Tea Cup and the lost little boy.

[Paul]

Here is a short story I wrote during a multimedia class I took a few semesters ago.l I have it in six parts to make it fit. Sorry about the lines so close together, I work on separating them. There is mild violence in the storyline, dog fighting, but no blood or guts, no deaths. It is something you would expect to see in a pg or pg13 film.

Enjoy.

Tea Cup and the lost little boy

Ch. 1
Tea Cup, the Boston Terrier sat on Mrs. Baxton’s chair. Like everyday, Tea Cup watched over the house with care. Ms. Pity, an orange shorthaired tabby, unwillingly played chase the cat with Mr. Chips, a Siberian Husky and the oldest of the bunch. Sebastian the Parrot ruled the airways as WKAP Sky Parrot news. Franklin The Bold, the guinea pig, raiding the cabinets. Just then a news bulletin came on the TV, which caught Tea Cup’s attention.

“Breaking news.” The announcer said. “An Amber Alert has been issued for area residents.”

“Hey guys, come here!” Tea Cup barked. Sebastian landed while Mr. Chips came up with Ms. Pity in his mouth. “A child is missing.”

“Put me down, Mr. Chips.” Ms. Pity growled. Mr. Chips dropped Ms. Pity and she began cleaning herself.

“Police are looking for a 3 year old boy.” The report continued. “Johnny was outside playing while Mrs. Galey was hanging up the laundry. When she turned around, Johnny was gone. We are outside the home of Angie Galey, where police are looking for him now. Johnny’s been missing two hours and police think Johnny managed to open the gate and got out and is near by sleeping.”

“We have to help.” Tea Cup said.

“We don’t know where Mrs. Galey lives.” Mr. Chips said.

“Galey.” Ms. Pity said. “I remember passing a yard yesterday with a little boy called Galey.”

“Do you remember how to get there?” Tea Cup asked.

“Yes.” Ms. Pity said.

“Mr. Chips, get the wagon.” Tea Cup said. “We are going to go rescue Johnny. I’ll get Franklin.”

“Tea Cup and the adventurers ride again.” Sebastian said.

“Shut up bird-brain or I’ll pluck you feathers.” Ms. Pity snarled. “I’ll get a blanket.”

Tea Cup led them into the alley and began the journey to the city park. Behind him followed Mr. Chips in a harness, pulling a wagon, which Franklin and Sebastian rode. Tea Cup looked back once at his friends and the backyard gate to the only place he knew was home. Up above on the fence, Ms. Pity strutted herself in her delicate balance. She stopped and looked down at Tea Cup.

“What’s the matter, are you a fraidy cat?” Ms. Pity asked.

“Shut up.” Tea Cup barked back. “Do you know how to get to the Galey home?”

“Maybe I do, and maybe I don’t.” Ms. Pity said.

“Ms. Pity.” Mr. Chips said. “Tell him, or I’ll slobber all over you and drop you in your food dish.”

“Alright! All right! Just having some fun.” Ms. Pity said. “They live past the City Park.”

“You go that far?” Tea Cup asked.

“Oh, you are a fraidy cat!” Ms. Pity said.

“Hey, are we going to save this kid?” Mr. Chips asked the two.

“Live, from Sky Parrot news team.” Sebastian said, jumping up on top of Mr. Chip’s head. “We have breaking news. In a secret meeting held outside the Baxton walls, the Boston Toy Party plans their daring adventure to cross great and hostile lands in search of untold glory! This great odyssey is being led by none other than Tea Cup, their fearless leader.”

“Hey, Ms. Pity.” Mr. Chips said. “I’ll give you thirty minutes to pluck his feathers when we get home.”

“It’s a deal.” Ms. Pity said. “You’re in trouble now, pigeon breath.”

“Ms. Pity.” Tea Cup said. “Let’s go.” When they got to the end of the alley, the road looked clear, and Ms. Pity bounded across. Tea Cup however stopped and looked both ways.

“What are you waiting for?” Ms. Pity asked.

“Remember what happened the last time.” Tea Cup said.

“Have a little courage.” Mr. Chips said. Mr. Chips nudged Tea Cup onto the street. Tea Cup ran across the street with Mr. Chips
right behind him. But Mr. Chips felt the wagon bounce as they went over the road.

“Really now.” Ms. Pity said. “You have got to work on not being afraid of crossing the road. Fraidy cat.”

“Hey! Where’s Franklin?” Mr. Chips said, turning and looking in the wagon. Tea Cup looked around and didn’t see him.

“He’s in the street.” Tea Cup said. Tea Cup ran back to see Franklin standing on the manhole cover. Tea Cup ran up to him.

“Tea Cup.” Franklin said. “I’m stuck, help me.”

Tea Cup looked at Franklin’s foot. It was stuck on a piece of gum. Tea Cup tried to lick at Franklin’s foot.

“Hey, that tickles.” Franklin chuckled. “Just no eating me, alright.”

As Tea Cup licked, Mr. Chips barked at him. Tea Cup looked up.

“Hurry up!” Mr. Chips said. “I hear cars coming!”

Tea Cup tuned his ears to where Mr. Chips was looking and he could hear the cars. Tea Cup grabbed Franklin by the neck and he pulled Franklin free. Just then a large car came straight at him, Tea Cup heard the sound of honking, brakes squealing, and tires skidding as other cars followed suit. He froze and curled up in a ball, waiting for cars to hit him. Then with a loud crunch, Tea Cup closed his eyes and everything went black.

