YOSH! This is Squalo King with a new chapter of Stray Dogs

Disclaimer I own nothing.

Any reviews will be helpful.

Oh and if you have any mission ideas then let me know. They take any job, so send in requests if you can.

Also, I will try and create shorter chapters in the future.

I'm going to try an indication for Lotus hearing someone "Speak" It appears as this: "~Lotus, time to go.~ "

Chapter 2: The Tiger's Tail

March 7/ 2010/ Location: Base of the Stray Dogs.

Sitting at a kitchen counter in a place that almost no one knew existed, Lotus, the God of Flowers, was relaxing with his headphones in his ears, listening to music.

*Ding*

"Oh, looks like dinner's done," Lotus smiled as he closed the laptop he was reading from. He stood up revealing his apron decorated with pictures of lavender, his white long-sleeve shirt, his baggy pants, and hanging around his neck were his beloved wireless headphones. He walked across the white hard kitchen floor in his bare feet to the white oven and reached for the silver pot that exhumed stream.

"Alright, open wide," Lotus said with a smirk. He took the top off the pot and the first thing that hit Lotus was the rich powerful smell of the meal, "*Sniff* Hmm, oh that smells ready to me, and damn good too," he said with elation and pride. "Good cause I'm starving or famished, whichever is good,"

Lotus then looked inside the pot where several chicken-flavored meatballs were cooking along with more ingredients that he had added: boiled cabbage leaves, chopped carrots, turnips, mushrooms, pieces of beef, and potatoes in a nice well-simmered broth. Lotus then placed some of the stew into a pair of metal bowls

"Now to get Ace," he took off his apron and grabbed the laptop he was using from the kitchen table. "If his food gets cold he'll complain," Louts then quickly took the laptop into the conversation pit living room that was only a few feet from the kitchen, with white soft carpeting showing the divide between rooms. Lotus walked down the white carpeted steps into the lowered living room with a black modular sofa. He then set the laptop on a small metal table in the middle of the room.

Lotus then looked directly where he knew Ace was, in his lab. His eyes saw past the white metal walls and saw a light, a soul, and around it was a flame-like aura in the shape of his dear friend, Ace.; that looked like it was sitting, working.

"Still at it huh?"Lotus walked toward a hallway, "Freakin' workaholic, better get him before he starves,"

He then walked out of down one of many hallways where multiple sets of metal electronic doors reside with lights built into the white metal ceiling showing the way. All of the doors had different words on them, but Lotus reached the door with the words "Ace's Lab" etched on it with a drawing of an atom next to it.

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

"Ace, food's finished," Ace did not respond, but Lotus saw his aura through the door, he seemed all right. "He's that deep in it," Lotus pressed a hidden button on the wall causing the door to open, and was met with a familiar site: Ace at his workbench

"YO ACE!" Lotus yelled tactlessly.

"~HOLY!~" Aced jumped from his seat and to his annoyance. He turned around to see Lotus and quickly hit his workbench with his fist and pointed at him angrily with his scowl underneath his plaid cloth mask with his angry cobalt eyes behind a pair of safety goggles. "~OH MY DAYS!You dumbass, what have I told you about sneaking up on me?!~" he yelled, though no words escaped his lips.

"Sorry, but I called you in the living room, but you didn't answer," Lotus was about to walk toward him when Ace pointed next to the door where a container where other safety goggles were being kept. Above it was a sign that stated; "Please place safety goggles over your eyes as you enter the lab,"

"~You know the rules~," said Ace as he pointed at his goggles. Lotus then put a pair of goggles over his eyes, "~Thank you, ~"

"You and your work, what are you doing now?" asked Lotus as he approached Ace and his work area, walking past the black-striped yellow tape with the words "Dangerous Area" on the floor( they were in multiple places). "Fixing some guy's computer, cellphone or-"

Above the table were printed blueprints for other devices pinned to the wall. On the wall adjacent to it was a large board-like device that was hung in a metal rack, a cloak covered in small-octagonal black plates, a hand-sized grappling hook, some mask filters, a utility belt, two of Ace's guns, and more. And hung up on a special rack was Ace's combat suit and coat that he wore.

"Working on some new tech, or finishing an old piece of yours?" asked Lotus as he gestured to the gadgets., "When can I help you put these to work?" Ace smacked his hand away from his stuff, "OW, come on man," Ace responded by making an "X" with his arms and pointing at his gadgets

"~No touching any of them; all but a few of them are still a bit lopsided,~" he eyed the board-like device,"~Especially that one," said Ace. He gestured at an octagon like a small device with a few buttons on it and exposed wiring "~I was just given' my gear a quick look. Nothing important to be sure, I don't even to touch my screwdriver,~" said Ace as he set a few of his tools aside. Lotus tilted his head a bit at Ace's statement.

"Just cleaning your stuff huh?" asked Lotus with a tone soaked with concern.

"~S-Somewhat,~" he said. At that moment Lotus saw Ace's aura turn and change, it moved around in a strange matter, he could feel the guilt from Ace's words and skin, and the moment that Ace "uttered" his answer Lotus's ears burned.

"Uh huh, explain that then,"

Lotus then pointed to an adjacent desk where more tools and machinery rest with a standing container filled with blue energy. On the desk was also a large comforter with gardenias printed on it and a matching pillow resting in the swivel chair by the work desk. He didn't turn around to Lotus to notice his grin; rather, he lowered his eyelids and furrowed his brow irritated.

"~Don't look at me like that,~" Ace uttered irritated and embarrassed. Lotus nearly laughs,

"I'll give you that look however I damn well please," said Lotus, Lotus then walked over to the work desk and grabbed the pillow and comforter. "You need to stop sleeping in here, man," Ace groaned hearing that, judged by the sunset amber eyes that he knew could perceive his soul.

"~D-Don't judge me, and besides my inventions and my research demands a lot of attention,~" said Ace. He knew he was just making poor excuses.

"Yeah, and your body demands a lot of rest and food," said Lotus. "Oh that reminds me, foods finished, all set on the table," a wave of relief and shock hit Ace's eyes, something Lotus caught right away.

"~Oh good, I'm starving~," said Ace in relief as he rubbed his stomach.

"I knew that sounded better," said Lotus "I'll go get mine and the drinks ready,"

"~Cherry soda please, and after we eat we can talk about which job to take today,~" said Ace.

