It was springtime, the 'season of love' as many liked to call it. As one of the most popular dogs in town, this meant trouble in Dakota's eyes. Many of the males around town were after her which irritated her to no end. She cursed her parents for giving her Jenna's dainty figure and Balto's thin fluffy fur and the vibrant sleek red fur and sky blue eyes. The males were always showing off in front of her and trying to show each other up. In all honesty, she would rather one of the dorkier, more timid males over the top-notch racers. At least then she could have a conversation with them.
Today she was lying on the edge of the beach. Her father's boat was just down the way and a lot of the town's dogs were playing in the water and on the sand. Apparently there wasn't a lot going on today for them to do. Kodi would usually be on a mail run but a new team from White Mountain was tackling the run today to break in a couple of new members. That meant Dusty was sat on the grass with Dakota whilst Kodi played with his friends and attempted to be cool for her. Dakota's best friend, Pride, was also sat with them. She was giggling as a particularly attractive male strutted past. He glanced at Dakota, Dusty and Pride and then winked, at which they had no idea - Pride would like it to be her, though it was likely to be Dakota - and continued on his way.
''Did you see that?'' Pride giggled, ''I think he likes me!''
Dakota and Dusty both smiled.
''I bet he does, Pride!'' Dusty said.
''And he'd be lucky to have you.'' Dakota added.
Pride was very giggly and cheerful and optimistic. Not a lot would get her down and she was usually the happy friend that everyone needed. Dakota enjoyed having her around, she was like a ray of sunshine.
''Dakota, look!'' she suddenly cried, pointing her paw in the direction of what had caught her eye.
Dakota turned her head, wondering what had gotten her friend so excited. Across the beach was Orca. He was an enormous husky, much more buffed up and well-groomed than the others in Nome. He was like the new Steele, since Steele's reputation had decreased a fair amount. Orca had stolen the spotlight once he was old enough and now many females swooned at him. His fur was a very dark chestnut brown and light grey-brown and was very glossy and shiny. He looked like he'd been newly brushed and he held his powderpuff tail high in the air, in line with his snobby upturned nose as he took his turn to show up the other dogs. His brown eyes gleamed as he stopped to look down at a small-ish dog, similar in appearance to a husky but not quite. She giggled hysterically at this and he smiled and moved on.
Pride, of course, swooned and smiled dreamily. Dakota and Dusty chuckled.
''Poor Sadie.'' Dakota said, referring to the small dog.
Sadie was Kaltag and Dixie's daughter, as romantic and dreamy as her mother before her and with an enormous vocabulary and overactive mouth EXCEPT when in a situation involving a male.
Pride jumped up all of a sudden, scaring Dakota. Dusty looked at the caramel-coloured dog in surprise.
''What is it now, Pride?'' she asked.
''HE'SCOMINGOVERHERE!'' she shrieked.
Dakota's eyes widened. Please no! She couldn't stand Orca at all. In the same way that her mother, Jenna, couldn't stand Steele. It was happening all over again. Dakota's face became hard and serious as the large dog approached them. Pride sat down immediately in a clumsy puppy-dog way, glee plastered to her face.
''Hello, ladies.'' Orca said in his deep voice.
''H-hi, Orca!'' Pride chimed, grinning from ear to ear. She clearly couldn't contain her delight that he was talking to them.
Orca smiled at Pride as he held back a nasty laugh at having her wrapped around his finger. He cast Dusty, the least dainty and feminine of the trio, a dirty look. Then he squeezed in next to her and Dakota, sitting himself down and forcing Dusty to move and flicking her in the face with his tail. Dusty snorted unhappily and moved over a little.
''Hello, Dakota.'' Orca grinned, his lips close to the wolfdog's ear.
She screwed up her face in disgust.
''Good day, Orca.'' she replied stiffly, moving her head away from his.
He didn't take this badly at all and leaned in closer to her, pressing his chest and neck into her side as he spoke to her.
''You know, it's spring. There are so many females out there but I can't help but feel that me and you have this connection.'' he said.
''You don't say.'' Dakota replied.
''I was thinking we should meet up later and talk. Just me and you.''
Dakota heard Pride squeak as she held back a gasp. She clearly thought this was really romantic. Dusty mimed being sick behind his back. Dakota stood up, getting out from under Orca's 'embrace', and stepped back.
