Housepets! Battle of the Souls [PG-13]
Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 1:57 am
Okay, this will be first story on this forum and hopefully, I impress you all with it. This story will be PG-13, so there will language, but worry not there will only be a 4 - 7% chance of them using the D-word or the H-word, in layman's terms, only in super, ultra rare occasions. As for blood and such, same percentage, 4 - 7% chance. And now the big one, the not-so-PG-13-stuff-yet-it-still-is type of material. (Forgive me, its hard to limit myself when doing PG-13 types of stories, doesn't mean I won't try ) Nothing to worry about here, hardly to almost never , will anything ever happend, so fear not! Well, now that that has been settled, I won't have to worry about getting flag for not mentioning something. (Or have Rick Griffin kill me because of my neglect. )
If there is anything I forgot to mention, let me know please.
With that out of way, let's get on with it people.
Housepets! Battle of the Souls
Chapter one: The Enigmatic dog's arrival
*On the road, approximately 20 minutes until arrival*
"You know, we're almost towards The Babylon Gardens, roughly 20 minutes or less. Are you nervous?" Asked a gruff voice, it was mostly directed towards the passenger side of the vehical along with the moderate sound of the radio playing as well, smooth and classical music was coming from the station on the radio.
"No father, I am not anxious in manner of which you have in mind. If anything that is related to the latter, I am positively thrilled to be living in a community that is both populated by both species. The way I see it, it is a new chapter of my life and I look forward to writing it." Replied an elegant male voice, it was responding to the first.
"A new chapter huh? I guess when you put it that way, it is isn't it?" The male replied. "You get to be around fellow pets and I get to be around fellow humans, it all works out for us. Good thing I took the deal and decided to move us out here. The last place was too crazy." The human male pointed out.
"Yes it was father. It was far too uproarish for my tastes. It's nice that we are moving to a more calm location in the United States." The second male replied.
"Yep. And it's a pet friendly community. You'll be surrounded by other pets as well. Isn't that a nice factor?" The human male asked.
"To be surrounded by my own kind is something that of relief. It wil be nice to be around other felines and canines." The second male replied.
"So long as you do not forget the task your mother left for you. Understand?" The human asked.
"Worry not father, I will not forget my mission. I will see it through without fail." The canine confrimed. The human driving the car only chuckled at his pet's answer.
"No need to sound like a robot, I said to make sure you don't forget it, not make your task your raison detre. You're too stiff about it sometimes, lighten up. We're moving to a new place, I want you to enjoy yourself while we're there. Make new friends and if you're lucky and play your hand right, you just might snag yourself a lovely female dog to hang out with." The human chuckled out, but the canine male did not find that response so humorus. A faint growl was in his voice.
"Father, I have told you this time and time again. My task is arrive in Babylon Gardens and meet with the one I am meant to meet and train him. I have not the time nor the leisure to seek out companionship or any other trivial folly that follows the latter of the topic. Please do not bring up that manner of subject again." The canine growled to his owner, his focus on him along with a steel gaze, that was pericing through the driver, but he shook it off.
"Okay, okay. No need to get your collar in a knot. It was just a simple suggestion, the hostility is not needed." The human male replied. "By the way, why are you stil holding on to that package? You got that over a year, yet you never opened it. Why is that?" The driver asked.
"My deepest apologizes father, but under regulation, I am forbidden to share that type knowledge with you. Besides, what's in this package, it's a secrect." The canine male replied with a grin to his master.
"Secret? What kind of secret?" The human asked.
"That's a secret as well. Forbidden to speak of it." The canine replied.
"Great, now you got me all curious and such. Thanks alot." The human responded.
"Well father, if your kind from the past of so very long ago had not eatten that apple from the Tree of Knowledge, curiosity would not be an issue this moment, now will it?" The canine asked, a smug grin on his muzzle.
"You've been reading from the Book of Genesis again haven't you?" The driver asked.
"More or less. I try not to delve so deep." The canine admitted while chuckling to himself.
*Babylon Gardens*
"But moooooooom, it's Saturday. Why do you have to work today?" Groaned a semi-highpitched voice.
"I'm sorry sweetie, but I was called in. When that happens, I have to go. No execptions I'm afraid." Mrs. Sandwich pointed out while taking a one last sip of her coffee, before placing the cup in the sink along with all the other dirty dishes that needed to be washed.
"But I'm so booooored. And there is nothing to do. I played all my games, I'm not really in the mood to draw today, me and dad already played fetch, and it's not even noon yet, Grape just started her nap, I don't wanna disturb her just yet. I wanna give her at least a 20 minute head start. You sure you just can't skip today?" Peanut asked.
"I'm sorry hon, but I'm really needed today. One of the workers called in sick and I have to take her place. So no skipping." Mrs. Sandwich pointed out while walking over to the main hallway which Peanut tagged behind.
