A soft whimper, barely audible behind the drumming of the rain, echoed through the dark alley. “Meeoowww’s there?” spoke a dark grey striped cat as he rounded the corner and looked down the alley. Before him, in a saggy wet cardboard box, laid a white, wet dog, curled up and whimpering. A collar with jewels decorated his neck. The dog paid the cat no attention and continued to quietly whimper. Cat sighed and approached the hound. He sat beside the box.
His fur wet, his voice annoyed – “what myaa crying about?” The dog sniffled and then sniffed the air, smelling the wet cat before him, he opened one eye to look at the cat – “leave me be!” cried out the dog, but the cat just sighed. He walked into the box, raised his paw, his claws extended out, and then slapped his claw into the dog’s butt. The dog jumped up and ran out of the box whimpering “wh..what was that for? You grumpy furball!”
The cat walked out of the box and snickered – “nyehehe, now you can talk! I nyaassked, what myaa crying about!” his tone annoyed, he sat in the rain watching the dog. The dog laid back down, curling up – “grrr, leave me,Iwish to be alone” the cat sighed and raised his paw once more, his claws extended out – “Are myaa sure myaa wants to test my temper?” The dog jumped up and walked backward – “fine…fine I… i’ll tell you”
The cat grinned and shook his head – “nyoo, we go somewhere warm and dry first”. They walked through the back alleys in the rain. Shortly, the dog found himself in a basement of an abandoned house, with a lit fireplace, a homeless man in black clothes, and a hood sitting beside it, feeding the fire. The man noticed 2 of them approaching and gasped – “Mentor? What were you doing out there in the rain?” exclaimed the worried man, jumping up to grab a rag.
While trying up the cat’s fur, the man eyed the dog. Mentor, the cat, spoke – “I was out on patrol, then found this buffoon!” his gaze darted to the dog that sat, shyly, a meter away – “i..I am not a baboon!” Said the dog. Cat sighed – “Truly a buffoon!” The man tossed the wet rag and then proceeded to dry the dog’s fur with a fresh rag, whilst the cat sat by the fireplace, warming up
A few moments later, the dog was whining out his story “And then…young mistress ran from home!” he said while sobbing. The cat laid on his side, back towards the fire, listening attentively – “and nyeeen?” the dog huffed – “and.. Master told me to find her but.. My nose not so good. I, I couldn’t find her.. Young mistress was gone and I failed my master.” the dog slumped down and whimpered again.
The cat sighed – “So, your master, a prince, heir to the throne, kicked you out because of his own incompetence in finding his daughter?” the dog whimpered – “yes..”. Man’s hand on his head, gently patting his ears and scritching behind them – “There there pup, you’ll be fine” the cat sighed – “Spoiled mutt won’t be fine on the streets.. “ sighed the cat and then got up and stretched – “i’ll help you find her”
The dog, surprised, gasped – “huh? You? How.. you’re no search hound!” The cat grinned a mad, evil grin – “Hey mutt, you’ve no clue who you are speaking to..” Mentor jumped up onto the ledge above the fireplace and sat down, placing his paw on his chest – “Before you is Mentor, the ruler of all the strays! Every rat, mouse, and cat listens to me! Even the stray dogs dare not disobey my ruling!”
The dog gasped, his jaw swung open – “The ruler..i.. Have never heard of you.. M..mentor?” The cat’s grin seemed to have gotten wider – “Yes, mutt! And your name?” the dog bowed his head down – “I am the dog of the prince to the throne, my name is Whiting, your, ruling highness of the underground!” huffed out the dog with obvious nervousness in his tone. Mentor stretched – “Whiting, what a simple name, I like it.. Sleep for the day, and tomorrow we’ll speak with the rat king!”
The sun rose and the 2 ventured out. Mentor had to think of an alternative route since dogs aren’t nearly as nimble or good at climbing. He walked around, taking, practically a scenic route, showing Whiting the city as they walked to the human entrance into the sewers and underground canals and dungeons. They walked for hours through the maze that is the underground passage. Whiting, nervous to lose the sense of direction due to the stale, damp smell that hung in the air.
A while later, they walked into an open room from which several tunnels led out. In the middle, half rotten structure made from scrap found in the sewers towered all the way to the ceiling. 5 rats ran up to them, but upon recognizing Mentor, they were quick to scatter and make way, 1 rat rushing off into the structure. Whiting whimpered nervously – “a..are you shure this is safe?” Mentor hissed – “Hush! Show nyat your hesitation to them!”
