"These bandages are too soaked; can you tear off some more please?" Marshall asked, gently pressing his paw against the side of Dixie's feline face. Most of the bandages were draped heavily with red crimson, there was almost no white from the original colour of the cloth. Dixon wasn't no time, tearing off a long string of cloth with his claw and handing it right over to Marshall. "Good news, she's not bleeding as bad anymore, It's dried up mostly" The Dalmatian commented.
Dixie herself was doing better, she was awake in fact throughout most of the time, groaning and shifting her body when she felt she wasn't comfortable, or there was just a pain that stung her and there was nothing she could do. "You okay sis, How many fingers am I holding up?" Dixon walked over to face her in the front.
"You don't-have any fingers"
"Great, That bullet finally made your brain work after all these years" Dixon halfheartedly smiled, wanting to find joy in this scenario. Thankfully, his sister was all to eager to play his game. "Dixon, When I feel better, I'm going to smack you so hard, you're two and only braincells are going to rattle like a cowbell" She said.
"Right in here Alto" Suddenly, the front door opened up, revealing the voice that had spoken up was Klaus. Behind him was the feline doctor, Alto. He paced right in next to Marshall and took a seat, looking closer at Dixie's state.
"Dixie, Its good to see you again, Wish we could have met under better circumstances" Alto replied.
"Tis' but a scratch Doc" She joked.
"More like a total tear of the upper layer of the skin, and Im not even going to think about the condition of your ear" He stated, seeing the bandages were wrapped around in a way that covered and folded down Dixie's right ear, the one closest to the wound, thinking it was also affected. "I see the bandages were your handiwork, Good job, One less thing to worry about"
"Good job Marshall, In Adventure Bay or not, We still save lives" Ryder commented, walking in with a box that looked old and worn. Setting it right next to Alto and patting Marshall on his head for a job well done. Alto flicked open the box, Marshall looked over to see it was just Alto's tools for his work.
"Need I ask how this all happened?"
"Deputies"
"Why am I not surprised" He said, Grabbing a tiny bottle of Gauze. "I feel like cleaning up your wound and giving your stitches would be the best option" He stated to her, hearing Dixie give an audible sigh, not wanting to dwell too much on it.
"Hey, where's the others?" Ryder asked.
"Lily took them to go after Tyran, She mentioned somewhere near a ridge and Susanna's funeral" Marshall relayed. "Whatever they do, I hope they come back safe and sound, This day doesn't need anymore close calls" Dixon said.
"Dixon…"
"Y-Yes, Need something?" Dixon almost immediately rushed over to the faint call from his sister. "Where is Dash?" She asked, letting Alto slowly unwrap her badges to apply the gauze better to her injury.
"In the barn I think" Dixon said, realistically that was the only place he knew Dash would go. Theres where he spent most of his time. "Go get him please" He was unsure whether to follow through or not with her request, stepping back once he had heard.
"Are you sure?" He asked.
"Yes"
"Okay, Be right back" Dixon replied, talking a walk away out of the living room and to the kitchen where the backdoor was, ready to head out to the back and fetch Dash. Only to reach there and find it was empty.
Soon after that same night, over on the outskirts of the wooded lands of the county, up on a ridge was a large plateau, On that large patch of flat land was a mass gathering of cats, there were tables and chairs that you would see at a fancy eatery, black table clothes with lit candles on each one. Near the edge of the ridge was a small table, on it was a shined vase, enclosed and looked custom made. Right next to it was a picture of Susanna herself, smiling, reasonably thinking that vase was her ern.
The whole event was sectioned off by metal railings and security, although that wasn't going to stop two cats and their dog compatriots from getting in. At the front were two cats on each end of the metal barriers, stopping and checking each guest.
For Lily and Tuska, why hop the fence somewhere else when you could walk right into the event, in plain sight. "Think this is going to work?" Tuska whispered to Lily, not sure whether their uniform was enough to not get them second looks. "We're fine, those waiters in the parking lot didn't see it coming, and they'll wake up later, nothing but a bad headache"
"and lose their jobs"
"Small fish compared to what we're doing" Lily responded, mentioning to the outfit they were both wearing. It wasn't much, just a vest and bow tie, but that was uniform for a server there. All the while pulling a cart behind them, inside was supposed to be drinks, but there would be room to store other things inside, like dogs.
As both cats walked up to the front, Both security cats stepped right in front of them. "Ummm, can you let us through please?" Lily asked.
"Have to check you two and your cart" One of them stated.
"Oh come on, what does it look like we're here for, it's just drinks in there" Tuska replied. "Then you'll have no issues with us having a look" He said, walking over and looking inside the cart that was covered by cloth, swiping it away with his tail only to find drinks, bottles of wine and waters all the same. Lily eyed the cats searching for her cart, one on each side.
Tuska looked up just a few feet away to see their canine friends, shakingly trying to scale the metal barrier without making a noise. Skye made it over no issue, Chase as well, It was Zuma who fumbled the ball just a bit. The barrier rattled just as he passed over.
"What was that?" The other security cat asked, the one over on Tuska's side of the cart. He reared his head out from the cart and upward. Thinking fast, Tuska maneuvered his tail to the side of the security cat and knocked a bottle of whine from off its small platform. Causing it to knock over onto the ground and break. "Oh geez, Now look what you did, We were suppose to deliver all thirty bottles, now the organizer is just going to have to settle with twenty nine bottles" Tuska threw a fit, his tone made it all the more believable. Even cats from inside the event were turning heads to see what was going on.
"Nice going Toby" The other security cat said sarcastically.
"I-Im sorry, I-I didn't mean to, I didn't see it" He stuttered in disbelief, feeling a bit sorry for him as Tuska knew it wasn't his fault, and he was just doing his job. "Its fine I suppose, Just let us in and we can go on with our duties" Tuska said, giving the security cat a small pat on his side.
"Yeah, lets just let them through" The other cat said, stepping as, as so did the other cat, eager to let it all slide. Both Lily and Tuska nodded their head to the felines and walked right by into the heart of the event. "Didn't know you were such a flare for the dramatic" Lily jokingly commented.
"Never thought those drama classes I took back in high school would come in handy" He replied, dragging their cart over to an array of counters and tables that were long and rectangular. Also, there were other cats dressed like them, pouring drinks and manning small grills.
"I'll unload all the drinks and blend in, You go and find the others and see if they're well hidden until its time" Tuska instructed, usually Lily would be offended on the basis of her taking orders when it was her mission, but she didn't complain, there was no time for that.
Lily searched over near the edge of where the wake was being hosted, there was lots of large shrub and thick bush around, she it would look very suspicious for her to go looking in each one. Her best bet was just walking near them and hoping they would call to her.
