A Silly Trinket


The cashier swiped the last item and then ran him up. "Okay Mutt. That will be $56.98. Will that be cash or card?" the grocery attendant said to him. He extended his paw towards Scrap; however, the mutt had his attention elsewhere. Above the pair, there happened to be a TV, the news was doing a report on the events that transpired today.
The news shows pictures, clips from folks shooting from their phone and security cameras. Police, Ambulances and SWATS swarmed the museums, doing their investigation, helping folks out, and coming in and out collecting supposed “evidence” of what transpired. There was all sorts of chaos happening. If he didn’t know it was the news, he would have thought the scene looked more like something from a movie. The more Scrap watched, the more cringe he felt. Some clips featured him and Kinarus, but thankfully they were brief.
The news then moves onto a couple of flash interviews of people and some staff talking about what happened. Some mention, "It was scary," or "it was crazy," or even, "This is not something you see everyday."
Finally the news reporter, a curvy gazelle named Kia Jacobs, came on the scene. She stood in front of Havor's Museum of Unmarked History where police, firefighters and ambulance surrounded the scene. First responders raced inside and were dragging people out. "Good even, my fellow fur-folks and fellow scalie-folks. I'm Kia Jacobs, coming to live at the scene of what appeared to be the strangest, most bizarre museum heist that quickly turned into utter chaos."
News bumpers popped in and out, transitioning to the next scene. The news showed the latest exhibit, "Today was supposed to be quite an exciting day. The Museum of Unmarked History was going to reveal their new exhibit of Shwarn Dancherin Crown, the famous red-golden crown of Dancherins that had been thought to be lost long ago, but during the unveiling a heist was made to steal the crown.
Immediately, the newsport showed clips of people filming the heist happening. Thankfully the shots were so shaking they couldn't get a good view of Kinarus. Even the security tape was all distorted, but it showed a medieval looking figure smashing the glass case and taking the crown. It then moved to another interviewer, one of the staff members, "This was totally unexpected, at first I thought this was all part of the exhibit, but then I thought otherwise." They moved onto another security officer and replied, "We tried to apprehend the moment he grabbed the crown, but immediately he took off."
"Security was on the scene immediately. That's when the chaos took over the scene." Suddenly a clip showed someone recording two medieval suits crackling and then coming alive. Folks shouted profanity and screaming, as the camera man showed the other exhibits were coming alive as well. As the chaos was unfolding the camera man managed to capture something estranged happening; the suits of armor grabbed one of the guards and citizens and they suddenly transformed into them. The camera immediately shouted, “WHAT THE FU--” but before he could finish that he turned around and only see something behind him. He dropped his phone and the clip ended there.
“It all sounds like the plot of some Hollywood movies, but this really happened.”
“Dude, it was so freaky. Man. Me and my buddy were hiding and suddenly were attacked by these cavemans and one grabbed my friend and he just transformed into one of them… like magic or something.
"As quickly as this mess became, thankfully it hadn't reached the outside of the museum. Whatever caused this disaster immediately ceased and everything quickly turned back to normal. Police are on the scene, taking statements and examining the scene. However, the crown and thieves remained at large. The only thing left behind was this,--" The scene showed a black rose left where the crown was displayed.-- "A black rose. no doubt it was a calling card left by culprits.
“No idea... where he had that." Scrap thought to himself and then sighed deeply, "At least it’s over…"
"Eye witness believed that these were the culprits." Scrap let out an utterable gasp as they showed a drawing depiction of the culprits. One was that of a light, blue lion, though he looked nothing like Kinarus; however, the other picture was that of Scrap. Though the picture showed him looking more of a Heeler than the mutt he was. But it clearly looked like him. "To anyone out there if you see anyone like this, we encourage you to call HPD immediately. ---"
"Huh... you know mutt. That picture kind of looks exactly like--" Scrap quickly slapped a bunch of bills on the counter and shouted to him. "HERE! KEEP THE CHANGE!" He grabbed the bags and immediately ran out of the store before the attendant could process anything.
Scrap managed to run about three blocks down from the grocery store. He even took some alleyways to make sure he wasn't followed either. As soon as the cost was clear, he stopped and let out a big sigh of relief. "Oh great... went from library assistant to author to laborer and now I can add criminal to the list of many things this book has caused me." Spotting a bench, Scrap decided to take a breather and rest.
Recounting the events, Scrap had to wonder, why was that crown so important to that panther? At the museum, Kinarus' eyes lit up as if he was something more important than gold, but when he saw it in person his whole demeanor changed. The life in his eyes immediately dashed when he saw that crown, but still why was that crown so important to him. Even so, was what he told him really true?
then again... he is an entry. Scrap doesn't really know him, or even this crown. Why was it so special?-- Suddenly a bell rang as a pair walked out the store he was resting by. It appeared to be a small bookstore, the owner nowhere in sight, but there was a display of the latest books. One happened to be about the Dancherin Crown.
Scrap skimmed through the book, but he gathered what he needed. So much to take in, but he definitely gasped more than he realized. "Wow..." was his only word. He took a deep sigh, when he raised his head, Scrap noticed something particular. There was a toy vending machine, Scrap spotted something. One winning glass, displaying the trinkets you could win. One happened to be this crown necklace.

“ARRGH!!! COME ON!” Scrap grumbled dearly. Trying to push his front door open, but it always stuck. No matter what he does, this stupid door always remains the same. It’s either stuck or broke off its hinges. His lazy landlord claims he’ll fix it, except he never does. It’s always Scrap who has to fix it; yet, he never seems to get it right.
“Okay… Okay… on the count of three… ONE!” He shouted and thrust himself against the door. It barely budged. “TWO…” He goes again, the door seemed to slightly budge this time. “THREE!” He shouted and succeeded.
“YES! Huh… AHH!” Scrap shrieked as when once the door flew open… It broke off its hinges and crashed onto the floor. The pup picked himself up, rubbed his temple then immediately shook his head. “This… stupid door!’ He grumbled and lifted the door up to put it back on its hinges. He grabbed his bags and placed them on the side.
