Claw stomp his paw on the ground. Impatient as usual. Even if it was for one of his only friends. He kept his eye out by the shore.
“Come on, Come on…”
Dusk has come and gone and Claw admired the few stars he could see. A part of him thought he might be able see a certain dragon fly by. He didn’t count on it though. He tried not to dwell on that for too long, his thoughts turning to a more devious idea so long as a certain someone was still parked where he was.
His attention was drawn to a dingy towards the water, it’d sputtered as it slowed down towards him.
“Ahoy there Sir knight!”
“Well Well! About time mister pirate.”
“Sorry! I was taking care of some stuff and brought over a few things that you might find useful.”
“Ohh? What exactly did you …”
Arrby used all his strength to hull off a massive anvil off his boat. The large thing plopped hard into the sand.
“What in the world?”
“Ta da! You had mentioned wanting to try metal work sometime and I thought well...You might have more use for this than I would.”
He rummage through the boat and pulled out a large hammer and a pair of goggles.
“This should help you make what you want. All you need is the fire! Which I’m sure Sparks could provide!”
Claw was taken aback by the kind gesture. He tried to keep his composure but just felt too giddy.
“Thank...Thank you Arrby. That’s incredibly kind of you.”
“Any time, Why don’t we have Sparks help us move this big thing to the cave. I think it’s starting to sink in the sand.”
“Oh uh...He can’t. He’s off….Fishing!”
“Fishing?”
“Yes, He was hungry for something else besides Marshmallows. Too much sugar.”
He laughed nervously. Arrby tilted his head in confusion.
“Weird, I didn’t see him out on the bay….”
“Anywho! I glad you’ve arrived. I need something done and will need your assistance!”
Oh? What are we...Whoa!”
Before he could inquire further, Arrby was eagerly pulled by one of his paws off his dingy. He thought they’d head to the first cave but Claw was intent on leading the way.
The knight ran through the green plains and into the woods. Their terrain started as the usual forest floor till their path began to ascend upwards. The dense nature combined with the sloped ground overwhelmed the pirate as they raced along.
“Claw! Claw! What a sec! Slow down!”
“Keep up Sir Arrby!”
“Sir Arrby?” He questioned.
“A name most fitting for the best friend of the greatest knight of Barkingburg.”
“You really mean that Claw?”
Claw stopped in place, hiding a blush as he turned towards him.
“Of course. You’re...”
Claw was cut off as Arrby crashed into him, the pirate not expecting the pup to stop in his tracks. The pair rolled over one another before landing in some bushes. Arrby settled on top of Claws chest lifting himself up before meeting Claws gaze. The doberman bit his tongue as the pup stared at him. Feeling he was in a compromising position. Arrby took it in stride.
“What were you going to say?” Arrby asked amusingly.
“I...I don’t have a lot of friends. Other pups I mean.”
“Aww well we can change that if you want. Maybe we can start with a certain royal pup near by?” Arrby said, playfully flipping Claws visor down. Making the knight laugh.
“Yeah, that will be the day.”
The sound of a bird caught the pair by surprise.
“Ah yes! I agree Jean-Claude! The princess will never see it coming.”
The boys pulled themselves up. They poked their snouts from out of the bushes. Claw immediately recognized the Duke of Flappington and his loyal eagle. The royal pair hanging out by a campfire near a cliff side. Arrby marveled at the massive eagle shaped jet parked near by them.
“Whoa! Look at that!”
“Perfect for some sabotage.”
Claw quietly barked for his pincers. Growling every time they refused to pop out till they finally pulled out a massive wrench. He quickly handed it over to Arrby.
“I’m going to distract that snobby duke for a bit. In the meantime, I need you to use that to loosen some of his equipment. Landing gear, break pedals, stuff like that.”
“I don’t know Claw, Isn’t that kind of mean?”
“He’s kind of mean. More than that even. He’s…”
Claw looked back at his fiend. The pirate looking genuinely concerned for his behavior. The former knight settled down.
