“Arrby! Arrrrrrby!”

The wiener pup snapped out of his thoughts. Quickly dipping his head into the tool box and pulling out a wrench. Rushing over to Sid who tinkered with a panel on their ship.

“Here ya go captain!”

Sid took it but immediately turned towards his pirate pup.

“Arrby, I asked for eleventh sixteen not five eighth’s. You got sand in your ears pup?

“Oh! Sorry Captain boss mister Sid sir.”

Sid tossed the wrench to one side and pulled his welding mask down. Giving no warning to the pirate pup as he quickly shield his eyes. Sparks flickered and danced off the metal sheet as the troublesome pirate welded it shut. Arrby always got a nervous when ever Sid played with fire. His captain was for the most part a mechanical wizz. Teaching Arrby how to tinker with certain things. The pirate pair being capable of updating and fixing up there gear and their ship when needed. The latter taking a lot more time to fix up, Their ship currently sat hulled by the side of a massive cove on their super secret pirate island. Well, it was more like a deserted island the pirates claimed as their base of operations.  Arrby went to quickly grabbed a welding mask for himself.  Walking along their dock and leaping down across the sand.

“Yikes!”

Something had pricked his paw! He lifted it up and observed a small but bright red object wedged between his pads.

“A lego piece?” Arrby scoffed.

Of course, Arrby had missed some of what remained of a massive lego sculpture Sid had swipe last month. He had taken what he could without smashing most of it on the way out. It had taken Arrby forever to clean that up. Trying scrounging the sand for tiny bricks. The Dachshund wouldn’t wish that tedious work on any pup.  He  walked along the shore and spotted a discarded fridge. Sid had insisted he try and wedge himself into it for emergencies. Something about it protecting them from explosions? His eyes scanned the perimeter of their cavern. A disorganized mess of forgotten treasure and junk that laid scattered along their cove. The pirate pup took a big breath in then out. He was sure to find his personal welding mask in all this stuff some where. As he dug through what he could, He remembered Claw’s cave and the horde his Dragon kept. Some how the dragon was far more organized than Sid was. Maybe Claw organizes things?

“I hope he’s doing alright.” He thought.

“ARRRBy! Give me a paw up here will ya?”

“Coming captain boss...WAH!” He had tripped over a broken boombox before standing up. “Ugh. Coming!”

He gave up on the mask and jumped back on the dock towards their ship. Sid was fiddling with two wires within the main console on the bow.

“I need ya tiny paws for a something!”

He directed Arrby to place his paws on a panel to keep it in place as he continued to mess with the wiring. As the captain fiddled, Arrby wondered if they could get their ship in working order if Moby could assist them. He probably would if he asked or maybe he wouldn’t on account of taking his sub in the first place. Shame. Moby was smart, possibly smarter than Captain Sid. Not that Arrby didn’t admire his captain but Sid just lacked foresight sometimes. That night with Moby, seeing all the things he built and how concise his blueprint for the sub was. It really made him wondered how a pup like Moby could choose to live in such isolation.

“Whats got your head in the clouds?” Sid barked at him.

“Huh? What?” Arrby snapped back to reality.

“You seem a tad off is all. You distracted?”

Arrby paused, clicking his teeth in thought. Thinking of Moby and some of his past interactions with Sweetie and Claw had been a breath of fresh air for him. He didn’t want to imply that he was sick of being a pirate to his one and only captain just that it was nice to hang out with other pups. Heck, He was just grateful that Sid wanted to listen what he had to say.

“Well, Now that you mentioned it. I had a very busy week.”

“You don’t say?” Sid said halfheartedly. Clearly distracted by a stubborn wire he frayed.

 “When I was hopping around burying….I mean! Looking for more treasure! I met an old friend and made some new ones.”

“Uh huh.” Sid replied but Arrby continued regardless. He told him of how he met a real life knight and his dragon. How the pup whose sub they took was a genius. How he met Sweetie on the beach and how talking with her made him feel a little strange.  The pirate pup reminisced in bliss, Up till Sid decided to try separate the wire with his teeth and electrocuted himself…



“So Captain Sid is still trying to get your ship up and running?” Sweetie asked. She carefully sipped some tea. The china held surprisingly well in her paws. After his captain’s little mishap, Arrby had made up an excuse to Sid about needing to travel and find first aid. Which was true, their supplies had dwindled in their base but it was also a good excuse bury whatever Sid didn’t need somewhere else. So it wasn’t one hundred percent the truth but Sid didn’t question his first mate. In any case, it was nice to take a detour and hang out outside the castle grounds of Barkingburg. He politely took a muffin from the plate of desserts. The assortment and picnic blanket happily provided by the butler who didn’t say much to the pups. Leaving them on their own to mingle.

“Yeah, It’s taking a lot longer than expected but that what happens when you run a four wheeled submersible in the bow and break everything.”

Sweetie giggled and sorted loudly. Choking on her tea before but some how keeping her composure.

