The entire day has passed, and we find ourselves in a cave not far from where Dante fought. Entering it, we find our hero leaning against the wall by a fire, about to open his eyes.
DANTE HERALDI: What happened? Where am I? Was this a dream? Wasn't I hurt? And this fire?
ANIMAL: Oh, you're awake. How are you feeling? Are you okay? Hello, friend.
DANTE HERALDI: What the heck, a talking dog? You're a... Doberman, right?
DOG: Yes, I'm that breed. Are you alright, woof? I saw you fighting from afar, and when I got closer, you did this and then that, but the impressive thing was when you pulled out your sword and…
DANTE HERALDI: Wait, wait, you're not a dog.
DOG: Yes, I already told you I am (wagging his tail).
DANTE HERALDI: But you can talk. How is that possible?
DOG: You're not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, are you? We're in Hell, outside the plane of existence, hellooooo, where all the bad guys go, hehehe (wagging his tail).
DANTE HERALDI: That's true, sorry, I'm a little disoriented. So, the demon was right, it's not just our species, there are many more. Well, and you, what brings you here? Besides, you're not very lively for a Doberman. What do you want from me?
DOG: Hey, isn't it rather rude of you to speak to your savior like that? Besides, if I left you there, other demons would surely find you and make a meal of you. So I thought fast and brought you here. You're one of the few humans who manages to escape their confinement; those demons are truly brutish, and the fact that I'm of this breed doesn't mean I'm evil.
DANTE HERALDI: Wait, there are more like me?... How do you know? Have you seen them?
DOG: Of course, I've been here much longer than you have; after all, I think it's been about 5,000 or 6,000 years. Well, the important thing is that it's a long time. I freed myself around 3,000 years ago, so I've had plenty of time to explore my surroundings. Besides, I'm not very ambitious; I haven't had anyone waiting for me or anyone to talk to for a long time, so I'm happy to chat with you, strange sir. I live only for myself, but exceptions can be made.
DANTE HERALDI: Dog! You talk a lot. I'm no stranger, let me introduce myself: I'm DANTE, DANTE HERALDI. So… do you have a name?… Or should I just call you Dog?
DOG: I think I did have one, but I don't know, maybe I'll tell you a name later; for now, just call me DOG and I'll call you DANTE. What do you think? DAN, TEEE, HEHE.
DANTE HERALDI: Okay, Dog, explain the basics to me; my goal is to get out of this plane and go to the mortal world. Any ideas?
DOG: Well, what can I tell you? There are all kinds of monsters everywhere; you usually see them more active after that thing that heals everyone's wounds activates.
DANTE HERALDI: In the early morning, then, okay.
DOG: We're currently on some kind of island; it's immense, surrounded by a river. Around here it's known as the Chicoapan River; a strange name, but that's what the demons call it. There are all sorts of creatures there, I can assure you. I haven't gone beyond the rivers, nor have I ventured much along the banks, but I've heard stories that there's more beyond. It's not 100% reliable, but it's something.
DANTE HERALDI: (in DANTE's mind) That name sounds familiar; I think I've read it somewhere. It's from the mythology of some tribes in America. I think I need a dog to get through there, umm, what a coincidence (looking at the dog), but this one has black fur; I don't think I can get through there with this mangy mutt. Well, I used to have a reddish-brown dog. If I go to that place, will I find him? It doesn't hurt to try.
DOG: Hey, can you hear me? You have to eat here too; otherwise, you'll starve. When you were tied up, the demon kept you alive, but you'll have to eat what you hunt in this place. There are local creatures on this plane, so you'll have to make use of their meat. I've hunted small creatures to survive; you don't need to eat every day, with one good meal you'll survive for a few months.
DANTE HERALDI: What? No way. How far is that blessed river?
DOG: Oh, let me see, like a few months, yeah, we'll get there quickly.
DANTE HERALDI: What? Oh, it can't be that far, we won't survive like that.
DOG: Don't worry, there are animals everywhere, so watch out for them, otherwise they'll eat you, hehe. Well, as a token of good faith, here (the dog throws a heart in front of DANTE). You have to eat it so you have more fighting power; this is the heart of the demon you defeated.
