Declaration Chapter 3: Sheer Heart Attack, a rock dog fanfic

Chapter 3: Sheer Heart Attack

"Alright Darma, 3... 2... 1... Rock!"

The strained strings of my bass echoed at Angus's studio, with a couple of notes I emulated one of my favorite songs. Imagining my own rhythm, I followed the song in my mind and when the time came, I began to sing.

"Uuuuhhhh... Let's go!"

Steve walks warily down the street

With the brim pulled way down low

Ain't no sound but the sound of his feet

Machine guns ready to go

Are you ready

Are you ready for this?

Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?

Out of the doorway the bullets rip

To the sound of the beat

The persian cat's face told me he was impressed by my entrance, that was good; I stopped thinking about the nonsense that didn't let me sleep the night before and I concentrated about the only important thing in that moment.

Another one bites the dust

And another one gone, and another one gone

Another one bites the dust

Hey, I'm gonna get you too

Another one bites the dust

I followed the song's arpeggio without trouble, although I missed Germur's drum a little, or a guitar accompaniment with Bodi... Bodi... Damn! I shouldn't think about him in that moment, I didn't want to distract myself; My voice faltered for one hundredth of a second but I continued, hoping Mr. Scattergood haven't would noticed.

How do you think I'm going to get along

Without you, when you're gone?

You took me for everything that I had

And kicked me out on my own

Are you happy, are you satisfied?

How long can you stand the heat?

Out of the doorway the bullets rip

To the sound of the beat

Another one bites the dust

And another one gone, and another one gone

Another one bites the dust

Hey, I'm gonna get you too

Another one bites the dust

I had reached a musical bridge but it had not any bass' note, so I left my instrument hanging from my shoulders and improvised clapping and stomping, simulating the invisible rhythm of the song. I got a little nervous, because I thought maybe Mr. Scattergood wouldn't like the inactivity with my bass. When I was about to continue the song, I heard an accompaniment with the drums by Angus, who was playing the cymbals and the Tom-Toms with the same beat and rhythm as I was.

"Don't stress or push yourself too much, darling; you're doing great... I admire that you respected the original song very well, it's also one of my favorites... oh, here goes your part!"

Mr. Angus stopped playing the cymbals and I knew it was almost time to resume with my bass solo. He left me on my own after an effusive drum roll and I continued.

Another one bites the dust

I carried my bass again and played the final section.

There are plenty of ways you can hurt a man

And bring him to the ground

You can beat him

You can cheat him

You can treat him bad and leave him

When he's down

But I'm ready, yes I'm ready for you

I'm standing on my own two feet

Out of the doorway the bullets rip

Repeating the sound of the beat

Another one bites the dust

And another one gone, and another one gone

Another one bites the dust

Hey, I'm gonna get you too

Another one bites the dust

"Shout out!" Angus meowed pleased, "Ha, ha ha, dear Darma. That was RAD!"

"Oh, th-thank you very much, Mr. Scattergood," I said, a bit ashamed.

"I really don't have much to tell you to improve, I perceived that you lost the rhythm at first, it was very slight and not too noticeable, but I don't think it's a big deal."

Damn, he noticed after all.

"I'm sorry, Angus."

"Nah, nothing that a little personal practice can't solve. And I have to congratulate you at the musical bridge, I'd have accepted to skip the choir, but it was a neat improvisation; but you almost have a nervous breakdown, it was just a rehearsal, take it easy honey, alright?"

"Yes, of course, I'll keep in mind, sir."

"Sir? Pfff... I'm not that old, just call me Angus. What else did I want to tell you? Oh yeah! Darma darling, you have a very beautiful voice, working with the bass is fabulous as always, but I think you must share the mike with Bodi and me the next time."

"Really?"

"Of course. Actually, I think you and Bodi would make a cute couple together and…"

I didn't know why, but I disliked his last line, the idea turned my stomach.

"Is something wrong, darling?"

"No, it's nothing, I got distracted, what were you saying?"