Ch. 2

Tea Cup waited as cars crunched together, and held Franklin down. When nothing else happened, Tea Cup found he had plenty of room. Tea Cup crawled out from under the Jeep, with Franklin firmly secured in his mouth and briskly crossed the road to meet up with the others.

“Are you ok?” Tea Cup asked after he set Franklin in the wagon. Franklin looked at his foot. “Is it broke?” Tea Cup asked.

Franklin scratched his head with the foot. “Nope, still works.”

“Mr. Chips, please be careful.” Tea Cup said. Tea Cup continued walking down the alley and Mr. Chips followed, towing the wagon behind them. Up ahead was Ms. Pity.

“This is WKAP Sky Parrot news reporting.” Sebastian said as they disappeared down the alley. “The expedition moves steadily in they're adventure, but we have live footage of a daring rescue just a few moments ago…”

Stan Brown stepped from his Jeep and looked at the car behind him. The other driver got out and looked too.

“What are you doing following so close?” Stan said. “This is a brand new Jeep.” Stan looked at the minor damage.

“It’s 35mph, you dope!” He said. “What? Did you almost hit another dog?”

“Yeah, I did.” Stan said. “I’m sorry.”

“Stupid reporters.” The man said as Stan stepped to the front of the Jeep.

When Stan looked under the Jeep, the dog was gone. Then his cell phone rang
and he answered it. “Stan Brown, Sun Daily News.”

“Hey Stan, its Brad in the helicopter.” Brad said to Stan. “I just saw you in that accident. Everybody ok?”

Stan stood up and looked to the sky. The helicopter was high up in the air. Stan waved. “Everybody is alright. I thought I hit a dog, but he ran off.”

“Well, I see a dog pulling a wagon up the alley from where you’re at.”

Stan stepped away from the crash site and walked a little ways down the alley. He didn’t see anything. “Are you sure?”

“Sure I’m sure.” Brad said.

Stan stepped further down the alley.

“Stan!” A voice said.

Stan turned around and seen Joe, the police officer standing there. “Hi, Joe.” Stan said.

“We still have an accident to deal with, Stan.” Joe said. “What’s up?”

“I think I hit a dog and he ran down the alley.” Stan walked with Joe back to the car wreck. He hung up the phone and dialed out. After a moment, it began ringing.

“Hey Billy.” Stan said when the call connected. “You want to cover the bicycle theft story for me? You get the story and credit line again.”

“Sure Stan!” Billy said.

“Don’t forget your camera.” Stan said.

Tea Cup and the travelers came down the gently sloping alley to the end and stopped. Traffic was traveling both directions. Tea Cup turned and followed the road to the corner, remembering from the last adventure they had taken. Tea Cup waited. When people started crossing the road, Tea Cup and the team crossed with them. Once on the other side, they all went back to the alley.

“This is embarrassing.” Ms. Pity said. “I can’t believe I’m doing this. Why can’t we cross the road like other cats and dogs?”

“If you want embarrassment, Ms. Pity,” Mr. Chips said. “let me carry you in my mouth for a while.” Mr. Chips came up behind Ms. Pity grabbed hold of her tail in his mouth.

“Hey!” Ms. Pity screeched as she jumped up and landed several feet away. “Don’t do that!” Ms. Pity stopped to wash off her tail. Mr. Chips stopped to look at Ms. Pity then he licked his lips and drool spilled out of his mouth. “Ohh, disgusting.” Ms. Pity said.

“Come on!” Tea Cup said as he rounded the corner of the next alley. Mr. Chips continued to pull the wagon. Shortly after, Ms. Pity caught up.

As Tea Cup led the party down the curving alley, they approached a fenced back yard, which the gate was open. He stopped for a moment to listen and recognized the familiar voices of the kids coming from the yard. He also heard the sound of water.

“Let’s check this out.” Mr. Chips said. Tea Cup continued walking and they all stopped and looked in the yard. There they saw some old friends.

[Paul]

Part 2

Ch. 3
Pam was sitting in her lawn chair, watching her children swim with their friends. It was a nice day, complete with hamburgers, hotdogs, and more. Her tan mini-van sat in front of the garage with big letters on the side. Dr. Pam Brown-Emergency Veterinarian Medicine.

“Look, Mom.” Billy said looking over the edge of the pool. All the kids swam to where Billy was. Pam turned her head and looked. “It’s Mrs. Baxton’s dogs again.”

Billy hopped out as Pam went to the animals. The pets were glad to see their friends and wagged tails as the Browns greeted them. Billy took some hamburgers off the table for them while his sister Emily brought fresh water.

“Where are they going now?” Emily asked, looking through the wagon. “They don’t have anything this time.”

“I don’t know.” Pam said as she checked over the animals. “But if I know them, they are up to something.”

“Get the bikes ready gang.” Billy said to his friends. “We gotta follow them.” Billy’s friends got ready to ride.

“Remember, Billy.” Pam said. “Give them five minutes head start. Don’t spook them.”

“Yes, mom.” Billy said.

“How long are we going to stay?” Mr. Chips asked as Tea Cup drank some water.

“A few minutes.” Tea Cup said. Tea Cup looked over at Ms. Pity, who sat in Pam’s lap. “Ms. Pity, how much farther is the Galeys?”

“Not far.” Ms. Pity said. “About 4 more blocks.”

“4 more.” Tea Cup said. “We don’t have much time.”

Tea Cup looked to Franklin, who chewed a leaf. Sebastian was eating cashews, and Mr. Chips another hamburger. Tea Cup went into the alley to see where they had to go.