"Meet you in the kitchen," said Lotus, but before he left he grabbed the pillow and comforter, "And stop sleeping in your lab,"

"~G-Get out of my laboratory ~" said Ace. Lotus then walked out of the room. "~*Groan* Dumbass,"

"I heard that!" yelled Lotus with a laugh causing Ace to stiffen up in surprise.

"~You were supposed to, and don't get seconds without me!~" Ace yelled back shaking his fist.

Ace pressed a touch-sensitive button on various metal cabinets to slide open and put everything back. He moved as fast and as delicately as he possibly could without breaking anything. Ace took a quick look around to be sure he didn't forget anything. Everything was okay but he looked at the machine that held a container filled with cobalt energy. It almost gave off a charge while inside, electrical crackles inside of the tube as a piece of metal floated inside, and it even gave off a hum. Next to the container were books that rest on the workbench with the title print that read, "Arclight" and a computer.

"~No, I won't let it out yet,~." he scratched his curly brown hair. "~I'll let the computer take more data for 24 more hours before running more tests~"

"Hurry up man, if you don't stop talking to yourself the food's gonna get cold" yelled Lotus, Ace turned in the direction of the door and shook his fist in the air.

"~In a tick, just let me put my stuff back~!" yelled Ace. "

Ace then put all his safety equipment away and on the way out of his lab he put the safety goggles back into the case and the door shut behind him. As he walked past the several rooms including Lotus's and made it to the kitchen where he saw a steaming hot bowl of Lotus's cooking waiting for him with a glass of cherry red soda waiting for him.

"There you are," Ace followed Lotus's voice and saw him sitting on the sofa with his dinner and drink on the table. "I got down here, so take that mask off and eat," said Lotus with a smile. Ace gave an approving smile under his mask. He then ran over to the table and quickly sat down. He looked down at his meal and saw the freshly cooked meat and vegetables floating around in a wonderful broth, filling the bowl to the near brim. His cherry soda was in a clear glass, bubbling with fizz and a straw inside.

"~Smells great, thank you Lotus,~" said Ace. He pointed at Lotus and covered his eyes. "~No peaking, remember,!~" Lotus waved away at Ace.

"I promise I won't look," said Lotus, he then started eating as he was watching T.V. while Ace was eating with his mask off.

"Thank you!" said Lotus. He looked up at the T.V. and decided to change the channel until ended so he turned the channel until he found a newscast that showed Icicle Sr attempting to rob a bank with a Green Lantern fighting him, John Stewart. Lotus quickly tried to chew his food enough to swallow as the fight continued on TV

"*GULP* *Cough* ACE, LOOK AT THE TV, GREEN LANTERN IS FIGHTING ICICLE SR. AT COASTAL CITY!" Lotus called out frantically. Ace rushed to put on his mask and then sat right next to Lotus.

"~Let me see!~"

"Easy, there's plenty of room," said Lotus as he put his food down on the living room table and watched the fight. It was then that the cameraman showed more of the fight. There was money scattered and flew everywhere like snow. Ice spikes had erupted from the ground like trees, some had cars stuck through them and even hit some buildings.

Icicle Sr's body was in its frozen form; his large muscular body was coated in light blue ice, acting as his skin, wearing an open white winter coat and dark blue pants. His white short hair protruded small spikes that complemented his snowy short jagged beard. He shot beams of ice at Green Lantern in one hand while a large back of money was slung over his shoulder. Green Lantern blocked the attack with a green energy bubble from his ring

"He's gonna overtake him,"

Icicle Sr. Waived his free hand producing a wave-like ice structure to shield himself from the Lantern's attacks. However, Green Lantern circled him with the villain firing and missing him with his gun. Green Lantern was then behind Icicle Sr, his ring glowing brightly as the criminal turned around to counter-attack.

"~HIT HIM!~" "cheered" Ace, as he pumped his fist with Lotus giving a big bright smile at the fight. Green Lantern then created a large fight with his power ring and smashed it against the snowy villain. Icicle Sr's body breaks against his barricade, shattering it into pieces like glass.

"KNOCKOUT!" cheered Lotus he punched hard into his hand, holding a wide smile on his face Green Lantern wasted no time in creating emerald colored chains that wrapped around his criminal opponent, binding him in place.

"Justice League for the win!" said Lotus.

"~ACES!~"

"Yeah, baby!"

*SMACK*

The two them them then smack their hands together in celebration, though Ace's hand stung from it causing it to waive his hand to chase away the pain. They watched the screen as Icicle Sr, was being hauled away by the police, and while John Stewart was being thanked; pictures taken by passing citizens, cheers erupted and the frozen specialist was scowling at his defeat. Ace's eyes lit up with exhilaration, he couldn't stop smiling. However as Ace watched Green Lantern's fight, as the said hero was receiving his accolades he looked down a himself. His smile faded and his heart sank, he felt so small.

"~We still aren't ready for them, are we?~" asked Ace.

"No, the old man is right when he says we need to wait," said Lotus somberly. He then patted Ace on the back "But we can't keep staying here when people might need our help then we never will be.," Lotus beamed with a smile as he said this leaving Ace to smile back as he looked up at him.

"~Right, guess breaks over,~" said Ace. He then took a hand-held device out of his pocket: it was black, rectangular, a centimeter or so thicker than a normal touch phone, it easily fit in his hand, and on the corners were rounded dark blue rubber corner guards that reached down the sides of the device but never touched on another with swirls on them.

"So what do we do today: patrol, train, take another job, or visit a friend?" asked Lotus enthusiastically, "You get to pick today and I'll follow your lead,"

"~ Let's see what's in store before we decide what to do,~" said Ace as he set the device aside. "~Go get my laptop, I'll bring it down here instead of on the tube,~" Lotus grabbed the laptop from nearby, much to Ace's surprise.

"Take mine instead, I was used to reading some about the older missions anyway.." said Lotus. Ace then opened the laptop and saw the mission log for the previous jobs that had been done together.

With a few keystrokes, Ace brought up the homepage of a website. It was white with black letters and looked like an online request board with two wolves a black image of two wolves on the sides, one resting in a set of flowers and the other poking his nose at a calculator with some scrap around it. The header read as thus: Stray Dogs Request Board. Below are sections to add the request details: Username, Meeting or Information drop-off area, and Request Details. Below that was a small section that read: Regular's code. Ace then pulled up two sections that only he and Lotus could access: one for anonymous requests, made by people they didn't know and the regular requests that were made for people they knew and would request help for them(Only they would get access to this portion of the sit).