Scrap took a deep breath and said, “Sorry I’m late. I had to take the long way after someone nearly recognized me-- YIP!!!” he ducked immediately as a bottle was thrown his way. It missed him, but shattered completely. Scrap looked ahead only to see Kinarus, the purple panther, drunk and completely slumped on the couch.
The panther reached for another bottle, popped it open and chugged it down. Scrap’s face dangled as he gazed at what was his living room/den. Surrounding the couch was liter, scraps of food, and loads of empty bottles and cans. “You gotta be kidding me… I was only gone for an
hour, and you…” Scrap reached for one of the empty bottles and examined it. “Wait a minute…” His face immediately dropped. “Where did you get this?”
Kinarus pulled the bottle away from his lips, a stream escaped his lips and trailed down his chin and onto his chest. He hiccuped and wiped his chin. Turning his direction to Scrap, he smiled and said, “Perte! You’re back! HAHAa. Daddy’s missed his little sweet pup!” He sat up. Chucked and said, shaking his drink at the pup and spilling his drink on the floor. “You know… Chap! You’re quite teh naughty pup! How DARE you hide my goodddaaaaleeee.” The tone in his voice seemed to bounce around when he’s drunk, Scrap happened to notice.
“YOU’D show know BETter… (BELCH)... DADDY… always celeBRAtes a BOOTched missob wita drnk?? NO Matter… you’re NEW TO MAH TEAM.” He tried to straddle forward, but ended falling back to the couch. He shakes his finger at the pup. “No one has filled you in onthe rules--” While the Kinarus was talking, Scrap sighed and started cleaning what he could grab. He threw them all in the trash, went to his kitchen and started putting things away. Unbeknownst to him, Kinarus happened to crept behind him. Kinarus clutched him by his shoulders and made him turn around.
He smirked a big grin and towered over the pup and said, “NUmber one… Listen to Daddy while he’s talking.” Scrap gulped and trembled as the panther leaned in very close to him. His nose immediately cringed. God, he could smell his heavy musk along all the alcohol he had consumed. He wanted to pull back immediately, but found himself pinned by the kitchen counter.
“I got it! I got it!” Scrap frantically repeated.
“Good boy!" He pulled back and ruffled his messy hair. “Rule Number TWOS… if you do decide to hide Daddies’s spoils. At least make it a challenge for me. I need to keep my skills in tact.”
“Hide? What’s he talking about? I don’t even have any alcohol here--”
Scrap stopped mid-thought as he noticed the door leading upstairs was wide open, actually broken off its hinges. Which means… he went into my landlord’s apartment. “Oh… great.” Scrap rushed to the scene, gasping at the sight and even pulling his hair. “ARGH!” he screamed. GREAT! ANOTHER REASON FOR THAT GARGOYLE TO RAISE MY RENT.-- Scrap then stopped and took a very deep breath. “No! No! No!”... His heart started to throb, he shut his lips tight and continued through his thoughts. I’ll deal with this later.

Kinarus finished another bottle. He licked his lips and murred out. “Ah, the finest spoils of this “modern times,” you call it. Who knew the future would have so many godales to try. HAAhaaa.” He reached for something called “XXXstokers.” He popped the cap with ease and chug down the dark beer.” He pulled the drink away, a big splash of the beer splattered on his chest, pants and on the floor. Oh… why did he pick that one--” Arlo’s brew XXXStrokers is really strong. It’s basically gasoline at this point. Not to mention, it’s hard to clean out.
“Ugh… I just washed that floor!” Scrap stated, his heart continued to throb repeatedly.
Kinarus looks at the mess he made, but then just let out a solid laugh. “OH boy… DADdy had made a mess. Shame my suitors aren’t here. I tell yeah here boy… they would pin me down. Bathing me, licking every bit of my spills with their--
“NO! NO! STOP! STOP! STOP! Scrap injected. “I DON’T NEED TO HEAR THIS. UGH…” Scrap reached for the journal, took out his pen and immediately scribbled something down. “I told you Kinarus. Do NOT go upstairs! Jeez… I rule myself. One major one, and I can't stress this enough… DON’T GO UPSTAIRS!” THe broken door started to shake and then wiggle as if it was made of rubber. It suddenly leaped and sprung to life. Little legs and arms suddenly popped into existence. It reached for its broken limbs and patched itself up, until it was brand new. It then walked over to the door frame and placed it back into place. Then it returned to normal.
Scrap sighed again, “Well… that’s a relief, Hopefully this doesn’t come back to haunt me--” Suddenly Kinarus grabbed the journal, breaking the Scrap train of thought. "Hey! what are you--"
“I was hire--” Kinarus let out a small belch and then continued, “was… hired to steal this, paid up from I may ask, but since my client no longer lives and payment no longer is here.. SO this…” he shook the book in his paws,” will compensate!” he gulped and huffed, “Probably can get a couple of shillings for it--”
“Give that back! That’s dangerous!” Scrap lunged for the journal, but Kinarus snatched it away. Scrap crashed onto the floor. A growl rumbled in his chest as he tried it again. He scrambled back to his feet, and lunged again. Kinarus with a smug grin, held the journal high above his head, as if they were brothers and Kinarus was the older brother picking on him. “Give it back!” Scrap demanded, his voice flared. Kinarus just laughed, the sound echoing through the room. Just then Scrap had enough.
“Fine, I’ll just take it back!” Scrap took a deep breath in, striking a dramatic pose. Kinarus, ever the skeptic, took a cautious step back. Scrap clutched his eyes, concentrating deeply. He extended his paw, as if summoning a magical force. The room fell silent, the only sound were the chirping of the cricket and other small symphonies coming from outside, Kinarus, still a bit tipsy, swayed back and forth, a mischievous glint his eye
Seconds stretched into minutes. Scrap’s arm began to tremble, his face turning into a shade of crimson. “Come on… Come on…” He muttered, his voice getting desperate. With a final, dramatic flourish, he dropped his arm. “Argh! Why isn’t it working?” He exclaimed, frustration clear on his face. Kinarus couldn’t contain his laughter any longer. He doubled over, clutching his side.
