October 15th, 2024: Earth
It was a dimly lit room. Dull brown wooden walls seemed to press in on the six men clustered around a small table.
Most of them were young, looking to be barely out of their teens. Stubble and wispy beards adorned their chins, and the smell of nervous sweat permeated the enclosed space.
Ethan, the sixth man, was standing with his arms folded across his chest, glaring at the others. He was tall and lanky, wearing a blonde moustache that did not dare leave his upper lip. His eyebrows were thick and bushy, and were currently locked in a scowling position as he looked around at the younger men.
"Hey! Listen up you clods!" The others jerked to attention, their gazes focusing on him. He glared about with dark brown eyes before speaking up.
"I ain't saying this twice, so clean the crap out of your ears and pay attention. We can't afford any screw-ups. You mess up, and you're done. Ya got me?"
There was a chorus of assent, though the tension in the room was still palpable. One of the younger ones spoke up.
"We know what we're in for."
The older man snorted derisively.
"You can say that. But the police force in this city is the best in the country. Robbery is risky business. But the prize…"
"So what's the plan?" one of the others called. "You called us here for a reason, didn't you?"
A quick glare cowed the teen, and the older man cleared his throat.
"Things are tough around here. Security is tight with that fish-bitch in charge. But there are plenty of Monsters here, more than anywhere else. And that means plenty of Monster gold."
"Aren't Monsters strong though?" A nervous-looking man spoke up, fear coloring his voice.
"A bullet's a bullet." was the response. "Besides, there's a place here that should have plenty of what we want, without too many Monsters to get in our way."
"What are we hitting then?" Was the excited question from another boy. "A bank?"
"Ha! You dolts couldn't rob a bank if the guards were all blindfolded! No, we're going to start with something simpler. If you can pull it off without a hitch, then maybe we can look at something bigger."
The older Human leaned over the table, putting his hands firmly upon it.
"What have I taught you?"
"Move quick," One of the more promising boys responded, a familiar glint in his eye that reminded the hardened criminal of himself. "Get the job done and get out."
He earned an approving nod for that.
"The guns are there for effect more than use. Shoot only if you have to. Just one shot could bring the city down on us. We get what we can, and we get out."
"Then where are we going?"
Ethan looked down at the table and pointed to a spot on the map that was spread across it. He tapped it gently, a wicked grin crossing his face.
"Easy to get into, easy to get out of." He told the watching would-be criminals. "Monster-run and caters to Humans and Monsters alike. Prepare yourselves, and meet me at the rendezvous point tomorrow morning.
"We're gonna rob The Great Papyrus."
October 16th, 2024: Earth
Canis awoke from her nap with a little yawn, sitting up from where she was resting on the bar, taking a moment to scratch at an ear, and then observe her surroundings.
She glared out at the entrance to the bar where the sun was shining merrily down. It wasn't fair that, this far into Autumn, they had been hit by a sudden heatwave. The pup liked the cold. Snuggles were so much easier when people were cold...
Papyrus was handing out a drink to a customer, who took it, before heading back to his table. There weren't very many people at the bar this early, and most of the few who were here were Humans.
Papyrus turned to the pup, noticing her waking.
"Hello, little one! I see you have awoken!"
She gave a hum, her tail wagging as she moved over to him, plopping down with her paws on a hand. "Up now," was the drowsy reply. "Morning, Pappy."
The other hand came to rest on the pup's head, petting her lovingly.
"Good morning! You fell asleep before we even got here! You truly can fall asleep anywhere!"
"Pappy's comfy," she stated simply, raising her head only to press it more firmly against his hand, her tail wagging happily at the affection.
"Of course! Papyrus is the most cuddly person you shall ever meet!"
"Better than a Teddy," was her response, her grasp becoming more apparent on the trapped hand. "Mine."
"One day we will have to teach you how to share properly!" Papyrus chided, scratching behind her ear.
She gave a happy rumble. "I give all my toys away," she defended.