“Not exactly his brightest idea hmm?”

“Not really.” He joked.

“Glad you don’t take after him that much.” Sweetie complemented. Arrby could have swore he saw her blush slightly.

“Well, he has his moments but someone has to watch his back.”

“And you said you met with the pup that owned that sub?”

“Oh yeah, He’s kind of a recluse but he’s nice. Took my apology well, I think?”

“He sounds like a hermit.”

“Nah, He’s a lot more advance than you think.”

“More advance than a certain annoying knight just south of here?” Sweetie giggled. Arrby didn’t appreciate her condescending tone with the two boys but he didn’t push it. Though he did want to follow up on their last conversation.

“Have you talk to the princess yet?”

Sweetie paused. A croissant hanging just out her mouth. She dropped the pastry which Busby quickly caught on his forehead. Whirling and whizzing curiously.

“Not exactly.” She admitted nervously.

“Aww Sweetie. You have to let her know how you’ve been feeling lately.”

“I know.” She soured. “I’ll talk to her. It’s just been very busy...for her! There’s a gala coming up.”

“What else is new?” Arrby joked.

“This one is different. She wants to host one for incredible animal companions! So that will include animal guests from all over including...ugh. The Paw patrol.”

Sweetie’s face scowled but Arrby was indifferent. He actually always liked those pups. He didn’t say that aloud though.

“She’s also inviting another set of pups named the Mighty Twins? Plus some felines from the Cat Pack.”

“Ohh! I think I’ve heard of those teams before.”

“Probably a bunch of goody two shoes as well. Anyways...”

Sweetie kept her eyes on the ground. Eyeing the red stripe picnic blanket. She seemed very anxious all the sudden.  

“I wanted to invite you personally. Directly to the gala. As my special...guest.”

She avoided the word date but Arrby couldn’t help but blush.

“Oh, I’d uhh...yeah! I’d love too!”

“Great!” Sweetie said a little too enthusiastically. She cleared her throat and placed a paw against the pirates snout. Returning to her usual etiquette.

“I mean...Good. I didn’t have any other pup I wanted to invite soooo yeah. Just know, there is a dress code and certain formalities you’d need to follow. Nothing to extraneous though.”

“I’ll try my best. I think I have a fancy suit somewhere.” Arrby lied. He had no fancy clothing to wear but he’d figure something out.

“I’m guessing Sid wouldn’t be welcomed huh?”

“Unfortunately not. I know he means a lot to you but you tell me that he wouldn’t try to have you steal something during it all.”

“Fair enough.”

He picked up his tea with both paws. Getting a giggle from Sweetie as he tried to mimic her movements. His small paws barely able to lift the beautiful china up without spilling. The usually pretentious queen took the time to show Arrby how it’s done. Arrby knew she didn’t do it in jest or to demean him. She was being gracious. He really did enjoy Sweetie’s company. Especially the feeling he got being around her. Unbeknownst to the pirate pup, Sweetie was feeling exactly the same way and she intended to explore it more at gala.




“A gala? For the greatest animal companions?!”

“Rook takes Bishop”

“Oh dang.”

Claw settled back down and thought about his next move carefully. Arrby waited patiently as the boys sat in the cave. Arrby thought It was far too pretty of a day not to play outside but he didn’t complain. Though he had notice that Claw’s large dragon seemed to be missing.

“Where’s Sparks?”

“Oh, he left for a bit. He does that sometimes. No worries. Ahah!”

He moved his knight a few spaces to the right.

“Knowing Sweetie, She would gladly make the gala all about herself.”

“She would if she could.” Arrby joked. He re positioned his queen.

“I wish I could go, then everyone can meet the greatest knight in all of Barkingburg!” He moved his knight once again. Taking Arrby’s Bishop.

“Hahah!”

Arrby smirked. Predicting Claw’s move and moving his Queen to take the knight.

“Ugh.”

“Now who’s being egocentric ?” Arrby Teased. Claw played with his visor, Almost if he was trying to hide his face from his friend.

“In either case, It surprises me that she’d offer invitation to you. Not that I don’t think your...interesting.” Claw hid his face further.

“Hehe, I appreciate it. I guess she’s just being kind. She is a close friend of mine. Besides you I mean. And possibly Moby.”

“Oh yeah. The other pup living in a cave?”

“Cove, There is a difference.”

“Right. Do you have a habit of surprising pups who live on their own?” Claw joked. Moving his king to one side.

“Only the cute ones.” Arrby teased further. Claw stiffened up at that. Not noticing Arrby moving his queen to take the king.

“Checkmate!”

“Aww No fair! You distracted me you miscreant!” The purple clad pup bark half heartily. Not seeming too upset that he lost.

“Uh huh. Gotta keep that great knight mind sharp remember? Keep you on your paws.”

“Touche.”

Claw sat back down, beginning to reset the pieces. He picked up one and examined it. Not really looking at it but thinking of something else.

