Stray ............................................................................................................................................................. Part one: (A World on Fire) ............................................................................................................................................................. Chapter 1: Stray (Part 2) The foul smell of garbage, and underneath filthy dog, was how one would know that they had arrived at the Scrap Spot. To the people of Vladimir, this was a heap of litter, but to the strays, it was their life source. Here, dogs from all over the town collaborated while they scavenged for measly bits of human food, or scuffled for the juicer scraps of meat. If it weren’t for this mound, the city would be a much more dangerous place for a loner stray, like Kiev, or Catherine, and fights would break out as packs, relentless in their quest to keep nourished, would declare war against each other. In the past, larger packs with too big egos, had tried to mark the Scrap Spot as personal territory… to put it short, if the Alpha of set group was not killed on the first day, he surely would be on the second. After the fall of the last tyrannical dog, Aristarkh, who happened to be Ivan’s father, a rule was passed around that the territory of the Scrap Spot will remain neutral, unless otherwise decided by the majority to be given to another host. It was all very political, and if you thought about it, a strange form of behavior coming from a dog population who should have no bearings on politics. But then again, as the town of Vladimir was special, so are its canine inhabitants. “We have arrived.” Kiev said quietly, more so to himself then Catherine, who had kept him amused with her conversational talking from Klyazma River to here. “Catherine, stick close to me.” His tone had taken on a more protective note… which the Siberian husky seemed to have picked up on immediately. “What?” Kiev question as she hesitated. “I can take care of myself Kiev.” She looked wonderful, even with her semi-emaciated appearance, and for a moment, the wolf-dog was dazed. “Did you hear me Kiev, and why are you looking at me like that… is there something on my muzzle?” “No, no, you look fine Comrade.” As he spoke, the feeling faded to a warm glow, which always seemed to be in him now. “I’m just thinking… you were almost apprehensive to come here, and I thought you might need a bodyguard, a big strong dog to keep the strays off of you?” Catherine rolled her eyes. “And I’m guessing you are the ‘big strong dog’ I’d need, Kiev?” “Yes, you could say that.” On hearing the cool modesty in the wolf-dog’s voice, Catherine laughed. “Ah, very well, I suppose I do need a strong doggy to escort me in such inhospitable territory… let’s go then.” With a happy nod, Kiev motioned with his muzzle. “I’m just going to follow you moy droog… so pick wherever you want to feast.” Catherine nodded, and then walked over to a smaller pile off of the main heap. As they arrived the two friends were greeted with haste by a few ravenous dogs. Catherine dug in, and Kiev obediently stood guard, scanning the surrounding with keen eyes, searching for trouble. Only after the husky seemed to have eaten enough, did the wolf-dog pick up a spoiled chicken carcass, and bite into it ravenously. In five minutes flat, Kiev finished, and after gnawing on the protein rich bone for a while, raised his head from the depleted carcass to gaze at the sky. It was a generally nice day, and the eastern wind coming off of the mountains coolly toyed with the copper fur around his greasy face. From the smell of wet cobblestone, and the sounds of birds chirping, it was clear that spring was well on its way. As the wolf-dogs gaze lingered on the blue sky for an extra moment, he spotted a bird. It was wheeling in a dizzy spiral, and it was big… probably a Steppe Eagle. As the soaring eagle glided on the thermals, another one joined. The two majestic birds began to sky dance, and Kiev realizes that they must be mates. Suddenly feeling glum, the Stray’s eyes diverted from the heavens and back to the earth to rest on Catherine, who was cleaning her fur methodically. It was a known fact that soon, Catharine, along with every other dog in Vladimir, will go out in search of a mate to bare their pups… every stray that is, excluding himself. Already, contradicting his half hearted denials, he had come to the depressing conclusion that no one would want a lousy half breed for a mate, and that he’d have to live out the rest of his life as a loner. But at least I have friends, he thought, and his heart lightened… if only for a second… but friendship doesn’t last forever… and once Catherine finds a mate, Tver and Andria as well, I will have nothing but my own company to keep me busy. “You’re looking at me again moy droog.” Catherine’s light comment and calm voice broke Kiev out of his depressing reverie. “Am I?” Kiev knew that what he just said must have sounded stupid, because it was blatantly obvious that he was, but he couldn’t come about to admit the emotions he was feeling… or could he? This revelation surprised him, how strange that his normally shy conscience would come up with such a bold thought. But really, why couldn’t I? I love Catherine, and maybe she loves me back. To him it sounded logical… all he would have to do is ask, it’s just three words; ‘I love you’… but really, it wasn’t that easy, or at least not for him. On the outside, he had frozen up, but internally, his mind was at war. Positivity from a life of