“You look worried.” Mr. Chips said.

“I am.” Tea Cup said. “I remember your friend Thor.”

“You let me worry about Thor.” Mr. Chips said. “He hasn’t forgotten about me.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Tea Cup said. Tea Cup continued on the mission. “Come on Ms. Pity!”

Mr. Chips left the Browns, accepting one last hug from Emily, before taking off. Franklin rode, watching where they went.

“This is WKAP Sky Parrot news, live from the Brown hospital where the weary travelers stopped to rest. Already many of them move on, but the cat stubbornly stays behind. A clear indication that there is division among the ranks.”

Ms. Pity jumped down from the lap and up on the fence. “Listen to me, bird brain.” Ms. Pity hissed. “One day I’ll have more than a few tail feathers, you’ll be my lunch.” Ms. Pity jumped at Sebastian, but Sebastian flew off into the air. Ms. Pity sighed before she jumped down.

“Are we going to follow them?” Emily asked, following her mother.

“Yes, we are.” Pam said. “Billy, got your cell-phone?”

“Right here mom.” Billy said.

Already frustrated with guiding the team again, preferring to wander alone, Ms. Pity decided she needed a break. So when it came time to cross the next road, she darted across to the other side.

“Ms. Pity, what are you doing?” Tea Cup yelled.

“Scouting ahead.” Ms. Pity called out. “I’ll meet you here when you get around.”

“Come on.” Tea Cup said, turning the team to where the streetlight was stopping cars.

Ms. Pity sat and smiled. At least she would get a reprieve from Tea Cup and especially Sebastian. Ms. Pity began grooming herself. She didn’t need to scout ahead; she knew where to take Tea Cup, then she lifted her nose and smelled the air. The change in the breeze brought a fresh dose of smells her way. One of them was a dog.

“Looks like its lunch time.” A dog growled. At once Ms. Pity panicked and ran.

When Tea Cup got to the place where Ms. Pity was supposed to be, she was gone. Both him and Mr. Chips sniffed the ground with their noses, and they picked up the scent of both Ms. Pity and the large dog, which was fast on her tail.

“Oh no.” Mr. Chips said. “Not again.”

“If he doesn’t kill her, I will.” Tea Cup said. “Sebastian. Can you fly up and take a look around for me?”

“Roger, roger.” Sebastian said. Sebastian started making sounds of a turbo prop plane and started flapping his wings, taking off
into the air. “Parrot recon 1 taking off. Commander Tea Cup, mission accepted.” With that Sebastian flew high into the air.

“She’s running for the park again.” Mr. Chips said as he evaluated the scent. Both Tea Cup and Mr. Chips headed for the park. Not far behind were several boys on bikes.

Stan Brown quickly worked his way down the alley, trying to see where the travelers had gone. He knew he wasn’t crazy. But each place he turned to, it was nothing but a dead end. So he kept moving on. After spending more than a half hour, Stan was half way down the alley and He began crossing in front of an open gate. He was so involved in looking for the dogs and where they might have gone, when he looked up to see a van about to run him over while pulling out of the driveway. Stan didn’t have time react.

Ch. 4

In one second she heard the collision alarm, in the next she heard a thump. Pam turned off the van and instantly looked at Emily, but Emily also was trying to look out the window too.

“You hit a man, mom.” Emily said.

“A man!” Pam exclaimed. Pam jumped from her van and ran to the back. A man was sitting by the van, holding his head.” Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” Stan said. “I’m sorry. That was my fault.”

“Let me get a band-aid for you.” Pam said. Pam opened the backdoor and grabbed a first aid kit. “What were you doing anyway?” Pam asked as she doctored the wound on his head.

“Following a dog.” Stan said.

“A dog?” Pam replied.

“Yeah, a black and white short haired dog.” Stan said. “Another dog pulling…”

“…A wagon with a bird, a cat, and a guinea pig.” Pam said, nodding her head and smiling. “They’re heading for the orphanage again.”

“They don’t have any toys this time.” Stan commented.

“I noticed that.” Pam said. “By the way, do I know you?”

“Stan Brown, Sun Daily News.” Stan said. “And you are?”

“Dr. Pam Brown. Emergency Vet.” Pam said, pointing to the side of the van. “Remember me? Two months ago you interviewed me about the same dogs doing this before.”

“Ok.” Stan said, getting up. “I remember now.”

“How is your head?” Pam asked.

“It’s nothing. I got to stay on their trail. Thanks for the band-aid.” Stan said, heading down the alley.

“Hey Stan.” Pam said. “I’m following them too, want a ride?”

“We have to follow their trail.” Stan said.

“My son is following them, he’s got a cell-phone.” Pam commented.

Stan smiled. “Excellent.”

The phone rang and Pam answered it. “Dr. Brown, Emergency vet.”

“Mom.” Billy replied. “The animals ran off.”

“Where too?” Pam asked.

“I’m not sure.” Billy said. “They didn’t head for the park this time. Mikey and the boys are looking right now and are supposed to meet me at the soda shop.”

“Alright.” Pam said. “I’m heading to the orphanage, call me if you see them.” Pam hung up the phone and looked at Stan. “We’ll start at the orphanage.”

“Good idea.” Stan said.

[Paul]

Part 3


Tea Cup and Mr. Chips looked for Ms. Pity, following the trail left behind. Ms. Pity headed away from the park, crossed the main highway, and to a housing sub division. Tea Cup found a place not far away, where humans crossed the highway, and got across there. On the other side, they found the trail went past there and they followed it. The trail went through an open yard and an alley unfamiliar to Tea Cup. But the team followed it to an apartment complex anyway. Fighting could be heard, and investigating it, they found a black dog trying to subdue Ms. Pity.

