CHAPTER 73

Into the Bowels Part II

He forcibly pulled air to his lungs in a desperate intent of recovering from nearly total atmosphere decompression. O2 slowly filled his lungs and nourished his natural need for it. As everything became clearer, he still couldn't believe who stood in front of him.

“Anubis...” Husky managed to whisper with the very little air left in his lungs. His friend; his brother. The tall Evocanis stared down at him silently. He was covered in scars, one crossing his entire face. One of his ears was missing, his fur showed oil stains and who knows what else. But there was no doubt this rough looking Evocanis was his D.E1 mate.

“One second later and the humans would've taken you.” Anubis uttered with an uncommon raspy and deep tone. “Consider yourself lucky, mutt.” Again, that word. It was strange; as he was relieved that he got there on time to save the young husky, but with that same tone of indifference shown by his kind.

They just stared at him for a few seconds before turning around and walking back from the darkness they came from.

“Wait...” Husky said with difficulty, as he chocked in his coughing. He desperately tried to get up. Despite his injuries, he never lost his strength. Seeing his Evocanis brothers once again had given him the edge to keep on going.

“You better hurry and get up. We don't want another unnecessary confrontation with those bastards.” Anubis said as he turned to face Husky. Unknown words filled with violence were uttered, but somehow, Husky felt strangely welcomed by this group of Evocanis.

Husky painstakingly followed the group through the passages of that sector. It took him a few minutes to finally recover and keep the pace. “Why was I sent here?” Husky asked. He was unsure who to ask and it was more as if he asked this to himself. He feared confrontation with his brothers.

This place was something else. The humidity, heat and dense air was in a different level than the sectors above. It made his previous experience in this nightmarish Canis Major almost feel comfortable in comparison. Dark, hot, damp and hostile. Is the only way to describe it.

“Your delicate appearance is obviously deceiving. If you were sent here it means that you've given a chance that not many are given.” A large Evo said. He was some mix of Saint Bernard. Very large and strong looking Evocanis without a doubt.

“Very few Evos are sent here, unless they see your genes fit for the breeding program.” A large German Shepherd added. All of these Evos were very large and strong in appearance. It made Husky look like a delicate pup.

Not much was said for the duration of their walk. They went through ladders, rustic staircases, skeletal lifts and slid down damp pipes. Eventually they reached a gate harshly locked with a chain.

“Don't get too comfortable. Work starts in a few hours.” Anubis said as the rest walked in before Husky. Anubis apparently waited for Husky to walk into the other side of the gate.

Husky never took his sight from Anubis. It was his dear friend indeed, but he had that aura that exuded pain, sorrow and conflict. Husky knew he would probably react as Rika did, but he didn't doubt a second to speak to him. Anubis walked away through this strange sector buried deep within that horrible place. There were many Evos there. Some of them slept, others sat next to lit barrels, apparently cooking strange materials that were later eaten. Very few talked to each other, but behind that eerie silence there was a faint sense of kinship. Husky couldn't explain why, but he felt it.

Husky still followed the large black Evocanis, even thought he was never told to do so. Anubis finally reached a torn and heavily soiled piece of mattress on the floor. Another one of those lit barrels was placed in the middle of that improvised resting area. The large Evocanis sat down, grabbed a dirty bottle which was apparently filled with water and took a sip. He then threw the bottle at Husky.

“Thank you, Anubis...” Husky said. The water looked dirty, but his body craved for the liquid after that ordeal. And he could faintly feel the scent and taste of his brother who had lapped from it before. This warmness was something that he cherished at that moment, making him feel that bond between his species again for a second.

“Let me ask you something, mutt.” Anubis spoke without looking at Husky at first. “How do you know my name?” He now stared at him.

“I...” Husky doubted. “I don't want to get into details, because I feel you will not understand at this moment.” He said while looking down. For a second he almost told him everything but then remembered the conflict he had with Rika before.

“Fair enough. I don't care.” Anubis responded harshly. “I know what you did. Word from above is quick to reach us.”

Husky was suddenly interested on what Anubis had to say. This Evocanis although not very welcoming as he had seen so far, showed an apparent interest on exchanging dialog.

“You are aware of the many that die pulling a stunt like the one you did.” Anubis said.

“Bringing three of those metal skeletons down...” Another Evocanis said not to far away from where they were. “I have never heard of any who pulled off that before.

“You're either stupid, very skillful, or simply lucky.” Anubis added. “How the hell did you do it?”

