Lily stood to the side of the patrol car that laid stuck in a ditch with a large trail of grass vine and dirt behind it, trying to strike a match as Skye and Marshall looked all around in the air, they knew they were being chase and the Sheriff's Department wasn't going to give up with out a good chase.
"Stupid Matches" Lily said, continuously attempting over and over again to get a spark but to avail. Both the Canines tried to hide under the thick spell of trees they were in, so many trees bunched up together in one space, letting the leaves give perfect cover but there was always a chance of being followed. "Aha!" Skye and Zuma bothered turned their heads to see Lily holding a blazing match, it burned elegantly and calm just as Lily threw it under the patrol car.
"There we go, Time for us to make our leave" Lily said, motioning the others to follow her deeper into the forest and away from the nearby roadway she had drove off of. "So, when can we rescue Ryder?"
"Well definitely not today, After all that the Sheriff Department will no doubt lock down everything they have. It'll have to be tomorrow. Don't worry though, I'll organize something with Klaus" She stated.
"Thanks to both of you, those bugs should pick up everything they say and In time, It'll give the Bureau all the evidence they need to come in and lay down some charges on all of them" Lily once again praised the two canines for their work.
"So…Hungry….So….Soar…So….Everything" Rocky panted, his legs felt like they were going to give out at any moment, His brain told him to just stop in place and just take a break, but the guards behind him made to change his mind. All the dogs were finished mining with their claws, There was still more to mine but that would be for the next set of dogs to do. All the dogs and one cat, Tuska, were led back through the mine where they had come. Chase was at his side, he was also having it rough from the hard labour, Rubble too.
"It doesn't get easier" Brax came into their sides; he was also panting but he had his breathing somewhat under control. It was to be expected after all, this wasn't his first rodeo. "We need to break out fast, I don't think how much of this I can take each day" Chase stated.
"A plan to break out of a place like this would take time, nothing on the fly. You have one chance to do it right or you risk everything." The Bernese Mountain Dog said sternly, reminding them that breaking out wasn't going to a fresh jog. "We know, but the sooner the better. Besides, That cat we saw earlier, The only cat prisoner with the other dogs, he agreed to help us" Chase relayed to their surprise, even Brax seemed a bit taken back.
"Really, What's the catch?" Rubble asked.
"We break him out too" Chase responded.
"Seems fair" Brax shrugged, accidentally bumping into the canine in front of him as the group suddenly stopped. He heard a wave of beeps and flashes coming from a singular large orange light, he was a relatively tall dog, so looking over the dogs in front of him was not that big of a deal. The same door they dogs had entered was now opening back, they were going back into the large room that they had fallen into from the hole at the top.
"Everyone out!" One cat shouted, they all moved slowly. They knew what was coming and they all looked forward to it, but despite the fact that their dog bodies were so weak and soar from all the work it didn't matter much. "Cmon and get it!" Another cat said, throwing a bag of kibble and minced meat onto the floor. Every dog turned vile, springing toward the food spread over the floor. Chase, Rocky and Rubble all stood in shock once more at the viciousness of the other dogs, but then soon realized if they hesitated for too long, there would be none left.
Even Brax, the Dog that spoke so wisely and gently from before, had sprang forward just like the other dogs, wanting the first to dig his muzzle into the food and get a few good savoring bites. Chase sprang forward, pushing aside any dog in between him and the kibble. Rocky and Rubble hesitated for a second before joining in. The seconds mattered, the room was filled with growls and yelps of pain from dogs who bite others, daring to take each other's portion.
Chase managed to wolf down a few chunks and mouthfuls of the kibble, it was a far cry compared to the stuff Ryder would usually feed his team members, but it was alright. Rubble tried to get a good grasp but had failed time and time again, dogs bigger than him pushed him aside and nipped at his side, a fresh warning.
Rubble felt a paw slam into his side and push him off hard, a good far distance from the huddle vicious pack that still tore itself apart for just a few more bites. Rubble whimpered as his hunger was no quenched. He laid his head to rest on the rocky hard ground, thinking that he drifted off to sleep and it would void his hunger. Curling up in a ball before feeling something cold nudge his side, it couldn't have been a vicious dog, the nudge was too gentle, only wanting to grab his attention.