"You can choose again, I'll pick the next one," said Lotus. "Show the regulars first, maybe the old man or Marduk has something," Ace checked the Regular's section and found no jobs from anyone they knew much to Lotus's disappointment."Dang, I got the book that Marduk wanted all ready for him,"

"~He takes ages to make a request anyway and it's impossible to find him, so you'll just have to wait~" said Ace. "~ Let's pick one of the anon's requests,~" Ace brought up a list of anonymous requests and they saw the familiar sight: slim pickings of requests "~Looks like there's only one~"

"Catch My Tiger?" Ace raised an eyebrow, "They want us to track down an animal?" asked Lotus as he looked at the screen. "If so I don't mind, I've never hugged a tiger before." Lotus's tone was filled with glee, though Ace rolled his eyes at him.

"~Oh yes perfect. Just what I need, seeing you recover from a tiger bite.~" said Ace as he made his hands clap together like a creature biting. He then selected the job to look at the description.

"But you're gonna pick it anyway?" asked Lotus,

"~I doubt it's an actual tiger," argued Ace.

Request Title: Catch My Tiger

Username: Hlpmeplse

Location: North Carolina/Charlotte

Meeting area: Freedom Park

Description. Please help. Me and my girlfriend's cat has gone missing She and I searched for days, and we've even put up fliers but nothing I'll give you the rest of the details when you arrive, My girlfriend and I will be waiting on the stone bridge with a collar in my hands. We'll even talk about how much the reward will be.

"Missing cat," said Lotus. "They sound worried, we should take it," Ace nodded in agreement

"~You might be right, plus if it's a lie then we can just run for it or fight.~" said Ace

"I'll know right away," said Lotus.

"~ And If it's real then then wouldn't need to deal with any big animals,~". Ace then shuddered. "~Not like those crazed hyenas we had to babysit,~" Lotus winced at the memory.

"Oh yeah, Bud and Lou were nightmares to babysit," said Lotus as he recalled the request. He rubbed his neck, remembering their sharp teeth and claws, but a smile crept on Lotus's face "At least they didn't get to bite you, and they were pretty funny,"

"~Funny?~," Ace's jaw nearly dropped out of his mask, "~They tried to maim us and, according to you, told jokes,~" Lotus just chuckled.

"Yeah when we were running Bud said 'See Lou, fast food is healthy for you,' and then Lou said, 'I know Bud, look at the workout we're getting,'" Ace narrowed his eyes like an annoyed teacher in a high-school, "They softened up to us at the end of the day, after biting me and they like you,"

"~ Let's just deal with the common variety of house cats that may have run away,~" said Ace. He selected the request and in turn, sent an email to the recipient.

"Let me put the leftovers away, get some fresh clothes and I'll get our stuff to head out," said Lotus as he left.

"~Bring our suits in case we get into a mess of trouble, but leave your weapon,~" said Ace.

"Yes leader," said Lotus with all seriousness,

Lotus then started to walk out of the living room. Meanwhile, Ace grabbed his device and began to press a few buttons to make a large blue hologram of the earth's globe appear with multiple brights in every state, country, and nation that currently exists. Ace puts in the coordinates for Charlotte, North Carolina, and the globe is enhanced by showing a dot for the city of Charlotte and selecting it.

"Coordinates locked, not if Lotus could m-

"Heads up," said Lotus. Ace turned around and saw some clothes brought to him: a red long-sleeved shirt, a jacket, a belt, a dark green hat, and a pair of brown shoes. He saw Lotus wearing a black shirt with mint flowers, a pair of shoes, and a zip-up jacket. "Got your stuff, thanks for packing it up,"

"~I did it while I was-~"

"Overworking?" asked Lotus. Ace snatched his bag away from Lotus.

"~Making sure my gear is working, you nutter,~" said Ace,"~Ready to go, God of Flowers?~"

"Waiting for you," said Lotus. He then pulled a Tupperware container with some of the food he made," And I packed up a lunch. Now get dressed, slowbro."

Ace wasted no time in appreciating how Lotus got dressed so quickly and changed clothes. The two then go Ace then went through his device and showed a holographic view of a globe. With a few more presses he selects the following: North America, United States, North Carolina, Charlotte, and the following were several different numbers. A dot then appears in the spot on the glove in North Carolina. The two then walk over to a more spacious area in the living room.

"Beam us out, Ace," said Lotus. Ace nods and presses one more section of the screen. His gloves then glow cobalt blue that grew until it surrounds them both like an orb, space distorts and collapses as they vanish in the blink of an eye.

State: North Carolina/ City: Charlotte.

Freedom Park was relatively empty, save for a few people. It was in the afternoon with the sun being blocked out by the occasional cloud from overhead. Anyone around was enjoying their time in the park; playing eating, spending time with their significant other or their children. There were no events today so it made meeting all the more easier. The Stray Dogs strolled on the pavement as they made their way to their destination.

"*Sigh* It's so cold out today, I can't wait till spring hits." Said Lotus as he carried his and Ace's bag. "At least it hasn't snowed here,"

As the two made their way through the park, Lotus was quick to admire the plant life and the people around them. He smiled and grinned at a passerby. He takes a deep breath to smell the fresh air. Looking at the grass, trees, and flowers he saw a green light shining like small stars. It glowed and moved together as the wind blew.

"Hey, can we hang out here after we're done?" asked Lotus. He looked at the people as they were enjoying the day, Lotus could see the ever-moving aura that surfaced above their skin and the souls that resided within them. All of them felt relaxed and unburdened by anything. One of the pets that were brought had a bright energetic aura that moved quickly as it played with a child, Ace put his hand to his chin and shrugged.

"~Maybe, I don't want to linger here too long,~" said Ace. He then found a flier attached to a tree of a missing white spotted cat named Fluffy. He took the flier and put it in his jacket. He then points toward Lotus's eyes and ears. "~Before we find the client; your eyes, ears, and everything else, they working well?~"

"Don't worry Ace, the auras and souls don't bother me and I can hear you just fine," said Lotus. He pats his headphones and puts them to his ear. The Stray Dogs had finally found the stone bridge that crossed over a body of water. They walked onto it and saw two women leaning against the railing, one of them had a collar in her hands

"~That's a woman with a collar,~" said Ace. "Anything off?~" Lotus looked at both girls from afar. From what he could tell, both of their souls were different as most were.