“If I could go to the gala, I’d use it as an opportunity to speak to the princess.”

“To apologize?”

Claw was tempted to gawked out “Pfft! No!” but one look at the pirate pup told him that might not be the nicest set of words to use.

“Maybe.”

“If you did, do you think she’d have you reinstated as a knight?”

“Well it wouldn’t hurt. It has been sometime I’ve been devious. Maybe she’d hear me out!”

“I’d put in a good word for you.”

Claws looked back to the pirate pup. A gracious smile adorned his snout. It made the doberman’s tail wag.

“Much appreciated but I don’t think she’d take the good word of a pirate. Let alone a greedy duke who I’m sure will be there too.”

“A duke?”

“Oh just some guy I associate with from time to time.”

“Friend of yours?”

“Not exactly. New game?”

Arrby could sense somber coming from Claw. He didn’t press it further though and played against his friend.



The pirate had floored his dingy against the waves with ease. Happy he had installed that boat engine on the back before departing. Meant his little fore paws could rest from all the rowing he used to do. Overall, He had a productive day with hanging out with both Sweetie and Claw. In between it all, he had manage to bury and mark new treasure locations for most of Sid’s excess stuff. Now Arrby was ready to reach his island and relax. He wondered about his upcoming rendezvous with Moby tomorrow. He’d have to get his diving gear ready that’s for sure. He was curious where they were going to get the material to build his new sub from. In due time, Arrby reached the shore of his home,  parking his dingy and strolling into their shared cavern.

“Captain! I’m home!”

ARRRRRby! Perfect timing! Come help me with this!”

Arrby’s jaw dropped as Sid dragged a large telescope off of their half finished boat.

“Sir?

“Can you believe it?! I was taking out ship out on a test drive! When I found this beauty! I just need need NEEDED it! Plus a few other things I ran into on the way here!”

“I...Uh...Captain…”

A loud plume caught their attention as black smoke bellowed from the stern of their ship. It flooded their cavern and forced the pirates to run out to fresh air.

“Whoops!” Sid said between coughs. “Looks like I might have pushed the engine a little too far today! Arrrrby! Whatcha still standing around for?! Get a move on! We got new shiny things to hall off the vessel.”

Without hesitation, Sid clambered back towards the ship.  Arrby had to force himself not to roll his eyes. He sighed deep and trotted along to help his captain.



“Hahahahah! You must be joking!”

The Duke of Flappington needlessly picked up one of Claws chess pieces.

“It would only be for a moment!” Claw begged. Looking tensely at the teenager and his golden eagle that screeched and flew around Sparks hoard. The latter clearly having no respect for him or his property.

“You want me to offer you an invite to the princess’s royal animal companion gala? After all the mess you’ve caused in the last few months.”

“You helped me cause all that! Remember? Wanting to crown yourself king of Barkingburg? Why do you get a pass?”

“It took me some time to earn good graces with the princess again but we are family after all. Royals always get a formal invite from family. Something you lack.”

The duke leaned down and tapped the chess piece against his nose. Claw bit his tongue, tempted to let out another snide response. He kept his cool and tried to be as diplomatic as possible.

“Look, I tried to help you take the princesses throne far to many times to count. All of them almost successful. The least you could do is throw me a bone?”

“Almost is not good enough Claw. Face it, Even if you got a word with her, You’ve been far too naughty to ever get your knighthood back. You consort with a dragon as well! A vicious beast! Speaking of…”

The duke looked around the dimly lit cave.

“Where is he anyhow?!”

“He’s gone...for food!” Claw said confidently. Though he played with a package of marshmallows in one paw. The duke simply shrugged.

“In either case, If you want an audience with the princess. I’m afraid you’ll have to look elsewhere.”

He casually threw the chest piece towards him, Claw barked his pincer which didn’t function so he resorted to leaping for it. Coughing up the slobbered piece as he held it in his mouth.

“Come along Jean-Claude. Kakakaka!”

His golden eagle squawked loudly. Swooping past Claws head as he followed his master out of the cave. Just like that, Claw was left to his own.

“Jerk.”

 He carefully observed his paw crafted chess piece. Ensuring it wasn’t damaged before carefully putting it back on the board. He turned and walked towards what he called his bed. A dank and stain ridden pillow that he circled a few times before laying down. From his spot, he could see the entrance of the cave. It was already dark out, very little stars shined above and he didn’t see any other creature across the landscape or sky out this late. Never the less, He grabbed his marshmallow bag and waited.

“Sparks will come back! He can’t resist these tasty treats.”

Claw stayed at his post. Carefully observing the night sky for anything sign of the dragon.

“He’ll be back. He will. Eventually.”

Claw felt his eye lids begin to fall every so often. Occasionally, the soft blow of the wind would rattle through the cave and shake him back awake. Every time he did, he was disappointed that the disturbance wasn’t caused by the wings of his great beast.

“Sparks?”

He whined out for his companion but as the night went on, the cave still laid empty.