Isle of She-Beasts

After Twilight was rescued from Sombra, the She-Beasts and friends have all returned to the village to find Spike has recovered from the spider bite.

Everyone all rejoiced. But it was a rather halfhearted moment of victory. After the recent attack from Shade Stalker, everybody’s fear has been realized.

Dr. Grogar’s favorite Hunter has discovered their location and is certain to come back.

The following days and nights, everyone were all on edge, vigilant for Shade Stalker seizing another opportunity to attack.

However, no one was more anxious than a certain wolf-dog Reverse-Hybrid.

Loona was moaning and groaning as she tossed and turned in her sleep. She was shivering and sweating in cold fright.

Deep in her thoughts, she remembers every vivid details about the nightmares she wanted to forget. The days that led up to one bad day to another.

She could almost smell the foul stench of burning flesh, the taste of ashes that floats in the air, and the sounds that will haunt her forever. The dying screams of her owner.

“LOONA! LOONA!!” Her owner cried out to her, before the flames swallowed him up.

“DADDY! DADDY!!” Loona barked to him, desperately in her dreams.

She never got to call him dad before. Nor will she ever have the chance to assure him and let him know she acknowledge him as her parental figure. It was all robbed. Stolen from her by the wretched human who stolen her away from the family she ever knew.

“Now, my pretty little puppy!” Cozy Glow cackled menacingly. “Time to make you even prettier!”

Loona whimpered, begging and pleading for Cozy Glow to not go through with her plans. Once again, the searing pains of feeling her fleshes being cut open, the agonizing pain of her bones breaking apart and rebuilding themselves.

All the brutality and the traumas of the pains she endured all came back to her.

Her once normal and beautiful dog body has become a human’s. A female human. The new feelings of being human, the thoughts that made her question her very existence, and the feeling of her own body betraying her, no longer hers to control was overwhelming.

“NOOOOOO!!!” Loona howled, shooting herself up awake. “Dad!”

Loona opened her eyes, breathing heavily, as she looked around.

“Daddy?” She whimpered, pleading desperately that she would hear the voice of her owner.

But it was no use. No matter how hard she wanted to deny it, the facts remains. It wasn’t a nightmare. She is indeed on the island, far away from her owner. And worst, Cozy Glow is on the island with her.

Loona can’t escape from this nightmare, even when she is awake. With her heart aching, her nose sniffling, and her eyes overflowing with tears, she kicked the covers off her bed and ran out of her hut, out of the village.

By now, her legs have all recovered, she didn’t need her crutches. But she was still tripping over the skirt of the dress she’s been forced to wear, by Cozy Glow.

But she didn’t let it stop her. Loona picked up the hem of her skirt and kept running. As much as she hated the dress, it has now become the only clothing she has to cover her body. Especially after Cozy had destroyed her old ones.

Loona kept on running until she reaches the beach. She looked up at the bright moon that glowed in the night, reflecting its light on the ocean’s water. The ocean waves were crashing and splashing along the beach, wildly.

But Loona didn’t let it stop her. Somewhere across the horizon is the land she had been taken from. The land where her family are. And she needed to get back to them.

She jumped into the water, kicking her legs and arms as hard as she could to swim. But the ocean waves threw her back onto the beach.

Again, Loona tried swimming for land, but again, the waves threw her back. This kept on going, until Loona was too tired and too cold to try and swim again.

She had failed. She couldn’t return home, no matter how hard she tried. Loona collapsed onto the sands of the beach, howling and crying in her anguish.

“DADDY!” Loona howled, before her voice choked on her tears, the sands, and the salt water that got in her throat.

Loona had howled and cried for a long time. By then, her eyes were sore and her throat was sore. Her fur and dress were still soaked from her vain attempt to escape.

The cold wind blowing across her dampness only makes her even chillier.

Her eyes gaze up at the clear starry skies, where the moon hangs high above, in the heavens. But the moon isn't her main focus. Her howl isn't a song for the night. She was howling out of loneliness. Into the night, she sang her sadness, grievances, pains, and fear.

She continued to sing her song, when a voice called out, interrupting her serenade.

"Loona?"

With that, the howling stopped, and Loona turned around to meet a tired Spike.

"What are you doing?" Spike yawned. "I don't have a clock, but I'm pretty sure it's past midnight. Why aren't you sleeping?"

The anthropomorphic wolf-dog didn’t answer. She simply turned her head away, with her ears drooping, and she gazed up at the stars.

She wasn’t in the mood to deal with the human then. To a dog like her, it must’ve been ages since they had escaped Cozy Glow, when it was only a few days or so. Afterward, they have both healed from their injuries.

Loona can walk again, and Spike was awake from the spider bite. While some part of Loona was relieved, another felt dismal to even look at him, as if he was deliberately reminding her of her past trauma.

Her ears twitched to the sounds of footsteps, on her right. She didn’t need to turn and look to know that Spike has walked up and sat down on a patch of grass beside her.

“It’s a beautiful night, huh?” Spike asked.