Husky stood silent for a second. He was trying to choose his words. “I fought with them before...” He explained at a paused pace. The Evos around him just looked at each other, trying to figure out the purpose of that delicate Evocanis being there.

“Right... Fought them before.” Anubis mocked. He didn't think that Husky lied though. He just couldn't understand how he got away with it. “You are telling me that you did this before and were never punished for it? Not only that, but you subdue three of those killing machines and yet you're spared once again.” He let out a chuckle.

“Rebellious actions like those end up in either torture punishment, neutering or death. Very rarely they decide to send the offender down here.” Another Evo said. “And I heard how you lashed against one of the humans as well.”

“Sure you showed them how strong you can be, but I am baffled that they didn’t see you as a threat and just killed you off.” Anubis took the lead on the conversation again. “If it's true what you did, you would be too risky to put in the breeding program.”

“Breeding program?” Husky dared to ask. He now felt confident to seat down.

“You are a strange one, aren't you?” Anubis said as he stared right into Husky's eyes. “You know what the breeding program is. Show them how strong you are up in the refinery and you get thrown down here to make more of us. The EuroAm Union doesn't want weaklings working their product.” That word again. Husky swore he had seen or heard that phrase before, but just couldn't pinpoint that moment when he did. Meaningless words for him; at the same time awful familiar. “But they don't want to breed us with too dominant gens either, or they risk a mass rebellion.”

“They know they are weaker; those humans.” The other Evocanis added. “Without their metallic guards they are just too afraid of us. They know that them versus us would be no fair match. We would rip them apart.”

“So the strong ones are sent here then? We just work like the ones above?” Husky dared to ask.

“No...” Anubis answered. “I don't blame you for not knowing how things work here. No one that comes here ever goes back.” As Anubis said this, Husky looked around and contemplated the group of Evocanis there. It was somewhat different indeed. The conditions were miserable, but deep inside that hole, there was a faint sense that a brotherhood existed.

“There are no rules in this place...” Anubis said with a tone of defeat in his voice. “Except one; that we work the raw minerals brought in so we get food and supplies in exchange. At the end of our duties, we return to our territory.”

“Not only the strongest Evos are sent here,” he continued “but they also send their kind. These humans tend to hate their own as much as they hate us. They send the worst of their own kind to work the minerals down here. They call them criminals; scum.”

“There really isn't a difference between those criminals and the leaders of the humans who did this to our kind. They are just other humans which they consider undesired in their society.” Another Evo nearby jumped into the conversation.

“The only difference,” Anubis took the lead once again “the only difference is that they work for their freedom. We will be here forever.”

Husky listened very carefully at all that he was told. As confused as he was before, he started understanding the whole situation in Canis Major. Humans had somehow gotten to Canis Major and enslaved the Evocanis race permanently. Rather than destroying them, they used them. What didn't make sense was the machines being there. Could it be that the machines were created by humans? Were the machines their puppets all along? He had theorized that before while he was trapped inside the machine's ship due to all the vague evidence encountered there, but it was all clear now. If that was true, then this was no illusion. How long had it been? Did they ended up losing the fight after all?

“No...” Husky whispered to himself. “I won't accept that reality...” He said. It couldn't be real. How could it be real if his friends couldn't recognize him? An Evocanis would never forget.

Anubis and the other Evos soon lied down on their torn mattresses and fell asleep caressed by the faint fire of the eroded barrels sparsely scattered around the area. Anubis and the ones closest to him had apparently accepted Husky in their group, even if they had never shown it.

There was no time for Husky to lie down and sleep. How could he do that seeing that his beloved Canis Major and his beautiful Evo brothers suffered that horrific fate? He would not rest; even if it meant for him to free his race with no help.

There was silence in this large hangar-like area. The fires in the barrels crackled in the atmosphere, but that was all it was heard. It was somehow contradicting that fires were lit in that place, since it was immensely hot, but all around he didn't notice any kind of illumination system. These fires were necessary if they didn't want to be in complete darkness.

Husky just sat there for what seemed hours. He looked at Anubis and his other brothers while they slept, wanting nothing but to approach them and comfort them; to tell them they would be alright. But he knew that the fear and violence infused into them would probably induce rejection.

The young Evocanis stood up and silently walked around what seemed to be the living quarters for Anubis and his strongest friend's. If that could be said, as the whole sector was open. Anubis and his friends were up in a catwalk, which gave view of the entire sector a floor below. Behind them Husky could see slanted windows that gave a clear view of space. Husky stared at the stars, noticing a large orange planet very close. Some ships and stations were seen orbiting around Canis Major, some carrying large chunks of rocks and other minerals probably taken from the planet below.

