Chapter 2: Fight And Flight

Both Females now directed their attention to the new source of the Newcomer in their presence, and saw a Scruffy and Mangy-looking Dog with a Sadistic Scowl on his Face and one Eye permanently closed, save for his Left one. He had Two Companions on either side of him. On his Left, was a Bulldog, and on his Right, a Pug.

"Look at this." He snarled sinisterly. "Looks like we have some Uninvited Guests."

Strelka instantly scowled at the Mutt.

"What do you want, Pirate?" She scowled the Mutt, identified as Pirate.

"You know him?" Belka inquired curiously.

"I've run in with him and his Pals a couple of times… Not the Nicest Dogs around…" Strelka informed her before glaring back at the said Mutt.

"I'm Flattered…" Pirate quoted sarcastically with a Smirk. "So, what brings you to our turf? You know you gotta Pay up."

"No Place belongs to you, Creep…" Strelka growled, baring her Teeth at him and his Cronies.

This Response only made Pirate laugh cruelly.

"Talking big as usual…" Pirate sneered before talking to his Pals. "Bula… Mula… I'd say we teach little Miss Smartmouth a few Manners…"

"Got it, Boss." Both replied as they got alongside their Leader, preparing to pounce, while Strelka did the same.

What seemed like a Fight was about to break out was quickly interrupted by Belka taking a step in front of Strelka, much to Strelka's surprise and to the three Dogs' chagrin.

"Hey! Get out of the way!" The Pug, Mula, growled in irritation. "This doesn't concern you!"

"Yes it does." Belka countered firmly. "You should stop picking on my Friend and get lost."

This stunned Strelka. She? Belka's Friend? She never had any other Friends besides Venya. She felt a wave of happiness wash over her when Belka said that.

"Hey now, you Runt!" The Bulldog, Bula, spat and rasped snobbishly. "You just can't fly your Mouth off at us and get away with it!"

Now Belka was getting steamed.

"Now, look here, Sir!" Belka started firmly.

"I'm a Woman." Bula interrupted blankly.

This perplexed Belka for a moment. Even Strelka was dumbfounded by this revelation, along with an almost forgotten Venya.

'Huh… Good to know…' The Rat thought dumbly.

"Whatever!" Belka continued, snapping out of her stupefied state. "You three should get along your Merry way or else."

"Or else what? You'll pamper us to Death?" Pirate mocked, letting out a scornful Laugh, followed by his two Cronies.

Strelka looked at Belka, and gulped at seeing how her Crush's Face darkened in Anger. Strelka subconsciously took a step back, clear from the Rage-filled Belka. The Three Strays didn't take any notice of her as they were too busy cackling.

"Normally, I despise Violence, but you've left Me with no Choice…" Belka muttered darkly.

She slowly inched herself forward to the still laughing Trio, picking up her almost forgotten Helmet from the Sand of the Sandbox, carrying it by the Strap, grasping it tightly.

As the Three Dogs neared the end of their Cackle Spree, they almost didn't see Belka walk up to the Three of them and stop just a Meter away from them.

"Have you finished?" Belka asked sweetly, only to be met with silence and confused Expressions.

"I'll take that as a 'Yes'." She stated.

Suddenly, Belka struck Pirate in the Face with her Helmet, dazing him, and sending him flying backwards into a Patch of Grass before he slipped into unconsciousness with Stars over his Head.

Bula and Mula were shocked to say the least, while Strelka and Venya were just as equally flabbergasted.

Bula then shook off her initial shock and then growled at Belka, charging at the new Enemy with her Teeth bared.

Belka instantly kicked up some Sand in Bula's direction, momentarily blinding her, as she did a backflip out of the Bulldog's way as Bula struck her Head onto the downed Circus Rocket, causing the Stray to see Stars before passing out.

Mula was the last one that was standing. With his Partner and Boss down, he was the only one that could possibly face Belka.

He can Fight her, right? She was just one Dog. A Female, as a matter of fact. How hard could it be?

But, when Mula took one look at Belka, he gulped fearfully.

Belka was gracing a Smile while her Face had darkened, making her look intimidating to him. She even crackled her Paws as a Human would do with their Knuckles, signifying she was ready to thrash him.

All Mula could do was sweat profusely, then faint due to extreme Terror.