DANTE HERALDI: What? But what the heck? How did you get that? And seriously, how did you light the fire?
DOG: What part of Hell don't you understand? I'm not normal. Besides, I can move my paws like I have thumbs. I learned to make fire a long time ago, hehehe. You'd better swallow that. Don't worry, you can't go to the bathroom here. Everything is used by your body as nutrients (he says proudly). Here I have consciousness, unlike in the mortal world.
DANTE HERALDI: It seems you've adapted quite well to this place, dog. Well, how long ago did my wounds heal? (He grabs his heart.)
DOG: About three hours ago, I think.
DANTE HERALDI: Well, it's still early morning then. I don't know if I can trust you, dog, but I guess I have no choice. I'll be watching you; since you saved me, for now I'll trust you. (He eats the heart in quick bites.) What a disgusting taste, but wait, I feel something changing in me. My strength is returning. (DANTE's body begins to emit steam.) Wow, this feels amazing.
DOG: See (wagging his tail and moving from side to side) I told you, I don't lie, I'm good now; this place changes you, hehe, it's best if you trust me.
DANTE HERALDI: Well, that's fine, thank you. Look, right now, from what you've told me, it's a bit dangerous to leave; we'll wait a couple of hours and head to the riverbank and cross.
DOG: Yes, that's fine. From what I understand, from what I've heard about the demons, there's a myth about a human who did manage to escape from this place. We'll have to move forward and leave this island to gather information about where to go, since it would be interesting to leave here with you, new master (wags his tail).
DANTE HERALDI: Don't you have any masters waiting for you in the other realm, dog?
DOG: Well, it's complicated, but in short, I have no one; you would be my master. Please let me accompany you wherever you want to go; I'm strong too, and I can help you fight.
DANTE HERALDI: Hmm, okay, I'll see what I can do, but that doesn't mean I trust you, dog.
DOG: No problem, "my brother", hehehe, I also know some English because I traveled around America; I'll just say I've been a worldly dog.
DANTE HERALDI: Heh, let's rest for a while, we'll leave in a few hours; to be honest, I'm a little sleepy.
DOG: Okay, I'll sleep too.
The DOG lies down a few feet away from DANTE by the fire. DANTE can't sleep well because he still distrusts the DOG; he's still saddened by everything that happened, which prevents him from opening up to other beings. He can't show a hint of weakness or let his guard down again.
DANTE HERALDI: Before you go to sleep, tell me, where did you get the wood?
DOG: There are trees; these valleys are dry, but there are trees, and don't ask me where they come from because I don't know either. They appear out of nowhere every now and then. (Yawns) Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a nap.
DANTE HERALDI: Okay, (in a low voice) thanks for everything.
DOG: Did you say something?
DANTE HERALDI: No, nothing, it's just that you're very lively; maybe you had a good life. I envy you… dog.
DOG: Well, it wasn't good or anything, but 5,000 years here makes you see things differently. (Yawns) Good night.
DANTE leans back against the wall, crouching down, clutching his knees. After about 50 minutes, DANTE is overcome by sleep and falls asleep watching the DOG as it sleeps, moving its hind legs.
June 27, 2035.
Somewhere in North America, we approach a small farm in the midst of a food shortage. Rumors are circulating of a new pandemic, a new strain of canine pox. Some farmers, who are very loving towards their pets, are assisting their Doberman as she gives birth.
FARMER: Honey, Laica is giving birth. Hurry, help me with this.
FARMER'S WIFE: I'm almost there. Here, put these pillows down for her so she's more comfortable.
A couple of hours have passed, and the farmers are assisting their dog with the birth, receiving seven puppies of various colors, but only one is black. The others are three brown and three brown with tan spots.
FARMER: Look, Mom, Laica has given birth to a little black one, hahaha; this one must be special. How about a good name?
FARMER'S WIFE: You're right, Dad, we need to think of a good name. Let me think.
The farmer picks up the little black dog and says:
FARMER: I know, we'll call him Rex. Isn't that a good name, Mom?
FARMER'S WIFE: Of course, Dad, one of the best. Very well, I'm going to make lunch; it's getting late. Let Layca rest.