"No, they don't feel dangerous, just cautious and upset," said Lotus. "And there's no one else around keeping tabs,"

"~Okay, let's have a look,~" said Ace.

"I'll do the talking," advised Lotus. Ace furrows his brow annoyed.

"~You're the only one who can, dumbass,~" Lotus chuckles a little and the two walk over to them, earning their notice.

"'Scuse us, but can we talk for a second?" said Lotus. Both women looked at them, however the taller of the two women shooed them away.

"Sorry, we here for something important," said the woman in punkish clothing, "No time to play,"

"Rosa, don't be rude," said the woman the shorter woman, she was much more stout and wore frilly yellow clothing with round glasses. "Sorry, but we are waiting for someone,"

"If they exist, Megan," said Rosa curtly as she ran one of her hands through her shoulder-length black hair. She puts her hands on her hips. "Sorry, but I'm only here to protect my girlfriend," Lotus and Ace mentally shrugged hearing that, it was a common thing with them.

"~Lotus, introduce us so we can get things started,~" uttered Ace as he pulled down his hat, looking away from them both.

"Got it Ace," said Lotus. Ace shook his head slightly. The two women looked at each other, confused by Lotus's response.

"Did you just call us Ace,?" Rosa asked. Lotus quickly shook his head, catching himself.

"S-Sorry, talking to my friend here," Lotus pointed to Ace creating even more confusion, "Anyway, I don't suppose you two are looking for a cat named, Tiger?" asked Lotus, "A Ms. Hlpmeplse?" Meg and Rosa's eyes widen from the slight shock.. Lotus smirks and looks at Ace only to see his head turned, adverting their client's gaze while slightly pulling down on his cap with one hand.

"*Gaps* You're the ones who took my took my request!" proclaimed Meg in a delighted manner. However, Rosa's face twisted into that of disbelief and confusion.

"That's right," Lotus interrupts Rosa and puts his hand to his chest, "We are the Stray Dogs!" Lotus proclaimed with pride.

As Meg stood with hope beaming in her eyes. She tightened her grip on her collar and flier. However, Rosa sized the two up and down and she was openly suspicious, something that Lotus caught on immediately.

"You two, you two are just kids," said Rosa, "I-I was expecting something else."

"My name is Lotus," Lotus then pointed over Ace, "This wonderful masked man over here is my best friend, Ace." Ace waived

"M-My name is Meg" she gestured to the girl next to her, "This is my girlfriend, Rosa a-and I'm sorry if she seems rude, she's just protective of me. Rosa then stepped in front of Meg,

"Don't mind me," Rosa folds her arms. "I'm here to make sure you aren't trying to scam us,"

"Rosa!" Meg spoke out but Lotus shook his head.

"It's alright, we get this from time to time," said Lotus, "Besides it just means she loves you," Meg then took a deep breath and stepped out in front of Rosa, much to her protest. She hands Lotus a flier of a black household cat. It had straight ears, one green eye, one yellow eye, a long tail, and a white collar around its neck with a bell attached to it that adorned its name.

"~See, he's an ordinary-looking cat that at worst can nibble on my finger,~" uttered Ace. Lotus just smiled like a clown.

"He's cute is what he is," Lotus said in elation. He nearly hugs the flier but keeps what little composure he has. Meg grinned a little at Lotus's childlike reaction, though Rosa didn't soften at the response.

"Yeah whatever, how much is this 'rescue' going to cost?" asked Rosa. Lotus shook his head.

"Nothing, we work for free," he answered curtly.

"Wait, what?" asked Rosa. Ace then taps Lotus on the shoulder.

"~Hey dumbass, ask about the cat,~" said Ace. Lotus glanced at Ace and then back to Meg and Rosa.

"When did he go missing, did you see him leave the house?" asked Lotus. Meg's face twisted with dismay.

"Three days ago," uttered Meg. Her eyes welled up with tears, "One night I was taking off his collar, and the next thing he jumped out the window of our apartment and we haven't seen him since then,"

"Oh no," Lotus felt a pang in his heart. He could tell this was affecting Meg and when she started talking Rosa's hardened expression softened.

"~He jumped out of the apartment window?~" asked Ace,

"~Why'd he do a thing like that?~

"Meg, Tiger sneaks out at night all the time," Rosa places her hand on Meg's shoulder, "He might come back; you're wasting your time with these guys," said Rosa. Lotus and Ace look at each other and then their clients.

"He's done this before," asked Lotus.

"He did it all the time after he got older," said Rosa. "He jumps out of that window every night and would come back even if it snowed or rained he'd come back," she shrugged. "It became a habit so we didn't stop him,"

"~Good homing instinct, but why didn't he come back this time~" Ace asked himself. Meg then shook Tiger's collar.

*RING* *RING* *RING*.

"He always came back when I rang the bell, he plays with it all the time," said Meg. "I kept ringing it over and over but he never came back." she hugged the collar

"He likes the bell?" uttered Lotus.

"It used to be attached to an old toy of his that he played with when he was a kitten," said Meg.

"Did he act differently before he left?" asked Lotus. Meg shook her head.

"No, he just left out the window like he usually did," said Meg. "B-But I guess he left faster, he practically jumped out the window after I got his collar off." Lotus was a bit perplexed by this, he looked to Ace for answers but his friend only offered a shrug.

"~I'm as clueless as you are, the only thing I can think of is if something else made him leave faster,~" said Ace.

"Like a piece of food?" suggested Lotus. "But why would that keep him away?"

As the two Stray Dogs took a moment to speak about this, Rosa looked at them with a confusing gaze. They weren't after money, and they weren't trying to joke about Meg's situation or even lie.

"W-We already checked our neighborhood, and 10 blocks away, we called the police and put up fliers, and still nothing," said Meg in a forlorn tone. Ace looked at the bell for a moment and got an idea.

"Please he means a lot to us, Rosa and I adopted him when he was small," Lotus saw Meg's aura spike with some happiness, but quickly dampened from the memory. Like ice slowly melting.

"He's so finicky, but he's nice and sweet,"

"~He's the closest thing to a kid we have to a kid,~"

Lotus swallowed hearing that snippet from Rosa, though she never opened her mouth. He looked at her and felt how she was swallowing her sadness. She still mistrusted them, but her emotions were indeed real.