Humans were using Evocanis as mere tools for their mineral harvesting. At least that's what it all pointed to.

Husky decided to walk away and try to organize his thoughts. He silently walked over and close to many Evos that slept. He was careful not to wake them up. He noticed how they all wore stained and torn industrial outfits. They didn't even took them off to sleep, which added to the discomfort. Husky looked at himself and noticed he just wore bandages and those tattered clothes that the hooded Evocanis girl left to him. He was almost unprotected from that harsh environment.

As he made his way across the sector, he finally reached the gate that led outside. Was this the territory that Anubis spoke about? That meant that the humans had their own sector as well, and that everything in between was the working area of that mining facility. Husky quickly thought what his next move would be. Stay there and accept this horrible fate, or somehow find a way to free his race.

“What can I do?” He desperately whispered to himself. He raised his paws and saw his once delicate white fur tainted by soil, rust and even blood. “I'm alone...” He almost cried at that realization. It was true; his brothers had lost the will to fight and he was pretty much the only one who wouldn't accept that situation. Husky wanted nothing more than to be able to hold his brothers once again; feel the love, the warmth and peace that he always knew was his and of his race. It was so frustrating. He couldn’t dare to sleep now knowing that every second that went by those monsters soiled the purity of Canis Major, and in fear that he would have those horrible nightmares again.

“What was that?” Husky thought to himself. Beyond the barred gate, within the darkness, he thought he heard something. No; he actually saw something.

A dark figure moved far beyond in the nothingness. Husky gasped as the shadowy figure moved slowly towards the gate. “What do you want?” Husky said aggressively. That figure kept on walking towards him, slowly making itself visible. The shape was not recognizable, but just a dark robe that almost blended in with the shadows. “I'm... I'm not afraid! Leave us alone already...” He said. But he soon noticed this was not what his survival instinct told him.

“Calm down...” A voice whispered.

Husky was in complete disbelief. This dark figure got closer, and as it did, he could see it uncovering its identity behind a hood.

“Do not let that frustration defeat you, Husky.”

That dark figure. From the shadows and horror of that place, it walked and spoke to him. It was her.

“It's you?” Husky said. He was shocked, yet he felt an immense happiness within him. It was the warm and tender Evocanis girl that had always been there every time Husky felt defeated. How was it possible?

“I told you, didn't I?” She said. He got closer from the other side of the barred gate and placed her tender paws on Husky's. She caressed them softly. “I told you I would be with you no matter what.”

“But how? I don't understand...” Husky didn't find the words. It was as if this tender Evocanis knew exactly where Husky was at all times, and she knew when Husky desperately needed that comfort.

“Hey...” she hushed Husky. “I know things are starting to look impossible for you, but what did I tell you not a few hours ago?”

Husky panted. It wasn't stress or exhaustion, but it was this beautiful and almost overwhelming sense of warmth coming from this Evocanis husky girl. “Not to lose hope.” He said almost in tears.

“And?” She tenderly whispered.

“To hold on to what I think is the truth?” He again said, stumbling between words.

“No.” The female husky corrected him. “What you KNOW for a FACT is the truth, Husky.” She reaffirmed.

Her saying that was the most beautiful that he had experienced so far. Those words coming from her went straight to his heart and his spirit. She smiled and looked straight into Husky's eyes. These bright amber eyes showed a fire inside them. It was the love and compassion of his whole race condensed in those two bright stars which pierced right into his very heart. This hooded Evocanis was different than before. She always exuded this warmth, but never as strong as now. All the sorrow and despair that Husky felt was instantly gone.

“Who are you?” Husky whispered to her as they held paws for a few minutes without saying a word. This warm contact was simply intoxicating for Husky.

“Husky...” She said looking down for a second, but never letting that tender smile disappear. “As I said, I can't tell you as a sign of respect to her. I wouldn't be happier to tell you who I am, but not until she decides to do so; not until you forgive her and understand she did it because she loves you more than life itself.” As cryptic as always were the responses from this light gray husky Evocanis with bright amber eyes.

“Who are you talking about? I just don't understand. Who is she that you mention?” Husky responded, but he was was just too intoxicated in the warmth at the moment to really dwell into it.

“Someday you will know. But as you're aware of, there are much more important things to care about now.” She responded. She was as close as she had ever been. This Evocanis was almost the exact same height as Husky, and he could feel the warm scent of her breath being so familiar to him.

