Chapter 22: "Yet here you are"
11:13PM, a couple hours before the Raid, The Cartel met its match and lost. Tracker, Marshall and Chase turned into a slightly opened field where the old record shop was, after clearing his view from the trees, he saw dozens of unmarked cars with Government Logos on them. United States Operators were present wearing Mexican Army Fatigues instead of their usual American Tactical Gear, Tracker and the others stepped out onto the rocky grounds, making their over to a small group of HRs in charge of the raid. Marshall looked around to see a number of others, loading their guns and practicing their aims on nearby trees, The Dalmation's ears perked up as he saw a familiar-looking face polishing his Deagle.
"Scott!" Marshall shouted, Scott lifted his head up from the polished Hand cannon to see the three in his sight. Scott smiled whilst holstering his Desert Eagle and getting up off of a crate of ammunition he was sitting on.
"Hey guys, Cmon, I'll introduce you to the Commander" Scott motioned his hand to the canines to follow him as he walked past them to the small group of High Ranks, specifically the Commander of the Operation.
"Sir, sorry to interrupt, but here are the Dogs I was talking about" Scott stated as he stood with a salute to his supervisor. Tracker and the rest look in front to see a man in a Grey suit with black elastic gloves, he also wore a Kevlar vest made in multi-cam camouflage.
"Hmmm, I was expecting you three canines to look more fierce" The Commander stated whilst motioning his hand to the other people he was talking to find something to do. Scott didnt specify to his commander what Marshall, Tracker and Chase really looked like.
"Scott, get the Dalmation into something more suitable for this mission, his bright red makes him stand out like a Republican in California" He stated as he pointed over a changing station. Scott motioned to Marshall to follow to get him into a more Tactical look.
"Which one of you is Chase?" The Commander asked. The German Shepherd's ears then perked up after hearing his name, Chase stepped forward.
"That would be me Sir"
"I was informed of your Police background, so I should expect you to be well disciplined and be a decent shooter"
"More than decent Sir"
"Great, Follow Scott with the Dalmation to get yourself into some BDUs" The Officer said, Chase nodded in Understanding and walked off to join Scott and Marshall.
"First off, I must commend you on waging your own war on this Cartel for awhile-" The Officer said, he was referring to Tracker trying to take down the Cartel before Skye was even captured. Tracker grew a smile and thank him.
"Thanks"
"But Im going to have to ask you to stay out of this" The FBI Officer coldly stated.
"W-What, Why?" Tracker was in shock, he had been the Cartel's enemy for such a long time and how long wanted to see the end of them. Indeed the Cartel's last battle was here, but he wasnt even going to fight in it.
"The Police Dog has shooting experience and The Dalmation has Medical Experience, you however...cant offer much in this fight. If I let you go in, You would just be a liability in my eyes and my team" Tracker looked over to Marshall and Chase already getting their BDUs on. The Jungle Ranger didnt know what to say, it some sort the FBI Officer was right, what would Tracker do in such a close-quarters firefight, Swing on a vine?
"B-But" Tracker tried to reason, trying to explain he can offer so much more.
"But nothing, I will notify you when the raid is over and the Hostages are freed " Before Tracker could try reason again, The Officer already walked off with the last say. Tracker hung his head down at the ground, he couldnt believe that he had come so far for him to just sit on the sidelines and watch. He started to walk over to his cruiser to try at least pass the time.
"How do I look?" Marshall asked as he spun around in his BDU outfit with his tail wagging. Chase smirked with Scott doing the same with his arms crossed.
"Well, its better the ACU Pattern" Scott pointed out with him whilst walking away and turned away to a small black box that he had. He picked it up motioned Chase and Marshall to follow him. The Dalmation and German Shepherd looked at each other before walking off with Scott to the side of the old Record Shop. Scott sat opened the black case to reveal a small grey rectangular block. He picked it up and held it out in front of him for Marshall and Chase to get a look. Both Canines tilted their heads in confusion.
"Umm..Whats that?" Marshall asked. Scott grew a smile and then tapped the front of the block twice for it to show what it was. Out for the side of the grey block grew small legs, three on one side and three on the other. Marshall and Chase freaked out and back away when the block transformed.
"This my friends, is a Drone, Nice Design eh?" Scott started to look all around the design of the spider drone.
"What are you going to use it for exactly?" Chase asked whilst talking a closer look at it.
"Im pretty good with Drones, so Im going to control this thing into the Bunker just to see what we are going against" Scott stated as he walked further down the outer sidewall of the Record Shop, he spotted a small broken vent he can use. The Operator knelled down and place the Spider drone in front of the vent. After, he pulled out the controller resembled the design of...an Xbox controller. What really threw off Chase and Marshall is that he pull it out like it was no big deal.