Tea Cup grabbed the dog by the tail and bit hard. The dog yelped and turned around in a circle, trying to get at Tea Cup, who kept a firm bite on the dog. Dodging the biting, Tea Cup hung on. Mr. Chips dropped the wagon harness and charged in full speed. He knocked over the dog and started grabbing for its neck.

“Get off me, you two.” The dog growled and snapped back, nipping a part of Tea Cup’s hindquarters. “This is my meal.”

“Oh no, it’s not.” Mr. Chips said. “That’s my cat.” Mr. Chips grabbed hold of the dog and threw him into the fence, knocking over a trashcan. Tea Cup had let go, leaving dog hairs in his mouth.

“Get back, old timer.” The dog growled. “Or I’ll tear you and that snug nosed shrimp apart.”

“Who you calling pug nosed.” Tea Cup growled at the dog.

“I’m not leaving without that cat.” The dog said.

“Oh, yes you are.” Mr. Chips said. “You’ll have to go through me, to get him.”

“Fine!” The dog said. The dog lurched at Mr. Chips and the two began fighting again.

“Get out of here.” Mr. Chips barked as he held off the dog.

Tea Cup went to help Ms. Pity, but the dog kicked and knocked Tea Cup into the side of the building. Mr. Chips grabbed the dog by the neck and pulled him into another trashcan, which fell over onto the dog. But the dog got back up. He began to circle around to get between his meal and Mr. Chips, but Mr. Chips wouldn’t let him.

“Sebastian F-16 Parrot attack plane, beginning attack run!” Sebastian said as he circled above. Sebastian dived, making the sounds of a fighter prop plane coming in for an attack, landed on the head of the dog, and pecked hard. The dog shook his head to get the parrot off, but the parrot took a piece of skin with him as he flew.

“Ow!” The dog said, cowering his head from the attack and looking up. The mean looking parrot circled from above. The black dog jumped up to snap at Sebastian, but Sebastian flew high where he could stay safe.

“Roger, tower.” Sebastian said. “Bombing run commencing.” Sebastian began another dive, and when the dog was ready to spring up and bite Sebastian, Mr. Chips knocked him over and into the trashcans. Sebastian dropped poop on the dog’s head.

Mr. Chips jumped on top of the dog and got in his face. Mr. Chips bared his teeth at the dog. “Had enough?”

“Let me at him! Let me at him!” Franklin said, coming out of a trashcan with a chicken leg in his mouth. “I’ll shove this bone right up his nose.”

“What kind of weirdo’s are you?” The dog said, looking at all of them. “Forget the cat.”

Mr. Chips stepped off the dog, which began walking away. “Now get lost.” Mr. Chips said.

“I am.” The dog said. “But I’ll be back.”

Mr. Chips stepped up to the dog. “And I’ll be waiting.”

The dog looked at the four of them, then he walked off, limping on one of his legs.

“Franklin, what are you doing in there?’ Mr. Chips said, picking up Franklin and putting him in the wagon. “You could have gotten killed.”

“Hey, there’s some great carrots and lettuce in there!” Franklin argued. “Besides, I found a bone for you to stick up his nose.”

“Thanks.” Mr. Chips said. Mr. Chips stepped over to Tea Cup, where Ms. Pity was licking at his face. “How is he, Ms. Pity?”

“A little beat up.” Ms. Pity said. “He’s got a bump on his head.”

“How about you?” Mr. Chips asked. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah.” Ms. Pity said. “Just lost a little fur. Thanks, you saved my life.”

Mr. Chips put Tea Cup in the wagon. Sebastian landed next to Tea Cup while Mr. Chips was getting Ms. Pity next. “How come you always pick a fight with a street dog?” Mr. Chips said to Ms. Pity.

“I guess I’m popular.” Ms. Pity said. “That gang of dogs as been after me for 6 months now.”

“Well if you would stay home more often.” Mr. Chips said. “They wouldn’t mess with you.”

“If I stayed home more often, I wouldn’t know how to get to the Galeys.” Ms. Pity said.

Mr. Chips stepped into the harness and began pulling his friends back to the alley. He looked both ways. “I’m lost. Ms. Pity, where are we?”

Ms. Pity looked up. “Turn right. We are only two houses away from the Galeys.” Tea Cup lifted his head and looked at Ms. Pity.

“Ms. Pity.” Tea Cup said. “Are you alright?"

“Yes.” Ms. Pity said. “Now lay down and get some rest.”

“But we’re almost to the Galey’s house.” Tea Cup said, sitting up. “I have to learn what happened.”

Ms. Pity forced Tea Cup to lie down. “You let me worry about that. You need rest.” Tea Cup lay back down.

Mr. Chips pulled them to the Galey home, just like Ms. Pity directed him.

Ch. 5

Mr. Chips and Ms. Pity looked around the corner, and saw people everywhere. A young woman sat at the patio table, holding a small hat and ball.

“I bet that hat belongs to Johnny.” Mr. Chips said.

“And the ball too.” Ms. Pity said.

“If we could get them, we could follow his scent.” Tea Cup said. “Then it would be easier.”

“Yes, it would.” Mr. Chips said. “But how do we get them?”

“Haven’t thought of that, yet.” Tea Cup said.

“I can do it.” Franklin said.

“No.” Tea Cup said. “It’s too risky.”

“I can get in and out again.” Franklin said. “Sneaking around is my thing.”