“You can't be out there.” Husky said, suddenly worried that she was out in the neutral area. “It's dangerous!” He desperately looked around in hope to find the lock for the gate and let her in. As he let go of her soft paws, she walked backwards.

“Husky,” She said. “Promise me you will rest for now. Tomorrow will be another hard day and one closer to the end of this nightmare.”

When Husky heard this, it felt like her saying goodbye.

“No, wait!” Husky desperately reached out between the bars. “Don't go!”

“I've said this before, but I'm proud of you, brother.” She said. “That strength that you have shown will be the key to reach what you know it's the truth. Fight hard, Husky and never be afraid; there is nothing to be of. You already won...” She said as she placed the hood back on her head and walk back to the shadows. “I will be with you when you need me the most.”

There was no more to do. She had disappeared into the shadows once again.

Why did she appeared again, knowing the exact place where Husky would be? Husky didn't realize it until she mentioned those last words, but he did in fact need her desperately moments ago. She didn't do much apparently, and as always, her interactions were immensely cryptic. But as Husky sniffed his paws trying to feel the her scent left on him, he felt how much that encounter helped him. A few seconds ago he almost lost hope and felt into desperation. And now inside of him the fire of hope burned greater than before.

“I will do as you say, Evo sister...” Husky spoke to himself. “I will not let them win... I already won.”

He turned back from where he came from, eventually reaching the corner where Anubis and his friends lied. Husky sat down on the torn mattress, leaned back on a wall and closed his eyes. He would not let the fear and desperation win. The next day would be a new opportunity to get closer top that reality he knew.

Even with his heart beating fast and adrenaline running through his veins after the sudden rush of determination, Husky managed somehow to fall asleep. As Anubis and the mysterious Evo girl said, he would need it for what was about to come.

Mixed thoughts and convoluted images that couldn't be classified individually or as a whole invade Husky's mind while he slept. A gentle impact suddenly awoke him from his slumber. For a second he expected to be on his warm bed back in H2, but this torn and humid piece of mattress was all he felt.

“Wake up. Time to work.”

Standing next to him, a large black Evocanis wrapped arm guards as he stared down at him. Anubis then nodded at one of his friends who threw a small bag at him. He immediately let it fall next to Husky.

“You'll need that, so put it on.” Anubis said as he walked away.

Husky sat on the mattress, still rubbing his eyes and staring at the large pack of Evocanis who gathered at the exit of the sector.

“We're not going to wait for you any longer, so you better hurry up, pretty boy.” One of Anubi's friends said as he stopped for a second, waving his arms at Husky.

“Okay...” Husky replied so soft that only he heard. He shook and tried to fix his already matted fur as best as he could. He almost ripped his tattered clothes due to how fast he tried to change his outfit. Not a minute passed and he managed to finally wear an old industrial suit. This one was different since it was definitely much lighter than the one he previously tried, which was more of a flame suit. It had no sleeves and it was tight to his body. At least he knew he wouldn't have to deal with the immense heat he experienced at the forge.

After picking up the pace a bit, Husky managed to catch up with the Evocanis of that sector who were led by Anubis. He slowly and carefully dodged his brothers until he reached to where Anubis and the other strong Evocanis walked ahead of the group. Husky dared to walk next to Anubis, looking at him occasionally. To his surprise, the other Evocanis didn't seem to mind his intrusion.

At one point, both Anubis and Husky's eyes met. Instead of feeling intimidated by the large Evocanis, Husky kept his eyes on his.

“What is your name?” Anubis asked.

Husky let out a sigh of disappointment. One of the best friends he has ever had and he didn't know his name.

“Husky...” Husky said. “Although you should know that...” He then whispered.

“Husky the husky.” Anubis said in an almost mocking tone as he looked at his friends.

“Yes. Husky the husky.” Husky then replied firmly. “My Life Giver named me after her.” He added assertively.

“Okay.” Anubis said mildly chuckling.

Small talk was the only thing Husky got from the Evocanis. He was still surprised that in such harsh environment they were actually more welcoming than the Evos above. Maybe it was this 'no rules' system which let them show a bit more of their true nature. Whatever it was, Husky knew that deep inside, these cold Evocanis were still the warm and loving species he belonged to.

Minutes after walking out of their territory the sound of machinery soon filled the air. They all followed Anubis into a large room. Husky felt a bit out of place, since he had no idea of the procedures. He didn't really care. He was more observant of his surroundings, learning and hoping he found his chance to act.

“Alright, everyone.” Anubis said, as he secured his paw wear. He spoke loud so everyone could hear.

