Arrby observed the platter in front of him. Meats, cheeses, fruits of all sizes. All animal safe as well. It was quite the display, though he could have argued that something far more gorgeous sat a few feet from him. Sweetie had taken a moment to greet the prince of Versailles. Looking much more chipper than she usually was. Arrby could guess that their spontaneous kiss with one another had something to do with it. It felt mischievous and incredibly romantic. Arrby grabbed a few items off the table, wrapping them up in napkin before walking back towards Sweetie. In no time, she had locked a paw around him. Introducing him to the young prince. Before he could even remember his name, the royal pup had pulled him along and bounced between a few other guests. Sweetie gleefully referring to Arrby as her date. He wondered if he should refer to her as his girlfriend? Perhaps that was a little too soon to say aloud. It should have been easy for him to say but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He could see how happy Sweetie was. Clearly tonight had been everything she had hoped for. Arrby was happy too but couldn't help feeling maybe all of this was being rushed. Maybe it was too soon to cement their relationship. He thought back to a certain pup off the coast of Seal island and another one just near by. After flaunting off the pirate to a very pretentious owl from Wales, Sweetie steered the rushed pup towards towards one of the open balconies. Ryder and a few other guests stood outside and Sweetie was clearly intending to flaunt her prize some more.

"Whoa! Whoa! Sweetie."

She stopped in place, turning to look at her nervous lover.

"Awww I'm sorry love. I forgot about your little legs." She sung. She nuzzled her nose into his with Arrby returning the affection.

"It's not that, I just...Can we take a break for a sec? I wanted to go out to the gardens. Check on Claw real quick."

Sweetie's love struck face had fallen. A tinge of irritation flashed for just a moment before she composed herself.

"Oh, I'm sure he is fine. He's got the whole garden to himself." She lied, Knowing a few guests could wonder out there at any moment.

"I know, but I promised that I'd bring him some snacks. He might be a little lonely out there."

Sweetie wanted to scoff. A part of her burned with unbridled envy. She knew it was a ridiculous to feel this way. She had already had the boy of her dreams. Why should she even bother herself with the idea that Claw even had a chance with him at this point? That soft smile Arrby held kept her temper from flaring and she sighed in defeat.

"Fine, Don't be gone for too long. Okay love?"

"I'll be back."

Arrby gave her a wink before leaning forward, planting another reassuring kiss on her lips. With that, Arrby trotted out of the gala and towards the gardens. Sweetie swooned, taking notice of Skye as the cockapoo flagged her down with a wave. She didn't mind mingling for a moment. She was in such a lovely mood after all. As Sweetie walked out to the balcony, The Duke of Flappington leaned by an open table. Having had heard bits and pieces of Arrby and Sweetie's conversation. Prior to that information, He had been bored out of his mind. He'd originally come to the gala to enact his perfect plan to take the throne of Barkingburg. The set up, the heist, the getaway! It would have been amazing! Except his jet carrier had failed him! His entire plan ruined because his means of making a quick escape had been wrecked. He still couldn't figure out how a wrench had ended up snagged in one of the turbine blades. Now he was here putting on happy face in front of his cousin and her guests. Mindlessly swirling a drink in one hand. His faithful bird Jean-Claude sat on his shoulder and sulked as much as his master did. Though this new information had peeked his interest. If he couldn't attempt to take the throne. He was sure to have some fun getting Claw thrown in the dungeon where he belongs.

"Well well, Perhaps this night wasn't such a loss after all! Come Jean Claude, time to see what these naughty pups are up too."

Between polite nods and words with Skye, Sweetie caught the Duke movements from the corner of her eye. She already had a bad feeling. Luckily for her, She knew plenty of ways to get to the gardens faster than the Duke could.

--

"Oh, Hey Arrby. Whats up? No..."

He tried again. Spinning towards McSquidly.

"OH Arrby! Kind of loud in here, don't you think?!...No No....He wouldn't buy it."

