Chivalry Isn't Dead | A Clawtie Fanfiction

• Dawned Shadow •

With a small, constant swirl, the fragrance of tea caressed Claw's nose. The cup made his paw warm, a trickle of light brown falling off the curved edge of the spoon, creating miniature vibration on the drink.

Putting the spoon down, Claw sat on the wooden chair he made just a few minutes ago, exhaling a tired breath. He faced the sun from his open treehouse door, a frown in his face as he watched his dragon sleeping on the grassy field.

From behind him came a cough. He twisted his trunk to take a good look, the pup who awoke staring at him as he laid on the Dobermann's bed. Chase quickly asked in aggression of where he was and why he was there, yet there was no answer. Just a gap of silence. Claw noticed how Chase's eyes wandered over to the corner of the room, knowing well the question that formed in his mind before the shepherd even asked.

"The rope I used to stop Sparks. Why didn't you use it?" Chase was more reserved when he spoke this time around.

Remaining unresponsive in facial gestures, Claw replied: "Don't get ahead of yourself. It was my plan from the start but when I was checking you, I soon realized why I won the fight earlier today."

The police pup slowly observed the blanket in front of him, pulling it towards his chest. Strong creases began to form. Claw could see the slight gritting of teeth under the pup's low growls, as if embarrassed.

"I don't need this from you," he said.

"I may have broken an important rule in the kingdom—" Claw took a sip and an exhale—"but my honour as a knight would never falter. I don't take pride in my hollow victory, we will continue our battle when you're better."

Silence began enveloping the two. Chase merely examined his surroundings, as well as keeping a careful eye on his enemy. Claw couldn't blame him, that was exactly what he was doing as well, considering he took it up to himself to leave his enemy unrestrained.

Chase turned to him. "What happened?"

"A miracle? A fluke? Perhaps the world toying with us. I don't have a definitive answer myself," the former knight replied, flailing his forepaws in the air, almost spilling his tea. "It just happened so fast. Sparks was about to exhale flames, I heard it too soon. I signaled him to stop but the fire was strong, unable to be kept within his throat. No thanks to your rope, he couldn't maneuver himself to look to the skies, and he spat it out towards the street. I was aware of where Sweetie was, yet when I turned to her in a sprint, your rig was already in the path. And then…" Claw peeked a quiet eye into the small opening to another room, catching the image of a charred shield leaning on a walk. "My body moved on its own, facing the flames after I hopped in your vehicle. It was hot but I was able, yet I staggered at the end. Next thing I knew, I hit a button, I was launched into the air, and then flew off with Sparks after removing the ropes in a hurry due to the sound of horses clopping."

Claw took note of Chase's silent behaviour. It could be that he was genuinely listening to him.

"Sparks noticed you landed on our saddle before we reached the clouds. We could've let you fall there and then, Chase. It would've been so easy and it'll be an obstacle out of our path."

Claw sighed, standing up to lean on the frame of his open treehouse door, orange rays pushing further into his house. He had a perfect view of the sunset.

"You aren't indebted to me in any way. I just ask that you leave me to do what I have to."

"To hurt the innocent?" A small creak told Claw how Chase placed a paw on the wooden floor, leaning forward in anticipation.

"To protect the one I loved since the beginning of my knighthood."

Just after speaking, Claw gasped at the sight of a man riding a horse. An old bearded fella with bluish clothing and expensive-looking garments. It was a familiar face that even Chase, who was just across the open door, was able to identify from his expression.