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Chapter Four: A Bone to Pick

Silently watching and silently waiting, the large, gray, hungry wolf crouched behind a paper bush. He was only several yards away from the bamboo basket of tea cakes. He was trying to judge if any people were around; the wolf just couldn't deal with any interferences, especially with the upcoming storm which he glimpse at above.

Wolf: (Mumbles) Man, that storm is gonna be a downpour. I can't waste any more time or my sheep feast will get flushed down the drain right with that dripped damsel in the well! I just need to be quick and…

GRRRR-GRRRR-ERMMMM!

Wolf: (Sighs) … quiet.

Whether it was the prolonged delay of getting dinner or being close enough to smell the sweet scent of the tea cakes, nevertheless, the wolf's stomach emphasized its displeasure with being without food for so long.

Anxiously, the furry, wide-eyed predator whipped his head left and right, making sure the rumbling didn't alarm anyone of his presence. When no calamities came crashing down upon him, the wolf glared down at his shrunken underbelly

Wolf: (Mumbles) Yeah, I know we're famished, so stop repeatin' yourself and put a lid on it, already!

Not risking another chance with his hunger betraying his whereabouts, the wolf made no hesitations and rushed straight for the basket.

He stood next to the woven carrier and made a couple of brief sideways glances to be certain he was alone. The wolf grinned, thinking the owners accidentally left it behind from the fear of getting caught in the future storm; for he didn't see no one coming from either left or right to rescue the bin of baked goods. However…

Bark! Bark! Bark!

…in his explainable haste, the startled wolf had forgotten to look straight ahead.

Scampering out of some shrubbery, a Pekinese that heard the hungry protests of the wolf's stomach, came forth and without a second thought of the much larger, wild canine, the little lion-dog jumped on top of the basket, defending her owners' sweet treasures.

The two animals had a stare down, yellow eyes to brown eyes that seemed overly big for her flat face. The reddish-brown and gold furred dog was snarling and scowling, while the wolf was smiling and snickering at the overly fluffy, matching pink ribbon and beaded, primped Pekinese.

Wolf: (Chuckles and coos) Awww… Wook at the wittle fwuffy doggy! You almost scared me for a minute.

The lion-dog kept her guarded stance which only made the wolf chuckle more. He waved a big paw dismissively and patted her little, round head.

Wolf: Now, why don't you go BUZZ off like a good little lion-BUG, while I take these tea cakes off your— YEE-YOUCH!

The Pekinese had nipped one of the wolf's claw, cutting it right off. Wide-eyed, he held out his paw (that he took out of his mouth).

Wolf: (Vexed) Great! Now my claws are uneven!

He glared back at the now, proud Pekinese.

Wolf: (Growls) Oh, I've had enough! I'm fed up with not being fed!

The tall predator stood upright, towering over the basket-guarding dog. With his patience almost wearing thinner than he was, the wolf snarled angrily, disregarding his tactics of flattery; he was just too irritated.

Wolf: (Growling and pointing)) Listen up, ya scruffy little china duster! If I wasn't so short on time and didn't have a prized dinner ahead of me, I'd risk indigestion again and swallow you whole!

The wolf paused and licked his grinning mouth.

Wolf: (Chuckles deeply and shrugs) Eh, on second thought, you're worth a few seconds of a belly ache…

Now, one would think this would be the right time for the dog to run for her life, but yet she remained where she was and looking extremely confident.

Wolf: (Grinning) Not budging, huh? Might as well, since there's nothing else you can do.

The dog responded only with a shake of her head. Ignoring the silent reply, the wolf stood over her as he revealed his rows of sharp teeth.

Wolf: Time for—! Wait… What the Peking Duck are you doing?

The wolf squint an eye with a perplexed look. For the Pekinese had taken a mighty breath, with her cheeks and chest inhaled with air as she pointed a tiny paw to the right. Still not breathing out, the dog smiled, knowingly; while the wolf frowned, all too knowingly…

Wolf: (Thinking) Drat! The tables had turned.

He fully realized what was happening and halted his movements. He couldn't believe he was so foolish! Being blind with hunger, the wolf had forgotten that people are never too far away from their pampered pets.