"Good call." Belka quoted simply.

The Circus Dog then looked at Strelka and Venya, who had their Jaws dropped wide open at her Display of Strategic Combat Skills.

Strelka only stared in awe, a part of her feeling even more besotted for her secret Crush, while also noting to never get on the Circus Dog's Bad Side.

"Wow…" Strelka breathed out.

Belka then instantly snapped back to her Normal Self, even scratching that back of her Head over what she did.

"Uh… Heh-heh… Sorry about that…" Belka chuckled meekly. "Kinda repressed that part of me since my Teen Years…"

Strelka then snapped out of her Stupor.

"Oh! Don't be…" Strelka responded. "That was amazing, to be Honest."

Belka flushed lightly at Strelka's Praise.

Venya just stared, completely gobsmacked , before he took the opportunity to lean towards his Longtime Companion.

"She's a Lethal Weapon…" Venya whispered to Strelka, quietly enough that Belka couldn't hear him. "Remind me never to get on her Bad Side…"

Strelka only mentally agreed as Venya leaned away from her, yet she admired Belka for standing up for her, and proved to those Three Bullies, currently unconscious, that she was more than just a 'Pretty Face'.

"Oh! I almost forgot about our other Guest." Belka quoted in realization, taking notice to Venya.

"What's your Name?" She asked kindly.

"Oh! It's Venya, Ma'am." The Rat answered.

"Nice to meet you, Venya." Belka replied with a Smile, to which Venya returned back.

"Well, anyways, let's go and try to find your Circus." Strelka said, focusing on the original matter they were discussing previously. "We'll try to find it on the Map."

Belka smiled gratefully, beaming brighter than the Sun, the Moon, or any Star in the Sky during the Night.

"Please lead the way, then." Belka quoted happily.

Strelka then began to lead the way with Belka behind her, while Venya tried to keep up beside her, carrying a makeshift Newspaper Cone containing the Coins he collected from the now broken Payphone.

(V)

Moments later, the newly formed Trio, after roaming the Streets of Downtown, had come face to face with a Map of the Area, currently trying to figure out where the Circus was set up at.

"Which area did you get launched at?" Strelka asked, directing Belka to the Map.

Belka looked carefully at the Map, going-over the details of the Chart, trying to remember the Surroundings she had seen while she was up in the Sky. But, no matter how hard she pondered, she could recall nothing of her previous Surroundings.

She was brought out of her contemplation when Venya cleared his Throat.

"You can't remember, can you?" Venya deduced blankly.

Belka just nodded in embarrassment.

She wasn't focusing on the vicinity around her since she had been distracted by a few things.

"Well, I have to admit… I was more focused on my Life at the stakes while in an out-of-control Rocket…" Belka chuckled awkwardly. "As well as some other things that stole my Attention Span…"

"Oh?" Strelka couldn't help but wonder. "What else distracted you?"

"Well…" Belka contemplated before answering. "While I was Airborne, I noticed how gorgeous the Town looked from up High, and I was brought back to when I wondered what the Earth looked like in Space as a Pup…"

She then looked back at the Duo, who were staring at her with Two Expressions. Venya had a deadpanned one, while Strelka had one of astoundment.

"But, I guess that sounds Silly to the Two of you, right?" Belka added lastly, feeling a bit foolish about sharing her thoughts based on Venya's and Strelka's silence.

But, Belka's worries were instantly doused by what Strelka said next.

"Huh… Small World…" Strelka answered with astonishment.

Belka was caught off-guard by Streika's reply.

"When I was a Pup, I've always dreamed of going to Space myself and to see what it's like." Strelka said honestly. "And that's still my Dream to this Day."

Belka's Eyes widened in amazement, before she found the ability to talk again.

"My… You have one ambitious Dream there." Belka replied, sounding impressed.

"And it looks like we're on the Same Boat." Strelka added coyly.

"You mean 'Same Shuttle'." Belka countered teasingly.

Both the Stray and Circus Performer giggled amongst each other, whereas Venya just rolled his Eyes at them.

After their short Laugh, Belka then recalled Strelka mentioning watching her performance last Night.

"Oh! By the way, Strelka, how did you find the Circus Yesterday?" Belka inquired.

Strelka was stumped for a moment before her mind immediately remembered where she was last Night.

