing the end of Jake's Story!

Chapter XI

A few days after Andrew left...

Things really haven't been the same for Jake. He wasn't as cheerful nor happy as he was before; he always had this gloomy vibe around him. He was always stuck in his office and only ever left for a cup of coffee, or to go do personal business. Why was he in his office to begin with? Because his dad said so. Jake wasn't really in a mood to do any patrol because he wasn't himself, and he also nearly punched a fellow officer for saying some 'unnecessary' things to his friend Andrew. Putting him there was Luke's way of saying 'calm down.'

But Jake didn't care.

He was too upset to care. He was upset at Andrew for leaving, he was upset with the citizens' criticism toward foxes, he was upset at his brother, and he was also upset at himself for not realizing the situation; he failed to stop it.

Right now, it was late at night and Jake was filling out the last of his paperwork before he turned it in. As he was in the middle of writing down the information on the paper, he heard a quiet knock on his door. He didn't really expect anyone, but at the same time, why should he care? He's not in the mood to answer the door because he knew who was behind it; his brother. Jake was giving his brother the cold shoulder ever since Andrew left, as he was just too upset with him. Charles did try to have a conversation with him, but Jake wouldn't answer back and only glare at him. Charles was probably fed up with all of this. He too hasn't been speaking. But again, why should Jake even care? Charles wasn't too supportive of his actions, and he has been putting him down. No one could blame Jake for being angry, but he realizes that he was acting childish. So, he reckoned that Charles wanted to talk with him about his actions, but he won't be giving his brother any satisfaction. Charles gave up on knocking, and instead, just let himself in. The younger shepherd ended up ignoring his brother and continued with his work. Charles saw this and frowned. He approached the younger shepherd.

''Jake, we need to talk.'' But Jake didn't answer.

Charles was losing his patience. He was very patient, but because of this, he was beginning to lose it. ''Jake, I'm talking to you.'' But the younger shepherd didn't make a move and continued typing. The older shepherd pressed the power button on the computer, entering it in rest mode. The younger shepherd stared at the blank screen for a few seconds before he stood up, stacking multiple papers on his desk. However, Charles blocked him. ''Jake! Can you stop acting like a sore child!?''

That trigged the younger shepherd. He turned to his brother with anger in his eyes. ''Oh, me?! Acting like a 'sore child'?! I should be telling you that!'' The shepherd shouted at his brother, pointing a finger at him. The older shepherd didn't expect much, but he knew Jake was angry. ''You have the audacity to tell me, that I'm acting like a kid?! You are always against me! Anything I do, you instantly turn hostile towards me! For once in your life can you at least support me, rather than lowering my self-esteem!?'' He spat angrily. ''I don't understand Charles! Why are you always like this?! And don't give me that bull-crap saying that it's for the good! Because it's not!'' Jake didn't like how Charles was just staring at him. He could feel that Charles was ready with a rebuttal against him.

Charles didn't react too much. Again, he expected this. Charles knew when his brother would be in a terrible mood, so he replied appropriately. ''Didn't I say this would happen? You should have known that from the very beginning. And should I remind you, that you don't think of the consequences?'' He replied, straight forward. Jake turned away and threw his arms up.

''See!? That's the problem! You never give me a chance. You always shot me down! 'Think about the consequences', 'Think about my actions', 'Society won't approve'! It's always rules about you! You never see how some mammals treat others for being a pity thief!''

Charles sighed. ''As I said, I admire you for standing up for others, but you don't seem to understand your actions. You should know how other mammals see foxes. Do you honestly think that they would accept Mr. Redwood to join our ranks? It was spreading all over the internet. It was not only harming Mr. Redwood, but it's also harming our father as well and even the precinct.'' He said seriously. ''He was getting bombarded with complaints online demanding he terminates Mr. Redwood. if not the internet, then it was definitely the news and I'm sure you have seen it. But he he handled it, attempting to calm down the citizens. I at least expect you to understand to not act like this.'' He said, pointing out Jake's behaviors.

The younger shepherd growled, looking away. ''You said that you became an officer to protect others, but I don't see you doing that!'' He scoffed. With that said, he could see Charles had lost his cool; his eyes were filled with rage.