Moby stammered to himself. He needed an excuse, any type of excuse to see the pirate this early into the night. He was a clever pup, more than capable of sneaking into the castle grounds without an invitation. He didn't really have anything formal to wear outside of his pup gear but that didn't matter much to him. All he cared about was pulling Arrby from the gala and back towards Seal island. He already knew he had the place all to himself tonight. The cove had been cleaned up and organized. He had decorated some of the sand and walls with the most beautiful stones and shells he could find. He dimmed the built in lights of the cove and laid out comfortable bedding for two pups to share. Pup treats and juice sat near by in bowls. If Coral could see this, she'd never let him live it down. Part of him couldn't believe all the effort he'd put into this tacky set up but that's how far he had fallen for this boy. Now he needed was a reason for him to be there at the gala without Arrby figuring out that he liked him. He tried once more. Trying to seem as causal as possible.

"ARRRRRby! Sup? Oh me? Just figure I'd check out this snooty party. Loud! Just as I thought! Why don't we head back to my cove because I'm...I'm...."

Moby slunk against a large rock by the entrance of his den. Lightly bumping his head into it as McSquidly watched his somber friend spiral.

"I'm in trouble."

The cephalopod patted Moby on his back. Offering him a few reassuring trills and chirps along the lines of "Hey, You got this bud. You're the smartest pup I know. Just be honest with him. No tricks, no games."

Moby wanted to scowl more but the squid did brighten his mood.

"Thanks pal. You're right. No games. I'll just head on over there. If he's good to leave, great. If not, I can wait. We've got all night."

Moby strolled out of the cove towards his bobbing sub that sat by the shore. Ready to be as open and honest as he was capable of being.

--

"Claw? Claw? Are you out here?"

Arrby half whispered and half cried out.

The loud music and ambiance of the gala had faded, small chirps of birds and crickets had taken it's place as he walked the gardens. He had called out to his friend a few times to no reply. He looked through Sweetie's old pup house but he hadn't seen the armor clad Doberman anywhere.

"Where are you bud?"

He trotted out of the gardens. Walking along the stone pathways, looking out towards one of the large embankments of castle. To his surprise, just below that, he spotted the shape of his friend sitting by the edge of the cliff.

"There he is!" Arrby happily thought. He quickly made he way over.

The pup sat a little too close to the ledge of a cliff. One wrong move and Claw could tumble over and fall into the sea. Arrby felt that was incredibly risky even for his brave friend but that didn't surprise him as much as what he saw next. It was enough for him to stop in place. A deep blush overtaking his entire snout.

"He's naked!"

Well as naked as a pup could be. Claw, The brave and usually metal adored pup had stripped off all his armor. It sat by his side while he watched the sea. Seeming lost in thought, till he noticed the pirate. His tail wagging at his presence.

"Oh! Arrby! Come to check on the greatest knight?"

He cleared his throat and puffed out his chest. Keeping his pride in check, Hoping the pirate wouldn't notice how red his eyes were.

"Hey, Why are you...uh?"

"The breeze felt great! It's important to air out one's armor once in a while." He lied.

"Huh, I guess that makes sense."

Arrby sat next to his friend. Placing the napkin wrapped parcel near him.

"I promised you snacks didn't I?"

Claw eagerly devoured the morsels. While he ate his treats, Arrby took note of the Dobermans black and brown fur. It shined brilliantly, clearly the knight took care of his fur the best he could. It really showed off how toned he was. Arrby had also noticed something else though. Scars, lot's of them. Some ran along his belly and a few marked his legs.

"Wow, you have uh..."

"Oh! My battle scars! Yes! Only the bravest of knights get them from their sheer dedication!"

He was quick to point some out.

"I got this one from stealing the Dragon's tooth! And this one from obtaining the cauldron of snores!"

"What about that one? Never noticed it before."

He reached a paw up and pointed to a scar near the pup's right eye brow.