"I bet my secret bone stash she's faking it." Peanut huffed while folding his arms in a annoyed manner, upset at his current situation.
"Yes Peanut, that's how it mostly is at time. But still, this my job so I have to go. Besides, the day isn't over yet. Why not spend it with your girlfriend? Or spend it at your club with the other dogs." Mrs. Sandwich offered.
"Originally me and Tarot had a date planned, but she cancelled. Important matters of some kind came up. And I really don't plan on going to the Good Ol Dog's Club. Bino is giving the same speech about 'Toilet Bowl' rights again. I guess I'll go for a walk or something around the neighborhood." The brown dog replied with a sigh as he followed his owner to the front door.
"That sounds like a good idea. Taking a walk always helps when you have nothing to do. And it's nice and cool out as well, that's a nice add. Now, I have to get going. I'll be home the usual time. So keep the house orderly alright?" She asked while kneeling down to Peanut's level.
"Yes mom, I promise." Peanut answered.
"Good boy." Mrs. Sandwich said as she placed a gentle kiss on his head before standing back up and proceeded to open the front door. "Oh, I almost forgot to mention. We're getting new neighbors today." She added. Peanut's eye went wide from the sudden news and his tail began to wag at a very fast pace.
"We're getting new neighbors?!" Peanut shouted, his paws clenching as his whole demeanour changed from bored to excited.
"That's right, they're moving in next door. If luck is on our side, they'll be here early." Mrs. Sandwich replied.
"This so COOL! We're gonna have new neighbors! I wonder what he's like? Does he like games? Does he like dogs? Does he HAVE a dog? If he does, what kind of dog is he? What does he look like? What is he like? Does he like to play fetch? OH! Does he like the Pridelands series?!" Peanut asked, bombarding his owner with a bundle of question. Mrs. Sandwich could only chuckle at the canine's excitment.
"Honestly Peanut, I don't know. They're a complete mystery to us. Unfavoriably, I can't greet them. I'll be home the usual time and it'll be too late, but that's where come in Peanut. I would like for you to be the one that welcomes then to neighborhood. Can you handle it?" Mrs. Sandwich asked the dog before her.
"Of course I can, just leave it to me mom!" Peanut declared with a smile.
"There's a good boy." Mrs. Sandwich complemented while petting him. "Well, I best be going. Make sure to have our neighbors feel welcomed." She added while turning to open the door.
"I promise." Peanut replied.
"Okay. I'll see you later." Mrs. Sandwich responded while closing the door.
"Bye mom!" Peanut called while watching the door close. After waiting to the click of the lock, Peanut did a 180 and darted up the stairs towrads his room while calling out for "Graaaaaaape!"
*Babylon Gardens, outside*
"Looks like we made it, and the moving truck is already waiting there for us. Looks like we saved them some time instead of having them wait for us for a while." Said the human while pulling the car into the drive way, parking it next to the open truck, seeing that the delivery men were waiting on the inside. They waved to him as he was turning the car off and undoing his seatbelt, his pet doing the same.
"Can the blame be solely on them father? We have been on the road for over nine hours. If they were to remain stationary any longer, to be expected, their irritation would only increase. So let us not delay any longer then is needed and proceed to lend these gentlemen a hand with our belongings." The canine replied while undoing is seat belt and proceeded to open the door, the odd package still in his paw. Both he and his owner walked up to the front door while the human fished for his housekeys, the dog beside him only let out a minor groan of annoyance.
"Father, the keys are in your shirt pocket. You placed them there over nine hours ago." He said, looking up at the human who was reaching the spot that he was told.
"Right, I knew that." The owner chuckled, making the canine roll his eyes.
"If you say so father. Now, I do not mean to be rude, but could you open the door posthaste? I would like place this down in my new so that I may go find to the nearest tree to mark. I have been stationary for too long, and I URGENTLY need to aliviate myself." The dog said, his right foot twitching thanks to the call of nature being so great.
"I told you not drink those three Mega Chug sodas in one setting. What possessed you drink them all in one setting?" He asked while inserting the the key into the slot and undoing the lock.
"The hot weather, the long drive and the fact that us canines become much more parched then any other animal or human. So forgive me if I sound a tad vexed." The dog replied, one of his legs was now bounching.
"Okay okay. I hear you. And there you go," The human said while opening the door, granting his canine pet and the movers passageway into the house. "Access is now-" he did't get to finish, the dog just blitzed past him and into the empty house and in a few seconds he ran back out and passed his owner, making his way to the backyard. "Granted." He finished while heading inside. The movers took that as the signal and prepared to unload the furniture.