Fortunately for her she didn't need to go searching, out of the bush, she spotted a tail poking out, brown and black mixture of fur. Lily paced over and scratched the tail sharply, seeing it retraced back into the bush immediately.
"Its me" She whispered. Seeing Chase's head poke out right after. "What was that for?"
"A warning to be more careful, you're lucky it was me that saw you and not someone else. Where's the others?" She asked until she seen the chocolate labrador poke out from another nearby bush. "Pwesent" Zuma jokingly spoke.
"Up here" Skye had spoken, Lily looked up and saw her posted up well hidden in a tree. "What are you doing up there?" She asked to the cockapoo.
"I couldn't find anywhere close by to hide" She responded.
"I guess its okay, Just don't be too obvious, just wait until-"
"There she is" Lily heard from behind her, It was Tuska, and behind him was another cat. He looked older with strong white patches of fur around his mouth, going well with his dark grey and black coat of fur. Once hearing that unfamiliar voice, Skye, Chase, and Zuma all ducked back into concealment.
"There you are, Stop talking to yourself and get to serving drinks, Both of you, Any moment now they're going to start saying words for poor miss Susanna" The leading cat spat, walking in once he had given the order.
"Bad news, I over heard one of the guests talking, Tyran isn't here yet" Tuska stated, which were the words Lily wanted to hear.
"And just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, I guess we'll have to kill some time and mingle until he gets here, then we can slip out of these uniforms, put on something more convincing and get into a secluded area"
"Then Chase, Skye, and Zuma nab him before he can have a chance to scurry away" Tuska said, remembering her plan.
"Bingo, Until then though…" She sighed just as she fixed up her bowtie around her neck. "Let's serve out some overpriced wine to some fat cats" She said, walking right past him to grab some drinks to serve out.
"So after that stallion bucked, You should've seen me, I went flying up in the air AT LEAST 20 feet" Tony said, each exaggeration through out his own story. Around him were the other investors, Candelona from Britain looked interested, as well as Oscar the fatest cat around. As well as them was Griffin, seemingly bored immensely from the story. "Great story Tony, Any other stories about horses?" Griffin tried to seem intrigued, but the constant western talk really did a number on his mood.
"Well….no" Tony slunk back, letting relief wash over Griffin for a split second before the orange tabby piped up again.
"But I do have one about a donkey" Before he could start, Griffin jumped to the center of the circle where they were standing around.
"I believe the food is ready to be served, Let's make our way over to the table and chat over there, meaningful business-related talk" He insisted.
"Excellent" Candelona said, walking in the direction the dinner room would be.
"Mr. Griffin" He turned his head at the calling of his name, at first his eyes went wide as he turned his head. Seeing a towering figure approach toward him that he knew was a dog. Almost ready to claw it's body in reflex, but relaxing once more when he saw it was the dog from before, it was Kero.
"I didn't know you had a 'no dogs' policy when it comes to your events" Kero said with a bit of a smirk, but Griffin couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or genuine. Due to Katt County's leadership, everything was basically 'no dogs allowed'.
Griffin, stunned on how to answer, un-unnervingly twitched his tail to think of what to say. "Im just pulling your tail, It doesn't bother me that I'm the only dog, In fact, I feel quite special. Im getting looks all the time when I enter a room. They must know who I am" He stated.
"Yeeeeaahhh, Shinestone is quite the name in this room, and between you and me, Im looking forward with doing the most business with you, or at least with your father" Griffin replied.
"My father would be very pleased to hear that, Theres great business to be had in this county . We'll talk more numbers after eating" Kero replied, both walking on each other's side toward the main dining area. Although Griffin keeping his distance as he would, Didn't matter who Kero was related to, He was still a dog, old habits die hard apparently, especially habits you don't plan on changing.
Once arriving to the room, It was a long table with multiple cats sitting at each side, as well as the investors were just wealthy and high class felines that Griffin knew were going to be here, it was still an event for the cats of the higher class regardless of the intention. "I hope you will all find the selection to your liking" Griffin commented, as two cats that were staff pulled out a chair for him. Both dapper looking with their heads up and Bowtie's fixed.
"As long as the steak has some red in it, I'm dandy" Tony, classic of a cat of his personality to fall back on a good old piece of steak as his main dish.
"I caught a glimpse of salmon being wheeled earlier, I do look forward to having a fair portion of that" Oscar, the black cat commented on his own desire out of this feast. "How about you Kero?" He asked, fixing his attention toward the only dog siting at the table, as well as the only dog in the entire building.
Most eyes were on him which Griffin could tell, some cats farther down the table leaned closer to one and another and began whispering to each other, obviously he couldn't make out at they were saying, but it was glaringly obvious. Katt County was founded on all cats and no dogs, this is the first time they've probably ever seen a dog up close being so civil. Griffin recognized this as a huge problem, one whiff of their dog prejudice getting out to Kero would ruin his chances of making a deal.
"I suppose I'll be happy with chicken, if there is any" The Canaan breed stated, being a bit un-nerved from being the center of attention. Of course, earlier he said he didn't mind it, but eventually it was going to get to him. Griffin saw his face was one of discomfort, probably the only time in his life he wished this wasn't happening to a dog.
"I suppose you're the star of the party Kero" Candelona, herself catching onto the looks he was getting as well. "I suppose so" He replied.
"Dash, Dash where'd you go?" Rubble went around the homestead, each room. Although it didn't make much sense at first, last time they saw Dash, he walked out the back. However, where else was there to check honestly, everyone in the house was getting desperate.
And that was something that seemed unthinkable, No one would really go out their way to go around and search for Dash, What had that dog ever been grateful for after all, that would a be fair argument a few days prior, but recently, he's been coming around. Working alongside a cat for starters. "Dash!" Another voice rang out somewhere above the British bulldog, sounded much like Klaus. Seeing him come back downstairs a bit fast, but not with any good news. "Nothing?" Rubble asked.
"Nothing" Klaus responded.
"Rocky and I check everywhere on the first floor too" Ryder came in from down the hall of the first floor with he mixed breed by his side as well. Just as he did, Dixon came in through the front.
"I checked everything on this property, you name it, I looked there at least three times over" He said. "You think he ran away?" Ell asked.
"I've encountered that dog many times when in that prison in the mountain, Trust me, Theres not one ounce of him that's a runner, He's all fighter" Brax stated, he himself supposedly feeling a lot better than ever, not limping anymore that is.
"Then where'd he go then?" The golden-brown Irish setter asked.
"Somewhere but It's not like he made like the clouds and evaporated; he's got to be somewhere" Brax replied, breathing a sigh of exhaustion. Thinking this would take all the energy out of him.