“Arrby, you don’t need to go that far but I do need you to sabotage something, anything. Please? Pretty Please?”
Claw couldn’t help but give the biggest puppy eyes towards him. Knowing the pirate couldn’t resist that face.
“Alright, Just a little bit of sabotage.”
Claw yipped with glee before he heard the duke shout.
“Who goes there?! Was it a bear?! Jean-Claude! Go look! Kaka!”
Claw signaled the pirate to go one way as he jumped out of the bush to surprise the pair.
“Haha! You thought it was a bear! But it was me! Claw! The greatest knight in all of Barkingburg!”
The Duke seemed to relaxed, assumed even.
“False alarm Jean-Claude. Here I thought there was an actual threat.”
“I am so a threat! I have a trebuchet!”
“Uh huh, and did you bring it?”
“No….”
Claw eyed Arrby who was quickly working one of the front wheels of the jet. Slowly loosening one of the bolts, The knight needed to buy some time.
“I..wanted to inquire on what you and Jean-Claude were talking about. Something to do with the princess I bet. Perhaps you need some assistance?”
“The only assistance you can bring me is being a pest. Be gone with you!”
“Oh come on. At least…”
“You’re simply trying to get an invite to the gala.”
“Well, yeah but that’s besides the point.”
“You truly think the princess will hear you out after what you’ve done? Don’t make me laugh.”
He picked up a stick pointed squarely against Claws snout.
“Listen here, You may have been a knight at one point but you are most certainly a pawn.
Arrby was just about done loosen a bolt before catching what the duke was saying. He listened closely
“Just like one of your little chess pieces.”
Claw snorted.
“That’s not true.”
“Oh please. Even when you lived at castle, you were simply there to serve the princess. When you lost your knighthood. It was the only thing making you any thing more than a pawn. Let alone a royal.”
“I’m not a pawn.” Claw said sternly. “You don’t know me.”
“Sure I do. You’re selfish, stubborn, don’t have any friends.”
“I do have a friend!”
“Who’s probably using you to get something they want. Even your own dragon didn’t stick around when you ran out of marshmallows.”
Arrby gasped. Even Claw seemed to be taken aback by the Dukes words.
“Ohhh yes, You don’t think I didn’t notice? Perhaps he migrated somewhere else. Maybe, he realized he didn’t need to spend his time with an infernal mutt he no longer needs.”
The duke laughed out loud, even Jean Claude seemed to chuckle along, to best of his ability. Arrby couldn’t believe how cruel this teenager was being towards his friend. He couldn’t just let this stand. He looked at his wrench and used his own pincer to pull something out of his pack. Meanwhile, Claw felt himself boiling in his armor. He clenched his teeth and began to bare them. He didn’t have weapon or tool to use against the Duke, but he was knee on doing something awful to the pretentious teen.
“You...YOU….” He snarled.
“RAHHH! RARRRRR!”
The Duke and his bird turned their sight towards a massive shadow that engulfed the side of the jet. It projected what looked to be a black bear. Sharp teeth, large claws, and all. Big enough to devour the teen and his companion. The Duke squealed loudly and ran into the woods. His loyal eagle following out of fear. Claw felt himself shake at the sight but braced himself for a fight, only to see the familiar sight of Arrby popped up from behind a rock. The pup stood on his hind legs and posed menacingly. A flash light in one of his pincer arms that amplified his shadow. Claw realized what he had done.
“Clever pirate.”
“Neat huh? Me and Sid got pretty good at scaring folks off with a few shadow tricks. Better than costume.”
He put away his flashlight before pulling out the wrench again. Claw watched as the pup tossed it directly into of the jets turbines. Seemly pleased with himself. The doberman felt his sour mood shift. It was thrilling seeing the normally honest pup be devious. It made his tail wag.
“You weren’t kidding! That guy was such a jerk! He’s gonna have hard time flying out of here later.”