"That you and Bodi would make a cool duo together. Next time I'll try to compose songs with both of you as vocalists. Sounds great, isn't it?"

Phew, I think it was just my imagination.

"Of course."

"Ah ... but it was gratifying to finish this practice session with you, Darma darling, after the enormous cephalea that pair of hollow heads gave me" he complained, rubbing his temple with both paws.

"Did you mean Germur and Bodi?"

"Aaaahhh, don't remind me, at least with Germur, he just made me angry a little, teaching him is a challenge, until he doesn't start playing the drums it's hard to bring it back to the earth; But Bodi... Bloody damn! I've never had so many problems with the mutt. He has a natural talent for this and he learns very fast, but for a couple of days I've noticed him out focus…"

I looked at the Persian cat with interest and a little concerned when I inferred where is he going on.

"... and he doesn't want to tell me, but I think it's pretty obvious what's wrong. Don't you think so, Darma darling?"

"Ah? What? What do you mean, Angus?"

"Haven't you noticed yet? I thought you already had noticed, you're her closest friend, aren't you?"

"I've seen him acting weirder than usual, but I don't know why." I lied or hoped it wasn't what I feared.

"Really?" asked incredulously "Shoot! I hoped you confirmed my suspicions darling, the cub hasn't told me, but for the strange way he was acting, for all the stuff he asked me today and his questions about girls, I'm sure the canine is in love.

My stomach turned again.

"What? Bodi? Our Bodi in love? Pfff, the sweetest and the most innocent boy in the city? Are we talking about the same Bodi?" I acted astonished the best I could, although perhaps I overdid it a little.

Angus just looked at me in surprise, in fact, he lowered his glasses a little and saw me a second with his own eyes and it made me uneasy; he inspected me for awhile and then continued.

"Why, why are you looking at me like this? What did I say?"

"I... nothing," he said quietly "it isn't the answer I was expected from you, for a moment I thought maybe you-"

"Hey, I didn't…!" I cut him off nervously fearing he'd say I was the reason for Bodi's distraction.

"...maybe you knew who is that mysterious girl who makes the mutt more stupid than the usual."

"Ah, that... no, of course not, I have no idea."

"Really?"

"Y-yes, yeah, really," I stuttered nervously "What's more, I didn't even know that's was the Bodi's distraction's cause, I asked him yesterday what's going on but he didn't tell me a thing, so it's still hard to believe for me. Is Bodi really in love? How is are you so sure?"

"Well, I'm not 100% sure, but his doubts were so obvious signs confirming it. Bodi asked me how to talk to a girl, and something about if it was too soon to formalize his friendship; I didn't get the last part at all, maybe it's a way of talking about courtship in his village, Who knows?"

"Wait... what"

"But the strangest thing is when I asked if he was in love or wanted to declare to someone to be his girlfriend, he insisted he didn't... I don't know, but it's very rare such stubborn attitude, even coming from Bodi. That's why I asked you if you didn't know the girl who is in the mutt's heart. As far as I know, the only girl around him is y-"

"NO" I almost cried out "I mean, I don't know such girl. Yesterday he told me something about pretty females in his village." I barely told him nervously, "Maybe he has a special friend waiting for him at Snow Mountain who nobody knows."

"No, no, no, impossible, Bodi was very clear when he ask for advice to talking with ladies, he told me he had no problem with his village's girls, but he wanted specific advice for downtown's females." The cat looked at me with a smile from ear to ear, "That's why I have no doubt such lady had to be a girl he met here, Darma darling."

I didn't like the Angus' tone or the way he looked at me, I think it was obvious he already knew indirectly what Bodi meant to tell me. As if it weren't enough just with Germur, now this perverted cat knew it too!

"But well, in the end, it's just a theory, maybe he's just curious about city's customs or differences, all of this must be new for him, after all…"

Now Angus changed the subject as if nothing. Why?