“Thou think’st thyself a sorcerer, doost thou? A right comical sight thou art, pup. Yet, ‘tis a rare sight to see such back bone in my brook.” Kinarus chuckled, ruffling Scrap’s head with his large hand and then shoved him into his chest, giving him sight a tight warm embrace. “That shalt make a fine hound, I reckon.”
Scrap quickly teared up as his nose picked up all Kinarus’s stench along with Arlo’s brew and whatever else he spilt on him. This smell was so immense! “Stop it!” he exclaimed, pushing Kinarus away. “I am not your pup! I'm not part of your guild, crew or whatever you call it! And I’m definitely not your boy!”-- Suddenly, a blue light emanated from Scrap’s paw and the journal materialized in his grasp. The panther blinked, his shook it off quickly.
"Hey!" He shouted and reached for the journal and snagged it away. However the moment he pulled it away, it suddenly appeared back in Scrap hands. OH… now you want to work, Scrap thought. The panther tried to swipe it multiple times, but it always kept appearing in the pup’s hand. Kinarus pulled his face down and then went back and sat on the couch. "Whatever... you can keep it for now!”
Scrap let out a frustrating growl, ready to rebuttal, but then shrugged it off. “Whatever…” Realizing there was no point in arguing. He knew this entry was about to end anyways and Kinarus will be out of his head. He went back to the kitchen and resumed what he was doing. Putting the groceries away. He gazed back at the panther, Kinarus was lounging on the couch, as if that couch was his throne awaiting his servants to come and service him. Scrap shook his head and uttered, “The reset will happen… Just a few… more hours.”
"Chap..." Kinarus called out, swirling his drink, “What sorcery is this “reset” thou speakest of? It is some modern-day trickery?”
Scrap rolled his eyes. “Neither really.” He paused, finishing putting away the groceries. “No harm in telling you, you’ll be gone within a few hours anyway. This ‘book’ is magical, I suppose. Whatever’s written inside becomes real, but only for 24 hours. After that, everything resets. Everything that happened will be gone… and forgotten. And life goes on.”
“Most intriguing,” the panther purred, stroking his goatee. “Actual magic, eh? Seems that tome is more precious than I’d imagined. No wonder they paid a king’s ransom for it. But if that’s the case, what of me? Shall I vanish? Or return to my domain?”
“Your guess is as good as mine,” Scrap replied, shrugging.
"What does that mean?" Kinarus asked, tilting her head.
“I really, don’t know,” Scrap admitted, his voice laced with uncertainty. “I’ve been figuring this out as I go.” As he began chopping vegetables, his heart pounded in his chest. The journal had brought chaos into his life, danger, and even put innocent people at risk. Yet, he was still learning, still stumbling through this strange reality. “OW!” He yelped, dropping the knife. Lost in his thoughts, he’d accidentally cut himself.
"You okay there pup--" Kinarus leaned over to him.
“I-I’m fine!” Scrap insisted, rushing to the sink. He turned on the water, wincing as the cold water met his injured paw. “I’m fine, I’m fine!” He repeated, frantically searching the cupboards for the first-aid kit.
“Dammit… where is it--”
Kinarus suddenly appeared behind him, grabbing Scrap's injured paw. He examined the cut. Noticing a jar of honey, he opened the bottle and finger scooped some of it and smeared it against the paw. Tearing up a piece of his cloak, the panther wrapped it around Scrap’s paw. He smirked and then patted his cheek. “No need to hide from me, Chap. Daddy always takes care of his boys.”
Scrap rolled his eyes, pulling his paw away. “Would you stop this! I am not your pup. And I'm not your boy!”
The panther grabbed Scrap’s chin, silencing him with a gentle shush. “You’ve got some spirit, pup.” He purred with a mischievous grin and sparkle in his eye. “I enjoy a pup with a bit of a bite.” Leaning in closer, he whispered, “Makes it all the more fun to break them in”
“YIP!” Scrap shoved the panther away. The panther burst into laughter. “Jeez, mutt, can’t take joke? Did you all lose your spine in the future?” He sat back on the couch, fumbled with the remote and eventually turned on the TV. Somehow he managed to change it to the news, and of course… they were still reporting on the heist and other oddities.
“YOU… ARGH!” Scrap grumbled, frustration building within him. He continued cooking, chopping down on the vegetables, his movements becoming more frantic. “Just a few more hours…” he told himself. His breath came in short, ragged gasps. He reached for some plates and ended up having them clattered on the counter. He started to prepare some sandwiches. He smeared some condiments on the bread, as continued to banter out, “You can last a few more hours. Then it will all be over--” He winced, realizing he’d cut himself again. “Argh… Damn it!”
“Chap?!” Kinarus exclaimed, leaping to his feet. “What’s wrong? DO you need help--” Scrap, clutching his bleeding hand to his chest, held out his other arm to stop the panther.
“I’m fine!” he insisted, his voice trembling. Tears welled up in his eyes as he fought back the pain. Turning away, he tried to hide his distress. “I-I’m fine!” he shouted, his voice slowly cracking. “Just… stay there.”
“Alright, Mutt,” Kinarus said, crossing his arms. “Cut the crap. What’s really going on here?
Scrap, his heart pounding like a drum, fumbled around through the cupboard. “It’s nothing! Just another… normal day for me as the “Author,” HAHAHA” he laughed so awkwardly. Grabbing a roll of bandages, he began haphazardly wrapping his hand rapidly like a cartoon mummy.
Kinarus reached out to help, but Scrap flinched and swatted his hand away. “I-I-I told you I’m fine, okay.” Kinarus looked down, noticing the blood dripping down from his hand. The shaking in his paw, the twitching in his grin. Kinarus had enough.
