"...and we need new accommodation, this place is terrible and a new somewhere to sleep. All these problems of mine you constantly throw on the sidelines," she drew her face closer to his, "Don't you love me?"

He looked at her just as closely, allowing their gazes to become intimate.

"Te amo más que frijoles. Te-"

"Stop!" she shouted and visibly held back from attacking him. "Stop speaking Spanish! You are not Spanish."

"Señora que quiere que le diga? Esta es mi lengua materna. Te acabo de decir todo, sobre lo mucho que te amo."

"Stop!"

"Nosotras debemos celebrar."

"Right now."

"Invitaremos a muchas de nuestras amigas."

"I'm warning you! I'm warning you right now, you old bag of bones! Say one more thing in Spanish and we're done. Finished. I'm leaving. Say one more thing in Spanish!"

"Okay, okay..." he backed off with two quiet mumbles and then swiveled his ears in the direction of where he could hear footsteps approaching. The fun was over. Almost. "Pero realmente, una fiesta siempre es agradable y-"

"Screw you!" she stomped out angrily, just as Roman entered, Otto Junior in tow behind him.

"Perra loca," he muttered under his breath.

Helga was an interesting beast of a creature. She had caught his eye in a random situation on a random day and then a week later, despite having only known each other for that week, he was hers and she was his. The two months since then had been a special sort of hell. It was nothing like what he had with Penny, was what he often thought. Then again, Penny could never be replaced and it wasn't as if he was trying to do so with Helga. She follow the same path as the rest and be gone by the following month. Assuming she remained faithful anyways.

At Roman's approach, he sobered up and sat down on his haunches.

"Boss."

"You will keep Junior safe, yes?"

"As always Boss."

"Good. And if what I've said is not obeyed, you will be the one to give the signal, yes?"

"Yes Boss."

"Good."

Mr. Otto turned to his son and waited before speaking. He knew that this infuriated the young puppy, made him feel as though he had done something wrong. He couldn't help but wonder how long the trick would last before his son picked up on the fact that it was not done because he was mad. Rather he did it to test the smaller dog's nerves, to see if he had the patience to deal with someone who put him on the spot. It was an important ability in their line of work.

"Son," he spoke at last.

Otto Junior slowly lifted his gaze from the floor and dragged it all over the room before making eye contact once more, "Yes Papi?"

"You will behave yourself."

He wasn't asking, he was telling. Such was the necessary way when dealing with those who remained undisciplined. It was all apart of the game he played in raising what he deemed would be a worthy successor.

"Yes Papi."

Mr. Otto nodded approvingly before gesturing for Roman to wait outside.

"Come with me son."

Otto Junior followed at just the right pace. There had been a time where he would have skipped ahead excitedly and playfully admonished him and Penny for walking so slowly. But those days were long past. Now he was expected to move with dignity and pride, something befitting a future leader. They came to a stop in the same place he always sat when he felt like being wise, the same spot where he could look out at the dirty, vile streets that he held such a burning hatred for.

"Look my son, everything that the rats encompass and that the sewerage covers belongs to us. Remember the story that your misses told you? The one about the lions?"

He nodded his head, uncertain of whether he had permission to speak or not.

"Well I want you to know that this is something like that, you could say that this place is our kingdom. A leader's time in power begins like a baby bird leaving the nest for the first time and usually ends in some sort of curse. One day my boy, that curse will strike me and then it'll be time for you to leave the nest- really leave the nest. And you'll be boss around here," he lowered himself slightly, suppressing a groan as he felt his joints being overworked. "Speak."

"This'll all be mine?" Otto Junior spoke, breathing in relief at the same time.

"Everything. You need to know that your mother would have wanted this as well. Before she passed, we had plans. While you grew as a leader we would have helped you, guided you, but there is no more we, there is only I. And I am getting closer and closer to being struck by that curse. I'm sorry my son, sorry that the laws of nature are robbing you of true opportunity."

Otto Junior was quiet for a matter of seconds before piping up, "Papi when I am leader, I will be able to tell Roman what to do?"

He laughed then, one of the few times he would ever feel the need to laugh. It was typically something that he avoided. He never wanted to stick out his neck for long enough to be taken advantage of. He never wanted to appear vulnerable in front of anyone, family or enemies. There had come a point in his time as boss when he had perfected the ability to intimidate with laughter, but that was all because he intentionally made it intimidating. Those who knew him best knew that it was practiced and done carefully, only a tool to be used in tough negotiations and meetings with rivals. His actual laughter had become something of a mystery, an enigma and yet there he was, laughing as though the world couldn't possibly hear him.