“They brought in a new rock. You know the procedure.” He spoke as he and everyone got ready, grabbing tools and securing their gear. “We will work it from scratch so we might be here for a few hours.”

“The unfurred ones will be here in a few minutes, I imagine.” He continued. “They will be mostly running the machinery and the processing of the rock. We will take care of the hard part which is braking it up.”

A mild bark coming from all the Evos around at the same time was a sign that they understood. Soon they all seemed ready to proceed.

“I hope you listened and understood, new one. I'm sorry; Husky the husky.” Anubis said as he walked towards Husky with a small piece of bread he was handed earlier. “Eat it. You will need the energy. If you need water, let me know.”

“I don't plan to stay here too long... Neither will you.” Husky responded as he took the unsavory stale bread. Unappetizing or not, he was hungry and needed it.

“Listen, Husky” Anubis directed towards him one more time before walking out the room into the work area. “Do NOT cause any trouble. Do I make myself clear?”

Husky didn't respond; he just stared at him.

“We work with the unfurred ones. We don't exchange words other than work related, alright?”

“If they say something that bothers you, you ignore them. Their superiors will tell them to shut up, or they will get tired of doing so.” Anubis continued. “If we create a riot, they will not send supplies and will make us work a double shift. And we do not want that, is that clear?”

“Right...” Husky said reluctantly. He was very upset and didn't do anything to hide it.

“Listen.” Anubis now got close to Husky. “You are strong. We need Evos like you down here. But you better calm down.” Surprisingly, Anubis placed his paw on Husky's shoulder. Physical contact; finally. This contact was sincere, almost as pure as it had always been with Evos. Husky did not know how to react as his scowl disappeared and his eyes stared at Anubis.

“They have dangerous tools, Husky. They are violent and unpredictable.” Anubis continued. “Don't give them a reason, and please, stay alert.” With these last words, Anubis walked away from the room. Husky was still perplexed. Anubis had not only touched him, but he also showed he cared. For whatever reason he did it, he showed he actually cared for his safety.

“Anubis... my dear friend...” Husky whispered. No one really heard what he said. That contact had made that love for his kind awaken again. He felt protective as ever towards them, and even more determined to find a way out.

Not much was said after. Husky followed his fellow Evocanis and silently he obeyed any direction given by Anubis. Together with the group, he finally reached a massive gate with small oval windows. Through these windows a large hangar could be seen. A sharp glare came from the hangar, and looking closely he noticed it was open to space.

“It is a big one, boys.” Not to far and to Husky's huge discontent, a large group of those humans stared out the window. Husky's neck fur sprung straight and firm as a wire. He was furious.

“We're going to be here longer than I anticipated.” Anubis spoke.

Soon interested in what was seen by both humans and Evos, Husky took a peek once again. A huge crane with electromagnetic hooks pulled a colossal rock. This was no rock, this was almost like a small asteroid. Other large machinery soon anchored the large rock into place, right at the center of the hangar. Bright rings of electricity surrounded the rock, keeping it levitating in mid air.

“By the end of the day, that rock has to be gone.” Anubis spoke. Husky knew he spoke to him even if he wasn't making eye contact and instead contemplating that massive rock. How could they accomplish such a feat was beyond him. That rock was probably at least ten to twelve meters in diameter.

The hangar gates suddenly closed and pressurized. A loud alarm startled Husky as the access gate to the hangar opened.

“Alright, you know your positions, Evocanis.” Anubis said as he took the lead to the hangar. “We work the smaller pieces today, so everyone to the conveyer tunnel. Move your tails!” He yelled. Far away, the unfurred ones also seemed to be led by one of them and soon headed to their working areas.

“Husky, follow me.” Anubis said. With him, the stronger Evos walked besides.

Husky saw how some of the unfurred ones got into big machines and surrounded the rock. Anubis, instead, lead his brothers into a large lift that slowly took them one level below the hangar. Darker and darker it got, while the lift kept on going down. Husky couldn't see anything for a few seconds as he just felt his Evo brothers tightly close to him. Soon, the elevator motors slowed their whine and a faint light flooded their eyes. A not so gentle sudden stop shook the lift's platform, finally shutting down the motors and opening a small gate.

“Let's move everyone. They are already cutting it!” Anubis led.

This sub-deck was hot, loud and almost the same size as the deck above. Four conveyor belts; two at each side of the room started running not seconds after they made it down. Far at the other end, he saw how another lift came down. Much to Husky's discontent, it was another group of unfurred ones. He stared at them, faintly letting out a growl. He didn't want them there; not at their working area, not in their home.