“Mongrel…” Kinarus let out a solid growl, silencing the pup. “You wouldn’t like me when I’m pissed off. Now tell me--”
“ARGH!!!: Scrap roared, his voice echoing through the room. “It’s you! You and these stupid entries! You don't understand what it's like being the ‘author,’ to deal with the mess you all create. I’m already an outcast in this town, and I don’t need this to give them more reasons to hate me. I fight tooth and nail to stop these entries from causing mayhem, like what happened today! And what do I get? Nothing! Just a broken body and a broken mind! And guess what? It the same thing, day after day!” Scrap paced around, his hands clenched into fists. “So excuse me if I’m a little on edge. I’m tired of being the hero, the villain, heck even the damsel in distress. I’m just a guy trying to survive--”
Whack! Kinarus slapped Scrap across the face, the sharp sting sending a shockwave through the pup. Scrap recoiled, his eyes widened with disbelief. Kinarus took a menacing step forward, his predatory gaze locking onto the trembling pup. Scrap flinched, instinctively raising his arms like a makeshift shield. Kinarus grabbed Scrap by the collar, hoisting him off the ground. “Mongrel, thou dost not take thy anger out on me. I did not ask to be sent hither, nor cause any strife. AS thou knowest, I have lost all that was dear to me. This crown is all that remains. Kinarus reached for the plates of food and stormed back to the couch.
He devoured the meal like a starving beast, his loud chewing echoing through the room. “Fear not, mongrel,” he grunted between bites. “This shall be the last of thy troubles. I shall depart from thy mind. I thank thee for thy hospitality, boy. But now, I must attend to my own woes.”
Scrap was ready to snap, not because of Kinarus’ words, but because of that constant use of that word, ‘mongrel.’ His teeth clenched, his body tense. But then, he took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. “It’s… not worth it,” he said, marching towards his room. He glanced at the bag he got from the bookstore, taking notice of a particular item. He shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips. “Not worth it…”
Scrap slammed the door and tossed his satchel to the ground. He leaped onto his bed, burying his face in a pillow and letting out a frustrating scream “AAAHHH. IT’S NOT WORTH IT!” The TV continued to play, occasionally interrupted by Kinarus’ laughter or long periods of silence. Exhausted from everything that transpired, Scrap eventually drifted off to sleep. The sounds of the TV fading into the background.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Scrap jolted awake, his body flailing wildly as he tried to silence his phone. In a fit of sleep-deprived panic, he tumbled off his bed, landing with a thud on the cold, unforgiving floor. Groaning, he tried to stand but ended up hitting his knee, “OW!” He jolted up, hitting his head on his bed lamp, slipping then on his cover, he then fell back to the floor. Yet, no matter what his phone just kept on ringing.
After a few pat downs, he managed to snatch his phone, only to realize it wasn’t his alarm. Just a barrage of texts from Rial, her brothers, a few calls from Arlo, and Barnes of course. Just to give them some mind at ease, Scrap sent a few quick texts to them, telling them he’s fine. Leaning back against his bed, he checked the time: 2:34 AM. Great.
Scrap wiped the sweat from his brow, changed into his pajamas and headed back to bed. As he passed his satchel, he noticed the journal was no longer glowing. The clock on its cover had stopped, its hands frozen in place.
Scrap’s ears perked up as he remembered the TV. Rushing into the den, he found Kinarus gone, the TV left on a blank channel. “Kinarus?” he called out, his voice echoing through the empty room. “Mr. Night Rose?” No response. “Guess he’s gone,” Scrap muttered, a sense of relief washing over him.
Something shiny caught Scrap’s eye. Hidden in a cupboard was the crown, “Huh? Why’d he leave this behind?” He wondered. He reached for the crown, but as he did suddenly it started to wither away. The trash left behind, too, started to wither and decay. Scrap gasped, then chuckled. The reset had begun. A wave of relief washed over him.
“It’s over.” Scrap laughed. “Thank you!”
~(.)~

CRASH!! Scrap yelped, his feet tangled up in a knot of sheets. With a thud, he plummeted off the bed, onto the cold unforgiving floor again.
“MONREL!” A furious voice echoed through his room, followed by a series of crashes and thumps. “COME OUT! I KNOW YOUR HERE!” Scrap dazed and disoriented, rose to his feet, his head spinning. He reached for his phone to see the time, but another sudden crash disrupted his action and he leaped to see what all the commotion was.
Scrap burst out his room, his eyes widening in shock. His once-tidt apartment was absolutely trashed as if a hurricane had gone through here. Walls were gouged, glass shards littered the floor, and his old worn-out furniture had been ripped and destroyed, even his old couch was thrown over. “What the hell? Scrap muttered, his mind racing. Suddenly a though struck: The culprit was clear: the journal. But he couldn't recall its activation. No matter, if one entry was active, it would reveal itself.
He went back to his room and spotted his satchel, the journal was still inside. He reached and grabbed it, but then a sudden gasp escaped his lips. “What?” He exclaimed. The journal was dormant. It wasn’t glowing, or pulsating, not even the clock on its cover wasn’t ticking.
Before he could react, a strong hand yanked him out of his room. Slamming him against the wall, sharp claws pressing tightly against his neck. “Ahh!” The pup gasped, looking at his attacker, he couldn’t believe it. “You…” It was Kinarus.
Scrap gasped erratically, his body quaking and trembling in the panther’s grasp. Kinarus’s red stare was vicious and terrifying, as if he was a wild predator eyeing its prey. He let out a hot, steamy huff onto the pup’s face. With a terrible flash of his teeth, he growled, “Why Am I still here?” Thou dist promise a return to normalcy. Yet I remain. Why, pretale, has thou forsaken me?”
Scrap struggled against Kinarus’s grip, but the panther’s hold tightened. He gagged, gasping for air. Finally, he managed to croak out, “Ah… K-K-Kin-Kin-Kinarus… I-I-I don’t know… What’s--” Kinarus tossed Scrap aside like a disregarded rag doll. The pup landed hard on the ground, gouging and gasping door air, using whatever he could find to hoist himself up.