"But there is a difference between Papyrus and a toy!" the skeleton countered. "In fact-"
He was cut off as the saloon doors to his pub burst open, and six men barged in. Their faces were covered by ski masks and they aimed pistols at the few occupants of the bar.
One, at their head, pointed a rifle directly at Papyrus. Without looking around, he shouted;
"Everyone on the ground, now! You, skeleton! Give us all the money you have, or my boys and I start shooting!"
Canis jumped in alarm at the loud noise, landing on all fours as her eyes locked onto the intruders. Instantly, her fur was bristling, and a squeaky growl was emitting from her throat as she found herself between them and Papyrus. The skeleton himself had raised his hands and was smiling broadly at the men.
"Hello, friends!" he called. "Would any of you like a drink? I have-"
"I said, give me the money, skeleton!" the criminal leader barked while the others spread out, training their weapons on various occupants. The patrons of the bar were slowly getting to the floor, raising their hands in surrender. Only Papyrus seemed to be unafraid.
Canis was becoming agitated, her aqua eyes narrowed as her growls turned into vicious-albeit squeaky-barks as she started to move back and forth in her position. She was no attack dog, however, just a little pup trying to appear somewhat intimidating.
"Friends! There is no need for violence!" Papyrus attempted, still smiling at them. "Surely we can-"
"Stop talking and start hauling!" The rifle turned away from Papyrus, homing in on the pup instead. "And shut that mutt up, or I'll do it for you!"
Canis growled lowly. "Away," she spat, looking more like an angry cat with every passing moment.
"Be nice, Canis," Papyrus chided. "These are our guests!"
She barked angrily at the men, obviously having a different opinion than the skeleton on this matter. She started to pace the bar, fearlessly-if not helpfully-continuing her stance.
"I will not tell you again!" the Human growled. "Money! Hand over! Now!"
Canis's barks erupted into yipping howls of accusation and fury, her usually calm eyes now hosting a piercing gaze as she bared her fangs.
"I warned you!"
The trigger was squeezed, and some of the customers screamed as the sound of a gunshot echoed throughout the area.
Before Canis knew what was happening, she was in Papyrus's arms, and there was a dent in the bar where she had just been.
The pup was working on instincts in the heat of the moment, her more feral gaze still locking back onto the intruders, her paws attempting to find traction, her little claws hooking onto the skeleton's arms.
"Well that was uncalled for!" Papyrus waggled a finger at the Humans. "There is no need to be so hostile, friends! Especially with a little puppy!"
The man who had fired was staring blankly at the skeleton. He hadn't even seen the Monster move. The pup fussed in his hold, snarling viciously.
The leader of the criminals shook his head to clear it, then tightened his grip on his weapon. Behind him the others were exchanging nervous glances. From outside, the deep, rumbling sound of engines could be heard.
"Ethan," one of the others called nervously. "Maybe we should go…"
"Nonsense!" Papyrus enthused. "Just put down your weapons and we can have a drink and put all this behind us! There's no need for all of this!"
The criminal leader seemed to hesitate for a moment. His subordinates were beginning to come closer, some of them training guns on Papyrus, while others were lowering their weapons, looking around worriedly.
From outside, the sounds of passing engines had stopped.
"Ethan…"
"Well, well well," came a new voice from behind the criminals, causing Ethan to freeze up, his eyes going wide behind the mask.
"What have we got here?" There was the sound of the saloon doors opening. Papyrus seemed to brighten, and a chill ran up the Human leader's spine.
"Ah, Jonathan! Wonderful to see you here! How are the grandkids?"
Canis's growls continued, but she spared a moment to look up at the newcomers.
Hellscream dominated the doorway, blocking most of the light coming from outside. He took a long drag from a fat cigar, before stepping in. Twelve others, men and women filed in behind him, dressed similarly to the man Papyrus had addressed.
Jonathan pulled his cigar out from between his teeth, then put it out by grinding it against the hairy, well-muscled forearm on his left arm. The jacket didn't seem to have a sleeve on that arm… something shared with all the bikers.
