The portal snapped shut just as Arthur called out, "Rufus! Dinner time!"
As he stepped through the iris of the portal, the smell of wet grass was replaced by the scent of toasted marshmallows and ozone. Rufus found himself standing on a floating island of violet moss. In the distance, the Great Clockwork City hummed, its gears turning against a sky filled with three moons. The Quest for the Silver Bone
One Tuesday, while his owner, Arthur, was busy burning toast, the Glimmer pulsed deep indigo in the backyard. Rufus didn’t bark; he simply trotted through the pet door, his collar jingling like a tiny bell of destiny. Adventures of Rufus: The Fantastic Pet
Rufus tumbled onto the kitchen linoleum, the Silver Bone dissolving into pure energy that soaked into his fur. He looked like a normal dog again, save for a lingering sparkle in his eyes.
He tracked the scent—a mix of tuna and malice—to the Whispering Woods. Trees made of glass sang songs of old kibble as he passed. There, he met his contact: a hover-hamster named Pip. The portal snapped shut just as Arthur called out, "Rufus
But as Rufus drifted off to sleep that night, his paws twitched. He wasn't dreaming of squirrels; he was dreaming of the stars.
He trotted over to his bowl, nudged Arthur’s leg affectionately, and tucked into his kibble. The world was safe, the slippers were secure, and as far as Arthur knew, his dog had just been outside for a quick bathroom break. In the distance, the Great Clockwork City hummed,
"You’re late, Rufus," Pip squeaked, adjusting his tiny aviator goggles. "The Shadow Cats have already reached the Crystal Kennel." The Great Showdown Rufus didn't need gadgets. He had the "Zoomies."