Kinarus' gaze fell upon Scrap’s journal. He snatched it up and flipped through the pages, only to find them blank. “What? Argh… how does this contraption work!?” he demanded, frustration mounting. “What spell, “What spell, incantation or arcane ritual must be performed to activate it?” Kinarus shook the book, even ripped out some pages, but more simple appeared. HIs temper flaring, he resorted to violence., he clawed the cover, hurled it ro the wall and slammed it on the floor. “WORK! DAMN IT!” He roared, but the book remained unscathed.
Finally, in a fit of frustration, he raised his foot to stomp on it. Just as he was about to strike, Scrap intervened. “Stop!” He shouted, panting. “It doesn’t work that way. You’re just going to make it angry--”
“Angry? ANGRY!? HAHAHAHA… Oh mongrel, I am way beyond angry. I’M FUCKING PI--” Before he could finish his sentence, a surge of raw energy erupted from the book, A blinding flash of light followed by a deafening crack of thunder. Both men were sent flying, Scrap crashed into the hallway and Kinarus landed on Scrap’s bed, breaking upon his fall. The energy spread throughout the room, destroying all the lights and any electronic items.
Scrap, shaken but unharmed, gasped and rushed to Kinarus’ side. “Oh no… NO! NO! NO! NO!” Kinarus rolled onto his back, clutching his head.
“Shit…” Scrap muttered, attempting to hoist the panther up. “Are you alright?”
“BEGONE FROM ME, MONGREL!” The panther snarled, shoving him away, “ACK--” He grunted and cupped his side. When they gazed down, Scrap saw a sharp piece of the mattress spring had pierced his side and was bleeding profusely.
Quickly Scrap ran out of the room and returned with the first-aid kit. Grabbing the bandages and antibiotics, he approached Kinarus carefully. “This looks bad. Here let me--” Kinaru slashed out, trying to swat him away. The pup yipped, but managed to dodge his attack. “Would you stop already? I’m trying to help here--”
“You’ve… done… enough…” He groaned, attempting to sit up, but his wound prevented him. Scrap continued to assist, but Kinarus kept lasting out. “I don’t need your help. I don’t need anyone's help. Not you… Not that damn book. I’ll-- ACK!!”
Scrap gulped and proceeded with caution, Scrap prepared to treat his wounds. “You can hate me all you want, but at least let me treat your wound. Now hold still… This is going to hurt.” bracing himself, he sprayed the wound with antiseptic. Kinarus let out a solid growl, his claws digging into Scrap’s arm. “ARGH… I Know it stings, but I gotta do it!” the tension finally ceased and Kinarus gripped loosened.

Scrap took a deep breath as he reached into his closet and pulled out a locked box. “Please don’t kill me! PLease don’t kill me!” Inside the locked box happened to be a few bizarre things. One of them happened to be a small beaker filled with a swirling, black liquid. There was a label on the beaker reading, “Mr. Fix-It” and another label on the bottom reading in bold letters reading, “DO NOT OPEN.” Scrap gulped and shaked the beaker to activate the liquid. Suddenly a big yellow pixelated eye emerged from the liquid. It scanned the room before locking onto Scrap.
He gulped and stuttered, “Okay… Mr. Fix-it. I-I-I-I command you to f-fi-fix my apartment.” Suddenly the eye lifted up and danced around the beaker. It then nodded and produced a smile. “But just the apartment,” he added. “Do not go upstairs. Do not go outside or any other place. Just fix my home. Do I make myself clear?” The little eye nodded again, even winking at him. Ugh… I definitely don’t like that. Scrap thought, considering how things went haywire when he first used this thing. He pulled the cork off and poured the liquid on the floor.
The black liquid, which actually was a swarm of nanobots, splattered across the floor. It began to move, slithering and extending, engulfing the broken furniture and shattered glass. As it worked, a mechanical voice echoed through the room, “Cleaning. Fixing. Organizing. Mr. Fix-it is here to help!” The nanobots, with their intricate work and advanced AI, efficiently repaired the damage, restoring the apartments to a much better standard.
It spread across the floor, climbing walls and furniture. The bed, once broken, began to contort and reform, its structure bedding and twisting like a living thing. With incredible precision, the nanobots repaired every tear and fracture, smoothing out the fabric and plumping the pillows. The hole in the wall, a stark reminder of the chaos, was seamlessly filled, leaving no trace of the damage.
“Task complete. Clean and Fix. Mr. Fix-It is here to help!” The mechanical voice beeped out. They moved onto the next room. Scrap’s room was restored, even better than it was before.
Scrap followed the nanobots as they split into two teams. One headed to the bathroom, the others to the living room. Kinarus, watching from the side, eyed the strange goo as it goes to work. The nanobots quickly went to work, repairing the damage, cleaning the debris, and even fixing the TV.
Both, I guess..." Kinarus tilted his head, looking utterly perplexed. "Nanobots?" he questioned, as if Scrap had just spoken in a foreign language.
Scrap sighed dramatically, "Think of them as tiny robots..." Kinarus's confusion only deepened.
"You know what, fine, it's magic!" Scrap exclaimed, slapping his forehead. "Very dangerous magic, I might add. My first entry. It started great, fixing and remodeling the place, even mending my clothes. But then, it tried to kill me by possessing my landlord and turning him into a kaiju!"
"Kaiju?" Kinarus echoed, his voice filled with disbelief.
"Never mind," Scrap sighed.
Beep. Beep. Mr. Fix-It, the ever-helpful nanobot, finished its task and turned to Scrap. "Task complete. Awai-ting-ting-tting next task," it announced, its pixelated eye blinking innocently.