"Scott...is that an Xbox controller?" Marshall asked cutting in front of Chase to lean over to get a better look at the gaming tool. Scott smirked and responded to the Dalmation's question.
"Yeah, sometimes we use Xbox controllers cause they're a lot easier to learn and use...and a lot cheaper" He explained whilst flipping up the top of the black case up to reveal a small screen. It gave Scott a clear first-person view from the Drone's perspective. Scott exhaled before maneuvering the joysticks to officially take control over the Spider-Drone.
It crawled through the vent and worked its way through a few cobwebs and dust get inside the old Record shop. It was very dark even though having 3 windows, letting not much sunlight come through. The inside was about 5 times dustier and spider-infested that the vent. Fortunately, there was a built in flashlight modification on the Drone. After enabling it, Scott could now see better and at least he knew where he was going. After looking over a few counters and display cases, Scott spotted the 'hidden' entry to the bunker. It was a medium sized Iron hatch in the backroom. Fortunately for Scott again, the Hatch was already open.
"Good thing this thing can stick to walls" Scott commented to himself, he operated the Drone to climb down the concrete walls into the darker halls. As he got even deeper into the bunker, make cracks in the walls became more often. The Red Russian writing on the walls were starting chip off. With the sight of Cartel signs spray-painted across the wall, so were voices. 2 Jaguars walking down the hallway with AK-47's in their possession made themselves know, the two just looked like they were just talking about something casual. By the looks of it, it seemed the entire Bunker was unaware of the attack.
Scott brushed off the conversation the two predator's were having and just continued to work his way further into the Cold War era bunker. The Operator knew he had to be more careful to not get spotted with the Spider-Drone as there were a lot more Cartel members roaming around. Scott spotted a fairly guarded metal door, he knew something special was behind it. Fortunately there was a small hole in the concrete that he could get the Drone to fit through. He was able to do so and was able to look inside. Scott peaked in to see the barracks that were being used to house the Hostages. That included Skye and Valkyrie. Chase looked over Scott at the screen to see the Cockapoo.
"Thank Goodness Skye is okay" Marshall stated as he brandished a smile, he turned his head to look over at Chase to see he was starting a small blush. The Dalmation just thought it was just Chase after finally seeing Skye after so long without her. Although it was true that Chase was very happy to know Skye was okay and he could finally see her, even though it was through a screen. That wasnt the reason he was Blushing. The pink flow over his face was from gazing upon who Skye was talking to, A Grey Saluki,Valkyrie.
As Chase's thoughts further began to spiral of the Saluki and him together. He tried to assure himself to he was forever loyal to Skye. That no other was more beautiful than her.
"Chase, Ya'll right?" Scott asked looking back at the German Shepherd. He had been calling his name about 3 times to get his attention, but he was so focused on the Saluki and contemplating his Relationship with Skye, he didnt even hear anything.
"Y-Yeah, Lets get this done already" Chase claimed, Marshall and Scott shrugged off his weird behaviour and just decided to roll with it.
3:09 AM
"We're gonna turn the times back and play a little America classic for you Tourists out there, Here's Johnny Cash, with Folsom Blues" The Radio announcer exclaimed to all those who were listening, Tracker listened to the Lyrics and he continued to slouch in the Driver's seat, he looked over to the passenger seat to see most of Chase's gear, The German Shepherd had dumped it in the car knowing he wasnt going to be needing it anytime soon. His Vest, His Hat, His Handcuffs, His Pager. The Potcake reached over to retrieve the handcuffs. He just began to clink them together in the rhythm of the Song on the Radio, he was bored.
"Pretty good song" Tracker heard the voice and looked over to see the Commander walking toward the Cruiser with a lighter in his right hand. He walked over to the Driver's side and leaned on the Cruiser's door, facing Tracker.
"No hard feelings for making you stay back, Understand?" The Commander asked whilst digging into his pocket to retrieve a cigarette.
"Not really...I have experience in shooting as well" Tracker still tried to prove to the Commander he wasnt totally useless. The Man didnt budge, he just let out a chuckled as he retrieved the cigarette from his pocket and placed it in his mouth.
"Even if that were true, I dont want to take chances" He stated, lighting up his cigarette and looking off into the night sky. For a few seconds, both of them were quiet. No noises except for the chatter from the Operators getting ready and the music from the Radio. The Commander blew out a small cloud of smoke and turned over to look at Tracker.
"I understand, you want to see her"
"What do you mean?"
