They searched the garage thoroughly, but in the end, didn’t find anything better. Civilian stuffed a few screwdrivers and a utility knife into his backpack, and finally, they set off again.


The streets were quiet once more. Dust had settled, and the only sound was the one they made themselves. And then... something else.


“Psst… you hear that?”


Civilian froze.


With a sharp gesture, he stopped Soldier, and both of them went still. Listening. Ready for anything.


From a nearby alley came a soft scraping. Then fast footsteps.


Soldier narrowed his eyes. Could it be a Shadow? Civilian had said they only dared leave their hives at night or during heavy rain, when the clouds smothered the sky. Now, it wasn’t raining. And here and there, shafts of sunlight pierced the clouds to dry the puddles left behind.


Civilian tilted his head, clearly weighing their options.


Run? Hide?


Then it darted out.


Four legs. A bushy tail. A bristled back.


It skidded to a halt, body tense, like it wasn’t sure whether to bolt or stay.


A dog.


“Well, that’s definitely not a Shadow,” Civilian exhaled with relief and crouched, extending a hand toward it.


“Hey there, buddy. You scared us too, huh?”


The dog raised its head cautiously. Ears alert, nose twitching nervously.


Then, slowly, it took a step forward.


“You sure it’s safe?” Soldier muttered. He didn’t like dogs. He’d seen too many in action, and those had owners.


The strays were worse. No commands. No rules. Just instinct.


“It’s just a dog,” Civilian snorted.


The animal, as if sensing it was being discussed, wagged its tail once. Civilian made a soft clicking sound with his tongue, and the dog stepped closer. Then closer still, until he could finally place a hand gently on its ridge. A quiet gesture of trust.


“See? He’s a good boy,” he said, glancing up at Soldier with a grin.

“I think I’ll call him… Dog.”


Soldier sighed.

“Real original.”