"Oh, Yeah! Now I remember!" Strelka instantly recalled. "I was in an opposite part of Town just a few Miles from here."

"Really???" Belka said happily, her Tail wagging.

'Gosh… She's so Adorable…' Strelka mentally gushed in her mind before responding.

"I'm sure." Strelka quoted confidently. "If my Memory serves me correctly, they were behind a Fence to my and Venya's right in an alleyway. I bet they're still there waiting for you."

"They must be…" Belka replied in agreement. "I need to get there to let them know I'm Alive and well."

Strelka was facing a stalemate with her conscience. One side tells her not to bring her back to the Circus and to take her away from that Prison, but the other tells her to Respect her Decision and not to be Selfish, even if it is the hardest Decision she'll ever make.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go." Strelka said, though her Heart seemed to be hesitant to do this.

Belka beamed brightly. "Lead the way, Strelka."

Strelka nodded and began to lead Belka to the location to where she'd been last night, despite her other half of her conscience opposing this decision. Venya followed suit with his collection of Coins he had in his makeshift paper cone as he carried it to the best of his ability.

Unbeknownst to the Trio, they were going to run into Trouble once again.

(V)

Later on, the Trio was strolling down the Path to the part of Town where they believe the Circus was set up at the moment. As they strolled along, they were striking up some Conversations amongst each other.

"What do you need Money for?" Belka asked in curiosity, currently regarding the Coins Venya was carrying.

The Rat looked at the Circus Dog in disbelief.

"What do I need it for???" Venya questioned incredulously before he began to prattle on his reasoning. "Money is Power. With it, I'm Somebody. With enough Money, I could even run for Office."

"Really?" Belka quizzed sarcastically.

"Yes! Can you imagine? A Rat in Politics." Venya proclaimed boldly before he instantly lost his Bold Streak. "Well… Actually… That's kind of redundant, isn't it?"

"Ya think?" Strelka quipped slyly.

Both she and Belka began chuckling together, while Venya sank in embarrassment even further.

After having a good Laugh, Belka decided to direct her chat with Strelka, regarding the night she watched her performance.

"So, how did you get to watch the Show, Strelka?" Belka asked with burning curiosity.

Strelka contemplated for a bit before answering.

"Well… To tell you the Truth…" She quoted hesitantly before coming forth truthfully. "I snuck in through an Opening that led me to some benches underneath the seated Crowd."

Belka was astonished by this revelation. Strelka looked and felt guilty.

"I know… I broke a rule… For that, I'm truly Sorry… I understand if you won't forgive me…" Strelka finished heavily, preparing to be chastised.

What the Stray got instead was a soft Voice filled with Mercy from her Crush.

"It's alright, Strelka. I don't judge you for that." The Circus Dog spoke with clemency.

Strelka was astounded by Belka's forgiving Nature.

"You don't?" Strelka said dumbly.

"Nope." Belka replied mischievously with mirth in her Eyes. "In fact, when I was a Pup, still living with my Parents, I snuck into a passing Circus myself once and watched a free Show without having to go with my Parents' Owners for Supervision and never got caught."

Strelka's Jaw dropped wide-open. She never thought her Crush could have been very Artful in her Pup-hood.

"Wow…" Strelka breathed out. "I never thought you to be the sneaky type…"

"I'll take that as a compliment." Belka responded good-humoredly before continuing. "And that Show I saw was the reason why I decided to take up a career at the Circus."

Strelka laughed in a genial way. "Well, everybody's gotta Start somewhere."

Belka only giggled in return.

Venya cleared his Throat, getting both Dogs' attention.

"Sorry to interrupt, but how did the Show go?" Venya asked in curiosity. "I never got to see it."

Belka decided to tell her new Companion about her Last Night's Performance.

"Well, I had to perform a Stunt that involves me jumping through a bunch of Rings laced with Fire." Belka said, recounting the experience. "To be honest, I was afraid at first, but I went through with it."

"Oh? How did you get through your Stunt?" Venya questioned curiously.

"Well, a Mysterious Voice from the Crowd had coaxed me into taking that Leap of Faith through those Flaming Hoops and not to focus on them." Belka quoted, letting a small Smile grace her Muzzle.

"A Mysterious Voice?" Venya asked, while Strelka slightly tensed up, but immediately recovered before Belka or Venya could notice.