desire, and negativity from his half-breed flaws, combated in the mind so violently, that by the time the conclusion surfaced, he had a headache. He just couldn’t do it… it wasn’t the time. *** The alleyway was long, sculpted by large buildings, and with two entrances… one for the exit, back onto the now bustling streets of Vladimir, and the other to the teeming Scrap Spot. As the two Strays, their shrunken stomachs full, followed the path, an intimidating silhouette appeared at the exit, followed by another, then one more. “Is that Ivan’s group?” Catherine whispered into Kiev’s perked ear. “I’m afraid so. “What do we do?” It was clear that she was trying to hide her panic. “Kiev, I’m so sorry for holding us up, it’s was…” “This wasn’t your fault Catherine.” The Stray responded, his deep eyes fixated on the approaching dogs “... just stay close, and let me take the lead. We don’t have to fight if we don’t instigate anything.” As Catherine and Kiev stiffly passed by the trio, a larger male with a high held tail, called mockingly to them. “And where the hell do you think you’re going mutt?” This comment was directed at Kiev, but he ignored it and continued walking, shoulders tense. “How about you, bitch?” Catherine was not so tolerant. Spinning around, she growled at the sneering wolfish crossbreed, Ivan. “Are you talking to me…?” “Catharine…” Kiev warned. She turned, rage blazing behind her cold blue retina. There were no words passed between the two, just stares… and wills combated for supremacy. Kiev wanted to leave, Catherine, following her prided nature, wanted to fight. With a defeated sigh, Kiev lowered his gaze, and Catherine spun around to meet the slowly approaching Alpha pack trio. “Are you talking to me, Half-Blood?” Ivan’s ears perked at this vicious profanity, and he lowered his head aggressively, the cocky smirk dissipating rapidly. As the Alpha Pack leaders menacing figure stopped a muzzle length from Catharine, he spoke. “What did you just say, bitch? How about you repeat that, so I can tear your throat out.” Catharine stood defiantly, refusing to back down. “Ivan,” her chin was still raised. “You spend your time pushing around those weaker than yourself, when in the end; you are as lonely as the rest of us. You’re as much as an outcast as Kiev… half-blood.” A second time she uttered that cruel word, and Ivan, instead of killing her right there, or blinding her, or maiming her, or tearing off her tail... started to laugh. This uncharacteristic action from the bigger dog confused Catherine, and her fortified stance faltered. “Sexy, bold, and aggressive…” As he spoke, his unnaturally calm voice sent chills down Kiev’s spine. “Catharine, what the hell are you doing with a lousy weakling like Kiev over there?” Both turned to see the mutt, who had backed off into the shadows, cowering and clearly afraid. “How about you step closer buddy.” Clenching his jaws and swallowing what dignity he had, Kiev silently shook his head. Ivan nodded. “Didn’t think so.” He turned back to look boldly into Catherin’s eyes. “How about you and I leave this filth, it’s clear that he is restraining your potential.” “Never Ivan. I’ll die before I join your corrupted group of pushovers.” Her eyes were blazing with passion and defiance. “As for Kiev. If you and he, just once, had a fair fight, he would dominate you.” Her chin was raised. “Have you not noticed that he only looses because he is out numbered?” “Bullshit.” “No you’re shit. Kiev, step up here.” Reeling by the sudden turn of event Kiev faintly shook his head. “Kiev… camon!” With a disapproving click of his teeth, the half breed got up from the shadows of the alleyway, and walked into the light to stand beside Catharine. Instead of initiating Ivan in any way though, he turned angrily to his friend. “What the hell are you doing?” “Helping you.” She hissed “Helping me! I’m about to fight the toughest dog in town.” “But you can’t cower anymore Kiev.” “Cowering is better than being dead… and then who’s going to stick up for you? You’ll be his bitch in no time.” “No, I would…” “You would not be able to do anything. Your strong moy droog, but not that strong… let’s get out of here before we surpass our stay.” “But…” “Please Catherine.” “We can’t hide forever Kiev.” But still, against her very nature and clearly embarrassed, the beautiful husky lowered her tail. “Just as I expected, all bark and no bite… worthless mutts.” Ivan was suddenly back in the picture. Kiev and Catherine raised their heads to meet his mocking leer. “Get the hell out of here Kiev…” he turned to Catharine. “As for you, I only wish you reconsider my offer, soon this town will be mine, and in times like those, you’ll need to be smart by picking your sides.” Clearly, this made Catharine apprehensive. As the Wolfish dog, along with his two pack mates, turned and started walking down to the scrap spot, Catherine, ignoring Kiev’s protest, ran to catch up. “Ivan?” Stopping suddenly, the larger dog turned… there was a strange look in his eyes. “Come to reconsider your offer dear?” “No, I…” “Well then, we have nothing more to talk about, leave before I’m forced to make you bleed… and trust me, I don’t want it to end up like that.” He again started to walk, but Catharine was persistent. “Ivan, what the hell are you planning?” In response to her question, Ivan, after sending off his two partners to find a garbage pile, turned his head to look sidelong over one of his large shoulders. “All hell babe, all hell.” And with that he trotted off, leaving Catharine in a cloud of dust and oppressive despair.