No one ever understood that I try to be strong. I do whatever it takes to make them happy, but what they want from me is not possible. I do not have any power and I am not strong. Many cannot understand that I am simply a mistake and I do not know who I can help. Almost everyone only manages to see my power and nothing about my size or demeanor. I am not violent nor am I skilled at combat, but I have tried many times for my masters. Not one has declared me worth while enough to continue being a member of there lives. It matters little, as long as no one wants me, then I will not have to fight anymore. No one can hurt me if I do not belong to anyone and I am not part of any chosen conflicts. Though in truth I always wondered what it felt like to make your owner proud... I always wondered what it would be like if I could win for my owner and make he or she happy to have chosen me! That thought alone forced me to blink away tears, as I watched the doors open and people began flooding in with the morning light. Quickly rushing to the back of my enclosure I tried to hide behind the fake tree and pretend I didn't exist. This pitiful cage had insulting walls, that were painted to look like far stretching hills and a mocking fake tree. The floor was made of false grass, which was more irritating than it was comforting. I was seperated from the outside by a chain link fense, half of which was a door. Within the wall was a slide out toilet, bed, and a small screen I could talk to someone through. Never have I used it... Beyond these amenities were two tubes that dispensed food, a few times a day, and water, whenever I needed. Usually it misses the bowl and drops the food all over the floor...

"Holy shit! 7500 power level! Such a tiny dog though..." The boy seemed immediately dissapointed, which was understandable. "What kind of powers you got lil fellah?" The young boy asked eagerly awaitng my response, which I did not give.

He soon left like all the others, desperate to get another partner who can actually help him. Having the strongest power level in a kennel is one thing... but I have never met anyone with a higher power level than I. An old friend of mine only had thirteen power, but he was both telepathic and pyrokinetic. Sadly I have absolutely no powers, no higher strength, no remarkable agility, no mental capacity of greater proportion, nothing. I am literally just an animal and not one master I have had, has wanted to keep me. It is all about fights and skills... I can't do that! No one has ever just wanted to get to know me... Or try to understand why I have so much power, but nothing to show for it. Instead I am used and cast aside when I become worthless, which is very soon most times. Another person approached my cage, this time an older woman and I just wanted to disappear.

 "Well aren't you precious. Would you protect ol' granny?" Her frail shaky voice was still very friendly, but I simply looked away from her and sighed.

"Any other animal will be better for you ma'am..." I called up from the back of my cage. "Please find someone else." I finished feeling a heavy weight of sadness crush on me.

"Why little fellah? You afraid of fighting?" She asked and I growled furiously turning toward her for a second, but I just sighed.

I am not afraid! Never before have I fled from a fight! I have just never been able to win... Even when I was put in practice matches, that they assured me I would win... I failed them. Each battle I have been in, takes a little more of my confidence away to the point I now avoid conflict altogether. Watching the people walk around with there pets proudly displayed in various ways made me wish more than ever that I was important. That someone wanted me just because I am a good dog and not because I can fight. Many times in my life I have tried to unlock the mystery of my power and why I have none, but after dozens of trainers and specialists I was still abandoned. I fear no one would ever feel the way I do though. With so much fame and fortune on the line, getting the right pets is crucial for any tamer.

"Heya!" A sharp voice called into my cage with a certain intrigue.

"Look, I have no powers, I cannot fight, and I have no idea why my power level is so high." Turning around I was greeted with a very odd looking human.

This guy was quite bizarre looking to be honest. Humans all dress differently, but this guy was something else. His hair was like a porcupine, and the tips of each needle were dyed a brilliant green. His face was thin and his chin well defined, but the youthful aqua colored eyes were his most striking feature. The man wore a white t-shirt with a black vest, which had neon green trim to match his hair. His baggy pants held both hands, as well as a few symbols for cities he has been to and won in. Around his neck was a crazy amount of chains, each one a little different than the others. He wore a anilyzer cuff, but he had decorated it to look like it had barbed wire on it. His other wrist held a multitude of color rubbery bracelets.Though young in action, he was probably in his late twenties. The five o clock shadow gave it away, though his soul patch was well trimmed. Overall he sort of looked like he belonged in a punk band...

"Alright well what if I just wanted a buddy? Hmmm?" He used heavy sarcasm, which told me he wasn't serious. "Or a figure head?" This was said in a "to prove a point" tone.

 "Right, like you want a dumb dog as your figure head..." Turning away from the silly looking fool, I hoped he would catch the hint and leave.