"You want to get into the battle to that Cockapoo, I understand, I really do" The Commander stated and pressed the burning cigarette against his vest to put it out. Tracker wasnt in the mood to question how he knew about him and his intentions with Skye, he just through the wind shield to see Marshall, Chase and Scott all dress and ready, Chase had a Benelli M4 Shotgun, Marshall had an M4A1 with Many attachments on it, like a fore grip and a Laser sight on the Hand guard. Scott had a P-90 with his standard Desert Eagle on his hip.
After a few minutes, it was ready. A large crowd of the Operators gathered to stormed the Building and get into the bunker. It was planned to have separate waves of Operators go in and clear on floor after another. Chase, Marshall and Scott were part of the first wave, so that meant they were one of the ones to go in first. When it was all set, 9 Operators got in front of the building a breached inside, This was the first way. The shock of the explosive surged through the building and vibrated the inside of the Bunker.
BOOM
Skye and Valkyrie were just talking about random things to pass the time until the loud sound of an explosion was heard. The Two female canines look around for source. It must have been very loud even for them to hear it a few meters below ground level. Even the light bulb start to rock back and forth from the vibration.
"What was that?" Skye asked out, whilst getting up from her her bed after lying down. Valkyrie's mind kept conjuring what it could be, maybe a bomb the Cartel was trying to test, But she really didnt know.
"I have no idea" The Saluki answer, unknown to them, they were going to get one. A Jaguar open the door into the Barracks and order everyone to line up against the way. Other Canines that were napping, chatting or just minding their business. Got up and did as they were told. All lines up against the way.
BOOM
All the captives ducked down and hung their head low as if something was about to strike them, even the Jaguar flinched at the sudden surge that went through out the bunker. The face on the Jungle Predator's face was that of genuine fear, something Valkyrie thought was strange, because within the months she had been held Captive, The Cartel members were the ones in Charge and did what they liked with the Hostages, to see one of the Afraid was absolutely mind boggling.
"W-What's going on?" A Bulldog breed who was also a Captive, dis connected himself from the line of canines from the wall and approached the Jaguar in need of an answer of what was going on. As he got too close for the Jaguar's liking, The Canine was struck across the face with the Butt stock of the Jaguar's AK-47, This attack gave him the message to keep his distance. Other Captives that were being cooperating by staying against the wall, tried to not look at the atrocity that occurred in front of them.
"Shut and get back in line" The Jaguar said as he went back to the metal door to peak out to receive orders from other Cartel member. He then commanded everyone to be quiet and no make a sound, any violators will be killed.
Tracker watched as he saw wave upon wave of Operators rush into the Bunker, they had calculated strategic points from where to attack and where to advance. Tracker started to take deep breathes and he was constantly reminded by the commander to 'be patient'. The Potcake couldnt take much more, He didnt care if he was going to die in the process, he just wanted to Save Skye himself. But on the other paw, If he made a wrong move, it could endanger Skye's surviving chances as it was already thin enough as it is. Tracker closed his eyes and breathed in heavily, he breathed out and open back his eyes, for sure of what he was going to do next.
"What was your name?" Tracker asked as he looked to Commander who was still right beside him, leaning on the driver door of the cruiser.
"I know I shouldnt be telling you my name, but just call me William"
"Commander William, I understand your decision to keep me out of the fight, I just wanted to see her and save her myself" Tracker confessed.
"Eh, its alright, Like I said before; I understand" The Commander looked at the Potcake in understanding, he understood that kind of devotion to save someone.
"Actually, There's another thing you should know about the Cartel" Tracker suggested to tell the Commanding Officer, The Commander's eyebrows perked up and he looked at the Tracker with a quest for knowledge.
"Oh, and that is?" He asked, Tracker motion the Officer to come close so he could whisper it, probably because it was secret and he didnt want anyone to hear. The Commander much forward with this gesture as he leaned in through the driver's window to Tracker's muzzle. William also had his hand next to his ear in the infamous was of hearing something better.
CLINCK..ZIP
The sound effect of a metal object coming together with a zip like sound came into hearing, William, The Commander, looked at Tracker to see him using Chase's handcuffs that he left in the cruiser to Handcuffs the Commander to the steering wheel of the car, so he couldnt go anywhere. The Commander began to violently tug and pull to try to somehow get away, but it was already too late. He tried to grab Tracker as he saw the Jungle Ranger making his way from the driver's seat to the front passenger's door.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!" The Commander shouted, Ordering an answer from the Ranger.
"Saving the one I love, myself" Tracker claimed as he ran from the Cruiser to the Old Building so he could join the fight. The Commander began tugging even hard on the cuffs, as he gave up on brute force to free himself, he instead tried to look around for the key.