*Meanwhile, in the Sandwich home.*
"Graaaaaape! Hey Grape!!!" Peanut called out as he bursted through the door to his room. Upon entering the room, he could see a purple feline that was comically plastered in her sleeping basket. Her rear was up against the edge of her basket while her legs were up against the wall, one over the other. Her arms were hanging over the front as was her head. Her mouth was wide open and loud snores were very much apart of the reason why her mouth open. As funny as she looked, he had to tell her the good news! "C'mon Grape wake up! I have good news! " Peanut cajoled whiled gently shaking the feline awake. But it wasn't working.
"Please Grape, wake up!" Peanut whinned while shaking her a little harder this time, but as expected, the purple feline would not wake.
"Grape...! Grape... GRAPE!!!" Peanut shouted at the top of his lungs, trying to awaken his feline friend, but to no avail did she sturr from the realm of sleep. Peanut knew that since his outdoor voice to get her up didn't work, he had to resort his last choice, one he had hoped to avoid using, for he knew that it could go one of two ways.
Path number 1. A very powerful and painful punch to the face, possibly knocking something lose.
Or....
Path number 2. He get's the cold shoulder from her for the next two weeks.
Both outcomes were risky,
But it had to be done.
Carefully, he leaned down and by a small margin, brought his muzzle to her left ear and spoke in a gentle tone saying, "Hey Grape, did you hear? About the next volume of Pridelands?" He started off, in response, her ear twitched a bit.
"Mhm... whudaboudit?" She asked, her voice slurred and her eyes still closed. She was bearly conscious, yet still hovering in the realm of slumber.
"Sorry to tell you this, but I just got word from Res that he's cancelling the volume and future products of the series." Peanut lied while pulling back, preparing for the show that was about to happen. From the barely awake feline, that fatal sentence delivered to her forced her eyes to snap wide open, knocking off all traces of sleepiness.
"WHAT?! CANCELLED?!!" Grape shout as she shot up from her crazy position and turned to stare at the chocolate colored dog, who was stood there with his paws behind his back, a striaght faced expression on him, as he watched the feline start to spaz out. "I-I don't understand? Its such a popular franchise, why would he drop the ball like?" She asked while pivoting her body the same way she was facing.
"It was a huge shock to me too, I mean, the story line was pretty much perfect, hardly any plot gaps and... you know what I can' t keep this going." Peanut admitted, not liking the fact that he was lying to his best friend. He never was the type to lie. No matter how long or short.
"What, Peanut what are you talking about?" Grape asked while hopping of her bed and landing in front of the dog, who was now folding his arms behind his back.
"That thing about the whole Pridelands being cancelled. That was a lie." The dog admitted, his ears lowering in shame, while telling the truth. Grape's shock and disbelief quickly evaporated and anger was slowly surfacing in it's place.
"You made up that cancellation thing just to wake me up did you? Why did you lie about something so serious?" She ask while folding her arms.
"Because... well..." Peanut started.
"Go on." Grape instructed in a non-harsh commanding tone.
"Because... I wanted to tell you something." He admitted.
"Is it something stupid?" Grape asked while walking towards, making the dog super nervous for what might happen to him, even though he was well aware of actions and the aftermath.
"No... not really. I just wanted to let you know that we have new neighbors moving in today. I didn't think you knew about it." Peanut admitted, hoping that would calm her down.
"We have new neighbors moving in? Nobody told me anything." Grape asked more in surprise then anger.
"Same thing for me too. Mom just told me before she left work." Peanut replied, relieved that Grape wasn't going to do painful things to him, or at least he hoped.
"Wait, mom went to work? But it's Saturday. She's off on the weekends." The purple feline pointed out while hopping back onto her basket and looking out the window, trying to find any trace of the car she drove.
"I said the exact same thing to her, but even that couldn't stop her. She was 'called in' as she put." Peanut mention while watching the purple cat from the floor level.
"She was called in? Honestly, sometimes I just can't comprehend the notions of humans the their work ethic." replied Grape, as she kept her attention on the outside.
"You're telling me. Isn't the whole point of weekends meant for relaxing? They work during the week? Why stress themselves on the two days they're meant to take it easy?" Peanut asked.
"You got me there, I'll give you that. But more on that subject later, looks like our new neighbors are here." The feline interject.
"What? They're here already?" Peanut asked.
"Well from where I'm standing, or kneeling in this case, I see two vehicles; one red car with a few dents and a large white van with the company name: Movers-Express along with two guys hauling in a couch inside. Come see for yourself," said Grape, allowing Peanut to be beside her. Peanut didn't need to be told twice, right away he hopped up and landed beside her, now looking outside along with her. "See? We got two guys moving a couch in, and one guy standing on the side, not doing anything yet. I'm guessing that he's the new guy here," Grape pointed out.