"~Okay, I think I know where we should start,~," said Ace. Lotus turned to Ace.

"Huh already, well whatever you're up to let's do it now," said Lotus.

"He just keeps talking to no one while his friend is just standing there," she thought.

"So you'll do it?" asked Meg. Lotus and Ace both nod.

"Of course, we'll get your kid back for you," said Lotus with a smile. Meg was a bit thrown by Lotus saying it like that but she was still grateful.

"Thank you, but about the money-"

"We don't need any, we work for free," said Lotus. Rosa looked at them with a confusing gaze. They weren't after money, they weren't trying to joke about Meg's situation or ask for anything.

"So what are you two, exactly?" asked Rosa before Lotus could speak another word

"Rosa, please don't," begged Meg. Lotus merely smiles and puts his fist to his heart.

"We're the Stray Dogs," answered Lotus in the same tone as his introduction with Ace giving a curt nod. Rosa put her hand to her head as if she had a migraine. Meg herself stood apprehensively with Rosa prepared to hit him. He takes a deep breath and looks at Meg without adverting his gaze, although the moment he did he started shaking like a leaf.

"Come on Ace, you can do it," Lotus cheered Ace on silently.

"~I-I need her co-collar, a-and flier~" said Ace. He tried to lift his hand but he was too shy. This moment alone was taking years out of his life.

Seriously?" asked Lotus. Ace nods. Rosa then stepped in front of her girlfriend, protectively.

"Something you want, creepy?" asked Rosa cautiously.

"Rosa!" Meg admonished her girlfriend.

"What, he's weird, who wears a face mask like that?" asked Rosa. Ace backs off slightly, he turns around, and lowers the bill of his cap.

"~Creepy, of course, I look creepy,~" he hung his head in shame,

"~Lotus, please get the collar so we can use the bell, and get the picture too,~" he had the tone of a defeated man.

"Is he okay?" asked Meg. Lotus patted Ace's back gently like he was an injured animal.

"He's fine, he's just shy." said Lotus, "And as for the mask, he's self-conscious about his face." he kept patting his back,"

"Oh, sorry," said Rosa. She looks over at Ace as he pats Lotus on the back

"Don't sweat it," said Lotus."But he was trying to ask if we could have the collar and that flier.,"

"You think it will help?" asked Meg.

"Ace thinks it'll help, so yeah," said Lotus.

"He didn't even say anything," said Rosa. However Mega hands them both the flier and collar.

"Please bring the collar," Meg advised. Rosa reached out to stop Meg's hand.

"Meg, you shouldn't have to"

"Rosa please, you promised " Her shoulders slumped and she wiped her eyes. "If this doesn't work then we'll just look ourselves." she started crying, "I want to try everything before giving up, Rosa immediately hugged Meg, it was all she knew to do to comfort her.

"Okay fine you win," she looked at Lotus and Ace, "But you two-" Rosa stopped she noticed that Lotus was crying now, and was keeping a smile on his face.

"Don't worry, we'll do our best to find Tiger for you," said Lotus, as he wiped his eyes of the tears. He turns his glance to Ace who shared a look with Lotus. Both of them face their clients and the Stray Dogs bow respectfully.

"What are you-"

"Thank you for allowing the aspiring heroes to help you with your trouble," exclaimed Lotus in a dignified tone. "We will use all of our power to right the wrongs done to you," Both women were thrown into a loop. However, Meg could only speak sincerely about Lotus and Ace's actions.

"Thank you for helping us," said Meg. She curtsies like a princess.

"We'll email you when the job is done," said Lotus, "And if we find him, Tiger will be right at that window of yours,"

Ace and Lotus then walk away to begin their search. As the two discuss the little details of the job.

"Okay, do these kids live in the city?" asked Rosa. Meg shrugs her shoulders, unable to answer.

*Ring* *Ring*

"Tiger!"

*Ring* *Ring*

"Tiger, come home, your mommas miss you,"

Walking on the concrete sidewalks, our heroes searched for their target: Tiger. For the last hour, Ace and Lotus searched several blocks within the city. As they investigated the city they showed the flier to many people; they were turned away, given silence as an answer, or unintentionally misled to another area. They even went to the animal shelters, but no such luck. Lotus continued to call out for their target, but neither he nor Ace noticed a change.

"~Any reaction at all?~" asked Ace. Lotus shook his head,

"No, any animals nearby haven't come for it," said Lotus. He then took a deep breath before calling out again.

"TIGER, COME-" Ace quickly covers his mouth and put his hand over his right ear.

"~OH MY DAYS MAN, NOT SO LOUD!~" exclaimed Ace. Lotus covers his ears in pain. The countless people passed them by looked at Lotus as if he was in pain from an unknown source. They mostly walked past him, trying not to acknowledge him. Paying them no mind Lotus waives to them and greets them as they pass by. He turns to Ace, his disgruntled partner.

"Sorry about that," said Lotus embarrassed. Ace sighs, he points at a nearby bench.

"~Don't worry about it, let's sit over there and rest for a bit.,~" said Ace. "~A-And sorry for yelling,~" The two sit down while keeping a look out on their surroundings. The attention they attracted faded

"~Are there any animals nearby anyway?~"asked Ace. Lotus nods.

"Yeah," he notes a large dog helping to guide a blind man, some birds perched on a street light, and some stray cats off to the right, "None of them are Tiger, I can't even find Tiger off his aura and soul since I haven't met him," He leans on the armrest of the bench, props his elbow on it and rests his hand on his fist. Lotus then watches at the multiple people pass them by. All of their auras exuded from their bodies with different feelings, light, and movement.

"~Don't worry about that, just keep ringing the bell and find any of them that give a reaction,~" said Ace, "~Meg said that he likes the bell, you only need to sense a reaction in any of them or hear anything they say,~" he pulls out a flier, "~We'll hand out copies of our flier and keep a look out just in case,~"

"Good plan since cats have acute hearing, "Lotus shook the bell, "He looks like any cat though, all except for his eyes, so we gotta be thorough," said Lotus,

"~The city is big too, it might take days to search,~" said Ace. "~Hopefully we won't attract too much attention,~"

"We'll be fine, I'm sure something will come up," said Lotus. He rings the bell again. "Cute sound though."