''So, you say you're a hotshot?! Is that what you're saying?!''Charles asked angrily. Finally losing his patience, emotion came bursting out. His expression clearly showed that. If he were being honest, this is the first time he saw Charles really fed up. There were times he would be angry, but not to this extent. ''Do you think, you are the only wants who wants to change things!? I have attempted so many times! But I find it near impossible because of this corrupt environment! No matter how hard I try, there is no peace! And you say I'm doing nothing?! Then let me ask you, What are you doing?!''The younger shepherd opened his mouth to retort, but the older shepherd didn't let him continue. He grabbed the younger shepherd's shoulder as he snarled ''How many times I have seen you slack off? You wouldn't do your paperwork only to rush headfirst into danger. Tell me, how is that helping?! HOW IS RUSHING FIST FIRST INTO A KNIFE FIGHT AND GETTING YOURSELF HURT HELP!?'' The older shepherd screamed at his younger brother. Jake on the other hand flinched, as he felt his ears ringing from the loud screeching.

The older shepherd attempted to calm his voice, but still held a serious tone. ''You're protecting others...But because of that, you are harming yourself...How is it helping if you're gone?'' The younger shepherd looked away. He really didn't have an answer to that. ''I'm trying Jake...I'm really trying to make a difference...and I'll keep trying. Just with a little more foresight," He said softly as he let go of his shoulder, ''I'll make up to you at some point...But all I'm asking is to consider your options. I don't want you getting hurt even more because of your decision.''

It was silent. Charles turned around and began walking away, but he stopped at the door. ''I'll be leaving.'' he said, returning to his calm nature. However, it was clear he was still upset. ''See you soon.'' As the older shepherd left the office, the younger shepherd was silent for the longest time. He sat on his chair, pondering on what just happened...He stared at the empty black screen for a while. He rarely saw that side of him, but seeing it again made him feel really bad. He's been trying to make sure that he was okay...It was like he was treated like a kid...He let out a sigh. He might as well finish the paperwork tomorrow. Even though his brother just said he was slacking off, he was just not in the mood to continue after the talk they just had. The shepherd turned off the light in his office, looking at it as he left.

Describing this place as 'run down' isn't what he thought. It looked normal, like nothing was wrong with it. The only thing he considered 'run down' was a broken vehicle on the left, in the field of grass; at least, he thought it was broken. But that didn't stop him. ''You said there a motel here?'' He asked, staring at the sort-of broken vehicle. He heard a 'yes' from the backseat. ''Where is it though? I could probably check on my phone...'' He started to feel his pockets taking out the device. He pressed the power button and the screen remains black. The younger shepherd frowned as he attempted again, but still no response...He sighed. It always had no battery at times like these...He wished he had his own charging device. Honestly with how dark this place is, he can't just go asking around for directions.

Getting inside the vehicle, Jake asked the girl ''Do you know where the motel is?'' At this point, he just wanted some shut-eye for at least an hour or two. However, he can't be taking a nap while he's guarding her. Seriously though, the shepherd was having trouble keeping his eyelids open...

''U-um...I think it's a little close by. I remember my dad said whenever new mammals come here, there's always a motel thereby...'' The deerling explained. Jake nodded in understanding, but that didn't really answer his question.

''Okay, I can understand that...But I don't feel like driving around the countryside. I need to know where it exactly is," The shepherd explained. He was desperately trying to keep his eyes open. He never stayed up this late. The last and only time he stayed up this late was during his training, but that was not healthy mentally and physically...

''O-Oh...I-I don't remember...'' The deerling replied, embarrassed. To be honest, he should have expected that, but his brain was running on half power...He didn't feel like making a comment since it might end up coming out as negative so he refrained. He started the engine and began driving. Jake really doesn't know where it is, but the signs might help him. He did remember passing by a sign that did say 'Motel to left - Closeby' He doesn't know if he should believe that because he still hasn't seen it...So, he continued driving straight forward. As Amalia looked out the window, she was probably remembering her home, and all the things she did. At least, that's what he thought. ''You said...You were not from Zootopia?''He heard the deerling ask.

''Yeah, I'm not.'' The shepherd replied tiredly.