The Pekinese was the one doing the threats now. If the wolf came any closer, she would sound the alarm. Her first barks were nothing compared to what her strong, little lungs could emit. All it took was one bark. Lion-dogs may be small, but their barks can be loud as a lion's roar.

With narrowed eyes, the wolf put his paws on his gaunt hips

Wolf: (Speaks lowly) You… wouldn't…

The dog mirrored the wolf's face and posture and gave him a look that clearly stated…

Try me.

The two canines had another stare down. The Pekinese held so much air, the wolf wished she would just float up into the stormy sky like a paper lantern… and get hit by lighting. No such luck, because she stayed planted on the basket. The wolf's tension finally faltered.

Wolf: (Puts his paws up) Alright, relax. I'm not gonna eat you! (Mumbles) At least not now, anyway…

The bold, little lion-dog deflated and stuck out her fluffy chest in victory.

In the distance, he glimpsed a flash of clothes through the wild bamboo and of course, animals don't wear apparel and sandals… This gave him the incentive to lower his tone, instantly. He faced the Pekinese and took a deep breath.

Wolf: (Speaks quickly) Look… I need your tea cakes for a panda's peaches so the panda can go to a pair of buzzards so I can give a rope to a woman in a well before it rains so I'll get sheep and that doesn't make any sense in your fluffy little mind, now does it?

The Pekinese just blinked excessively and opened her black, short muzzle…

Wolf: (Rolls his eyes) I was being rhetorical.

Affronted, the small dog creased her wrinkled brow even more so.

Wolf: Anyway, I really need these teacakes because I'm REALLY hungry!

The Pekinese cocked her head in adorable confusion, making the wolf rub his weary face;

Wolf: No-no, as I explained, the tea cakes are not for me and I don't have time to re-explain. Can't ya just cut a fellow furry creature some slack, hmm? Just gimme the basket and I'll go FAR away from you and your owners, okay? So what do ya say?

The wolf held out his paw for the basket, but the lion-dog just shook her head again.

Wolf: (Grunts) Man, what is your deal?! What do ya want?!

It was then, the Pekinese grinned and panted happily. The wolf's gray, long muzzle twitched. He knew where this was headed... and paw planted his face.

Wolf: (Thinking) Wrong choice of words…

He looked back at the awaiting dog, and forced a smile, trying to cover up his mistake.

Wolf: (Waves his paws) No-no! I meant to ask… Do you… wanna play fetch? Here ya go… Fetch!

The wolf grabbed a nearby twig and tossed it over the little lion-dog's head. She watched it whisked by till the branch landed. She then turned to the wolf and gave him a half-lidded stare with a slow, unimpressed blink.

Wolf: (Mutters) Stupid, silent sarcasm…

The wolf was so annoyed with this stubborn, little animal. Yet, no talking was slightly better than hearing overly slow speech or dialogue that was doubled in stupidity.

The buzzards, the panda, now this dog… The wolf's once thought clever idea had gotten way out of paw and he was becoming bothersome by all this random trading. But like he said, he was REALLY hungry. And since his wish of a lightning struck Pekinese was not granted, the wolf relented with just one more deal.

He let out another surrendered sigh and folded his arms, pouting.

Wolf: Alright, ya spoiled little sleeve dog. What do ya want for the tea cakes? Wait, don't tell me…

He placed a paw over his head as to pretend to be in heavy concentration.

Wolf: … a bone, right?

The Pekinese, narrowed her eyes at being called a 'sleeve dog', but pointed to her black nose, signaling he was correct. She shrugged as to how he knew what she wanted. The wolf cynically moved his sights from the title of this story's chapter, then to the reader.

Wolf: Eh, just a hunch.

The small dog jumped off the little basket and with its handle in her mouth, led the very unenthusiastic wolf into some tall thickets. But soon as her back was turned… the predator decided to try his opportunity again with having a late lunch and end this trading fiasco sooner. But as they moved; his long ears perked to distant talking; they were treading closely to the lion-dog's wildflower picking owners. So instead of hunting her, he warily followed her; making sure to creep on all fours… and as low to the ground as possible. The wolf was too smart not to take any chances with getting caught by people; especially with getting caught with trying to wolf-down their cherished, basket-protecting pet.

