HOME | DD

Description

Invasion of the Strays
Phase One

featuring

Seymour
Tater
Cardigan
&
Patagonia

Prompts:
There's a sudden outbreak in the quiet streets of your neighborhood, and it seems Stray dogs are raiding nearby homes, and there's no telling when you might be next! How does your dog react to this news? Will they defend against the invading Strays? Or will they turn tail and try to hide it out to avoid a beating?

&

Rumor has it that the Strays have begun invading the Pets, and some even say they're going as far as full blown attacking! What does your dog think about these rumors? Will they go and investigate if they are true? Will they give a lending paw to their Domestic brethren? Or will they brush it off as just some old drama hat?

Tater

   Rinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng. With the shrill screech of the end-of-day bell, Tater and Rylie began making their commute home. The pair didn't live very far from their abode and every weekday evening they would walk home together and they always had the time of their lives'! But this particular evening was different. The pitbull had sensed the heightening nerves of those in the school. They had watched the lightbox for a while and had a serious talk about something Tater couldn't quite understand. It did involve dogs, was all he knew. But what really tipped him off is as soon as they stepped outside Rylie grabbed it. The cellphone that her parents had given her; used for emergencies only. What was the emergency? Tater sensed no abnormality in her, it was his job to know.

The roundabout for buses and cars picking up children was packed with more cars than Tater had ever seen before. It came close to the one night when a twister hit the town-- but the sky was as blue as his vest. The atmosphere was quiet and loud at the same time. No kids chattered and laughed like usual. Tater's perception of feelings and scents was being overwhelmed with fear, stress, uncertainty. It made his hair stand on end and he nuzzled Rylie's leg as she spoke on the phone with her mom.

"Mom, have you seen the news?
Yeah. Can you come pick me up?
Okay. Thanks, see you soon. Love you."

Click.

