Chapter 17: Unsettling Encounters
-Reicher! You idiot! That man came from the human Navy! Cooper jumped around waving his hands in impotent rage.
-Oh, I'm shaking in fear! Reicher chuckled.
-Oh, I would if I were you, Helmeppo buffed himself up to look more confident, topping it off with a wide smile.
-Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Blondie Smileson, a Vice Admiral sent here to inspect how you dogs are treating the squads on this island. I have to say, I'm very disappointed.
The giant, imposing rottweiler was humbled by confusion. Helmeppo pounced like a hunting predator.
-If you do not leave this dojo this very instant, I will have to call back all troops on the island, effectively canceling the safety for the summit.
-Hmmm, they did mention a Vice Admiral… Reicher mumbled before regaining his composure.
-But what is a puny human like you planning to do against me? Letting his actions speak, Helmeppo threw his knives. They smoothly carved out circles in Reicher's fur before returning to Helmeppo's hands.
-I think you should leave.
Reicher left the dojo in shame. As soon as the door closed Helmeppo fell to the floor, his over-anxious soul having left his body.
-Oh god I would not have been able to fight him.
-Boss! Francois fell to his knee.
-Did you not see the direction Koby was sent flying in? That's right towards the wolves territory! We can't waste a single moment! Cooper lit a large cigar. It was about as long as his own arm.
-You're right. Francois, as my right-hand man, you stay here and continue training the recruits. I'll save that poor soul.
-Wait! Helmeppo awoke from his fear-induced slumber.
-That's my friend! Let me go with you!
-You would have a better chance wrestling Reicher naked than pulling the same tricks on wolves. Have you noticed that there aren't any other pugs on this island than me? You've got the wolves to thank for that.
Cooper began to leave with the heavy words still hanging in the air.
-Then it's even more important that I go! My friend doesn't have the luxury of cowardice. I gotta be there to pull him away! Helmeppo argued.
Cooper looked at the young man; standing steadfast despite weaknesses. He chuckled.
-Well then, pack your bags. We're going wolf-hunting.
Meanwhile, in the throne hall of the Golden Retriever-clan's castle.
The room was delicately carved out of the light-brown wood into detailed murals. Matching its elegance was the court; each dog was in a competition about who could decorate their fur in the most outrageously complex fashion. Though Drake and Lucci's eyes were fixated on each other. Completely ignoring the suffocating energy of the room, the Golden Retriever's clan leader Von Lassien, continued introducing the new "reinforcements."
-They've already been here for three months, so Von Lassien is bound to trust them more. A fight between two Navy units before the summit would worsen the government's relationship with Doggy Valley, as well as damage the CP0's cover, Drake painted up the entire situation like a chess game in his head.
-Neither of us can risk combat, and they're obviously here to somehow influence the summit. If I can figure out what the summit is about I can figure out what their plan is, and hopefully stop it.
He chucked to himself. Of course the mission wasn't going to be as easy as it seemed.
Drake took Smoker and Tashigi to the side and explained his plan.
-So, you want us to look for clues? Should be easy enough.
-Yes, ask around now during the great feast. The summit is held behind closed doors but the nobility should know what is going to be discussed.
The dining hall was as pimped out as the rest of the castle, with large busts of previous house rulers looking down at the crew. The dogs didn't seem to mind, idly discussing politics while the food was being carried out.
Building up as much guts as she could, Tashigi wandered up to a circle of young dogs. Mustering all her strength she cleared her throat real loud. The dogs looked at her, before continuing to talk.
-Fetch me when there's swords involved, Tashigi retired to guard the door.
Smoker was investigating the food.
-Tell me, chef, what kind of meat is this? It smells funny.
-Oh, well, it's a crocodile stew. It will be served later together with frog liver and snail paté.
-Hmm, those meats are kinda strange.
The chef flashed an awkward smile.
-Well, what other kinds of meat do you suggest?
-I don't know, sheep? The entire dining hall froze up as whispers spread like a wildfire from Smoker.
-Ehm, sir, I think you better leave and stop disrespecting my cuisine, the chef's claws subtly grew.
Before Smoker could say anything more he was pulled away by X Drake.
-Damn it, I didn't think this was going to become relevant. The minks don't eat animals with fur or anything of the sort; it's cannibalism to 'em. For nobility like this, the very thought is an insult. I should've mentioned it sooner.
Seeing his captain in distress, Smoker put an arm on his shoulder.
-Ahh, don't worry about it; cultural differences, cultural differences. I don't want to ruin your chances, so I'll go join Tashigi.