"So he's the new guy huh? Do you think he's into D&D like Fido's dad and the others?" Peanut asked.
"Dunno, you can ask when we meet him. Still when someone moves into Babylon Gardens, they have a pet with them. So where is the-" "New dog! There he is!" Peanut pointed in excitment, seeing a canine appear, most likely coming from the back, his paw digit on the glass showing the canine position to Grape.
"So that's the new dog huh? Has a good height on you Peanut, roughly by a couple, at least that's what I can tell from up here." Grape gussed.
"Who cares, we have a new dog in the neighborhood. I wonder what he's like?" Peanut asked while removing himself off of Grape's basket and onto the floor.
"Peanut we don't even know if the dog is male or female, how can you be so sure?" Graped asked while turning to face him, seeing that Peanut was already walking towards the door to their room preparing to exit.
"Only one way to find out. I'm going over there to greet them. Feel free to join me after letting dad know. See you in a bit." And with that, he was out and on his way to the new neighbors, leaving Grape behind to let their dad know of the new folks that moved in.
*Outside of the Sandwich home and nearby*
"Okay, Now that couch and a majority of other things are inside, you guys want some water?" The human make asked the movers who were now on break.
"That would be nice, thanks." Replied one of the movers while fanning himself with his hat.
"Alright. Two glasses of cold water coming right up. Be right back." He then turned his attention to the canine beside him, whose arms were folded behind his back. "These guys are on break, so don't do anything to bother them, alright?" He asked.
"Yes father, I'm aware. I will go retrive the rest of my belongings." The canine replied.
"Okay, I'll leave you to it. But hurry now, later we're going to introduce ourselves, so hop to it." And with that, the owner made his way into the home to complete the task at hand. Seeing no need to stay on the porch or talk to the movers, he proceeded to off the porch and braved the hot sun on his way to the truck to retrive his items. Rounding the corner of the truck and walking up it's ramp to the inside, he could see that over 75% of their things had been moved in the home. He walked over to a nearby box that was his and proceeded to pick it up and bring it inside as well. Just as he was about to reach down and take hold of his possessions, a painless yet strong ringing was going off in his head but this time it was gettng louder, more so then when he arrived and it could mean only one thing.
'Here he comes, and so soon too. Normally I'd expect some form of hesistation, but that does not appear to an issue here, or at all for that matter. He is a brave one as well. Good, that will be needed soon.' The dog thought to himself as he stood back up and turned to face the exit, seeing a brown and cream-colored dog with a red collar and white bone tag, approach the property, with a bright smile on his face. He left the gox where it was and proceeded to leave the truck to greet Peanut.
"So this is the new neighbors' house huh? Cool! He's right next door, that saves me the trip. Now where is the new guy? Is he in the house or the back?" He asked aloud which think of the places where the new dog could be.
"I am in neither of those places, I am here, in the truck. In the back rather." Said a sopisticated voice, jostling Peanut's thinking and making him jump a little and look around.
"Whoa! Who said that?" Peanut asked out while looking around for the voice.
"If you are looking for my being, then look towards back of the truck that you are standing beside." The voice instucted. Peanut did as he was told and turned his attention to the spot he was instructed towards, when he did, he was now looking at a dog make it's way down the ramp of the truck with a smile on his face. Peanut stepped back a bit to give neighbor some room to stand in front of him. Now that he was seeing him in the light of the sun, he got a better look at him and what he looked like. This dog that was standing before him had jet black fur that covered most of his body albeit, for the white section that was on his slender, yet muscular chest, extended completely to his shoulder blades. Back to the chest, Peanut could see that he had a fluffy mane that wasn't so poofy, like regular border collie. Moving his eyes to this unknown canine neighbor, the white section went all the way to his chin while the top half was black like the rest of his body. He also noticed that his ears were perfectly pointy and slightly curved, resembling that of a husky. If he had to guess, most likely the was curved into a lose coil. As for the eyes, even though they were slightly squinted, giving off that sinster appearance, Peanut saw that the actual color of his eyes were a silver color, almost making them shine in the sun. As for the height, he was taller, just like Grape said. He shook off that last negative part and offered his most friendly smile, wanting to make him feel welcomed.
"So you're the new guy." Peanut started while holding his paw out to the dog before him. "Well let me be the first to welcome you to Babylon Gardens. Hi! I'm-"
"Peanut Butter Sandwich. I already know who you are, young one. No need to say," The canine said while taking hold of his paw, gripping it gently and shaking it, shocking Peanut by already knowing his name, even though this is the first time meeting.
"Please allow me to introduce myself," the canine said while letting go of Peanut's paw. He placed his forearm over his lean belly letting it hover while his paw was opened and proceeded to introduce himself to a shocked Peanut. "My name is Horizon Clustrum. It is an honor to meet you Sire." Horizon stated while bowwing before the confused canine.