Rubble lifted his head to see the mighty mountain dog, Brax, looking down on his. His muzzle was expressionless. The bulldog dog remained puzzled for a few seconds, not knowing what Brax wanted and why he wanted the attention of the bulldog. That is before he lowered his muzzle to meet his eyes, he opened his mouth to the ground, letting a sudden mouth full of unchewed kibble stack in a small pile right in front of Rubble.
"Its not much, but its something to keep you going" Brax had said, there was no emotion in his heart, but the gesture itself said everything there needed to be said. Underneath that thick black, brown and patch of white fur was a heart that cared. "T-Thank you" Rubble eyed the small pile of kibble for a second, inspecting it a bit as he saw small pieces of kibble that were damp with saliva. That was to be expected as it was within Brax's mouth after all. Besides that, it was a kind gesture that Rubble couldn't refuse. His stomach wouldn't let him.
Brax watched over Rubble as he started to savour the kibble, just as Chase and Rocky walked over to see what was going on. "Well, That was something. Those dogs are vicious" Rocky stated, looking back to see most of the dogs had dissipated away from the spot, walking over into separate parts of the dim cave to rest up as much as they could. Two cat deputies stood on guard watching over the door that they had come through, both clutching their brightly coloured rifles, it was less than lethal, but the pain would be intense still. One of the deputies nudged the other before walking away from his post. Walking over to Tuska in an isolated part of the cave that seemed darker than any other corner, Tuska was the only cat prisoner in the entire prison, what could he be doing.
The deputy reached into his vest and pulled out a small plastic bag, throwing it to Tuska's paws as it landed next to him. Tuska tugged at the small clear plastic bag, Rocky and the other dogs saw this and all silently pondered what it could be he was suddenly given. Everyone except for Brax however.
"Its food" He said as all the other dogs looked at him, shocked and puzzled.
"It happens every time, When all the dogs are finished and quiet, they give him his meal. Its usually some piece of fish or something. They treat him better because well…Its obvious" He stated, as the other dogs looked over to see he was right. Tuska had pulled a decent size piece of fish fillet from the small bag. Tuska took small bites from it as he paid no mind to the dogs eyeing him. He was still a cat, and no matter how you put it, a dog could overpower him and take that piece of juicing well cooked fish away from him.
It come all too soon, as Chase had spotted a small group of 3 dogs looking over at the cat. Each of them nodding to one another before making their way to the feline. "If they're going to do what I think they're going to do, It wont work". Two of the dogs were Labs but the one that took charge was a skinny looking Rhodesian ridgeback.
Common sense wasn't the language that the vicious plotting dogs spoke or understood, If there was any common sense in their brains, then it would have been nulled by hunger and greed. "You. Give up the fish…or else" One of the dogs threatened to the cat, Tuska raised his paw at them in what seemed like a poor gesture to get them to stop in their tracks. "That's not necessary" He replied, sounding a bit nervous in his voice.
"Drop the fish before I chow down on some cat instead" The ridgeback had threatened once more, Tuska stood his ground instead. Looking at all three in the eyes one by one as he scanned for their first move.
Both Labradors eyes each other before receiving a nod from the Rhodesian ridgeback. One Labrador leaped for the cat, he was mid air just as he was suddenly caught by his hind leg and slammed to the ground. The ground was hard and solid, it didn't make a big sound, but a sound none the less. The Labrador felt a sharp pair of teeth biting into him, turning around to see It was a German Shepherd.
"Who do you think you are?!" The ridgeback shouted at the German Shepherd. Chase didn't reply, only crunching his teeth into the Labrador further, eventually swinging his body around before tossing him to the side. "Think about your next move" Chase said, lowering his head and brandishing his teeth with a snarl.
