Wow, this has been an overwhelming week. Glad I found some time to squeeze in a chapter.

MyDestinyIsWithTheWolves: Thank you! Here's the update :3

Star Princess: Thanks! Shall we continue?

"Mac!" Ghost and Roach exclaimed. Their friend had large cuts covering his body, his fur was coated in a sticky, crimson substance, and there was a slight hint of gunpowder. Roach fortunately didn't get the scent that he was shot, but seeing him like this was hard enough. Even for John's firm heart, he felt as if it was beginning to crack. All three dogs were surrounding the unconscious pooch, who was breathing in short, wheezy breaths.

"Mac, can you hear me?" Roach whimpered, "Oh my God..."

"He'll be alright," John spoke, "He's a hard bastard. But for now, we need to tend to him."

"How?" Ghost said, wryly, "We don't even have those filthy human hands."

"We just need to keep an eye on him. Drag him over here."

Mac didn't have a collar or harness on, and Roach was stuck there for moment, thinking of another way to move his elder without hurting him even more. Though Ghost seemed to be ahead of him, latching his teeth onto the scruff of his neck and began pulling him. Mac whined a little, and the other dogs now noticed the damage done to their leader. Ghost set Mac down gently in the same spot John was lying in earlier, and Roach crawled in next to him, being cautious of his injuries. "I'll stay right here," Roach whimpered, "Just stay alive." He'd expected Mac to reply, but he only got a whine.

"Ghost," John began, "I think you're right."

Ghost glared at John, "Sorry?"

"We can't keep Mac alive unless we have those hands."

"It's how we all stay alive, basically. We wouldn't have food in bowls if they didn't have that tool."

"And with those injuries, it doesn't seem they're quite survivable. It'll make him grow weak and he won't be able to walk if they're not treated."

Roach stared at them with his ears perked up, "What are you guys saying? Mac won't survive?"

"Not like that," John answered.

"Then we can keep him alive!" Roach moved out of Mac's upper legs, trotting quickly over to the two dogs, "Ghost, you had injuries like Mac's. How'd you stay together-"

"This is different, Roach," Ghost sighed.

"He's onto something, though," John said, raising his ears. Ghost looked at John and flickered his eyes over Roach. "Okay, I'll tell you this. If we can't get him to walk, we just need him to stay awake. He at least needs to eat and drink."

Roach wagged his tail a little and he turned over to the other dogs, who were looking at Mac with worried eyes. Roach walked over, hesitant for a moment. But again, these dogs need someone to lead the way. "Uh, you three," Roach began, and they looked over. You've done this before. You can do it again.

"What's wrong with Mac?" Royce questioned.

"Yeah, he looks like he rolled around in his own shit," Archer commented.

"It's blood," The runt said, "And I need you guys to try get look after Mac."

"Well, we can do that." The three dogs walked next Mac, Ozone making himself comfortable and laying down. "Stay," Roach said.

"Stay? Like... Here?" Royce asked, tilting his head slightly.

"Yes."

"What if we have to piss-"

"I stay!"

John wagged his tail. That pisspup reminded him of when Mac was beginning to be bossy to his little puppy companions. He was raw, but determined to lead the way.

Thanks for reading! Reviews are appreciated :3