Fury theme 2 - Dog

Dog

He had always wanted to have a dog. Even when he had been very young, he was attracted to dogs. Cats made good pets as well, just like rabbits, birds, fish, squirrels and just about every other animal he came across in the city. But dogs were his favourites.

A dog was loyal and friendly and in many ways Cain Fury felt a connection with them. Indeed, wasn’t he loyal and friendly as well? A dog, however, also proved to be a wonderful friend and champion, always ready to bark at those who dared to attack their master. Although he could handle himself in any fight, Cain didn’t like fighting and a strong companion at his side would make him feel more at ease.

His mother, however, never allowed him to have a dog – or any other pet. “You need to look after the pet, Cain,” she’d say. “That is a hard job and we don’t have the time for that. When you grow up and live on your own, you can always adopt a pet.” And then, with a great sigh and a deep sadness, he let the dog, cat or whatever he had picked up from the streets go again. That sad expression the stray animal gave him always tore at his heart.

He was older now, but despite his deepest wishes, he still didn’t have a dog. No loyal companion who waited for him when he returned from work. No good friend, who he could take with him to the forests and fields for long walks until they were both exhausted. No champion at his side, to alert him and protect him from danger. The dorm rules stated that pets were not allowed.

Cain resented this rule. It was in his opinion that everyone should be allowed to keep pets and it was hard to keep those poor creatures outside during the rains that swept occasionally over the Eastern city. But rules were rules and Cain didn’t have the courage to protest against them.

That didn’t mean he never took care of the poor stray dogs and cats whenever he found one. At least every day, he went out to feed those who lived on the streets near his dorm. He even took one with him once to the office. The black-white puppy – now known as Black Hayate – was actually shivering in the rain and Cain couldn’t bear the sight, picked the puppy up and carried it with him to the office. On that day, he also found out that second lieutenant Breda had an almost unreasonable fear for dogs and that second lieutenant Havoc viewed dogs as food. He might have been joking, but Cain didn’t want to take any changes. The thought that the young puppy would end up as some roasted steak on Havoc’s plate had given him many nightmares.

Although he wasn’t allowed yet to keep a pet, he promised himself that one day, when he’d earn enough money to buy his own house, he would adopt a dog. Maybe even two dogs. And a few cats, some rabbits and other animals he could take care of. No birds, though, because he felt sorry for the little creatures to be locked up in a cage all day. But he would at least take a dog in his house as his friend.

That day was still far away, though. Cain Fury was only sergeant major of rank. Before he could fulfill his dreams, he’d have to have at least first lieutenant as rank. Or maybe second lieutenant would be alright as well. But first lieutenant Hawkeye had her own house and she took care of Black Hayate now. Fury envied her a little, but the little puppy was allowed in the office and he could play with the dog every day during the break. If he had the courage, he would have asked Hawkeye if it was alright that he could take the puppy for some walks. He was afraid, however, that Hawkeye might get angry by that question.

So when the day was over, Cain first walked to the shop, where he bought meat, milk and bread. Then he went home, to feed the poor animals that lived near his dorm. They were happy to see him, of course, and swarmed around him whenever they saw him. Stray pets are usually shy and timid, but they knew they didn’t have to fear him. For at least half an hour, Cain found himself awash with all kinds of assorted pets. He fed them and then he spent some time petting them. And if a new member had joined the club, he paid extra attention to it until it had shed off its shyness.

His friends often teased him with his hobby. “Find yourself a nice girlfriend and forget about those animals,” second lieutenant Breda would say. His blond colleague then nodded his agreement.

“Pets are nice, Fury, but they can’t match a real girl. It’s time for you to find one as well, you know.”

Fury let them talk. He was too bashful to approach a girl and he didn’t miss the lack of girlfriends too much yet. Girls and women made him feel uneasy and he was still young, after all. Until he had enough courage to talk to one, he decided to stay to his other loyal friends, the poor stray dogs and cats.

So it was that he went to the shop to buy the usual things after work and headed to the small alley near the dorms. He was lucky today. The sky was grey and there was a cold wind, but it didn’t rain. He also had no appointments for in the evening, so he could stay with his other friends as long as possible. And the new puppy needed some extra attention anyway.

Sergeant major Cain Fury, a shy, though handsome, young man. Also a loyal and friendly companion, just like the dogs he could be compared with.