Wolf: (Thinking) At the rate my luck's going, one of 'em will have an axe!

The Pekinese stopped suddenly, causing the preoccupied wolf to almost trip over her. She gave the predator a crossed glare, and sat down and he did the same; including the glare.

Wolf: Alright, sleeve dog, (Glances around) I don't see the bone. So what's the point of coming here?

The Pekinese, annoyed for being called that name again, craned her short neck briefly on her left to cue the wolf to look in that direction. So, the wolf did, and by the looks of his gapped eyes and mouth, he wasn't too thrilled to what he saw… at all.

The two canine opposites were looking at a huge batch of wild roses. There must have been dozens of the close-growing, briar bushes… which meant there would be thorns…

Lots and lots of thorns.

Wolf: (Speaks lowly) Grrreat, now I see your POINT.

The very unhappy wolf covered his eyes while shaking his head. He figured pretty much why they were there, but to humor himself, he turned to the lion-dog again with a dead pan stare.

Wolf: We're not here to stop and smell the roses, are we?

The Pekinese shook her head quickly.

Wolf: Your bone is lost in those pointy bushes, somewhere.

She nodded eagerly.

Wolf: (Sighs) Why am I not surprised?

Though the wolf would never admit it, the Pekinese was smart. She remained vigilant with the basket at all times. She never let the thought of him swiping the tea cakes, disappear… as he always had the intentions to do just that. So if he tried, she would more likely, make such a raucous and cling to that woven bin with all her little lion-dog might. And with the Pekinese's people in earshot, that option would have grim results… for the wolf, that is.

So without much of a choice, the wolf halfheartedly got up and dragged his paws near the immense, briar growths; the spaces were far and between… even for a small lap dog.

Wolf: I don't get it, (Faces the dog) how the howl did you even lose a bone in there, anyway?

The Pekinese thought for a moment and opened her small mouth with a little breath…

Wolf: (Puts a paw out) You know what..? Forget it, I really don't wanna know.

Looking back at the prospects of potential thorn pricks, the wolf wondered if he should just give up this whole charade.

Wolf: (Speaks lowly) Is a warm, wooly meal worth all this?

He felt his underbelly begin to grumble and he abruptly held it; silencing his yearning hunger's reply. He looked down at himself.

Wolf: (Speaks lowly) I was being rhetorical.

Meanwhile, the Pekinese was sitting atop of the basket, with her short, forelegs crossed over her chest and she was tapping her hind foot, impatiently. The sulking predator huffed at her.

Wolf: Yeah, yeah, loosen that puffy, little tail-bow of yours! I'm going!

The wolf decided to walk through the briar rose patch on his hind legs; it would be less of him to worry about getting pricked and also the higher height might come in handy with locating the lost bone. He walked very stiff, with his onyx, bushy tail curled around himself and his arms straight out, trying to keep his balance.

As he walked in this ridged yet jerky gait, the entertained little lion-dog laughed at the wolf's display. And since he was quite occupied with avoiding the countless thorns, she hopped off the basket and began to imitate him. The Pekinese walked upright on her stubby, hind legs while making silly expressions.

Needless to say, the wolf was not amused…

Wolf: Pffft… Everyone's a comedian.

The cautious wolf continued onwards, watching the ground for both the bone and a clearer path to walk; none seemed to be there at all.

Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity for the taut-walking wolf, he spied a large soup bone right under one of the prickly shrubs that was right beside his hind feet!

Wolf: (Exhales deeply) Yesss! Finally, my misery pays off!

The relieved wolf carefully lowered himself to pick up the bony target. Once in his paws, he rolled his eyes; the bone had no meat on it, whatsoever. Wolves never understood dogs' fondness for such meatless foods.

He briefly examined its weight and size; it was much too big and heavy for the little lap dog's mouth. She could barely carry the basket without dragging it or tripping face down and making her flat face even flatter.