“What do you think?” Tea Cup asked Mr. Chips.

“It’s possible.” Mr. Chips said.

“Sebastian,” Tea Cup said. “I want you to be a distraction.”

“Roger, tower.” Sebastian said. “Parrot reconnaissance taking off.” Sebastian took off and flew into the yard. Franklin jumped
down and slipped into the bushes, heading for the hat and ball.

Sgt. Rocky was a strong German Shepherd. Trained to recognize most smells, decorated for many drug and bomb busts and saving lives. Listening to Sgt. Joe Nightfall talk to Angie, he was here to pick up the scent of Johnny. He watched a parrot land in the tree, and something was shuffling in the bushes. Looking around, he saw two dogs and a cat, standing by the back gate. So he went and investigated.

“Can I help you?” Rocky barked at them.

“We’re here to help.” Tea Cup said.

“We have all the help we need.” Rocky said. “So move along.”

“Still tough as ever, huh Rocky.” Mr. Chips said.

“What did you say?” Rocky replied. “Do I know you?”

“You should.” Mr. Chips said. “We spent a week at the pound before the police recruited you. We left about the same time.”

“Oh yeah, you went home with that old lady.” Rocky said, waging his tail. Rocky heard Joe calling him. “Time to go. Get out of here, I’ll see you guys later.” Rocky turned and left.

Sebastian caught everybody’s attention. Angie got up to look him, leaving the hat on the chair and the ball fell to the ground. Then she talked to the policeman, and Franklin made his move. Franklin pulled the hat off the chair and he nudged the ball and dragged the hat into the bushes, to go meet up with Tea Cup. But when he got there, they were gone. Sebastian landed next to him.

“What do I do now?” Franklin said. “Everyone’s gone!”

“They got chased off.” Sebastian said. “Let’s go find them. Come on, follow me.” Sebastian and Franklin left the yard as Franklin continued to push the ball down the alley, but then the ball started rolling on its own, too fast for him to keep up.

“Oh no.” Franklin said.

Rocky knew something was wrong and once he caught on the hat and ball was missing, Rocky began searching for them. It wasn’t long before he caught the smell of Franklin and Johnny’s scent. He followed the trail to the gate, looked at Joe and barked.

“Joe.” Rocky barked. “Joe.” Rocky barked again.

“What is it Rocky?” Joe said. Rocky barked twice and wagged his tail, giving the sign he found a scent. “You got something, don’t you?” Joe attached a GPS locator signal to Rocky.

“Good boy, good boy!” Joe said, rubbing Rocky’s coat.

“Got something, Nightfall.” The detective asked.

“Yes sir.” Joe said. “Rocky picked up the scent. I’m going to let him go.” Mrs. Galey came up to Joe.

“Can he smell Johnny?” She asked.

“I think so.” Joe said. “Ok, boy. Go and find him. Go Find!” Rocky began following the scent.

[Paul]

Part 4

Ch. 6

The ball rolled too fast for Franklin to keep up, but he ran the best he could. Sebastian took the hat and flew, and Franklin watched Sebastian land, stop the ball, and started chirping. Franklin ran to him. Just before he got there, two huge dogs knocked Sebastian down. Something grabbed Franklin’s neck and painfully carried him to where Sebastian laid on the ground under the dogs’ feet, and was tossed next to him.

“Hey!” Franklin said. “Touch me again and I’ll bite your toes off.”

“Ohh, I’m scared.” The dog said, picking up one foot. “Don’t hurt me!” He sarcastically said. The dog knocked Franklin down and all three dogs laughed.

“Careful, Brutis.” A Doberman pincher said. “Don’t break a nail!”

“Here, have some fleas.” The third one said, turning and scratching his head at Franklin and Sebastian. The three dogs laughed again.

“Are these the ones?” Brutis said.

“Yea.” The one said while letting up off of Sebastian.

“Then get the stuff and let’s go.” Brutis said.

The two dogs grabbed the hat and ball, and ran down the street.

“Hey, come back!” Franklin said.

Brutis stepped down on Franklin and Sebastian.

“Ow, get off me.” Franklin grunted.

“Watch the feathers!” Sebastian chirped.

“Shut up!” Brutis said. “If you want the kid’s hat and ball back, then show up with the cat and the Boss will trade.” Brutis ran off. Franklin and Sebastian got up and checked themselves over.

“What are we going to do?” Franklin asked.

“We find Tea Cup.” Sebastian said. “You hide and I’ll go find them.”

“Ok, but where?” Franklin asked.

Sebastian flew onto the fence and looked in the yard behind it. It was lush with trees and grass.

“Franklin.” Sebastian said, flying down to the ground. “Can you dig a hole under this fence?”

“Sure.” Franklin said. Franklin started digging near the fence. “I’ll be inside in no time.”

Sebastian gave Franklin a nod and took off into the air. Sebastian flew into the air, leveled out and began to soar. A nice updraft helped to keep him in the air. As he glided, Sebastian saw Mr. Chips, Tea Cup, and Ms. Pity walking down the sidewalk. Sebastian turned for making a decent, knowing they were close to Franklin, but then he saw a shadow. Sebastian turned to look and realized he was not alone in the sky.