''W-Well...Would you...ever go back if something bad happened?'' Where are these questions coming from? It was like she's hinting something happened to her before. Did something change? He would ask her. But first, he needs to satisfy her.

''Well, Yeah, It's my home...No matter how bad it is, I'll come back. But, why are you asking this? Did something happen?'' He asked her, but he received silence as an answer. He frowned, beginning to think something did happen. He opened his mouth to ask again, but Amalia beat him to it.

''It just...feels a little different...'' The girl answered. That was a really vague answer...

''Different, how?'' The shepherd asked curiously.

''I don't know...It just feels different. It's like...'' She trailed off, trying to find the correct words, but if the shepherd was guessing, she blanked out. 'I don't...My mom didn't like living here. She always wanted to move somewhere crowded. That was why we moved all the way there...'' The shepherd listened. She seemed to be opening a little more to him which he feels glad for. ''It just feels different seeing this...''

To be honest, he really doesn't understand what she meant by that. Since he moved out of his home city, he might experience an abandoned area. The shepherd continues to drive, listening to the young kit's story and from what he's hearing, her mother might be kinda toxic...The way she described her as self-centered...However, she did say that she treats her very well, but he wasn't sure if he wants to believe it. He met self-centered mammals before during his time at the force, and none of them were good. He'll have to see it to believe it. But that was not the point. He now knew why the mother left. It wasn't a divorce as he thought, but the mother decided to work overseas because of an offer and was apparently coming back three weeks later for a vacation. Still listening, to the young deerling talk, a question caught his attention. 'You're kind of like mom...Do you have a family to go back to...?'' She asked.

He really didn't know how to answer that...He didn't have an actual family. No wife, and no kids; he isn't getting any younger. He did have a mother to go back to, but he wasn't sure if Charles would welcome him...It wouldn't hurt to expose his family's relationship since she did the same for him.''I'm not really married yet, but I do have a mother that will be waiting for me. My brother on the other hand...I don't think he'll be greeting me warmly.'' He could already feel the stare of the young deerling, probably asking 'What do you mean?' He was going to let her know. She opened her mouth to ask the question, but he stopped her. ''My brother and I aren't really close anymore.''

''Why aren't you...?'' She asked innocently.

The younger shepherd sighed.''We...We were really close back then. We tend to have each others' back even. If he was extreme with his words, then we got into fights like normal siblings. We'd apologize and get back to normal. Then it repeats...But...After our father passed away, he started blaming me...'' He said, as the lingering sadness inside of him was growing. The pain was slowly cracking open, begging to be let out. Yet, he refused; it was still too much for him.

''Why...? It's not fair. Can't you apologize to him and...go back to the way it was?'' The deerling asked once again, forming an innocent look on her face. This question was very typical when it came to kits since they didn't understand the situation and he couldn't fault her for that. He would have laughed because of this innocent question but stopped himself since the girl would pout at him.

''I don't think you understand. Sometimes...there are some things that you can't take back, some things you can potentially break if you are not careful...No matter how much you regretted it, no matter how much you apologized...Something that is heavily your fault...It will impact a relationship. My brother now gives me the cold shoulder, greets me with growls, he doesn't care about me, and he certainly doesn't love me as a brother anymore...and I can't blame him for that...'' The shepherd explained, trying to keep his emotions at bay. He missed those times when they would have been joking around. Charles wouldn't really joke so often, but when he did, it would make him laugh. He really wanted to be forgiven...But his brother didn't want to forgive him, he tried so many times until he got the clear sign.

''You never follow orders! How many times did I have to repeat myself back then!? Dad gave you an order and you ignored it! He had the suspect! But you decided to make it more difficult! Maybe if you listened, then maybe he would still be here! And you never came to the funeral, nor did you didn't even say goodbye to him! You have the balls to come 'talk' to me!?''

''Charles, L-listen please...''

''NO! You listen here! I don't want to speak to you, I don't care how many times you apologize! I have enough of your insubordination! Do you want to do things 'your way'?! Fine! You can go on your own merry way! Because I'm done with you! I don't want anything to do with you! I'm only willing to cooperate with you in work, but other than that don't ever come close to me.''