''I'm sorry, Orca, but I'm afraid I must stay with my boy tonight. He isn't very well and it'd be cruel for me to leave him on his own. There's a reason that I'm called a 'companion dog' after all.'' Dakota said, her voice firm.
Orca looked at her in surprise, he wasn't often rejected by females if at all. Dakota looked at her two friends.
''Come on, girls.'' she said, turning and flicking her tail as a signal to Dusty and Pride to follow.
They both got up and followed her.
''Oh ok,'' Pride said, ''See you later, Orca!''
Cheery as always.
The three girls walked back towards town, away from the many males showing off. But even in town, male dogs were hovering pn their own, with friends and with females. Dakota just couldn't get away from the sense of being watched all the time. She stopped as they neared her house.
''Um guys, I think I'm going to rest for a bit. Tolerating Orca has tired me out.'' she said, sheepishly.
''I know what you mean.'' Dusty snapped, angry at the way the male had treated her, ''You go on inside and get some rest. Me and Pride can hang out for the rest of the day.''
''Yeah!'' Pride said, ''See you later, Dakota!''
Dakota smiled, appreciatively and watched her two friends leave. Dusty had a sturdy walk about her, like someone who was sure of themself and had been working out. Pride was a bouncy, floaty walker, like the dreamer she was. Dakota chuckled at how much she knew her friends. She also knew that Dusty was likely to join Ralph, Kirby and Kodi and Pride would probably find little Sadie.
She had sort of lied to her friends. She wanted a moment alone to herself to walk before she went home. So she did just that and took a stroll around the small block. She walked down a peaceful alleyway where most dogs rarely ventured. As she walked she thought about how much she disliked Orca. He was such a show off! And he treated people horribly if he didn't want their attention. Like with Dusty today. Dakota snorted in disgust at the memory of his behaviour and didn't notice a patch of yet un-melted ice in her way. She stepped on it and slipped, clumsily and rather embarrassingly doing some sort of roll, landing on her side. She lay in shock for a moment to catch her breath.
''Hey!'' a voice suddenly called out, ''Are you alright, miss?''
Under her fur, Dakota's cheeks flushed crimson. She attempted to get up, nearly slipping again. Then she felt a warm body against her's, helping her onto her feet.
''There you go.''
Dakota looked up to see a cream-y gold coloured husky with auburn eyes looking at her with concern. He was quite large, though nowhere near as big as Orca, and well-toned and his fur was lovely and warm and soft and....wait! Why was Dakota thinking that?
''Thanks.'' she mumbled, embarrassed now for two reasons.
She looked down in humiliation.
''Are you hurt?'' the dog asked, ''Are your legs ok?''
Dakota stretched each of her legs and then nodded.
''Yes, yes, they're fine. I'm fine. Just a bit winded is all....'' she answered.
The male dog nodded and seemed to sigh with relief, ''That's good. My name is Franz, by the way. What's yours?''
Dakota then looked up at him, at his kind face. He seemed genuinely relieved that she was alright from her stupid slip on the ice. And he had a nice voice.
''I'm Dakota.'' she said, smiling at him.
''Well, Dakota, I suggest being more careful of the ice from now on.'' the male chuckled.
Dakota would've been offended by that if it wasn't for the friendly tone in his voice.
''You're right. I'd better go home now though.'' she said, ''Goodbye, Franz.''
She nodded her head to him and turned to leave.
''Watch out for ice!'' he called out to her, ''And it was lovely to meet you, Dakota!''
Dakota smiled to herself and then broke into a quick trot to get him. She reached her front door and shook her head with a chuckle. She went into her house and into her boy's room, curling up on the end of his bed for a nap.
Dakota woke up later on in the evening. The sky was already dark but she knew that there would be streetlamps on and decided to take a walk. As she passed the door to the living-room, she saw her boy and his parents and barked to them. They turned around.
''I think maybe she needs the toilet.'' the mother said.
Dakota's boy smiled, showing the gap where one of his teeth had fallen out recently, ''Come back safe!''
Dakota loved how much they trusted her. She slipped out of the doggydoor and stepped out into the crisp evening air. Despite being spring, it was still somewhat cold out at night. The red dog was thankful for her warm fur. She went off to stroll and found her way to the edge of town and sat beneath a streetlamp. As she sat, breathing in the cool air and listening to a far-off howl from a wolf, she thought about what had happened that day; the anger with Orca, the humiliation of slipping over, and meeting that new dog. He seemed really nice, she hoped to see him again.