TBC...
So there you go. The end of chapter 1. So tell me, what do you guys think? Was that a good start? Was I missing something, were there spelling errors? Please let me know.
And there you have it, a mysterious dog moving into the neighborhood who already the protaganist. Where will that lead? And why?
Stay tuned for the next installment.
If there is anything I forgot to mention, let me know please.
With that out of way, let's get on with it people.
Housepets! Battle of the Souls
Chapter one: The Enigmatic dog's arrival
*On the road, approximately 20 minutes until arrival*
"You know, we're almost towards The Babylon Gardens, roughly 20 minutes or less. Are you nervous?" Asked a gruff voice, it was mostly directed towards the passenger side of the vehical along with the moderate sound of the radio playing as well, smooth and classical music was coming from the station on the radio.
"No father, I am not anxious in manner of which you have in mind. If anything that is related to the latter, I am positively thrilled to be living in a community that is both populated by both species. The way I see it, it is a new chapter of my life and I look forward to writing it." Replied an elegant male voice, it was responding to the first.
"A new chapter huh? I guess when you put it that way, it is isn't it?" The male replied. "You get to be around fellow pets and I get to be around fellow humans, it all works out for us. Good thing I took the deal and decided to move us out here. The last place was too crazy." The human male pointed out.
"Yes it was father. It was far too uproarish for my tastes. It's nice that we are moving to a more calm location in the United States." The second male replied.
"Yep. And it's a pet friendly community. You'll be surrounded by other pets as well. Isn't that a nice factor?" The human male asked.
"To be surrounded by my own kind is something that of relief. It wil be nice to be around other felines and canines." The second male replied.
"So long as you do not forget the task your mother left for you. Understand?" The human asked.
"Worry not father, I will not forget my mission. I will see it through without fail." The canine confrimed. The human driving the car only chuckled at his pet's answer.
"No need to sound like a robot, I said to make sure you don't forget it, not make your task your raison detre. You're too stiff about it sometimes, lighten up. We're moving to a new place, I want you to enjoy yourself while we're there. Make new friends and if you're lucky and play your hand right, you just might snag yourself a lovely female dog to hang out with." The human chuckled out, but the canine male did not find that response so humorus. A faint growl was in his voice.
"Father, I have told you this time and time again. My task is arrive in Babylon Gardens and meet with the one I am meant to meet and train him. I have not the time nor the leisure to seek out companionship or any other trivial folly that follows the latter of the topic. Please do not bring up that manner of subject again." The canine growled to his owner, his focus on him along with a steel gaze, that was pericing through the driver, but he shook it off.
"Okay, okay. No need to get your collar in a knot. It was just a simple suggestion, the hostility is not needed." The human male replied. "By the way, why are you stil holding on to that package? You got that over a year, yet you never opened it. Why is that?" The driver asked.
"My deepest apologizes father, but under regulation, I am forbidden to share that type knowledge with you. Besides, what's in this package, it's a secrect." The canine male replied with a grin to his master.
"Secret? What kind of secret?" The human asked.
"That's a secret as well. Forbidden to speak of it." The canine replied.
"Great, now you got me all curious and such. Thanks alot." The human responded.
"Well father, if your kind from the past of so very long ago had not eatten that apple from the Tree of Knowledge, curiosity would not be an issue this moment, now will it?" The canine asked, a smug grin on his muzzle.
"You've been reading from the Book of Genesis again haven't you?" The driver asked.
"More or less. I try not to delve so deep." The canine admitted while chuckling to himself.
*Babylon Gardens*
"But moooooooom, it's Saturday. Why do you have to work today?" Groaned a semi-highpitched voice.
"I'm sorry sweetie, but I was called in. When that happens, I have to go. No execptions I'm afraid." Mrs. Sandwich pointed out while taking a one last sip of her coffee, before placing the cup in the sink along with all the other dirty dishes that needed to be washed.
"But I'm so booooored. And there is nothing to do. I played all my games, I'm not really in the mood to draw today, me and dad already played fetch, and it's not even noon yet, Grape just started her nap, I don't wanna disturb her just yet. I wanna give her at least a 20 minute head start. You sure you just can't skip today?" Peanut asked.
"I'm sorry hon, but I'm really needed today. One of the workers called in sick and I have to take her place. So no skipping." Mrs. Sandwich pointed out while walking over to the main hallway which Peanut tagged behind.
"I bet my secret bone stash she's faking it." Peanut huffed while folding his arms in a annoyed manner, upset at his current situation.
"Yes Peanut, that's how it mostly is at time. But still, this my job so I have to go. Besides, the day isn't over yet. Why not spend it with your girlfriend? Or spend it at your club with the other dogs." Mrs. Sandwich offered.