 "Wanna meet my team?" He asked undetered and friendly.

 "Not particularly..." I sighed turning back to him. "I don't think you under-." He cut me off.

 "Ok I understand! Wanna be buddies?" He asked trying the door to my cage.

"Don't you get it? I have absolutely no powers! Zilch, zero, nada, nothing!" Standing up I snapped at the skinny guy and waved a paw angrily. "What could you possibly need me for?"

 "Well you're cute! Bet chicks will be all over you!" He pointed two pistol fingers my way and I chuckled without consent.

"Don't you want to be a certified champion? You have to win ya know..." Trailing off he laughed heartily.

"Check it!" He pulled his shirt down to reveal three keys hanging from a necklace! "Already on my way!" He laughed once more.  

“Again, I simply do not understand..." Shaking my head, I folded my arms and looked at the mock grass floor. "Why would you want me if you're already on your way toward certification? I DO NOT HAVE ANY POWERS!" I loudly stated this in a word for word type of way.

"THAT IS FINE! DO NOT WORRY!" He replied the same way, but with less anger and more humor. "What's your name bud?"

A sigh escaped me, as I had been told to use my owner given name... "Meatball..."

 He laughed for a moment then seemed to realize my pain. "Sounds like that wasn't your name originally..." He trailed off leaning his head on the cage.

 "Hex. I was named Hex." It felt nice using my actual name. Would he call me by it?

"Hello Hex my boy, Im Karson!" He squatted to the ground and I approached slowly. "If you wanted we can get you out of that cage! Whadda ya say?" He may seem happy, but he will eventually be rid of me.

 "No, you have to choose a good figure head. I don't want to be your last resort in a fight..." Turning away, I bowed my head, expecting him to leave.

 "Trust me pup, you will never have to fight!" Karson said causing my ears to perk up and I spun around wide eyed.

 He let out a small laugh as I stared into his eyes intently. Did he really mean that? Will I never be humiliated and harmed again? What if he desperately needs to win, will I not be used? Would this man forfeit a victory simply because I am unable to help? Karson smiled a lot as he stared at me then spoke brightly.

 "Ya look cute with your ears up!" As he said this I lowered them to the side of my head, where they normally rest. "Wanna meet the guys?" He asked holding his amulet toward me.

 "NO! NO PLEASE!" Tumbling over myself I desperately avoided the talisman. "Please I hate being in the dark! Please no..." My whimpers were pathetic and I hate myself for them.  

"Relax, hey! Shh, shh, shh..." His consoling voice was pointless actually... "If you don't wanna go in, that's fine!" Karson's assurance was enough to calm me down however. "Does it scare you being in there?" He asked innocently.  

"No! I just... I hate the idea of being trapped." My reply wasn't shameful, but I still hated myself for opening up to a human. "There is no way for me to get out unless I am let out..."

"Mine makes noises and lights up! I would see that you wanted to get out!" He nodded eagerly. "Not that I am trying to force you! I just wanted you to know you would be safe."

 "Why do you care so much?" I asked frankly. "If all you want is-." He cut me off again.

"Do you want the honest to goodness truth?" Karson waved a hand as he asked this.

"Of course!" My reply was sharp for my patience was running thin.

"You would look so cool right here!" He tapped the top of his pendant above where the charms hung.

Again he made me laugh without my choice. "I don't know what to say to that."

"Maybe... yes..." He trailed off with a big smirk.

 A small sigh of frustration escaped me, as I was now torn between the safety of my cage and going back out into the world. Karson was incredibly excited with me and he hung on my every action. What do I say though? If I say yes, then I am subject to the horror's that I have desperately tried to avoid. No, would mean... this. This one place forever, until I die. That thought scared me so greatly I felt myself begin shaking. What a horrible grave... I do not wish to die here! I refuse to have my life end and simply be discarded like trash. Tears slowly welled up in my eyes and I turned away to avoid him seeing my sorrow. Perhaps trying once more wont hurt as bad as I predict...

"Hey no rush bud! Take a day think it over." Karson waved a hand as he turned to leave.

 "Wait!" I called for him rushing to the cage door.

 He turned back and his face tightened with confusion. "Sup pup?"

"Will you... you're really serious? I won't have to fight?" My voice strained under the weight of my emotions.

 "Promise!" He lifted a hand to his heart. "I may ask, but if you don't want to, I will never force you." A confident nod followed this.