"Jonathan!" Papyrus scolded as the would-be robbers began to lower their weapons in fear. "I keep telling you that's bad for you! You shouldn't put them out like that!"
"Sorry, Papyrus," the biker said, his gravelly voice carrying some regret. "Force of habit. Are these guys causing you… trouble?"
There was the audible sound of cracking knuckles from the bikers, and a dangerous glint entered their eyes.
"Of course not!" Papyrus enthused, smiling brightly at Ethan, who was still frozen in terror. "They were just about to put their guns down and buy a drink, weren't they?"
There was a clatter as the weapons were dropped, even Ethan's slipped from his shaky grasp. He hadn't turned around, but he knew that voice. Knew the name behind it.
This Monster… this bartender… he was on a first-name basis with Johnny Hellscream? Leader of the feared Hellriders gang? What the hell had he gotten into?
The pup finally quieted, giving one last indignant bark, before relaxing in Papyrus's hold-though she was still watching the intruders intently.
A heavy hand suddenly fell on Ethan's shoulder and he nearly wet himself. He could smell the smoky breath and feel the presence of the dreaded man behind him. He couldn't think at all, past abject terror.
In the meantime, Papyrus placed Canis back down on the bar and patted her head gently.
Canis looked up at him, but remained standing, watching intently as her little claws scratched at the surface of the bar.
A few of Ethan's gang looked longingly to the exit, but most of the Hellriders were still in the way… and they seemed to be all but daring the would-be robbers to try anything.
"Well, I'm glad to see that everything's in order," The biker leader spoke jovially, though his hand tightened uncomfortably on Ethan's shoulder. "Though I have to say… it seems a little warm out for you all to be wearing those heavy masks. Might want to take them off… wouldn't want you to suffer from heatstroke, now would we?"
His words were friendly enough, but there was an undeniable threatening undercurrent to his tone.
None of the criminals would dare argue with it. One by one, each mask was pulled off and dropped to the floor, exposing them all. Ethan was the last to comply, and he kept his face turned away from Johnny the whole time, desperately hoping that the biker wouldn't see his face… wouldn't recognise him.
It was too much to hope for. The older man turned the leader of the robbers subtly, just enough so that he could see his face.
"Why don't you all get those drinks Papyrus was talking about?" Johnny's eyes lit upon the bullet mark in the bar. "And in the meantime, you can give me a hand with something… Ethan."
This time, Ethan did wet himself. Johnny looked down in concern, seeing the wet patch grow on the front of the man's pants.
"Or maybe you need the help more than me. Let's get you to the bathroom, you can clean up there."
"I.. I can handle it," was the weak protest as the burly biker firmly began to guide Ethan away.
"Oh no, I insist. We wouldn't want you getting into a… mess, now would we?"
As Johnny led Ethan away, the other attempted robbers began to cautiously approach the bar, mostly goaded on by the Hellriders. The original customers had returned to their tables, and a few of the bikers were helping an elderly couple get up off the ground.
However, Canis wasn't having it. Her fur bristled, and she starting up another volley of barking, running along the bar to where she was closest to them, making her displeasure known.
"Canis!" Papyrus chided, grabbing her. "There's no need for that! Everything's okay!"
"No!" was her immediate response. "All meanies!"
"She's being a little spitfire, ain't she?" a slender male biker piped up, grinning at the pup. "Never seen her give this much energy for anything!"
The former robbers laughed nervously, no longer approaching the bar, not sure what was expected of them now.
Canis gave another little yip, glaring at the group. "No being mean to Pappy. Or at Pappy's," was her little growl.
"But they're not being mean," the skeleton pointed out, still holding her firmly. "They simply want drinks! Would you deny them that?"
"Were being mean," was her counter argument.
"Well, maybe a little," Papyrus allowed. "But I'm sure they didn't mean it!" He looked up. "Did you?"
"N-no, not at all!" The closest one stammered out. "If… if we'd known… we'd never have done it, sir!"
"There is no need for that! Just Papyrus will do!"
