1A/N: Just a very short story I once had up at another writing site that provided a story starter. The first paragraph was the kick-off. The rest is mine.
A Sense of Duty
By TesubCalle
Roaches. Thousands… no, millions of roaches came streaming out from under the old refrigerator, the rusty stove, and the broken-down cabinets. They scuttled over the countertops, and from beneath the peeling wallpaper. We looked on in horror and absolute disbelief as the tide of insects swept unerringly in our direction.
Instinct kicked in. I backed up slowly, gritting my teeth in disgust, growling angry words under my breath as dark thoughts flashed through my mind. This was our turf. How dare these lower forms of life invade with such brazen disregard for personal space?
Sure, this place wasn't in the best condition. The Owners didn't always maintain it the way decent people should, but it was home, and we liked it. I saw a flash to my right. Catherine had jumped onto a rickety dining room chair. Smart girl. The roaches couldn't get to her there, unless these suckers started flying around. I once saw a two-inch roach buzz the television in the living room. I shuddered at the memory.
I looked quickly to my left, and saw that Maxim had backed up into a corner, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. He's a total coward, but he's got a heart of gold; a real loyal pal. But having him wet himself at a time like this really wouldn't be helpful, and I hoped he'd be able to control himself. After all, roaches can't really hurt you, can they? Even in such impossible numbers? I didn't really want to find out for myself, so I went on the offensive.
I pounced on the writhing, swirling mass of roaches. Loud, boisterous expletives were pouring from my throat, eventually degrading into mindless noise - I was so enraged. Several insect bodies crunched beneath my feet. For a moment I was tempted to use my entire body to crush more of the little buggers. That would have been a little on the absurd, not to mention fairly nasty side. Besides; I didn't relish the thought that those crawlies might all decide to converge and swarm over me completely.
Cat was calling out encouragement from her perch on the chair. Max was still cowering in his corner, kicking out a foot every once in a while at a roach that dared to get too close.
There was a sudden pounding on the stairs from the bedroom on the upper level. Shoot. My outbursts must have awoken the Owners. They'll be so upset when they see the mess; all these roach carcasses on the kitchen floor, and more still scampering around. I was hoping to have this infestation under control before they found out.
"Spike !" the Owner named Will yells.
"Quit your barking!" the Owner named Tyra adds with a scowl.
I try to simmer down, and Max starts whimpering like the puppy he is.
"What the -" Will swears under his breath.
"Roaches!" Tyra shrieks.
I retreat to a corner. I've done my part; the roaches are the Owners' problem now.