That is just insane! What kind of strategy is that? What the hell good is keeping around a pet who cannot help in battle? This must be a trick... So many times I have been adopted, purchased, or traded only to be a punching bag. A few have even thought killing me would give another animal my power! A shiver ran up my spine as the memories came flooding back... Being strangled, crushed, or beaten within an inch of my life has left permanent wounds on my confidence,  my pride, and my heart. That is all this human wants... For his other animals to practice on and defeat countless times. He may even have my death plotted and prepared, who knows?

 "Forget it..." I replied with a small sigh. "I... I just can't..." Was all that I managed to say.

 "Well I'm gonna be in town a few days. How about I check in tomorrow? See how things are going for ya." Karson offered, but I was apprehensive to trust any human...

"Whatever you want..." My response was nothing short of mean, but he didn't seem to care.

 "Alright then, great! I will see ya tomorrow. Ya want something? I can bring ya a snack or a treat if you want?" His offer felt patronizing and so I simply waved him away. "Well... see ya buddy!" Karson replied and then was gone.

Being alone now was both enjoyable and moderately disturbing. It felt wrong to want to go with a human, but I desperately longed for a freind... Maybe Karson is telling the truth? Are his pets nice? Will they accept me? Is there any point in trying to guess? If Karson does show up tomorrow, what do I do? Should I go with him and act accordingly? What if he asks for me to fight? Do I really get to say no? Contemplation is all I can really do at this point... Karson may never come back and then where am I? Still stuck in this foul place with nothing to show, but my shame. The creeping thought of dying here struck me again, like a ton of bricks.

My nightmares were specifically terrible that night. These night terrors I am plagued with occasionally are more like memories. Flash backs to times where I was helpless... Moments where I thought death was reaching for me... Awaking with a howl of terror, I found myself fighting to remove phantom jaws from my throat. A guard checked on me and offered me some medication, but I denied it... They simply want to shut me up. I have taken these chemicals before and they do nothing,  but make me complacent. Staying awake didn't feel that bad, since being asleep tomorrow, during the day, meant avoiding people. Karson isn't going to come back, I know it. I don't want to deal with these people... I will just try to forget all of this, like I try to forget my past.

*The next day, mid afternoon*

Awaking, I was in a pool of drool, but I was able to wash my face at the water dispenser. Some noisy children had been scanning me for powers and training methods, but the stupid little anilyzer wouldn't do them any good. I have been hit with the beam of an animal analysis device so many times, that it probably screwed up my DNA. These annoying freaking children wouldn't leave either, they were somehow convinced they had damaged their anilyzers. After a while, I was able to curl back up under my fake tree and sleep.
 It wasn't long before another interruption was guffawing at my gate. This time it was another animal! This cat was taller and more muscular than I, but she seemed well trained. Eyeing me with fiery red orbs, she began chuckling softly, then cackling like a psycho. She refused to respond to my continual questioning, but I soon heard why...

 "This the one you want muffin?" A man, whom I could barely see, asked the domesticated jaguar.

 "Yes, yes it is." She rubbed her paws together and continued laughing softer now.

"Alright, let me go put in for him." The owner walked off and I approached the gate.

 "When we get you out of here..." She leaned forward, looking around for a brief second. "I get to kill you!" Her tight, hissing voice made me gasp, as she darted away continuing her taunting laughter.

What? Why? Killing me does not give away my power! I'm not a living treasure chest to be pried open and looted! Oh god, what if she was telling the truth? Instantly I ran to the edge of the gate and began calling for the master of that insane feline. After watching him fill out paper after paper, he and his pet returned. The almost blank faced man was probably just here to shop for fresh meat! This sick bastard knows what he is doing, right?

"Alright little fellah, I've already had over ten pets, so I am on your auction list. Hopefully we will get to see each other again in a few weeks!" The normal looking human stated blandly, his emotions void of the direness I was experiencing.

 "Wait, why am I being adopted by you then? Don't you have a team?" I asked desperately, the feline scowling at my attempt to save myself.

 "My darling Muffin watches the house all day and she gets lonely. You can keep her company and help protect the house... doesn't that sound fun? Mmhmm yeah, ok." He was so bland it made the air bitter.

