Uneasy...Why was he feeling so uneasy? He couldn't tell the reason...The only guess he could come up with was that they were sitting ducks. While it is true that they are inside a building with one mammal on duty, he still didn't feel too safe, especially with his phone stolen. Gah! He felt so stupid! The thief may have been Damien or that Arctic Fox for all he cared-but again! So irresponsible!

He sighed, attempting to calm himself down. Without a phone, boredom could overtake him, or at least that is what he is thinking. The TV won't work, there's no services, no nothing. Despite that, he oddly felt content just watching his charge sleep peacefully. Yes, he would admit it's kind of creepy watching someone rest, but it eased his mind. Just knowing his charge would recover made him sigh in relief as he spent most of the afternoon cooling her off. Right now the sun was setting down, but he just continued to watch.

Jake was struggling viciously with the binds that were wrapped around his body. He had a muzzle on his snout, which prevented him from speaking. But he didn't care about that. He could feel his blood boiling, boiling so hot that a volcano might erupt. He snarled as the ram said over the radio ''Officer Barkin has lost control of himself! he has gone SOR, I repeat he has gone SOR! We are confining him immediately!''

He was pushed into a white room, he eyes darting to the left as the metallic door was slammed tightly shut. But he didn't care because has already lost control of himself. Why should it even bother him? He has failed, and this was his punishment.

''AMALIA!'' He called out for her, but because of the muzzle it was muffled. ''AMALIA!''

The shepherd's eyes snapped as he glanced around his surroundings. He sighed in relief as he was still in the motel. He rubbed the bridge of his nose as he took a deep breath. Dang it, he must have dozed off without realizing it. He looked at Amalia, and he was satisfied that the girl was peacefully sleeping. He calmed himself down.

What on earth was that dream...why did he dream of himself going into SOR, or in a 'State of Rage'? Why...Why is he imagining it? He won't fail...Only two days left before they part. She is so close to starting a normal life again. He cannot fail this, he...he doesn't want to go into SOR...

''Stop imagining it! Stop imagining it! It isn't real...'' He repeatedly told himself. He didn't really have a lot of assurance. Normally these things wouldn't bother him. But now he was looking at this in a new light. He really didn't want to experience it...No canine should ever experience it. But just getting a glimpse of it through his imagination, it frightens him-frightens him on what he could be if he failed this. The feeling of fear...It came back to him.

Eyes filled with rage, a snarling mouth, claws sharp as knives, baring fangs, screaming names, the desire to kill...

He started to hyperventilate! These thoughts were filling his head. He could clearly see himself in the scenario. From just seeing those eyes, those claws, and screaming 'Amalia's' Name over and over...'til he's dead. It was haunting him...

''Stop it...Just stop it!'' He told himself, but the images were coming into his head. These...these...

*CLANG*

The shepherd jumped as he heard that noise as he attempted to stabilize his breathing. Taking a deep breath, he started to calm down. Just thinking about those images of himself bothered him; he could feel the sweat running down his fur. As he finally calmed down the last of his nerves while also reassuring himself that would never happen, he heard it again: the same noise of a metal can, or metal thing hitting the floor.

*CLANG*

The shepherd narrowed his eyes. That was a little suspicious, since the sun was down and it was night, was there a possibility of someone sneaking outside the motel keeping an eye on something-or rather, them? He stood up and walked over to the window. He made sure that the blinds were closed. Pretty much what his father always said: 'It invites thieves to rob your house.'. So, following that, he always closed his blinds because he didn't want to be robbed.

This time, however, it may be Damien or his lackeys at the other side of the window.

This felt like a horror movie to Jake, expecting to see eyes behind the window. But the brave in him took a peek, and thankfully, there were no eyes behind. Instead, he saw something interesting. He could see a flickering streetlight, and what he saw there was a can and a mammal. He stared a little confused, this mammal seemed to remind him of someone. The stranger kicked the can creating the same sound.

*CLANG*

He wasn't impressed. Instead, he continued to watch the stranger, and the stranger walked forward until he could clearly see who they were. He could feel a growl coming, but he held it back. It was freaking Damien! That same scar! Of course, he knew he find them at some point, but now?! He was not expecting that. The panther flashed a toothy grin as he made a peace-out sign, and vanished away at the night.

Well, Scrap...Now he knew he was being watched...But what the heck was he planning? Why show yourself when you can make a tactical plan to catch him off guard? He tried to piece everything as to why he would show himself. But the only logical conclusion would be for him to be aware of his surroundings. Or at least, he thought. Then everything escalated.

He should have expected this.