Wolf: Hey, sleeve dog! Why do ya even want a bone that is bigger than you are?

The Pekinese wrinkled her nose at the much hated nick name for a second and she pointed at herself with one paw, raised the other one upwards, and then motioned both paws above her in a circling motion.

The wolf sighed shrewdly of what she was implying.

Wolf: You're moving up in the world?

She nodded proudly while the wolf's head shook his head, derisively.

As the predator carefully came his way back towards the eager dog, watching from a nearby cherry blossom, was a flock of warblers. One of them was the same warbler that the wolf was hunting.

If a bird could grin widely, this one was doing it, fantastically.

The wolf's ear twitched from the sound of a chirp that turned into lots of chirps. He looked up and saw the warblers dive-bombing straight towards him!

Wolf: (Mumbles) Oh, you must be joke-- AH! Flock off! Beat it! AH!

The birds swarmed over the wolf's head, their fluttering made him flail out his arms, loose his balance and…

***

On the far side of the mountains, in a cottage in the forest, a certain red coated little girl, an older woman and their Herbalist companion, froze during their friendly tea time with of course… tea cakes. Their eyes were wide open from the traveled, acquainted, infamous voice...

Echoed Voice: (Yowling) AHHHH! STUPID…..! NO FURRIN' GOOD…..! HOWLIN' WHELP OF A…..!

Everything in the room was motionless… except for the over flowing china cup, being filled by a teapot, held by Mister Sung. His good, one eye had also shot open from such… expressive dialog, causing Po-po to cover Little Red Happy Coat's young ears, right away.

***

The wolf, very sore, full of thorn pricks and out of… err… colorful exclamations, tore himself out of the rose patch and threw the bone in front of the Pekinese.

Wolf: (Out of breath) Here's… your… stupid… meatless bone! (Puts a paw out) Now… give… me… those tea cakes before your alerted people show up!

The lion-dog, leaning against the basket, just scratched her long, black tipped ear. The wolf caught his breath and growled, standing over her, his paws tight at his sides.

Wolf: (Teeth clenched) That wasn't a request…

The dog finally nodded and stepped aside… the wolf stormed over and when he picked up the basket.

BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK BARK! BARK! BARK..!

Thanks to her betraying barks, the Pekinese's panicking owners, on guard from the wolf's shout out of fury, came into view. The wolf saw the not-so-distant people on their way and noticed one of them carrying… an axe.

Wolf: DOUBLE DRAT! (Ironically) Of course they have an axe! It's the best way to cut wildflowers… and wolves!

He snapped his head towards the laughing, little lion-dog on her back who was no longer safeguarding the basket. Not just because she knew the wolf was found out, but mainly she was just having too much fun laughing at his expense.

Wolf: (Growls) You miserable runt! We had a deal! Why?!

The smug, smart-aleck dog stopped her giggling, sat up, and smirked while she wiggled her furry eyebrows…

That was for calling her a sleeve dog.

The fast approaching couple were shouting and looking distraught at their precious pet, being in claws reach of a huge, ferocious wolf. The predator hurriedly thought of an escape and… returns the little animal's smirk.

With the much sought after basket in one paw, he scruffs the surprised Pekinese with the other, and presses his nose into hers; making her pleased yips turn into nervous whines.

Wolf: (Speaks deeply) It's YOUR turn…

The small, dangling dog gulped in uneasy misunderstanding. The wolf gestured his head to the briar rose patch and this time, wiggled HIS eyebrows.

Wolf: …to tip toe through the roses!

With that said, the wolf hurled the howling Pekinese in amidst of the barbed bushes. She yipped as she bounced up and down from the pricks… making her owners detour from charging at the predator in order to save their dog from the prickly patch.

Peering from within the concealing thickets, the wolf couldn't help himself from momentarily watching the diversion he just caused.

Wolf: (Thinking and grinning) Worked like a charm.

And after several snickers, the quick-thinking predator, gripped the basket of tea cakes between his teeth and swiftly left the frantic people, still axing through the thorny, tangling shrubbery to rescue their darling, little 'sleeve dog'.