This idiot was totally unaware... I could just tell from his face... She had planned to kill me, but he was completely oblivious. Watching them walk away, I was slack jawed. The jaguar turned back for a second and gave me a wicked grin, but I just hung my head. Falling to all fours I began panting with fear. It's like waking nightmares... Why is this happening? I don't even think this is about powers. She just wants something to torture to death, slowly... A few tears formed, but Pa's words about bravery rang in my head. If the time came and I was going to be killed by her, she would have one hell of a fight! Unless she has powers of any kind... Then I am screwed... Tears streamed down my face, as I thought about the one name written on my request form. No one else is, or will be, ahead of him and no one really cares what happens to me! I'm not exotic or special... Heaven please help me!

 "How are ya today?" Like a righteous comet, I saw two rough shoes touch down at my cages edge.

"Karson!" My tail wagged naturally, which felt really odd considering how long it has been. "You really came back!" My face was probably glowing, as he smirked down at me.

 "Well sure, did you think I was gonna ditch ya?" He asked, putting his hands on his hips.

I couldn't even pretend to have something to say, so I just laughed and rubbed the back of my head. Karson was on a knee and he was going through a paper bag, intently. Looking up his crystal blue eyes radiated excitment just at the sight of me. What made me special? Why was I anything to be appreciated? He was probably just enarmored with my power... Regardless, it felt nice to get love. Karson pulled a wrapped up object from the bag and began trying to feed it through the fence. After trying a few times, he simply slid it under and laughed a little bit.

 "Figured even a dog as sophisticated as you could still enjoy that!" Karson stated, as I picked up the rather heavy object.

 "Thank you, but you did-." He cut me off with a wave of his hand and a shake of his quill like hair.

 "I promise I'll get ya something real to eat once we get ya outta here." Karsons words were better than any treat! "You still wanna go with me right?"

"Yes. I just want you to know again I-." He cut me off in the rudest way possible, but it was just friendly.

"I have no powers. I don't think I can do anything. I'm a total downer. Yeah I know pup. Stop it, alright?" Karson responded as he saw I was becoming frustrated.

 "Alright..." I replied nodding softly.

 "Great, you enjoy that bone and I will go start the papers!" Karson hopped up and moved over to the desk at the end of the hall.

My only hope would be if Karson had adopted fewer than ten pets in his lifetime! Hope was running high and I opened my gift with glee! It was a butchers bone, but there as a very nice portion of meat still on the bone! A big grin swiped across my face and I began gnawing on it, enjoying the scraps of flesh. It wasn't much, but I did enjoy the sincerity he put into the gift. Soon the owner of the kennel approached and I knew things would only get better! For the first time in almost three months, I was let out of my cage. Saying goodbye to the fake... everything, felt wrong, but I was ready.

 "Alright, we simply need to perform an obidience test and a power scan, then you can go." The warden sat at his desk, the chair unable to make it all the way in from his belly.

"Hex, sit down. Good! Hex, hop onto the chair, be careful! Atta boy!" He rubbed my head once I was on the folding chair.

 "So far so good, let's see what you can do." The warden, who was apparently unaware of my power, scanned me for the first time since I was dumped here. "7500, absolutely no powers. Good one to work with. 2600 credits." The warden commanded and Karson was ready, instantly slipping a bundle of bills into the fat mans hand.

"So I'm good?" Karson asked, as a sheet of paper was printer with both of our faces on it.

"Just about... Put this on your license and you have to take him out on a leash. Congratulations." The warden nodded to us both, but I was still working on my bone.

 "Put this on and we can get outta here!" Karson was especially pleased, as I took the collar from his hand.

This is it... the moment of my destiny. Honestly, I couldn't imagine what to expect, but I was ready to go! Clicking the collar on, I allowed Karson to move ahead before I began following. The sun beamed into the doorway and as we stepped out, it was temporarily blinding. Once my vision cleared, I found myself in a Podunk little nowhere... When I was dropped here, the panic made this place feel huge! From what I could see this place consisted of a lot of houses, with one major road being lined with shops and establishments. A pharmacy was to our right, tall wooden doors labeled with old drug signs. To the right was a library and a mini-mart. We crossed the street, which headed toward a boarded up cafe and a second hand hotel.

 "Just gotta grab something from the hotel. Then we can go eat!" Karson nodded with a big smile my way.

We walked across the parking lot, toward the expansive building. Many people and other pets were scattered around the neighboring lots. Some were fighting and some were using us for practical purposes, like construction. Karson led me up a set of stairs and to a red door labled, #13. Upon opening it, I was greeted with the plainest room I have ever seen. It was great! It had two chairs, two! Both windows were real and opened, plus there was a tv! I haven't watched tv in so long! The bathroom was about the size of my entire enclosure! How the hell did I live before? This is amazing and he just is staying here temporarily? What other cool places does he visit? Man, I'm so excited to see the world! This is gonna be awesome, I'll show Karson that I can be useful, as a friend!

