Bolt's POV

Seeing Penny so hurt like that almost killed me. She left, not being able to see me in so much pain. As much as I tried to stick it through for her, it was useless, and we both knew it.

It was only a matter of how much time I had left to be with her. I'd done my duty though, and as much as she may wish it had been her, I was glad I'd done what I did when I did. All that mattered was that my person was safe.

Mittens spoke up. "Bolt, I can't believe this, you're…you're going to die."

"NOOOOO!" Rhino screamed up to the ceiling dramatically.

"Rhino. Mittens." I said, picking my head up to look at them both. "It doesn't matter. I saved Penny, and that's all that matters. But don't let her put me down- I'd rather suffer and be with her as long as possible than just leave everyone faster."

"But Bolt-" Rhino started, but Mittens looking like she could break into tears like Penny had put a paw on Rhino's mouth to silence him and simply nodded, agreeing to my command- my dying wish, if you wish to put it.

"Bolt, you are one crazy canine." Mittens smiled weakly. And I smiled too.

"Take care of her won't you?" they knew who I meant.

"We'll guard her with our lives." They both promised.

"Great." I put my head down and closed my eyes, only seeing Penny's tears, and her words replaying in my head. "Great." Then I drifted off into a world free of pain, sleep.

….

Mittens POV

I watched Bolt go to sleep, almost wary his breathing would slow to a complete stop, but it thankfully didn't. I owed Bolt everything. Without him, I'd still have no home, and now, he was practically asking me to take over for him with Rhino as Penny's protector. That was Bolt's job. It was unimaginable to step into his position. Bolt lived and breathed protecting our person.

She was heartbroken. The past few days, ever since the accident, she'd been a wreck, moping around, crying, sleeping with Bolt's very first toy- that ridiculous carrot.

She missed it so much it hurt me to see her hurting. So this was love. The three of us pets all loved Penny, and she loved us, but it was evident who her star was. Bolt. He'd always been the star, even when he wasn't on his own show.

I didn't want to let Bolt suffer to death, but I could understand why he wanted to stick around as long as possible. Even if it maybe would be harder for us to let him go the longer we saw him like that, it was Bolt we were talking about. Stubborn, stupid, crazy, impulsive Bolt. The famed Bolt.

The Bolt we all loved and treasured. The Bolt who'd do anything for his friends, even if it meant dying for them.

I rubbed against his head gently; purring, then I hopped down from his little bed, and made for the exit. I'd have to stop Penny from doing something she'd regret.

Rhino hugged one of Bolt's legs, and then scampered after me.

"Mittens, you aren't actually going to-"

"Rhino, Bolt is a lot of things, but he's not delusional…at least…not anymore. I have to stop Penny from doing this." Just as I said it, I saw the people talking about it, Penny about to sign off on some papers to agree to the act of putting him down, and Rhino said, "Well, you better hurry up!"

I rolled my eyes and darted towards the people, and jumped up onto the counter and sat on the form, hissing.

Penny looked at me. "What Mittens? I don't want to, but I have to. Bolt is in a lot of pain, he'd want this. I'm doing this for him."

I shook my head, and she noticed.

"What are you shaking your head for?" she looked fixatedly at me.

I did my best to explain with my meows and paws, and surprisingly, even if she was an animal lover and practically an animal whisperer, she got it.

"He doesn't want me to, does he? That unselfish dog! Well, I'm not doing anything if Bolt doesn't want it." Penny threw the pen down and the adults all looked on in shock. Not only from Penny having a full conversation with a cat, but from suddenly changing her mind.

I straightened up. My work for the time being was done…and man, as I reward, I really wanted some food. I was hungry.

...

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