“Hmmm,” Loona nodded.

“…So…” Spike continued. “…Do you…howl so much, from where you’re from?”

“Maybe? Or maybe not,” Loona frowned, unsure of why the human was so interested in questioning her. “Why do you care?”

“Just…asking. I thought I’d…get to know you some more.”

“Hmph,” Loona rolled her eyes, with her tail wagging slightly, in irritation.

Why would a lowly human be interested in her anyway?

“I’ve read somewhere that whenever dogs howl, it’s so they can communicate and let each other know where they are. Is that true?”

“Uh…I guess,” Loona replied in a quiet tone.

She didn’t want to admit it, for some reason. Deep down, she’s rather fascinated by the young man’s knowledge and she was rather flattered at his fascination.

“So then, I guess you must have a lot of friends then, huh?” Spike continued. “And…they’re probably worried about you, right now. All the reason for you to howl tonight.”

A newfound weight tugged at Loona’s chest, to which she felt an overwhelming amount of heavy emotions washing over her.

It gripped at her heart and stung her eyes, making her whimper.

“…I don’t have any friends, actually,” She sighed.

“What?” The grasses beneath Spike shuffled as Loona heard him standing up. “You mean…you’re a stray?”

“I prefer the term ‘loner’ human,” Loona frowned at Spike, before she turned away. “But…yes. I was a street dog. Or what you humans would say, a lone wolf. Have been, ever since I was just a pup. No one wants me...no other dogs wanted me in their packs. I was all alone. Nothing but a box, a trash can of junks and scraps of food...”

“Oh, I’m…I’m sorry I asked,” Spike apologized.

“Don’t be sorry. Not like you would ever understand,” Loona growled impatiently.

“Maybe I don’t see the big picture. But still, no dogs should ever have to experience that.”

Loona scoffed and rolled her eyes in disbelief.

“Whatever…”

“So…continue,” Spike beckoned. “You were a stray—I mean, a loner…so, then what happened?”

“It’s like I said. I’ve been looking out for me on the streets…that is, until I was caught. Locked up in the pound. Been there, almost all my life, until I was picked up by this strange man.”

"And...this strange man," Spike asked. "Was he...a bad person?"

Loona thought back to her original owner, before she was stolen from him, by Cozy Glow. In truth, she didn't think much of her owner all that much. She remembered how much he would dote on her, fawn on her, as if she was still just a puppy, when she's already a grown dog by then. She finds him weird, but all the same, she was well aware of his loving intentions.

"No..." Loona replied. "He's not too bad...just...strange."

“Strange how?”

“Strange, as in…he treats me like a puppy. Sometimes, he acts like he’s my dad, when he’s not. A dog can’t have a human for a father! And…he’s just…so loud and…overbearing!”

“Sounds like a typical dad to me,” Spike commented. “I mean, dads are like that. But they still care, and they’re just trying.”

“So what?” Loona huffed. “I was already a grown dog then! I can take care of myself! I didn’t need him then! I don’t now!”

Loona crossed her arms, and turned her back on Spike. The pipes broke and a waterfall of tears was threatening to break loose, which the anthropomorphic dog tried to hide.

The hidden truth was that she really would rather be with her owner than on the island with Cozy Glow. She wanted to be back home with her owner.

“Even if he wasn’t there for you back then, that doesn’t mean he can’t be here for you now…” Spike said. “And…yeah, I agree. You’re a grown woman. I mean, dog! You’re a big dog now. But from what you’ve told me…I think your owner’s just trying to give you the love you needed. I know I would.”

“Why bother? I’ve gotten along just fine with the world, without love!” Loona barked, with a slight whimper and sniffle escaping. “And besides…it’s too late.”

Loona sniffed her nose, while blinking her eyes tightly. In a way that is reminiscent to how people would often cry and try to hold back their tears.

“I‘ve already seen and experienced too many grievances from you humans to last for one lifetime. You humans talk like you care about us dogs, and telling us that someday we would find our forever homes. But there are only two doors.”

“One is the two-way door, where we can leave with the family who adopted us, and come back when the family decides they’re done with us.”

“And the other is the one-way door where dogs go in, but they never come out. And I’m never going through that door!”

Loona started to whimper and sniffed even harder.

“There was this family… no, make it five! I’ve had to go through five families. But not a single damn one would want to keep me for more than a winter! It was always the same. Someone took me in, and just when I thought, ‘This is my forever home!’ They either move and leave me behind, or have a new baby, or someone has an allergy, and…I’m alone again. And heartbroken…”

Not longer caring to keep up her facade, or unable to hold back her tears, Loona wept.

“I’m…I’m broken…I just can’t…feel anything but..emptiness… And it’s all you humans’ fault! You broke me! You broke my body! You broke my bones! Just to make me one of your kinds! Now I’m a mess!”

As she vented and ranted all her emotions, Loona immediately recalls the horrors she’s had to endure. The traumas inflicted on her. The pain, the hatred, and fears that have inflicted upon her, over the years. All of which have hardened themselves around her, until she felt nothing.