"Hex, can you come here please." Karson asked softly from the main room.

"Yeah what did you... need?" I trotted back in only to be instantly alarmed.

 "Step into the center of the room Hex." He pointed with one hand and held his medallion with the other.

"Wh-why?" I asked fidgeting in place. "What ya gonna do with that?"

 "Please step closer." His face was unlike anything I have seen from him yet, so cold... "Come here Hex, now." Karson's voice was grave, as he activated his amulet.

Before me in a flashing instance, was a giant scorpion. Hideous and screeching, the fiendish insect paced by the only escape route. No... damn it to hell, no! He tricked me! How could I let this happen? This is it... I left the cage I feared to die in, to be killed in a slightly nicer hotel! Oh god please, give me a chance... Give me a break for once! Karson began to summon another creature, but I was under the bed before, he finished. My whimpers and cowers betrayed my location, but that didn't really matter... I couldn't get away and Karson would certainly help his valued pets slay me.

"Come little creature!" A gutteral voice called, as loud wet slaps were heard.

Appearing at the edge of the bed was a dark green alligator! His pitch black eyes were soulless and I knew he would certainly kill me, first chance he got. Fortunately his movements were very slow, so I was easily able to slip away before his long maw got close. Karson's eyes were fiery and he wore a devious smile, as I was clawed across the face by another minion. This one was a kind of small tree ape. It released a chittering scream, as it darted around the room, using various objects to move. The alligator appeared just then and I shrunk toward the bathroom door to evade them. Ducking inside, I closed the door just in time to hear the monkey hit the door. Ideas suddenly flooded my head, as my eyes darted around this temporarily safe room.

"Please come here Hex. This absolutely will not hurt." Karson's lies were followed by minor amounts of laughter.

Yelps of fear shot from me once the monkey had entered the room. Leaping with all my might, I grabbed the coat wrack and used my weight to break it off the wall. My paws hit the tiled floor hard and I spun in place, swinging the metal rod with all my might! What I didn't realize, was I had torn three or four nails out of the wall with the metal bar... Blood splattered from the tiny monkey as it squealed once more, then began flailing to death in agony. Dropping the now blood and fur stained piece of metal, I staggered back mortified with what just happened. The screams of this creature were so piercing and horrific, I could only clutch my ears closed and try to ignore it.

"Shifty? Shifty, come on buddy say something..." Karson walked to the edge of the bathroom, just as his monkey died. "Oh god damn you... Goliath, kill that little bastard!" Karson's fury exploded with a point of his finger... seconds later, he popped open a switchblade...

 Climbing the toilet, my initial idea was to jump for the window, but that seemed foolish. If I fell, I would be snapped up by the massive jaws of that alligator! My second idea was not much better, but I was not able to think clearly... Removing the top of the toilet, I barely managed to hold it overhead. Straining my wobbly knees and arms, I launched the heavy porcelain block with all my might. The empty black eyes expanded and a hiss of shock came from the beast, which tried to turn away. I'm not sure if I killed it, but the huge alligator lost a fairly large amount of teeth... Blood pooled together now, from both animals, but I dove for the window and grabbed the edge.

"No, you aren't escaping! Get back here you shit!" Karson swiped at me, but I was able to avoid it.

 A short scream blurted from me once I tried to jump, but luck is never on my side... Karson caught me by the tail and I let out a howl of horrific pain, as I was whiplashed against the outside wall. The impact with the stone wall dazed me and I began groaning meekly, begging to be set free. Flashes of my sight got through to my brain, but I was unable to fight him. Karson pulled me back through the window and slammed me to the ground inside. My body bounced of the tiles and I ended up in the main hotel room a short distance.

 "Please... Stop it... please!" I begged, tasting blood in my maw and spitting out a tooth.

 "You killed my spider monkey!" Karson began choking me, his words vengeful and furious.  "I'm s-sorry..." I struggled to force out, but he just smiled. 