Scrap quietly gulped when he heard the strange glitch in the nanobots' voice. Thinking quickly, he placed the beaker on the floor. “Gather yourself and clean the inside of this beaker. Make it spotless.” He commanded. THe eye nodded happily, and the black liquid began to coalesce, shrinking itself to fit back into the beaker. Once it was fully contained, Scrap corked the vial and put it away. Sighed a heavy relief, Scrap returned to Kinarus, “Always have to put it away… believe me, HAHA. it’s a doomsday-doozie…”
“That… thing is an entry? Like me?” Kinarus interjected, his voice filled with disbelief.
Scrap rubbed the back of his. “Yeah, it’s an entry. My first taste of what being the “author” is really like.”
“Why forsooth is that thing still here then? Didst thou not say it should vanish along with any other madness?” Kinarus questions, his voice laced with confusion.
“It’s supposed to,” Scrap replied. I don’t know why it’s still here, but it is. I’m sorry, this thing didn’t come with a training manual. I’m learning things as I go. Like I only discovered the rules a few days ago. One of the rules states that, ‘that things… are… left… behind--” Scrap’s voice trailed off, a realization dawning on him. His ears perked up as he spoke, “Wait a minute.”
Scrap leaped towards the couch, grabbing the remote and flipping to the news channel. As he suspected, the news was covering the Shwarn Dancherin Crown exhibit. The crowd was enjoying the display, some even trying on the crown for photos. The other exhibits were also drawing crowds of onlookers. Nothing seemed out of place, no signs of the exhibits coming to life or turning people into monstrous creatures.
Nothing… was left behind there. Wait, does this mean…” Scrap turned to Kinarus. He raised an eyebrow, curious at what the pup was thinking. A long moment of silence had pass. Then Scrap broke the silence… with the wrong set of words. “Oh, Crap…”

~(.)~

“ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!” Kinarus screamed out. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN, I’M STUCK HERE?!”
Scrap gulped, his heart pounding. He knew the reaction was coming, but seeing the predator’s rage firsthand was still terrifying. “Ah… Look, I don’t make the rules. I just have to follow them and according to the rules, “a piece remains,” and apparently… that’s you!”
Kinarus growled and started pacing back and forth. Scrap jumped to his feet and followed after him, “Look… do you think I wanted this… I have a bad enough, keeping the other things left behind in check.--”
Suddenly, Kinarus grabbed Scrap by the neck, hoisting him into the air like a helpless kitten. He growled, his breath hot and heavy. “Send me back, NOW!” He demanded, his claws inches away from Scrap’s neck.
Scrap gulped, stuttering, “I-I-I can t-t-try…” Kinarus thrusted the pup back on the couch. Scrap scrambled to find the journal, flipping it open and scribbling a new entry.”

“The person before me, demands to be sent home. Take him there.”

The words seeped into the paper and vanished. The clock on the cover ticked to life, its hand spinning. A familiar annoying, pitch rand in Scrap’s ear, signaling to him the activation of a new entry.
The journal vibrated wildly in his hands, growing warmer to the touch. The pup yelped, dropping the book to the floor. The journal flew open, its pages flapping frantically. Scrap stumbled backward, fearing what may come.
Kinarus approached the journal, but suddenly frozen in place. He gasped, struggling against an unseen force. “Mongrel! What the hell did you do--” A powerful magical seal appeared beneath the panther, a swirling vortex of energy erupting from it. Kinarus thrashed, his voice muffled by the soaring winds. “Mongrel… stop this…”
Scrap watched in horror as the swirling winds peeled away at Kinarus, shredding him like paper. Kinarus’s desperate screams echoed through the room as his remains were pulled into the vortex and then disappearing into the journal.
When the winds finally subsided, Kinarus was gone, leaving behind only scattered scraps of paper. Scrap, trembling at his core, searched around making sure if he was truly gone. There was no sign of him. He returned to the journal, still hot to the touch, a wisp of smoke curled from the pages, carrying with it the echoes of Kinarus’s scream.
“Huh?” Scrap muttered, flipping through the pages. “That’s it?! I was expecting something more crazy. Something more dramatic.
Suddenly, the journal began to shake violently, its blue glow turning to a menacing red. With a loud, “ACHOO!” Kinarus was sneezed out of the book, landing squarely on top of Scrap.
“Ugh…” they groaned together, untangling themselves as they both sat themselves upright. Scrap gazed at Kinarus and let out a worrying sigh. “Great…”

It was a long, frustrating day. No matter what Scrap wrote, Kinarus would alway end up back in his footsteps. Even the most specific details, like his favorite tavern or hometown, proved ineffective. Nothing was working.
“Alright…” Scrap gulped and wiped the sweat profusing from his brawl. Readying his pen, he said. “Let me try--”
“Just forget it, pup.” Kinarus interrupted, his body aching from their failed attempts. A few stray pieces of paper fluttered from his fur. He slumped onto the couch, sighing dramatically. “I’m done.”
Scrap dropped the book and sat beside the panther. “Hey… Come on… We can try again. I’m sure this time we’ll get it right.” He laughed nervously, but Kinarus remained unmoved. “Tell you what! Why don’t we take a break? I’ll go and make us something to eat. What are you in the mood for?”
Kinarus sighed, “I don’t have much of an appetite these day, Chap. Frankly I’m not in the mood.” Scrap smiled, a nervous feeling started to crept up his back. Frankly, he barely had much to begin with; however he had an idea. He grabbed the journal and headed to the kitchen. Scribbling a small entry, he shut the book and placed it to the side. As he opened the fridge, a warm flow illuminated. Scrap reached in and grabbed what looked to be a wooden bowl filled with a steamy stew and a mug of mead.
He brought the food to Kinarus, “There… I hope you like it.” Kinarus stared down. Reached for the spoon and twirled the stew around.
He placed the bowl to the side and said, “Chap… I appreciate the gesture. But… I’m not hungry. He turned on the TV, channel surfing until he landed on the news. The news continued to cover the museum exhibit, focusing on the Shwarn Dancherin Crown. Kinaurus gripped the remote tightly. “That goddamn crown,” he muttered.