"... Or maybe, he still is confused about the stuff he saw the other day in... Oh well... it also explains his sudden interest in the city girls... oh hahaha, you dog…" he laughed, stroking her chin, "Bodi, you're full of surprises!"

"Wait, what? What are they talking about...? Oh…"

It took me a few seconds to get what he meant. Probably the crap Bodi saw the other day by mistake.

"Errr, it's nothing, nothing important Darma, forget about it. Well, that's all, I just wanted to ask you if you knew anything about it, maybe I jumped to conclusions too quickly, Anyway, his personal life is none of my business, but I'm going to have to be more severe with the pup if he keeps acting like a dog in love and doesn't take the band seriously."

This declaration thing was getting out of control and I thought it was time to end this all at once. I didn't want to be rude to Bodi, but if I gonna said him no, better do it sooner rather than later. Before continuing to have uncomfortable conversations with Angus or anyone else, I immediately decided to look for the mastiff and end this mess. He must have been in the mansion, I hadn't seen him since I arrived, but I didn't doubt he was in the kitchen with Germur at this hour as usual.

"Or what do you think, darling?"

"Oh, yes, of course, I agree, Angus. So, tomorrow at the same time?"

"Ah, no, I don't think so. You did very well today, Darma darling, there's nothing else I can teach you for now, I think we'll see in three days to practice together, shall we?"

"Sure, it's perfect."

"Thank you, I know I am."

"Well, if you don't mind, I need to go and solve something important."

I put my bass in my case, hang it on my shoulder, and quickly made my way out of the studio.

"Bye Angus, see ya in three...!"

"Wait, Darma darling!" he shouted, "If you're looking for the pup, he's not here!"

I stopped short, and then wondered, How did you know that I was looking for Bodi? The cat came up to me with a silly smile.

"What did you say?"

"Bodi's gone, he returned to Snow Mountain."

"But why?"

"After the talk I had with him, the dog was still confused about the advice I gave him about girls, so I suggested he could ask for someone else, wiser and more experienced than I, and since the only ones he knows are his father and an old friend of his village, the stupid beast took the first bus to his home. What a fool, he could just have given him a call or used the fax."

Damn it, just my luck! Now his father and his friend were going to find out too! Bodi!

"I'm sorry Darma, I'm sure you had a lot to say to your friend." He made another annoying laugh, "But don't worry, you'll have much to talk to him when he returns, he told me he'd be back in two days."

"Did he say anything else, sir?" I looked at him, trying not to look irritated.

"In fact, he asked me to say goodbye to everyone. Especially you, Darma darling."

For some reason, one simple sentence made me stop thinking about Bodi's madness or Angus's idiot face, I calmed down at the moment, and I didn't know why.

"To me? Did he t-tell you anything about me?"

"Not much." he said, pleased, "He only apologized for not could say goodbye personally and for not being able to walk with you to your stop today, but he wishes you a nice weekend. Ah! And he thanks you for what you said him yesterday."

"What did I said him yesterday?"

"No idea, I thought you'd know better, but hey, I think this is it."

"I get it... well, I guess I'll see him here Monday."

"That's right. So, it seems you're in a hurry, and it's not like I want to kick you out, but, I have cleaning to do around here, so…"

An idea passed through my head. Not a very good one.

"Ah, I understand Angus, well, I'll leave you alone." I went through the studio door, "Good luck with your cleaning," I mentioned sarcastically, "I hope this time you'll hide better those helpless kittens films," I laugh mischievously, "Don't forget to clean your paws very well when you finish!"

"Yeah, I'll do... wait, what did you just say!?"

I closed the door on his face and I remembered his stupid face when I said that last line. He wasn't the only one who knew how to tease others.

I left the mansion and its intricate security system, I wandered alone on the main avenue and walked unhurriedly to the subway. It was the first time in a long time I got back home alone, there was nothing wrong with it and it wasn't I felt unprotected, but a little part of me missed that ridiculous dog talking about nonsense next to me.

I was bored to death and didn't know what to do.