And though she feels protected by these hard casings around her heart, inside she felt nothing but a void that has no bottom. She felt cold on the inside. Jagged, twisted, and broken, which never ends.

“Okay, you’re hurting,” Spike began in a wobbly voice, fighting back his own tears. “I hear you. And I’m sorry to hear what you’ve been through.”

“So maybe it’s time we talked about these troubles of yours,” He continued. “You don’t have to feel alone anymore. We can get through this. Because right now, we’re all in this together as a team. A pack.”

Again, Loona was hesitant to answer. Still, a part of her has been needing to let some things out for a long time. Is she becoming human for wanting to talk?

“But…if you’d rather be on your own, then…the choice is yours. I won’t stop you.”

Loona’s ears pricked to the sound of footsteps walking away. It made her heart beat rapidly. She turned around and looked to see Spike walking away.

For a brief moment, she could see, in his place, is her owner. Her previous owner. And the owners before him. All of her owners who had left her. This was exactly how it looked for her to be left behind by her human owners.

Then, gripped with the creeping fear of anxiety that Cozy Glow could be around, stalking her like a vulture waiting to snatch its prey, Loona frantically ran after her owner.

“Hey! Blitzo, WAIT!” Loona called out.

“What? What is it?”

Returning to the present of reality, Loona was met with the concerning green eyes of Spike. And forgetting the dress she was wearing, Loona accidentally stepped on the skirt, causing her to trip and fell.

Thankfully, Spike quickly caught Loona before she could hit the ground.

“Are you okay?” Spike asked.

Loona was at a loss for words, “I…I…”

Before the awkward moment could get anymore weirder between the two, Loona composed herself and straightened herself up.

“I…I don’t want to die alone,” Loona whimpered quietly. “But…I don’t know how to have a family. I don’t hate my owner, or…his pack. It’s just…I don’t understand them at times. They are strange, they are overbearing, and…they’re the only family I have…or had.”

Loona continued as she expressed her discomfort, “I…I’ve never had another dog to look after, or to look after me. So, I’m afraid I don’t know how I should feel.”

A tear trickled from her eyes, which she quickly wiped, out of impulse and hoping that Spike didn’t see it.

“So…maybe, I… I do miss them…a lot… I don't know anymore...I just want to go home...”

Loona sniffed the air, struggling to hold back her tears, which she didn’t understand why. Another possible flaw of becoming human?

“We all want to go home as much as you do,” Spike replied. “I want to go home. So it’s not just you. You’re not the only one feeling that way.”

“Then why aren’t we home yet?” Loona asked.

"It’s never that simple,” Spike said. “Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes we make a mess, sometimes we clean a mess, even if it’s not ours to begin with."

Loona didn’t bother to look. She just listened intently to what the human was saying. Some of the words sounded insightful.

“We’ve all got our issues, including our families. And sometimes, they mess things up. All the time. But, that doesn’t mean they don’t care.”

“But…if my owner cares, then where is he?”

“That’s a question I can’t answer, because I’m not your owner. But, if he doted on you that much… He’s out there…somewhere. He’s probably turning cities upside down, searching the ocean, maybe the mountains, just to find you.”

“And how do you know that?”

“I don’t,” Spike shrugged, which caught Loona by surprise. “But…he kinda reminds me of my dad.”

Loona looked on with piqued interest as Spike relayed a story.

“One time, on a picnic, I was playing hide and seek, when it started to rain. I was scared. I was all by myself. But dad told me to stay right where I am, until he could find me. And so, I stayed where I was, like he told me, until he found me…after about an hour or two.”

Loona simply rolled her eyes to learn that human fathers are just as incompetent than her owner. Yet, it was also relieving to hear that she wasn’t the only one to feel lost and alone, in her lifetime.

“Look. I know we humans aren’t always perfect, but…” Spike sighed. “But at least try to cut us some slack. We may not get things right, but…we’re trying. And that’s more important than you think.”

Loona remained emotionless, though she felt a growing feeling in her chest.

Still, all the same, Loona kept to herself and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. They almost reminded her of her owner’s arms, whenever he would grab her and hold her very tightly, much to her discomfort.

But now, when she tried it herself, she felt rather secure. Warm even. It almost felt as if her owner was right there, with her, in that very moment. Almost as if she was never taken from him.

Turning her head, she looked to see that Spike was still there, except he had moved closer to her, where his hand was just inches away from touching her fur.

As soon as her eyes were on him, the man immediately retracted his hand.

“I was just going to scratch your ear,” Spike explained himself. “Is that alright?”

Loona was irritated that this man would dare attempt to pet her when she least expect it.

“I’ll never understand you humans and your habit of touching,” Loona scowled, but complied. “Fine. Just this once.”

With that, Spike held his hand out and touched Loona’s right ear. She immediately stiffened up, as if she had been struck by lightning.