"STOP HIM!" The Commander shouted to the Operators who were still waiting for the go to enter into the Bunker. Tracker looked ahead to see one Operator tried to grab him, but failing. He was able to dodge the Operator's grab but Unfortunately rolling and hitting a Weapon's crate. Tracker composed himself and had an idea, he opened the crate and took out an HK416 Carbine with 2 Magazines of Ammunition. As he got a hold of his Arms, he made a fast dash to the entrance to the Building. One of the Operators stood in front of the front door to block him, Tracker maneuvered away from him and was able to jump through a small window to get inside. He was now a few steps from the battlefield, or to his death.
Gunshots were frequent throughout the bunker, A couple Operators were hit and were rushed out for Medical Attention. It was through this was going to be a crushing defeat for the Cartel, The FBI had majorly underestimated the Cartel's forces. Most of the Cartel's shooter were ex military or had received Military training by someone else. The inner Concrete wall in the bunker were littered with gunshot holes. Some Cartel members got desperate and tried to flushed out the Operators not with Bullets but with Fire. Using Alcohol from the Bar as Molotov Cocktails and throwing them into the tight corridors, making it unable for the Operators to advance forward deeper into the Bunker to rescue the Hostages.
Marshall was treating a few burn wounds on an Operator after a Molotov Cocktail burst out in flames under his feet. Some had to be taken back up to be treated, Marshall had the Medical experience to treat it but he didnt have his Equipment. The Operator's felt like they were fighting a battle that should have been over already. The Fire still burning in some parts of the Bunker made smoke pour out into the air.
"cough, W-We cant stay down here long" Chase began to cough and the Oxygen became rare inside the Soviet Shelter. The German Shepherd then covered his mouth with his paw to try and stabilize his breathing. Scott began to also take effect as his coughs became more frequent and more violent in his throat. Marshall had an idea, for sure this Bunker must have a plan in case a fire broke out. Marshall looked up to see a fire sprinkler. For sure if there was one of them, there was more around the bunker, which meant there was a way to activate them.
The Dalmation looked down at the hallway which a lot of the smoke was coming from. Marshall couldnt believe what he was about to do. Putting out Fire was his specialty after all. Without Saying anything, Marshall made a dash down the hall that was blocked by smoke. Chase realized what he was doing and ran after the Dalmation into the smoke. Scott saw the two Canines possibly run to their death, he shouted their name for them to come back. But no response. Scott wanted to go with them to give them more protection, but he had to stay with his wounded comrades to secure their safety aswell.
When everything was starting to look clearer to the Dalmation, he could see the debris of pipes on the floor, with glass and concrete. Flames were also present, Liquor was still present on the floor from the Molotov Cocktails so every moment the Fires started to rise. Good thing Marshall had boots for his paws.
"MARSHALL!" The German Shepherd shouted behind him,trying to keep up in the tight hallway and very well trying not to step paw first in the fire to set himself ablaze.
"Chase, Stay with Scott, I can *cough* handle this" Marshall tried to justify himself, he didnt want Chase to get hurt even though Marshall was the most prone to be an injury in this case.
"Im not letting you do this alone" He stated, Marshall knew there wasnt anything he could say to change the Police dog's mind. Chase had to admit, Marshall was showing a lot more courage than he had ever seen in him, Of course Running into Fires was his usual thing back in Adventure Bay, but in a Bunker that he had no idea where he was going and also facing off against Cartel members at the same time. Before the two could agree on each others company, Marshall looked behind him to see a canine figure a merge from the smoke. It was a border collie that was limping and had his paw to his upper waist with blood, he was shot. Out of reflex, Chase and Marshall pointed their weapons at him and ordered him to stop.
"NO, PLEASE DONT SHOOT" The Border Collie threw his paws up in surrender, he had no weapons. Adrenaline was rushing through all of their bodies. Marshall lowered his weapon and approached him, it was clear if he was shot and defenseless, he was one of the ones they were after. The Dalmation placed his paw around the Collie's back and lead him to Chase.
"Chase, bring him back to Scott and see if *cough* you can treat his wound and ask him more" He slightly pushed the Border Collie to the German Shepherd's direction.
"No, Im not leaving you"
"He needs help, I can do this" Marshall tried to prove his worth through words, with every second the fires were going to get worse. Chase knew this was no time for talk, he hung his head down and looked back at Marshall with the most fearful look in his eyes.
"Just promise me that-"
"I promise" Marshall promised, with that said. He turned back around and headed deeper into the smoke. Chase started at the large cloud of smoke that blocked his view until getting a hold of himself and leading the Border Collie back to Scott where he could tend to his wounds better instead of stuffing his paw to the blood. Suddenly, as he kept going, Chase ran into Tracker.
"Tracker, What are..you doing?!" Chase said trying not to cough again from the smoke.
"Going to Save Skye myself, where is Marshall?"