The woman leaves, leaving her husband watching the puppies. He stares intently at the little black puppy, thinking to himself that perhaps this puppy will be something special in the future, and the black puppy looks at him with an uncertain expression. The owner walks away, leaving the puppies alone with their mother.
As time passes, we see the puppies growing up, playing, and spending time with the farmers in some very sweet scenes. A year and a half has gone by, and all the puppies are now grown. Remember that dogs have different ages than humans. The farmers hear a lot on the radio about a possible epidemic carried by dogs and start to argue.
November 30, 2036.
FARMER'S WIFE: Dad, what can we do? The news keeps going on about these diseases. The other day, some health inspectors came to look into it because we have so many dogs. What do you say?
FARMER: I know, Mom, but this can't go on; we'll have to put them up for adoption or something. I don't want to, but if we don't, they might shut down the business. (Sighs)
Some time later, the farmers placed an ad in the newspaper offering the puppies for adoption. Interested people began visiting the farm. The farmers wanted to make sure no one would take their dogs because they cared for them so well. A few days passed, and almost all the dogs had been adopted except for one, the little black dog. After a few more days, only one person, a man in his thirties wearing a suit, came to the farm. He seemed like a decent person, interested in the little black dog, and spoke with the farmers.
STRANGER: Hello, let me introduce myself: I'm Martín Guillén. It's a pleasure. I'm interested in raising a dog like yours. Do you think I could adopt it?
FARMER: Hello, Mr. Martín, I'm Stiben. You don't seem to be from around here, do you?
MARTÍN GUILLÉN: How did you know, sir? Yes, I'm a foreigner. I've been here for a while now; I feel lonely. Perhaps that dog could help me pass the time in these parts.
STIBEN: Yes, I could tell from your name. There aren't many people with that name around here except foreigners, but you seem like a kind person. Mama, this young man wants to take the dog. What do you say?
The woman, who was standing a little ways away, approaches her guest and speaks.
FARMER'S WIFE: Hello, young man. Please excuse my manners. My name is Nancy. It's a pleasure to meet you. You seem like a good worker, sir.
MARTÍN GUILLÉN: It's a pleasure, Mrs. Nancy, I'm Martín. Yes, I work in the entertainment industry and I'm quite popular. I'm not from this town, but I have acquaintances here, so that's how I found out about the adoption; it would be an honor to have the dog for company.
NANCY: Well, let me discuss it with my husband and we'll give him to you.
The couple steps aside and speaks privately.
NANCY: What do you think, Dad? This man seems trustworthy, but I don't know, Something inside me is suspicious.
STIBEN: No, Mom, he seems trustworthy, and remember we don't have much time left.At least they told us to keep a dog... and LAYCA is the last one we have left. Look, I know the dog is our favorite, but Mom, it's time to say goodbye; we have to let him grow up, and it seems like that guy has good intentions.
NANCY: Okay, Dad, this has to be goodbye with Rex. Well, I'll go get him.
NANCY brings Rex and hands him to Martin.
STIBEN: Well, young man, here he is; we're giving you the dog. Please take care of him; he's very friendly. His name is Rex. We're entrusting him to you.
Mr. Stiben takes the dog's face in his hands, stroking him one last time. Then Martin says goodbye, putting the dog in his car. The dog, wagging his tail, happily climbs into the back of the car next to his new owner. Martin signals his driver to move on; the farmers watch as the car disappears into the distance.
STIBEN: I wish you all the best, Rex. I hope you find happiness with that man.
NANCY: Same here, I hope you're okay, REX. Good luck.
The farmers, a little teary-eyed, go inside their house, and in the car, Mr. MARTIN is seen driving away with a malevolent smile on his face, while the dog looks at him, puzzled.
July 15, 2037.
We find ourselves in the backyard of a house with Rex, the dog, tied to a post, slightly injured, when suddenly a man enters; it turns out to be Martín, who strikes the dog with a stick, saying:
Martín Guillén: Well, you filthy dog, after all that time training you, today's your turn; we've got a big fight coming, and I expect you to win. It took me a lot of work to make you brave.
The dog barked at him, its eyes blazing with rage as it tried to bite him. The man grabbed a tranquilizer gun and shot the animal. Looking at it, he said it was all up to him now. The dog fell to the ground and lost consciousness. A few hours later, we see the dog opening its eyes, trapped in a small, cramped room with only one door. A little frightened, the dog began pacing, trying to understand where it was, while a voice announced something.