''Oh dear, if I keep thinking this way I'll turn into Pride!'' she laughed to herself, ''There's only room for one of her in this town.''
Her ears pricked up when she heard a noise behind her. Immediately she thought of danger but then she shrugged that off and became curious as to who else was out this late at night. She turned round and saw the figure of another dog in the darkness.
''Hello?'' she said, wondering who it was.
She didn't have to wait to find out.
''Evening, Dakota.'' the voice replied.
The figure stepped out of the shadows and was revealed to be Orca. He had a smile on his face at the sight of Dakota. The red dog tensed at seeing him. Her expression turned sour and her ears flattened against her head.
''What do you want, Orca?'' she asked.
''Nothing much. I thought you were with your boy?'' he said, sitting himself beside her but not yet touching her.
''He let me out for a bit.'' she replied.
Orca nodded and scooted closer.
''Well that's good. Now we can have our little talk can't we!'' he said.
Dakota stood up and stepped away from him a little, ''I have nothing to talk to you about.''
Orca laughed, ''Of course you do. We're going to talk about us.''
Dakota stepped back again, preparing to make a mad dash back home. It wasn't far. Just a couple of short streets, it was close to the outskirt.
''Just picture it, Dakota.'' Orca said, ''Me and you, we'll be the most perfect couple in town. Me, the brave, the talented, the best-looking and strongest male. You, the most gorgeous female, my little prize. Think of how jealous everyone will be. Think of how they'll look up to us both. And the children!''
Dakota was starting to feel worried and a bit nauseous. She started to walk backwards, slowly.
''I'm sorry, Orca,'' she said, ''But you're just not the one for me. You can find someone else more...suited to you to be with. Someone who wants you back. But not me!''
Orca rose to his paws, his large size shadowing her from the street lamp.
''But you do want me, Dakota.'' he said, the smile gone from his face.
Dakota, suddenly fearful, turned to go home. But Orca just as quickly placed himself between her and the way back to her house.
''You aren't leaving yet. We aren't done talking!'' he snapped.
Dakota turned and fled in the opposite direction, further into town. Orca followed close behind. She couldn't shake him on this main road with all the street lamps. She had to do something stupid and fled into an alleyway, rushing down it and hoping he wouldn't catch her in this darkness. But he was clever and he followed her easily. Soon she came to a dead end in an alley on the opposite edge of town. It was dark and there were many crates and barrels. Dakota ran right to the back of the alley and hid right in the darkest corner, low to the ground, hoping he wouldn't catch her here. But he did.
''Dakota.'' his voice was low and menacing.
He stared down at the tiny frightened red dog with his dark pools of eyes.
Franz was also out that night. He was new to the town and, despite better judgement, he really wanted to get to know the layout of the town when there was no one around. He quite liked it here and he knew his master did too. So many pretty buildings for him to draw and paint. And so many interesting-looking dogs and people too. Franz then thought of that husky he'd seen earlier. She seemed quite nice. How unfortunate that he had to meet her in such embarrassing circumstances but maybe he would not have met her otherwise, so he should be thankful to that little patch of ice.
Franz laughed, ''I can't apologise to a patch of ice. How silly of me!''
At that moment he noticed that there were pawsteps in the snow. They looked franctic and from the messy way they were and the tiny prints crushed by much larger prints, it seemed as though someone had been chased. Was someone in trouble? Franz was worried and followed the pawprints.
He soon found his way in what seemed to be a labyrinth of dark alleys. He was sure it was just his mind playing tricks on him in the dark and he could just make out the prints in the snow still. He reached an alley right at the back of town and pricked his ears as he could hear something. There seemed to be something like a scuffle going on. He could hear muffled whines or sobs and heavy grunting as well as some crashing into the wood at the back. Slowly and carefully, Franz crept into the alley towards the back where the suspected scuffle was happening. When he reached the end wall he was shocked to his core and could have easily been sick right there.
