**Guard Dogs and Gunfire**

Prompt: Gunsmith cats fanfiction after the shop is broken into may suggests to rally they should get a guard dog

The bell above the door chimed a soft tinkling sound as Rally Vincent stepped into Gunsmith Cats, her shop filled with gleaming firearms, spare parts, and the warm scent of gun oil. A hint of worry crossed her mind as she surveyed the familiar surroundings. The bright lights overhead reflected off the polished surfaces, yet there was an undeniable tension in the air since the break-in last week. They had secured the place, but it felt vulnerable, as if darkness planned to strike again. “Good morning, Rally!” said Minnie May, her vivacious partner, cheerfully arranging a display of custom grips. May had taken the break-in hard, an unsettling shift in her usually upbeat demeanor. “I was thinking… maybe we should do something to beef up our security!” “Like what? An electric fence?” Rally chuckled as she set her gear bag down. She could see the gears turning in May’s head, a spark of excitement taking over her initial worry. “Better! How about a guard dog?” May’s eyes sparkled with potential. “We could get a big one, like a German Shepherd or something! They’re loyal and would scare off any intruder!” Rally raised an eyebrow, considering the implications. “A dog, huh? I’m more of a cat person myself.” “Come on!” May insisted, bouncing on her toes. “Picture it! A tough, brawny dog sitting right by the door, growling at anyone who tries to come in! It’ll make the shop feel safe again.” Rally couldn’t help but smile at May’s enthusiasm. The thought was appealing, but there were so many factors to consider. “You realize taking care of a dog is a lot of work, right? Feeding it, training it, cleaning up after it…” “But think of the safety! Plus, we’d have a cute companion!” May grinned, flipping her hair back. “Just imagine how many customers we’d get! People love dogs!” “Alright, let’s say we get a dog,” Rally began, warming to the idea as she rummaged through her supplies. “Where do we even find a good one?” “Leave that to me! I’ll research rescues and shelters,” May declared, already pulling out her phone. “I’ll find the perfect guard dog for us, Rally!” As the day unfolded, the duo returned to their usual duties, testing firearms and serving customers. Rally found herself occasionally glancing at the door, a nagging doubt lingering at the back of her mind; a guard dog might just be the distraction they needed, but would it really make them safer? Still, the idea of a loyal companion was appealing. The closing bell rang, and Rally locked the front door, feeling a little better than she had when the day began. May, however, was practically vibrating with excitement, clutching her phone tightly. “I found two possibilities! Both are in the shelter downtown, and their photos are adorable! Are you ready to meet them?” Rally sighed but couldn’t help giving in to her partner's contagious enthusiasm. “Alright, let’s go check them out.” They arrived at the shelter just as the sun was setting, painting the sky a warm orange. They were greeted by an enthusiastic volunteer, who led them through rows of kennels filled with barking dogs. The two women were drawn to a pair of dogs: a scruffy brown shepherd mix named Axel who exuded confidence and a shy black Labrador named Bella, who seemed to shrink away from the noise around her. “What do you think, Rally?” May asked, crouching down in front of Axel. “He seems like he could do a great job protecting the shop!” “Yeah, he definitely has a guard dog vibe,” Rally replied as she observed Axel’s blue eyes sparkle with curiosity. Then she glanced at Bella, her heart melting slightly at the timid pup who watched from the back of the kennel, unsure but hopeful. “But she looks like she could use a home. What if we take them both?” May’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Both? Are you serious? I mean, that sounds like fun but… two dogs?” “Why not? They can watch each other while we’re busy,” Rally reasoned, a smile creeping onto her lips. “And I can already picture Bella greeting our customers, giving them the friendliest welcome. Meanwhile, Axel can stand guard.” After a lengthy discussion with the volunteer and some paperwork, Rally and May were the proud new owners of both Axel and Bella. The dogs instantly made the shop feel more alive, eagerly exploring their new home. Bella was shy but warmed up quickly, her tail wagging in response to May’s gentle affection. Axel seemed to take his role seriously, sitting at the entrance with a vigilant stance. The next few weeks flew by in a blur of training, walks, and bonding. The morning customers often found themselves greeted by the duo of dogs—Bella bouncing excitedly toward anyone who stepped in and Axel keeping a watchful eye, his presence effortlessly intimidating. The shop felt safer, and the girls had a newfound sense of camaraderie with their four-legged companions. One late afternoon, while Rally was cleaning a rifle, the door swung open unexpectedly, setting off the bell. She looked up and saw a figure shrouded in a hoodie step inside. A chill shot through her—it looked like the same figure from the break-in. Before she could react, Axel shot off, barking with bravery, while Bella stayed close to May, sensing the tension. “Hey! Get out of here!” Rally shouted, her heart racing, but the figure hesitated, caught off guard by the fierce barks and Rally’s commanding voice. Just as the hoodie turned to leave, Axel lunged forward, a powerful blur of fur. The intruder stumbled back, tripping over Axel, and fell against the wall. Rally seized the opportunity, her handgun drawn, pointing it directly at the intruder, who was now on the ground. “Thought you could come back, huh?” Rally snarled, adrenaline coursing through her. May was on the phone calling the cops, and Bella was standing protectively next to her. Within minutes, the sound of sirens echoed outside, and Rally held steady, where Axel stood over the would-be burglar like an imposing sentinel. When the police arrived, they swiftly apprehended the intruder, thanking Rally and May for their quick thinking. As the chaos settled, Rally knelt beside Axel, scratching behind his ears. “You did well, buddy. You too, Bella,” she said softly as the affectionate Labrador licked her hand. May grinned widely, eyes sparkling with excitement. “I think our guard dogs just saved the day!” Rally chuckled, her heart swelling with pride. “Looks like we picked the right companions after all.” With a newfound sense of security and friendship, the shop felt alive again—this time, filled with love and protection, guarding them from threats that lurked in the shadows.