"No worries, pup. You can repay me right now!" Karson drove the knife into my arm, pinning it to the floor beneath.  Unearthly screams of wicked pain were all I could use breath for. Breathing in caused immense pain and my struggles for freedom only brought agony at an exstensive level. Sharp skirls of misery cut the air, while I desperately and delicately tried to fight the knife from his hand. Karson was laughing sadistically and his eyes had become glazed over. No chance... no hope... My screams shifted to a higher pitch, as I was now unable to keep myself from flailing. It became desperate, I would rather lose an arm, than die! Pulling came with screeches of suffering, but I couldn't move after only a few seconds.

 "Brahilla! Pin him down." Karson commanded and I heard the clicking of scorpion legs move towads us. "You get the power again old boy!" Karson laughed hysterically as the giant scorpion slammed a claw down and knocked the air out of me.

The impact stunned me and caused a lot of jarring motion, which was like torture. Every little struggle was becoming difficult... More and more blood poured from my wound and now I couldn't even struggle for the knife. Karson held his amulet over me and made a strange pattern in the air. At first I thought he was just taunting me, but after a while the medallion began to glow. Lowering it slowly, he laughed hysterically, drinking up my terror like a fine wine.

 "What the hell are you doing? Why do you want to kill me?" I grit my teeth with each word, but he simply smiled.

 "You're intelligent enough, I supposed I can explain it..." Karson popped the necklace up into his grasp. "See this little carving?" He pointed to the strange crest, he had scratched into the back of his tamers emblem.

 "Yeah, what... does it mean?" I felt my arm surge with pain and this hindered my voice.

 "It is a magic seal, that will let me take out your soul." Karson replied seeming especially pleased with it. "Once I take your soul out of your body, that power can be distributed amongst all my useful pets!" His cackles were spine bending, but I simply stared wide eyed.

 "Y-y-you can't be serious..." Was all I muttered, unable to believe what I heard.

 "I'm dead serious dog. Surrender yourself and become a part of something greater!" His half bloodied hand stroked my face, as I struggled for freedom.

 Without another word, he peered down and began moving the amulet in a figure eight. At first I thought he was taunting me, but soon I understood this was some kind ritual. It seems to be making me tired... Kicking meekly, I tried to slide out from beneath the approaching medallion and the crushing claw. My life... my power... was being taken. Each breath produced a small puff of gray smoke... This wispy gray matter flowed upward and then sparkled away into a tiny gleaming portal. It became difficult to breath and the claw on my chest was heavier than an anchor. Karson was gently chanting something, but I was to far gone to make it out at all...

 This is it, my death is nothing more than a blink in this humans life. I will have meant nothing, but to the person who finds my corpse... I rose a paw to try and remove the knife, but something else caught my eye. My limb was partially transparent and I was fading in and out of reality! Oh god, I can feel myself becoming numb, like a dull burning that is overtaken by nothingness... Will I fade into nothing then? Will there be no body to remember or mourn? What a disturbing fate... Nothing, just like I am now. Even before this I meant and was nothing...

 A sudden surge shot through me. My will to live became stronger than ever, yet me energy failed to produce much action. With a limp almost flop, I threw my fading paw onto Karson's hand. I am unsure why I did this, but it turned the tide of this entire event. Karson gasped and his arm became pale, vein stricken, and twitchy. The amulet fell from his delicate grasp and dangled above me, still glowing softly. His face slowly turned a sickly white and he began gasping helplessly. Somehow touching him induced a similar effect as Karson began fading slightly, but dropped the amulet and fell backward before long. Once he released the knife, instincts took hold. I pulled it from my shoulder, howling with unreal agony, then drove it straight into the scorpions clustered eyes. Screeches of horrific proportion erupted forth and the lethal tail slammed forward, barely missing my curling legs. It staggered back into a dresser, then snapped both claws wildly.

 "Kill hi-... Kill him... Kill it Brahilla!" Karson struggled to speak, but the brutish insect was lost in anguish.

 Two of the four eyes had been punctured by the switchblade. The scorpion couldn't fight, it was far too damaged. Flicking at itself with its smaller claw, the insect desperately tried to remove the knife. Crawling toward the door, I used the limbs that worked to achieve maximum distance. The clicking and snapping was closer and closer, telling my brain to fight! Struggling is the only source of survival, the only payment nature accepts! Reaching the door, I found no way to open it from my prone posture and an idea formulated. Positioning myself as quick as I could, a sharp shout got the scorpions attention. Just as it prepared to attack, I ducked to the blind side and the beast absolutely obliterated the door! It lunged toward me again, but I was simply slung outside and into the guard rail. It was too big too follow me, so I sprinted off as fast as my stubby legs would go.

