A.N. Updating chapters to make this story fit my ideas better. Name change is due to the fact that there are no longer just 123 dalmatians, and 490 doesn't fit the title right. :D
Dalmatian Daze
Chapter 1
Kingsley
For months there had been phone calls and negotiations, money poured into tests and stud fees. All of it came down to this week, where he would be dropping off his champion dog in the hopes of securing his future in the show ring.
He had chosen the very best, Lucianne's only real competition. Together their line would be unmatchable, if all things went as planned. Tom was nervous, which wasn't his usual demeanor, but he swallowed that down as he secured the heavy duty carrier in the back seat. The navy box jingled with the dogs extra sets of tags. He tossed the folder in with all her documents too, but only after triple checking it for everything.
Slightly more confident, he slammed the door and walked back into the house. Lucianne was curled on her bed in the corner of the room, but she raised her head as he walked in. She was a sweet, well behaved dog, and for that he was grateful. Reaching across his kitchen table, Tom snagged her lead and called her to his side.
Lucianne got up, and with all of the grace of a queen, the same grace that had earned her a wall full of ribbons, she strode across the room. She stood still and let him clasp on the leash. He could only hope that she took to her new status with such poise.
o.O.o
Life for a show dog was simple, perfect, at least in the mind of one brilliant Dalmatian. Kingsley had been born Miss Paisley's King Arthur, from a very prized line in the north east. His breeder called him the very best of the litter, and it had taken quite a lot of money to bring him half way across the country.
Kingsley led a wonderful life. He thought he had it all, a shelf full of shiny metals and trophies, a wall of photographs, certificates, and awards, his own room even, and a large kennel for him alone.
He glanced up from his food bowl, his reflection moving with him over the engraved silver dish. The door to his room opened then, his servant coming to fetch him. The tiny man unlocked the door to his kennel, holding the chain-link door open as he gracefully stepped out, nose and tail high in the air.
He studied the man before barking, "Well? What do you want?"
The man just shook his head, unable to understand a word he said, like always. Like all humans. "Come on, King. You have lady friend waiting on you."
Kingsley cocked his head to the side in confusion. He hadn't been expecting any company. Either way, he always enjoyed a visit from one of his ladies. His servant knew a thing or two about a proper looking Dalmatian, so he only had to deal with the best money could buy.
As they walked side by side down the long hall, Kingsley pondered who it might be, Destiny most likely, he hadn't seen her in weeks. Instead they entered the sitting room to find his biggest competition in the show ring, at the feet of a rather large black man, her 'master' as she called him, one Mr. Anderson.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Little Lady herself," he greeted, taking a great sniff of the air around him. "Come for a little visit? I knew you couldn't resist."
The other dog shifted around uneasily, clearly uncomfortable, before drawing back her lips and showing off her sharp, white teeth. "Go to hell, Kingsley."
"Now, now, love. Is that anyway to talk to the dog that can solve all of your problems?" He approached her cautiously, playing it off as if he was merely sauntering slowly towards her. He gave her his best wolfish grin.
Lucy retreated ever so slightly, keeping him away with the threat of teeth. Mr. Anderson reached out a comforting hand, stroking her spine in an effort to calm her.
It seemed to work, her chocolate eyes closed half way, her mouth settling into a noncommittal expression. Taking his chances, Kingsley circled around her, that intoxicating smell growing stronger. The man kept petting his dog, distracting her.
And then it was too late, there was no attacking or removing him once he had made his move, and after the briefest of struggles, Lucy seemed to accept that fact, going wobbly kneed beneath him.
Once satisfied, Kingsley dismounted, standing at her side, her brown spots clashing with her black ones. He smacked her with a sharp flick of his tail to draw her attention, but she was too worn out to even complain. "Tomorrow then, Lucy?"
She only hung her head in defeat.