“Hey!” For a second, Husky got lost in his thoughts, planning how he could do something to end this madness. The voice of Anubis calling for him brought him back again. “Take this.” Anubis said as he handed out a large hammer. “I need you to focus, Husky! Look at me!” Anubis tried to speak over the sound of the machinery. Husky seemed in a stupor, as he looked at the hammer he had just been given and then at Anubis.

“Large chunks of that rock will start coming. You make sure you break them down no bigger than a fist.” Anubis kept on explaining. “They will come at intervals of about two minutes on the large conveyor. You break them down and then push the smaller ones into the smaller conveyor. Do you understand me?”

Husky was still not focusing. His mind was starting to lose it again. Maybe it was the noise or the whole situation just gaining control over him once more.

“Snap out of it!” A light pat on his face from Anubis finally woke him up. “Do you understand?”

“No bigger than a fist. Two minute intervals. Big conveyor to small conveyor.” Husky said almost in a robotic way.

“Good enough. Now get to work!”

Husky followed Anubis into position. Not long enough, and large chunks of rock started appearing from a dark tunnel, being brought by the large conveyor. Once the huge rocks were close enough, the large conveyor stopped, tilted toward the Evocanis, and the rocks rolled down to the ground with an inaudible thump.

“Okay, time to work!” Anubis gave a last indication. Everyone barked once at the same time and headed to the rocks. All the Evos started smashing the large rocks with their hammers as Anubis had explained.

It took Husky a second, but he finally followed his brothers and started hitting the rocks. It was much harder than it looked. The hammer was very heavy and although it seemed that the rocks wouldn't stand against the force of it, it was not easy to break them at all.

After a huge effort, pieces were small enough and were finally taken by the smaller conveyor. Husky almost felt as if all his strength was taken away, and this was only the first load. Thinking on how big that asteroid was, this would take forever. He and his brothers didn't deserve such treatment.

But what could he do at that moment? Husky just used that anger and frustration to work faster as he did before in the refinery. Load after load, Husky just kept up with his brothers, and he did a great job. His arms and back were on fire, but nothing stopped him. “This is not my reality. I will free us, no matter how hard I have to work.” He repeated these things over and over, not loud enough that anyone could hear but him.

Who knows how long it had been. Maybe an hour or two? Husky was exhausted beyond belief, but he still had the drive to continue. All of the sudden, the conveyors stopped.

“Break.” Anubis said. The Evos dropped their hammers and got closer in a group. A few other Evos had walked away for a second, bringing bottles of water for their team.

“Sit down, Husky. You need to recover your strength. We are barely getting started.” Husky obeyed and took one of the water bottles that were shared by his brothers. Husky couldn't stand the heat. His double layer coat was suffocating him slowly. He took his shirt off in an attempt to cool himself off. He took long sips of water and splashed some on his chest and back. His tongue was completely swollen, dripping saliva and sweat drops, as this was the only part of his body that could sweat.

“You're bleeding, Husky.” One of the Evocanis said. A German Shepherd Evocanis stared at two puncture wounds on his chest.

“It's nothing...” Husky replied harshly.

“Wait a second...” The German Shepherd gasped in shock. “How did you get these?”

“The human.” Husky suddenly clenched his jaws as he remembered. “He used his COWARD weapon against me.”

The German Shepherd looked at his partners. He could not believe Husky's explanation, but upon closer inspection he noticed two puncture wounds on his back. These wounds mirrored the ones in his chest and abdomen perfectly.

“You got shot?!” Anubis now got into the conversation. He was in disbelief.

“He fired that ballistic pistol at me. That coward. A true warrior that stands for his pride and for what is righteous would never use such weapon!”

Among the loud machinery, there was silence coming from the Evocanis that sat next to Husky. Anubis took a closer look as discretely as he could so Husky wouldn’t notice. There was no mistake. He had seen these wounds before as many of his brothers fell at the hands of the humans. This gentle-looking Evocanis had been working so hard without a sign of pain or exhaustion, with two fresh gun shot wounds going through his body, frighteningly close to his heart and lungs.

“Husky... How long has been since you were sent here?” Anubis asked almost doubting for a second.

“A day or two? I don't care...” Husky responded rudely; not at his Evocanis brother, but at the whole situation.

“You are... you were critically wounded not a couple of days ago. Are you okay... brother?” The sudden uttering of that ward made Husky once again came back to reality. He stared at Anubis, lightening up his angry scowl.