"Guys, You might want to come and look at this" Marshall stated, from in front of the television. Everyone turned their heads at the mention, coming over near Dixie who was still laying down with her head face to the side on the cushion of the sofa, Alto was there as expected, doing stitches to close Dixie's wound.
"We're coming to you with Breaking News inside Katt County's Main Town District, Civil unrest from dogs has erupted into chaos, We're showing you live pictures from outside out News center of the events that are unfolding" One news reporter commented, all whilst the camera view paned toward the stress from inside the news building. Outside were wild fires coming from trash cans and small trees plants on the side sidewalk. There was mass barking from dogs and yowling from cats, running in fear.
There were also police sirens blaring and fire engines whizzing by to try and put out any fires, in one shot there would dogs running into small shops on the corner of a street to chase out the cats. Same with deputies, where there would be four deputies to stand guard, a mass of forty dogs would counter them and chase them away "We do see quite a small police presence, but we do expect that to grow within the coming moments, so far we do not have any word from the Sheriff on what's taking place but we will keep you updated on what's to follow"
"I've got a bad feeling about this, and maybe who's involved" Rubble stated, looking around for anyone else that got the same gut feeling.
"I don't think we should jump to assumptions, but I think this assumption is pretty reasonable to say Dash, may be involved in this" Ryder added on with his armed crossed up to his chest.
"Only one way to find out, and that's to find out for ourselves" Dixon proclaimed, already staring out the window toward the county's center town. Even from the farmland, he could see smoke from the fires that went up. "You're not going where I think you're going, right?" Klaus asked.
"I am, I'll just go and see for myself and be right back" He said.
"Its too dangerous to go alone, I'm coming too" Brax offered.
"And you're too injured to go at all, If you go, I go" Ell stepped firmly to his side in response. "I don't like the violence, but I cant live with myself if any of you got hurt and I could have prevented it" Klaus said, stepping up to the plate as well. "Might as well" Marshall said, getting himself up, the more the merrier.
"I'm going too" Ryder said.
"I have to…see it for myself" Dixie's graved voice rose up, trying to lift his face up from the cushion of the couch. Everyone else in the room twisted around to face her for a split second, surprised she even had the energy to lift herself up. However after, they all looked at each other, knowing what the unified answer was.
"Dixie, You have to stay here and rest" Dixon reminded, Alto even backed off a bit, he wasn't even able to fully complete the stitches on the side of Dixie's head, as two strings flapped downward from the side of her head.
"I can still walk, I'm just exhausted, and a little droozy" Dixie stated, standing on the edge of the sofa, looking down at the ground as if she was planning on jumping down. "No Dixie, You're staying here, I haven't even finished the stitches yet" Alto proclaimed.
"Then you can finish them when I get back" She stated, successfully hoping down from the couch and onto the living room rug. Although she wobbled a bit at her landing, she didn't fall over and maintained her balance decently well. Walking over to the front door immediately, Ryder wanting to stop her, reached in to pull her back, but instead she swung back at lightning speed with one swift swipe of her paw.
Ryder pulled his hands back just in time, not getting scratched. "Don't stop me" She warned, continuing to walk to the door before Dixon but himself in front of her. "Move over Dixon, You're my brother, so you get one warning" She threatened.
Dixon didn't say anything, only staring into her eyes for any sort of promise to her threat. She wasn't kidding, looking down at her paws to see they weren't sheathed. "Dixie, You stay with us, at all times" Dixon spoke softly.
"Fine by me" Dixie muttered.
"Fine, Alto, Are you coming too?" Dixon looked past his sister toward the doctor cat, seeing him sigh as he brushed the fur on his ears with his paw. "where there's violence, there's injuries, Maybe I can help a few hurt cats in the town" Alto said, pacing up to the group.
"Alright, We all stick close and don't separate for any reason, Lets go" Dixon said leading the charge, heading right out the door, not running ahead because he knew his sister wasn't all the way better to run right now.
"And so, Its so hard to see her go, Everyday I look up at those stars I know shes watching down on us, Heaven has inherited another angel, Im sure of it, Thank you" A female cat finished speaking at the small podium near the ridge, right next to Susanna's ashed remains. As she walked away, cats in attendance softly beat their paws against the table in a show of support.
Going from table to table, were Tuska and Lily. Serving drinks and casting glances at each other. Knowing each time someone got up and spoke, it was all a load of crap. If only they knew the real Susanna and what her last moments were like.
Every now and then, Tuska or Lily would cast a glance back somewhere into the bushes near the edge around the event. They knew Chase, Skye, and Zuma were there somewhere but because of how thick the bushes were in some places, it was a decent spot to hide, however with the strung up lights around the area, it may give them away, but that was to be decided by fate.
From behind Lily, she spotted Tuska walking up to her, but instead of walking to face her, he just passed by her close, but not without a whisper in her ear. "He's here, entrance" he said. Lily looked over at the front entrance of the event and he was right, Tyran was there. He was talking with security for a short moment before walking by them. Of course, the feline wore his dark aviators for the sake of his own confidence, never mind it was dark out and it would be hideous to imagine how good his vision was with those things.
He walked right by attendants, pacing up the small podium. "Good evening" He muttered into the microphone, facing everyone from the ridge. "I never thought a day like this would become reality, I always pictured that if it did happen, it would happen when Susanna and I were old cats, maybe she would have passed first and maybe me" He went on.
Lily eyeing him as she poured a small glass of whine to a guest sitting at a table. Tuska brushing off a tablecloth near Lily. "To be honest, I sometimes I wished it was me who had gone first. So I wouldn't have to live with the pain-"
Suddenly, as Tyran gave his final words, one of the guests got up from a chair pointed with her paw outstretched passed Tyran over the ridge. Others noticed as they looked over beyond the ridge, Multiple cats brushed up against Lily and Tuska who were taken aback by this. "Oh my gosh" One cat muttered.
"What's going on down there" Another voice exclaimed, Lily and Tuska wiggled their way through to peak out over the ridge to see exactly what everyone was so frightened about. The ridge overlooked a good portion of the county, including the major town. In the town they saw bright glows of orange and yellow, it was fire. Along with the visual fires, there were faint sounds coming all the way. Faint noises of emergency sirens of police and fire engines and including the barking of dogs.
"My kids, I left my kids at home" One female cat responded, almost immediately turning tail and bolting for the exit. "The dogs, I can hear them, those beasts are destroying the county" One cat added.
