The light flickered above the coyote's head as he pressed his paw down on the ink peddle below the table. It was hard to focus with the dim lighting that shared what little power there was to his ink gun. He stood over a Wolf lying down on the table, his large body taking up most of the small business within it's cramped quarters. Spike was lucky to find a spot of his own down in the market square to run his business despite being located within another one. He operated his profession in a small room in the back of a drinking hole. The bar was small itself but was located in the main square. Not every business owner and pan handler had a spot to themselves, but the coyote had paid a lot to rent out a small space within another business as long as it was open.
"All done." Spike said flatly. He leaned into a back corner as the wolf propped himself up on the table. Before sliding off, he unlaced his combat boots and took one off after the other. He handed Spike his fee and slid off the table onto his bare paws, lowering his head as to not hit the short ceiling as he stood.
"Thanks, Spike." The wolf said before slipping his shirt back on and saluting him before heading out.
The coyote nodded as he lit a cigarette and his last customer of the night slipped away. He looked at the boots the wolf left behind and kicked off his tattered shoes. He laced up the boots and tossed out his old footwear. Packing up for the night, the coyote packed up his ink and switched off the small light the hung above his head. He slid out the small door and locked up. Passing through the small bar and into the busy square, he tossed his cigarette butt aside and began walking home.
The crowded square was bustling with people desperate for money or food, some offering the coyote scraps of garbage or food in exchange for whatever they could get. Spike just walked along knowing he couldn't give them anything, even if he wanted to. Pups and other cubs had run up to him, surrounding the coyote and asking for candy and money while they all padded down his pockets. Slum children were certainly more successful at pick pocketing and robbery than most ugly encounters Spike had been faced with in the past. The coyote laughed.
"You think there's money here?" The coyote asked with a grin. "No one has money here." The children, unable to find anything to steal or receive, scurried off to find someone else to bother. "Damn kids." The coyote huffed as he continued on his way.
Taking a detour, Spike climbed up to the upper levels to avoid the crowds in the decks below. He'd hope to find more peace and quiet among the cargo areas even if it was the long way home. Up ahead of him, he saw a shadowy figure standing alone. As he got closer, he noticed it was a young wolf who was standing alone among the cargo. Spike didn't think he'd been noticed yet but his eyes squinted, skeptical of the wolf's intentions. He wasn't in the mood to fight someone after a long day at work. Instead of pressing forward, he stood there waiting to see what she would do.
Topic: The Den (Read 4148 times)