Nothing felt felt real, I couldn't think, and my body was near dead from exhaustion. Turning a corner, I came face to face with a human. She showed concern, but I wailed with terror and juked passed. No human is ever telling the truth, ever! Heading for the stairs, I could feel each meager step producing a small shower of blood to the concrete below. This act became futile, hard to continue, and pointless... Where am I running? This pain wont be healed by running away... It hurts so badly, like a hundred broken bones. At the base of the stairs, I collapsed and began weeping... That entire ordeal, was just too much on me. I killed another living creature! Karson wanted to kill me! Oh god... Please, I didn't mean too! I was protecting myself and I... I...

You don't care... so I don't... My life is a joke and you want me to live it, then you better accept the consequences you bastard! Cursing my own life, I rose from the pool of blood and tears, then dashed off. The growing crowd of onlookers was dispersed slightly, as I cut through and headed for the thick trees. Survival, that is all that matters. Being alive and having life... If I have to be a power pet ever again, I will kill myself. Nothing else seems like a worse punishment. No human will ever shackle me again!

*About two hours later, nightfall*

I have been running for so long, I think I am going to pass out. Nothing feels safe, not just the woods, but the entire world. Never will I be far enough away from Karson and that place. Thinking back on my little cage I feel homesick, it was safe! I was happy in a way, so happy... But I was still in danger of being purchased, so it isn't perfect! I... I want... I want to find the real place. Wherever the cage is based on. I want the actual expanse of land to roam freely on! I suddenly collapsed and began flailing in agony, my arm felt like someone was pulling on it violently. This isn't going to heal, I need a doctor... Maybe one of the wild creatures can help! We have all sorts of powers, maybe one can heal me!

 "Let's see here..." It was difficult to smell through the thick forest and my copious blood.  "No, no, you'd eat me, maybe you..." Sniffing around, I caught a few scents, but it felt useless.

 What do I say? Woof woof? No wild creature is going to be able to speak English anyway! Damn you humans, you even took that from me! My stomach is killing me as well, but I know that is hunger and not a wound. Each moment of earlier played over again in my mind, how can I be thinking about food? God I'm hungry though... I collapsed again, into a tall mound of leaves. Where do I go? How am I going to survive? Why does everyone want to hurt me?

These woods are so loose that I am finding freeways and off-ramps occasionally. Quite a few humans showed concern, when I met the few faces I did, but I refused to say a word. As far as I was concerned, nothing about that world mattered... I was dead already and I simply wanted to live, however long, alone. Soon I came across a river and cleaned myself up as best I could. Using the leash and collar, I fashioned a type of crude sling, to keep my arm pushed upward and minimize the pain walking caused. This made traversing the light wilderness easier. The gradually rolling hills were good, for at my height any type of slope became a challenge. Along the way, I found some type of berry and disregarded possible poisons. Luckily, I found them to be raspberries and decided it was alright to eat them. Being a canine, I hate fruit and vegetables, but I cannot hunt anything out here... If I happen upon a young rabbit or groundhog perhaps, but nature has armed us all with something... Well, except this one...

 Another river now blocked my path and I was pinned in by two thick trees, which stood like a gateway to the water. Clear cool liquid ran through my fur, causing tiny specks and thin streams of blood to flow with it. I continued on for what felt like miles. Endless steps and limitless energy to travel toward nothing. Then it happened... As if this one last step hit a switch, everything shut off. Though my eyes remained open, I completely fell to nothing under the weight of my own gravity. Motionless, I just breathed and thought about my life. What I did wrong and what I did right... What had happened... What would... happen...

 I must have passed out because I awoke sometime later, to a vulture landing atop me. Instinct led me to flip over and strike at the bird, but I barely managed to harm it. A small howl of agony escaped me, but it seemed pointless to even pretend I would survive. Nature is going to claim me, which is a much more settling death than rotting in a cage or being dispersed into nothing. Rolling to a sitting position, I realized my arm was now essentially dead weight... I couldn't move it and I knew that it would become infected soon. I will need a humans help, one more time...

Continuing through the woods, my lack of energy and pain made it hard to keep going. Small bursts of stamina were all I could achieve, yet the drive was still there. My fire was going, but no heat was being produced... It was becoming difficult to think, stand, breath… Fuck I’m in pain…

“Why hello there.” A voice said and I fell over myself with fright. “Are you alright?” It was an owl, she had a small sash around her.