"He went ahead trying to find a way to turn on the fire sprinklers, Go with him" Chase down right ordered, he wasnt going to lose Skye and Marshall. Sure it was a gamble to also send in Tracker to go after Marshall, but it was a gamble he was willing to roll for. Tracker nodded and ran past Chase into the smoke.
After a few minutes of turning around corners,Marshall was having great problems breathing, he constantly felt like he was going to faint onto the floor. He tried to fight in by leaning against the wall and tried to minimize his breathing of Smoke. As he slowly made his way further, he noticed the wall he was leaning didnt feel like a wall, it was strongly metal. Marshall took a better look to see it was a door, The Loud Big Red Russian letters on it gave made Marshall question for a few moments.
Fortunately God decided to throw him a bone, Under the Red Russian Writing was an English translation. It read:
'INCASE OF FIRE'
The Dalmation grew a wide smile was he hit Jackpot, He reached for the handle to open the door until being hit from a butt stock from his left side. Marshall fell to the floor unfortunately dropping his Carbine. He looked up to see Panther smiling in a sinister way. The Panther raised his weapon down at the Dalmation, Marshall was able to think fast and threw a piece of Concrete at the Panther, the Rock hitting his face and him falling back with his black paw on his right eye. Marshall looked over and tried to reach back to his Carbine. Unfortunately, As he placed his Paw back on his weapon to finish the Panther off, The leg of another Cartel member stepped on the barrel, making it impossible for him to fully retrieve it since Marshall was still on the ground. The Fire dog's heart sank as he lifted his view up to see the one who had their paw on his Weapon, It was Large Leopard with an un-amused look. It was Aldridge.
Without Warning, Aldridge clenched his right paw and brought it down on the Dalmation's face, The force was so strong. He knocked out the Dalmation in one punch. Marshall laid on the ground unconscious until Aldridge picked him up and walked back into the smoke. The Panther that originally fought Marshall followed the Leopard.
"Sir, why dont you just kill him?" The Panthers asked while growling at the Unconscious Dalmation that his Leader was carrying.
"Because, I want to make his death nice...and slow" Aldridge smiled as he started to make it back to the depths of the Bunker, where all Hostages were moved.
Tracker came around corners with his Assault Rifle in his paws, even though he could barely see. He still wanted to have an advantage in case he ran into someone that opposed him. Whilst going through the Bunker trying to look for Marshall, he stepped on something that didnt feel like a rock or glass. It was too thin to be rock and it didnt make the sound of glass when he stepped on it. He looked at it again to see it was bright red. It was Marshall's Tag.
Tracker immediately sensed something was wrong, If Marshall's tag fell of, surely he would have realized and picked it back up. Tracker stowed his Gun and lean down to pick it up. As he did, The Jungle Ranger looked to his right to see a door that Marshall was going into, Tracker saw the translation below the Russian Writing and thought it was weirder, This was door Marshall was expected to go through to stop the raging fires in the Bunker. Tracker kicked down the door with his HK 416 at the read to fire. It was a small room with only a large Pipe against the wall with a Valve on it.
He walked over and turned the valve, Just like that. All the Fire Sprinklers in the Bunker turn on, with enough time. All the fires went out the smoke starting to clear. Back with Chase, He was busy questioning the Border Collie he saved. He was a Hostage that was being held Captive. After a few more Questions, the Fire Sprinklers turned on. Scott ordered the Operators to push forward, finally things were looking their way.
Marshall woke up on a soft carpet with his front paws tied together to prevent his actions, he looked up to see the fast spinning of a ceiling fan. When he lifted his head, he saw other the Hostages that were being Kept. He also saw Aldridge pacing back and forth, almost like he was stuck and didnt know what to do. 4 of his Person Guards were also present in the room.
"Marshall" A feminine voice called out, The Dalmation looked behind him finally, after so long. Saw Skye. Marshall was brought to tears finally knowing she was okay. Both the Canines wrapped their paws around each other, they didnt want to let go. Valkyrie was also present and to Skye's surprise, this reunion was sending an incorrect message.
"Oh, this is the one you were talking about, he does seem pretty cute" The Saluki Commented, Almost immediately, Skye and Marshall grew large pink blushes across their faces and quickly separated from each other, letting Skye clear up what was in mistranslation.
"No No No, Hes just one of my Friends, He wasnt the one I was talking about" Skye was trying to clear up Valkyrie's thoughts, thinking Marshall was the one Skye had her eyes on. As Skye began to clear it up, Marshall turned around with a confused look.
"Wait, So you love him back?" Marshall exclaimed with a smile, Skye turned her head away in embarrassment. Even though Marshall was being held captive just like the rest of them, He felt a little better knowing that Skye liked Tracker back.