The falcon let out a screech, but Sebastian didn’t wait around to find out anything else, he flew. He dived, leveled out between trees, flapping as hard as he could. The falcon stayed with him, slowly inching towards Sebastian. Sebastian maneuvered through the trees, banked hard and came out sharply heading the way he came. It was too tight of a turn for the falcon, which lost ground. By then, Sebastian gained altitude and distance. Sebastian looked to see the falcon was still behind him, but Sebastian also seen Mr. Chips and the others moving away. Sebastian dived hard and straight for Mr. Chips. He could hear the falcon screech, as it closed in. Sebastian hoped he could pull out of the dive better than the hawk. When he was close enough, Sebastian pulled out of his dive, skating across the top of Mr. Chip’s head.

“Ow!” Mr. Chips said as he ducked low.

“Look out Tea Cup!” Ms. Pity said.

Tea Cup turned and looked up at the falcon.

The falcon’s determined eyes changed to fright, but he could not pull out of the dive fast enough. He crashed into Mr. Chips and tried to regain altitude, but it was too late. Tea Cup and Ms. Pity was on to him. The two fought the falcon off of Mr. Chips, across the wagon, and onto the ground as the falcon pecked and fought off his attackers.

“Get him!” Sebastian yelled from his perch on top of Mr. Chips. “Bite his head off!”

“Let go!” The falcon screeched as Tea Cup jumped on top of him. “Get off my tail feathers!”

“Clip his wings!” Tea Cup yelled.

Ms. Pity tried to bite down on the falcon’s wings, but the falcon kept flailing them. Mr. Chips finally got a foothold on one wing and Ms. Pity succeeded in pinning the other. “This is one bird I get to eat.”

“No!” The falcon said, struggling to get up.

“Oh, shut up!” Ms. Pity growled back. “Your bird days are gone.”

“Please don’t.” The falcon pleaded.

“Hold on.” Tea Cup said. Tea Cup stepped onto the wings and coldly stared in the eyes of the falcon. “Why should we?”

“I was just after the parakeet.” The falcon said. “My wife’s eggs hatched and they need food. Just let me go, I won’t chase him again, I promise.”

“Why should we believe you?” Ms. Pity said. “Let’s ground this chicken.”

“Yeah, teach him what happens when you mess with us.” Sebastian said.

Ch. 7

They watched the falcon fly up into the sky and out of sight.

“You should have let me eat him.” Ms. Pity said.

“He got the point.” Tea Cup said. “Sebastian, where is the hat and ball? Where is Franklin?”

“They took it.” Sebastian said. “The dog we chased off and a couple of others jumped us and took it. They want to trade for Ms. Pity.”

“Hmmm.” Mr. Chips said.

“Thor.” Tea Cup said.

“Thor.” Mr. Chips said. “Let’s go. I know where to find them.”

“What about Ms. Pity?” Sebastian asked.

“We are going to take back what was stolen.” Mr. Chips said.

“You think he will fight you again?” Tea Cup asked.

“He’s going to if he likes it or not.” Mr. Chips said.

They arrived where Sebastian left Franklin digging a hole.

“Franklin!” Tea Cup barked. “Where are you?”

“Franklin.” Sebastian said as he flew onto the fence. Sebastian looked in the yard and he seen Franklin running along. “Here he comes.”

Franklin came out and Mr. Chips put him in the wagon. Mr. Chips led them down alleys until they came to an old house. Three dogs showed themselves. Brutis was waiting with the other two dogs with the hat and ball.

Rocky was hot on the trail of who took the hat and ball, and was determined to get them back. He picked up the scent in one spot but was too late, they were gone. He did find the smell of the ball and smelled Brutis, a local pack dog. Rocky was sure a creature had been kidnapped and soon would be killed. Rocky began heading towards the other alley, knowing where to find this pack of dogs.

As he slowly trotted down the alley, he wondered why his partner hadn’t arrived. It was unusual he was ever this late. Rocky sensed his partner was fine and continued on the search. He saw Brutis and carefully hid in a shed to watch. Rocky didn’t think the Galey boy was here, or not all of the gang would be outside the abandoned house. Suddenly Mr. Chips and the others arrived, including the Guinea Pig and Parrot. The Boston Terrier stepped in front of Mr. Chips, as Brutis approached. The two sat, facing each other. Then Thor, the Rotweiler, came out of the house and stood next to Brutis.

“Where’s the hat and ball, Thor.” Mr. Chips said as he stepped out of his harness. “I want it back.”

“I’m reasonable.” Thor said. “How about a trade. The cat for the hat and ball.”

“No trades.” Mr. Chips said. “The cat is mine. So is the hat and ball.”

Thor chuckled. “This is my turf, now you do things my way.”

“Thor.” Mr. Chips said. “There’s a little boy missing. We…”

“I know.” Thor said. “But that’s not my problem. And you beat up Two Toes, that is a problem.”

“He was going to eat my friend.” Mr. Chips said.

“I still am too.” Two Toes said.

“There’s only one way to get the hat and ball.” Thor said. “The cat.”

Mr. Chips stepped up to Thor and snarled. “Try me.”

“Don’t do it.” Thor said, aggressively. “You’re outnumbered. You’re the only one big enough to fight and you can’t fight us all.”

“Are you sure about that?” Mr. Chips said.

“No cat. No hat and ball.” Thor said.

“I’m warning you Thor, don’t do this.” Mr. Chips said.

Thor, Brutis, and Two Toes lunged at the team at the same time and the fight was on.

[Paul]

Part 5

Ch. 8

Thor attacked, lunging at Mr. Chips to take hold of his neck. Mr. Chips was fast enough to keep from getting bitten, but Thor knocked him down and Mr. Chips kicked free with his hind legs. Two Toes went for Ms. Pity. She ran with Two Toes in pursuit. Tea Cup and Brutis fought with each other. Tea Cup knew if he held Brutis long enough, Mr. Chips would finish Thor and come to his aid. Sebastian took off and performed dive runs on Brutis to help equal the odds. As the fights progressed, Franklin got the hat and ball. He slowly traveled down the alley with them, hoping to find a good place to hide.