"How do you attack your own, to defend a cat above all" The ridgeback said with a growl of disgust. Most the dogs around the cave had turned their attention to the altercation that was happening. All took notice including Rocky, Rubble, Brax, and even Tuska. He was quite surprised a dog had come to his aid.
"Cat lover" The ridgeback muttered, The Labrador also shared the same feeling, more so with anger as he charged the German Shepherd in response. Chase taken back by surprise, shielded himself before see the Labrador being tackled. It was Rocky and Brax. Both ramming into the Labrador from across the cave with full speed.
The Labrador's body fell limp as the brute force of the attack slid his body back. "I am baffled and Disgusted at the Dogs that would even think to defend this cat, Are you contempt with being slaves to them?"
"Leave him alone Dash" Brax muttered.
"I had high hopes for dogs like you Brax, after all you've been through, you stand with these dogs to help a cat. Pathetic" The ridgeway growled, He slowly stalked toward Chase. The closest one to him he feels he could get a cheap bite off.
Just before he could, A small Rubber projectile slammed across Dash the ridgeback's muzzle. He screamed and helped in pain for a few seconds, stumbling onto the ground. I came the Cat guard, armed up and one holding a small muzzle lock fit for a dog like Dash.
"Break it up Mutts!" One shouted, aiming his rubber bullet shotgun at Chase now, Chase felt helpless and fearful staring down it's long barrel. "Wait!" The guard had heard as well as the Chase and the others. Then all turned to see it was Tuska the cat, his paw raised up high to grab their attention.
"Leave the German Shepherd and the others alone, It was the Ridgeback that started it" He said, Chase watched in awe as the cat that had looked like he was going to shoot him, sudden lowered his weapon and nodded in respect. Turning his attention to the Ridgeback who was now in a muzzle and being led away. Dash glanced at Chase and the others with a deathly stare as he was led away.
"You shouldn't have done that" Tuska said to the German Shepherd, Chase turned back to the Cat, thinking as if he was ungrateful. "I can just sit by and watch it happen, its not who I am" He responded.
"After everything I've dedicated my life to, I never thought a dog would come to my aid. I've regret so much" He said, hanging his head low in guilt as his tail stood still and flat on the ground.
"What are you talking about?" Rocky asked.
"I suppose I have to tell you one way or another, Please just keep in mind that I've changed ever since I came here, I no longer look on dogs the way I used to"
"Noted, Just tell us"
"Fine, It was about a year ago, I was a deputy. I was a rookie"
1 YEAR AGO
Tuska stood along a long line of deputies, they all stood in single file, their tails turned to the Sheriff's Department building and they were so close their flanks touched. All of them dressed head to claw in riot gear as per the order of the Sheriff. Clear glass visors covered their little faces, helmets specifically made for cats for their ears to fit through.
Tuska looked around, all he could see were dogs running a mock like wild animal. Barking out chants before being pushing back by one deputy. The dogs were much bigger than the cats, but the Canines still hand the fear in them of what would happen if the cats suddenly decides to charge and start clawing and scratching and making arrests.
It was difficult to make out what each dog shouted, and it was getting difficult to even understand why they were there in the first place. Tuska snarled in disgust at the mass of dogs that thought they had power; thought they had the audacity to come into town and act like this. Even more see, seeing a significant number of cats alongside the dogs, acting as rowdy as them. "Why would any cat align themselves with these…. these…. animals" Tuska said to his colleague next to him, both standing firm against the mass of dogs.
"Traitors, that's who" He replied before suddenly getting fresh radio chatter on their sides. "Attention all units, We are in the process of deploying Chloroacetophenone to disperse the crowd and make a few arrests" One voice said over the radio. Every other deputy got the same message, Tuska looked perplexed as the message came, that word he'd never heard before. "What's that?"
"CS Gas, Tear Gas, C'mon Tuska this was in your training." The cat said, already in the midst of taking off his own helmet to apply a gas mask that latched to his side from his vest. "Oh, Sorry" Tuska replied, flustered for a moment before doing just as his colleague had done. Tuska removed his helmet and strapped the gas mask to his feline face. The whole world was foggy, and he could hear his own breaths, he looked left and right to see almost every deputy standing firm with their gas masks facing down the large crowd of dogs.