That was quite possibly the quickest phone call he had ever seen from Rylie. He blinked, trying to gather what was going on. His girl knelt down beside him and rubbed his stubby ears. "Hey boy, it's okay. We're just getting a ride home for today." she spoke, trying to reassure the brown canine. But Tater wasn't convinced and let out a small, unsure whine. She planted a gentle kiss on his big forehead and stood up once more, ever vigilant to her surroundings. Something was terribly wrong.

~~~

  As soon as they arrived home and his vest was removed, they let him out in the backyard to relieve himself. He could see Rylie's mom watching him from the patio door. He had a plan but it was gnawing on his soul. He couldn't leave his owners like this! But it would only be for a couple minutes... Cardigan, his Executive would know what was happening. She only lived a few blocks away, if he made haste he could make it there and back in about 20 minutes.

So he unlatched the gate as soon as the mom turned her back. And he was off.

Seymour

The Farmstead had been organized from the start of this wretched announcement. Lancer handled the faction well and kept most dogs calm, despite the alarming statement the Drifters had released. The rottweiler had been on edge all day, keeping an extra careful eye on his sheep and chickens -- and most importantly: Nadine. Seymour had heard of Cardigan's announcement about what Valentine had done. He was going to make damn sure it didn't happen to anyone else. What the Drifters were going to do made his blood boil with fury. The elusive Fred had finally made his appearance. With his first debut he made it clear that he was no better than the trash that lay rotting in the junkyard.

Nadine had made a rush to get the sheep and all livestock in barn. Seymour helped herd them into the safest place they could be. Nadine only seemed slightly worried but their barn would keep their livestock safe, warm, and secure.  He counted himself lucky that he hadn't made any close friends in the Pets Faction yet; he didn't need the heartbreak or worry. The rottie mix wasn't particularly worried for his Farmstead brothers either. Most of their owners had guns to defend themselves and their property. For the ones who didn't... well, he couldn't think about that now. Nadine's livestock came first.

The black and tan canine was surprised when Nadine ordered him to get into the truck but he didn't argue with her. He figured this wasn't the time for insubordination or stubbornness. He hopped into the truck with a dusty coat and muddy paws but Nadine didn't seem to care. No scolding was to be had and Seymour took it in stride. They had just finished locking up the barn and all the livestock was safely tucked inside. Seymour was pretty sure he knew where they were headed as they sped out of the dirt driveway:

The Pets Faction.

Tater

Tater's heart pounded against his ribcage as he loped towards Cardigan's home. He had to keep reassuring himself that this was the right thing to do. If he figured out what was going on, then he could care for his girl better. Besides, her parents were to careful to put her in a dangerous situation: they were ready to give their lives protecting her as much as Tater was. It was now that he was wishing he had tried making more friends in the Pet's Faction; he could've just asked one of them what was going on. Cardigan would have to do for now, she would surely know every detail about what was happening-- she was the leader after all. He passed by many houses. No kids or dogs were out playing after school like usual. What is going on!?

Oh wait! There's a dog! The skinny dog was trotting circles around a house and barking. Maybe he could ask him what was going on? He seemed knowledgeable enough to brave the outdoors when nobody else seemed to want to. The brown pitbull slowed his pace as he approached the strange canine. That's when he realized the dog had begun rummaging through the bookbags of some local kids. Deep down, Tater's mind was telling him to run but the pitbull saw the good in everyone. "Hi-- sorry to bother you! I was just wondering if y--" as he took a step forward, his tags jingled as the dog's head popped out of the bag. As soon as the stranger's gaze fell on Tater's collar, his yellow-ish teeth were bared and a resounding snarl was escaping its maw.

Tater's eyes widened. He scurried backwards and started running the other direction. Tater could hear the dog behind him barking and its paws against the asphalt. Tater ran as fast as his short, thick legs would carry him, looking back to see if the dog was still following him. After a few sharp turns and taking some back ways only Tater knew about, he had lost the mutt. Only 2 blocks to go and he'd have the answers he so desperately needed.

Seymour

As they pulled into the city, it reminded Seymour of the movies that the humans watched. Set in olden times, a lone ranger would ride into town and tumbleweeds would roll by, no one to be seen. While this wasn't exactly like that, it might as well have been. Only a few people walked on the sidewalks in the city and everything seemed stagnant. It was odd to see it like this, usually the city was bustling with energy, people, and dogs. From one dogs' selfish actions, he had created chaos and irregularity to the normal flow of a community. Even inside the truck, Seymour could sense the tension outside. It was only when Nadine laid a gentle hand on his back that he realized he was letting out a low growl. It was people like this that he and Alan had spent all that time fighting overseas. It made him livid.

Nadine's truck squeaked to a halt and they both hopped out of the cab. You could hear faint barking in the distance and rummaging sounds all around. It had already begun. Nadine signaled Seymour to follow her and he did as she asked. She hadn't even bother to clip a leash on so he stayed close to her side. That's when he realized that she was making her way to one of her friend's houses. His mind seemed to flip a switch and within a couple seconds he was in protective mode. No one was going to hurt Nadine if he had a say in it; and you better believe he had a big say in it. Seymour's hackles were raised as he scanned the street as if patrolling for explosives. He may as well have been: These strays were dangerous, unpredictable, and furious.

When they finally made it, Nadine knocked on her friends' front door. Seymour sat down, looking all around the house. While her friend did not own any Pets, he was sure the Strays weren't opposed to stealing what she had anyways. It took a couple minutes and Seymour could sense Nadine's growing discontent. Just as his handler was beginning to turn and walk away the door opened. The woman was holding a baseball bat and had wide, bloodshot eyes. A human baby was crying inside the house. Nadine stepped into the house and ordered Seymour to follow but the woman shook her head.

"I don't want him in my house."

  Seymour watched as Nadine turned to him with furrowed brows. She gave him a loving rub on the ear and offered some reassuring words but Seymour was to busy observing his surroundings to listen to anything she had to say. He glanced over at her as she stepped inside, keeping a careful eye on him through the glass door. The bully breed turned, guarding the front door silently. While there was no strays in immediate sight he was sure they were hiding somewhere, poised to strike. That's when he heard the angry yaps and paws against concrete. He could smell the fear on the wind and he sprung into action, running towards the commotion in hopes he could provide something of use. Nadine yelled out after him but he pushed on, heart pounding.