"Hold on, everyone, stay calm, we need stay calm and be cool. We're up on the ridge; no dog is anywhere near us for sure" Tyran exclaimed, however just as he did. An ear-splitting scream pierced the air. "Dogs!" one shouted, toward the bushed area. Lily could see canine-built figures indeed, and that was what worried her the most. Without any more words, all the cats fled in different directions. All the while screaming and yowling for help, Security was quick, trying to scour the area through the chaos.
"Welp, its now or never" Lily insisted, running right past Tuska and up to Tyran. Pushing him down to the ground with his stomach touching the grass. "Stay down" She growled. Tuska came in right behind her to lend a paw in holding him down. "What are you doing!" Tyran exclaimed, oblivious to what was going on still.
Just in the corner of their eyes they saw Chase, Skye, and Zuma, bolting toward them. As them came running, the cats around them bolted like the red sea, staying clear from them and running away through the entrance way. "I thought we were going to stick to the plan" Skye said.
"Plan changed, let's just get him out of here and back to the homestead" Lily stated.
"What's going on, who are you, are you working with dogs?!" Tyran kept asking as he was shuffled up to his paws before being swiftly yanked up by Chase in his jaws, but the scruff of his back neck.
"If you think I'm going down with a fight, you've got another thing coming" He stated, swinging around with his paws, laying down a solid slice on Chase's nose. Chase, in reaction, yelped, opening his mouth and letting Tyran run free. "You're never catch-" Being suddenly cut off as he tripped over on his front side, letting his aviators slide right off.
Sliding off right in front of him as he reached out to grab them once he was down, he had them in his clutches, but he turned around right after seeing the giant German shepherd towering over him with a menacing look, and a bleeding nose. "Don't kill me please, Im sorry, Im so sorry, I'll go with you I promise, I'll give you anything, I swear on my life!" He sang out in fear on the ground.
"Huh, quite the attitude change to only thwee seconds ago, Lets gwab and go" Zuma insisted, wanting to leave as quickly as they can. Instead, Zuma taking ahold of him within his teeth. "Don't even try anything" Chase growled, inches away from the feline's face. Tyran didn't say a word holding his shades, just nodding and complying like a tiny kitten caught by his parents.
"Which would you prefer Madam?"
"The red one please" Candelona spoke, Infront of her was one of Griffin's catering staff with a small tray of wine. Let the working cat in his black bowtie pour a glass on her and put it next to her. They were no longer in the dining room with the long table, now it was more secluded. It looked to be a small study infant, shelves of books and a fireplace, with very soft luxurious chairs around.
Griffin was seen sitting on one, all four investors were sitting in their own seats at a square table, it was clearly a time of great importance. "Griffin, We're certainly grateful for the wonderful lunch-in, kudos to the chefs I must say" Oscar said as he sat back comfortably in his chair, certainly he was a happy cat.
"Its my pleasure, This is how I treat all my guests. However, I look forward to look toward all four of you, not as just guests, but friends in investments" Griffin said. Letting all the others nod this head in agreement, including Kero.
"I already see great potential in those Rocky Mountains out yonder, so many resources and natural gas ripe for extracting" Tony stated.
"Not to mention the infrastructure that could be made, new buildings, new roads, I'd consider a new town, built from the ground up" Candelona added on.
"Sounds like a lot of work, and workers need food, and I can make sure of that all across this county" Oscar stated.
"I look forward to the change this can bring, so let's put these dreams to ink, shall we?" With a nod, Griffin's helpers stepped forward, sliding each of them a sheet of paper and fancy fountain pen to make their mark, including one to Kero.
"This isn't a one and done contract of course, it's just a signature for commitment, to show cooperation and willingness to move forward with future plans" Griffin stated. "Sounds fair and simple" Oscar replied, all getting ready to put their trust in their signature, however before they could.
There was several shouts and mass sounds of cats running outside the room, as well as several screams. All the heads turned as they stared curiously at the door, Griffin gritted his teeth at the terrible timing, just a few seconds delayed, and he would have had those signatures in the bag. "What is going on out there?" Kero asked out loud.
"Heh, I'm sure it's alright, we have police in the building, whatever it is they can handle it. Let's get back to those contracts, shall we?" Griffin tried to encourage, but just as he did. Reno, Katt County's Sheriff pushed the doors open. "He looked disturbed as they all stared at him in confusion, Griffin however looked more agitated at his sudden appearance. Behind Reno, were cats running down the halls in fear, as if they'd just seen a ghost.
"Mayor Griffin, I'm securing this building, Theres a situation at ground level"
"What kind of situation?" Griffin asked, trying not to let his temper get the better of him so he may let Reno know how he really felt.
"Look outside" Reno told him, It was an enclosed study away from the windows, so there was no way he could see. Griffin got up to look, he knew there was a balcony that gave him a good view of the town. However Griffin turned back around when all the other investors got up as well. "I will see to whatever this situation is, You all should remain here until I get back, with due respect of course."
"I'm sorry Mr. Griffin, but with the same respect, we must see for ourselves what this is. If we are to put trust in this county, We want assurance it is a safe one too" Kero stated, towering over Griffin as he usually would. Griffin glanced behind Kero to see Tony, Oscar, and Candelona all giving nods. They agreed with the canine that if this county had a big issue, they wanted to know about it.
Griffin felt like a rock in a hard place, he had no other choice but to step aside and not get hostile, as he did. All four investors walked out toward where the cats were running. Griffin didn't flow, instead now alone with Reno.
"What is going on Reno"
"A Riot, all across the town, the dogs are wreaking havoc, and I was told a few parts of the rural outskirts too. It's getting bad Griffin, but I've already ordered my deputies to secure this building"
"This couldn't have come at a better time?"
"Take it up with God Griffin, Theres nothing I could have done to stop from this from happening. It..It was all just so sudden" Reno replied, not knowing how this could have even started out of nowhere.
"Why are they rioting?" Griffin asked.
"I don't know" Reno was as baffled as any other cat by how it had happened or even why, the only guess was that dogs were just up to their usual intentions, to bring an end to cat rule.
Both felines broke off their train of thought when someone else came rushing down the hall, Much larger steps and actually wearing shoes. It was Lou, he was passing back the doors in a mad dash before he spotted Griffin.
Looking as if he was going to speak before Griffin raised a singular paw. "I know" Griffin stated. "I funded your department day in and day out, use every resource you have at your disposal to get this contained. Mass arrests or Mass graves, I don't care, just do something" Griffin tapped on Reno each word, letting each one sink in further.
Reno knew how Griffin must feel, wanting this done by any means. Even Reno knew policing didn't always look pretty, but some things were just too extreme, even for a riot. "Everything is being done, Don't tell me how to do my job" Reno, stepping back from Griffin, not wanting to engage more before leaving.