Description
Chapter Four: A Bone to Pick

Silently watching and silently waiting, the large, gray, hungry wolf crouched behind a paper bush. He was only several yards away from the bamboo basket of tea cakes. He was trying to judge if any people were around; the wolf just couldn't deal with any interferences, especially with the upcoming storm which he glimpse at above.

Wolf: (Mumbles) Man, that storm is gonna be a downpour. I can't waste any more time or my sheep feast will get flushed down the drain right with that dripped damsel in the well! I just need to be quick and…

GRRRR-GRRRR-ERMMMM!

Wolf: (Sighs) … quiet.

Whether it was the prolonged delay of getting dinner or being close enough to smell the sweet scent of the tea cakes, nevertheless, the wolf's stomach emphasized its displeasure with being without food for so long.

Anxiously, the furry, wide-eyed predator whipped his head left and right, making sure the rumbling didn't alarm anyone of his presence. When no calamities came crashing down upon him, the wolf glared down at his shrunken underbelly

Wolf: (Mumbles) Yeah, I know we're famished, so stop repeatin' yourself and put a lid on it, already!

Not risking another chance with his hunger betraying his whereabouts, the wolf made no hesitations and rushed straight for the basket.

He stood next to the woven carrier and made a couple of brief sideways glances to be certain he was alone. The wolf grinned, thinking the owners accidentally left it behind from the fear of getting caught in the future storm; for he didn't see no one coming from either left or right to rescue the bin of baked goods. However…

Bark! Bark! Bark!

…in his explainable haste, the startled wolf had forgotten to look straight ahead.

Scampering out of some shrubbery, a Pekinese that heard the hungry protests of the wolf's stomach, came forth and without a second thought of the much larger, wild canine, the little lion-dog jumped on top of the basket, defending her owners' sweet treasures.

The two animals had a stare down, yellow eyes to brown eyes that seemed overly big for her flat face. The reddish-brown and gold furred dog was snarling and scowling, while the wolf was smiling and snickering at the overly fluffy, matching pink ribbon and beaded, primped Pekinese.

Wolf: (Chuckles and coos) Awww… Wook at the wittle fwuffy doggy! You almost scared me for a minute.

The lion-dog kept her guarded stance which only made the wolf chuckle more. He waved a big paw dismissively and patted her little, round head.

Wolf: Now, why don't you go BUZZ off like a good little lion-BUG, while I take these tea cakes off your— YEE-YOUCH!

The Pekinese had nipped one of the wolf's claw, cutting it right off. Wide-eyed, he held out his paw (that he took out of his mouth).

Wolf: (Vexed) Great! Now my claws are uneven!

He glared back at the now, proud Pekinese.

Wolf: (Growls) Oh, I've had enough! I'm fed up with not being fed!

The tall predator stood upright, towering over the basket-guarding dog. With his patience almost wearing thinner than he was, the wolf snarled angrily, disregarding his tactics of flattery; he was just too irritated.

Wolf: (Growling and pointing)) Listen up, ya scruffy little china duster! If I wasn't so short on time and didn't have a prized dinner ahead of me, I'd risk indigestion again and swallow you whole!

The wolf paused and licked his grinning mouth.

Wolf: (Chuckles deeply and shrugs) Eh, on second thought, you're worth a few seconds of a belly ache…

Now, one would think this would be the right time for the dog to run for her life, but yet she remained where she was and looking extremely confident.

Wolf: (Grinning) Not budging, huh? Might as well, since there's nothing else you can do.

The dog responded only with a shake of her head. Ignoring the silent reply, the wolf stood over her as he revealed his rows of sharp teeth.

Wolf: Time for—! Wait… What the Peking Duck are you doing?

The wolf squint an eye with a perplexed look. For the Pekinese had taken a mighty breath, with her cheeks and chest inhaled with air as she pointed a tiny paw to the right. Still not breathing out, the dog smiled, knowingly; while the wolf frowned, all too knowingly…

Wolf: (Thinking) Drat! The tables had turned.

He fully realized what was happening and halted his movements. He couldn't believe he was so foolish! Being blind with hunger, the wolf had forgotten that people are never too far away from their pampered pets.