"Oh, That was from a glorious battle with a...tree branch"

"Hehehe almost ended up like a pirate!"

"Eye patch and all."

They both laughed at that.

"So, how's the gala?"

Arrby didn't want to bring up what had occurred between him and Sweetie but he didn't want to be deceitful either.

"It's been great. A lot of friendly folks in there."

"Some more friendly than others." Claw muttered.

"I mean...I guess?"

Claw put down what he was snacking on. Looking directly at his friend.

"Arrby, Have I've ever told you the story of the lonesome knight?"

Arrby thought, Claw had told him a few related tales already. This one sounded new though.

"Can't say that you have bud."

"It's one of my absolute favorites. You'll love it! Unless...you need to head back to the party."

Claw whined low, clearly wanting his friend to stay for a moment more. Arrby felt a nagging feeling at leaving Sweetie by herself longer than anticipated but he also didn't want to dismiss the knight. That cute face just drew him in.

"Alright, Let's hear it."

Claw smiled wide. Showing off all his sharp canines.

"Well, A long time ago. There was a human knight. Brave, fierce, egotistical but incredibly lonesome. One day, the king gave him an opportunity of a lifetime. His daughter had been trapped in a dark castle far away from the kingdom. If he had successfully rescued them and brought them back home, the knight could take their hand in marriage."

"Oh wow." Arrby marveled.

"Oh yes, So the knight set fourth on his quest. From deserts, to snow storms, from the highest hills to the lowest plains. He had finally managed to reach the dark castle. He maneuvered up the tallest tower and broke into the room she was kept in. He had expected the most gorgeous of maidens to greet him. Eager to be swept into his heroic arms and taken to safety. To his surprise, the kings next of kin wasn't a fair maiden but...a young prince."

"No way! Was the knight upset?"

"Oh he was furious. The king had lied to him, knowing full well no one would save his only child if he had mentioned it was his son."

"Awww but the king was just trying to convince someone to save him. Even if it was a little under handed."

"No kidding. So, bound by his oath, The knight begrudgingly brought the prince back home. Over the long trip, The prince gradually gets comfortable with the knight and eventually they get to talking. The trip was treacherous and difficult but the knight is able to have some reprieve with his conversations with the prince. They told stories from dawn till dusk. For the first time in a long time, the knight was not...lonely."

Claw paused for a moment. Rubbing his paws together nervously. A habit he picked up from his friend.

"So, the knight finally arrives back at the kingdom and delivers the prince safe and sound. His quest completed. The king jokingly asks the knight if he'd still want to marry the prince. The knight, in his spite and pride, leaves the kingdom and never returns. Turning away the only friend he made. Though every so often, he thinks about that prince and the long journey they had spent together."

Arrby was all but silent. Not expecting such a turn in the story.

"That's...so sad."

"Agreed, But it's an important lesson. Pride and ego can cloud an opportunity for companionship."

"No kidding, I'd hate to have never met some of the folks I've known."

"Agreed, Just between you and me though..."

A deep blush appeared on his snout.

"I would have taken the kings offer."

Claw couldn't look at his friend. Incredibly embarrassed at what he was saying. Arrby thought it was adorable. He felt that dull ember inside himself begin to burn bright. He scooted himself closer to the knight. Making him blush more.

"Look at you. Never took you as a hopeless romantic."

"Shush you!"

He playfully pushed Arrby, though his wagging tail conveyed his true feelings.

"There's plenty you don't know about me. Hence why I'm not wearing my armor right now. Since I want to be as honest and vulnerable with you as I possibly can."

"Wh...What do you mean?" The pirate's heart leapt to his throat.

"Arrby."

Claw quickly took a paw in his. His gaze stayed fixed towards the ocean and he tried to speak as masculine as he could.

"You are very...important to me. Dare I say, The most important pup I know. You make me...You make me want to be a better pup when you're around. And I think I may...I have romantic feelings for you."

