ALL NOVEL Loop 254 - Canine Council
“ETHEL!” Bug yelled the moment she saw one of her favorite people.
“Bug!” yelled Frank, the giant plant son standing next to her. Bug had missed him as well, though not as nearly much as Ethel. He always managed derailed game nights.
“Ah, I see my favorite dogs have finally returned,” Ethel said, walking towards them smiling, her usual cranky scowl absent.
“Mistress, Alfred, and I wish to join your classes. We have heard many stories from Commander Bug during our travels, and we both now realize we have much to learn,” Gretel said, bowing her head as Ethel approached.
“Commander Bug, eh? So you’ve moved up in the world, then? And just when did my puppies get so formal? But yes, of course, Gretel, you, and Alfred will be very welcome in class once they resume. Now, come on, let’s get some food. I want to hear all about what happened,” Ethel said.
“Sorry, Ethel. No time. We’ve gotta get some strong people and head back to the Under Library for a fight,” Bug said. She wanted to stay and lounge in the lighted grass, but she knew she had responsibilities now, and those came first.
“So that is why Cal and Andy went straight for the sword then? Well, at least tell me why I can’t seem to sense you three at all in my realm. All I see is a dog-shaped hole around you,” Ethel asked.
“Oh, that’s the after-effect of the oath. Spot the ghost dog called it, no longer having a master. We are bound now only to help those who need help. In realities belonging to someone else, we have to give the realms consent even to make us visible at all. It’s pretty neat,” Bug explained.