Ms. Pity lost ground to Two Toes and he caught up to her. Ms. Pity ran through brush, through an apartment complex and then finally up a tree. A branch broke under her weight and she fell on Two Toes. The branch struck Two Toes in the face, and as he was struggling to get his vision back, Ms. Pity ran again. Ms. Pity tried to make her way back to where Tea Cup was, but Two Toes came up from behind and bit her tail. She screamed and jumped and lost fur while breaking free from his bite, but Two Toes was on top of her and Ms. Pity clawed back the best she could. Just as Two Toes went for the final bite, something hit him hard.

Despite Tea Cup's determination, Brutis still had the upper hand in the fight. In between Sebastian’s dive runs to help, Brutis anticipated the bird’s attacks and when Sebastian was in range, Brutis turned and snapped at Sebastian. Grabbing a mouth full of feathers, Brutis flung Sebastian across the alley into a brick wall, and Sebastian fell. Tea Cup saw it and went to help his friend, but Brutis grabbed his hind leg.

A loud screech in the air from above could be heard and both dogs turned their heads to see falcons diving. Tea Cup thought of Sebastian, who laid on the ground. He fought back to try and save Sebastian, but Brutis would not let go. Then it all changed, Brutis let go and Tea Cup limped to Sebastian. Two falcons attacked Brutis, clawing at his face, pecking and biting at his fur. Brutis tried to fight back, but the falcons were just too mobile and Brutis ran down the alley.

The last time Mr. Chips fought Thor, it was in a park one on one, where he could wear Thor down in runs and jumps, but the alley wasn’t the same. Thor had the advantage. But Mr. Chips saw something Thor didn’t, Franklin escaping with the hat and ball. Mr. Chips plan was to keep Thor busy until Franklin was away and it worked. Thor managed to knock Mr. Chips down and Thor stuck his nose in his face.

“This time I win, but I’m not going to let you walk away.” Thor said. “It the end of the line.”

Thor let out a yelp as he was bitten on his tail. Thor turned and saw Rocky, ready to fight.

“Rocky!” Thor said, concerned.

“Where’s the missing kid, Thor?” Rocky demanded.

Mr. Chips got onto his feet, regaining energy.

“Ha!” Thor said. “Chasing lost kids now?”

“Thor!” Rocky said, growling at Thor. “Don’t make me ask again.” Mr. Chips and Tea Cup were now growling. Thor looked around
and Sebastian landed on Thor’s head.

“I don’t know.” Thor said. “You might ask Sara Lee, the collie over in the Spencer yard. She told me the the boy was missing.” Rocky looked Thor hard in the face. Thor flipped his head up and Sebastian jumped and landed back on Rocky’s head.

“This is WKAP Parrot Sky plane.” Sebastian said. “We are live in an alley where Police Sgt. Rocky has apprehended the leader of a gang and is interrogating him as we speak.” All the animals looked up at Sebastian as he spoke. “The thug, pressured by force has willingly given up information police need to rescue the boy.”

“What’s with this bird?” Rocky asked. Tea Cup sighed.

“Their all nuts.” Thor said. “Be lucky they aren’t part of your police force, you would never get crime solved.”

“I doubt that.” Rocky said. “Find yourself an owner Thor, and get a license.”

Thor took off running down the alley. A short time later, Two Toes ran from a building and follow him.

“Ms. Pity?” Tea Cup barked as he ran. He looked up stairs, down stairs, and even in the back.

“Ms. Pity!” Tea Cup barked. He got only silence. Tea Cup heard a noise and turned around, Rocky was standing there.

“We’re too late.” Tea Cup said. “She’s gone.” Tea Cup began to whimper. Rocky stared for a moment. He looked around and they were alone.

“Hey!” Rocky said. “Stop crying.” Rocky nudged Tea Cup hard. “You’re their leader, right?” Rocky stammered. Tea Cup tearfully looked up to Rocky. “Then act like it. The rest of your crew needs you. That little boy needs you, and standing here crying about it isn’t going to get the job done. So dry it up, and go save the day. I’ll help you.”

“What about Ms. Pity?” Tea Cup asked.

“She’ll take care of herself.” Rocky said. “What’s important is to be a leader and finish what you have started.”

Tea Cup got up and got strong again, and then he looked Rocky. “Sgt. Rocky, let’s go get that ball and hat. We can work together to find Johnny. Ms. Pity will be alright until we’re done.”

“That’s the way to go, Tea Cup.” Rocky said.

Rocky and Tea Cup left the apartment. Tea Cup stopped for a moment and looked. “Be strong, Ms. Pity. I’ll be back to find you.”

Ch. 9

Billy rode his bike fast. He dodged through two apartment complexes, found the main road, and headed for the corner of Main and 5th. He looked and saw his mom parked in a parking lot and rode there.

“Mom!” Billy said.

“Billy!” Pam said, getting out of the van with Stan. “What’s the matter?”

“Here.” Billy said, handing Pam the bag. Pam found Ms. Pity inside.

“Oh!” Pam said. Pam took Ms. Pity to the back of the van where she thoroughly examined her. Ms Pity quickly recovered. “What happen?”

“They got into a fight with a pack of dogs.” Billy said. “I hit one with a board.”

“How far away?” Stan asked.