"Originally me and Tarot had a date planned, but she cancelled. Important matters of some kind came up. And I really don't plan on going to the Good Ol Dog's Club. Bino is giving the same speech about 'Toilet Bowl' rights again. I guess I'll go for a walk or something around the neighborhood." The brown dog replied with a sigh as he followed his owner to the front door.
"That sounds like a good idea. Taking a walk always helps when you have nothing to do. And it's nice and cool out as well, that's a nice add. Now, I have to get going. I'll be home the usual time. So keep the house orderly alright?" She asked while kneeling down to Peanut's level.
"Yes mom, I promise." Peanut answered.
"Good boy." Mrs. Sandwich said as she placed a gentle kiss on his head before standing back up and proceeded to open the front door. "Oh, I almost forgot to mention. We're getting new neighbors today." She added. Peanut's eye went wide from the sudden news and his tail began to wag at a very fast pace.
"We're getting new neighbors?!" Peanut shouted, his paws clenching as his whole demeanour changed from bored to excited.
"That's right, they're moving in next door. If luck is on our side, they'll be here early." Mrs. Sandwich replied.
"This so COOL! We're gonna have new neighbors! I wonder what he's like? Does he like games? Does he like dogs? Does he HAVE a dog? If he does, what kind of dog is he? What does he look like? What is he like? Does he like to play fetch? OH! Does he like the Pridelands series?!" Peanut asked, bombarding his owner with a bundle of question. Mrs. Sandwich could only chuckle at the canine's excitment.
"Honestly Peanut, I don't know. They're a complete mystery to us. Unfavoriably, I can't greet them. I'll be home the usual time and it'll be too late, but that's where come in Peanut. I would like for you to be the one that welcomes then to neighborhood. Can you handle it?" Mrs. Sandwich asked the dog before her.
"Of course I can, just leave it to me mom!" Peanut declared with a smile.
"There's a good boy." Mrs. Sandwich complemented while petting him. "Well, I best be going. Make sure to have our neighbors feel welcomed." She added while turning to open the door.
"I promise." Peanut replied.
"Okay. I'll see you later." Mrs. Sandwich responded while closing the door.
"Bye mom!" Peanut called while watching the door close. After waiting to the click of the lock, Peanut did a 180 and darted up the stairs towrads his room while calling out for "Graaaaaaape!"
*Babylon Gardens, outside*
"Looks like we made it, and the moving truck is already waiting there for us. Looks like we saved them some time instead of having them wait for us for a while." Said the human while pulling the car into the drive way, parking it next to the open truck, seeing that the delivery men were waiting on the inside. They waved to him as he was turning the car off and undoing his seatbelt, his pet doing the same.
"Can the blame be solely on them father? We have been on the road for over nine hours. If they were to remain stationary any longer, to be expected, their irritation would only increase. So let us not delay any longer then is needed and proceed to lend these gentlemen a hand with our belongings." The canine replied while undoing is seat belt and proceeded to open the door, the odd package still in his paw. Both he and his owner walked up to the front door while the human fished for his housekeys, the dog beside him only let out a minor groan of annoyance.
"Father, the keys are in your shirt pocket. You placed them there over nine hours ago." He said, looking up at the human who was reaching the spot that he was told.
"Right, I knew that." The owner chuckled, making the canine roll his eyes.
"If you say so father. Now, I do not mean to be rude, but could you open the door posthaste? I would like place this down in my new so that I may go find to the nearest tree to mark. I have been stationary for too long, and I URGENTLY need to aliviate myself." The dog said, his right foot twitching thanks to the call of nature being so great.
"I told you not drink those three Mega Chug sodas in one setting. What possessed you drink them all in one setting?" He asked while inserting the the key into the slot and undoing the lock.
"The hot weather, the long drive and the fact that us canines become much more parched then any other animal or human. So forgive me if I sound a tad vexed." The dog replied, one of his legs was now bounching.
"Okay okay. I hear you. And there you go," The human said while opening the door, granting his canine pet and the movers passageway into the house. "Access is now-" he did't get to finish, the dog just blitzed past him and into the empty house and in a few seconds he ran back out and passed his owner, making his way to the backyard. "Granted." He finished while heading inside. The movers took that as the signal and prepared to unload the furniture.
*Meanwhile, in the Sandwich home.*
"Graaaaaape! Hey Grape!!!" Peanut called out as he bursted through the door to his room. Upon entering the room, he could see a purple feline that was comically plastered in her sleeping basket. Her rear was up against the edge of her basket while her legs were up against the wall, one over the other. Her arms were hanging over the front as was her head. Her mouth was wide open and loud snores were very much apart of the reason why her mouth open. As funny as she looked, he had to tell her the good news! "C'mon Grape wake up! I have good news! " Peanut cajoled whiled gently shaking the feline awake. But it wasn't working.