“Hmm, nice to see this more unfriendly side to you Arrby.”
“It only comes out when folks are mean to my friends. Come on, let’s head on back! We can play some chess and chill. Well, after we push that anvil to the cave.”
Arrby began to walk back towards the woods but noticed Claw had not followed him. The knight sat in place, seeming to be lost in thought.”
“Claw? Are you alright?”
“Arrby, the first night we met, Did you only come to the dragon highlands looking for treasure?”
Arrby wanted to say no but he knew it wouldn’t be the truth.
“Well at first, yeah. That was before I knew you were hanging out there though.”
“Right and you haven’t you’ve taken any since then?”
“No! I promise!”
Claw wanted to trust Arrby. He had stuck up for him after all but the former knight couldn’t help but let the doubts slip in.
“You’re a good pup Arrby but you’re still a pirate though. Sneaky, crafty even.”
Those words stung, he wanted to rebuke them but he thought back to all the times his captain had asked him to do something less than considerate.
“That’s...fair”
They sat in an awkward silence. The wind blew through the trees, a few leaves were pulled and glided along the cliffs edge. Towards the shining lights of Barkingburg. It was a beautiful sight if not for the cold looking knight that stood where he was. Lost in thought. Arrby wanted to help his friend, to gently ask what he was feeling right now. In the same vain he had let Moby vent to him a few days ago. Arrby prepared to ask the knight a difficult question.
“So, is Sparks really…”
“Gone?! Yes Arrby. He bloody well is!” Claw spat out, stomping his paw on the ground.
“Oh, Im sorr...”
“Gone for good probably. I treated that dragon better than any one ever had and this is the thanks I get? I should have known though.”
“What do you mean?”
“Everyone just uses me. Everyone! The Duke, Sparks...Heck even the princess technically. All I ever did was serve, bow and roll over for her and that brat Sweetie!”
Arrby didn’t appreciate that comment.
“She’s not a brat”
“Why do you always defend her?!” He growled.
“I’m not! She isn’t...I mean...She’s not…”
The pirates response seemed to stoke Claws fury further. He paced up and down the ledge.
“Those royals are all the same Arrby! You can’t trust them! They would have us waiting on them hand and paw! When great knights like me should have been pillaging taverns, storming the city, setting it all ablaze!”
Claw felt his fury boil over.
“I don’t know how! I don’t know when! But I WILL be the greatest, the strongest, and most terrifying knight of all of Barkingburg! Even if I have to accomplish it all by myself! They will all cower in fear at me! Wishing they had never turned me away!”
He stomped towards the embankment. Arrby feared he might jumped but the pup stood on his hind legs and shouted as far as his voice could carry towards the town.
“TO HELL WITH THEM!!!”
“Claw! Please…” Arrby begged.
“I don’t need the princess, the Duke or some dragon and I don’t need...”
He glared at Arrby, he wanted to badly to spit venom towards him. To break ties with the only other friend he had. His eyes though, the pirates eyes gleamed with worry, looking on the verge of tears. Claw slumped down, his fire and fury being snuffed out. He ripped his helmet off his head and tossed it to one side before slumping to the ground. Placing both his paws in front of his snout. Hiding his face. The pirate saw his furious gaze falter. Keeping his guard up, he slowly began to trot towards Claw, He picked up the knight’s helmet and sat in front of him. He didn’t know where to go from here. This wasn’t just venting, it was something far more emotional. He would occasionally reach a paw forward, tempted to tap it on Claw’s head to get his attention. He worried the pup might snapped at him though.
“No, No...He’s my friend. He wouldn’t” Arrby thought.
A tiny noise came from the doberman. Arrby could barely make it out. It was now or never, He spoke up.
“Claw?”
Another noise squeaked out of him. Arrby leaned his head in closer.
“Claw?”
