War Pugs
By J. L. Young Morgan felt a tug on her wrist while she was enjoying her nap under a sugar maple. She felt the familiar tongue of her pug on her cheek. The dog backed away slightly and barked. “Ok, Pinky. I’m up.” Pinky, excited, leaped up and down on the blanket. The young woman stood and wadded the blanket under her arm. “Let’s go.” The sun was nearly setting on them when they left the park. She crossed a busy street, onto the sidewalk, and passed red brick houses. She stopped at a large gloss black door under a sign which read, ‘War Pugs.” The woman fished a key from her pocket and unlocked the door. As she pulled the door open, Pinky leaped over the knee-knocker, ran the length of the leash, and tumbled backward. This fostered a chuckle from Morgan. The shined floor of the old firehouse was empty. This didn’t immediately induce panic as it was the norm. Willow, Morgan’s friend, and partner had taken her car for some reason. She unhooked the dog and she ran as hard as she could, dropped on her belly, and slid on the open floor. The dog did this several more times before climbing up the stairs after her master. Morgan felt the tinge of hunger as she summited the stairs. She hung up the leash and deposited the blanket in a corner. As she approached the kitchen, she saw a post-it note on the refrigerator. With the sticky paper in hand, she read it. ‘M., I finished cutting the new order. Getting dinner for us. Expect me when you see me. Love, W.’ She pulled the note off the refrigerator when her phone rang. This always elicits a bark from the pug, but this time she was silent. She didn’t recognize the number. After tapping the answer icon, she brought it up to her ear, “Hello.” “This is Brandon with the Twin Hill Medical Center West. We have a patient by the name of Willow Wright here and she has been injured in an accident.” “Is she alright?” Morgan asked. “Mrs. Wright has several minor injuries. We are located--.” “I know where you’re at, thank you.” Morgan put the pug in her cage, slid down the pole, and grabbed her bike off the wall. As she opened the door, she heard Willow’s voice as well as several others yell, “Surprise!” She shot an angry look at Willow, “What the…? What’s this about?” “One million Dog armor sets sold!” Willow said. “War Pugs have the power.” Skeptical as Morgan is, she asked, “Really?” “Really,” Willow replied. “You had some guy at the hospital call me and tell me you were injured?” Willow passed it off as though it was nothing, “Oh, that was Ethan, he was the best actor among us. Except for me of course, but I couldn’t do it.” “Really? Ethan?” “Yeah, who knew?” Willow laughed. “You didn’t eat did you?” “No.” Morgan’s brow furrowed, “Ethan?” “You’d better believe it.” “And the car?” “It’s just around the block.”
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Musou
By J. L. Young Morning in the city. The humans made their way to their work. I found myself sleeping at my desk again. I rose, stretched, and knocked over a cup of pens, but it’s nothing. The new carpet below took my landing. A saunter took me to the kitchen, the humans have prepared my day’s meals. Blech! Dry food again? Someone needs a turd on their pillow. I work far too hard for this shit. I shot through the cat door and into the sunshine. The scent of a Molly found my sensitive booper. In the next yard, she catches my eye. “Hey Macy,” I called. “Fuck you, Musou!” she hissed. ‘Whatever could I have done to engender such animus?’ I thought as I passed her yard. ‘Oh, I remember,’ I squint, happily. ‘That’s not for you to know.’ A few more blocks and I arrived at work. The precinct, though it is, in reality, a clear area at the base of a hedge is where we meet. “Your late,” a bark thundered. “Yeah, I was asleep. You do know what sleep is, right Captain?” I said but I thought, ‘Just because your name is Captain doesn’t mean you are a Captain, you putz.’ “Sit,” He commanded. “Alright, alright.” I sat next to a lovely sphinx named Garland. She was none-to-pleased but she was professional, whatever that means. “Detectives,” Captain said. I reluctantly pulled my gaze from Garland. “Today, we serve this fair community. Justice will be found. The day’s assignments will be given at the end of this morning’s briefing. A little bird told me--.” My mind danced, ‘Probably Lightfeather, I’d like to gift him to my human.’ He continued, “Two new Detectives are partnering up with you on your assignments.” “Not the beagles, not the beagles,” I susurrated. Garland hissed. “Detectives Beasley and Coconut. Congratulations on your promotions,” Captain praised. Coconut, you’ll be partnered with--.” “Not me, not me,” I whispered. “Garland.” She looked happy as Coconut took her seat next to Garland. I thought, “It’s a beagle. How can you be so happy to be partnered with a fucking beagle.’ “Beasley, looks like Musou will be a good partnering.” “Shit,” I said aloud. “Maybe you can teach him some humility.” I lowered my head to the ground at my paws. “Humiliation is the word you’re looking for, Captain.” The remainder of the briefing continued ad nauseam. The assignment Captain gave me, the case of the missing kitten food shipment. “Captain, this isn’t in our jurisdiction. This is a human matter.” “I know you have difficulty empathizing, but think of the kittens. The humans have already agreed it’s ours. Go do your job, Musou. And take Beasley with you.” |
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May 2024
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