"Please Grape, wake up!" Peanut whinned while shaking her a little harder this time, but as expected, the purple feline would not wake.
"Grape...! Grape... GRAPE!!!" Peanut shouted at the top of his lungs, trying to awaken his feline friend, but to no avail did she sturr from the realm of sleep. Peanut knew that since his outdoor voice to get her up didn't work, he had to resort his last choice, one he had hoped to avoid using, for he knew that it could go one of two ways.
Path number 1. A very powerful and painful punch to the face, possibly knocking something lose.
Or....
Path number 2. He get's the cold shoulder from her for the next two weeks.
Both outcomes were risky,
But it had to be done.
Carefully, he leaned down and by a small margin, brought his muzzle to her left ear and spoke in a gentle tone saying, "Hey Grape, did you hear? About the next volume of Pridelands?" He started off, in response, her ear twitched a bit.
"Mhm... whudaboudit?" She asked, her voice slurred and her eyes still closed. She was bearly conscious, yet still hovering in the realm of slumber.
"Sorry to tell you this, but I just got word from Res that he's cancelling the volume and future products of the series." Peanut lied while pulling back, preparing for the show that was about to happen. From the barely awake feline, that fatal sentence delivered to her forced her eyes to snap wide open, knocking off all traces of sleepiness.
"WHAT?! CANCELLED?!!" Grape shout as she shot up from her crazy position and turned to stare at the chocolate colored dog, who was stood there with his paws behind his back, a striaght faced expression on him, as he watched the feline start to spaz out. "I-I don't understand? Its such a popular franchise, why would he drop the ball like?" She asked while pivoting her body the same way she was facing.
"It was a huge shock to me too, I mean, the story line was pretty much perfect, hardly any plot gaps and... you know what I can' t keep this going." Peanut admitted, not liking the fact that he was lying to his best friend. He never was the type to lie. No matter how long or short.
"What, Peanut what are you talking about?" Grape asked while hopping of her bed and landing in front of the dog, who was now folding his arms behind his back.
"That thing about the whole Pridelands being cancelled. That was a lie." The dog admitted, his ears lowering in shame, while telling the truth. Grape's shock and disbelief quickly evaporated and anger was slowly surfacing in it's place.
"You made up that cancellation thing just to wake me up did you? Why did you lie about something so serious?" She ask while folding her arms.
"Because... well..." Peanut started.
"Go on." Grape instructed in a non-harsh commanding tone.
"Because... I wanted to tell you something." He admitted.
"Is it something stupid?" Grape asked while walking towards, making the dog super nervous for what might happen to him, even though he was well aware of actions and the aftermath.
"No... not really. I just wanted to let you know that we have new neighbors moving in today. I didn't think you knew about it." Peanut admitted, hoping that would calm her down.
"We have new neighbors moving in? Nobody told me anything." Grape asked more in surprise then anger.
"Same thing for me too. Mom just told me before she left work." Peanut replied, relieved that Grape wasn't going to do painful things to him, or at least he hoped.
"Wait, mom went to work? But it's Saturday. She's off on the weekends." The purple feline pointed out while hopping back onto her basket and looking out the window, trying to find any trace of the car she drove.
"I said the exact same thing to her, but even that couldn't stop her. She was 'called in' as she put." Peanut mention while watching the purple cat from the floor level.
"She was called in? Honestly, sometimes I just can't comprehend the notions of humans the their work ethic." replied Grape, as she kept her attention on the outside.
"You're telling me. Isn't the whole point of weekends meant for relaxing? They work during the week? Why stress themselves on the two days they're meant to take it easy?" Peanut asked.
"You got me there, I'll give you that. But more on that subject later, looks like our new neighbors are here." The feline interject.
"What? They're here already?" Peanut asked.
"Well from where I'm standing, or kneeling in this case, I see two vehicles; one red car with a few dents and a large white van with the company name: Movers-Express along with two guys hauling in a couch inside. Come see for yourself," said Grape, allowing Peanut to be beside her. Peanut didn't need to be told twice, right away he hopped up and landed beside her, now looking outside along with her. "See? We got two guys moving a couch in, and one guy standing on the side, not doing anything yet. I'm guessing that he's the new guy here," Grape pointed out.
"So he's the new guy huh? Do you think he's into D&D like Fido's dad and the others?" Peanut asked.
"Dunno, you can ask when we meet him. Still when someone moves into Babylon Gardens, they have a pet with them. So where is the-" "New dog! There he is!" Peanut pointed in excitment, seeing a canine appear, most likely coming from the back, his paw digit on the glass showing the canine position to Grape.