Claw's voice cracked saying that. Arrby held his breath. The fire in his chest stoking higher as Claw continued.

"I know it's not particularly manly or proper behavior for a knight to have a crush but...but..."

Claw bit his lip to keep himself from crying again.

"I can't help loving you. I can't help wanting to be with you. I already know you and Sweetie had already...shared your feelings but I wanted to let you know because I just can't keep this bottled up any more."

Claw cleared his throat. Waiting for any response from the pirate. He took his silence as a rejection. Perhaps the confession came too late.

"Arrby...I don't know where we go from here but..."

Claw turned his head back towards his friend only to feel the pirates snout lock on to his. He felt his paws press into his chest as he was kissed. Claw's eyes shot wide open while's Arrby's remained blissfully closed. Part of him didn't realize he could be so bold but something deep inside told the pirate he wanted to kiss this knight for some time now. Claw took the opportunity leaned further into the kiss. The boys slowly separated, each blushing and panting at their spontaneous gesture. Claw stared at him the biggest smile, he hadn't really kissed any one before. Let alone another boy but by dog did he enjoy it. Arrby couldn't help but smile right back. Conflicting feelings aside, it just felt so right. From the corner of his eye though, He spotted a familiar pink dress. The pirate turned and felt his heart sink at the sight of the royal pup. Sweetie looked incredulously at the pups. Arrby's guilt overwhelmed him, there was no going back from this. He had devastated a pup he loved. He deserved to be yelled out, to beg, to grovel at her paws and ask for forgiveness at his betrayal but her fury seem transfixed on one particular pup.

"WE HAD A DEAL!!!"

"Huh?" Arrby tilted his head in utter confusion. Sweetie stomped right passed the dachshund and poked her paw into Claws chest. He sneered right back at her.

"You atrocious swine! I should have you throw out of the castle right now! You said you wouldn't pursue him romantically!"

"We most certainly did agree on that! I didn't pursue him...but!" He poked his paw right back at her before pointing it towards the pirate.

"Arrby was the one who came on to me! I didn't do a thing!"

"You clearly seduced him! Flaunting yourself to him and pretending to be such a gentleman! Hah!"

"I was simply being honest! Far more than I have ever been with any pup!"

Arrby tried to step in.

"Guys..."

"Well, in any case, you are far too late. He may have swoon by your lack luster charms but his heart knows exactly what it wants!"

She wrapped herself around Arrby's left paw.

"Well clearly he feels different! Perhaps for something more masculine and far less pompous"

Claw wrapped himself around Arrby's right paw.

"Uhhh guys..."

Sweetie pulled him to one side.

"You missed your chance! He's my boyfriend!"

Claw pulled him back.

"Hah! Fat chance! He clearly wants to be with me."

He nipped at Arrby's sleeve with his teeth, Sweetie followed suite. The pair pryed and pulled at the pirate pup. Growling insults in between it all.

"He doesn't want to be with a mutt like you!"

"Who are you calling a mutt you pretentious little..."

A sharp bark snapped their attention back to the pirate.

"Stop!"

Arrby shook out of both their grasps. Staring at the royal pair.

"Sweetie! You were going to throw Claw out if he tried to flirt with me?"

She stammered at him "Well, kind of...maybe."

"And Claw, You said you were going to behave yourself in the castle."

"I did! Mostly....till she kissed you!"

"You were spying on us?" Sweetie shouted.

"Please! You were flaunting him to everyone in the gala! Like he was already yours!"

"Up till you had to ruin our fun!"

The pair glared at one another, seeming to completely forget about the frustrated wiener dog in front of them.

"Hey! Don't I get a say in any of this?!"

Claw and Sweetie snapped back to attention.

"Both of you are just assuming I was already your boyfriend. You didn't even give me a chance to decide!"

"But...Arrby....You kissed me." Sweetie could already feel for mascara begin to run. Arrby felt his stomach turn at seeing Sweetie so sad.