"Well, the Voice I heard sounded too heavy to be a Female's, yet too light to be a Male's." Belka stated. "I am hoping to meet my Mystery Fan and thank him or her personally. Especially if it is a She."

Strelka slightly flushed at Belka's statement.

Venya decided to ask a coded question.

"Why do you want to know if this someone is a She?" He inquired with a raised Eyebrow. "And what are you going to thank Her with?"

Belka immediately blushed at the question she just asked.

"W-Well… I… Uh…" She began.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the Trio heard a gruff Voice behind them.

"Aha! Found Ya! And looks like ya have a Pal too!"

Both Dogs plus Rat looked behind them and saw an unkempt looking Man wearing Brown Shoes, Pants and Overcoat with a Green Undershirt. He looked as if he didn't Shave or Bathe in Days.

"Crud! It's the Dogcatcher!" Strelka cried out. "Run for it, Belka!"

Belka knew it was instant Death if she was captured by the Dogcatcher, so she leapt along with Strelka, along with Venya behind them, trying to keep up with his Cone of Coins.

"Oy! Get back here!" The Dogcatcher roared out as he gave chase.

The Dogs and Rat ran as fast as their Legs could carry them while the strange Man was some moments behind them. Just then, Venya rushed past both Belka and Strelka, taking the lead.

"This way!" Venya called out. "Come with Me!"

He then turned Right, Belka and Strelka followed quickly. The Trio then spotted a Train Station just ahead of them.

"There's the Metro!" Venya yelled out loud. "We'll make our Escape by the Underground Railroad!"

Venya, Belka and Strelka sped towards the Station's Doors, and pushed them open with all their might and entered the Station, and stopped to catch their breaths.

Venya immediately took note of the Station's Interior.

"Wow!" Venya gasped breathlessly. "Mamma Mia… this is one Spicy Train Station…"

It had a Sleek Marble Floor, Tile Walls that looked to be painted in Gold, and an Antique Chandelier that hung beautifully on the Pale Plaster Roof.

"Just look at that Chandelier…" Venya breathed out in awe. "Must've Cost a Fortune…"

"Venya! We have no Time to admire the Scenery!" Strelka reasoned. "We need to get going! Now!"

"Okay, Okay…" Venya relented. "Just let me grab some Tickets…"

Venya looked around and spotted a Ticket Dispenser.

"Ah! Look! Tickets!" The Rat said. "I got this. Just wait a Minute…"

Strelka just rolled her Eyes at Venya as the said Rat made his way towards the Machine and looked at the front Label to see how much change to put in to get three Tickets.

Venya's attention span was quickly squandered as he heard the Station Doors burst open, revealing the Dogcatcher, now scowling in Strelka and Belka's Direction, who also were looking at the new and unpleasant arrival in apprehension.

Belka and Strelka immediately made a run for it as the Man began chasing them.

They then spotted a Passageway and were about when Strelka noticed something.

"Hang on!" The Stray said, stopping in front of it with Belka behind her.

She noticed that the Passageway had light Sensors that activated the Gates to close to prevent any potential Freeloaders from passing and to alert the Station's Night-Guard of anyone who tries to pass.

"We can't get in this way." Strelka told Belka.

She looked farther down to her left and noticed a Gate that had spaces wide enough to fit though.

"Follow me!" Strelka instructed, leading Belka to the gate as she went under it while Belka jumped through it.

Belka and Strelka reached a set of moving Escalators that went Downwards. They both looked back to see the Dogcatcher just moments behind them. They immediately jumped down one of the Escalators and continued running.

"Oy! Stop!" The Dogcatcher ordered.

The Dogcatcher attempted to go through the Passageway, only to be caught by the Light Sensors and stopped by the Gates as they shut on him, knocking the Breath out of him when his Stomach collided with the Closed Gates.

"Hang on, Girls! I'm almost there!" Venya called out as he ran, hopping and climbing over the Man before jumping off the Dogcatcher's Head, annoying him further.

"Geronimo!" The Rat chanted out as he landed on the Escalator's Separator Railing, sliding down it.

Just then, the Station's Night-Guard, a Man in his late 30s, burst through his Office Door after hearing the Silent Alarm for the Passageway activate.