Loona felt a newfound sensation of electricity, washing over her whole body, her furs standing on end, and her tail wagging vigorously, as if it has a mind of its own.

For the first time, in her life, she truly felt relaxed. A moment of when she could let her guard down and feel welcomed.

“Wow, you’re glowing!” Spike commented, as he continued to run his fingers across Loona’s ears, before running them through her hair. “So soft!”

“Uh, thanks, I guess,” Loona replied, before she had enough. “Uh, hey…you can stop now…”

“Okay,” Spike complied, with a hint of disappointment in his tone. “But do you feel better?”

“…Actually, I…yeah, I feel kinda better,” Loona admitted. “Better than I’ve felt in…years?” In truth, her wagging tail betrayed all her attempts at hiding her feelings.

“Great!” Spike smiled. “I never liked seeing dogs unhappy. It’s so inhuman. I mean, dogs are man’s best friend! Right?”

“…Whatever.”

Loona doesn’t know where that phrase came from, or who said it, and why. But if it’s true, then does it automatically make her owner and Spike her best friends?

“Well, it’s late,” Spike yawned as he got up from his haunches. “We should go back and get some sleep.”

But Loona didn’t want to sleep. Not yet.

“Do we have to?” She barked. “I mean, the night’s kinda young, so…why don’t we just…go on a…a walk?” The wolf-dog can feel her whole face burning in embarrassment for suggesting something random.

“Besides, now that you know me…I kinda want to know you more,” She added, silently hoping Spike to accept.

Nevertheless, Spike complied, “Okay.”

With that, both Spike and Loona were out for a late night stroll together, with nothing but the songs of the bizarre wildlife, and crickets, in the ambience of the island.

Both man and anthropomorphic wolf-dog were walking side-by-side, in the dense forest. At the same time, they made sure they stayed at a short distant, where the village is in sight.

During their walk, they exchanged talks about Spike’s original home, his love for animals, and his recent work with animals.

“So…you’ve taken care of how many dogs?” Loona asked.

“Twelve stray—I mean, loners off the street,” Spike answered. “And ten of them all got adopted and found new homes! Last I checked, they’re still doing well.”

“And…what about the other two?” The wolf-dog hybrid asked, curiously and out of concern.

“They’re still on my grandparents’s farm. Besides, they just can’t be separated from one, or the other. Like Yin and Yang, the sun and the moon, or bread and butter. If you adopt one, you have to take the other.”

“Really?” Loona barked, with a smile. “So, what? They’re brothers and sisters, or something?”

“Nah. Funny story, they’re…married,” Spike chuckled. “I mean, wow! I get, they’re playful and happy to be around each other. But…who would’ve thought, they’d end up…becoming an item. And before we knew it, the puppies came. My grandparents told me they felt like grandparents again.”

Spike chuckled to himself, upon concluding that one such story. It didn’t escape unnoticed that Loona was laughing along with him, with her tail wagging.

It was nice for him to see Loona enjoying herself, for a change. It was a breath of fresh air.

As Spike walked with Loona, he took the time to look at the reverse-hybrid, underneath the moonlight that pierced from the treetops.

Spike was beyond amazed, if not bewitched. To him, Loona was a sight to behold, standing in the moonlight, still wearing the dress she was forced to wear, by Cozy Glow. It resembled a wedding gown. It reminded him of the wedding gown worn by the female protagonist of Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. It looked rather different on Loona, complete with stains of blood that have dried out over time.

In some cultures, it is considered bad luck to look at a woman in her wedding dress, before an actual wedding. Though, technically speaking, Spike wasn’t planning on getting married anytime soon. And Loona isn’t his bride, let alone fiancé. So, hopefully, for him, this means he is in the clear.

They hadn’t gotten very far, when Loona started to jitter, whining, and she started to pace.

“What’s wrong?” Spike asked. “Are you okay?”

“Need…to…go…p-p-p-“ Loona stammered on her words in fidgeting agitation.

Luckily, Spike understood exactly what the situation was.

“Oh! You got to go,” Spike replied as he turned to look away and walked a long distance, far enough for Loona’s privacy.

Spike could then hear Loona brushing past the ferns and the leaves of the thickets, when he heard the dog, angrily growling, and straining.

“What’s the matter now?” Spike asked in concern.

“Ugh! I can’t pee probably with this thing that Cozy Glow put on me!” Loona complained, hiking up her skirt, revealing a black lacy panty, with a pink ribbon on the front.

“AHHH!!!” Spike blushed a shade of red as he immediately covered his eyes and looked away.

“What?” Loona asked, with the obvious tone of her oblivious, unaware of the awkwardness of the situation. “Is it that awful to look?”

“Uh…no,” Spike stammered on his words.

He was blushing hard, since seeing a woman, or in this case, a female anthropomorphic furry creature, in her undergarment is just as nerve wrecking as seeing her nude.

“Then…why are you looking away?” Loona asked. “My…my…I’m covered up, aren’t I?” She asked, with her voice wobbling to clearly convey her increasing discomfort.