The knight shot up, Making Arrby jump. Instead of renewed fury, The dachshund watched tears pour from his friends eyes, snot began to bubble from his nose, and he began to hiccup uncontrollably.
“Why does everyone hate meeee?”
Claw began to sob loudly. Arrby dropped the helmet and quickly wrapped his himself around his friend. Holding him close.
“I don’t hate you Claw. I never will.”
“I’m a monster…A ba...bad pup.”
“Not to me you’re not.”
Arrby did his best to keep himself together despite the occasional tear that blurred his vision. Claw laid his head into the pirate’s neck for sometime. He didn’t say much and just wept. Arrby used his paw to stroke his back. He wished he could actually stroke the fur nestled under all that cold metal he wore. Settling for the back of his head instead. Claw began to settled down a little, seeming to enjoy the affection. The pirate ignored the beeping coming from his collar. Aware it was probably Sid trying to reach him. He couldn’t just leave Claw where he was though.
“Claw, I don’t think you should be by yourself anymore. It isn’t healthy for you.”
Claw wiped his nose on one of his cuffs and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
“Can I stay with you?”
Arrby had entertained the thought. He could bring Claw to their home base, though he thought about his over baring captain. Knowing him he’d probably put Claw right to work. Ordering him around, probably insist he’d need need NEED his armor for whatever reason. It wasn’t ideal.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea...captain boss….Sid. Can be a handful. That’s even if he’d let you stay.”
Claw had remembered the ridiculous situations Arrby told him about. How much the captain would push the pirate pup to obtain specific things and how weary he was to trust others. His ears lowered but he understood.
“Yeah, Maybe that wouldn’t be the best idea.”
Arrby pondered, He wanted Claw close by so he could see him yet he couldn’t bring him home. There had to be a closer shore he could visit that wasn’t as far as the dragon highlands. Then it came to him, It was long shot but he thought it was a good possibility. Long if it meant Claw was safe. Plus it might just change Claw’s mind about the royal family near near by.
“I think I have an idea. It’s a weird one but I want to give it a shot. Do you trust me?”
Claw straightened up and looked at his caring friend. He shook his head up and down.
“Yes Arrby. I do.”
--
Sweetie snored loudly, Her hind leg kicking every so often as she slept on her back. Her beauty sleep interrupted as her collar beeped loudly. She panicked at not being able to see a thing, forgetting she was wearing her sleep mask.
“Huh? Who! What?”
Pulling it up, She looked down at her beeping pup tag.
“Ugh! Who dares interrupt a queen as she sleeps?”
She pressed her tag, planning on giving a rude response before hearing a familiar and delicate voice.
“Sweetie! It’s Arrby!”
“Arrby!” She quickly collected herself. “I mean, Arrby, What do I owe the pleasure? At such a late hour.”
“I’m by the shore near the castle grounds, Can you meet me there?”
Sweetie’s heart fluttered at hearing those words.
“I will! Just give me a few minutes!”
Sweetie would often take her time getting up but the royal pup quickly flung herself out of her pup house. Running to her water blow to rinse her mouth out and get a good look at her face. Grabbing a brush to groom what she could before placing her tiara on her head. She gracefully walked out of the castle unbeknownst to the guards or staff. She knew every secret passage way in this place, making slipping in and out of her home a breeze. Soon enough she made way down the slope towards the beach, Her mind buzzing with possibilities.
“Arrby, You romantic dog you. Couldn’t wait for the gala? Come to sweep me off my paws and out to sea, I bet!” She thought to herself. She composed herself as she noticed the familiar sight of the pirate and his dingy.
“Hey Sweetie! Sorry for the wake up call.”
“Oh, It’s no problem at all.” She teased. “How can I help you sir….”
Her flirtatious mood soured as she noticed a familiar shade of purple. Adorned on a somber looking doberman.
“Ugh, what is that mongrel doing here?”
