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 Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2009 1:02 pm
Today was the day. Last night had been the first full moon since he had last gotten in touch with the dogs who had pledged their loyalty to the new pack. Each member had reassured Daisuke they could find their way to the main landmark and he would leave scent marks the rest of the way to their alpine den, nestled in a ravine.
He paced inside the mouth of the den, his muscles tense, stomach fluttering. He was a ball of pent-up energy and nerves. He had never undertaken such as task before in his entire life.
It was his time to lead.
He was half tempted to go out and do a bit of hunting, despite the cold, but he didn't feel quite right in leaving Isamu by himself, within the confines of the cave or not. So, yet again he satiated himself with pacing. Dogs would start to arrive any time now. He had gone over this time in his mind and was still unsure as to what he would say. 'Welcome', perhaps? Simple and direct paths were often the best solutions.
The golden retriever had never thought such a day would present itself. Sure, he had felt he did rather well with Isamu, but he was a pup. The retriever had his doubts tucked into the back of his mind, confidant though he seemed. 'Pride comes before a fall, Daisuke.' He heard the voice of his sensei remind him.
"I remember, I remember, Kirby-sama." He muttered aloud as he walked to the scrub grown entrance of the cave and perked his ears to listen for any sign of life other than the squirrels and songbirds in the trees.
One question remained however: Would everyone get along?
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 1:24 pm
Maria steadily made her way up and along the path, over the slightly rocky outcroppings and frost covered ground, for once wishing she had longer fur and a thicker coat to keep out a bit more of the chill that seemed to settle just about everywhere..Pfft winter...not that she didn't like it, no..certainly it was much better than the hotter summer months!
Head lifting slightly, nostrils flaring as she caught a whiff of scent, it had been quite easy to follow the trail the large male had left out for her and the others. Though she had-with slight joy-yet to meet any others of their tentatively formed group along the way, she was sure they would begin to show themselves soon enough though.
An appraising eye ran along the terrain, glad to see how well guarded and secluded their new den would be. She liked having a wall to her back and an advantage of rough ground. She wondered if Daisuke were waiting for them..If he still had that little heel nipper at his side, what her new home would look like. It was still so strange to think of being in a pack, to think of having another place she would truly call a 'Home', mayhap's even ah..well..a family. She was still of half a mind to continue convincing herself that she had no need of such things, homes and familys, she did just find on her own. Yet still even she longed to..to share something with others, be a part of something just a bit bigger then herself.
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Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 10:17 pm
Tatsuya's mind was always on his stomach first he just couldn't help it! But worried he might be horribly late to the packs first official meeting he stuffed the three meager birds he had managed to capture into his jaws and made his way to the main landmark he had only seen once.
His nose tingled with the scent trail Daisuke had left behind for the dogs to follow. Sniffing more he could tell that he was not the first dog to arrive which made him pick up the pace just slightly.
Just within his eyesight he picked up the outline of another dog. A doberman in fact, Tatsuya felt a flicker of excitement he had never met a doberman before and now the may well be pack members together. But doubt also moved into his mind, what if they didn't like him? What if they got mad cause he only got three birds....maybe he should try to catch more? But how many pack members were there? It might take him all night to get enough....it was to late now though the land mark was in sight and he was drawing ever closer to the doberman.
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Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 9:02 pm
Marias ears pricked slightly at the sound of stuttered footsteps not far off behind her, soft and small against the pebbles and dry earth beneath their paws. Turning her head slowly, a small scowl seeming to form on her face as she sniffed at the air, she didnt like being surprised from behind...It took her a moment to realize that this might not be someone truly sneaking up on her..that there were of course other members of her pack! Surely Daisuke had invited others, it couldnt be just her.
It made her feel a little silly really, scowling at shadows and such when she didnt need to..Bah, she needed to adapt a friendlier attitude..
She sniffed again, lowering her head gently as she fully turned around, mustering up what amounted to a smile on her face as she finally caught sight of the smaller..ah..pack member. "Well well..and who might we have here eh?" She almost felt inclined to introduce herself, just for the sake of being polite, but realized that it might be better to let the rather shy looking..what was it..male? Introduce himself first..Maybe it'd make the situation a tad less awkward for both of them.
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 2:57 pm
Without preamble the black-striped golden slipped through the scrub and brush that covered the opening to the den causing the brittle twigs and few leaves that clung to it to snap and twist. He climbed up out of the ravine and onto the level ground.
He waited for Tatsuya and Maria's pleasantries to be exchanged before he even would think of speaking. While there would be no pomp and circumstance within this pack, manners were of the highest priority to the male. At the sight of his 'nephew' he looked around for the small brown and tan Dachshund, he'd come to think of as a dear friend.