He then saw the Dogcatcher climbing over the Gates and on to the other side, and the Guard blew his Whistle at him. The Man took notice of him, and took off after both Belka and Strelka down the Escalator.

As Venya slid down side to side, avoiding the miniature Lamp Posts, the Dogcatcher was on both Dogs' Tails as he rushed as fast as he could down the Steps of the Downward Escalator.

Both Belka and Strelka made it down the Escalator, passing by a Tenant, a Woman in her mid 30s, who was sleeping on the Job.

"I'm going for the Gold!" Venya proclaimed boldly.

That is until the Rat slammed into the Escalator's Switch he didn't notice, making it flick sideways due to the Force of the impact.

The Escalators then came to a halt, causing the Dogcatcher to stumble and fall from the sudden stoppage.

"Maybe the Bronze?" The Rat squeaked out weakly as he flipped the Switch upwards with his Weight, and slid backwards for the last Mile of his slide before running after Belka and Strelka as fast as he could.

The Dogcatcher, who was laying on the now climbing Steps, got up, shook his Mind out of his daze, even more irritated than ever, and took Chase after his intended Catch, reaching the bottom of the Escalator.

Unbelievably, the Tenant was still asleep to all of the Action that was happening due to only hearing the hums of Escalators until she heard a Whistle blowing, which was what ultimately woke her up.

She was dumbfounded at the sight of the Night-Guard trudging down the Escalator that was now going upward as the Guard blew his Whistle again.

The Tenant immediately pressed the All-Stop Button, allowing the Guard to make it to the bottom, and rush after his Alleged Suspect.

Meanwhile, Belka, Strelka and Venya were hiding from the Dogcatcher against a Pillar, catching their Breaths after running.

After catching their Breaths, they thought it was clear and they were safe and sound, the Trio came face to face with the Dogcatcher again when he rounded the Corner, causing them to make a run for it yet again.

The Dogcatcher soon followed after, but just as he began his chase, he didn't account for the Floor being slippery as he had no control over his footing as the Floor had been waxed by a Elderly Lady with a Industrial Floor-Scrubber as she pushed it, unaware of the activity taking place behind her.

His little mishap gave Belka, Venya and Strelka a head-start as they rushed through the underground Station, hoping to find an Exit of some sort.

While running, Belka and Strelka were thinking about one common question. How does this Human know where they were at every turn?

"Hey, Girls! Over there!" Venya called out loud, snapping both Dogs out of their thoughts.

Both Dogs directed their attention to where the Rat was pointing and saw their saving Grace.

There, at the Station Platform, was a waiting Subway Train.

It was empty, save for the Driver at the Main Cab, since it was late in the Evening and most of the People had gone off to Bed in their own Homes or checked into any nearby Motels for the Night.

The Trio rushed towards the Train and entered one of the Carriages. When they thought they were in the clear, their hopes were dashed as they saw the Dogcatcher round the corner, now a distance away from them, now smirking sadistically.

"Got'cha now…" The Man muttered lowly and mockingly.

The Trio gulped. They were cornered with no means of Escape.

Both Dogs and Rat were caught between a Dead End and the Man that was going to take them to a place that was concerned a Prison that only served a Death Sentence for them and any Animal, Dog and Rat alike.

"We're trapped…" Venya whimpered.

But at that very moment, the Night-Guard came to their unintentional Rescue. The Guard's main focus was the Man who he believed was apparently trying to get a Free Ride without paying for a Ticket.

"Stop!" The Guard hollered at the Man, getting the Dogcatcher's attention, and blew his Whistle loudly at him.

This had gotten the Train Driver, who was half-asleep, to snap fully awake and start up the Train, believing it to be the signal to pull out of the Station.

The Doors closed, giving Belka, Strelka, and Venya a wave of relief.

The Dogcatcher attempted to catch the now departing Train, but his attempts were futile.

"Stop that Train!" He hollered. But it was no use as he watched the Train disappear into the Tunnel.

"Blast it!" He cursed as he slowed down in his steps.

At that moment, the Man felt a hand on his Shoulder, and turned to see the hardened Face of the Night-Guard.

"You are coming with Me." The Guard said in a firm and no nonsense Voice.

The Dogcatcher sighed miserably. He was Deep-waters now.