“No, I was attacked… by a human…” I forced myself to sit up, just in time to see her swoop from the tree to the ground.

“My word, what happened? Did you lose? Was he upset with you?” She asked hopping a bit, before extending a wing to touch my shoulder.

“I… always lose…” My voice wavered under pain and shame.

“Relax honey, my owner is an animal ranger! See!” She referenced her sash, but I could care less… humans are evil… “Claire can fix you right up I bet!”

“…Do you… think so?” I asked, but the mountain colored owl nodded far before that.

“I’m not very strong, but I think I can carry you. If you can’t walk.” She offered spreading her wings and smiling.

“How far is it?” I asked and she looked around a bit, then nodded.

“About half a mile. How did you make it out here my friend?” She asked after confirming I could walk.

“I was… running for my life…” It was hard to strain this, but I knew it would be better not to lie.

“Relax sugar. I promise, you’ll be just fine!” She began hopping toward the denser portion of woods and I felt compelled to struggle on.

“Thank you… I don’t think I would survive much longer to be honest…” My frail voice made her shake her head, almost entirely around.

“Not on my watch!” She hopped up, flapping madly, but still falling to earth. “I’ve only been a ranger pet for about a month now, but I love helping!” Her enthusiasm was inspiring, but no… think not, want not…

“Thank you…” A small sigh followed this and I battled a surge of pain.

We proceeded through the thicker woods and I struggled greatly. Occasionally the kind owl would hoist me upward, using a small amount of flight. This was used to cross a tall fallen log, a pit of muck, and a thorny overgrowth. It was incredibly kind, but that is what the animal rangers are for essentially. For training animals to protect, prevent, and preserve all life. Where the fuck where they yesterday? We entered into a clearing and I collapsed. It didn’t take long to continue, as being in the company of another being drove my instincts into high gear. Across another few yards, we reached another clearing, this one dotted with a single tall oak tree.

“Claire! Can you come here?” She flew up a few feet before shouting this toward the tree.

“Mathia? Didn’t you leave a while ago?” A grown woman appeared at the window. “What’s going on? Oh my god!” She exclaimed upon seeing me.

In a flash this woman was sliding down a rope ladder, a bag on her shoulder. She rushed over and scraped to a stop, kneeling and gently touching me. The whining and whimpering made me feel weak, but I was in so much pain… I just wanted to go to sleep and know I would be alright. Forget it actually… I just want to go to sleep… I can die for all I care…

“What happened lil fellah?” She asked using a pet name I have come to despise.

“His owner attacked him.” The owl, Mathia, responded over my light groan.

“My god, why? What a sick bastard!” Claire declared and I was happy we agreed. “Don’t you worry boy, I’m going to patch you up!” She gave me a gentle pet on the nose.

She softly lifted me and headed to the base of her tree. A small table, chairs, and a trailer were organized at the trunk. Setting me on the table, I howled with pain, hoping the surges of agony would end soon. She proceeded to clean out my wounds with alcohol and other antibiotics. This was even greater pain then even being stabbed… Kicking, biting, and thrashing in horrific agony, I tried my best to be freed and attack. She held me down gently and applied bandages. Humming softly she tried to soothe my torturous experience. It was like boiling water, like she was pouring searing oil into my wound!

“Alright, now that it’s clean I sew you up, but that’ll hurt if you thrash around.” Her words were like something out of a pagan ritual!

“What? Please no, doesn’t one of your pets know how to heal?” I asked her desperately, seeing her unwrap a long needle from the package.

“No, I’m so sorry pup. Try to stay calm alright, this will be over quick. I promise.” Claire was gentle as she approached with the needle.

She fucking lied, that bitch made this painfully slow. Each tiny prick, would be slowly elongated into a tearing, continual pierce. Every single inch of that thread was shredded through my tender hide to form an agony far different then being stabbed. It faded after a the first seven or eight passes, but the pain never truly died. Sometimes it would dull momentarily, but other times it amplified to an extreme I could only fight to avoid. My tiny jaws almost bit her too, but she was fast! After finishing my torment, Claire gave me some medication and said it would help me rest. Fuck it… I could be taking poison right now, who care… This was morbid and it proved humans only want to hurt me! She piled up the bloodied bandages and the bottles of medicines, still humming a soft tune to try an keep me calm. Still kicking and scratching to run, I quickly succumbed to the chemically induced sleep.

*About four hours later, night*