"So that's the new dog huh? Has a good height on you Peanut, roughly by a couple, at least that's what I can tell from up here." Grape gussed.
"Who cares, we have a new dog in the neighborhood. I wonder what he's like?" Peanut asked while removing himself off of Grape's basket and onto the floor.
"Peanut we don't even know if the dog is male or female, how can you be so sure?" Graped asked while turning to face him, seeing that Peanut was already walking towards the door to their room preparing to exit.
"Only one way to find out. I'm going over there to greet them. Feel free to join me after letting dad know. See you in a bit." And with that, he was out and on his way to the new neighbors, leaving Grape behind to let their dad know of the new folks that moved in.
*Outside of the Sandwich home and nearby*
"Okay, Now that couch and a majority of other things are inside, you guys want some water?" The human make asked the movers who were now on break.
"That would be nice, thanks." Replied one of the movers while fanning himself with his hat.
"Alright. Two glasses of cold water coming right up. Be right back." He then turned his attention to the canine beside him, whose arms were folded behind his back. "These guys are on break, so don't do anything to bother them, alright?" He asked.
"Yes father, I'm aware. I will go retrive the rest of my belongings." The canine replied.
"Okay, I'll leave you to it. But hurry now, later we're going to introduce ourselves, so hop to it." And with that, the owner made his way into the home to complete the task at hand. Seeing no need to stay on the porch or talk to the movers, he proceeded to off the porch and braved the hot sun on his way to the truck to retrive his items. Rounding the corner of the truck and walking up it's ramp to the inside, he could see that over 75% of their things had been moved in the home. He walked over to a nearby box that was his and proceeded to pick it up and bring it inside as well. Just as he was about to reach down and take hold of his possessions, a painless yet strong ringing was going off in his head but this time it was gettng louder, more so then when he arrived and it could mean only one thing.
'Here he comes, and so soon too. Normally I'd expect some form of hesistation, but that does not appear to an issue here, or at all for that matter. He is a brave one as well. Good, that will be needed soon.' The dog thought to himself as he stood back up and turned to face the exit, seeing a brown and cream-colored dog with a red collar and white bone tag, approach the property, with a bright smile on his face. He left the gox where it was and proceeded to leave the truck to greet Peanut.
"So this is the new neighbors' house huh? Cool! He's right next door, that saves me the trip. Now where is the new guy? Is he in the house or the back?" He asked aloud which think of the places where the new dog could be.
"I am in neither of those places, I am here, in the truck. In the back rather." Said a sopisticated voice, jostling Peanut's thinking and making him jump a little and look around.
"Whoa! Who said that?" Peanut asked out while looking around for the voice.
"If you are looking for my being, then look towards back of the truck that you are standing beside." The voice instucted. Peanut did as he was told and turned his attention to the spot he was instructed towards, when he did, he was now looking at a dog make it's way down the ramp of the truck with a smile on his face. Peanut stepped back a bit to give neighbor some room to stand in front of him. Now that he was seeing him in the light of the sun, he got a better look at him and what he looked like. This dog that was standing before him had jet black fur that covered most of his body albeit, for the white section that was on his slender, yet muscular chest, extended completely to his shoulder blades. Back to the chest, Peanut could see that he had a fluffy mane that wasn't so poofy, like regular border collie. Moving his eyes to this unknown canine neighbor, the white section went all the way to his chin while the top half was black like the rest of his body. He also noticed that his ears were perfectly pointy and slightly curved, resembling that of a husky. If he had to guess, most likely the was curved into a lose coil. As for the eyes, even though they were slightly squinted, giving off that sinster appearance, Peanut saw that the actual color of his eyes were a silver color, almost making them shine in the sun. As for the height, he was taller, just like Grape said. He shook off that last negative part and offered his most friendly smile, wanting to make him feel welcomed.
"So you're the new guy." Peanut started while holding his paw out to the dog before him. "Well let me be the first to welcome you to Babylon Gardens. Hi! I'm-"
"Peanut Butter Sandwich. I already know who you are, young one. No need to say," The canine said while taking hold of his paw, gripping it gently and shaking it, shocking Peanut by already knowing his name, even though this is the first time meeting.
"Please allow me to introduce myself," the canine said while letting go of Peanut's paw. He placed his forearm over his lean belly letting it hover while his paw was opened and proceeded to introduce himself to a shocked Peanut. "My name is Horizon Clustrum. It is an honor to meet you Sire." Horizon stated while bowwing before the confused canine.
TBC...
So there you go. The end of chapter 1. So tell me, what do you guys think? Was that a good start? Was I missing something, were there spelling errors? Please let me know.
And there you have it, a mysterious dog moving into the neighborhood who already the protaganist. Where will that lead? And why?
Stay tuned for the next installment.