Griffin and Lou followed Reno, fast pacing all the way to the Balcony. Where there, they could see where all the cats had gone. All the cats were up against the railing of the balcony, even though the four investors were looking down on the streets too. Griffin joined in to see it too, the barking of dogs and orange glow of fires, why did this have to happen on this night.
"Awful, absolutely dreadful" Candelona commented.
"I agree, It's like an apocalypse movie down there, and not the small budget ones for sure" Tony added in.
"Yes , If this is what goes on in this county, I don't even want my companies to even consider this place" Oscar said.
"No no no, It's just a one off thing, You have my word that the Sheriff's Office is doing everything it can to-" Griffin was desperate, if he had hands and knees, he'd be on them begged for sure.
"It was him, I am sure of it!" One cat shouted, Griffin looked over and so did the other investors toward a male cat, brown and black in fur with stripes, pointing directly at Kero, the only dog close by. "Excuse me?" Kero looked very much offended.
"Don't play dumb with us Dog, I bet this was all planned by your kind, Its obvious" The cat edged forward, clearly he wasn't a cat to call names and back away, more so get involved in a fight.
"My kind, who you think you're talking to" Kero growled in response before Tony got in the middle. "Hey woah, You're way out of line for that kind of talk bud, Not every dog is the same just like how not ever cat is the same" Tony defend the Canaan breed.
"Cats are different, We have a different way of life than these savages, You think it makes you feel good to betray your fellow cat, so you can rub tails with a dog?" He hissed at the orange furred investor.
Griffin watched in horror as all his plans came crashing down right in front of him, it became even worse when the black and brown striped cat looked at him. "Mr. Mayor, Are you going to stand on the sidelines and watch this happen?" He spoke.
"Don't expect the mayor to fight your battles for you, Griffin wouldn't stand for this kind of injustice, This dog hasn't done anything to you, what makes you think you can berate him?" Oscar is now stepping in as well.
"Mayor Griffin has always put cats first, So you can imagine my shock when it appears he invited a dog to an event for only the most sophisticated" He replied.
"Is that so?" Kero spoke, but instead of his continuous face off with the black and brown feline, he instead turned his stare at Griffin, now looking at him in a different light with this newfound information.
The streets of town were usually quiet and tranquil, but not tonight, it was everything of the opposite. Total chaos from top to bottom. Around one corner came one cat, her fur was white there were almost smears of red along her side and some parts of her paws, she held something in her mouth as she ran, dangling by her teeth was a miniature kitten the exact fur colour as her, although there were spots of red, it was hard to tell if it was the kitten's or its mothers.
The mother ran down the sidewalk at max speed, behind her was a vicious call of barks. She glanced back to see an English setter breed and a Pomeranian chasing her down, Their snarls and growls sounding almost hellish, their teeth sharp and brandishing proudly, on their blind hunt for blood.
In a frantic attempt to evade, the she-cat makes a turn down an alley, only for her to realize it was a dead end. With her now facing a concrete wall, she drops her kit up close to it and turns around, using her body as a shield. The two canines stalk closer to her, but being the mother she is with her child on the line, she's willing to go do with a fight if it meant protecting her offspring.
Her fur bristles with a sudden spark of rage, throwing her unsheathed claws in their direction in an attempt to get them to stay back, the dogs give seconds thoughts, but in the end they decided to take them. "You'll have to kill me if you want to hurt my baby!" She shouts.
Her aggressors don't seem to mind the offer at all, thinking it would make it more entertaining if their victim fought back. "Leave her be!" A voice said from behind them suddenly, the setter turned his back to see who had spoken. Without any warning, he was tackled by his neck within an instant.
Falling off his paws, both dogs tussled on the alley floor, It was Brax who had done stepped in. The Pomeranian tried to bite at the Mountain dog, to help his setter friend, however he was yanked back from behind. He was hit up against a few trash bags that cushioned his throw, the dog who had done it was Rocky. "What's the matter with you, The cats are the enemy, not us!" The Pomeranian said, almost baffled as to why a dog would attack another dog.
"Leave!" Rocky didn't clarify the golden coloured hound, he only snapped his jaws only a few inches from the nose of the Pomeranian. Without a second thought, the small dog took off back out the alley. Once the setter was free from Brax's sharp grip, he too ran off, but instead of a hurt whimper.
"Nicely done" Ryder's came in, turning the corners as the rest of the group came up. All coming into the alley but once again hearing the hissing of cat, it was the same motherly she-cat. "I don't care if there's two or twenty of you, I'll defend my child until I die!" She continued to hiss, more so at Rocky and Brax. However, before Rocky and Brax could explain they weren't threats, Alto came in between them.
the female white cat saw the tom approach slowly, not wanting to let down her guard, she backed up more. "I'm a doctor, I can see you're hurt, let me take a look at you, please"
She eyed Alto after looking at herself, she was hurt even though she didn't feel like it, It must have been the rush of adrenaline that kept her pain low, but that didn't mean there was some more serious going on. "I-I think I cut one of my pads when I was running, I cant remember" She stated.
"That's okay, I can get you somewhere safe so I can look at you better, and make sure your child is okay as well" He insisted, backing up himself so she could feel more comfortable.
"O-Okay" She muttered, walking up to Alto see they walk out of the alley, The white feline's kit also paced behind her, however he slowly trailed off as he eyed Brax, the big Bernese mountain dog. He was a kitten, so Brax's size made him look like a giant. Before the kitten could walk closer, the mother veered back and snatched the kitten in her jaws. Still very cautious of the dogs around her, however as she passed, she muttered.
"Thank you" That was all that she said, and that was enough. "I remember this sidewalk, there's a corner store just a few steps away, we can look for some stuff in there to patch you up" Alto offered.
It didn't take long to reach the corner store that Alto had mentioned, it was on the same sidewalk. Inside it looked closed, the door was closed, and the lights were off. However, this was no ordinary night, this was a time of crisis. "Its locked" Alto mentioned, trying to push the door.
"Let me try" Ryder offered, stepping over the cats to barge the door. At first he tried to push in the door, but it was no use. So he gave it a good kick right near the lock, to his surprise, it worked. The door swung open, letting the metal lock jingle and jangle, hoping that wouldn't make enough noise to attract attention.
"Great, lets get in and-" Marshall stepped under Ryder in between his legs, walking right into the dark store before all of sudden, he was pelted with various store items. Most hard, like bottles and cans, and at some point, he felt something slice him. Marshall falls over onto his side, where suddenly the lights turn on.
Once on, The group could see there were multiple cats inside, some behind racks, behind the staff counter, and even crouching in the corner trying not be seen. "Get him" One cat said.
"Wait Wait, Stop, We're not here to harm anyone, We're just help this mother and her child find safety" Klaus stepped in then, just in time to shield the Dalmatian from the pelting he was getting.