Tater

As Tater skidded to a halt next to the Executive's home he had a big smile on his face. I made it! Now he would finally get an explanation for everything he had seen. The backyard was surrounded by a rather tall wooden fence. Tater could smell Cardigan and was sure that this was the right house. He crouched close to the ground and squeezed through the hole that resided in the fence. As he made his way closer to the door, Cardigan must have heard him approaching and she emerged from her doggy door. The brown pitbull began to wiggle with excitement, happy to see that the Executive was okay. What was with that angry dog earlier, anyways?

"Cardigan! Boy, am I glad to see you. The people and dogs have been acting really weird today, I was hoping that you might know what's going on." he explained with a placid sigh, trotting closer to her to make sure he could hear her. Her expression carried worry and held a somber tone, "What's wrong?" he asked, tilting his head in confusion.

"Tater, I'm happy to see you as well but you shouldn't be here. The Drifter's region has ordered an invasion of the Pets territory, they've been given instructions to show no mercy. It's not safe outside, you need to go home." Cardigan instructed, standing before the pit bull.

"O-oh, I had no idea. I was in school all day with Rylie." Tater explained, everything beginning to come together. It all made sense! That dog from earlier that chased him must have been a Stray. "Well, maybe if we show them that we're willing to work with them and share they won't go through with it." he spoke with optimism. In reality, that wasn't possible, their Leader was cruel and only wanted to take what he could never have. Tater watched as Cardigan's spotted ears twitched, listening.

"That would be lovely," she paused for a moment, appearing to be mulling over what he had said. "You are free to leave spare blankets and food out in your yard for them then. But you really must go home now and don't leave Rylie alone." the dachshund mix advised.

Tater nodded. "Thanks Cardigan. Stay safe." he spoke before turning to leave. But just before he could step off the sidewalk to cross the street, the Stray from earlier burst out from between some trash cans. It blocked his path, drool dripping from his jowls and a low rumble emanating from it's chest. Tater's tail tucked underneath himself as he crouched low to the ground. His heart was beating faster than it ever had since his dog fighting days. His body was screaming at him to protect himself but he couldn't fight. It went against every fiber of his being! But then he thought about Cardigan, what if the Stray was to hurt her? He couldn't have that happen. The Pets Faction needed it's leader, especially in these times. But what could he do!?

"Tater, run!" the Executive yelled from her yard, hearing what was happening outside the fence.

That's when a massive Rottweiler came barreling around the corner, line of sight trained on the Stray that was preparing to attack Tater. The brown pitbull's eyes widened and he backed up a few steps, unsure of what to do. He could block Cardigan's house with his body and give her time to get to a safe place! That's when he realized the Rottweiler was not another Stray but wearing a collar. He had no intention of hurting the Executive. As for the Stray in front of him, however, he wasn't so sure.

Seymour

Seymour was making ground at an incredible pace and when he saw the Stray, it made his muscles pump even harder. The rottweiler mix spotted a spotted dog poking her nose through a hole in the fence that was near the commotion. He recalled Patagonia speaking of someone like that. If they were friends, he was pretty sure she would skin him if he didn't step in; not that he wouldn't have in the first place. He skidded to a halt in front of the cowering brown canine, the concrete tearing into his paw pads creating a searing pain. The Stray was beginning to pounce but didn't get a chance to finish once Seymour arrived. The rottweiler mix puffed his chest out and let out a hostile snarl. His teeth snapped together audibly as he went for a bluff bite against the Stray. The scruffy mutt was now scared, and took a few steps back, still snarling. Anymore threats from the Stray and he wouldn't be bluffing for much longer.

"Get lost, mongrel." he snarled, lips curled, revealing his white teeth. Drool dripped from his jowls as he watched the Stray scamper away in a hurry, disappearing over the hill. It was at that moment when he heard a gratingly familiar voice: Patagonia. She had busted out of Cardigan's house, probably to see what all the commotion was about and to check on Cardigan. This only confirmed that they were, indeed, friends. He couldn't see her over the fence but he was deadly sure of that voice.

"Well if it isn't General Slobber Jowls, what are you doing here?" the beagle called out over the fence.

How she had gotten here before he did was beyond him. And he certainly didn't expect to see her face around, especially with her new responsibility. Cardigan must've been pretty important to her for her to leave her pups with someone else. Although he trusted Harvey with their care completely: that man had a good head on his shoulders.

"Saving your sorry butts, it seems." he responded in slight amusement; he knew that Patagonia and Cardigan could've handled themselves. But at this point, any help was likely welcomed. The mastiff mix looked down at the brown pitbull who was still crouched, all his limbs shaky from the shock. "You okay there, shortstack?" Seymour asked with a gentle tone. Why the Pet was out and about when all of this was happening was something Seymour didn't understand... but he figured this wasn't the time to demean the fearful bully breed.

Tater

Tater watched in astonishment as the rottweiler leaped to his rescue. He didn't even know him! The exchange of dialogue was muffled due to his foggy head until the Rottweiler's voice rang clear: 'You okay there, shortstack?' Tater began to raise to his paws, shaking with tremors from the fear and the adrenaline. He had wanted so badly to protect himself but he couldn't bring himself to do it. The pitbull wanted to scold himself but decided against it; what would anyone have done in that situation?  "Y-yeah, I'm o-okay," he replied, unintentionally stuttering due to the tremors. His heart was slowly beginning to ease in pace and his mind was beginning to feel less cloudy.  "We should get inside the fence here, come on," the rottweiler spoke, offering to let Tater go first. Tater obliged and squeezed through the gap in the fence, entering Cardigan's backyard once more. He sat down to give his body some time to recover from the situation.

Tater watched the rottweiler struggle to squeeze in through the slot, almost getting stuck towards the end but managing to muscle through. Both the bully breeds were panting now, as they sat in the Executive's yard. Cardigan rushed over, sniffing Tater. "Tater, are you alright?"she asked with concern. "I'm okay, Cardigan. I wasn't hurt, thanks to him." he replied, gesturing to the rottweiler mix that sat a few feet away. He quickly realized, though, that she couldn't see where he was gesturing to.