"~Tiger~"

Lotus then hears a voice, different from the others he was hearing all around him. He stood up and looked around for the source, an action Ace takes notice of.

"~Someone wrong?~"asked Ace. He scans the area as well preparing to run or fight. As he waited for an answer from his comrade However the only sound offered for Ace was as thus,

*Meow* Ace then saw Lotus looking down at his feet and saw. She strolled around Lotus's legs, coiling its tail around his leg as it did.

"~Oh, it's just a stray cat, had me worried for nothing~" Ace adjusted his face mask slightly as he looked down at the creature. "~ It's not even the one we're looking for,~"

*Ding* *Ding* Lotus shook the bell again,

"~Tiger~" Lotus's eyes widen with a smile on his face. He looks at Ace with his partner questioning his expression.

"~What up, it saying something you can hear?~" asked Ace. Lotus nods.

"Hear that meow? Ace that's this girl saying Tiger's name when it rings," said Lotus in an excited tone. He kneels to the cat and rings the bell again and the cat meows. Lotus does it again causing him to hear Tiger's name uttered from its maw. Ace widens his eyes and kneels to the feline as well.

"~Well that's strange, why would it be calling Tiger's name, and how would it even know this bell?~" asked Ace. Lotus shrugged

"Maybe she's his girlfriend," joked Lotus. He pets the cat only for it to try and reach for the collar and hit the bell. "Maybe she knows where he is,"

"~ It makes sense with him sneaking out a night,~" asked Ace "~And don't pet that creature, I don't want you getting sick,~"

"Maybe she's looking at him too," Suggested Lotus as he held the collar close to the cat, watching her play with the bell, "She seems to recognize it enough and she feels comfortable around it."

"~Not reaction we were looking for, but if she can lead us to Tiger then it'll be worth it,~" said Ace. They wondered if this was an opportunity or a hidden joke with a cruel punchline. Before either answer presented itself.

*Rowl*

It jumps away from Lotus, causing the young man to fall on his butt. It runs down the street like its tail is on fire.

"~What happened?!" Asked Ace.

"I-I don't know," said Lotus.

"~Don't lose her!~" ordered Ace. The two then quickly gave chase as their feline suspect ran past and under whatever people that was in her way. Behind her was the Stray Dogs doing their best to keep up without attracting attention or knocking anyone over. With one more turn, she vanishes out of sight of most.

"~Damn, all these people are in the way!~" Ace glanced to Lotus who gave a curt nod.

"Don't worry, I'm on it," he said.

As he ran, Lotus saw the active energetic aura of their feline acquaintance. Past the multiple souls of the people in his way and through buildings, he could see the cat's soul and aura as it ran down a coming alleyway.

"She's on the right up ahead," he notes a human-shaped soul approaching it and grabbing it with said cat now feeling scared and angry instead. "And she ain't alone!" said Lotus.

He ran faster with Ace doing his best to keep up. When they turned the corner they saw a bald man carrying a cage that their new friend was occupying. He put something in his pocket and turned to see the two heroes.

"~Of course.~" uttered Ace. Lotus approaches him with Ace keeping his distance. The bald man puts on a smile, he puts down the cage."~Hide the collar~" Lotus put Tiger's collar in his pocket.

"What are you kids doing back here, pretty dangerous?" he asked. Lotus smiles and puts his hands in his pockets.

"Just passing through," stated Lotus. Ace looks at the cat as it was captured; acting loopy. He looked at the man's pocket and saw a small strap outside the pocket.

"He must have used something to lure her in," Lotus thought. He looked at the cat and saw it acting strangely like it was high.

"~Lotus, get him to talk and see if he'll lie, how he came about catching her is strange,~"

"So is that your kitty in the cage?" asked Lotus, The man pats the top of the cage.

"Oh no, I work with animal control. I pick u these little guys and get them to shelters," he stated. He reaches inside of his pocket. Lotus looked at the man, staring at his body, his aura, his soul. The stranger was antsy in all but one, his aura flickered and flashed, and even Lotus felt a pang in his ears at the statement. It was the tell of a lie. "You don't need to worry about him, if he scratched you then I'm sorry."

"No nothing like that happened, we just wanted to make sure it didn't hurt itself." said Lotus, trying to act casual.

"Don't worry, he ain't gonna get hurt." the cat thief pats the cage. Another lie.

Lotus tightens his grip on the collar in his pocket. He wasn't sure if the cat was going to lead to Tiger, but as far as he was concerned this kitty needed their help.

"~Don't be dumb, ask about Tiger, use the description that Meg gave to us,~" said Ace. "~If he's lying we'll follow him so don't knock him on his ass,~" The bald man pulled out 100 dollars and handed it to Ace.

"But since you kids tried to help him out, you can have this bit of cash," he said. Ace put the money away, wanting to personally burn it.

"Anytime, but have you seen a black cat; with straight ears that go up, a long tail, with one green eye and one yellow?" asked Lotus.

"No," he takes a quick look at his watch," Look I gotta get going okay," he tried to force his way past but Lotus and Ace wouldn't move.

"~Lotus, ask if he's seen a white cat with black spots,~" said Ace.

"Oh one more thing, have you seen another cat and taken it to the shelter: white with black spots?" Lotus asked. The man shook his head.

"Sorry kid, I haven't," He takes their feline friend and walks away to a nearby car. He practically tossed the cage in the back seat and drove off.

"He lied about everything, including about Tiger," Said Lotus, "Doesn't care if she gets hurt either," he bore an angry tone

"~Keep her in your sights, night's coming soon so let's not let them blend in the dark,~" Lotus focused his sight, keeping the image of the cat's soul and aura. His eyes strain, but he can locate her, she is moving further and further away. He could also see the aura of the man who had taken her.

"I've got her, ready to move 'Zero'?" asked Lotus. Lotus nods and pulls on his bag. He pulls out one of his mask filters.

"~The Stray Dogs won't stand for animal cruelty,~" Ace proclaimed.

"Really? Cause we threatened a pig a couple of days ago," said Lotus.

"~Oh, that's a different kind of animal,~" said Ace.

40 minutes later

The evening had come Lotus and Zero(Ace) were in their hero suits, masks and all. As planned they had tracked their feline friend and her capture, a surprising development that led them to an abandoned on the edge of the city. Lights were on low, some plants were growing onto the building, windows were broken and the entire area seemed isolated, though the cars outside said otherwise. Lotus and Zero stood in an alley across the street, observing the situation.