"Oh, We're sorry, We thought he was one of those dogs outside" A different cat said, standing from upon the cashier countertop. "I guess he's one of the docile ones?" He asked.
"Docile isn't the word I'd use, but sure, He's friendly, we all are" Klaus replied.
"Well get inside then, These cats ran in here to get safety too" He insisted, flicking his paw continuous for them to come inside before anyone else noticed, more specifically a dog with bad intentions. As they came in, some of the cats shifted away from the canines of the group. Shooting them suspicious glances and all, not wanting to trust them fully.
"Old habits die hard I guess" Ell whispered in Brax's ear, noting that all the cats were slowly letting their guard down, but at the same time ready for anything. "Good, now I can get a better look at you" Alto stated.
"Wait, are you a doctor?" One cat asked.
"Yes, are you hurt too?" Alto replied.
"Yeah, I cut myself accidentally on the glass when coming in" He stated, raising his paw a bit, Alto could see his paw, it had scraps of blood that had been lazily stuffed with tissue to stop the bleeding. "I'll have a look soon" Alto replied.
"Can you look at me next?" Another cat asked.
"Then me if you don't mind, A dog got a hold of my tail and yanked it really hard, I don't know if its broken?" another said, showing her tail curled and jagged like a crumbled piece of paper.
"Good thing you came along after all" Marshall commented.
"Indeed, I'm going to need some help, Mind lending me a paw?"
"All for it" The Dalmatian responded. Some of the cats looked a bit off, letting a dog get some close to them to treat some of their cuts, but Alto gave a calming gesture with his front paw. "It's okay, he won't hurt any of you" He truthfully claimed.
Suddenly, there was a flurry of barking coming from outside. It was a singular dog down the road, and it was barking right at the store as it ran at full speed. "The lights!" One cat shouted, making another cat jump with surprise before turning around slamming his paw against the light switch.
In an instant afterward, the small store went dark, but that didn't stop the dog. He wasn't stupid, he knew they were still in there. Ryder was the closets to the door, quickly slamming it shut and pushing a shelf rack in front of it, so it for sure wasnt going to open. "Hide" One cat whispered intensively, backing away from the windows and the door to retreat further back.
Everyone else did the same, The kitten of the white she-cat had started to crying and panic before his mouth was briefly covered by his mother's paw in an effort to keep him quiet. The dog on the other end of the door didn't let up however, he clawed viciously at the door when he tried to slam his body against it to burst it open. "I know you're in there, its no use!" He shouted.
All the cats didn't both, only looking at each other in fear, as well as some getting ready to do what they Marshall accidentally to the dog outside; this time there was going to be no one to stop it. "Fine, Be like that" He broke off from the door, stammering off, They cats smiled, thinking he'd given up. However, that's not what he was doing, he instead retreated to the other side of the road, where a small fire was roaring. He picked up a rolled-up newspaper in his jaws and pranced over to the flame. Letting it ignite the tip of the rolled-up newspaper.
He ran back to the store, stepping up the front door and dropping it right at the front of the door. "I heard cats aren't the best fans of water, so let's see how much you love fire then" The dog taunted, as the fire was slowly starting to catch.
Everyone inside silently started to panic, already looking for a way out. Brax and Ell stood quietly with their jaws and stomachs touching the floor, they huddled closer together in the face of burning alive, Dixon looked over at his siter, Dixie, she was laying close to a few other cats, If they had to make a run for it, she wouldn't make it far for sure.
Then suddenly, as the dog was backing up into the street, facing the slow burning fire. "Hey!" a voice shouted; the dog turned to his side to see a fellow dog running up to him. "Stop wasting your time with random cats" The voice said, at the sound however, Dixie perked her head to the window at the front of the shop that viewed the street. "Dash?" she muttered, recognizing his voice.
Getting up, she slowly stalked toward the front window, the while cats looking on in frustration and fear for her. "What are you doing?" Dixon asked, very agitated by the sound of his voice.
"Get down, they're going to see you" Another cat warned Dixie, but she didn't care. It all went in one ear, and out the other ear which was still disfigured. Dixie laid down against the floor, pressing herself up just a bit for her to peak over a little bit, it was a large window and not far off the ground at all. "It is him" She whispered.
"The Sheriff's Office is the real enemy, don't bother with innocent cats that didn't do anything" Dash exclaimed. "Innocent cats?!" The other dog replied, taken back by such an adjective to describe the felines.
"No cat is innocent in this county, they've all contributed to the suffering of dogs. This is a night no cat will forget, that dogs aren't going to cower in fear anymore" He replied, getting nothing but a snap from the Ridgeback's jaws near his side.
"I've made myself clear, go to the major precinct like the others and fight the ones with the badges, not the ones you find trapped and scared" Dash stated, ready to get his words through even if it meant shedding blood in the street. The other dog just glanced at him before glancing at the store again. Dixie and the other cats close to the window, immediately shot downward, trying not to be seen.
"You've gone soft" was all he said before running off, more than likely to the major precinct of the Sheriff's Department. Dash breathed a frustrated sigh as he turned to face the store, running up to the front door and dragging the half-burned newspaper away from the steps and onto the sidewalk. Stopping it out with his paws before running after the other dog to join him.
"I-I-I cant…I-" Dixie struggled to even form her words, getting up and angling herself up to window, trying to spot where the ridgeback was heading. "We have to go after him" She finally spoke.
"Are you out of your mind, you heard him, most of the dogs must be crowding around the Sheriff's Department Building. How are we going to sneak around there?"
"Who said anything about sneaking" Dixie replied.
"Just wait a second, You can stay for a big longer, We can sort things out better if just talk it out more" Griffin's desperation was at an all time high, he paced after the four investors who steadily walked away from him, not even giving him a glance as they were now in the parking well section of the building which was already closed off, no risk of rioting dogs be in that area.
"Out of all the comments and advances , That would have to be the most pitiful and ludicrous one yet" Candelona spat, her voice was like a dagger that didn't give Griffin any hope at all. "Like wise Miss, I wouldn't step foot in this county even if yall found gold topped with rubies" Tony commented. "I knew down in my gut coming here and forging a deal with you was the wrong choice, and that surely wasn't the salmon talking" Oscar chimed in, it was clear where they all stood and how they thought of Griffin.
Only leaving Kero for the last words as they walked, he didn't both to say anything, just like the others, he didn't even look back. They all approached their respective vehicle, Tony being the first to throw open the back door. "Get back in Texas stat, I'd make better friends with a tumbleweed than this cat" Tony stated, jumping right in. "As they say in America , See yah later, and I dear hope 'later' doesn't come anytime soon" Candelona said, hoping in right after Tony. "And by the way, That salmon, was undercooked" Oscar said finally, hoping into the back as the final cat. "B-But theres a riot going on, Chaos in the streets, It's not safe" Griffin pointed out.