"I did and I don't regret that. It was amazing! You're an amazing pup Sweetie but...I also feel the same about Claw."

Claw's ears perked at hearing that.

"But you can't love both of us!" Sweetie barked.

"But...I do."

"What on earth does that mean?" Claw questioned.

Arrby took a seat by the ledge. He had hoped to have better composed at what he was going to say but it looked like he will have to wing it.

"I've thought about it for a while. About how I felt about you guys. I thought that maybe I loved one of you more over the other but...I don't think that's case. Between you and Claw...and..."

"And?!?" Sweetie and Claw leaned in.

"And..Moby."

Sweetie gawked in shock.

"Moby?! The merpup?"

"Former! Former Merpup!" Arrby quickly corrected.

"So I have competition with two male mutts?"

"It's not a contest!" Arrby barked.

"Well clearly there is decision to be made! So please, Settle this. Me, her or this friend I haven't even met yet!" Claw demanded.

The pups stared hard at the pirate. Arrby felt deeply uncomfortable. He didn't want it to seem like he was toying with Sweetie or Claws feelings. It wasn't his intention at all. He wanted to better explain himself and his thinking. It didn't help how tight his suit felt all the sudden. Like...really tight. Like something had wrapped itself around him. He looked down, he hadn't realized that an orange life buoy had been throw around him.

"What the...

Before he could question it, He felt himself being pulled off the cliff. Sweetie and Claw reached out to grab him but it was too late. Instead of flying straight down, He felt his butt scoot across the water as he was pulled backwards. The buoy was tied to a rope that reeled towards a familiar vessel. Sweetie and Claw could only watch as their potential lover was pulled out to to sea.

"Arrby!"

"What the heck? What's that pirate doing with my precious boy?!"

The pair watched as Arrby was brought on board before the ship began to turn, making it's way back out to sea. Sweetie snorted in frustration.

"I have no time to loose! I can track Sid's ship with my roadster! We'll settle this conundrum later Claw. Once I get my Arrby back!"

She turned to leave but several royal guards had blocked her path. It seemed that they had surrounded the pair. Sweetie wondered what they were doing here but got her answer as The Duke of Flappington stepped between the guards.

"Hah! There he is! That terrible pup Claw has come to the gala to steal the crown! Sweetie let him in!"

"What?! That's not true!"

"Oh the princess is going to be sooo disappointed when she finds out!" He remarked gleefully.

"I...I...."

Sweetie slowly backed up. Unsure of where to go from there. She had just lost her recently acquired lover and now she was being convicted of a crime she didn't do. Claw stood his ground, He was half tempted to jump towards the water below. Though without Sparks to fly away on, He couldn't tread water for too long. He bit his tongue and looked towards Sweetie. A pained and worried look draped her snout. A look of defeat. He thought seeing her like this would make him happy but for whatever reason he actually felt...sorry for her. Perhaps that pirate was rubbing off on him after all. It was enough for him to do something crazy. He stood forth in front of the guards. Posing dramatically.

"Haha! Silly Sweetie, doing me the kindness of inviting me through her unlimited generosity! She fell right for my scheme!"

"What the devil are you talking about..."

Sweetie was all but ready to chastise the pup before he gave quick wink towards her. She picked up what he was up to and kept going.

"You pompous guards shall never catch me!"

Claw quickly bolted between the Duke's legs. Causing him to fall towards the guard closest to him. The elite patrol fell like dominoes. Claw bolted towards the stone path way, not before giving Sweetie another look and mouthing out two words.

"Find Arrby."

Sweetie looked at the former knight in shock. She couldn't believe he had put himself in peril just for her. Even more so, he hadn't ratted her out either. Perhaps it's because he needed her. She did have a vehicle after all. Without her, there's no chance of locating Arrby without her help. Though a small part of her thought that maybe Claw was being kind, for once.

