Menono's yard.
At the gate, the three brothers huddled together, whispering like they were plotting to rob a bank.
Rugo asked if they remembered the plan. Good. It was revenge time.
Lumo hesitated. "I don't think the three of us can handle that mad dog…"
Zeno puffed up. "Don't worry, Second Brother! I alone am enough!"
Lumo gave him a look that screamed: You are a certified idiot.
"Oh really? If you alone are enough, then why are we coming?"
Zeno instantly dropped to one knee, clutching Lumo's leg like a tragic hero in a bad opera.
"No, Second Brother! You must come! Without you, my revenge will be incomplete!"
Rugo, puffing out his chest, declared, "My little brother's revenge is my revenge!"
Lumo sighed, grabbed the biggest stick in the yard, and trudged after his two foolish brothers.
From the window, Menono watched.
Wherever they're going, chaos is about to happen… and tickets are free. I'm following.
---
They reached the neighbor's house — home of the mad dog.
Inside the dog's mind
Ah… another beautiful day guarding my master's home.
My name? Doesn't matter. My duty? Protect the house. Keep out suspicious humans, cats, and—
Wait. That green-haired fruit thief again?! Sticky fingers! No shame! Not today, thief. Today… justice will be served.
Zeno spotted the dog. "There he is!"
Rugo stepped forward. "You mad dog! You dare try to bite my little brother?!"
Lumo sighed. Oh, big brother… the dog doesn't even understand you.
Inside the dog's mind
I understand everything, you broomsticks. And for the record, I never bite unless provoked. I am a professional.
…Still, nice to see they've brought the whole circus today.
Without warning, Rugo hurled a rock.
Inside the dog's mind
What the—?! Did you just throw a rock at me? Oh, it hurts.
The dog lunged—
WHACK! Another rock, this time from Lumo.
Inside the dog's mind
Oh, fantastic. Both of you are attacking the guard dog whose job is literally to stop you from stealing. Very mature.
The dog darted back and forth, barking his lungs out, deciding which brother to bite first…
Meanwhile, Zeno ignored the fight entirely, using his talent [Telekinesis] to pluck fruit from the tree.
Inside the dog's mind
HE'S NOT EVEN FIGHTING ME! HE'S JUST STEALING FRUIT! This is injustice.
---
Then Intaba, the school's head guard, strolled down the road with a sack of groceries.
Inside the dog's mind
Finally! A grown-up! He'll tell these punks to—
WHAM!
One sharp kick sent the dog rolling.
Inside the dog's mind
…Or he'll just beat me. Sure. Why not. Let's all bully the guard dog today.
The dog lay dizzy and aching.
Menono ran up, shouting that the dog hadn't attacked — the brothers had started it — and explained everything.
Intaba's expression shifted from heroic to horrified. He scooped up the whimpering dog and carried him straight to the neighbor lady.
She exploded, furious that he'd hurt her dog along with the three useless brats.
Feeling ashamed, Intaba handed her a pouch of gold — one hundred coins.
Her mood flipped instantly. She forgave him.
Then she told him to take the dog. She didn't want him anymore.
Intaba protested that the dog wasn't dead. The woman shrugged. "Don't need a useless dog."
Inside the dog's mind
I'm not dead… just broken. Failed my duty. Lost my job. Hurts like hell.
Intaba shifted the dog gently and muttered, "We'll get you to the school. Maybe the teacher can help."
Menono and the three brothers followed Intaba into the school.
---
The front yard of the school was quiet. Too quiet.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Inside the dog's mind
Thunder?! No… trouble! Pain's killing me, but pride's louder… must… protect… them…
The dog twitched weakly in Intaba's arms.
"Easy," Intaba murmured — though his own eyes had sharpened. Something was wrong inside.
He strode quickly down the hall, shoved open the teacher's room door— and froze.
Miss Lily stood like a storm cloud, voice slicing the air. Shoebill slouched before her, head down, feathers drooping, looking like he'd just burned something important.
Inside the dog's mind
…That's it? No intruders? No beasts? Just a bird getting yelled at?
Miss Lily glanced up, reading the panic on Intaba's face, and explained what had happened earlier.
The dog whimpered when Intaba adjusted his hold, the sound cutting into him.
First I hurt you… now I'm dragging you into this mess.
The teacher's eyes stayed on Intaba the whole time.
No accusation. No anger. Just the quiet weight of someone who already knew.
Without words, Intaba understood. Teacher knew the dog was in this state… because of him.