Seymour

After squeezing into the Executive's yard, he examined the short-legged canine. Her blue eyes were cloudy and unfocused: blind, as the beagle had said she was.  "Name's Seymour," he spoke to Tater, giving him a small nod. Just as he turned his head, Patagonia was walking towards the group of canines. She plopped down a foot or so away from Cardigan who had taken a seat next to Tater. Seymour kept one ear pushed back, listening to make sure the Stray wasn't going to come back with reinforcements. How long was it going to be like this? Until there wasn't any Strays left? That's what it would take. He was sure the humans in the Pets faction wouldn't take kindly to the pillaging that the mangy mutts were committing. They'd be captured or worse.

At the sound of his name, the Executive let out a small chuckle, obviously calmer knowing that no one was hurt. At least not this time Seymour thought. Seymour glanced at her with a confused expression and noticed Patagonia had a smirk on her face.
"Told ya," the beagle said simply. It took him a couple minutes to realize what she was referring to and he gave a small grin of understanding.
   After they had all calmed down, everyone seemed to go silent. They were taking in the temporary peace of the Executive's backyard while they could. Nadine was probably getting worried, the rottweiler figured he'd better head back soon. The sun was almost set now and he knew that his handler would be wanting to head home soon. He glanced over at 'Tater' as he had heard them call him and wondered if he could make it home by himself. With the invasion of the drifters he wasn't sure he could make it back without getting in a similar confrontation.

"Well, I'd better be off. Thanks for letting us take refuge in your yard, Cardigan. It was a pleasure meeting you, even if it was under such circumstances." he spoke, rising to his paws and stretching out to help his muscles become more limber before he returned to his handler a few blocks away.

"The pleasure was mine, Seymour. Stay safe out there." Cardigan replied, standing up as well, most likely preparing to go back inside.

"Hey, Tater, is it?" the rottie mix asked with a soft tone, partly from exhaustion but also partly to avoid startling the shaken canine. The brown pitbull looked over at him, a somewhat fearful expression on his face. "I can walk you home if you'd like." he offered a bit awkwardly. Some people took offense to that particular offer, likely assuming that Seymour thought they couldn't handle themselves. And that was true. He just wasn't going to say it out loud -- at least, not for now.

Tater

Tater's heart had resumed to a normal rate and he was, for once, enjoying the silence they shared. It gave them all a chance to let everything sink in and allow them to replenish some of their lost energy. Tater was currently worrying about having to walk home. Usually it was exciting but with the current situation it was a fear-inducing. He was attempting to stay calm and remember the back ways to his house, trying to find the most discreet way to get back to his girl. Once he got there, he wouldn't be leaving her side. A sudden courage overtook him, pertaining the thought of defending his girl. He would do anything for her. Tater only hoped that he would have the strength to fight when that moment came.

Tater's unusually somber train of thought was broken by the sound of the canine who had saved him. Before Seymour even got the chance to finish what he was saying, Tater's butt began to wiggle involuntarily out of happiness. "That would be great! Thank you so much," Tater responded with much elation. He stood up, getting ready to leave with the Rottweiler. He turned back to Cardigan and Patagonia, "Sorry about the commotion, be safe guys." he said, before awaiting Seymour to part ways. The rottweiler gave a short nod and addressed the beagle in a weird way that Tater didn't understand.
"Patagonia." was all he said. She seemed to understand. Tater watched the black and tan canine turn, and just before crouching down to squeeze through the hole in the fence, he offered one last statement:

"Stay frosty."

Finally got this finished! This is my entry for both Tater and Seymour B) I did have another plan for them to meet but this event was to good to pass up so meet Shortstack cause Seymour loves giving diminutive nicknames.
hovnds was super nice and allowed me to include Patagonia and Cardigan in the story so go check her out <3
Hope ya guys like! I'm excited to work on the next phase!

Seymour Word Count: 1,752 words
Tater Word Count: 1, 926 words

Art(c)Me
Characters(c)Me & hovnds

Description

Invasion of the Strays
Phase One

featuring

Seymour
Tater
Cardigan
&
Patagonia

Prompts:
There's a sudden outbreak in the quiet streets of your neighborhood, and it seems Stray dogs are raiding nearby homes, and there's no telling when you might be next! How does your dog react to this news? Will they defend against the invading Strays? Or will they turn tail and try to hide it out to avoid a beating?

&

Rumor has it that the Strays have begun invading the Pets, and some even say they're going as far as full blown attacking! What does your dog think about these rumors? Will they go and investigate if they are true? Will they give a lending paw to their Domestic brethren? Or will they brush it off as just some old drama hat?

Tater

   Rinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng. With the shrill screech of the end-of-day bell, Tater and Rylie began making their commute home. The pair didn't live very far from their abode and every weekday evening they would walk home together and they always had the time of their lives'! But this particular evening was different. The pitbull had sensed the heightening nerves of those in the school. They had watched the lightbox for a while and had a serious talk about something Tater couldn't quite understand. It did involve dogs, was all he knew. But what really tipped him off is as soon as they stepped outside Rylie grabbed it. The cellphone that her parents had given her; used for emergencies only. What was the emergency? Tater sensed no abnormality in her, it was his job to know.

The roundabout for buses and cars picking up children was packed with more cars than Tater had ever seen before. It came close to the one night when a twister hit the town-- but the sky was as blue as his vest. The atmosphere was quiet and loud at the same time. No kids chattered and laughed like usual. Tater's perception of feelings and scents was being overwhelmed with fear, stress, uncertainty. It made his hair stand on end and he nuzzled Rylie's leg as she spoke on the phone with her mom.

"Mom, have you seen the news?
Yeah. Can you come pick me up?
Okay. Thanks, see you soon. Love you."

Click.

That was quite possibly the quickest phone call he had ever seen from Rylie. He blinked, trying to gather what was going on. His girl knelt down beside him and rubbed his stubby ears. "Hey boy, it's okay. We're just getting a ride home for today." she spoke, trying to reassure the brown canine. But Tater wasn't convinced and let out a small, unsure whine. She planted a gentle kiss on his big forehead and stood up once more, ever vigilant to her surroundings. Something was terribly wrong.