The Pekinese was the one doing the threats now. If the wolf came any closer, she would sound the alarm. Her first barks were nothing compared to what her strong, little lungs could emit. All it took was one bark. Lion-dogs may be small, but their barks can be loud as a lion's roar.

With narrowed eyes, the wolf put his paws on his gaunt hips

Wolf: (Speaks lowly) You… wouldn't…

The dog mirrored the wolf's face and posture and gave him a look that clearly stated…

Try me.

The two canines had another stare down. The Pekinese held so much air, the wolf wished she would just float up into the stormy sky like a paper lantern… and get hit by lighting. No such luck, because she stayed planted on the basket. The wolf's tension finally faltered.

Wolf: (Puts his paws up) Alright, relax. I'm not gonna eat you! (Mumbles) At least not now, anyway…

The bold, little lion-dog deflated and stuck out her fluffy chest in victory.

In the distance, he glimpsed a flash of clothes through the wild bamboo and of course, animals don't wear apparel and sandals… This gave him the incentive to lower his tone, instantly. He faced the Pekinese and took a deep breath.

Wolf: (Speaks quickly) Look… I need your tea cakes for a panda's peaches so the panda can go to a pair of buzzards so I can give a rope to a woman in a well before it rains so I'll get sheep and that doesn't make any sense in your fluffy little mind, now does it?

The Pekinese just blinked excessively and opened her black, short muzzle…

Wolf: (Rolls his eyes) I was being rhetorical.

Affronted, the small dog creased her wrinkled brow even more so.

Wolf: Anyway, I really need these teacakes because I'm REALLY hungry!

The Pekinese cocked her head in adorable confusion, making the wolf rub his weary face;

Wolf: No-no, as I explained, the tea cakes are not for me and I don't have time to re-explain. Can't ya just cut a fellow furry creature some slack, hmm? Just gimme the basket and I'll go FAR away from you and your owners, okay? So what do ya say?

The wolf held out his paw for the basket, but the lion-dog just shook her head again.

Wolf: (Grunts) Man, what is your deal?! What do ya want?!

It was then, the Pekinese grinned and panted happily. The wolf's gray, long muzzle twitched. He knew where this was headed... and paw planted his face.

Wolf: (Thinking) Wrong choice of words…

He looked back at the awaiting dog, and forced a smile, trying to cover up his mistake.

Wolf: (Waves his paws) No-no! I meant to ask… Do you… wanna play fetch? Here ya go… Fetch!

The wolf grabbed a nearby twig and tossed it over the little lion-dog's head. She watched it whisked by till the branch landed. She then turned to the wolf and gave him a half-lidded stare with a slow, unimpressed blink.

Wolf: (Mutters) Stupid, silent sarcasm…

The wolf was so annoyed with this stubborn, little animal. Yet, no talking was slightly better than hearing overly slow speech or dialogue that was doubled in stupidity.

The buzzards, the panda, now this dog… The wolf's once thought clever idea had gotten way out of paw and he was becoming bothersome by all this random trading. But like he said, he was REALLY hungry. And since his wish of a lightning struck Pekinese was not granted, the wolf relented with just one more deal.

He let out another surrendered sigh and folded his arms, pouting.

Wolf: Alright, ya spoiled little sleeve dog. What do ya want for the tea cakes? Wait, don't tell me…

He placed a paw over his head as to pretend to be in heavy concentration.

Wolf: … a bone, right?

The Pekinese, narrowed her eyes at being called a 'sleeve dog', but pointed to her black nose, signaling he was correct. She shrugged as to how he knew what she wanted. The wolf cynically moved his sights from the title of this story's chapter, then to the reader.

Wolf: Eh, just a hunch.

The small dog jumped off the little basket and with its handle in her mouth, led the very unenthusiastic wolf into some tall thickets. But soon as her back was turned… the predator decided to try his opportunity again with having a late lunch and end this trading fiasco sooner. But as they moved; his long ears perked to distant talking; they were treading closely to the lion-dog's wildflower picking owners. So instead of hunting her, he warily followed her; making sure to creep on all fours… and as low to the ground as possible. The wolf was too smart not to take any chances with getting caught by people; especially with getting caught with trying to wolf-down their cherished, basket-protecting pet.