“Uh, yes…and no,” Spike explained, without looking. “See…the thing is. What you’re wearing is called a…a…an undergarment. And you’re…you’re…this is awkward. It’s not something you would want to…flash in front of a man. A human male.”

“Why?”

“Just…don’t. Anyway, just hurry it up…”

Spike said, as he blushed with increasing embarrassment at the awkwardness. He wishes to not speak of this situation ever again. But at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel rather aroused by this.

His cheeks were burning from embarrassment, but his heart was beating so fast and steady that it felt rather pleasant to him.

‘What’s going on with me?’ He asked. ‘What is this feeling?’

After awhile later, Loona came walking out of the bushes, feeling more relaxed; relieved, even.

“That’s better,” Loona sighed, before she turned to Spike. “Hey human. You can look now…”

“Uh…okay,” Spike stammered, composing himself as they continued their walk.

“Oh, and by the way,” Loona began. “I don’t like showing my body, if it makes you feel any better.”

“I see…” Spike noted in acknowledgment. “Any reason why?”

“Because it’s not my body!” Loona barked. “My body was like every dog’s body. Not a human’s! I’m not a human!”

“Right. Of course.”

If she was just a dog, then he’d be fine with that. But day-by-day, she and the other Reverse-Hybrids have made their humanity definite, which have made Spike more nervous around them.

“Are you okay?” Loona asked, startling Spike out of his train of thoughts. “You look a little red there…you sick or something?”

“Oh, I’m fine,” Spike nervously replied. “The heat. This island’s tropical temperatures. It’s still going to take some getting used to!”

Thankfully, Loona bought it.

“Yeah, I can agree to that,” She nodded, before she sat on the ground and started to scratch her ears with her hind legs. “Ugh! And these bugs! They’re even more itchier than this dress!”

Spike couldn’t help but snicker. He finds it cute how Loona is still just a dog, in a semi-human form. Seeing her scratch herself with her hind legs is a reminder that she is still a dog.

He turned his head, looking at some of the plants, when he saw some large yellow squashes, growing in the leaves.

“Oh, sweet!” Spike gasped, as he reached down to pick the squashes. “Spaghetti squash!”

“Spa…what?” Loona asked.

“Spaghetti squash,” Spike explained, as he took out his pocket knife to cut one open. “They’re vegetables that are like spaghetti noodles, on the inside. See?”

He demonstrated, by pulling the two halves of the squash apart, revealing a messy clump of noodle-like ribbons.

“Do they taste good?” Loona asked.

“Yeah, if you’re a fan of spaghetti,” Spike replied, as he’s already digging into the vegetable. “Have you eaten spaghetti before?”

“No. I…can’t say that I have.”

“Well, then. Now’s a good time as any to try it out,” Spike gently nudge the other half of the cut squash for Loona to taste.

“Go on.”

Loona looked back up at Spike, then down at her vegetable curiously. She was still rather distrusting towards, Spike.

However, she remembered how he saved her, and figured he isn’t the type to steer her wrong.

Loona buried her snout into the spaghetti to eat. Her perked up ears, wide eyes, and wagging tail were all dead giveaways that she enjoyed the meal.

“Wow. This is good!” Loona barked happily. “This is really good!”

“They’re also good with marinara sauce and meatballs,” Spike added. “Now, I don’t mean to brag, but I make a mean marinara sauce and spicy meat-a-balls!” He said, with a playful Italian accent, at the last part.

Loona let out a chuckle in response.

“Actually, I think we have some of those back in the food storage,” Loona said, as she took the lead, back to the village, as she and Spike carried their squashes all the way.

Once in the food hut, Loona was rummaging through the cargo, until she and Spike pulled out a blue cooler, containing frozen meatballs and a bottle of marinara sauce.

Spike checked the labels on the bottle, relieved to see it hasn’t passed the expiration date. Or so he hoped, now that he’s lost track of time on the island.

After Spike popped open the sauce, and after thawing out the meatballs, over a campfire, their spaghetti was complete.

“Wow! You’re right!” Loona barked happily. “This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten!”

With that, Loona proceeded to wolf down the whole dish as she and Spike continued to dine into their meals.

“I’m just glad the foods haven’t expired yet,” Spike said as he daintily eats his meal. “At least Grogar was nice enough to keep every creatures on his island well-fed.”

“Grogar? Nice? In the same sentence?” Loona asked. “That’s messed up.”

“Keywords: at least.”

As Spike and Loona continue to eat their dinner, they decided to resume chewing the fat.

“So, you like working with animals?” Loona began. “Was that why you came to this island?”

“No, not really,” Spike shook his head. “I didn’t even know this island existed. I came here with Newt and the others to photograph some dolphins. Except there weren’t any dolphins. It was all a trap.”

“No kidding,” Loona frowned. “So…how did you escape?”

“It wasn’t easy. I’m just lucky that Newt still had some of his good conscience left to help me escape. I hope he’s okay.”