~~~

  As soon as they arrived home and his vest was removed, they let him out in the backyard to relieve himself. He could see Rylie's mom watching him from the patio door. He had a plan but it was gnawing on his soul. He couldn't leave his owners like this! But it would only be for a couple minutes... Cardigan, his Executive would know what was happening. She only lived a few blocks away, if he made haste he could make it there and back in about 20 minutes.

So he unlatched the gate as soon as the mom turned her back. And he was off.

Seymour

The Farmstead had been organized from the start of this wretched announcement. Lancer handled the faction well and kept most dogs calm, despite the alarming statement the Drifters had released. The rottweiler had been on edge all day, keeping an extra careful eye on his sheep and chickens -- and most importantly: Nadine. Seymour had heard of Cardigan's announcement about what Valentine had done. He was going to make damn sure it didn't happen to anyone else. What the Drifters were going to do made his blood boil with fury. The elusive Fred had finally made his appearance. With his first debut he made it clear that he was no better than the trash that lay rotting in the junkyard.

Nadine had made a rush to get the sheep and all livestock in barn. Seymour helped herd them into the safest place they could be. Nadine only seemed slightly worried but their barn would keep their livestock safe, warm, and secure.  He counted himself lucky that he hadn't made any close friends in the Pets Faction yet; he didn't need the heartbreak or worry. The rottie mix wasn't particularly worried for his Farmstead brothers either. Most of their owners had guns to defend themselves and their property. For the ones who didn't... well, he couldn't think about that now. Nadine's livestock came first.

The black and tan canine was surprised when Nadine ordered him to get into the truck but he didn't argue with her. He figured this wasn't the time for insubordination or stubbornness. He hopped into the truck with a dusty coat and muddy paws but Nadine didn't seem to care. No scolding was to be had and Seymour took it in stride. They had just finished locking up the barn and all the livestock was safely tucked inside. Seymour was pretty sure he knew where they were headed as they sped out of the dirt driveway:

The Pets Faction.

Tater

Tater's heart pounded against his ribcage as he loped towards Cardigan's home. He had to keep reassuring himself that this was the right thing to do. If he figured out what was going on, then he could care for his girl better. Besides, her parents were to careful to put her in a dangerous situation: they were ready to give their lives protecting her as much as Tater was. It was now that he was wishing he had tried making more friends in the Pet's Faction; he could've just asked one of them what was going on. Cardigan would have to do for now, she would surely know every detail about what was happening-- she was the leader after all. He passed by many houses. No kids or dogs were out playing after school like usual. What is going on!?