"~That's the car, along with a few more that were already here.~" said Zero. He looked at the 4 other cars parked there. Lotus used his sight and saw several human souls inside and several animals inside that seemed to be distressed. "~Whose inside?~"

"Six guys," he growls, "A bunch of small scared, and hungry animals clustered together, including our new friend" He stretches for a moment as he prepares for any fight that may come. "Some dogs too, big, angry, and hungry,"

"~Filthy bastards are dog-fighting, hopefully, we got here before anything could happen,~" asked Zero as he checked his grappling hook and taser. "~Lotus, where are the animals located?~"

"In the far edge of the room, the dogs are in their cages," his eyes widen as he sees one of the human-shaped auras pick up one of the animals which causes the creature to be frightened. The criminal then shook it in front of the larger angrier dog auras and puts it back in the cage. "What the plan Z?" Zero himself was preparing an expendable baton made of a strange metal along with some smoke pellets.

"~Head to the window and get a better look inside,~" he pointed at a hole in the roof "~I'll circle the back and draw them away~," Said Ace,

"You're not gonna use your gun like before?" asked Lotus. Zero shook his head and pulled out what looked like a mine.

"~I wanna wait before using those again,~" Zero then points at Lotus's ear "~I'll give the signal for you to move in and take them down,~"

"Got it," Zero moves on a head around the building and out of sight, "They might be armed, so bring them down quick, and don't let them kill you!" Lotus silently yelled.

"~I won't,~" Ace answered back,

Lotus then quickly runs to the building and to the closest window that he can. He took a peak inside and saw there was an area surrounded by barbed fencing, the ground was littered with blood stains and some animal parts. He saw the smaller animals in cages while larger pit bulls were kept on chains. The beasts barked and bit at each other with several men holding them back or teasing them.

"~Food, eat eat!~"

"~Bite throat~"

"~KILL~"

"Call the boys, everyone bets tonight," said the leader. He threw one of the dogs a bone said mutt tore off what little meat was left on the bone and even bit the bone for taste. The other dogs snapped and lunged at the fed dog only for their chains to stop them.

Lotus grits his teeth, he keeps whatever anger he has, and makes sure to save it for the animal abusers He looks over to the corner of the room and sees the animals, one he recognizes, and several other black cats.

*Clatter* *Smash*

What was that!" a grunt grabs a shotgun.

"~Jump onto the roof!~"yelled Zero. Lotus then jumps onto the roof within a single leap and keeps his body away from the edge. He quickly went to a hole in the roof and peered inside.

"Is someone else here?" one of the grunts asked in a panic. They all look around to see what was the cause only for their leader to speak up.

"Don't be stupid, it's an old building, and the wind probably kno-"

*Smash*

The sound of a window breaking interrupts him. Now suspicious, he hands the shotgun to one of his cohorts.

"You three, check the back real quick, we'll watch the dogs," ordered the bald man. Lotus smirks as the three of them leave through the exit and around the building. He looked down into the building and saw that criminals now had guns of their own. Lotus clenches his fist at the sight of the guns.

On the opposite end of the building, the three grunts looked around and saw broken windows with the shards around. They scanned the area with one looking through the broken window as the other two looked around. Suddenly a pair of hands grabbed him by his clothes and pulled him inside before he could scream. While on the floor he sees Zero. The young hero then covers the thug's mouth and quickly hits him on the bridge of his nose with his baton, knocking him out.

"~One down two to go, Lotus~"

Quickly gets out of the building and hides behind a dumpster. The other two thugs noticed their cohort was missing, They quickly looked around for him, one pointing their shotgun preparing to fire at the first thing he saw. They both go over to the building and then with a loud pop they are immediately hit with a pulse of energy that knocks them on their asses. Zero then walks over to the both of them as they are disoriented and knocks them both out in the same manner.

"~Three down, get ready to move,~"said Zero. He heads inside the building from the back.

Lotus then prepared to drop down through the hole. He saw the remaining animal abusers were feeling antsy and nervous compared to their cockiness from before. They were still armed he took a deep breath to make sure to properly use his strength.

"Time to go, I am the God of Flowers!" he thought as he clenched his fist.

*Poof* *Poof* *Poof*

Several smoke pellets were through into the room creating a layer of black smoke that filled the room. The criminals panic, searching around the room searching for the source of the smoke, unable to see themselves. The animals barked and hissed at the smoke, luckily it wasn't harmful to them or the thugs. No one could see anything, except for the God of Flowers.

"~Drop 'em~" Ace ordered.

Lotus drops inside of the room rushes over to the closet thug that he could and strikes him in the stomach, knocking him out instantly. He quickly makes his way behind the other thug and snatches the gun out of his hand while the criminal cannot see, trips him with a low sweeping leg, and kicks him in the face.

"Who the hell's there?"

"Just a couple of Stray Dogs," said Lotus.

The bald man's gun was snatched out of his hand Frightened and disarmed with the sound of animals drowning out his ears, the criminal then runs out of the building only for him to see the God of Flowers standing before him. A swift kick knocks the criminal back inside of the building, rendering him unconscious. As the smoke cleared, it revealed Zero standing over the defeated man binding him and his allies' hands and feet.

"Those who commit animal cruelty will face the might of the Stray Dogs," said Lotus, "Good work, Z,"

"~And none too soon,~"Lotus approached Zero, "~I found this on one of them,~" Zero held up a white collar with the name "Fluffy" on the tag.

"Guess Fluffy didn't make it," suggested Lotus sadly. Zero shook his head "Poor animals, I feel sick standing here,"

"~We won't be here for long, so don't worry,~" He then took one of the cell phones away from one of the thugs. " First let's see if one of the cats is Tiger.,~" uttered Zero

Both of them look over at the stacked cages of small animals on the other side of the room. They walk over there with Lotus pulling out Tiger's collar. When they reached the cages they saw the animals were unfed, dirty, and some of them hurt.