ANNOUNCER: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight we have some great dog fights for you; place your bets with the lovely lady in red. Remember, it's all cash, and I sincerely hope you all enjoy this show. We'll begin the first fight of the night shortly.
The frightened and hesitant dog watched in surprise as the door began to open and he slowly emerged into an arena, somewhat larger than a cockfighting ring, with high walls impossible for him to jump over. He looked up, seeing a crowd of people, when suddenly the door in front of him began to open and another dog, a pit bull, burst out, roaring and barking as the announcer's words rang out:
ANNOUNCER: Congratulations to the owner of the Doberman; please come and collect your prize. Very well, let the next participants come forward for the next fight. What do you think, dear audience? This is spectacular, the first battle of the night, and we've ended up in a bloodbath, so let the carnage continue.
A ladder falls into the arena so Martín can go down and pick up the dog; he grabs it and takes it out. Then they go down to clean the arena. Martín puts the dog in a small cage, looking at it and saying:
MARTIN GUILLÉN: Good boy, you're going to make me a lot of money; I chose this dog well, hahaha.
Time passes; the fights continue throughout the night. Rex has two more fights, always sedated at the end to keep fighting all night, and this would be Rex the dog's new life.
November 30, 2038.
We go to the same backyard of a house; we find Rex tied to a post with multiple cuts all over his skin, always on edge, completely nervous. When the owner enters, the dog glares at him and begins barking desperately, trying to reach his neck; the owner looks at him and speaks to him.
MARTÍN GUILLÉN: You damned flea-ridden mutt, I've gotten enough out of you; tonight will be your last. You'll finish these fights and I'll put you down. You're a lost cause. Even though you're quite strong thanks to me, I can't really control you anymore. Those sedatives barely work on you; you've grown quite large from all the drugs and food, so this will be the end. Buying more expensive sedatives isn't worth it; I'd better find another dog.
The owner walks away from the dog while Rex barks incessantly. Time passes, night falls, and the usual thing happens: the owner goes back inside, gives the dog a sedative, and puts him in a sack. Because the sedative no longer has much effect, the dog wakes up after a few minutes, and the owner barely makes it to the arena and simply has to throw him in. The owner goes up to watch the fight when the announcer approaches Martín and says...
ADVERTISER: Throw the dog into the ring already; we're about to start.
MARTIN GUILLEN: Okay, but you brought him a good dog; since this will be his last night, I want to make the most of it. I need to make some money.
ADVERTISER: Of course, my friend, we have a special dog for him; we have to get started right away.
Martín throws the dog from the sack into the fighting arena; the dog falls slightly injured, but doesn't suffer much harm because the ground is covered with dirt. Suddenly, the door opens and a rabid Great Dane appears, foaming at the mouth. Rex gets into a fighting stance, and the roars of both dogs are heard, and the great fight begins. Not even a minute passes before police sirens are heard throughout the area; a shout is heard: "The police are here! Everyone, clear the way! Get out of the way quickly!" as the announcer speaks.
ADVERTISER: GENTLEMEN, LEAVE QUICKLY, DON'T WASTE TIME, LEAVE EVERYTHING BEHIND, THIS IS A RAID, RUN.
Everyone in desperation starts running, but the police were already inside. A chaotic fight breaks out, but in the arena, the two dogs continue to bite each other. Rex is losing because of the other dog's size. Suddenly, someone, desperate to escape, pulls the ladder lever and falls into the fighting arena. Rex notices this; the noise of the ladder distracts the Great Dane, and Rex takes the opportunity to bite the Great Dane's paw and then run toward the ladder, finally managing to escape the arena.
As Rex runs through the commotion, managing to squeeze through some passageways, he runs without looking back. Suddenly, as he turns a corner, he catches sight of his owner, Martin. The dog stares at him intently, and Martin notices. Martin, caught in his aimless running, finds himself trapped in a dead-end alley. As Rex slowly approaches him, Martin tries to reason with the animal, believing it will listen.