“I don't...” Husky took a deep breath. He felt how harsh words were about to come out of his muzzle, but the genuine tone of worry in Anubis made him calm down. “I am okay, Anubis. I don't have time to waste lying down or feeling pain.” He now expressed a calm tone and a gentle expression on his face. “Do not worry about me.”

“Husky, if you were shot, that means humans had no intention on sending you here or keeping you alive.” Anubis explained, based on his knowledge of how the humans worked. “who brought you here? Do you remember?”

“It was her...” Husky whispered as he looked down.

“There are no females down here, Husky. Who is HER?”

“You wouldn't understand, Anubis...”Husky replied as he looked back at Anubi's eyes.

Silence invaded the Evocanis group, as they all drank water and tried to regain their strength. Anubis and his stronger friends had no words to express the mystery behind this gentle black and white Evocanis of beautiful blue eyes.

“They harvest you six times in a period of two years, Husky.” Anubis suddenly broke the silence. “After they take your seed for the last time, they neuter you and send you back above. That's if you're lucky. If they decide you're too tired and old, they just... dispose of you.”

“I don't know what that means...” Husky said at the mentioning of strange words he hadn't heard before in his life.

“They cut off part of your body so you cannot give life anymore. Also so you become tamer.” Anubis continued. There was sorrow in his tone, but also fear. “But that is not really the reason to worry...”

“Anubis...” Husky whispered.

“I'm on my last harvest, Husky.” Anubis confessed. “Next month, I'll be either mutilated if I'm lucky, or I'll be... disposed of...”

Anubi's eyes flooded with tears for a second. It was brief, but Husky could feel the fear in his tone. It was not only fear of dying, but he could sense Anubis was fearful of never being able to see his brothers again.

Such an unfairly miserable life, just so it end by him being disposed of like something worthless? Who were these monsters and what gave them the right to place such a nightmarish burden on their kind?

“I don't want to die, Husky.” Close to Husky's ear, Anubis whispered these words. He needed it. “I don't want my brothers and I to live in this hell anymore, but I also do not want to die...” Anubis did what he could to hide his pain, but a tear escaping his warm brown eye exposed the truth of his feelings.

“I will not let that happen, my brother.” Husky affirmed. Going against the logic of that horrible reality, Husky dared to place his paw on Anubi's leg in an attempt to comfort him. It was for a brief second as they were harshly interrupted by a loud alarm.

“Everyone back to work!” Anubis said as he stood up and walked away quickly. To Husky's surprise, he never made it obvious that he rejected Husky's contact, or even objected his words.

This situation had not only angered Husky, but he was now even more determined to end that nightmare. He didn't care if it was real or not; he would end it and soon. He grabbed his large hammer and continued his work without hesitating. He was stronger than before, smashing the rocks as he occasionally stared at Anubis and his other Evo brothers. To his surprise, Anubis and the other Evos were for most of the time staring at him, and did not interrupt the eye contact. It was not a sign of aggression, but as if something was awakening in them.

“It's the new dog, right?”

“Yes. The black and white one. The one with the blue eyes.”

“Oh, that little runt who managed to escape last night?”

“Yes...”

The bond for their kind was never lost. It was just dormant or suppressed by the hatred that the humans infused on them.

“I'll distract the larger ones. You go and smash his skull.”

“It will be my pleasure. That will teach those dogs some respect.”

Words didn't come out as Anubis and Husky stared at each other, but they could feel the love that their race once had for each other. No; it was always there. The strength that once was taken away by their violent captors was again awakening. This fire inside. It was the Evocanis pride. They would not let anyone hurt their peace.

“Alright, let's do this.”

It didn't matter what the unfurred sentient species though. Total peace, unconditional love and understanding, free of any conflict was something that could exist naturally in an intelligent species. They were wrong all along; they just couldn’t see past their arrogance. Evocanis were a true statement and evidence that their theories confused as facts were deadly mistaken. Some called it an Utopia, but Evocanis didn't care about mere words. Their nature didn't need an explanation or a label. It was what they were; simple as that.

“Hey dogs! They need three of you in the upper deck.” Two humans had approached them without them noticing.

“Can't you see we can't stop now?” Anubis said irritated.

“Calm down, man! It's orders from the coordinators. The anchors got stuck and we need to free the last chunk of rock.” The human said, with an insecure tone. Anubis and his stronger partners looked at each other in doubt. Husky stared at them with the corner of his eye. His pupil completely contracted and his fur once again standing straight.

To their surprise, the conveyer stopped all of the sudden.