"Don't just stand there! Get that vile mutt!" The Duke commanded. He and the guards gave chase as other gala guests watched in shock. All of It was the perfect distraction. Now it was time for Sweetie to make her move.

--

"Yar har har! Arrby you clever boy!"

Sid spun his loyal pup around a few times. His fancy tux soaked in sea water and algae. Arrby was cold, annoyed and slightly nauseous now. Sid had finally let him go, sending him flying into a random fridge he had on deck. He was trapped in it for a moment before shoving himself out of the door.

"Where did....Captain! What are you doing here?!"

"What's it look like?! I followed ya here! Not before stopping by a few places though!"

He quickly unfurled a map in front of Arrby. The wiener dog felt his jaw dropped realizing what he was looking at. He eyed the fridge and the random assortment of junk that littered the deck of the ship.

"You weren't suppose too..."

"Such a good boy you are! You've been locating new loot for me this whole time haven't ya?! Not to worry there though! I already hulled as much as I could!"

Arrby wanted to smack his forehead in shock. Did Sid even recognize half of those things he had already owned once?

"Captain, I don't....Now isn't...Maybe we should...."

"I saw you out there with those fancy pups! Just imagine all the loot those snooty folks have in that big ole' castle!"

"Sid, Right now isn't a good..."

"Quit you blubbering first mate! We got treasure to plunder! Things to take, And I need need NEED!...."

"NO YOU DON'T!"

Sid froze. Cocking an eyebrow towards his well dress first mate.

"Those weren't treasure spots Sid! I dug at those locations to hide all your stuff you already owned!"

Sid's eyes went wide. His loyal first mate had been taking his precious booty away from him.

"What?! Why in the world would you do that?"

"Cause we have a full house! We can't keep hoarding all this...this ...junk!"

"YAR! Don't you dare speak ill of my horde!"

"Geez you're even worse than Sparks!"

"Who?"

Arrby growled.

"Sparks! My friend's dragon? Ya know, the one friend I keep trying to tell you about? Or the one that lives in the castle. Or the scruffy pup I hang out with? I've told you about all of them, multiple times! But you don't listen! You never ever listen! All you care about is this stupid stuff! And now I might have just screwed up my whole friendship by being so impulsive, indecisive and...dumb!"

Sid understood only one of those words. Arrby didn't bother to let him grasp at what he was saying. He approached one of the dinghy's hanging off the side of the boat. He hopped in, Pulling his bandanna from his suit pocket and wrapped it tight around his head.

"Arrrby! Where are you going?"

"Away."

"For how long?"

"I don't know! Why do you even care?! You clearly have everything you need need NEED!"

With that, he kicked the switch holding the dinghy above the water. It dropped straight down. Arrby got some air time as it slammed into the sea. Without another word, he began to row. Sid watched as his loyal pup rowed away from him.

--

Arrby rowed, and rowed, and rowed. Not really going anywhere. He simply stewed in his own bitterness at being so forward with Sweetie and Claw. The abrupt arrival of his Captain, Who usurp all his hard work to mitigate their pirate horde didn't help his mood. Now he was at a complete loss. His friendships had been tainted, possibly even ruined. All because he couldn't give them a straight answer at what he wanted. He was so enamored by his thoughts, he hadn't noticed the blue and green sub bobbing out of the water next to him. Moby stepped out, Looking at his normally chipper friend with concern.

"Arrby?"

"Moby."

Arrby turned towards him. His eyes glittering.

"I was on the way to see you when I spotted Sid's ship. What are you doing out here? I thought you were at the ga..."

Moby had no time to react as Arrby threw his paws around him. Hugging him close. He buried his face into his chest.

"Moby....I'm so confused."

Arrby began to laugh a little before beginning to whine. He felt his friend pull him close. Moby choosing not hesitate at comforting him. He didn't know exactly what had happened, but whatever plans he had laid for the night. They could wait.