"Aw, Aint that Cute, The Jungle Swinger and the Cockapoo are in love, priceless" Marshall turned around to hear the taunting voice, It was Aldridge, and he was listening in on them every word they spoke. Marshall started to back away until reaching the wall.
"Marshall, You there, where are you?" Another Mysterious voice made itself know, To Marshall it was the loudest, The voice was Chase calling for the Dalmation. Marshall then remembered the ear piece he was wearing in his right ear. Marshall was about to open his mouth to respond. But Aldridge beat him to it. The Big Leopard too Marshall by the Neck and slammed him to the ground, He applied most of his body weight to his Paw. Making the Dalmation choke and gasp for air. Skye could only watch, surely if she got in the way of Aldridge's violence, she would be next. As with Valkyrie, she was tough, but she wasnt stupid enough to take on Aldridge. Paw to Paw.
Aldridge maneuvered his other Paw and reach over to Marshall's earpiece, He tore it from the grasp of his Ear and placed the earpiece a few inches away from his mouth for him to speak.
"You want you're friends back, Im at the lowest Sector of the Bunker, If you want them...Come get them" Aldridge stated before letting his grip of the earpiece,letting the wire fall the ground. He then stepped on it until it was divided into 10 different pieces. On the other end of the Communication line, was Chase shouted into his earpiece of death threat at Aldridge, unknown to him the Leopard couldnt hear him since Marshall's earpiece was broken and laying on the ground.
"Cody" Aldridge said out loud, calling for the Golden Retriever for his assistance, Cody was indeed in the same room trying not to worry that he might die in the crossfire when the Cartel starts shooting back. The Golden Retriever's ear perk as he dashed over to the Leopard's side.
"Y-Yes?"
"Im going to be assigning you an important Job, Cody" The Leopard stated in a rather menacing tone that didnt sit well with him.
"A-And that is?" Cody hesitated, already knowing it wasnt going to be good.
"Hold out your paws...And close your eyes" Aldridge commanded, but unlike his other Order from before, this one was in a calm voice. Cody followed and along and held out his paws and closed his eyes. He knew someone bad was going to happen, and he was right. Aldridge placed a small oval like shaped object into Cody's paw and made him grasp it tightly, making sure that he wasnt going to let go.
PING
Cody heard the sound echo throughout the room, Even though Aldridge didnt let him to open his eyes, The major flow of curiosity made him. A cold shiver went through the Golden Retriever as he saw a Live Hand grenade in his paw. Cody wanted to run, but as it fully kicked in. His tight grip was the only thing holding the Grenade from going off and sending everyone in the room to better place. Aldridge's smile grew even wider and he released his paws from the Golden Retriever's. Cody stood there, still as a rock with an explosive in his paw. The Leopard chuckled before reaching over to his desk and retrieving a Cuban Cigar and lighting it.
"Its be good letting you serve by my side, but like my mother always said 'If you love something, throw it away' in this case...let it blow up" Aldridge puffed out a large smoke from the Caribbean Cigar. He turned around and walked over to a Large Portrait of Joseph Stalin on the wall. He removed it to reveal a Large passage way with small lights already lit. The Twisted Predator motioned 3 of his Personal Guards to follow him, But ordering the Fourth one to stay. The Loyal sharpshooter in the room just gulped and nodded.
"One more thing...Give my regards to my mother" Aldridge said before flicking the Cigar across the room, The Golden Retriever returned his stare to the Grenade, He started to take larger breathes. Skye noticed when Aldridge took out the pin from the Grenade, he took it with him. The Room was silent apart from the hyperventilation from the Golden Retriever. Footsteps were heard from outside the door. All the Dogs then shuffled to the opposite side of the room, for best chance of survival.
The Lone Guard from Aldridge also took notice as he gripped his AK-47 and slowly walked over to the door, reach out his hand to the doorknob. The Door blew open in a small contained explosion, dust and smoke covered the place where the door was. The Guard was hit in the leg and drop down the ground and start to scream in pain. Out came Chase, The German Shepherd with the Italian made shotgun in his grip. He came in pointed his sights at the injured guns man, firing a shell into his back and fatally killing him and silencing his cries. Chase then turned his shotgun to Cody, clearly seeing the grenade in his paws, unfortunately giving the wrong picture.
"DROP IT!" Chase shouted, Unknown to him, If Cody did do as he said, everyone in the room would be blown apart. Marshall stepped infront and got in between Chase and Cody, basically standing in front of the barrel.
"Wait, Chase, hes a good guy" Chase almost dropped his gun after seeing his Dalmation friend okay, he lunged forward hugging him. But someone better caught his eye, Skye. For a few seconds they looked at each other, with smiles brewing on their faces. Chase, almost pushing Marshall out of the way to get to Skye, Skye did the same as they both met, after all this time. She was here, in his paw, safe once again.