It was a tedious Sunday afternoon, but I was so desperate I wanted it to be Monday to go back to the band's rehearsals, but especially to see Bodi. My motives were more selfish, I didn't want to see it because I was worried about the dog's feelings, but I wanted to end this damn drama once and for all.

These days I spent them thinking way too much, sometimes even playing with the idea of what would happen if I said him 'yes', which gave me a strange mix of emotions between grace for how ridiculous it sounded and nausea for the idea of considering Bodi as something more than a friend or a band's member, but my decision hadn't changed at all. I was going to say him 'no' the next time I saw him, just hope he brings up the subject and I don't have to bring it up by force.

Sitting on a bench at the Rock 'n' Roll Park, I listened to Sheer Heart Attack, with my eyes closed and my earphones on. I visualized myself playing the bass in the parts of the song where it was required, I was tempted to take my own bass from the case, although it didn't make much sense, because I had no place to plug it in, in fact, I didn't know why I brought it in first place. The custom, I suppose.

Although I didn't play anymore here like the rest of the bands, it still seemed like an excellent place for relaxation, with some open field noises from different bands practicing their songs or entertaining other mammals; It was also an ideal place to go out with friends, well, my only friends now were that clumsy goat and that silly mastiff, Bodi... Bodi, Bodi, Bodi, again him! I had thought too much about him almost all weekend, and they weren't pleasant memories. I swore saw him everywhere, I was sick of it! I could almost imagine him in his irritating voice and his annoying smile saying me hello.

"Hey, Darma!"

And there it was again, that vague memory of him, making me lose again my concentration listening to music. Seriously, I really wanted Bodi was here right now to end with my agony.

"Hello, Darma!"

And it didn't stop, it was as if my mind played me a cruel joke, What did I have to do to stop thinking about him?

"Leave me alone!" I screamed in annoyance.

"Oh. I'm sorry Darma, I didn't wanna bother you... I'll better come back at another time…"

That sounded too way real to me.

"Wait a minute... What?"

I opened my eyes confused, in front of me there was a boy I had never seen before, it was a handsome dog who looked at me with curious eyes, his hair was somewhat odd in a failed attempt to comb it, but looked attractive anyway. Then I saw the rest of him, he wore clothes between elegant and casual, wearing a white shirt and a black tuxedo jacket, but without a tie, and also wore jeans giving him an outstanding and contrasting look, I was stunned to see this awesome stud until I looked at his face again, he made an annoying and irritating smile making me notice how silly he was.

"I-i-it can't be... B-B-Bodi?! Is that you?" I asked stupefied.

"Hey Darma!" said the dog, saluting me with a paw.

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer Heart Attack

It was the last thing I heard before taking off my earphones and seeing the mastiff as an idiot.

Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeal Cardiac

Author's notes:

Hello again everyone. I am happy to publish the new chapter of this story in time. I know it maybe a bit short (not counting the song), but don't worry, the next and final chapter will be much longer and entertaining. Sadly, it also takes me more time to translate it. Please be patient.

As a good Rock Dog fic, I thought I needed some music, so I decided to try with one of my favorite rock bands (and maybe Darma's). This isn't exactly a sonfic but I wanted to introduce some music, and when it was Darma's turn to shine, the first song to came to my mind with a bass was 'Another One Bites The Dust' by this awesome rock band, Queen. I don't know if you know them or like it, but I feel it represent perfectly the vixen's style.

Oh well, thanks for keep reading this and your little but valuable readings, kudos, and reviews.

Disclaimer:

This story is fiction, any resemblance to reality is mere coincidence.

The lyrics and musical references used in this chapter, 'Another One Bites The Dust' and 'Sheer Heart Attack' belong to the successful English band 'Queen' and their respective owners. The musical pieces were used only as harmonization and without any profit.

Rock Dog belongs to Mandoo Pictures, Huayi Brothers, and their respective owners, the story was written for entertainment purposes and without any profit.

History created by Janyo or Kirby_Hanyou. All rights (and lefts) reserved.