(V)

Back on the Train, the two Dogs and Rat now could sit down and catch their breaths, relieved that they were now out of Danger.

"Whew! That was close…" Strelka huffed out.

"Too close…" Belka added, exhaling slightly.

Venya checked his Makeshift Paper Cone to see how many Coins he had, only to find only one small Coin falling out.

"Hey…" He groaned before sighing. "All that hard work for nothing…"

"I wouldn't call that hard work, Venya…" Strelka pointed out in sarcasm. "I would call that Theft."

"The Cash fell out of the Phone and right in front of Me at its own accord." The Rat attempted to defend. "So, it was Finders-keepers. Fair and Simple."

Strelka just rolled her Eyes at her longtime Companion's reasoning while Belka chuckled.

A thought then came to Strelka.

"By the way, I wonder how that Guy knew where we were at every corner." She put forth.

"I'm curious about that too." Belka added.

Venya just shrugged.

"Beats Me." He quoted before putting forth his own question. "All I'm wondering is how I lost all the Money I collected."

"Is Money the only thing that's on your Mind?" Strelka groaned.

"Well, excuse Me. Forgive Me for trying to make ends-meet for ourselves." Venya argued.

Belka couldn't help but feel humored by the interaction between the Rat and Stray duo. The Circus Dog then stared at the Makeshift Cone Venya held and noted a slight tear at the side near the bottom of the Cone. She immediately made the connection between their stalking Assailant and how he suddenly found them at every turn they took.

"Hey, You Two." Belka voiced out, getting Strelka and Venya's attention. "I think I found the source for the Coin Loss."

She pointed to the side of the Newspaper Cone, and both the Rat and Stray finally noticed the small gash that was big enough for the Coins to slip through.

"They must've fallen out during our Escape." Belka rationalized.

"So that's why the Dogcatcher was always on to us." Strelka realized, giving Venya a pointed stare. "He was following the trail of Coins."

Venya chuckled timidly before sighing.

"Oh well… Easy come, easy go…" The Rat murmured as he picked up the small lone Coin.

Belka and Strelka shook their Heads in amusement before both sighed.

"Well, I guess we'll have to find the Circus another Day…" Strelka said.

"I concur." Belka followed. "Let's hope that Dogcatcher isn't roaming the Streets the next time we're in Town."

Strelka only nodded in agreement.

The Trio just sat in comfortable silence as the Train travelled along the Subway System, gliding smoothly through the Tunnel.

Strelka gave a quick and discreet glance towards Belka, who was seated beside her, and towards the Circus Performer's Paw, which was an inch away from her own Paw, almost touching. The Stray was tempted to place her Fore Paw on her Crush's Paw, but ultimately decided against it.

"So, where do you two live anyway?" Belka asked curiously, breaking the silence.

"We'll show you when we get there." Venya answered.

At that Moment, an automated Voice came from the Speaker.

"Next stop: The Expo." The Voice announced.

"You know what… our stop's coming up." The Rat said enthusiastically. "It seems we've taken the right Train."

(V)

Hey, Reader. I would like to PROFUSELY apologize for not posting or updating for a very long time. I am currently multitasking (while also getting sidetracked) on a few other Projects I needed to type down and build upon before I post them for everyone to read. I was going around to this fic while working on other Future fics, but then Putin decided to invade and go to War on Ukraine, which didn't paint Russia in a favorable light, and I felt I would be accused of Supporting Putin. Right now, Ukraine has pushed back Putin's Forces and reclaiming their Land by 3,000 Sq. Km. (1,158 Sq. Miles) to 8,000 Sq. Km. (3,088 Sq. Miles). Yet, I feel People shouldn't direct all their hate to Russia and its People, and all that hatred should be directed at Putin alone, and I hope that Russia will have a better Leader elected, and I hope Ukraine will be able to recover and become a great Country once more. For this version of Russia in this Fictional Universe, I am going to make some Historical and Political Changes in which the concept of Communism and its Revolution never came to fruition and the Soviet Union was never conceived. On a side note, I assumed Bula was a Female based on the voice in the English and Russian versions of the Films, yet correct Me if I'm wrong on the Gender, and it's also an opportunity to squeeze in a little reference (and if you could catch it, I applaud you). I hope this makes up for the long wait and I will post more Chapters soon.