"We'll take our changes" Tony spoke up for the rest of them, seeing no pushback, finally closing the door and watching the elongated vehicle cruise off. Leaving Griffin speechless, Griffin looked over to his side, seeing another limousine also pull up close, seeing a few parking spaces in between him was Kero. He wasn't even looking at Griffin.
"Kero, Kero you can't believe what those cats said. They are just puffed up furballs with mouths, what about everything we talked about?" Griffin tried to engage with the Canaan breed, only offering him a short glance before the backdoor of the limousine pulled up just few away from him.
He didn't even raise his paw, only waiting a few short seconds before a cat hoped out of the front passenger seat of the Limousine and made his way to the door right in front of Kero, opening it for him. "Please, I beg of you, Just give me a chance" He said just as Kero took his front paw and put it in the Limo, however Griffin's body went on end when he suddenly took it back out.
"In the few hours I've known you , I thought I understood you as an equal, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I can only blame myself for not noticing all the signs even as I first stepped into this God forsaken building. The stares, the prejudice, and the 'cats first' policy you conveniently turn a blind eye to when I arrive. You don't want my father as a business partner, only a tool. Well tell you what…" Kero stalked toward Griffin, no teeth bared but very much intimidating as Griffin backed up further and further.
"No dog's freedom is up for grabs by the stroke of a pen!" Kero gave a loud bark, making Griffin shoot back in fear. In a freak reaction, Griffin's fur bristled at the dog, his hiss sounded like one of a snake making its warning. Within an instant, Griffin realized what he had done. "Good to see you showing your real self" Kero spoke normally toward the feline, turning back around and jumping right into the Limousine. The cat helper closing the door once he was in and running back to the front of the Limousine. Where just like the first one, it drove off. Leaving Griffin torn apart on the inside, it wouldn't have made any difference if he didn't react with a hiss to Kero, it didn't make much of a difference.
"Request additional units to cover the side and back entrance of the SD Building, not enough personnel to help protect the gate"
"10-4, Rerouting second and fifth district deputies to your location on the east and south position of the Major Precinct. Chatter on the west end of the county is getting very hectic; response may be delayed by a few minutes"
"Copy" The radio communications started blowing up ever since the dogs came into the dog in full force, The major precinct of the Sheriff's Department was surrounded, all entrances usually manned by deputies in guard ports were completely blocked off. The gates were closed, the bollards were erected and deputies stood in line with full riot gear.
Just a few feet from them were the dogs, rabid and ready to snap if thoroughly provoked enough, It wasn't as if the dogs could rush them, they could easily jump over the singular orange and white striped gate meant for cars, weave in between the bollards and rush the police, but the momentum wasn't there yet for the dogs. It just took one dog to push it over the edge.
"Hey cat, when this line breaks off, I'm coming for you first!" One dog shouted at one deputy, it didn't seem like he knew the cat at all, he just wanted to agitate and pick out one for the sake of it. The cat deputy realized he was singled out, doing nothing but shaking his head as he held his police shield, his tail taser ready to go as well. "Savages" he muttered under his breath.
"On scene units be advised of the major center precinct, We're in the process of preparing and deploying smoke to distort the dog's mobility, then we'll be able to rush in and get as many as we can, Over" Multiple deputies heard over their radio, thinking this is the point where it all comes to an end. Tear gas deployed was the first step to stop this riot.
"All area units within the vicinity, this is Sheriff Reno, everything except for lethal force is authorized against the rioters." Suddenly Reno's voice blared over the radio, and suddenly, the sheriff's support made the deputies feel more emboldened and ready for battle. "Finally" one deputy commented, already getting ready his gas mask that slung on the side of his feline body.
A loud boom like bark shattered the air, most dogs turned around to see who had made such a commanding presence. It was Dash, the large ridgeback sitting by atop an abandoned patrol car parked on the side of the road, lights flashing and all. Slowly jumping down onto the hood and onto the asphalt. "All dogs witness, this is the turning point of future. The Sheriff's department has been in the way ever since, but tonight marks that change"
"I couldn't agree more Dash, Tonight will be a night that no cat will ever forget, and no dog will ever be able to look more fondly of" Larch commented suddenly, stepping up to the ridgeback's side.
"It's time, We dogs will finally-"Dash continued, until in his mind, the unthinkable happened.
"Dash!" Dash heard a strong voice, female, and all too familiar. It sounded close as well, only taking a quick turn of his head to spot her. Dixie, by her side was a multitude of dogs and cats, and one human that he knew. "We're so dead" Dixon muttered, feeling all the stares of each dog fall on them.
"Cat lovers!" One dog shouted at them from the crowd, they were unphased however as they circled around Dixie as she walked closer to Dash. "Dixie, Why are you here?" Dash asked, stepping toward her as well.
"Because you are, why are you doing this?" Dixie asked, almost heartbroken. "You know this cat?" Larch asked from behind Dash, Dash looked back. He knew he could answer that question easily and truthfully, but he didn't want to. "Well?" Larch pushed.
"I do, She…." Dash replied, looking back at Dixie as he said it, right into her eyes. "helps me" he finished. Feeling the shock from all the dogs around him as he said, even Larch was surprised, but not by too much. "I had a feeling. The way you looked when you came to us, strong and fed, and housed. You're a cat lover, just like those traitors over there with her" The great dane responded, turning his gaze over to the small group that surrounded Dixie, obviously talking about Marshall, Rocky, and Rubble.
"I cant believe it, Dash, the one who hated cats as much as anyone else, would think so fondly of one as if they were your own. You have no self-respect, and whatever loyalty you had is gone" He continued.
"So that's why he wanted us to attack the Sheriff's Department and not any cat we saw" One dog exclaimed, somewhere in the crowd where Dash couldn't see. The ridgeback was silent, because he knew it was true.
"Then why ask us in the first place then, cat lover" Larch asked, but much less of a question and more of a demand for an answer. "The Sheriff's Department….hurt her, almost killed her, and I wanted revenge" Dash muttered, his head low.
"An even more pathetic reason, what a waste, using your fellow dogs as a means to please a cat" The great dane spat back. "If I would have known you were going to do this, I would have stopped you Dash. I don't want revenge, I don't want anyone hurt, especially not you" Dixie replied, making Dash turn back his head in appreciation.
"B-But why?" He asked, puzzled.
"Because, we care for you" Dixie said.