Dakota was on the floor, scrabbling to no avail, while a large dark-furred dog was straddled over her, pressed against her with his muzzle clamping her's shut. Tears dribbled down her face, glistening in the dark and Franz could only watch for the moment. Suddenly, his instincts kicked in and a low growl was emitted from his throat. He launch himself at the larger dog, snarling like a wild rabid wolf and biting ferociously into his neck. The dog was surprised and released his hold on Dakota to turn and bite the other dog. He managed to get his teeth around the other dog's front leg and yanked him off his back. Franz quickly got to his feet and the two males circled each other. Franz leapt at the large dog, biting into his neck and chest and ripping out chunks of fur and flesh. Dark liquid made drips on the floor but was hardly noticeable in such little light. Eventually, Orca threw Franz off him and, after biting his face for good measure, fled the alley.
Franz stood, blood staining the fur round his muzzle. He was panting from the fight and a few cuts on his beck, legs and nose were stinging and blood seeped out a few of them. After collecting himself he turned to the tiny dog behind him. Dakota looked smaller than ever, cowering into the small crack between the crate and the alley wall. She was still whimpering, eyes wide, panting. Franz couldn't even begin to understand how she was feeling after what she'd just endured.
''Dakota.'' he whispered, softly.
She whimpered louder at the sound of her name and he approached her. At first she was terrified but nothing could make her feel worse than she already did. When she realised just exactly who it was she threw herself at him and curled up under him, against his warm fur. Franz had never been the crying type really. But just this was enough to break him and he cried into her fur as she did into his. After many long minutes had gone by, he patted her with his paw.
''Come on, let's get you home.'' he said.
He moved right after she began to budge and, with Dakota walking close against him, they made the walk back across town to her house. When they reached it she flew up the steps, glancing back at him just once as thanks. Franz couldn't blame her. He found his way back home and licked his cuts the best he could before going inside to sleep. He would visit Dakota in the morning.
Several weeks had passed since that terrible night with Orca. Dakota very rarely left her house, only to do her business if anything. She hadn't eaten or drank much and spent most of her time sleeping, if that's what it could be called. She had nightmares and would just roll around and whimper. Her friends had come to see her a few times. As much as they could really. Dusty worked almost all the time so she didn't see her much. And Pride was having to deal with a new addition to her family, a new pup who she had grown a motherly attachment towards. He only had three legs and was partially blind but her owners had bought him anyway and she constantly worried about him. Dakota sometimes saw her parents, but in her house other dogs weren't really allowed in and particularly her father, who despite being the town's hero was still a stray. Dakota's most frequent visitor was Franz, her saviour and right now, closest companion.
He snuck in when the family went out the watch the races. He found Dakota where she always was, curled up under her boy's bed. She thought it was safer down there so she hardly ever came out and always slept against the wall so nothing could get her.
''Hey, Dakota.'' Franz said, squeezing in under the bed next to her.
She snuggled against him, breathing in his warm smell. It was so comforting to her. They had grown close over the past few weeks. She held him very dear to her now and she to him. And to her relief her stomach hadn't changed, either in size or otherwise. Besides being skinnier from not eating. At least she wasn't having Orca's pups. She had decided, though, that she loved Franz. She didn't know if that feeling was right or if it was just her need for a protector that was saying it to her. But right now, he was everything to do.
''I brought you a treat.'' he said, breaking her train of though.
He dug his nose in under his collar and brought out a dog treat for her. He treated her with such care now. On his end of the line, he would say that he loved her too. She needed him and he felt obliged to do what it took to prove himself to her. He nudged the treat towards her and she smiled at him with that tired look she had adopted recently.
''Thanks, Franz.'' she murmured.
She slowly nibbled at the treat and Franz rested his head over her neck. Yes, he loved her.
''Franz, I've been thinking.'' Dakota said, quietly.
He twitched his ears but didn't move his head, ''What about?''
She nudged the treat away and pushed her head into his fluffy neck.
''I was thinking of going outside again.''
Franz didn't reply for a bit. He lifted his head and looked at her.
''Are you sure about that, Dakota? Are you ready?'' he said, concerned.
The small dog hesitated before she nodded. She had been thinking recently that she should go out. Just because Orca had broken her like that didn't mean that she had to be completely terrified. She could hold it in for the sake of her health...or something?
''Can we go now?'' she asked, suddenly.
The sudden remembrance that the races were today and Orca would be in them made her want to get outside while it was safe to. She stared at Franz with pleading eyes. He stared back before nodding.