"There is much more to being boss than telling Roman what to do, my son."

"Really?"

"Everything you see. All that will be yours is constantly at odds with one another. It's a balance, but not a very stable one. You have to figure out the balance and all it's little nuances, really learn how to respect it's elements. The cats got a problem? Solve it. The rats are tired of being hunted by the cats? Talk to them about it."

"But I thought that dogs hated cats."

"We do, but the little fur balls wouldn't know what to do without us. That's why we keep on good terms with them. They make for good spies and they're nimble and all that. Useful skills are always worth keeping around," he looked up at where the sun was in the sky. "Would you look at that, it's about time you got going."

"You are not coming with Papi?"

"No, no. I got a meeting to attend to, but Roman will be with you. Hey," he stooped down low again. "You will behave yourself, right?"

"Yes Papi."

"Good boy."

Peg sighed deeply as she was escorted behind stage, where no one could see her. It was only her, Randall and The Major there. Cliff and Rick having been caught up in keeping her waves of adoring fans away from her.

"I really ought'a think of giving those two a raise sometime soon."

She listened as the gathered crowd clapped for Rosie who only a few moments later appeared from ahead of the curtain.

"Nice work out there Rosie."

"Thank you Peg," she replied and offered a warm smile. "Good luck to you and," her eyes turned downward to where three identical and growing puppies sat, "good luck to the three of you as well."

"Thank you Miss Rosie," they singsonged together, before making for the entrance of the stage.

"And now if you'll all give me a hand in giving a warm welcoming these three little sweethearts to stage."

"You are ready my girl?"

She turned to see The Major watching her, an inquisitive look on her face.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"I see," he studied her more closely. "Your fur, you prefer the old style over my advice."

"It's not that Major, it's just that...well, dog slobber ain't exactly much of a permanent adhesive."

"Randall's here, he could always-"

"No!" she exclaimed and then cleared her throat and softened her voice. "I think we'll just try it for the next show. Save the best for another time."

"Have it your way. You know I think it's a really good thing, the commitment you have. The willingness you have to entertain above all else."

"I try Major, I try."

"And have you decided whether you will be singing Silent Night or Winter Wonderland."

"Why not both?"

"That's the attitude I love to see and hear. It's all we can do to survive the state of the world today. Strange things are happening everyday you know."

She turned her head at him, "How so?"

"Oh just small little things that I've observed here and there. Church folk speaking in tongues more and more makes it feel like the day of judgement is coming. You believe in that sort of thing?"

"My Mama not so much, but the reverend always spoke about someone called Jesus falling outta the sky and collecting people who believed in him."

"Mhm...yes I've heard of that. The humans call him a holy light, say that he turned darkness into light and gave a blind man sight."

"Sounds very powerful."

"I'm sure that it is."

"You don't believe any of it yourself?"

"Stranger things happen everyday, but there's always an explanation to be found if one looks hard enough."

"Huh."

"Major!"

A dog that Peg had never seen before called over, he was accompanied by a young puppy that hid shyly behind him.

"Ah Roman," The Major seemed to have no problem with his presence and so Peg easily loosened up. "Glad to see that you were able to make it. Even if you do insist that you're only here on business, I hope that you find it in yourself to enjoy the show. I should probably introduce you two. Peg this is Roman, a bodyguard of sorts for an old friend of mine. Roman, you know Peg."

"A pleasure to meet you ma'am."

"The pleasure is all mine Roman," she shifted her gaze to the puppy behind him, "and who would that little sweetheart over there be?"

"This," Roman stepped slightly out of the way, "is Otto Junior, son of Mr. Otto and heir to the family business."

Peg's lip curled ever so slightly. She had heard plenty of Mr. Otto and his various deeds and while she had no intention of ever crossing paths with him, just his name alone was enough to make her skin crawl. The young puppy she was staring at however, resembled nothing of the cold, deep depths most used to describe Mr. Otto. "Kids don't have to be their parents," she thought. "I'll bet that he's as innocent as I am."

"A pleasure to meet you Junior," Peg crouched down to meet his level, despite her already short stature.

He answered in a timid and soft voice, "You too ma'am."

She gave him a soft smile and he returned it hesitantly, a blush reaching his cheeks.

"Anyhow," The Major caught her attention once more, "this will be a very enjoyable performance I am sure. There's plenty of important people and dogs watching, including our two esteemed guests over here, so I am sure that all will go well, isn't that right Roman?"