"We?" Dixon retorted, not knowing who this 'we' was that Dixie was referring not, In typical sibling fashion, Dixon received a quick smack to the side of the head in a solid notice to get him to shut up.
"Well good for you Dash, You at least have someone in this crowd that gives a damn about whether you live or die, It's a shame though…" Larch responded, before swiftly lunging forward toward Dash, Knocking him to the ground.
"She won't be able to stop me from do anything about it" He said, staring down at Dash's exposed neck. Dash not one to lay down and accept it, squirmed and kicked and thrashed all around. Some dogs from the crowd tried to offer their own teeth, biting at Dash but surprisingly Larch backed them off. "Stay away, this is my kill" He bared his teeth, letting the other dogs back off.
"Hey, Stop!" Klaus shouted, trying to run up and break it up himself before a dog got in his way, lunging just a few inches in front of him, Klaus had a sudden flash of reality, remembering this whole crowd was satisfied with wanting him dead just because he was a cat. Luckily though, Rubble got in between him and the dog, acting as a shield.
"You'd lay your life down for this cat?"
"A million times over" Rubble responded, the while he saw behind the dog, the fight was still going on. Dash was able to get back onto his paws fortunately for him, as the two hounds circled around each other, waiting for a sign of weakness for the other to take advantage of.
"This is your final warning, Smoke will be used if you do not disperse" A deputy shouted in the dog crowd from behind the police line, Dash turned his head at the sound, only to revert his head to see Larch was already charging him. Dash reacted by bolting head on toward Larch to counter him, it worked, slightly.
The two dogs were rocked off their paws, but more so Dash. Larch staggered a bit getting up but as he approached Dash who still lay on the ground, rearing around and biting Larch on the front paw. The great dane yelp in a short burst of pain, reacting with a bit to Dash's neck.
Dash reacting in a growl, obviously he was in pain from the bite, but he dared not show it. Might give Larch the sense that he was winning. Trying to power through, he pulled Larch down and spun him over to his side, letting Dash get back up, However Larch copied him, and pull him down back where the two struggled in an alligator type death roll.
Then as the fight continued, a unison sound of thumps echoed into the night, coming from the police line. The dogs looked up where they saw several canisters trailing with white smoke pouring out. All of them landed in separate areas, but not far from each other. It took almost no time at all before the smoke completely covered the area in seconds. Most dogs took off running as they heard the sound of police gear rattling against each other, they were moving in.
Larch and Dash realized this, their surroundings turned to a mist of white. The smoke plus the fact it was nighttime, but it impossible to see even a few feet in front of yourself. "We have to leave, now" Dash said, trying to get up, If Larch wasn't going to get him, the police surely would, both of those not being exactly the most appealing. However Larch wasn't having it, grabbing Dash by the tail and yanking him back.
"Oh no you don't, I don't care if even the sun implodes, I'm killing you right here, right now. You'll be a shining example of why dogs like you cant be trusted and should never be allowed to breathe" Larch growled, lunging forward with teeth to bite down on Dash's side. The ridgeback gritted in pain, using his back paws to kick Larch away, proving successful, but Larch brutally took a piece of Dash with him. A small piece of flesh hung from the great dane's mouth, thoroughly being spat out as Dash inched away from him, feeling too much pain to get up and run.
Larch stalked to Dash like a hunter enjoying the final moments of his prey, However before anything else could happen, Larch jumped in pain from his backside, turning around to see it was Dixie with a singular claw unsheathe, landing herself a clean slice across the back of the great dane.
"You're small fish little cat, This is my only warning, Leave" Larch instructed Dixie, The feline didn't know it, but this was quite the surprise. Being given a warning to leave instead of being ripped apart. However, Dixie didn't care, instead, swiping her claw against, but this time in the face of Larch as his face was turned to her. Once again, gaining a clean cut against his muzzle and close to his eyes.
"I will make your death special!" Larch shouted, lunging toward Dixie only for her to back up. "Don't touch her!" Dash shouted, getting back to his paw and rushing toward the great Dane, being taken by surprise, he fell to the ground. Dash wasted no time as he bit viciously repeatedly all over Larch's head.
His legs flailed and kicked in desperation, Dixie stepped back in astonishment, remembering the words Dash had shouted before he got back up. Finally, He was able to get Dash off of him, but the damage was very much already done by that point. His face was bruised and cut and torn in such bad ways. He can get back up and retaliate, but instead, he stood down and breathed heavily.
Dash didn't rush in the finishing blow, even though he recognized he was still alive, it was over. "Dixie, Dixie where did you go!" Rocky's voice called out from the smoke, the group was together, coughing and squinting through the smoke, trying to link up back with Dixie whom they had lost in the cloud. "There she is, Over there!" Ryder pointed out, spotting her out watching Larch attempt to sit up, but with a wobble.
"Dixie, are you okay, Are you hurt?" Dixon asked once again by her side.
"I'm fine" She responded, looking over to Dash afterward, just seeing him stare at Larch as he listened in to their surroundings. The shouts of deputies and dogs barking, some fighting and some trying to escape. "Dash?" Dixie asked, looking over at him.
"I'm ready to go" Dash responded softly, looking defeated despite his win. "Let's go home before we get caught up in anything else" Rocky insisted.
Griffin sat in the center of a large room, mainly use for large gatherings. On the floor were torn pieces of fabric, food, and destroyed event decorations. They must have been knocked over when all the cats were freaking out over the riot. There was no one around to witness the mayor in such a low mood, flicking a piece of cloth from left to right as if were little, he didn't know what to do with himself now.
"Mayor Griffin" Lou spoke suddenly from behind him, Griffin just gave a short glance before paying no mind. "You don't have to call me that, It wont make much sense in….I'd say a few weeks or so"
"Don't say that, It's not over yet. The riot is dying out, Reno told me" Lou responded.
"Its much more than a riot, It's the foundation of the county that's slowly being lost and dying out. I should never have even tried, I should have been with my sister at her wake"
"Speaking of Aunty Susanna, Its Tyran" Lou said, mentioning the semi-famous feline. "What about him?" Griffin seemed curious, turning back to face him. "He was taken, word started flying out it was a German shepherd, Brown Lab, and Cockapoo" He listed.
For a moment Griffin thought for a few short moments, before he chuckled in a defeated way. "Paw Patrol" He muttered. "I never thought, I'd be driven down, by Paw Patrol"
"Its not too late, You're still sitting on the throne, You still have the crown."
"I guess, If I cant save this county from going backwards, I could at least drag down Paw Patrol while I still can." Griffin getting back up on all fours, Lou seeing a glimmer of hope in his eyes once more.
"Bring Reno, no more beating around the bush with them, Its time Paw Patrol is sorted out once and for all"