''I'll keep you safe.'' he promised, licking her cheek.
She nuzzled him in return and climbed out from under the bed. He followed her and they walked to the door. He went out first and, after taking a deep breath, she followed him.
It seemed to bright out. It was closer to summer now so it was warmer and the snow was thinner. There wasn't a large amount of people around, most would be at the races, but some were hovering. And a few dogs. Some of them watched Dakota in disbelief. She felt nervous under their stares but stayed close to her companion.She wasn't used to feeling scared by people watching her. How she hated Orca now. After walking down the street for a little bit they stopped.
''Where would you like to go, Dakota?'' Franz asked.
He smiled at her and nuzzled her ear when he felt that someone was watching them. Dakota thought about it, looking around cautiously as she did.
''I want to go see Pride and meet the new puppy in her house.'' she decided.
Franz smiled and nodded and they made their way to Pride's house. Dakota hoped her friend was in. She hadn't talked to her recently so she didn't know if she'd be at the races or not. Franz poked his head through the dog door and Dakota jumped at the sound of yapping followed by a high-pitched laugh.
''In you come, Hero.'' Pride's voice said.
Franz pulled his head back and smiled at Dakota, ''I think they're in.''
Dakota smiled and quickly slid through the door, followed by Franz. Pride gasped when she saw her.
''Oh, Dakota, it's so good to see you out and about again!'' she giggled, ''Are you alright now? Are you feeling better?''
She hugged her friend the only way a dog could and Dakota chuckled. She wiped away a tear in her eye, one that was there out of the happiness of knowing how much Pride cared.
''Well I think so.'' she said, ''I thought it was time.''
She looked down and saw a small-ish ball of fluff. One front leg was missing and it's wide eyes were slightly paler than they should be. The little pup stared at the fuzzy blurry red dog in front of him.
''Oh yes, Dakota this is Hero.'' Pride said.
Dakota greeted the little pup, who yipped and started gnawing on her paws. Dakota was happy that she had decided the leave the house today.
Later, after Dakota and Pride talked and Franz played with Hero, it was time to go home. Dakota talked non-stop to Franz on the way back, she was starting to get back to normal. She was still afraid, looking over her shoulder and staying close to Franz, but that was to be expected. They reached her house quickly.
''Thanks for coming out with me today.'' she said to Franz, ''I know I've been a bother lately.''
Franz shook his head.
''No you haven't. You behaved perfectly normal for someone in your...situation.'' he felt bad mentioning that.
Dakota was silent for a moment.
''Yes. Well I appreciate it anyway. I'm going to go in now. Thanks again.''
Franz approached her as she went to turn and licked her cheek. Feeling shy, Dakota smiled and licked his cheek back.
''Night.'' she said simultaneously.
Franz chuckled as Dakota went through the dog door. Then he went home, happy that Dakota was finally getting better.
After that, Dakota began going outside everyday again. She was still scared a lot of the time and was always with Franz or Pride or her family. But she was getting better and began to move further and further out in town. She was soon once again comfortable sitting on the beach with her friends. She watched the mail dogs chasing each other around Balto's boat and some dogs playing games with their owners. For once, Dakota was alone. Franz would be back in a moment and everyone else was busy right. She sat with her head held high, knowing that was the best posture to have. But her tail curled in tight around her paws to keep her safe.
''Franz will be back soon. And Kodi and Dusty are right over there. Everything is ok.'' she mumbled to herself.
Right at that moment the worst possible person appeared. Orca was down the beach some ways with a couple of female dogs. And he was harrassing another female. She was a hardy, no-nonsense racedog by the name of Tien. She had been Dakota's 'rival' for - largely unwanted - male affections for some time. But still, having Orca on your tail wasn't the best thing that could happen to you. And just seeing him behaving like his typical self made Dakota feel sick. Oh how she wished Franz would come back soon!
She tried turning away but she couldn't take her eyes off him. And then he noticed her sitting there. He said something to the females around him and Tien disappeared. Then he started on his way over. Dakota sat for a moment, frozen with fear. He was coming to get her again! Then, without thinking, she leapt to her paws and raced off. She didn't know where she was going or if Orca was following and how far behind, but she had to get out of there quick. She found herself leaving Nome and heading into the forest. Everything was a blur or brown and green as she raced through the trees and she couldn't tell any of the smells apart. They were all so new to her. She stopped for the briefest of seconds and that was all she needed to hear the loud heavy steps of an angry husky wanting to hurt her some more.