A half-cut brick was sent flying at the window. Upon impact the window had shattered. The brick managed to hit his leg, and he yelped feeling its heavy weight. The girl whimpered from that loud sound as it bothered her. His sense of protectiveness perked up. He would have checked how she was, but he didn't have any time. As soon as the window shattered, he could see the panther was charging at him head-on.

Now that was a stupid move.

The shepherd growled, preparing himself since this panther was fast. In just a split second, Damien jumped over the broken window and slashed at him. Jake dodged, but the panther continued his assault. But seriously, who attacks like this? He continued to dodge until he was able to grab his arm to push him away.

Jake was now openly snarling at the cat, but he did not show any fear; it looked like he was enjoying this...''Well, you are sharp as ever!'' He said cheerfully, but the shepherd didn't reply back. Why should he? His number one concern should be the girl. Since they were in a stance, he couldn't get to her however. ''C'mon Ark get her out of here! He's already outnumbered and all.'' A white arctic fox came in by the window. The shepherd narrowed his eyes, as his growling increased. ''DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HER!''

So, they are working together. Where the heck were the backups? And more importantly, why hasn't the receptionist called for help? Did something happen to her? Was it the reason why she was acting all monotone to him? It made sense, but with what evidence?

That shouldn't matter. The arctic fox is walking toward the girl. In an instant something echoed within him, screaming at him to save the girl. The shepherd attempted to intervene; imagine looking at a snarling dog, wanting to bite your tail off. The fox looked frightened as he backed away from the wall, but the panther managed to get a hold of Jake.

''Oh, I don't think s-'' He was cut off due to the nose-bleed inducing punch he received in the face. He also dropped the knife. Getting out of his grasp, the shepherd turned toward the fox, still keeping that snarling face. It was like he was in SOR, or State of Rage. Before he could have pounced on the fox, he was kicked away. And, yep Damien did have a bloodied nose.

''That actually really hurt! You are quite feisty, and I like it!'' The shepherd shook himself as he jumped the panther. Damien on the other hand was holding him off. ''Ark, take her away! As much as I enjoy this, looking at this guy isn't fun. He looks like he wanted to bite me!''

Ark kept looking back and forth at Jake and Amalia. He was quite surprised about this; he didn't think that SOR actually existed! Being an outsider himself, he has heard some rumors about it. Just seeing this firsthand, it really gave him the impression that these species were quite special. No wonder, dogs were hired...They have high priorities for protecting their charge, and he has to admit...He knew the feeling; he also has something to protect. Not like this shepherd, but...

''Ark! Move it! I don't have all day!'' He exclaimed. Ark just stared as he looked away. He wasn't acting like it...

''S-She's just a kid...'' The arctic fox meekly replied. The panther pushed the shepherd away and attempted to grab the weapon, but the shepherd grabbed his paw before he could. He then threw a punch, which sent Damien flying through the door. Where did get all that strength? Surprisingly, no one was even aware that there was a fight going on...Did the receptionist really leave? That didn't matter. He turned to fox that was sitting in the corner. His fangs and claws were out, forget the tranquilizer; he would rather maul these fools alive. He took a step forward, but he felt something grab his waist, he looked behind him, only to be thrown out of the room.

''Ark, if you don't move, I swear to the all-mighty that I'll leave you here so he can kill you!'' The panther threatened. ''And who cares if she's just a kid! Grab her and go!'' The Fox quickly got up and got a hold of the girl. She felt really hot! She had a fever! He had taken a quick glance at the fight, which was taken outside of the room. He sighed. He was supposed to be meeting with the morons. Well, he calls them morons, 'cause he never liked Damien's crew. He did whisper 'I'm sorry', and fled.

Jake could have sworn that he could smell the fox running away. But at the same time, he felt his blood boiling! Without thinking, he charged at the cat and started throwing punches. From his intense anger, he was getting really inaccurate, basically fighting sloppily. Normally, he would fight with precision, but because his emotions were currently unstable, he couldn't care less. Even though he was fighting terribly, he made up for it with high stamina, an increase in speed, and even a massive increase in strength. He knew that the panther is going to mess up eventually. He may have landed a few blows at him, but it didn't affect him; he was taking those punches like a bulldozer. No matter how much damage he took, he still kept at it.