Wolf: (Thinking) At the rate my luck's going, one of 'em will have an axe!

The Pekinese stopped suddenly, causing the preoccupied wolf to almost trip over her. She gave the predator a crossed glare, and sat down and he did the same; including the glare.

Wolf: Alright, sleeve dog, (Glances around) I don't see the bone. So what's the point of coming here?

The Pekinese, annoyed for being called that name again, craned her short neck briefly on her left to cue the wolf to look in that direction. So, the wolf did, and by the looks of his gapped eyes and mouth, he wasn't too thrilled to what he saw… at all.

The two canine opposites were looking at a huge batch of wild roses. There must have been dozens of the close-growing, briar bushes… which meant there would be thorns…

Lots and lots of thorns.

Wolf: (Speaks lowly) Grrreat, now I see your POINT.

The very unhappy wolf covered his eyes while shaking his head. He figured pretty much why they were there, but to humor himself, he turned to the lion-dog again with a dead pan stare.

Wolf: We're not here to stop and smell the roses, are we?

The Pekinese shook her head quickly.

Wolf: Your bone is lost in those pointy bushes, somewhere.

She nodded eagerly.

Wolf: (Sighs) Why am I not surprised?

Though the wolf would never admit it, the Pekinese was smart. She remained vigilant with the basket at all times. She never let the thought of him swiping the tea cakes, disappear… as he always had the intentions to do just that. So if he tried, she would more likely, make such a raucous and cling to that woven bin with all her little lion-dog might. And with the Pekinese's people in earshot, that option would have grim results… for the wolf, that is.

So without much of a choice, the wolf halfheartedly got up and dragged his paws near the immense, briar growths; the spaces were far and between… even for a small lap dog.

Wolf: I don't get it, (Faces the dog) how the howl did you even lose a bone in there, anyway?

The Pekinese thought for a moment and opened her small mouth with a little breath…

Wolf: (Puts a paw out) You know what..? Forget it, I really don't wanna know.

Looking back at the prospects of potential thorn pricks, the wolf wondered if he should just give up this whole charade.

Wolf: (Speaks lowly) Is a warm, wooly meal worth all this?

He felt his underbelly begin to grumble and he abruptly held it; silencing his yearning hunger's reply. He looked down at himself.

Wolf: (Speaks lowly) I was being rhetorical.

Meanwhile, the Pekinese was sitting atop of the basket, with her short, forelegs crossed over her chest and she was tapping her hind foot, impatiently. The sulking predator huffed at her.

Wolf: Yeah, yeah, loosen that puffy, little tail-bow of yours! I'm going!

The wolf decided to walk through the briar rose patch on his hind legs; it would be less of him to worry about getting pricked and also the higher height might come in handy with locating the lost bone. He walked very stiff, with his onyx, bushy tail curled around himself and his arms straight out, trying to keep his balance.

As he walked in this ridged yet jerky gait, the entertained little lion-dog laughed at the wolf's display. And since he was quite occupied with avoiding the countless thorns, she hopped off the basket and began to imitate him. The Pekinese walked upright on her stubby, hind legs while making silly expressions.

Needless to say, the wolf was not amused…

Wolf: Pffft… Everyone's a comedian.

The cautious wolf continued onwards, watching the ground for both the bone and a clearer path to walk; none seemed to be there at all.

Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity for the taut-walking wolf, he spied a large soup bone right under one of the prickly shrubs that was right beside his hind feet!

Wolf: (Exhales deeply) Yesss! Finally, my misery pays off!

The relieved wolf carefully lowered himself to pick up the bony target. Once in his paws, he rolled his eyes; the bone had no meat on it, whatsoever. Wolves never understood dogs' fondness for such meatless foods.

He briefly examined its weight and size; it was much too big and heavy for the little lap dog's mouth. She could barely carry the basket without dragging it or tripping face down and making her flat face even flatter.