Lotus looks at the top cage sees their feline companion and opens her cage. She jumps out and into Lotus's arms. He gently strokes her fur, happy to see she isn't hurt and she nuzzles against his face,

"Hey girl, nice to see you too," said Lotus. "Thanks for getting us here,"

"~Now for the other one,~" said Ace. He looked at the cats and found a black cat with a long tail, ears pointed up, and two different colored eyes; one yellow and one green. ~Ring the bell at this one, let's hope it's him~"

Lotus then reaches his collar over to the cat as instructed, the cat then tries to reach for it as if it was his. Lotus sees the cat's soul was more hopeful than the others when he saw the collar. He rings the bell

*Ring* *Ring*

The cat meows which causes Lotus to hear this.

"~Meg! Rosa!~" Lotus smiles.

"It's him alright, let him out," said Lotus, Ace opened Tiger's cage, but the female cat jumped inside rather than allowing Tiger to get free.

"Hey, what the hell," uttered Lotus. The two cats nuzzled against each other and purred as their fur rubbed against each other. Lotus looked on at the pair and saw that their insides matched their outside; safe, comfortable, loving, and gentle with one another.

"~Wow they're close,~" said Zero.

"~Tiger,~" purred the female cat,

"~Leonna,~" purred Tiger

"Leonna?" uttered Lotus, "Oh I get it, you were sneaking out to see your girl when you got caught,". Ace's eyes widen in disbelief.

"~I can't believe this, ~." said Ace, Lotus gently put the collar around Tiger's neck, "~We caught a crowd of Dog Fighters all from this playboy having a date?~" Lotus shrugged,

"Come on it wasn't that bad, we caught animal abusers, kidnappers and we found Tiger." said Lotus. "Now to get this guy, and his girl out of here before the cops show up,"

"~Anyway I'll email Ms. Meg, but I'll leave out the part about dog fighting,~" He looks back at the vicious dogs. "~What to do with them though,~"

Lotus ran out of the house and then ran back in with his bag. He then pulled out the two Tupperware filled with the leftovers from their meal earlier. Lotus then walked over to the vicious dogs, as they were caged or bound.

"~HUNGRY, SO HUNGRY!~."

"~FOOD, GIVE ME FOOD!~."

Lotus felt sick seeing the dogs react in such a way from their treatment. He felt all of their anger, hunger, bloodlust and pain crash into him like a wave onto a small ship. He approached ne of the dogs, but it bit him with fangs sinking into his hero suit. However, no matter how hard it tried, it could not tear away at its prey's flesh

"~T-TOO HARD, T-Too hard~"his tone was pathetic and small. Soon its barks and snarls of anger and combat became smaller and smaller until they were near cries. They look up at Lotus as if he had not changed his saddened expression the entire time. Lotus placed the stew he made on the ground the dogs tasting it and soon eating. His aura changed to a ping of happiness as they ate.

"You can have that, i ate earlier.," said Lotus as he gently ran his fingers through his fur. He could feel some scars from earlier wounds, some were light, some were deep.

"Hey Z, we got some time before we have to call the cops right?" asked Lotus. Ace nodded.

"~Yeah, why?~" asked Ace. Lotus then gestured to the other dogs that were locked up. "~Oh. Well at least I'll put this cash to some use then!" he then walked out of the door, "~Make sure the crooks stay unconscious.~"

"Thank you," said Lotus.

*BARK*

"He said 'thanks'," said Lotus. Ace smiled upon hearing that.

Meg and Rosa's apartment.

In the middle of the night, Meg and Rosa were waiting for news on Lotus and Ace finding their cat. Meg was sitting in her room, beside herself with Rosa downstairs cooking her something. She waited hopefully and anxiously as she watched TV.

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

"Huh, what?"

She walked over to the window and parted the curtains for her to see Tiger in his beloved collar, waiting for her to let him in.

"*GASP* TIGER!" she couldn't open the window fast enough, and when she did the cat jumped into her arms. "OHH I MISSED YOU! ROSA TIGER'S BACK!" then to Meg's confusion, another cat jumped in through the window and into her room.

"Huh?" Tiger wiggled out of Meg's arms and went down to Leona and the two snuggled together. The bedroom door swung open with Rosa dashed in to see her loving pet.

"Oh my god, he came ba-" she sees his little friend, "With a friend?" she asked. Then she remembered the brats that she had spoken to earlier that day. "Wait, was it those two?" she knelt to pet Tiger and his new friend.

"It had to have been, I gave them Tiger's co- Oh that's right." Meg rushed over to her desktop to check her emails. Meanwhile, Tiger's new friend was getting scratchies from Rosa.

"Why'd you bring this one home, sweetie?" she asked.

"I got an email from them!" said Meg.

"The Stray Dogs? What's it say?" asked Rosa.

"It says: Mission accomplished. The Stray Dogs will take no payment, however, we ask that you keep Leona with you. Web bathed her for you and you can use the money for shots. This will keep Tiger from sneaking out again. Signed the Stray Dogs. (Please Delete all messages associated with us)." Rosa was a bit stunned.

"Well I guess that's that," said Meg. She walked over to Rosa, Tiger, and Leona. And began petting Tiger as Rosa petted Leonna.

"Yeah, I guess they real deal after all," said Rosa. Meg then snuck Rosa a kiss on the lips.

"And that I was right," said Meg in a smug tone.

"Oh god she's never gonna let this one go," Rosa thought.

*POLICE SIRENS*

"*Sigh* Finally the cops move, its past midnight," said Lotus, he and Ace sat on the sidewalk watching police cars and animal control race down in the direction of the house where they left the animals and criminals. "Hope they don't mind that we roughed them up,"

"~I doubt they'll care, what they'll be upset about is the large number of cat and dog food we left there~" said Ace. "~Speaking of which, how dare you give my leftovers to those mutts while I was gone!" Ace uttered angrily. Lotus chuckled.

"That dog liked it so much he asked for seconds," said Lotus.

"~I can't blame him it was heavenly," said Ace.

"Yeah I try my best," said Lotus. Ace groaned.

"~Come on, off somewhere private to warp home.~" stated Ace, signaling Lotus to follow.

"Right with you, dog," said Lotus. Lotus and Ace then walked off.

"~Just don't bark at me,~ said Ace.

Soon news of a dog fighting ring was spread through the city. Many unexplained pet disappearances have been answered by the court cases involving the criminals involved. What the police weren't able to explain were the beaten suspects and the newly bought pet food that fed the abused and drugged animals. The only ones who could answer this were Stray Dogs.

That's all I wrote.

Please review

I will edit it later on to improve.

"This is Squalo King signing off,"