''This is starting to get annoying!'' He snapped, as he aimed a punch at Jake's jaw. With the mark hit, he would have continued the assault but the unexpected happened: The shepherd quickly recovered and threw a punch of his own. The panther stumbled back. With insane speed, Jake landed blows after blows before the panther could recover, sending him to the floor. Jake jumped on top of him and grabbed the collar, pulling the panther close to his snarling face. For a moment, Damien was stuck on what to do; this wasn't the first time he was knocked down. But, it was strange that this shepherd was taking all the punches and kicks like it was nothing! And now, he wants to bite him! Before he could do anything, the shepherd yelped as he felt something hit his shoulder and he was getting drowsy...His eyelids were getting heavy. He collapsed as he closed his eyes going into slumber.

The panther pushed the shepherd off as he stood up.''Geez Damien, you were getting beaten by him.'' A high-pitched voice told him. The panther dusted himself, he looked up to see a timber wolf, pointing an elephant tranquilizer at the down officer.

''Well, it wasn't my fault. He was in SOR. Should have been more careful," The panther replied, not really caring since he felt like he was hit by a truck. He was feeling really sore too. Despite knowing what SOR is, he was still surprised that this shepherd had a high chance of mauling him; that was unthinkable. He should have been more prepared, but because he was too cocky he had to pay the price. It wasn't really his fault though...It was that stupid fox if he would have listened! He then wouldn't feel so sore.

''What's SOR?'' The wolf asked, curiously. The panther frowned. He was in no mood to explain this, but he would humor him since he was his friend and all.

''SOR Stands for 'State of Rage'. It's a common thing in dogs. It is where dogs lose almost all sense of emotions except anger. They would stop at nothing to make sure that their charge is okay. But if the target is eliminated, kidnapped, or in a state of being kidnapped, then it would trigger it. I didn't think it would actually happen. This was my first time seeing it. But now I know, I should always be ready because their speed and stamina have increased. Not only that, their strength experiences a massive power spike; imagine that. One mammal isn't enough to fight one-on-one with a SOR mammal. That's like suicide. Still, can't believe it was that easy...This place is really a ghost town...'' Damien took a deep breath. He managed to force the tiger to leave. He couldn't believe it actually worked. Since there's no one here, why is this place still open?

''Anyways, put this one in a room with a door and lock it since the receptionist left." The wolf nodded and started dragging the shepherd to the nearest room with a door.

Meanwhile, the panther had a score to settle with that fox. Walking up to his van, he opened the back door and found Ark sitting with the girl. Having enough of this drama, he picked him up. The fox protested.

''You and I will have a talk!'' Closing the door behind him, he knew his two other men were at the front so they didn't have to hear this. ''When I say, take the girl, what are you supposed to do? You. Take. The. Girl! You don't go and question what I say! Do you hear me? That moron of an officer nearly ripped me apart!''

''B-But she's just a-''

''I don't give a crap! You follow orders! Question me again, and I will make sure you die!'' The panther threatened, showing his claws with his free paw. The fox cowered.

Ark looked ashamed...why was he doing this? All he wanted was to get his old life back with his son. The only reason, he joined him was because he didn't have anything. His father, a rich mammal, abandoned him because he got a girl pregnant, and that girl died when she was giving birth. It was only him and his son. He missed his baby boy, he has gone missing and the police have not done anything to find him. So he decided to take things into his own paws and work for this psycho. But enough is enough. He will stand his ground.

''I don't get you, Damien! All you want is blood, blood, and more blood! Seriously, what is your problem!? She's just a freaking kid! She lost her father! And now you're taking her to that insane piece of garbage to do whatever! She has lost enough! Why the heck do you keep pursuing this!?" The fox yelled. The panther glared daggers at the fox. He was about to reply with a hiss before he was cut off. ''You know what? Forget it, I am done! I am done with this thirst for vengeance thing or whatever! Do it on your own! I'm leaving!'' He turned to walk away, but only to get grabbed from the scruff roughly. He stared at the scary eyes of Damien.

''Oh, you grew some attitude huh? Fine, then. We don't need you, and you're going to get locked up with an SOR Officer. I doubt you can survive it. All he cares about is finding the girl. Who cares if he has blood on him? Sure, it may foil the plan of my contractor, but it would be well worth it.'' The panther laughed.

All of a sudden, a mammal got off the van. It was a Cheetah. ''Knock 'em out!'' The cheetah aimed the tranquilizer and fired. He would prefer to beat him up, but he doesn't care now. The fox got unconscious from the tranquilizer. As he passed the sleeping predator to his comrade, Damien said ''Put him in the same room as the shepherd. I highly doubt he can fight him off. And hurry it up. I want to get back as soon as possible.'' His lackey nodded as he went inside the ruined motel. The panther entered the van from the back as he eyed the sleeping girl. The panther smirked as he sat, he took his cellular and dialed a number. It went through. All he had to say was a few simple words:

''We got her, boss.''