They walked up to the structure, and no sooner than Mentor set his paw on the first step leading up, his movement was interrupted by a screeching, high-pitched voice, and then a quiet thumb as a rat landed beside them on the rotten wood – “EEEEE!!! STAHP MENTOR! Your presence is already worrying enough, need not you climbing our sacred temple!” Spoke a rat, wearing a ripped piece of cloth, as a cape – “I came to personally greet you, respected Mentor!”
Whiting gritted his teeth and let out a low, rumbling growl. Mentor slapped him – “Hush mutt! I said meow confident nyat aggressive!” he turned and grinned at the rat king – “your rattness, I have come with a request” the rat king looked at the dog and then back at the cat – “Respected Mentor, who is that mutt?” spoke the rat in his high pitched, annoying voice. Mentor shrugged – “matters not! I nyaaad your patrols and expertise in finding things!”
The rat nodded – “what is it we search for?” Mentor stepped out of the way and glanced at Whiting – “Go on mutt, tell his rattness what you need!” The dog explained the story and whom they search for, the rat listened and another 1, beside him, seemingly took notes – “Very well Mentor, but this’ll cost ya!” The cat stomped his paw down and extended his claws, digging them into the half rotten wood below – “nyaaaass? What do you desire??”
The rat’s eyes widened as he watched the cat’s claws digging into the wood – “…m..mentor we.. simply desire food! Feast! A feast is all we’ll ask for your respectfulness, your…fluffiness!” screeched out the rat king as he bowed before the cat. Mentor grinned an evil, terrifying grin – “Oh, but of course… i’ll have the mutts deliver you a meal from the diary shop, fresh”
And so the rats called in the mice to steal a piece of clothing belonging to the daughter of the prince, so they could set the rats on search! Next up, Whiting found himself following Mentor the cat outside the city gates – “uhhm, wh..where are we going yours… fluffiness?” he hesitated for a moment while looking onwards as they trotted towards the forest. The cat turned at him and grinned – “Say, mutt, how good are you at dealing with bigger dogs?”
Whiting whimpered – “uh, not??” the cat chuckled – “nyeheheh, this’ll be fyaaaannn!” he said and leapt onto Whiting’s back – “Now go on! Run! RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN! MY TRYAAASTY STEED!” shouted the cat as he dug his claws into Whiting’s skin. The dog whimpered and burst into a sprint, straight into the forest. He huffed and gasped – “for.. Huff…long…?” the cat’s gaze snapped to the movement in the bushes on the right “Left!” shouted the cat
Whiting, without further thought, turned left as sharply as he could, he heard, behind him, a growl, rustling of the bushes, and then heavy paws sprinting after him, he whimpered – “EEE!?? Wha..what is that?” the cat looked over his shoulder – “A Big…bad…wyoolf! Now RUN! RUN!!!” “EEEEE!” whimpered Whiting going into an even faster sprint.
Rustling in the bushes before him, 2 more wolves jumped out, leading him to slip on the overgrown forest floor and then tumbling over as his paws got caught in the vines. Whiting whimpered as he got up, his fur raised on his back, he slowly began to back away, low, rumbling growling coming from his throat. Before him stood Mentor, his back arched, his fur standing, a loud hiss echoed across the forest.
A loud snap came from behind them, followed by a bark – “RUFF!! BACK AWAY FROM MY PREY!” commanded the alpha wolf behind them. The 2 wolves took a few steps back – “Boss!” they replied in low voices. As Mentor and Whiting turned their heads, a wide grin, bearing fangs, greeted them, and then a low, rumbling laugh – “GYAHAHA! Mentor! My little pal, nice acting!” The cat jumped onto the confused mutt’s back and began to massage him –
“relax! Relax! Nyehehe, this big bad wolf is my fryeeeend!” chuckled the cat, massaging Whiting’s back. The dog let out a sigh – “f..friend?” the wolf licked his fangs and growled – “OR AM I?? Just kidding!” he laughed and turned – “come, let’s talk as we walk, my pack is on a hunt right now, let’s see what they caught” and so they walked and talked. Mentor explained to them the situation and requests.
Alpha nodded – “Yea, alright… I’ll have the entire forest searching for that girly.. Say, mutt” he turned and grinned at the dog – “Is she TASTY?” Whiting’s instincts kicked in, he growled – “I DARE YOU…” the wolf laughed once more – “atta good reaction! Really are a good boy, very well. We’ll find her, whether she’s inside or outside the city” Mentor laid down on Whiting’s back and whispered – “Told you, I’ll help.”