"Of course," he fixed Peg with the same kind of look that made her shiver when the words Otto were muttered. "So long as you keep it nice and friendly for all the families and young ones watching. Keep it tame, just the way that my boss, Mr. Otto prefers things to be."

She could feel the beat of her heart climbing, but didn't respond. That was three times in the past two minutes where she had felt herself stiffen up in instinctual and primal fear. The type that made her want nothing more but to shrink back, to hide behind her father. It made her throat dry and she quickly swallowed a few times to keep her voice from following suit.

"Peg!" Rick burst in. "You ready?"

She tore her gaze from Roman and towards Rick, seeing that Cliff trailed just a few yards away, "You got rid of all those leeches and parasites already?"

He nodded eagerly, "Lost 'em through a few secret paths here and there. No chance they'll be finding you any time soon. You know, we really 'ought to get a raise for how many times we have to play them all for fools."

"Wow, what a great showing! Thank you once more to the three of them, now how's about we introduce a young dog that I'm certain most of you folk have heard about..."

Peg nodded in approval, "One sure will be coming your way. Well, I guess we better get going."

"Good luck," Roman's voice met her ears again. "Everything will go as planned," and then he repeated himself again, "so long as you keep nice and still up on that stage."

She swallowed and quickly walked past him, but stopped when the softer voice spoke, "Good luck Ms Peg."

"Thank you sweetheart," she again bent down. "Just Peg is fine. Don't sit too far now. I'll be looking for your handsome face in the crowd alright?"

He blushed again.

"...we've finally got a name for her. Ladies and gentleman please would you do me a favor and give a warm round of applause for Peg! Peg the prancing paradox!"

They walked onto the stage with their usual bravado, although Peg certainly didn't feel it, all the signs of dread were there, clear as day. The way that she hunched her shoulders, shrunk away, opened her mouth, but felt nothing come out, opened her eyes as wide as saucers and trembled. All in front of an expectant audience. It reminded her too much of her first ever performance.

"Don't let ever let 'em change you from who you are."

But then again, it most definitely was not her first performance. And she most definitely was not a tool for The Major or anyone of his friends to use. She turned back to Cliff and Rick and said quickly, in a hushed whisper, "Tramping on."

lf you all will shut your trap,

I will tell you 'bout a chap,

That was broke and up against it too, for fair;

He was not the kind to shirk,

He was looking hard for work,

But he heard the same old story everywhere.

She looked again to Cliff and Rick and they understood immediately, adding a chorus that sounded of barks and howls to the as-usual bemused humans, but had a deep and profound meaning to the many dogs scattered in the tent.

Tramp, tramp, tramp, keep on a-tramping,

Nothing doing here for you;

If I catch you 'round again,

You will wear the ball and chain,

Keep on tramping, that's the best thing you can do.

All their eyes were on her by then, of that she was certain, but the attention felt good, it put her at ease and allowed her to finally relax and feel freedom in her own skin. Freedom to sway to a tune and to do whatever it took to put a smile on every audience member's already fascinated and curious faces.

He walked up and down the street,

Till the shoes fell off his feet.

In a house he spied a lady cooking stew,

And he said, "How do you do,

May I chop some wood for you?"

What the lady told him made him feel so blue.

From somewhere in the dimly lit tent, Roman shook his head in disappointment and gently beckoned Otto Junior out of the tent with his nose. He gave a single, sharp bark before taking his leave.

'Cross the street a sign he read,

"Work for Jesus" so it said,

And he said, "Here is my chance, I'll surely try,"

And he kneeled upon the floor,

Till his knees got rather sore,

But at eating-time he heard the preacher cry...

Down the street he met a cop,

And the copper made him stop,

And he asked him, "When did you blow into town?

Come with me up to the judge,"

But the judge he said, "Oh fudge,

Bums that have no money needn't come around."

Finally came that happy day

When his life did pass away,

He was sure he'd go to heaven when he died,

When he reached the pearly gate,

Santa Peter, mean old skate,

Slammed the gate right in his face and loudly cried:

"Look out!"

A woman screamed and jumped from her seat, clutching her dress in both hands. From under her seat, a darkened, angry dog emerged with it's eyes fixed on the stage. Several reactions went around simultaneously after that, creating enough of a commotion to pause the show. Peg gasped when she saw the horde of beasts rushing toward her, delayed only by the careful placement of the chairs. She felt herself freeze up, but was aware enough of her surroundings to notice Cliff and Rick stand protectively in front of her.