"Skye...I missed you so much" Chase said as he planted a kiss on Skye, Skye didnt kiss back The German Shepherd knowing she had lost interest, but she was indeed very happy to see her friend once again, after everything they had been through. As Chase and Skye still embraced each other, Tracker and Scott through the door with a few other Operators already seeing what was going on. The Jungle Ranger seeing Skye, the one he loved, be with the German Shepherd. This sight questioned whether Skye likes him or not.
Before Scott could offer his own opinion as to what was going on, he spotted the Golden Retriever, still holding the Grenade. Some Operators distanced themselves from him, other tried to help Cody get out of the bunker into a safe location.
"Aldridge, he went through there" Marshall pointed out the hidden Hallway, Chase had let go off Skye and turned to face the Darkened Hallway, his teeth growling whilst thinking of him killing Aldridge in a brutal way.
"I make him pay for what hes done" Chase stated.
"Good, In the mean time, My Team and I will get these folks out of here" Scott explained and he started to untie the rope on the Captive's paws, all of them had smiles on their faces, they wanted to jumped with joy, Give out kisses aswell. They were elated with excitement know that after months of cruel torture by the Cartel, they were finally free. When Scott cut the rope that bonded Marshall's paw together, The Dalmation walked over to the dead Guard that Chase killed and picked up his AK-47 with a few Magazines that were on his Harness. "Lets Go" Marshall ran into the tunnel, Chase did the same with Tracker following behind.
The Stone halls to the Canines, felt like they were closing in on them. Burning determination were clear in their eyes to put a bullet in Aldridge's head. All of them were running what felt like hours because of the anxiety and fear of what could happen. Will this be their end?
"Dammit, get this thing started Already" The voice echoed of Aldridge came down the halls, Tracker and other two stayed still and tread lightly, knowing they were close. Eventually they came to a Large underground parking lot, with Tons of exotic cars. Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Ferrari; you name it, It was there. Aldridge was sitting in the passenger seat of an Audi Q8, pushing his personal guard to get the car started fast enough, they hadnt been used in a while since this Aldridge has never had to flee from his Base in his life.
Out of Rage, Chase fired first, his aim was off, hitting the window but the bullet whizzed past his head, Aldridge and his other Guard posted the three hounds and returned fire. Tracker, Chase and Marshall all ducked their heads and went to find cover. They decided to hide behind the engine block of a Ford Explorer. Even Aldridge was firing back with his Deagle. 2 of his goons did the same and hid behind cars, Aldridge remained in the front seat with the other guard still trying to get the engine going.
Marshall and Chase motioned to each other to try and flank them from another side, Tracker had another idea. The potcake looked at the Cadillac that was near him and started to maneuver himself towards it. Marshall tried to end it by trying to finish Aldridge by trying to shoot at him just like Chase did, but again missing. The Dalmation standing out, made him more vulnerable to getting shot at, a bullet did hit Marshall,but only grazed his skin. Unfortunately for the two, The Audi's engine started.
"Should we wait for the oth-" The one in the driver's seat turned over to ask Aldridge with a nervous tone, thinking he was going to get shot.
"GO GO!" Aldridge shouted back in response, the Guard stomped his foot on the gas and the Vehicle drove into a large tunnel that curved up, presumably to the ground level to escape. The Leopard was more concerned for his own life instead of his other 2 guards he left behind in the middle of a battle to save his own hide.
One Guard poked his head, looking at his Boss, the one he fought for, leave him. Marshall took this as an advantage and shot the 'loyal' guard in the head, causing his to fall over and bleed out. The other guard was shot by Chase. When both canines confirmed their kills, their tan out into the middle of the lot to look down the tunnel, the stared in disbelief as Aldridge got away, or so they thought...
"Get in!" Tracker shouted, revving the engine of the Cadillac. Marshall and Chase smiled, thankful to know their Jungle friend was one step ahead. When the two got in, Tracker floored it down the tunnel to catch up with Aldridge, Fortunately they did, they were literally right behind him. The Leopard putting his paw outside with Deagle gripped strongly. He started firing blindly behind him at Tracker and the other, in a pity effort to get rid of them.
The Tunnel was in a spiral loop, Gunfire being exchanged from both cars. The Moonlight was becoming more clear as they were fast approaching the exit. Once both Cars zoomed out of the Tunnel, It was clear this was a small expansion from the Soviet Bunker, a Tunnel originally made by the Russians to transport materials and food inside the Bunker in an easier fashion. It was very well hidden, no doubt the Mexican Authorities wouldn't have found it even if they tried.