Shortly after they found themselves in the wolve’s den. The alpha watched his pack make way for him and his guests – “Welcome to the Dog’s Den. Even strays cast out of the city are welcome in my pack, we take care of them!” he said as he glanced at 7 dogs of various breeds at the side, they bowed their heads in respect. They ate and talked and later the wolves escorted them back out of the forest.
Back in the city, Mentor took the mutt to the Housecat’s Den. A cafe where all cats were welcome. There he introduced Whiting to his loyal army of cats. Later that evening, rats brought several pieces of ripped-up cloth to Mentor and Whiting. Mentor told the mutt to take 1 piece to the wolves in the forest, and the mutt ran off. During his venture into the forest once more, he thought he smelled a familiar fragrance.
He diverted off the path, and shortly after, found himself, lost in the dark forest at night. The familiar scent that distracted him, was suddenly replaced by that of a dog, no.. more than a dog, a dog. A wolf.. He thought it would be a wolf of the pack so showed no fear and continued onwards. A loud piercing howl sent shivers through his body as he froze in place and lowered himself, pressing himself against the ground.
A huff, a sneeze, a loud snap. Before he knew it, a massive snout was in his field of vision, perking up from behind a dense bush, standing no less than a meter tall. From fear he shook and whimpered, his body frozen in place. The snout pointed down, and a pair of 2 ember eyes came out from the bush. Gaze locked with his own, the werewolf’s quiet growl chilled him to the bones.
He trembled, facing death before him. At that moment, paws, several sets of them, and growling filled the void of silence in the dark forest. Alpha and his pack leaped from behind the bushed attacking the foul beast threatening Whiting. The next moments were filled with growling, snarling, whimpering, biting, and at last, the sound of 4 retreating massive paws as the werewolf was chased away by the alpha and his trusted pack.
Whiting was brought back to his senses by a wet tongue on his nose – “Hey, mutt, ya alright?” a low growling voice asked and then sniffed the air – “you’re safe” Whiting rose back to his feet, trembling like a new-born fawn “i..is it…g..gone?” the alpha snarled, his gaze darted to a whimpering wolf off to the side – “Ye, you 3 get back to the Dog’s Den anyway. This bastard.. I’ll track him”
Before running off, however, Alpha sniffed a piece of cloth that Whiting previously dropped to the ground, then stares at Whiting, and then ran off without saying a word. 2 wolves took chase after their leader. 1 other wolf and the injured one, along with Whiting, went back to the Dog’s Den where they slept the night. As Dawn broke, whiting was greeted by the alpha, exhausted and panting. On his head sat the rat king, and on his back, Mentor. Behind him were a dozen cats, with rats riding on top of them.
“Ugh.. the..beast caused quite the commotion in the city last night” huffed the alpha. Mentrow stretched – “a werewolf.. We took flight when he broke into the cafe. None of us been harmed Alpha defended us, but the guards are searching all arnyaaaound!” He sat down and licked his paw, pondering – “And now the question begs, mayhaps your young lady had been..” Whiting barked at him- “RAF! NO!”
The alpha spat out a piece of cloth and sniffed it again, then silently walked into the middle of the den, checking up on his wolves that got injured in the encounter, and then crashed down, falling asleep instantly. The rested wolves spent the day, along with cats and rats, in search of clues and hints. 3 wolves with cats and rats set out west in search of the girl. 5 others, went south tracking the werewolf based on the last known location.
Towards the evening, Whiting found himself standing at the edge of the forest with 3 wolves, 5 cats, and a handful of rats, staring at a small farmer’s house. Alpha walked up beside them, the shadow cast by the setting sun covered the farmer’s house. Alpha looked down at the mutt – “That.. her in there?” his gaze scanned the windows of the city. Whiting huffed – “i think..” “Then go there!” commanded alpha, but Whiting hesitated for some reason.
*****Audience Input*****
So tell me, dear audience. Should they keep observing? Try to reunite with the other crew? Or approach the house and confirm the location of the girl they’re seeking?
Ahki Aliapoh: Oh… I see it’s one of those choose your own adventure stories!
Leona Lucifra: I would say approach. He is too much of a coward already anyway.
M’iyu Fhey: I say observe some more and then try to get closer!
Help Me:I think the rats should take a peek!
Crashh Boi: They should observe, look out for any dangers ahead for sure!