Oh wait! There's a dog! The skinny dog was trotting circles around a house and barking. Maybe he could ask him what was going on? He seemed knowledgeable enough to brave the outdoors when nobody else seemed to want to. The brown pitbull slowed his pace as he approached the strange canine. That's when he realized the dog had begun rummaging through the bookbags of some local kids. Deep down, Tater's mind was telling him to run but the pitbull saw the good in everyone. "Hi-- sorry to bother you! I was just wondering if y--" as he took a step forward, his tags jingled as the dog's head popped out of the bag. As soon as the stranger's gaze fell on Tater's collar, his yellow-ish teeth were bared and a resounding snarl was escaping its maw.

Tater's eyes widened. He scurried backwards and started running the other direction. Tater could hear the dog behind him barking and its paws against the asphalt. Tater ran as fast as his short, thick legs would carry him, looking back to see if the dog was still following him. After a few sharp turns and taking some back ways only Tater knew about, he had lost the mutt. Only 2 blocks to go and he'd have the answers he so desperately needed.

Seymour

As they pulled into the city, it reminded Seymour of the movies that the humans watched. Set in olden times, a lone ranger would ride into town and tumbleweeds would roll by, no one to be seen. While this wasn't exactly like that, it might as well have been. Only a few people walked on the sidewalks in the city and everything seemed stagnant. It was odd to see it like this, usually the city was bustling with energy, people, and dogs. From one dogs' selfish actions, he had created chaos and irregularity to the normal flow of a community. Even inside the truck, Seymour could sense the tension outside. It was only when Nadine laid a gentle hand on his back that he realized he was letting out a low growl. It was people like this that he and Alan had spent all that time fighting overseas. It made him livid.

Nadine's truck squeaked to a halt and they both hopped out of the cab. You could hear faint barking in the distance and rummaging sounds all around. It had already begun. Nadine signaled Seymour to follow her and he did as she asked. She hadn't even bother to clip a leash on so he stayed close to her side. That's when he realized that she was making her way to one of her friend's houses. His mind seemed to flip a switch and within a couple seconds he was in protective mode. No one was going to hurt Nadine if he had a say in it; and you better believe he had a big say in it. Seymour's hackles were raised as he scanned the street as if patrolling for explosives. He may as well have been: These strays were dangerous, unpredictable, and furious.

When they finally made it, Nadine knocked on her friends' front door. Seymour sat down, looking all around the house. While her friend did not own any Pets, he was sure the Strays weren't opposed to stealing what she had anyways. It took a couple minutes and Seymour could sense Nadine's growing discontent. Just as his handler was beginning to turn and walk away the door opened. The woman was holding a baseball bat and had wide, bloodshot eyes. A human baby was crying inside the house. Nadine stepped into the house and ordered Seymour to follow but the woman shook her head.

"I don't want him in my house."

  Seymour watched as Nadine turned to him with furrowed brows. She gave him a loving rub on the ear and offered some reassuring words but Seymour was to busy observing his surroundings to listen to anything she had to say. He glanced over at her as she stepped inside, keeping a careful eye on him through the glass door. The bully breed turned, guarding the front door silently. While there was no strays in immediate sight he was sure they were hiding somewhere, poised to strike. That's when he heard the angry yaps and paws against concrete. He could smell the fear on the wind and he sprung into action, running towards the commotion in hopes he could provide something of use. Nadine yelled out after him but he pushed on, heart pounding.

Tater

As Tater skidded to a halt next to the Executive's home he had a big smile on his face. I made it! Now he would finally get an explanation for everything he had seen. The backyard was surrounded by a rather tall wooden fence. Tater could smell Cardigan and was sure that this was the right house. He crouched close to the ground and squeezed through the hole that resided in the fence. As he made his way closer to the door, Cardigan must have heard him approaching and she emerged from her doggy door. The brown pitbull began to wiggle with excitement, happy to see that the Executive was okay. What was with that angry dog earlier, anyways?

"Cardigan! Boy, am I glad to see you. The people and dogs have been acting really weird today, I was hoping that you might know what's going on." he explained with a placid sigh, trotting closer to her to make sure he could hear her. Her expression carried worry and held a somber tone, "What's wrong?" he asked, tilting his head in confusion.

"Tater, I'm happy to see you as well but you shouldn't be here. The Drifter's region has ordered an invasion of the Pets territory, they've been given instructions to show no mercy. It's not safe outside, you need to go home." Cardigan instructed, standing before the pit bull.