Scrap gulped and moved the bowl out of the way. “Okay… okay… I got the picture. I guess you wouldn’t want--” Kinarus reached for the mug, gulping it down in one go. He slammed the mug on the counter and belched out, “FUK-- that hits the spot, guud.”
Scrap chuckled along with him, gazed down and watched the mug refill itself. It’s a good thing I wrote that the mug is self-refilling. Kinarus, oblivious, noticed the mug was full again. “Ahh, thanks pup. Thou knowest how to make Daddy happy. HAHA.” He guzzled more, then slammed the mug down and it refilled itself again. This repeated for a couple more times. “Nothing beats a TALLL MUG of mead after a botched mission. DONCHA yal agree… MUUUUTTTT? He belched.
Scrap just nodded along, though his thought said, Yeah… this wasn’t a good idea. He reached for the mug before he could refill itself. “You know what… we’re out.” He said, placing the mug in the sink. The mug continued to pour, so Scrap covered it with other dishes.
“You know… speaking of ‘botched missions,’ you’re not going to try and steal the crown again, are you? Doubt the exhibits will come alive again… Not to mention we are not criminals anymore. So I’m guessing it’s free range now, HAHA--” Scrap laughed nervously, immediately regretting his words. What the hell am I saying? Why am I encouraging this?
Kinarus’s laughter, once brimming with bright and triumphant, faded into a heavy sigh. His shoulders slumped as he leaned forward, his arms wrapped tightly around himself. “Chap” He muttered, his voice barely a whisper, “I could plunder that place with nothing but a sling and come away with the crown and a harem of followers. But it wouldn’t matter. I’d still be a failure. I’d still have lost.
Scrap gasped and spun around to face Kinarus. “What are you talking about? I’m sure that crown is with millions--”
Kiarus shook his head and said, “You can slap a pretty coat of shiny dye and some flashy stones on it, but it is still worthless.” Scrap’s inner dog instinct kicked in at the worst possible moment, as he let out a low “hmming” ruff and tilted his head to the right. Kinarus groaned in frustration, his patience wearing thin. “It’s fake, Chap.”
Scrap shook his head as if to break out of his trance. “What? NO! That can’t be true. It was official. They’ve done tests for its authenticity. Even historians, professors… Heck even the museums’ owner had conf--
Kinarus cuts Scrap off, rising from his seat with a wobble. His hips swayed as he tried to maintain his balance. “Chap,” He slurred, his words thick, “You… should be lucky. Grateful, really. Your mentor… happens to be one of history’s finest thieves.” He leaned in, his eyes wide and unfocused. “I’ve pulled the finest heists. Glorious crimes that have been hailed throughout the kingdoms. Who has pulled a robbery for the stuff of legends. My deeds will be written and discussed by scholars. Debaters will argue over my greatness. They say I’m a ghost, a phantom that strikes fear into the hearts--”
Scrap rolled his eyes, slapped his face and groaned, “I get it! I get it! You’re the greatest thief who ever lived.”
Kinarus deflated onto the couch, his enthusiasm fading like a punctured balloon. “The point is,” he sighed, “I know my stuff. When I first grabbed the crown, I felt a rush of energy and gripped it as tightly as I could. But when I loosen my grip, something felt… off. It was like the metal was bending under my fingers. Then it hit me: it was the crown. When I looked at it again, I realized it was there.” His paws clutched himself tightly. “I wanted to smash the damn thing.. Right there.”
Scrap scuffed, unsure how to respond. “Um… Ah… okay… I don’t know how to reply to that… Maybe you’re right. The crown was lost in time. So what if they put a fake one on display? There probably other things that worth millions to steal. HAHA…”
WHAT THE HELL, MAN? WHY AM I ENCOURAGING THIS? SHUT UP, SCRAP!” His inner voice scolded him.
“That’s not the point.” Kinarus interjected,”How could they have it… when I was the last to steal it.”
Scrap’s eyes widened in surprise, his words catching in his throat.
“That so-called, ‘Shwarn Dancherin Thrown,’ exhibit is a pathetic mockery of the real thing, “Kinarus grumbled, “Those blabbers, you all call, ‘historians and scholars claim to know everything, but they’re a bunch of fools. None of them were there. They don’t know the true history of the Dancherlins’ reign. They don’t know what it was really like.”
“And it infuriates me to see their theories and speculations about the crown. None of them even mention the real culprit, the one standing right before their eyes.”
Scrap tilted his head slowly, and said with a hint of sarcasm, “Wait… So you wanted to be caught?”
Kinarus growled, “No! Argh… tough wouldn’t understand. I worked so hard to leave my mark upon the lands. It was such a joy to hear folks and crowds murmur my name, The Night Rose. I love healing their praise. I would love seeing the bounties place upon my head. I love seeing the fear upon their faces when the Nobleties and Royalties found black roses or petals scattered around their homes.
“I would have put the Dancherins in their place. Show them that without their precious crown that they are nothing. And I did… I had it right in my hands, I could feel the power it emanated. But then… Everything went dark. And I woke up here. Only to find… the crown was still lost.”
“What’s more bothersome to me, there was no mention of the Night Rose. No petals, not even the black rose I left behind. It’s as if, all of my deeds, my crew… my family, had been wipe from existence. My legacy was stolen from me. And I’m just nothing now… Just an old crone slowly fading away into the void.
Scrap strolled over and sat beside Kinarus. He sighed, torn between sympathy and confusion. Suddenly Scrap wrapped his arms around the panther in a comforting hug. Kinarus looked surprised, then a small grin crept onto his face. I appreciate the gesture, pup. It’s my problem. No need to worry.
Yet I have too. Scrap thought to himself, The journal brought you here. Somehow, you and that crown are mixed in with this mess.
