Art by She Who Is  genesisw!

Genesis does a webcomic. You should read it. It is Little Tales.

* * *

Tank drove the truck into a Sav-Mart gas station. "Stay inside the truck while I make sure your pet monster isn't here," Tank said as he opened the door. He paused, ears swiveling around while he peered into the darkness. The parking lot was well lit, but one bulb dimly flickered, ready to go out at any moment.

What if the Once Iggy could emerge from the darkness caused by a burnt out street lamp? It would then attack Tank, who would be caught unawares, and slice his flesh open with its razor sharp talons. Then as he would watch his lapine savior fall, it would come for him. The glass would no longer an obstacle to its increased power. It would shatter the barrier that kept it from Ivan, and--

Tank rapped on the driver's side window. "It's safe. Come on, let's grab some essentials."

Ivan welcomed the interruption of his dire scenario. Certainly not even the Once Iggy could bring down Tank, who lived up to his name. He seemed unstoppable, and could adapt to situations quickly. Unlike himself, Tank could bring down the monster, and do it with style.

As he followed Tank inside, he took one final glance at the darkness that surrounded him. Did he hear a distant cry? Maybe it was the wind...only the air was still.

"Ivan? You shouldn't be outside," Tank said. "This kind of neighborhood isn't the friendliest one to be alone in."

Ivan scampered inside, rubbing his face with both hands. Flecks of dried blood spotted his fingers. "I should go to restroom," he said.

"Good idea. I'll pick up some energy drinks and some beef jerky. We might need it to keep up our inertia."

The restroom was recently cleaned, and the sting of bleach which filled Ivan's nostrils was so strong it forced him to breath through his mouth. It was a small price to pay to get cleaned up. His facial fur was speckled with dried blood, so he dampened a paper towel in the sink and was able to wipe it all away. It improved his appearance, and he mustered up a small smile to his reflection.

"Everything vill be all right," his reflection 'said', and he almost believed it.

Tank was at the register, his purchases already in a bag except for a tall energy drink in his hand. Ivan could make out the label--CREATURE. A picture of a fierce wolf sliced at the logo. "It just feels right," Tank said as he caught Ivan's questioning look. As he moved towards the entrance, he retrived a red ballcap from the bag. "Here, I thought you might want a replacement."

Ivan had forgotten he had not worn his old cap since the start of his dreadful adventure. "Th-thank you," he said as he put it on.

"No problem, Ivan," Tank said as he got into the truck. "It looked weird, you going capless."

Maybe Fate was trying to tell him something...

Everything will be all right.

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