"O-oh, I had no idea. I was in school all day with Rylie." Tater explained, everything beginning to come together. It all made sense! That dog from earlier that chased him must have been a Stray. "Well, maybe if we show them that we're willing to work with them and share they won't go through with it." he spoke with optimism. In reality, that wasn't possible, their Leader was cruel and only wanted to take what he could never have. Tater watched as Cardigan's spotted ears twitched, listening.

"That would be lovely," she paused for a moment, appearing to be mulling over what he had said. "You are free to leave spare blankets and food out in your yard for them then. But you really must go home now and don't leave Rylie alone." the dachshund mix advised.

Tater nodded. "Thanks Cardigan. Stay safe." he spoke before turning to leave. But just before he could step off the sidewalk to cross the street, the Stray from earlier burst out from between some trash cans. It blocked his path, drool dripping from his jowls and a low rumble emanating from it's chest. Tater's tail tucked underneath himself as he crouched low to the ground. His heart was beating faster than it ever had since his dog fighting days. His body was screaming at him to protect himself but he couldn't fight. It went against every fiber of his being! But then he thought about Cardigan, what if the Stray was to hurt her? He couldn't have that happen. The Pets Faction needed it's leader, especially in these times. But what could he do!?

"Tater, run!" the Executive yelled from her yard, hearing what was happening outside the fence.

That's when a massive Rottweiler came barreling around the corner, line of sight trained on the Stray that was preparing to attack Tater. The brown pitbull's eyes widened and he backed up a few steps, unsure of what to do. He could block Cardigan's house with his body and give her time to get to a safe place! That's when he realized the Rottweiler was not another Stray but wearing a collar. He had no intention of hurting the Executive. As for the Stray in front of him, however, he wasn't so sure.

Seymour

Seymour was making ground at an incredible pace and when he saw the Stray, it made his muscles pump even harder. The rottweiler mix spotted a spotted dog poking her nose through a hole in the fence that was near the commotion. He recalled Patagonia speaking of someone like that. If they were friends, he was pretty sure she would skin him if he didn't step in; not that he wouldn't have in the first place. He skidded to a halt in front of the cowering brown canine, the concrete tearing into his paw pads creating a searing pain. The Stray was beginning to pounce but didn't get a chance to finish once Seymour arrived. The rottweiler mix puffed his chest out and let out a hostile snarl. His teeth snapped together audibly as he went for a bluff bite against the Stray. The scruffy mutt was now scared, and took a few steps back, still snarling. Anymore threats from the Stray and he wouldn't be bluffing for much longer.

"Get lost, mongrel." he snarled, lips curled, revealing his white teeth. Drool dripped from his jowls as he watched the Stray scamper away in a hurry, disappearing over the hill. It was at that moment when he heard a gratingly familiar voice: Patagonia. She had busted out of Cardigan's house, probably to see what all the commotion was about and to check on Cardigan. This only confirmed that they were, indeed, friends. He couldn't see her over the fence but he was deadly sure of that voice.

"Well if it isn't General Slobber Jowls, what are you doing here?" the beagle called out over the fence.

How she had gotten here before he did was beyond him. And he certainly didn't expect to see her face around, especially with her new responsibility. Cardigan must've been pretty important to her for her to leave her pups with someone else. Although he trusted Harvey with their care completely: that man had a good head on his shoulders.

"Saving your sorry butts, it seems." he responded in slight amusement; he knew that Patagonia and Cardigan could've handled themselves. But at this point, any help was likely welcomed. The mastiff mix looked down at the brown pitbull who was still crouched, all his limbs shaky from the shock. "You okay there, shortstack?" Seymour asked with a gentle tone. Why the Pet was out and about when all of this was happening was something Seymour didn't understand... but he figured this wasn't the time to demean the fearful bully breed.

Tater

Tater watched in astonishment as the rottweiler leaped to his rescue. He didn't even know him! The exchange of dialogue was muffled due to his foggy head until the Rottweiler's voice rang clear: 'You okay there, shortstack?' Tater began to raise to his paws, shaking with tremors from the fear and the adrenaline. He had wanted so badly to protect himself but he couldn't bring himself to do it. The pitbull wanted to scold himself but decided against it; what would anyone have done in that situation?  "Y-yeah, I'm o-okay," he replied, unintentionally stuttering due to the tremors. His heart was slowly beginning to ease in pace and his mind was beginning to feel less cloudy.  "We should get inside the fence here, come on," the rottweiler spoke, offering to let Tater go first. Tater obliged and squeezed through the gap in the fence, entering Cardigan's backyard once more. He sat down to give his body some time to recover from the situation.