“Listen, guys. We want to go rest as much as you probably want. Let's get this over with.” The human said. “You, you and you. Let's go. Bring your hammers.” He said as he pointed at Anubis, the German Shepherd and a Pitbull mix Evo.

Anubis felt a sinking feeling in his gut, but he was somewhat convinced due to the conveyer being stopped. And the human was right; the more time they took, the longer time it would take for them to return to the safety of their territory.

“Keep working the rocks.” Anubis directed to his friends. “We will be back as soon as we can.” Before Anubis turned around and walked to the lift, he looked at Husky straight to the eyes. Something was not right and they could all feel it. But they couldn't risk an argument if it was true that the coordinators ordered this. There was no way of knowing for certain, and they also couldn't show any sign of discomfort, or that will make them look weak against the humans. This was a physiological war as well.

That hammer felt heavier than before. Husky felt almost nauseous. His instinct told him something was not right and he truly feared for his friends.

“They'll come back soon.” A dalmatian Evo next to Husky said. He nodded, as if trying to convince Husky and himself of something.

Husky had no other option but to continue. The residual rocks needed to be broke down before the conveyer started again. This might give them a little bit of rest if they manged to finish the residue quickly. Husky wanted nothing more than to go back to their territory and exchange some words with tier brothers after this strange and very pleasant bonding moment they had. He would start the war against the humans and purge them from Canis Major. Just the thought of it made Husky's blood boil.

“You're dead, dog!” It was a whisper. It couldn't be heard by the loud machinery, but the Evocani's instinct felt it. The heavy head of the massive hammer held by one of the humans who had sneaked behind swung with such strength and precision, aiming at the head of the young husky Evocanis. It happened all so quick. The plan was simple but perfect. Whatever reason they had to retaliate, it was done quick and efficiently.

Fools were the humans who thought could outsmart furred being that possessed superior senses than they did. Fool who decided to swing his hatred against an already furious Evocanis. Never lash against a creature who protects his kind.

Husky didn't hear it or see it. He felt it. He knew.

He sidestepped faster than the human could land his brutal attack. With the momentum of his sidestep, the furious Evocanis hit the human right on the chin with his massive hammer. The sound of teeth and bone cracking drowned the loud machinery. The now enraged Evocanis wasn't finished. “Leave us ALONE!!”

In a fraction of a second he lifted his hammer and swung down with fury at the human's head. Husky did not think of this; it just happened. It would've taken less force than what the rocks took, but the anger multiplied his strength without him even knowing.

Husky's paws trembled as he let go of the hammer. He breathed heavily at what just happened. The head of the hammer disappeared around all the crimson. Husky was in shock as the body in front of it trembled on the ground for the last time. But he was just defending himself. He had the right to do so. He acted upon instinct, self-preservation of himself and his brothers. Enough was enough.

“You... you left me no choice...” Husky panted nervously. He looked at his brothers, who were also shocked. “YOU DID THIS TO YOURSELVES!” He then yelled at the whole room. The humans at the other side were dead silent, just staring at what had happened. Some of them grabbed their hammer and walked to where the Evos were.

“We fight...” Husky looked at his brothers as he nodded. His brothers looked at him and nodded back.

Before something could even happened, much to everyone's shock, from the lift shaft five ghastly figures walked crawled on the ceiling until they dropped in between the Evocanis and the humans.

“Don't be afraid! We are stronger and they know it!” Husky yelled as he saw the blank face of death before him. From between the machine assassins, another arose.

“You... Have you come to fight me again?!” Husky yelled furiously at the black humanoid machine. The machine stared at him with its blank face.

“Let my brothers go! Get OUT of our home!” Husky lashed at the machines as he saw flashbacks of the fight he had with it in that spaceship. He was with Anubis proudly wearing the armor that their beloved friends the Retcans had kindly given to them. Both managed to defeat that monster and save his brother Fx.

These powerful images made Husky fall to his knees. What were these flashbacks? Something he had forgotten? Did this really happened, or was this reality an illusion?

Husky's mind was so confused that his whole body was now immobile. He panted as saliva stringed down from his muzzle. His eyes once again filled with tears.

“Genesis... You are the key for Apocalypse to succeed.” A ghastly voice came from the black machine that now stood in front of him. Those words again. This made Husky almost lost his mind completely. He clenched his head and growled furiously.

“I DEFEATED YOU!” Husky yelled. He lashed at the machine, but it was too late. The arm of the machine had turned into a blade, impaling Husky's chest. He felt no pain... It was a warm feeling that slowly made his body numb and unresponsive.

Every sound around him, every physical sensation slowly faded away as darkness took place...