As Drake re-entered the room, a group of nobility quickly surrounded him.
-How tasteless of your companion, to even suggest that! You humans should learn a thing or two about manners.
-Oh, forget about him. I've actually grown to exclusively eat amphibians myself, Drake lied. Though it was effective, managing to make the nobility start talking to him.
-I guess sometimes you need a little controversy, Drake philosophized.
-Will Von Lassien be joining us for tonight? A dalmatian dame asked.
-Sadly not, my husband has grown a habit of eating alone with Falsk to discuss the summit. It's a shame Von Lassien's wife Antoin explained.
-Really, discussing the summit with a human!? Drake struggled to not take offense.
-I'm shocked as well! Ever since Falk arrived my husband has become a recluse! He goes around mumbling to himself with this scared look in his eyes, like he's committed a crime!
-Well, he's started listening to us rottweilers, so it's not all bad! A smaller rottweiler, presumably a teen, dressed in garish garments spoke up. Antoin simply ignored him.
Drake took in every word. The CP0 had apparently already gotten their hand around the man, but how? With that question heavy on his mind, Drake sat down next to Antoin. The same rottweiler from before strutted over to the empty seat next to her.
-Does the beautiful lady mind? He smugly asked..
-That seat is reserved for my husband, mister. Don't make me reject you twice, Antoin returned to eating her frog stew.
-Oh, yes, your husband. The recluse that ignores you to mingle with humans instead. I see, I see. Though, everyone is aware that you aren't in a position to deny me, with the rumors being spread.
She tried to play it cool, but the fur across Antoin's back shot up like spikes. The rottweiler sat down and got uncomfortably close to her. Wanting to do the right thing (and get on Antoin's good side) Drake stood up and walked over to the rottweiler.
-I think you better leave.
-I think you shouldn't be talking, considering that you're a simple human, the rottweiler continued mindlessly gorging on the food. Drake pointed him in the back with his claw.
-I have the bite to back up my bark. If you don't switch seats now, the only thing you'll be eating is the dirt I'll kick you out upon.
Grumbling, the rottweiler switched seats. Antion's gratefulness was written over her face. Before she could properly thank him, screams was heard across the entire hall.
A golden retriever girl, her fur woven into a maid outfit, crashed through the doors to the hall and fell straight onto the table. Drake rushed over to investigate.
-She's alive! He announced, causing relieved sighs all over.
-She's been stabbed in the back; the wound is deep but she bandaged it with her own fur, Drake inspected closer. The wound reminded him of something, Koby's Finger Pis…
-I'll handle this, Rob Lucci's hand pulled him away. Where the hell had he come from?
-No, please, allow me, Drake pulled away.
-I'm on official orders from Von Lassie… Antoin stepped in-between.
- Falk, don't begin to argue. Drake, take her away! Thankful for getting on her good side, Drake hoisted the maid over his shoulder and began rushing towards the castle hospital. He was scared half-to-death by the maid coughing to life.
-P-please, save me…
-I'm getting you medical attention right away! The maid wrestled out of Drake's grasp.
-No! T-that can wait. Get me out of this castle immediately! Von Lassien can't be trusted!
Out in Doggy Valley's forest, that very same night…
Koby pushed forward through the pain; Iron Body could absorb the hit of the fall, but not the pain. At the very least, he hoped to find cover in the wood before night fell. Just a little bit longer…
-What do we have here? A soft, poisonous voice stretched out from the darkness.
-Who's there!? Koby pushed all of his Haki into his arm, lighting up the pitch-black clearing in pink. He wished he didn't.
The creature standing above him was neither mink nor human; it transcended both. Its muscles bulged impatiently, waiting for the slightest hint of a hunt. The fur was majestic, shining white like the edge of a blade. Its eyes were slender, yet burrowed straight into Koby's soul. It was a wolf.
-Is that all of your Haki? How cute. Has Garp passed away or did he just not bother coming? The creature circled Koby, licking his lips.
-H-how do you know Garp? The wolf unleashed its claws; Koby's uniform was ripped apart by the Haki emanating from them.
-He's the reason I'm here instead of at the top of the food chain. I take it you're not one of Lucci's pawns? Perfect, then Reicher won't get mad if I have a little…feast.
Writing the political intrigue for this arc is the most fun I've had in a while. I struggled to find motivation to get started, but now that I have the change of pace and setting it is really fun! It has also allowed me to get in an Eminem-reference for absolutely no reason, so that's great!
