"Well that's strange. Maybe the drugs haven't worn off yet, boys." frowned the man as he peered into the kennel.
"I thought you said he was neutered yesterday, Dad?" asked Greg, obviously worried about the new puppy.
"Let me get him settled in my room, he probably just needs some rest." suggested Don.
"That's a good idea, it's almost time for supper anyway. We can't have him getting used to begging on his first day." said Mom.
"Or ever. Boys, this dog has to learn perfect manners. The very life of the blind person who receives him will depend upon it."
This was from their father, who still wasn't convinced that helping to raise a guide dog puppy was a good idea. He was of the opinion that a boy should be able to keep his dog as long as possible.
When Don got to his room, he opened the kennel. A small golden retriever puppy emerged snarling, with glowing red eyes. His malicious expression was unmistakable.
"How could I have known you would be neutered? Don't blame me! You won't be in the dog very long anyway, so don't worry."
"Grrrrr."
"There's nothing I can do about it now anyway. At least you are free. I have to go down and eat with the humans. Make yourself at home."
"Grrrrr."
"Fine, be that way." said Don angrily, shoving the puppy back into the kennel and locking it. He knew he would probably pay for that, but he didn't want Taspirin to burn down the house, at least yet.
If the family knew that the boy and puppy were possessed by the demons Belazarkin and Taspirin, they would most likely get a priest involved.
"Don! Please clean up, then come to supper!" shouted the mother of the boy he was currently inhabiting. He smiled. If Taspirin wanted to direct his malice in the wrong direction, he would end up in the dog pound.
The woman was already against having any pet in the house. It wouldn't be difficult to push her into demanding that a furry troublemaker be sent away.
"That was a wonderful meal, dear. I'm so thankful that we can sit down together and enjoy good food and good company. With all of the strife and discord in this old world of ours, such simple joys are fast becoming a rare luxury." sighed Dad.
"Let's never forget to take time for those pleasures, honey. I never did like to mindlessly follow the crowd." said Mom.
"Hey Greg, we didn't get much dessert tonight..."
"I noticed. And it was Jello. Yuck!"
"I saw a big hive in the woods right behind the house yesterday. It must have loads of honey in it."
"It's also full of bees then. And you are allergic, Don."
"I know... But maybe you could help?"
"I don't have a bee suit or anything. You need special gear to handle bees."
"Bees sleep at night, and it's already dark. It shouldn't be too hard to get just a few honeycombs. I've never had a fresh honeycomb, have you?"
"No... But I would rather play with the puppy."
"He's still groggy from the surgery. Wait until tomorrow when he feels better. We have him for a full year."
"I guess you're right. But I don't think messing with a hive is a good idea."
"Are you afraid of a few sleeping bees?"
"Of course not! Where's the hive?"
"It's not all that big, Don. Are you sure there's a lot of honey?"
"Sure, it holds more than you think." he said smiling.
"I'll just climb up on that branch and gently open a small section. Can you give me a boost up?"
"Sure. Just wait for me to get back before you open it, in case one is awake."
"I will. This honey is going to be so good!"
"Hey Don, I don't see any honey in here."
"Try the other side, you probably opened up the home section."
"Nothing... Except the bees. And I think I woke them up. They're starting to move around."
"Maybe you should come down then. They probably haven't made any honey yet."
"OUCH! Hey, that hurt."
Screeching and flailing, Greg totally forgot he was in a tree. He fell, a good six feet. The frailty of his small body was now apparent as he lay motionless on the ground.
"Oops... Maybe that wasn't a beehive. Come to think about it, I think it was a wasp's nest." Don grinned, red eyes glowing.
This is a 100% power up post
Cover image by Hive's own Kevmcc edited to add the title and wasp nest using the Canva gallery