Scrap cleared his throat and sat back up. “Don’t sweat it, man… I’m sorry for what i said the other day. I didn’t know how much it really meant for you. If it makes it any better. You were awesome during the whole heist. If it wasn’t for the journal and mess it caused. I bet you really would have made a name in this town. People will call you a modern-day Robin Hood”
“What the hell is Robin Hood?” Kinarus interrupted.
Scrap paused, a look of realization crossing his face. "Uh... well, you know, like a legendary thief who steals from the rich to give to the poor. A bit like you, I guess."
Kinarus raised an eyebrow, "So, I'm a noble thief now?"
“Yeah, exactly! A noble thief, a protector of the poor. Except, you know, with the noble part.” Scrap laughed so forcibly and awkwardly. However Kinarus didn’t feel the same way.
Kinarus adjusted himself and sat up, ‘There’s still more I didn’t tell you, Chap. That crown… is worth more than just gold to me. It rightfully belongs to me, not to fools in power.”
“I don’t understand…” Scrap replied.
“What those ‘fools, ye call ‘Scholars and Historians,’ would have thee believe is a lie. They;d claim the crown was a birthright of the Dancherins, a relic of their bygone empire. Yet, they fail to speak of its true origin. A stolen treasure, wrested from its rightful owners. A crown secured through deceit, by betrothing their own spawn to the heirs of the vanquished, and then slaughtering all who dared oppose the Dancherins.”
Scrap briefly recalled the tales, legends and mysteries spun by the tour guides and historians about the crown’s original owners. A tragic lineage, marked by sudden illness, battlefield losses, and untimely deaths. With the queen’s failing health, two sons lost at war, and half the family mysteriously perished, only the king and his sole heir remained.
“Well, that’s just got dark.” Scrap muttered and rubbed the back of his head. “But it doesn’t explain your claim to the crown. What are you a lost heir or something.? Kinarus remained silent, his expression unreadable, Scrap’s chuckled faced, replaced by a thoughtful frown. He tilted his head to the side, and asked, “Are you?”
Kinarus sighed, “Though I would relish the sight of the Dancherins paying for their crimes, I care naught for their reign. Let them wield their power and watch their kingdom crumble. I have desires for such titles. I seek only what is mine by right.”
“You mean the crown…? Scrap repeated. Kinarus nodded solemnly. “Wait a minute,How could you possibly be a lost heir? How did you even find out?”
“Oh… that’s rather an amusing tale. My first mate, a loyal companion from the start, was the one to reveal to me. One the eve of our most recent heist, He confessed the secret his family had kept. They were sworn to protect my line, to safeguard the sole surviving heir. When tragedy befell my family, they spirited me away, training me to be the king I was destined to be. A noble endeavor, to be sure. But as you can see, I chose a different path. Yet, he remained steadfast, waiting for the opportune moment to call me back to destiny. And what did I say? Nay!”
“I prefer my life the way it is. I wouldn’t trade my life or my boys for anything.”
“Then why did you want the crown?” Scrap asked.
Kinarus gripped his knuckles, “The crown belongs to its rightful owners, not some pompous fools who crave shiny baubles to flaunt their wealth. When I clutched that crown, it felt like a spark ignited within me. It called to me, a siren song from the past. Even now, though it’s gone, I can still feel its presence in this very city. Perhaps…” He took a small pause for a second. His ears rose from his long locks, “... that’s why I’m trapped here. I must find it. I will find it”
The tension surrounding him felt intense, but Scrap felt a little uneasy about it. Considering everything… There is still no guarantee. All the entries tried today painted a clear picture that he was meant to stay. What would happen if Kinarus is really stuck here?
“And I'll have my first pup, Here! By my side, HAHA!” Kiarus reached over, grabbed Scrap and hugged him by his side. Scrap yipped into his side, smooshing him so tight he lost his breath. Scrap tried to break free as if it was a scared puppy that had been grabbed the wrong way. “Chap… I can’t thank you enough!”
Scrap managed to break free and gasped a big heep of air. He’s about to respond, but he saw Kinarus laugh so loudly. He couldn’t do it… He could break his hope. Even if it’s a lost cause, Scrap will still help and find him a way back.
Kinarus’s elbow tapped Scrap, bumping him slightly and breaking him from his sudden thought. As he regained his composure, Scrap looked over, noticing the other bag he got from the other stores. He got up and took the capsule from the bag. He sat back down and plopped it open. “Kinarus… Here.”
“Huh?” Kinarus glanced down, his gaze falling upon Scrap, who was clutching a gaudy plastic necklace. A tiny tarnish crown dangled from it. “What silly trinket is this?”
“I saw this and thought of you.” Scrap stammered, his eyes widened with hope. “I know it’s not the crown wanted, but I hope you like it.” Kinarus regarded the trinket, his gaze both amused and contemplative. He gave the necklace a shake, the tarnish crown pendant clinking softly. His fingers traced the cheap plastic, examining every detail as if he held such power.
“Thanks, Chap.” Kinarus huffed, “It’s the thought that counts, I suppose. But next time, maybe something a bit… flashier? Gold, diamonds, that sort of thing. You know the good stuff.”
“Right Right… Right, haha. Paid some hefty rolls of quarters to get that exact one. “ Scrap let out a nervously laugh. “Well I tried.”
Suddenly Kinarus then stretched out his back and let out a big yawn. He lounged back on the couch and licked his lips. “Chap. Fetched me another mug. My lips are drying.”
Scrap rolled his eyes. “I’m afraid I’m all out of it. Why not, I just go get something at the gas station down the street. Sure they have something equally tasty.”
“Fine… Fine…” He waved him off. “Select me your best poison.”
“You promise you’ll behave and stay here.” Scrap firmly stated. Kinarus again waved him off. Scrap gulped and left the panther alone. Once he heard the door shut, Kinarus took out his necklace, Gently fingered the plastic pendant, a small grin rose on his lip. “Actually, it’s quite charming in its own way.

---

Scrap and Kinarus belongs to me  Scrapbook
Pic was done by Archy @ Blusky: archy306.bsky.social