Rapu Riverstone: Approach gingerly
Atheris Hispida: They’re not gonna see much from afar, they should approach the house.
**********
Alpha sighed and walked closer to the house. Each step was careful and confident. He sniffed the air as he walked. Closer and closer. The cats and wolves and Whiting followed him, matching their pace to his. A true natural leader made even the cats act as part of the pack. Whiting froze and whimpered – “S..something doesn’t feel right” The alpha sniffed the air and snarled – “indeed”
The alpha barked “SCATTED!” As his gaze fixated on the main floor’s window, behind the curtain, a pair of glowing ember eyes stared at him, but a figure of a petite, young lady. Whiting took a few steps backward, and the alpha, on the other hand, took a confident step forward. In that moment, the other crew, the ones who went to search for the werewolf, ran up and surrounded the house, noticing Alpha’s team far too late.
“BACK OFF” barked the alpha at the wolves and cats surrounding the farmer’s house. The ember-glowing eyes retreated into the room. The lights turned off, and a deafening howl echoed from inside the house a moment later. Whiting whimpered once more, Alpha growled – “I.. Guess we found your young mistress, mutt”. Whiting shook his head- “no, tha..that…” the alpha sighed – “I’ll handle this 1.. You, run! Get AWAY!”
A moment of deafening silence was interrupted only by the shuffling and rustling of the leaves as the pack scattered and backed away from the werewolf’s location. And then a bite. Alpha turned his head in amusement, to watch the little white mutt, biting into his ankle, growling – “Don’sh kill hurr” growled the mutt at him.
The alpha’s gaze darted back to the house – “and if I don’t, she’ll…” The mutt’s bite strengthened, alpha lifted his hind leg and shook it to get the mutt off – “Fine, i’ll guard the house, figure out a cure or accept the.. Other outcome” said alpha as he walked towards the house and sat down a dozen meters away from the door, his focus on the house, his nose sniffing for the smell of the foul beast.
Not even half an hour later, a hand landed on Alpha’s head, he did not even hear it coming. A man squatted down beside him and grinned, patting the alpha’s soft head – “Good boy, well done.” Alpha turned to face a man in raggedy robes – “Master? Y..” he smiled widely and then pat the alpha’s ears – “yeah, I’ll deal with the rest, get some well-deserved rest, boy.” Alpha got up and squinted at the house – “the beast is vicious! Allow me to” the man snapped his finger – “NO!”
Alpha bowed his head down and took a step back – “yes master” The man stood up and stretched, and then walked confidently towards the house. Whiting watched the alpha back away from a mere human, a familiar voice whispered into his ear – “Recognize him? You met him before” Whiting tilted his head, trying to remember, the man disappeared into the doorway, closing it behind him.
Sounds of wreckage, crashing glass, growls and howls soon echoed out of the house. A chair crashed through the window, Alpha and the others caught a surprised glance of the man that went inside before he disappeared into the shadows once more. 10 minutes of havoc later, the door swung open. From inside, a young woman stepped out, stumbled, and then fell to the ground. Whiting’s eyes widened – “mistress!” He burst into a sprint just to get caught by the collar by Alpha – “STAY!”
The alpha watched the house for a moment longer. All was silent, no trace of movement, no scent of the beast. He approached the woman first and pushed against her with his snout. She was passed out, but alive and breathing and did not appear to be wounded either. “COME!” he ordered the Whiting.
Whiting confirmed it was his mistress. Alpha, confused by how a werewolf was reverted back to human, suddenly sprinted off into the house. A moment later, Whiting followed. In the wreckage of the interior of the house, Alpha ran back and forth in search of his master. But nothing, except a familiar scent, greeted him in every room. Gone without a trace, as always.
For the next few nights, while the moon was full, Alpha and Mentor insisted on watching over the young mistress at the Dog’s Den. She showed no signs of transformation or aggression. Her curse was lifted and on the 3rd day, she was escorted back to the city, by a pack of wolves, cats, and rats. That day, the guards on duty got very drunk, since explaining to their superiors ‘a pack of wolves and cats mounted by rats, brought the daughter to the throne’s hair back to us’ did not go well.
She returned to her life with no recollection of her escape or what has happened in those few nights. Whiting was reinstated as the dog of the royal family. Mentor, returned to ruling the animals of the city and all around it. Alpha’s pack took over the farmer’s house and made a new Dog’s Den out of it. And thus the treasure was found and the story has come to an end.
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