**A Whistle in Zootopia**

Prompt: Zootopia fanfiction when he’s off duty Nick teaches football to at risk kids and is surprised when he finds out when one of his players is juicing

Nick Wilde loved his job with the Zootopia Police Department, but when he clocked out for the day, he found just as much satisfaction in another role—volunteering as a youth football coach. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, he could be found on the grass of the local park, a whistle around his neck and a smile on his face, ready to guide the at-risk youth of Zootopia through the exhilarating game of football. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the field as Nick set up for practice. He admired the energy and excitement of his young players, a diverse group of kids from every corner of Zootopia. They were eager to learn, kicking up dirt and laughter as they awaited his instructions. “Alright, my junior athletes!” Nick called, clapping his paws together. “Let’s huddle up and start with some warm-ups!” As the kids gathered around, their faces alight with enthusiasm, Nick couldn’t help but smile at the family he had created among them. They called him “Coach Nick,” and he took pride in that title, respecting it almost as much as he did his badge. “Today we’re going to work on our passing techniques,” he announced, demonstrating the grip and stance. The kids imitated him, their floppy ears bouncing as they caught the ball with eager paws. Among the crowd was a kid named Max, a spry and determined rabbit who was new to the team. He had a knack for spotting openings on the field, displaying an uncanny ability to dodge defenders. But as Nick watched him sprint through drills, he noticed an intensity in Max’s eyes—something a bit too focused for a child his age. As the weeks rolled by, Nick watched the team grow stronger, but Max stood out as an exceptional player. He could weave through the other kids as if they were merely statues. But with all the talent came an unsettling side: his energy seemed almost boundless, his stamina unmatched. Nick suspected something was off when he noticed Max pushing himself, far beyond what was reasonable. “Take it easy, kiddo!” Nick called one evening during a scrimmage as Max made yet another break toward the goal. The rabbit was relentless, scoring goal after goal, making the other kids look like they were standing still. Thursday was always the biggest turn out for practice, and Nick was excited to see even more kids joining the team. However, he remained concerned for Max. As they jogged through the drills, Nick could see the wear creeping into some of the others, but not in Max. In fact, he seemed to be growing stronger. “Max!” Nick called as they lined up for a passing drill. “You’re getting a bit too competitive out there, buddy. Let’s focus on teamwork, alright?” “Yeah, Coach!” Max smiled, but his eyes glinted with a fire that didn’t settle well with Nick. One night, after practice, Nick stayed back to gather the cones and balls. As he finished packing everything into a crate, he overheard hushed whispers among a couple of kids. Curiosity piqued, he moved closer, straining to hear their conversation. “Did you see how fast Max is?” one of the other kids exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. “No kidding! I heard he’s been taking stuff to get stronger,” another replied, eyes wide. “Stuff? Like what?” the first kid pressed. Nick felt a chill sweep through him. Juicing? In Zootopia? The thought sent his mind racing. Could it be true? He had always admired the spirit of competition in his players, but the idea of one of them resorting to performance-enhancing substances troubled him. The next evening at practice, Nick approached Max while the other kids took a water break. “Hey, buddy,” he began, kneeling so he was eye level with the rabbit. “I wanted to talk to you about something. Are you doing okay?” Max shrugged, fixing his intensity on the field rather than on the coach. “I’m good, Coach. Just want to win, you know?” “I get that,” Nick said, maintaining his gentle tone. “But you also need to make sure you’re playing fair. It’s not about being the best athlete; it’s about how you play the game.” “I always play fair!” Max retorted, but his voice was too defensive, too quick. “Sure,” Nick countered softly, “but I’ve heard some rumors that you might be—” “Rumors? Coach, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Max interrupted, his ears flattening against his head, eyes fierce. Nick took a breath. He didn’t want to accuse the kid, but instinct as a cop warned him that something was amiss. “Look, Max, if you’re feeling pressure to perform, you can always come to me. We want to keep the game fun, right?” Max hesitated, jaw tensing before he finally broke eye contact. In that moment, Nick saw a flicker of vulnerability. “Fine. I mean… maybe I’ve been taking some stuff,” he admitted quietly. “But I just want to prove I’m good enough. I thought it would make me stronger.” “That’s not how it works, kid,” Nick replied, placing a reassuring paw on Max’s shoulder. “You’re already great. Football is about teamwork, heart, and effort. You don’t need anything else.” Max’s expression shifted from defiance to realization. “I just wanted to win…” “And you can win without the shortcuts,” Nick encouraged. “Just trust yourself. Learn the game for what it is: something to enjoy with your friends. Let’s keep the focus on that.” Gradually, as Nick offered support and resources for Max to develop his skills legitimately, the tension began to lift. The young rabbit learned the lessons of resilience, honesty, and camaraderie, ultimately choosing the path of hard work over the easy way out. As the season progressed, Nick was thrilled to see floating spirits and laughter around them. Each practice became a joyful experience again, all thanks to fostering a culture of support instead of competition. Zootopia wasn’t just about building athletes; it was about being part of something greater—something Nick had learned to love more each day. With a renewed sense of purpose in the air, Nick’s whistle sounded for the next drill, its echo filling the park, marking the resurgence of hope not only for Max but all the kids on a beloved football field adorned with dreams.