Canis was giving them all the most skeptical and dead pan look a puppy could give.
There was laughter from the assembled Hellriders, who were now gathering around the bar.
"Bet you would have protected him, even if we hadn't shown up, wouldn't you, pup?" One of the women asked, grinning widely at the white-furred canine.
The puppy nodded fiercely. "Nobody hurts Pappy," she clarified, turning a little to snuggle into him. "Mine."
That earned another bout of laughter, while Papyrus shook his head.
"Nobody's hurt, Canis!"
"But they could've been!" she protested. "They could've hit a customer, or you! They shot at us!"
"You cannot be upset at people for what could have happened Canis! Besides, they have learned and will do better now! Everyone deserves a second chance!"
"Or a five-hundredth, according to you," the thin Biker half-joked.
Canis shook her head. "No. Gotta earn it. Don't trust them."
The skeleton sighed.
"Canis…"
"They were being mean, you were being nice, and they still tried to hurt."
"She has a point, Papyrus."
"Nonsense, Raven!" Papyrus told the young blonde biker. "As long as people are willing to talk, anything good can happen!"
"They weren't talking," Canis interjected. "They were just yelling."
Before Papyrus could argue her further, Johnny emerged from the bathrooms, alone. He was wearing a broad grin and he strode right up to the bar, settling himself in his favoured barstool.
"Well, our friend is just putting on a new pair of pants, and then I'm sure he'll be back out. How're we holding up over here?"
"Just fine, thank you!" Papyrus enthused, adjusting his grip on Canis. "Although I think Canis was upset a little…"
"More than a little…" the pup grumbled, only giving the biker a brief glance before glaring at the robbers again.
Johnny laughed jovially.
"We could hear the barking from outside! They must have really riled you up, eh, pup?" He put his large hands on the bar, rolling his shoulders as he did so.
"Were being mean towards Pappy," the pup muttered. "No." The last word was still growled as she squirmed in agitation.
"You're turning into a regular little bodyguard, aren't ya?"
"Yes," she stated, raising her head at that, as if the answer were that simple.
Johnny chuckled at that.
"Maybe we should make you the official mascot and protector of the Great Papyrus, huh? You spend enough time here as it is… and I think the place would be safe in your paws."
The pup finally gave him her full attention, tilting her head curiously at such a statement. Slowly, her fur was beginning to flatten, returning to her normal appearance.
Papyrus gently set Canis back down on the bar, while Johnny seemed to remember something and began rummaging in his pockets.
"In fact…" He pulled out a little badge that shone with a golden sheen. He solemnly gestured for the pup to approach him. With her interest on Jonathan, she moved over, sniffing at the badge.
He let her inspect it for a moment, then carefully clipped it to the front of her shirt.
"From now on," he said, his gravelly voice reverberating with authority. "You shall be known as The Great Papyrus's watchdog. You will protect it against ruffians, and be a source of affection to all others!"
The bar erupted into claps and cheers, and even the ex-robbers nervously joined in.
Canis looked down at the badge, and then around at the sudden eruption of noise, before a smile finally returned to her face, her tail thumping the bar as she sat there, trying to take it all in.
Johnny reached forward with a hand that was bigger than the pup's head and ruffled her ears fondly. In the background, Ethan reappeared from the bathroom, and a couple of the Hellriders noticed him. They headed for him, making the criminal sag slightly as all hope for escape died.
"Our new friend has offered to buy drinks for everyone, to make up for his tragic mistake," the biker leader informed the establishment as a whole, thumping at the bar with a free hand. "Y'hear that, all? Free booze all around!"
The pup's tongue lolled out as she closed her eyes, pressing her head against the large hand happily, mostly tuning out her surroundings as the calm and cheerful atmosphere returned to The Great Papyrus.
...she still didn't let the men near the bar however. In fact, she kept up her guard dog stance until finally, they all left, escorted by the Hellriders. With one final bark at the door, she sat down, yawned, curled up...and promptly fell asleep.