MARTÍN GUILLÉN: (nervously) Bu... in doggy style or, or, or no, don't you remember when I fed you and gave you a roof over my head... I was only doing all this to make you stronger, really, doggy, please, doggy, calm down, yes.
Rex looks at him and continues slowly approaching, growling, and when he has him completely cornered against the wall, the dog just sits down and stares, his annoyed expression fading. The owner looks at him in confusion because he's not doing anything and slowly circles the dog; the dog just stares at him. When he turns his back on the dog, he says aloud:
Martín Guillén: Damn dog, you scared me for nothing, but let me find a gun and I'll kill you, you flea-ridden mutt.
As he says the last part, he turns to look at the dog, but what he sees is a huge mouth approaching his face. The dog begins to bite his face and neck, while Martín struggles to free himself, and it seems the dog is enjoying it. Only desperate and heart-wrenching screams can be heard from Martín; just 30 seconds were enough for Rex to kill his owner, leaving a scene worthy of a horror movie. Rex stares at him for a few seconds, and then people are heard approaching.
The dog quickly left the alley, escaping through another door. The police officers who had heard the heart-wrenching scream were the ones who arrived. Some vomited, others were horrified by the scene they had witnessed. Meanwhile, Rex managed to escape the building, running with all his might until he reached a lake. Instinctively, he jumped in and swam to the other side. Clean of the blood from his mouth and fur, after running for hours, he finally collapsed in a park. Hours passed, and two humans saw him and threw water on him to wake him up. The dog reacted quickly to the water, staring at them, barking and roaring. He simply ran away, leaving them behind. He realized he had arrived in a big city. The dog ran through the city's alleyways, trying to find shelter. The sad dog finally found rest behind some garbage containers, gazing at the sky as if pondering his future.
Year 2040, April 24th.
Some time has passed, and Rex has been wandering from place to place, discovering that he enjoyed the human flesh he once devoured from his owner. But Rex wasn't foolish; he knew humans were a plague and held grudges. He only came out at night to hunt, seeking unsuspecting victims to kill. The dog had developed a strong taste for human flesh and had earned a reputation and a nickname: "Death on Four Paws." Several people went out to hunt him, but he never stayed in one place for long; he had already crossed the border, and we now find ourselves in a town in Central America. The dog, now fully grown, had developed an aggressive personality and didn't allow anyone to approach him. The hours passed, and Rex arrived at a town where he lay down in a tree in a small forest, trying to rest. As night fell, he felt a hand stroking his head. The dog, true to form, gave no time for anything, lunging to bite, grabbing the neck of the person holding it. When the person snapped out of their daze, they saw what they had done: they had killed a little girl, about eight years old, who had only tried to hold it. The dog, realizing it was a human child, ran away because it had had serious problems in this situation before; it had almost been killed for doing this. It ran into the woods, but a few minutes had passed and the girl was found. The local villagers talked and knew from the bite that it was a dog, but there weren't any dogs that wild in this area, and one of them spoke.
MAN 1: Look, I recently came up here from the neighboring country, and I heard a story about a dog that's killing people everywhere, and they've seen it heading this way. They call it "the four-legged death"; it's a Doberman.
MAN 2: There's no way such an animal exists; we have to hunt it down right away, it's very dangerous.
MAN 3: Yes, you're right, we have to kill it. Let's all get our weapons; we'll meet here in 30 minutes.
All the villagers who were there went to prepare to hunt Rex; meanwhile, our dog was hiding in the small, dense forest, as he was hungry and no longer had the strength to leave. Time passed, and it was very late at night. With flashlights and torches, they went out to look for the dog; they split up to search more quickly. Within a few hours, a group of villagers found him, alerting the others with shouts. The dog attacked the villagers, and barking and gunshots were heard throughout the forest.
After a few hours of pursuit, they manage to shoot the dog with a rifle, blowing off one of its hind legs. Immediately, another person strikes the dog in the back with a machete, causing it to fall. Completely defeated, the dog gazes into the distance and sees the sunrise, a beautiful dawn. The dog makes a face of sadness and resignation. Another person approaches with a large rock, repeatedly throwing it at the dog's head to kill it. And as all this happens, as the life of this animal fades away, only one thought lingers in the dog's mind.