That was the last fight they ever had...and now, there is no more. Remembering that...It hurts...It really hurts. He could have sworn tears were threatening to spill out, but he didn't need this now. Crying will not help. He n-needs to remain strong...H-he can live with this...He just needs to cope...That's it...

Cope.

''Are you okay?'' He heard the deerling ask.

Snapping out of his sad state, he tried to sound normal as possible.''Y-yeah! I-I'm okay...I-Is there something you said? I-If you did...I'm sorry, I was thinking about something...'' Yeah, he did not sound normal. The girl might have guessed that something made the shepherd sad.

''It's okay. I was just asking why your brother hates you...?'' Yep...Now the sadness has returned and was threatening to break him. He's not ready for that part...

''It's...It's too personal for me kiddo, I'm sorry...I'll tell you some other time. Cross my heart.'' The deerling didn't look too happy, but she accepted it. The shepherd was grateful, and started to calm his emotions. Jake was not ready to break, and has a job to do; only three days left until Amalia leaves. He will finally be out of his bodyguarding duty. But to be honest, he will actually miss having her around even though it was only for 1 week...He shouldn't be focusing on that.

The job comes first.

The younger shepherd spotted the motel.''Looks like we found it, and it isn't as close as the sign said. It took at least twenty minutes of driving just to get here.'' The deerling didn't say anything, choosing to remain silent. The younger shepherd didn't make any comments but for some reason he had this feeling...He wanted to comfort her. Despite that,he stopped himself. He needed to focus for now. Stopping his vehicle in the parking lot, the shepherd came out first followed by the fawn. Jake stared at the big sign that read 'MOTEL'. ''Well...Let's head in.'' The girl nodded as she followed him inside the motel.

They got a room with two beds. The one who signed them in didn't seem to be interested since they just handed the keys without saying anything. Jake attempted to ask questions but got silence as an answer so he gave up. He decided to leave the mammal be since he's tired of getting their attention. The customer service here was kind of terrible if they are dismissing to greet the customer and failing to answer a few concerns they have.

Right now the young deerling is asleep. They didn't have a charger, so he was stuck with a phone that has no battery. The shepherd sighed. The heat was starting to get unbearable...Sleeping in the heat isn't something he does. In the academy, sure he was sweating, but at least they provided a fan for them. The room they are staying in wasn't providing a fan. Although there's a ceiling fan, it's not working. He was so tempted to take off his shirt, but he didn't want to give the girl a bad image. He shouldn't be complaining, but he finds it difficult to sleep in humid places.

Sitting up from his bed. He turned to the deerling, who still was sleeping soundly...He thought back to the questions she asked.

''Why does your brother hate you...?''

''Why...? It's not fair. Can't you apologize to him and...go back to the way it was?''

Those questions echoed in his head. If it really was that simple...He wanted to relieve all of those memories, but he just wasn't ready to reveal them...

''You lost them?!'' The arctic fox felt his ear ringing. The shepherd and the deerling were at the hospital and when they came out, he saw that they were driving away. He couldn't possibly catch up with a vehicle, so he technically didn't lose them, right?

''What do you want me to do?! The guy is driving a vehicle. All I saw was that they were going out of town! Probably out of town!'' The fox yelled back, which wasn't very smart of him. He yelled at a panther that can harm him, but Damien dropped it.

''Out of town? So, they are hiding?! Well, go and find them!'' The panther ordered. The arctic fox hated this, so he frowned in response.

''Listen! All I know is that they are heading out of town, probably the countryside...'Happy Town' I think, so they are out of the crowd of mammals.'' The fox explained as he heard a frustrated sigh behind the phone.

''Fine! I'll check out Happy Town with my crew! Just make sure that you find their exact location!'' And the call dropped. The fox sighed. He knew that they were driving to Happy Town, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to continue this; it didn't have many benefits. The only reason he stuck around was because he was being threatened by this jerk of a feline. He didn't want to continue this, and may have his chance to help them out...He never understood why the predator and prey hate each other...Killing a kid is no better...But at the same time, he was still feeling afraid. Right now he was unsure, but he was leaning towards the latter...The arctic fox sighed as he decided to head to Happy Town. From there he will be making a decision...