Spike then turned his head to look at Loona and asked, “What about you? How did you came to this island?”

“Cozy Glow. That’s how,” Loona frowned. “She just came over to my owner’s place, one day, when she saw me. She immediately wanted me for her pet. But I didn’t like her. And my owner won’t give me up to her. Then guns were shooting, and there was this fire, and…”

Loona looked down in discomfort, as she quickly finished, “Anyway, the next thing I know, I was taken to this island. Cozy Glow wanted me to speak, like her. Even walk like her. And…Grogar made me into this…”

Once again, Spike was horrified at what Loona had shared to him. But he was nonetheless sympathetic for the wolf-dog, realizing the traumas she endured.

“Loona…I’m sorry…” Spike apologized.

“Can we just eat…while the meatballs are warm?” Loona pleaded, wanting to steer away from the awkward conversation.

After they were done with their dinner, Spike and Loona resumed their walk.

“Wow, you weren’t kidding, human,” Loona smiled. “That spaghetti is so good, I don’t think I’ll ever eat again.”

“It’s the meatballs and the sauce,” Spike replied. “I’m telling ya. You can’t have spaghetti without them.”

Loona chuckled in response.

“Ya know…you’re not so bad after all. For a human.”

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t judge people before you get to know them.”

Along the way, they found themselves surrounded by fireflies. Spike was in awe at the mass luminosity of the fireflies surrounding them, like stars.

Compelled by instinct, Loona started to chase some of the lightning bugs, with Spike following behind. Some of the fireflies flew close to his mouth, without him knowing.

After she was done chasing them, some of the fireflies settled around Loona’s neck, making her look as if she’s wearing a necklace. Spike smiled, to show his teeth were glowing from the fireflies in his mouth.

Loona thought it was funny and let out a human giggle that is reminiscent to a schoolgirl.

Unsure to what she was laughing at, Spike looked down, seeing through his cheeks, his lips, and his nose to realize he was glowing. With that, he quickly spits the fireflies out.

He looked back at Loona, seeing her chasing and jumping after the fireflies, while her dress twirled in the breeze.

As much as Loona hated it, Spike thought she looked cute in the dress. She looked like an angel. Almost as if it was asking him to ask her to dance. Maybe it’s from watching the many ballroom romance he used to watch? Or he has an innate need for female companionship, in spite of his phobia, he did not know.

Either way, Spike walked up to Loona, reaching his hand out to her.

With a bow of his head, he asked, “May I have this dance?”

He looked to see the confused expression, clear on Loona’s face, as she hesitated, but complied, “Uh, okay? But… I don’t know how to dance…”

“That’s okay,” Spike replied. “I don’t either. But let’s just live in the moment.”

“…If you say so.”

And so, remembering what he saw on TV, back in the mainland, Spike linked one of his hand with Loona’s, while he wrapped his other hand around her waist.

In the fireflies’ glow, Loona’s face lit up in a shade of red.

“Oh, sorry,” Spike pulled his other hand away. “Was that too much for you?”

“No…” Loona blushed, with an uncharacteristic whisper of fragility. “I’ve…never been touched there before…. But it…felt…nice.”

Spike gently puts his hand back around Loona’s waist, while the wolf-dog tried to do the same, but was having some difficulty doing so.

“Actually, Loona,” Spike chuckled. “I think you put your hand on my shoulder.”

“Oh?” Loona did just that, finally able to link her hand, around Spike’s shoulder, behind his neck. “Oh! Yeah, that’s more like it…”

Once they both have a hold of each other, Spike and Loona proceeded to dance the night away. They took it slow and gently, while making a few trips and stumbles, now and then.

Fireflies — Owl Cities

Loona accidentally tripped and stumbled a few times, from stepping on her own dress. But thankfully, Spike was there to catch her.

“Why do you humans always making your dresses so low like this?” Loona groaned. “I can’t even see my own feet!”

“I’m just as confused as you are, Loona,” Spike frowned.

Spike was nervous and sweating up a storm, since this has to be his first time, having a slow dance with a female, beside his mom. He winced in pain, whenever Loona stepped on his foot, and vice versa.

“Sorry,” Spike winced, when he stepped on her foot. “Deserved that,” He said, when she stepped on his.

“Watch it,” Loona muttered. “Sorry.” She apologized.

But all the same, Spike looked and read all the sad and frightful expressions on Loona’s face. The kind of face a homeless abandoned dog would make, after so much stress.

Doing what his mom once did to console him, Spike instinctively puts his forehead against Loona’s. The wolf-dog didn’t resist, but she wasn’t completely recovered either. The burning scars on the wolf-dog's back, from Cozy Glow's whip, still stung as fresh as the day the were made.

Still, compared with the gentle stroke of Spike's hand, carefully wrapping around her back, holding her close, Loona felt more safe and secured than before.

Nevertheless, both man and wolf-dog continued to dance, before they were able to get into sync, as a thousand lightning bugs hugged them. From a certain point-of-view, it was as if the fireflies were teaching them how to dance.