REX: (in his mind) It's all over at last; I can finally rest in peace. The only thing that saddens me is that I never got to see those kind farmers who were with me again (remembering their faces). I can finally rest from all of this, thank you for freeing me.
And as he watched the sunrise, which was extinguished by the rock falling hard on his head, Rex died.
After so much pain, Rex thought he would finally rest, but he would have to pay for his sins in the earthly world.
HELL
REX wakes up completely tied up and pinned to the ground; confused, a voice and words escape his mouth.
REX: (dazed) What's happening? Where am I? What is all this? And what is this place? "Hmph," can I talk? What the hell is this?!
ANIMAL: Hey, you! Lower your voice. This torture is enough; without another ugly dog coming along to bother us with his whining.
REX: Wait, where am I? And you, you're a Chihuahua, right? You're a little big for your breed, don't you think?
ANIMAL: Sure, laugh if you want. My name is MISTI, and your friend is in the same boat as me, so you have no right to laugh.
REX: Well, pardon me, Your Majesty, where exactly are we? I thought I was dead.
MISTI: Oh, of course you died. This, my friend, is hell. I've been here for a few years now, let me explain: every day a horrible creature comes to mistreat us and after a while we heal, and so on, repeatedly, I think, for all eternity, as humans say.
REX: Why am I in Hell? HA, I remember now. (She makes a face of regret.) Wait, I know why I'm here, and... you're too small to do anything wrong.
MISTI: Don't underestimate me. Haven't you heard the saying that we are the devil himself? Hahaha. (She sighs.) Well... the truth is, everything scares me. Everything is bigger than me, that's why I'm always on the defensive. One day, I'll just tell you, I accidentally killed someone, and I didn't regret it at all. I didn't care, I even enjoyed it, I tell you.
REX: Well, I'm no one to judge, but it seems we have some awareness of our actions, and I think that's what they're judging us for.
Hours pass, and a mysterious being approaches; it's a demon who speaks to them, telling them they are here because of their sins. There are no exceptions between species; everyone has to pay the price. And they proceed to torture the ten dogs present with a whip.
Quite some time had passed, and the dogs in that place had formed a friendship, sharing stories of their lives to ease their confinement. They all knew each other's stories, apologized to feel better for all they had done, and little by little, their personalities began to change. They thought they would find redemption, but it seems fate has nothing good in store for them, and they see the devil arrive and speak.
DEMON: Hello, you miserable dogs, the harvest has come. The journey is over. I can't get any more out of you, so you will all disappear forever.
REX: What are you saying? How can we disappear?
DEMON: HAHAHA, did you think you'd ever be free? Hahaha.
The demon proceeds to explain the rules: no one gets another chance, it all ends here. As the dogs watch in stunned silence, they begin to desperately try to break free from their bonds. The demon grabs the dogs one by one, uses his magic to compress them into a small ball, and swallows them while they suffer unimaginable pain. There are atrocious screams. The demon turns to the chihuahua, but Rex pulls with considerable force and manages to free its head, quickly breaking all its restraints. He immediately lunges at the demon, who bites his neck, causing him to collapse in agony. He quickly unties the remaining dogs, five of whom survive. The demon wasn't very powerful because he was a novice; the five dogs fight until they can fight no more. The demon falls to the ground dead, and Rex stands covered in blood, realizing he's the only one left alive. Suddenly, he notices the chihuahua moving and rushes to her.
REX: Hey, how are you? Are you alright? Please, hang on, it's almost time for us to recover.
MISTI: REX, it was good to be able to talk to all of you in these 3,000 years; thank you for everything.
REX: No, no, no, please, don't go, I'll have no one if you leave, please. (He notices a huge wound on his back and is terrified.) No, why? I'm sorry for being so bad, I really am, forgive me, please, someone save her, I beg you (desperate crying).
MISTI: REX, I don't have any more time left. I heard your story and I know how frustrated you are, but not all humans are bad; I only ask that you change your opinion of them all and open your heart. Do it for me. In your entire existence, I know you will achieve something good. Goodbye, ugly dog…
Misti has died; REX manages to hug her with his paws, shedding tears, and after a minute, all of REX's wounds heal and only a howl is heard throughout this immense hellish terrain.