Chernobyl-Curs: Round 2 - Page 3

Walter cautiously took a first step into the damp hospital. Chairs were strewn around and papers were almost cemented to the floor with age. A sickly ammonia smell came from behind a desk. It made the puppy nauseous and dizzy, but kept his shivering stature as the rest of the dogs explored the facility. Beyra's helper shook himself dry, flinging cold drops of water on the dirty tile.

"Your opponent is Untoten." he replied unenthusiastically. "Good luck or something."

Walter cocked his head, confused. "Aren't you gonna tell her?"

"She already knows. I think she went that way." The male pointed his snout toward a hall of stairs. "You can smell the estrogen from here."

The puppy followed the helper's guidance. He tripped over the first few steps, but found it easier as he ascended higher. A broken window reminded him how high he was every few stair cases. The bearded female's scent carried higher to almost the top. He finally found her sitting by an unoccupied glass case. He slinked across the floor to her.

"I can hear you Walter. There's no need to try a sneak attack."

Walter was shocked she heard him, and padded softer. The place was once covered in a pasty pink, decorated with yellow ducks and bouncing balls. A scripture was placed on a banner, two scratched out storks held it proudly in their beaks. A few other blue and pink items danced around the room.

"Why are you here, Walter?"

The puppy didn't hesitate. "Easy; to find my mother, what's it to you?"

Untoten huffed. "And joining this blood bath is your way of finding her? You think she'll just show up with open paws?"

"Well Gizmo thought it would help with my nightmares of her-"

"Has it worked?" she asked sarcasticlly.

"Yes, but now I see my sister…"

Untoten growled, "You're an unending circle! You have no place in this tournament. No place for a puppy."

Walter lost his temper; he tried to pounce on her, only finding an empty space where she was. Pain shot through his hind left paw. He kicked it, hearing a satisfying "oof!" as Untoten hit the ground hard. While she was still shaking her head, Walter pinned her to the concrete. He yelped at the sight of a missing limb, giving her time to wriggle from his grasp.

"No fair!" Walter snapped.

Untoten bared her teeth. "Just like a puppy to complain about fairness!"
She charged toward him until--

*CRACK!*