Soon, neither of them were scared and only had eyes on each other.

Spike smiled at Loona, who returned the smile. In his eyes, Spike thought the reverse-hybrid dog was beautiful when she is glowing. Is this how Beauty felt when she danced with the Beast?

Wanting to see more of Loona’s smile, Spike stuck his tongue out, in his attempt to make the goofiest face he could make. Loona immediately let out a rare peal of laughter.

Spike then tried to lead Loona in for a twirl, which was rather difficult for him, since Loona is taller than him. So instead, he twirled himself, while still holding onto Loona’s hand, before they held each other close again.

During the dance, somewhat fatigued, or just wanting a loving embrace, Spike and Loona held each other close in their subconscious.

Loona put her head on Spike’s shoulder, with Spike placing his head on her chest. Spike instantly lost himself in the warmth and softness of Loona’s fur, while soothed by the beating of her heart. From the back of his head, he can feel Loona nuzzling her cheek against him. Perhaps she’s feeling the same way.

Spike felt pleased with himself that Loona could enjoy herself. Knowing how much bad days she’s had as a street dog, and the grievances she had to put up with Dr. Grogar and Cozy Glow. Spike wanted to reassure Loona that everything will be okay.

As for Loona, the wolf-dog never felt this warm and relieved at the same time. It was as if being with this human has truly melted the ice around her heart. That the chains that restrained her were shattered and she's finally free. And the one-way door has been barred shut, keeping her out, saving her. And it's all thanks to this human, Spike.

In Loona’s mind, the storms that surrounded her, trapping her in this never ending universe of hatred, fear, and anger have been lifted. She no longer feels alone, or hollow. Instead, she now feels fulfilled and alive.

It was a breath of fresh air for the both of them to be open and accepting of each other.

Unfortunately, the two were so taken in by each other’s embrace that they failed to notice they were dancing towards a log. They tripped over it and fell into a puddle of water.

“WHOA!”

*SPLASH*

They soon got up, with Loona vigorously shaking herself dry, and splashing the waters onto Spike.

“Loona!” Spike groaned. “Cut it out!”

After Loona was done shaking, both she and Spike looked at each other, and laughed at the fun they have had for the night.

Once again, Spike couldn’t help but gaze at Loona in wonder. For a dog, she’s as playful and loving as any dogs can be, when she isn’t angry and reserved with hate. Furthermore, while she is becoming human, her dog nature remains intact, and she’s become a strongly independent woman with a hard tone.

Spike held his hand up to Loona’s nose, allowing her to take a whiff. Though, he still kept his fingers curled in, to avoid the risk of getting bitten. He anxiously watched as Loona sniffed his hand, contrasting to how she nearly tried to bite his hand off, the first time they met.

After a good minute, Loona wagged her tail and licked Spike’s hand. She has finally accepted him.

With that, Spike safely proceeded to pet the anthropomorphic dog on the cheek, which Loona puts a hand over his, for a snuggle.

Spike couldn’t help but chuckle, until both he and Loona let out a yawn.

“I think…it’s time we head back…” He said drowsily.

“Good idea,” Loona nodded as both she and Spike got up, walked back to the village, without waking anyone up.

“Hey, human?” Loona shook her head, before she corrected herself. “I mean, Spike?”

“Yeah?” Spike turned to look at the dog, to find her smiling, rather shyly.

“Thanks,” The reverse-hybrid thanked. “This has been…the best night of my life.”

Spike smiled back at her, “Mine too!”

Once back inside Loona’s hut, Spike helped the wolf-dog into bed, draping her blanket over her.

“Good night, Loona,” Spike yawned, as he proceeded to leave. “See you in the morning.”

“Wait! Spike?” Loona stopped him again. “Can you…sleep with me, for tonight?”

“Uh…excuse me?” Spike stammered, surprised at the sudden request. “What did you say?”

“I asked…can you sleep with me for tonight?” Loona repeated. “You got a problem with that?”

“No! I mean, kinda. I mean…why? You usually sleep by yourself and…”

“I’m scared,” Loona said bluntly.

“Scared? Really?”

Loona nodded solemnly, as she explained, “So long as Cozy Glow is out there…I’ll never sleep safely again. But…I would like it if you could stay with me…Please?”

Her wide sparkling eyes, soft voice with a lilt of a young girl, and wagging tail made Spike weak in the knees, his heart beating rapidly, and sweating profoundly at the wholesome display.

It was like Loona had rapidly de-aged herself from a grown dog, into a puppy, in a heartbeat, before his very eyes. And she was lonesome.

Spike wondered if Cozy Glow had broken Loona through a mental abuse and rebuilt her into a scared puppy.

Spike was rendered helpless under her mesmerizing puppy eyes. It’s hard for any normal human beings, who have spoiled their dogs, to say no.

“Oh! How can I say no to that face?” Spike moaned. “Okay, okay.”

Spike took a moment to look at the bed, finding a spot to sleep beside Loona in.