She had expected a quick and vile retort from the former knight but he didn’t say a thing. He just sat in the dingy and kept his eyes out to sea. His behavior taking her entirely off guard. As she was going to inquire further, Arrby took one of her paws, Holding it gently in one of his own. Sweetie felt her heart race as Arrby looked at her with pleading eyes.
“Would the most gracious queen of Barkingburg hear me out?”
--
“You must be joking...”
The pair had step a few feet from the former knight, who eyed them curiously as they talked among themselves. Arrby had just finished explaining their predicament with Sweetie trying her best to be sympathetic and patient as possible.
“It would be just for a little bit, probably till Sparks comes back.”
“If. If he comes back.” She corrected. She didn’t mean for that to sound as cold as it did. Sweetie was glad Claw couldn’t hear them, he might have had a conniption.
“Yeah, if.”
“Why don’t you just bring him to your captain instead? I’m sure that he’d have some use of him.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of. Sid doesn’t really trust other pups besides me and I can’t just take him away from Barkingburg. This is his home, plus it’s quicker for me to sail to the castle than the dragon highlands.”
“Arrby.” She pinched the bridge of her snout with a free paw. “You’re asking for quite the favor. I can get into some serious trouble with the princess if I sneak him into the castle.”
“It doesn’t have to be in the castle. Plus, I thought you don’t mind getting into a little trouble sometimes?”
Sweetie couldn’t help but smirk at the sly and flirtatious remark.
“Look who’s talking.”
“Heheh Fair.”
Arrby turned away in embarrassment, Sweetie absolutely loved that kind face he had, Despite that he had befriended who she thought was an insufferable mongrel. That’s was Arrby for you though, always so kind. She took a breath and let it out.
“Fine, but there will be some stipulations in place.”
Arrbys smile only grew before he wrapped his front paws around her. Sweetie did her best not show how much she enjoyed that.
--
Sweetie was a demanding pup, having a number of smaller pup houses placed around the castle for to reside in. So many in fact, she and the staff had lost track of them. One in particular sat in the garden. Far off in a corner just under the shade of a massive cherry tree, not set to bloom just yet. It was not in the great condition, grass and moss had overgrown on it but the former knight didn’t complain. He quickly settled into his temporary home for the time being.
“How does that feel Claw?” Arrby asked, Setting some of Claws smaller possessions next to it.
“There’s a lot of green but nothing I’m not accustomed too” He joked.
“Heheh, Good. I’ll be sure to grab anything else you need from the cave and bring it here. Just let me know.”
“Of course, though I don’t really need much else. I’m a tough pup.”
Claw smiled, showing off his teeth in a wide grin. Arrby couldn’t help but put a paw on top of his head. Patting him softly.
“Bravest knight I know.”
“Thank you Arrby, I’m sorry for losing it back there. This will be an adjustment but I will survive.”
“No worries, but I’m not the only one you should be thanking though.”
“Ri...right” Claw said low. Sweetie had stepped away to grab some things to make Claw more comfortable. The boys pleasantries were interrupted by the sound of Arrbys pup tag going off.
“Yarrrr! Arrby! Where the heck are ya?! It’s soooo late!”
“I’m heading back now Captain boss mister Sid sir!”
He clicked off his pup tag before Sid could reply back.
“Sorry...I have…”
“You have to go. It’s alright. I’ve kept you away for sometime now. You should head back.”
“You sure you’re going to be okay?”
“I’ll be fine. I will see you again soon any way.”
“For the gala yeah. Though I’m gonna need to scrounge up some fancy clothing for that.”
Arrby had been so busy he hadn’t followed up on that. Claw’s face had lit up with a thought.
“Arrby, In the cave. I have some royal attire. I used to wear it on more formal occasions. You’re more than welcome to it.”
Arrby’s tail wagged at the kind gesture.
“Really? Thanks Claw.”
“You’re most welcome. After all, The kindest pirate of all needs to look proper for the gala!”
