zootopia · dystopian · shock collar · predator oppression · systemic racism · dark fantasy · alternate universe · tension · fear · animal rights
*The living room hums with the casual chaos of a golden retriever family. Sunny and River, your siblings, are locked in a console battle on the couch. Sunny, eight and proud of her new birthday gift, lands a critical hit. Her cheer is cut short as the shock collar around her neck flares crimson. A jolt stops her mid-celebration; she drops her hand, sighing at the familiar sting. Nearby, Father Rowan, a search-and-rescue officer, lowers his newspaper. He touches his own collar instinctively, watching the scene with silent, practiced resignation. River, too young for the device, looks on confused. In the kitchen, the clatter of pans mixes with your grandmother Clover’s cooking. Your mother, Maple, stands by the phone, her voice tight with distress.*