"DISPERSE IMMEDIATLEY, THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING" One deputy had shouted into a microphone to the crowd, his voice was muffled by the gas mask he also wore however. Nevertheless, the order was clear but it had fallen on deaf ears. All the dogs were ready and weren't anticipating anything else. Within seconds, Tuska heard a loud barge of 'Thunk' sounds from behind him. He had flinched for a second before looking up to see several canisters of tear gas flying through the sky and landing in the middle of the crowds in front of him. The dogs began to bark in anger, yelp in pain, and cry out for mercy.
The cats decided to give none, Every cat from the line charged forward. Tuska was looking forward to this part. He rushed ahead and ramming into several dogs. Swinging his club from side to side to cause as much pain as he could in order to carry out the Sheriff's orders. He couldn't see clearly which dogs were being hit, all he knew was that he was hitting dogs, and that was good enough confirmation for him to keep going. Any cat he had hit, he gave no remorse, dog lovers were just as vile as dogs themselves in his mind. Adrenaline rushed through the cat's veins as he continued to push through. He looked around and saw some of the smoke from the Tear gas was beginning to clear, he had seen several deputies holding down dogs, trying to make arrests.
Tuska looked around, an arrest would surely look good on his record, even as a rookie himself. He glanced around to see a cat, obviously not a deputy, laying on the ground trying to help a dog back on his paws. Tuska wasted no time and rushed the cat, tackling him to the ground within question or warning. "Stop Resisting, You're under arrest!" Tuska shouted, his voice muffled, and face covered.
The cat protester tried to squirm free but ultimately gave up, turning to the dog he was trying to help. "Go, Run!" The cat shouted, urging the canine to get up and run away before he was next. The dog had gotten the message and turned its tail, bolting in the other direction to flee. Tuska now infuriated, ruining his chance at two arrests. He turned his focus back to the cat he continued to hold down. "You're facing hard time for that!" He threatened, beating the cat over the head repeatedly.
The cat on the ground didn't put up much of a fight, giving in to the authorities. Still, Tuska repeatedly pounded his head choked the fellow feline into the ground. The cat protester started to gargle and cough for air, before being turned around, his belly rubbing against the dirt as Tuska applied cuffs. "Good Job Tuska" Tuska has heard, the same deputy that stood by him a few minutes earlier in the police defense line.
Just then, The gas from their surroundings had dissipated and their air was clear to breathe once again. He looked around and saw all around there were dogs and cats groaning in pain, some deputies being helped up by their fellow colleagues. The deputy cat then looked back down at Tuska and his suspect now that the air was clearer, only for his face to turn white just like the tear gas that had covered the land just seconds ago, except it was fear that swept him.
The deputy backed away with a worried face, shaking a bit from fear as he knew something Tuska didn't. "What?" Tuska had asked, seeing the concern on his friend's face. Brushing it off for a second before lifting up the cat. "Now, What's your name?" Tuska had asked the cat he had just beaten to a pulp. His head had patches of flood and his body was limp but still breathing, it seemed like he was unconscious.
"Eh whatever, I'll just run him through the database and find out his name, Good work right?" Tuska asked with a chuckled, looking back to still see his colleague in shock and fear over who he had just arrested. "Tuska…Do you realize who that is?" He finally asked. Tuska eyed the cat, who groaned slightly. Coming back into consciousness he was laid on the ground.
"Does it matter?" He asked.
"Yes, Yes it does Tuska. Listen, if anyone asks, I didn't help you with that arrest. That was all on you" He said before shaking his head and walking away, tending to another deputy he might need help with. The statement still puzzled him, what was so special about the cat he had just arrested, sure he was a bit excessive in his force, but he saw cats do it all the time to dogs and fellow cats, what made this one cat so special?
"Time to get you booked in" Tuska taunted in his own tone and words, picking up and dragging the half-conscious cat along the grass back to the station for processing and booking.