Chapter 8

Computer's Got A Plan

Morning came at an agonizingly slow pace. I had pulled myself away from Courage and was now sitting on my own bed again. I was staring at the television but not really watching it, I was too with my own thoughts and the new feelings I was experiencing yet had no idea what they were. I genuinely felt bad for the dog because I knew what it feels like to lose what is most important but this was different...and I didn't like it. Comforting him wasn't my job, in fact it totally went against everything I'd built up with the dog over the years yet I couldn't bear to watch him cry like that last night. Then my cynical side took over again. The very thoughts were, you never had anyone when Hanna died so why should he? I could have almost smiled, it was because of that I'm alone with no friends, in a goofy looking half machine half dog body, and about to be killed by a magic race. That's the very reason why Courage shouldn't have to deal with the same pain. From that moment I decided not to dwell on it and hope Courage wouldn't either. He needed support and even if it made me sick to my stomach I'd have to be the one to give him that support. I decided to take an active roll in the dog's quest for an owner even if it hurt to think he wouldn't ever come back to the farm again...or the attic. So then I also added to the list not to abandon my own attempts to make Courage come back to the farm. I was once again working at my cramped wing when an idea hit me. Why hadn't I thought of this before! That would make a great owner for Courage. Well...if what I was thinking did indeed exist but it was worth a shot.

I waited until Courage woke up to put my plan into action. I was trying not to let my wing get the better of me and I really needed to watch what I say now. I don't need Courage having another fit on me right now. When the dog did wake he looked so embarrassed his fur almost turned colors. I made nothing of it, I wasn't going to mention last night again if I had to.

“Twit, I've got an idea. Unfortunately a computer without the internet isn't very useful so I need to go out and find a way to connect to get the information I seek. As degrading as it is to use another computer I'll do it to make up for last night.” I hadn't meant to say the last part but I felt the need to get back in favor with him.

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“Well what is your idea?”

“I'll tell you if I find it. I don't want to get your hopes up you know.”

He didn't look amused but it was true. I wasn't about to get his hopes up over something that may not be right.

I crossed my arms and continued. “I'll try the library for the internet and unlike you I can avoid any trouble or dog catchers along the way....but if I'm not back in about three hours assume the worse alright?”

He nodded lightly looking bewildered. He clearly didn't expect me to start helping him out like this. I'd just turned to the door when he spoke.

“Computer, I'm sorry about last night.” He said softly.

I became lightly aware of the pain where he punched me last night but the pain in my wing was far worse and that was at least noticeable. I sighed and crossed my arms. “Just aim next time idiot, you might have actually done more damage. I see you throw punches like a girl...just like everything else.” I then left all to aware I couldn't come to make myself apologize to him. It just didn't work when I tried.

The walk to the library was a long one because I dare not use my wings. The whole journey was dogcatcher and old lady free and it was so early in the morning almost no humans were up. It spared me the usual glares I got from them. Glowing dogs aren't exactly normal after all.

......

Courage sat in bed all to aware of what happened last night. Computer had acted like it was nothing thankfully and that spared him the embarrassment. Whatever the machine was doing he didn't know but computer seemed to know what he was doing.

He didn't feel like sitting around while waiting for computer to return so he took the risk and dared to cross the street long enough to get something to eat. Once again the humans seemed to act like it was so weird to see a dog paying for breakfast. It made him miss Nowhere but then it made him think about Muriel and he was almost reduced to tears again. Last night had done something to him, it had made him realize it was okay to be sad about Muriel's passing and he didn't need to hide it, not even to computer who usually made fun of him about this stuff. And that was just one more reason not to go back. He couldn't stand to remain in a place where Muriel had once always been.

Those three hours passed maybe a little two quickly and when computer did not return Courage began to worry. Had the dog catcher got him? Ten minutes after the three hours passed Courage couldn't take it anymore. Dog catcher or not he took off for the library.

The giant building loomed over him as walked down the street. He never once caught a glimpse of the dog catcher's truck on the side of the road....

He'd just walked up to the doors when he ran almost head long into computer himself.

“What are you doing here?” Computer exclaimed.

“It's way past to hours!” Courage argued.

“Oh yeah, I see. It took longer then I expected. I needed to sign up for several things before it would let me see the information and even then it took longer because I'm not all that adapt at using computer's from the outside you know. I couldn't hook up either with all those humans watching.” He adjusted his glasses looking annoyed.

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

“Of course. Have I ever failed you before?”

“Really? What did you find!”

“Well, lets go back to the hotel first. I don't trust this place and I find it funny that I haven't seen any dog catchers yet.” Courage watched as he walked down the staircase.

It was almost like it was meant to happen...a man seemly jumped out of nowhere. In his hand was one of those poles with the rings at the end and he managed to slip it around computer's neck in a matter of seconds.

“Gotcha!” The man yelled pulling it tight.

“What the? Let me go you stupid human!” Computer yelled tugging backwards on all fours angrily.

Courage watched from atop the stairs knowing any minute now computer would use some magic to blow that man away. It never came though....

Computer continued to struggle away and then the man made a blind kick hitting him in the back. It was clear he was still suffering from the cramp because a look of pain passed over his face and both wings and claws were reveled as he lost control of the magic hiding them.

“Woah! This thing is scarier then I thought!” The man cried out.

Computer did not get back up or even try to fight back with magic. When it was clear he was too in pain to do anything and the man was carrying him over to the truck Courage dove back into the library hoping he wouldn't be caught next. Thankfully the man was far too interested in computer to care about Courage and he could only watch hopelessly through a window as the dog catcher truck drove off. He couldn't help but think about all the horror stories he'd heard about the animal shelters and what they do to dogs.

Why computer hadn't tried to fight back Courage didn't know but he did know was he needed to go after computer. Just when he thought he'd never have to go off and save anybody again....

He took a deep breath and ran on all fours after the truck. He suddenly felt like he was at home again....

End of chapter