Once on the Main road, it was very dark outside with street lights still giving out light. Both Cars were speeding down the road, about 120 Miles an hour. Gunfire still being exchanged by the Vehicles. The Aldridge's driver was having major panic attacks, knowing either he was going to die in a car crash from his unstable grip or take a rogue bullet to the back of the head and die. By his thoughts on life, he wasnt much-paying attention to his driving. Almost going off the road and hitting a tree.
Chase brewed an idea whilst shooting, he shot at the back tires to try and make the driver lose control. Marshall helped and with both of their efforts, they were able to disable both the back wheres of the vehicle. The personal guard began to freak out and lose control of the car. Impressively, he was able to keep it stead for a few minutes. Aldridge wasnt just fleeing to an unknown place for his life, he was heading to a place where when he did die, he wanted to do it there. He knew Death inevitable right now.
Aldridge peaked out of his window to see it, headstones and crosses, the place were he wanted to be when he died. In an absolute disregard for his safety and his guard, he leaned over to the driver's side and grabbed the steering wheel, furiously making a shark hard right. At that kind of speed the Car was going and the sudden change in direction, the Car flipped over and rolled off the side of the road. Chase, Tracker and Marshall couldnt believe what they had just seen. The car barrel rolled off the road and into a small shed outside the graveyard. Tracker immediately parked the car on the other side of the road and they all got out.
"Is he...dead?" Marshall asked out loud whilst getting out from the back seat of the car, Chase squinted his eyes to see movement since it was dark and there were no street lights around. Chase slowly raised his Shotgun and approached the flipped over car. Marshall followed along. Both Canines ducked when they heard the loud shock wave of a Desert Eagle going off. Aldridge was able to crawl out from the broken window and run into the foggy graveyard. Fortunately, The Leopard wasnt aiming so he missed the hounds. All three of the dogs ran and followed him into the mist. All whilst Aldridge was firing off shots to keep them away.
Tracker took cover behind a gravestone and peaked out his HK 416, trying to get a good angle and good shot to injury Aldridge. Tracker took the shot and it struck Aldridge in the back leg. Causing him to fall over. But his determination made him pull through, got back up and began to limp. The Leopard kept looking at the Gravestones, in search of one specific one.
Two more shots rang out from Aldridge's Hand cannon with Chase retaliating by shooting his shotgun, There was a fair distance from Chase and Aldridge, so some bullets from the shotgun shell hitting the Leopard straight in the back. Aldridge, like before with Tracker's 5.56 Rounds, kept on pushing forward. Finally he reached it. One gravestone which he knew very well, he began to dig up the dirt from the gravestone. He knew it was there, he was close to having it. Just on the last glance before he died. Finally, he saw it.
"STOP RIGHT THERE" Marshall shouted, Making Aldridge turned around to see all of them with their guns in his face. Chase's Shotgun, Marshall's AK-47 and Tracker's HK 416. The Moonlight provided much visibility to see him. The Leopard was done for, Aldridge turned over to lean his back against the Gravestone, what really took Chase, Tracker and Marshall back is what he was holding, not his Deagle, he was holding...some sort of dirty torn teddy bear.
"You terrorized this country for so long...any last words?" Tracker asked, Aldridge then slowly reach into his torn vest. All three canines backed away, thinking he was going to pull out his Deagle and take on their lives. But it just a Large Cigar that had a light tan with a yellow tip.
"Heh...These kinds are my favourites" Aldridge said before digging into his vest again to retrieve a lighter, None of them really stopped him from having one last smoke, even if he didnt really deserve it after all that hes done. With one last smoke, Aldridge blew out a thick cloud and squished the Cigar beneath his paws.
"Just to think,I've terrorized this country and its people for so long.."
"Yet here you are, lying next to a tombstone with a teddy bear" Chase mocked him, almost like he was spitting at everything the Leopard had done.
"See you in Hell Aldridge" Tracker said before aiming his Assault Rifle to the Leopard's head, Aldridge didnt flinch when he saw the end of the barrel in his face.
"I'll save you a seat" He last said, 4 shots were heard in that night, Aldridge's body fell over and he was pronounced dead, After all these years. Tracker stared down his lifeless body for a few seconds, as if he knew he was going to get back up. Chase places a paw on the Potcake's back in an assuring manner, just letting him finally know it was over.
"What now?" Marshall asked.
"Well...we get back to the Scott and we tell him what went down, After that, We all get on a plane and head back to Adventure Bay" Tracker smiled knowing that it was all over, All three of them walked off, just as the sun was beginning rise. Back at Aldridge's lifeless corpse, the tombstone he was was littered with his blood, A name was carved in the Stone.
'HERE LIES TERRA PEREZ, A LOVING MOTHER WHOM DIED AT THE BLADE OF HER SPOUSE'
Last Chapter: Epilogue