“Where do you want me to sleep?”

“Anywhere you want, actually. I won’t bite…” Loona shrugged, when she suddenly felt a sharp sensation shooting up her back.

“Ow!”

“What’s the matter?” Spike asked.

“My back…it’s killing me…”

“Here, let me have a look,” Spike stood up on his knees to take a look at the Reverse-Hybrid’s condition.

Spike carefully unwrapped her bandages to check her scars.

“Ooh,” The man cringed squeamishly.

“Is…is it that bad?” Loona asked with anxious worry.

“Well, it’s healing,” Spike answered. “But I’m not gonna lie, these ugly scars of yours aren’t going anywhere.”

Loona sniffled, fighting the urge to cry. She wanted so badly to be rid of the marks left on her, at the hands of Cozy Glow.

“Here…let’s get some ointment on you,” Spike said as he reached over for the medical jar on Loona’s nightstand.

With a small dollop of the ointment on his index and middle fingers on his right hand, Spike gently rubbed across Luna’s back and shoulders.

He felt the dog tensing at the touch of his hand. She squirmed and flinched at the cold texture that stings her skin, beneath her furs.

“Shhhh, it’s okay,” Spike reassured. “Just relax.”

“…This is relax…” Loona whimpered, as she braced herself for Spike applying the ointment for her back.

“Gee, the fact that Cozy Glow did this to you…hard to believe she was once a little girl,” Spike commented. “Then again, she might not even be human to begin with.”

“Just want I needed to hear,” Loona grumbled in sarcasm. “The little brat wasn’t human…”

“Still, what kind of sicko would go and steal someone else’s dog?”

“Blitz.”

“Huh?”

“My owner’s name is Blitz, but the o is silent. He likes it that way. I just thought you might want to know.”

“Okay. Blitz,” Spike continued the conversation as he applies more ointments on Loona’s back. “So…what’s Blitz like?”

“Like I said, he’s a strange man,” Loona grumbled in response. “Strange and annoying. He thinks he’s my dad, but he’s not.”

The Reverse-Hybrid wolf dog sniffled a bit, until she composed herself enough to continue.

“But he’s nice…in his own way. But also demanding, wanting me to be more active, responsive to following his orders, which are a lot. But right now, I’d rather be with him than anywhere with Cozy…”

“Yeah. Me too,” Spike sympathized. “I mean, I don’t know this Blitz, guy. But I’d rather be as far away from the likes of Cozy Glow for sure. And that says a lot from me.”

Spike shuddered at the thought of Cozy Glow, “I’m not usually scared of little girls as I am of older girls. But after meeting that little brat, I think I am now…”

“You’re scared of a females?” Loona asked skeptically. “Even of your own kind? What does that say about me?”

“Oh! Uh…nothing!” Spike stammered. “I don’t mean you, or any of the other girls here in the village. I meant all the others, out there in the world. You girls are alright.”

“I see. If you don't mind me asking, why are you so damn afraid of females to begin with?”

In response, Spike shared with Loona the same story of his tragic childhood. The same story he told to Sunset Shimmer and the other She-Beasts.

“And that’s the story,” Spike said upon concluding the story.

“I…I…I’m sorry I’ve been so hard on you, Spike,” Loona whimpered.

“Don’t be. It wasn’t your fault…”

"Still...why did you saved me? I'm a female, aren't I? And Cozy Glow was an even scarier female. You could've just escaped on your own...and leave me to die. But you didn't. Why?"

"Well...because it's not right. Sometimes, I don't know why I didn't just run for my life and save myself. But I just couldn't leave you or anyone else behind. It's just not in me..."

Spike kept on applying the ointment to soothe Loona’s aching and stinging back. Being as gentle as he could be, he carefully massaged Loona’s back the best he could, without hurting her, by aggravating her injuries.

Once he was done reapplying the ointments to her wounds, Spike gently wrapped a new fresh set of bandages on Loona.

“Huh?”

Loona had already fallen asleep. The wolf-dog was sawing logs, and collapsed into her bed.

Spike gently draped the blanket over Loona before he turned towards the doorway.

However, remembering the dog’s request that he sleeps with her for the night, he returned to the left side of her bed. He gently sat down beside her and carefully stroke his hands across her back.

“Goodnight, Loona,” Spike said to the dog, before he takes his spot on the bed and fell asleep beside her.

He was rather too tired to argue, and he didn’t want to betray Loona’s trust. But he does want to fully earn her trust, even if it means putting up with her demands.

Spike felt bad for Loona for going through such humiliation that many dogs have had to endure. He would hate it, with a passion, if he was forced to dress in drags, by bratty little girls, like Cozy.

‘She’s lucky she’s cute,’ He thought to himself as he falls asleep.

What Spike doesn’t know, however, was that Loona had blinked an eye open, just to make sure he was still there.

Once he has confirmed her reassurance, the reverse-hybrid happily closed her eyes to sleep and rested easy, knowing he won’t leave her to die.