That was where she assumed it would be safest to stay and was exactly where she intended to stay, until her gaze ran left and she saw a familiar white shape struggling on the ground, which sent all worries of safety down the drain.

"Pops!"

"You're leaving the egg in the nest?" he scoffed. "After all this time, the empire that you built, the one we'd be willing to pay a fortune for, you're just gonna keep passing it around like it's a game of fetch?"

"You and I have never seen eye to eye," Mr. Otto said in response. "It was only a matter of time before our agreements broke down," he sighed then and fixed his compatriot with a solemn stare. "I'm sorry Jonesy, this is just the way that things have to be. Me and my family, we've always been the old-fashioned type and we're not going to change any time soon."

"The world is changing you old fool! The old ways don't work anymore. And that is not my fault or any of the others. Why must you be so uptight about it?""

"Now, now, no need for insults."

Jonesy took a deep breath before speaking again, carefully weighing his words, "If you do what you're planning on doing, you're son is gonna be the one to suffer. That's why I want this deal, me and all the others. We'll support him, make sure that he doesn't inherit a hopeless facade of power. Everything will stay the same, it'll just be some more dogs working behind the scenes. Why is this so hard to say yes to?"

Mr. Otto shook his head, "You ask too much of me friend."

"Why? What does this place mean to you?"

"It's all my family and I ever had. When my father came here, he had nothing but the sand on his fur. He built this place up himself. He came to you and your father himself. He was the one who pushed for unity but he never forced it on anyone, always insisted that family came first and that's all I'm doing now."

Jonesy studied the other dog, lip torn between a grimace of scorn and a hostile snarl. He knew as well as anyone else that there was no use in trying to convince a mouse to leave it's hole, but that did not mean he felt it useless to try. Alas, the best that he could do was leave with a scathing remark.

"When you're laying wherever it is that you end up, destitute and dying, I hope that you remember this conversation that we had today."

"I'm sure I will."

"Pops! Pops!"

Peg ran over all that she had to, to reach the writhing white figure a few yards away.

The noise was deafening and became worst still as she dove headfirst into the legs of scared and retreating humans. Some remained and kicked anyone one of the large dogs that came toward them. Some mistook Peg for one of the savages and almost sent her flying, barely missing by the toes of their heavy boots. As she ran through and past them, she also did her best in remaining inconspicuous, although that was difficult when her shiny fur made her stick out like a sore thumb.

From somewhere behind her, she heard Randall barking, trying to establish some sort of ordered communication with the dogs that had attacked. It seemed useless however as they kept up the onslaught, scaring children and their mothers from the tent and generally destroying whatever they were able to. She could only hope that Cliff and Rick had safely made it off the stage.

"Gotcha'!"

She yelped as she was tackled to the ground by a larger dog. A doberman more specifically. muscular, fast, and powerful'. Standing between 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder, he was too large to be pushed off. And a body that was sleek but substantial meant that she was completely trapped forced to stare up at his glistening coat of black, blue, red, and fawn, with rust markings.

"I'm gonna enjoy this you know," his saliva covered lips hovered right over her ear and she cringed at the warmth that she could feel was radiating off of them. "It's been a while since I've gotten the chance at a job like this, mhm, I love me a young, energetic girl."

"P-please," she stammered, feeling her forgotten tears well up in her eyes, "just let me go."

"Sshhhh. You'll spoil the fun for old Rusty. That's what they call me, but it's not because I'm rus-"

She felt able to breath again as his weight came off of her, but before she was able to so much as lift her head, a wet, familiar nose was nudging her up.

"I'm not one to instigate panic, but now would sure be a good time to run my girl!"

Peg didn't need to be told twice. Before long, she had made it all the way across the room and was standing before her father.

"Pops y-you, we gotta go...Pops!"

"Peg, I-"

Tears began to brim at her eyes when she realized that his breathing was becoming more and more strained, leaving him unable to so much as speak. From somewhere behind her, a dog was thrown across the tent, landing near the entrance.

"You...you're gonna be alright. You have to be alright."

He was already choking, painful gasps escaping him and creating a noise that drowned out all others.

"Your m-ma-"

"Don't forget about her."

That was what he really meant to say, but Peg's tears, the chaos and his failing heart, all refused him the chance to keep his promise. Failure. That was what he died with at the forefront of his mind. Failure.

And as Peg stood before her fallen father, the world shattered around her and she felt it's realities and it's cruelties for the first time. It was too much, overwhelming in the worst way possible. Surely there would be some fantasy were she to escape it. So she ran. Her feet always moved faster than her mind could.