She sprinted off again, listening harder to try throw him off some way or another. She heard rushing water and followed it until she came to a river. It was wide, she could never jump across. She could try! No, that'd be silly. She'd drown. Maybe there was a way across it somehow. Stones she could jump over? A log connecting one side to the other? No, she couldn't see anything like that. The sound of the large dog's panting was getting nearer and nearer. Maybe if she jumped really high she could grab that branch leaning over the water. Could she make it? Probably not. She had never been the most energetic dog and she wasn't used to anything that that. It was too late. Orca crashed his way through the trees and stopped, panting in front of her. She couldn't help but scream.
''Dakota!'' the large brown dog growled, ''Finally I get to see you again.''
The little red dog was in too much shock to so much as speak. She just cowered, shaking with fear. The enormous husky advanced on her slowly, growling.
''Why are you doing this to me?!'' Dakota suddenly screamed at him.
She was going to break down, she knew it. She couldn't hold on to her sanity any longer and let the tears come.
''You were supposed to be mine!'' Orca snarled, ''If you'd just been a good girl. But no! This is all your fault!''
Dakota sobbed.
''You made me hurt you, Dakota. You made yourself afraid of me. Whatever happens now is because of you!''
Dakota couldn't take it. Was he right? Was it really all her fault?
''DAKOTA!!'' screamed another voice, louder than anything she'd ever heard.
Birds in the trees flew into the sky in fear and everything seemed to go silent until a familiar cream-coloured blur launched itself out of the bushes onto Orca. Dakota only watched in horror as Franz, again, was tearing pieces out of Orca. The two dogs fought even more fiercely than before. Both were angry and both wanted Dakota. The only difference was that one wanted her safe and one wanted to bend her to his will. Dakota could do nothing as her closest friend and greatest enemy ripped chunks out of each other.
Blood began to stain the soil beneath them as both bled. Chunks of fur went flying, mingling with the blood and leaving both dogs with some baldish spots. Orca snarled loudly, spit flying from his mouth as he bucked, trying to throw Franz off his back. But the cream dog held on strong, his neck clenched tightly round the larger dog's neck. He hadn't found the right spot yet to choke him but he wouldn't. He leapt off and Orca took a shot and threw himself at the smaller dog. Franz whirled round at him, teeth bared so much that his gums were on full display, his face was creased into a terrifying other-wordly form, and his pupils were almost nonexistant. Dakota jumped as she heard the sound of teeth snapping together. Orca seemed to stop moving as much and then he seemed to have a fit. He tried ripping the flesh of his neck that was between Franz's teeth away from him but was only making his condition worse. They were close to the edge of the river now. The rapid water was impatient and only added to the tense feeling surging through Dakota. But Franz had the upperhand and Franz was smart. Using Orca's weight against him, he whirled around. Orca was still pulling away from Franz. He pulled hard and Franz took the chance and let go. Orca fell backwards and teetered over the edge of the river, plunging into the rapid water. Dakota and Franz watched as he thrashed around and continuously bobbed under the water and back up. Eventually the large hunk of fur became still and slowly sunk beneath the rushing water, where it was carried away downstream.
It seemed like an eternity before Franz pressed his head into Dakota's neck, both comforting her and propping himself up. Dakota seemed to thaw and she rested her head against him. They were both panting, Dakota from fear and Franz from exhaustion. The cream dog was beat up quite bad, with deep cuts bleeding and fur missing. But Dakota was just so happy that he was alright. She couldn't help it. She laughed.
''He's gone!'' she smiled, breathlessly.
''He's gone.'' Franz nodded in agreement.
''Let's go home, Franz.'' Dakota said.
He nodded again and they got up to head back to Nome, easily a mile's journey now. They walked slowly through the trees, heading back the way they'd come. It was easily marked out by the broken branches and crushed plants from when Orca was rampaging after Dakota.
''Franz, wait!'' Dakota stopped suddenly.
''What is it, Dakota? What's wrong?'' Franz asked, worried.
''There's nothing wrong.'' Dakota chuckled. Then her face became serious, ''I just wanted to tell you 'I love you'.''
Franz stared at her and then his face softened.
''I love you too.''