Arrby and Claw both laughed at that before the pirate quickly wrapped himself around his friend. Claw shifted at the affection before snuggling his snout into Arrby’s neck. Trying not to let his tail wag so fast.
“Ahem!” The pair turned back to see an indifferent Sweetie, as well as Busby who carried some blankets and a pillow.
“Right, I’ll see you soon Claw.”
He let his friend go before walking up to the royal pup.
“Thank you again Sweetie, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Of course, A good queen knows when to attend to her subjects after all.”
“Always so kind too.”
“Pffft!” She stammered. “Only to pups who don’t bug me.”
“Guess I’m the exception then?”
“Very much so yes. See you at the gala?”
Arrby leaned forwarded and gently licked the side of Sweeties snout. Claw raised an eyebrow at the sight.
“Count on it!”
With that, Arrby sneakily exited the grounds and got ready to sail out.
That left Sweetie and Claw to themselves. Busby whirled in front of the former knight and plopped his sheets to the ground. Sweetie sneered towards him but kept her attitude in check.
“This should be enough to keep you comfortable. The staff will trim and prune the garden every other day so you need to make sure you are not in sight when their around. Understood?”
“Yes” He practically spat out. She kept her patience.
“Busby will occasionally bring you some lunch and supper at designated times.”
“Lovely, gruel I assume?”
“Would you be content with the worms out here then? Hmmph!” She snorted loud and began to walk away. Claw wanted to give her that same attitude right back but he thought back to what Arrby had said.
“Wait...Sweetie.”
“What?”
Sweetie paused and looked at the former knight. He dug his front paw into the ground, seeming to struggle with what to say.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. It’s been a long night and I...I’m…”
To Sweetie’s surprise, Claw bent down. One paw placed delicately on the ground with other raised. He bowed towards her in a royal gesture.
“Thank you Sweetie. For taking me in. I’m...incredibly grateful.”
“Hmmm, that’s more like it.” She thought to herself. She waved a paw to allow him to stand. “You’re welcome. Though I am only doing it for Arrby.”
“I know you are but still...after everything I’ve done. I really do appreciate it.”
Claw genuinely seemed to mean what he said. Sweetie felt taken back.
“Well...perhaps I haven’t exactly been the most gracious of pups lately. In either case, please know this does not mean you’re invited to the gala.”
“I understand, I will keep my head down and not interfere with any of the proceedings. Knight’s promise.”
“That’s not a thing, You made that up.”
“Just let me have this will you?! Please?”
He tried to gave his usual puppy eyes but Sweetie waved them away.
“Fine fine. Sleep well.”
She had turned to take her leave but stopped short. Something had been gnawing at the back of her mind and she needed to squash it.
Claw, Arrby is...Arrby is a very good friend of yours, yes?”
“Of course! Possibly the closest I’ve had next to…” He didn’t want to bring up Sparks but he didn’t have any one else to compare too.
“Since Sparks...”
“Right, and...He’s simply your friend correct?”
“Huh?”
She spun around and eyed him widely, being sure to emphasize exactly what she was saying.
“Arrby is simply your friend. A very good friend and nothing more beyond that? Correct?”
Claw picked up on what she was putting down. Of course. He should have known there was some catch to her generosity. How’d she pick up on his feelings so quickly? In either case, what he had begun to feel for the pirate pup did not sway. He knew what this was and he knew that he wasn’t the only one smitten for Arrby. He had noticed the way Sweetie had acted around the pirate. He gave the biggest, kindest, if slightly devious smile to her.
“Yup, just friends.” He lied.
Sweetie could pick up on underlining malice but she didn’t say anything. The pups were in a quiet stalemate for the time being. A dull agreement to be civil. At least when the night of the gala comes by, Sweetie already had plans laid so now Claw would need to follow suite. Both of them secretly lavishing in the thrill of the competition that would occur. The winner would win a pirates heart.
“Good night Sweetie”
“Good Night Claw.”