“Four blocks from here.” Billy said.

“Is the cat alright?” Stan asked.

“Yeah.” Pam said. “You want a ride there?”

“Let’s go.” Stan said.

They followed Billy to the place but it was empty.

“Here’s the board I used.” Billy said, picking up the board. “He must have run off.”

Stan looked at dog prints. Pam knelt too, looking at them. One was a small dog; the other a larger dog.

“They went that way.” Pam said.

“I’ll track them again.” Billy said.

“Alright.” Pam said.

“Mom.” Emily said. “There is a policeman here.”

Stan and Pam looked and saw the officer get out of his car.

“Joe.” Stan said.

“Hey Stan, what’s going on?” Joe asked.

“Oh, chasing those crazy animals again.” Stan said.

“Mrs. Baxton’s?” Joe asked.

“We got the cat in the back.” Stan said. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for Rocky.” Joe said. “He’s around here somewhere, looking for Johnny.”

“The Galey boy?” Pam said. “You don’t think they are trying to find him do you?”

“You have to be joking, right?” Stan replied.

“Dog’s pick up on incredible things with their intuition Stan.” Pam said.

“Well, my locator says Rocky is here.” Joe said.

“Let me see your locator.” Pam said. The signal guided them to a nearby shed where Rocky’s locator laid on the ground.

“How does he do that?” Joe asked himself.

“I think if we follow Tea Cup’s trail, we’ll find Rocky too.” Pam said. “If I know Tea Cup, it won’t be long before he finds Johnny.”

“Then we go to the Galey home and wait.” Stan said. Stan dialed out with his cell phone. “This is Stan, I need a news truck at the Galey home. Yeah, call it a hunch. It’s going to be headline news, I’m sure of it.”

The two vehicles soon left.

[Paul]

Part 6

Ch. 10

Mr. Chips and Rocky sniffed the items until Mr. Chips picked up Johnny’s scent and began tracking across yards and alleys, closing in on Johnny. As they searched through an alley, it stopped cold again. But they did not give up looking. A Border collie stuck her head out in the alley and she saw then dogs looking around. As Mr. Chips looked up and seen Sara-Lee, watching him.

“Hi Mr. Chips.” Sara-Lee said.

“Hello.” Mr. Chips said, stepping over to Sara-Lee, Tea Cup and the others also came.

“Hi.” Tea Cup said. “How are you?”

“Fine.” Sara-Lee said. “What are you boys doing out?” Sara Lee looked beyond them. “Rocky!”

“Hi, Sara-Lee.” Rocky said, coming over to them.

“I wonder who else will show up.” Sara-Lee said. “So, what are you guys doing?”

“We’re looking for a boy.” Tea Cup said. “We are trying to get him home.”

“Oh?” Sara-Lee said. “What happened?”

“He got out and nobody has seen him.” Rocky said. “We lost his scent here in the alley.”

“Have you seen him?” Tea Cup asked. “There is a mean dog out there and he may hurt him.”

“Thor.” Sara-Lee said. “Typical alley trash. Come inside.”

“I’m sorry Sara-Lee, but we don’t have time.” Mr. Chips said.

“If you want to know where the boy is, come inside.” Sara-Lee said. “You won’t find him without me.” Sara-Lee stepped into the yard. Inside, Johnny was sleeping in the shade.

“There he is, Tea Cup.” Mr. Chips said.

“Nice and safe.” Sara-Lee said.

“How long has he been here?” Rocky asked.

“I found him this morning.” Sara-Lee said. “I was keeping him safe until my owners got home. Since you are here we can take him back now.”

“Oh, thank you.” Tea Cup said.

Sara-Lee woke up Johnny and they put him in Mr. Chip’s wagon. Johnny giggled and laughed, playing with Franklin and his hat and ball on the way home. They crossed two lanes of traffic at stoplights before they started down the alley to the Galey home. One thing
remained on Tea Cup’s mind. Ms. Pity. He had to go back and find her.

Angie had faith Johnny would be ok. Angie curiously watched as Pam and her vet van arrived, and then Pam’s son arrived with news. The dogs were near by and he saw a little boy with them. Standing near her house, Angie watched the alley with friends while reporters and TV cameras focused their attention to the alley. Joe stood next to Angie when the dogs came around the corner and into the yard with Johnny in the wagon.

Angie ran to her son, crying. She sat on the ground and held him, and was thankful her son was home. The news focused more attention on the dogs than her boy and she was glad. They deserved it. Everyone petted and thanked all the dogs. Including Sara Lee and Rocky.

“Tea Cup!” Pam called. Tea Cup turned and saw Pam holding Ms. Pity. Pam put Ms. Pity on the ground and Tea Cup ran up and tackled her, licking her face. “You’re still alive!” Tea Cup cried. The two licked and wrestled while Pam and Stan watched and smiled.

Ch. 11

Mrs. Baxton came home from a hard day. She sat down in her chair as the news came on. The top story was the safe return of the missing Galey boy. Footage of Tea Cup and her animals rolling down the alley with the Galey boy, stirred frustration in her. The house phone rang and the machine showed her the messages waiting for her. Her name was spoken on the TV, and then she saw the news truck and Dr. Pam Brown’s van pull up in front of her house. Baxton fearfully turned to look at her house, hoping to see her pet’s habitual daily destruction, to prove they were home all day but none was about. Then her cell-phone rang and on it was her daughter calling her, to question her elderly years and sanity… again! With tears in her eyes, Mrs. Baxton yelled at the top of her lungs, “Tea Cup!”