Wolf: Hey, sleeve dog! Why do ya even want a bone that is bigger than you are?

The Pekinese wrinkled her nose at the much hated nick name for a second and she pointed at herself with one paw, raised the other one upwards, and then motioned both paws above her in a circling motion.

The wolf sighed shrewdly of what she was implying.

Wolf: You're moving up in the world?

She nodded proudly while the wolf's head shook his head, derisively.

As the predator carefully came his way back towards the eager dog, watching from a nearby cherry blossom, was a flock of warblers. One of them was the same warbler that the wolf was hunting.

If a bird could grin widely, this one was doing it, fantastically.

The wolf's ear twitched from the sound of a chirp that turned into lots of chirps. He looked up and saw the warblers dive-bombing straight towards him!

Wolf: (Mumbles) Oh, you must be joke-- AH! Flock off! Beat it! AH!

The birds swarmed over the wolf's head, their fluttering made him flail out his arms, loose his balance and…

***

On the far side of the mountains, in a cottage in the forest, a certain red coated little girl, an older woman and their Herbalist companion, froze during their friendly tea time with of course… tea cakes. Their eyes were wide open from the traveled, acquainted, infamous voice...

Echoed Voice: (Yowling) AHHHH! STUPID…..! NO FURRIN' GOOD…..! HOWLIN' WHELP OF A…..!

Everything in the room was motionless… except for the over flowing china cup, being filled by a teapot, held by Mister Sung. His good, one eye had also shot open from such… expressive dialog, causing Po-po to cover Little Red Happy Coat's young ears, right away.

***

The wolf, very sore, full of thorn pricks and out of… err… colorful exclamations, tore himself out of the rose patch and threw the bone in front of the Pekinese.

Wolf: (Out of breath) Here's… your… stupid… meatless bone! (Puts a paw out) Now… give… me… those tea cakes before your alerted people show up!

The lion-dog, leaning against the basket, just scratched her long, black tipped ear. The wolf caught his breath and growled, standing over her, his paws tight at his sides.

Wolf: (Teeth clenched) That wasn't a request…

The dog finally nodded and stepped aside… the wolf stormed over and when he picked up the basket.

BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK BARK! BARK! BARK..!

Thanks to her betraying barks, the Pekinese's panicking owners, on guard from the wolf's shout out of fury, came into view. The wolf saw the not-so-distant people on their way and noticed one of them carrying… an axe.

Wolf: DOUBLE DRAT! (Ironically) Of course they have an axe! It's the best way to cut wildflowers… and wolves!

He snapped his head towards the laughing, little lion-dog on her back who was no longer safeguarding the basket. Not just because she knew the wolf was found out, but mainly she was just having too much fun laughing at his expense.

Wolf: (Growls) You miserable runt! We had a deal! Why?!

The smug, smart-aleck dog stopped her giggling, sat up, and smirked while she wiggled her furry eyebrows…

That was for calling her a sleeve dog.

The fast approaching couple were shouting and looking distraught at their precious pet, being in claws reach of a huge, ferocious wolf. The predator hurriedly thought of an escape and… returns the little animal's smirk.

With the much sought after basket in one paw, he scruffs the surprised Pekinese with the other, and presses his nose into hers; making her pleased yips turn into nervous whines.

Wolf: (Speaks deeply) It's YOUR turn…

The small, dangling dog gulped in uneasy misunderstanding. The wolf gestured his head to the briar rose patch and this time, wiggled HIS eyebrows.

Wolf: …to tip toe through the roses!

With that said, the wolf hurled the howling Pekinese in amidst of the barbed bushes. She yipped as she bounced up and down from the pricks… making her owners detour from charging at the predator in order to save their dog from the prickly patch.

Peering from within the concealing thickets, the wolf couldn't help himself from momentarily watching the diversion he just caused.

Wolf: (Thinking and grinning) Worked like a charm.

And after several snickers, the quick-thinking predator, gripped the basket of tea cakes between his teeth and swiftly left the frantic people, still axing through the thorny, tangling shrubbery to rescue their darling, little 'sleeve dog'.