Tater watched the rottweiler struggle to squeeze in through the slot, almost getting stuck towards the end but managing to muscle through. Both the bully breeds were panting now, as they sat in the Executive's yard. Cardigan rushed over, sniffing Tater. "Tater, are you alright?"she asked with concern. "I'm okay, Cardigan. I wasn't hurt, thanks to him." he replied, gesturing to the rottweiler mix that sat a few feet away. He quickly realized, though, that she couldn't see where he was gesturing to.

Seymour

After squeezing into the Executive's yard, he examined the short-legged canine. Her blue eyes were cloudy and unfocused: blind, as the beagle had said she was.  "Name's Seymour," he spoke to Tater, giving him a small nod. Just as he turned his head, Patagonia was walking towards the group of canines. She plopped down a foot or so away from Cardigan who had taken a seat next to Tater. Seymour kept one ear pushed back, listening to make sure the Stray wasn't going to come back with reinforcements. How long was it going to be like this? Until there wasn't any Strays left? That's what it would take. He was sure the humans in the Pets faction wouldn't take kindly to the pillaging that the mangy mutts were committing. They'd be captured or worse.

At the sound of his name, the Executive let out a small chuckle, obviously calmer knowing that no one was hurt. At least not this time Seymour thought. Seymour glanced at her with a confused expression and noticed Patagonia had a smirk on her face.
"Told ya," the beagle said simply. It took him a couple minutes to realize what she was referring to and he gave a small grin of understanding.
   After they had all calmed down, everyone seemed to go silent. They were taking in the temporary peace of the Executive's backyard while they could. Nadine was probably getting worried, the rottweiler figured he'd better head back soon. The sun was almost set now and he knew that his handler would be wanting to head home soon. He glanced over at 'Tater' as he had heard them call him and wondered if he could make it home by himself. With the invasion of the drifters he wasn't sure he could make it back without getting in a similar confrontation.

"Well, I'd better be off. Thanks for letting us take refuge in your yard, Cardigan. It was a pleasure meeting you, even if it was under such circumstances." he spoke, rising to his paws and stretching out to help his muscles become more limber before he returned to his handler a few blocks away.

"The pleasure was mine, Seymour. Stay safe out there." Cardigan replied, standing up as well, most likely preparing to go back inside.

"Hey, Tater, is it?" the rottie mix asked with a soft tone, partly from exhaustion but also partly to avoid startling the shaken canine. The brown pitbull looked over at him, a somewhat fearful expression on his face. "I can walk you home if you'd like." he offered a bit awkwardly. Some people took offense to that particular offer, likely assuming that Seymour thought they couldn't handle themselves. And that was true. He just wasn't going to say it out loud -- at least, not for now.

Tater

Tater's heart had resumed to a normal rate and he was, for once, enjoying the silence they shared. It gave them all a chance to let everything sink in and allow them to replenish some of their lost energy. Tater was currently worrying about having to walk home. Usually it was exciting but with the current situation it was a fear-inducing. He was attempting to stay calm and remember the back ways to his house, trying to find the most discreet way to get back to his girl. Once he got there, he wouldn't be leaving her side. A sudden courage overtook him, pertaining the thought of defending his girl. He would do anything for her. Tater only hoped that he would have the strength to fight when that moment came.

Tater's unusually somber train of thought was broken by the sound of the canine who had saved him. Before Seymour even got the chance to finish what he was saying, Tater's butt began to wiggle involuntarily out of happiness. "That would be great! Thank you so much," Tater responded with much elation. He stood up, getting ready to leave with the Rottweiler. He turned back to Cardigan and Patagonia, "Sorry about the commotion, be safe guys." he said, before awaiting Seymour to part ways. The rottweiler gave a short nod and addressed the beagle in a weird way that Tater didn't understand.
"Patagonia." was all he said. She seemed to understand. Tater watched the black and tan canine turn, and just before crouching down to squeeze through the hole in the fence, he offered one last statement:

"Stay frosty."

Finally got this finished! This is my entry for both Tater and Seymour B) I did have another plan for them to meet but this event was to good to pass up so meet Shortstack cause Seymour loves giving diminutive nicknames.
hovnds was super nice and allowed me to include Patagonia and Cardigan in the story so go check her out <3
Hope ya guys like! I'm excited to work on the next phase!

Seymour Word Count: 1,752 words
Tater Word Count: 1, 926 words

Art(c)Me
Characters(c)Me & hovnds