'Short legs, eh, chibi?' He thought to himself, with a slight smirk.
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:31 pm
Tatsuya came to a stop where he felt it might be a comfortable distant for the stranger. He tried to mumble out a greeting around the small birds packed into his jaws but when only a little drool came out he gave up and spat them on the ground. Tatsuya grinned happily at Maria wagging his tail to make sure she knew he was friendly.
"My name is Tatsuya, I'm the son of Raithen and my uncle is Daisuke!!" Tatsuya nodded his head as a polite gesture. "What's your name?"
Tatsuya's ears twitched as Daisuke pushed through the opening of the den, his head turned slightly towards him but he kept his attention on Maria for the moment, but once introductions where over Tatsuya couldn't wait to give his uncle a birdy that he caught. Even though Tatsuya was much older now he still got excited by even the smallest victories of the hunt.
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Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 10:42 am
Maria couldn't help but grin as the pup tried to get out a sentence between his mouthful. Stifling a small chuckle when the younger dog finally dropped his prize and spoke. "Tatsuya are you? I'm Maria, its very nice to meet you little one. " she added with a small bow of her head, tail wagging ever so slightly. So daisuke had a nephew, well now if that wasn't the most adorable thing shed ever seen..
"It looks like you went and got yourself quite a catch too, I bet Daisuke will be very proud, heh dog knows we need ourselves good hunters" it was a little impressive that the youngling had been thoughtful enough to bring a welcoming gift. "Actually..I'm pretty sure he's waiting up there for us right now" she added softly taking a chance to turn and look, sure enough the large dark retriever was standing there near the scrub, looking out for the others to arrive.
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:00 pm
"Little one?" Tatsuya said in a voice ever so slightly agitated. "I maybe young but I'm no pup!" The teen said lifting his head high and tail strait. "I can take care of myself too, but I'm joining the pack cause I like company!....Hmm and a warm den in the winter......It's great to meet you too pack mate. I assume so anyways, you are joining aren't you?......Oh, its not so great....I was hoping for more, one each for the pack members..... but I didn't know how many members there were going to be. That and birds are in short supply this time of year." Tatsuya tilted his head before following Maria's gaze to his uncle.
"Uncle Daisuke!!!" Tatsuya shouted prancing slightly it had been a bit since he had seen him. Tatsuya had gone on his own for awhile just to prove he could. Grabbing up the little birds into his mouth he began to gallop towards his Uncle trying to say look what I got through his mouth full of birds.
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Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 8:52 pm
Daisuke's blue eyes lit with warmth and happiness at the sight of of his nephew. "Oi, Tatsuya!" He gave a deep laugh, and a slight wag of his tail. "Just look at you!" He exclaimed looking the adolescent up and down. "Nice catch." He grinned before remembering Maria was there as well.
"Welcome, Maria." He gave a bow of his head and smiles softly. "The den's this way if you'd like to get a look." He said nodding the to mouth of the cave. "With your short coat I'd imagine you could do with getting out of this chill. It was good of you to come."
"And there's no need to worry about the birds, Tatsu. The thought was more than generous. I'm sure at least one or two others could probably do with the birds you've provided to tide them over until our first hunt." He paused for a moment. "Where's your father?"
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Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 8:21 pm
"Thank you." Tatsuya mumbled through his mouthful, before scurrying to drop the birds just inside the den. He returned quickly wagging his tail smiling from Daisuke to Maria as they spoke together.
"Well I just figured it was the thing to do. I'm a good hunter yep yep its what I do!" Tatsuya's tail stopped wagging for a moment at Daisuke's question. "Not sure. I left you and him to prove that I could. I wanted to know if I was strong enough to make it on my own before joining our pack. I hope he's alright...maybe he'll come soon yes?" Tatsuya looked down the path from which he had come his ears perked hoping to hear the familiar steps of his smaller father.
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Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 9:55 am
Maria smirked, pup or no he was still a little one to her. A very confident little one..rather independent too, how promising. "Heh, I suppose I can at least refrain from calling you pup then cant I?" smiling softly as she followed the galloping pup. Returning Daisukes bow and his greeting.
"Thank you for the invitation Daisuke...You know, I dont think you ever told me that you had such a cute nephew" the doberman teased, more then happy to take up the offer to get out of the cold and explore their new den a bit. Not that she'd admit it of course, pfft she never got cold, never! Except when she was, and far to stubborn to admit it.
"I'll tell you I'm more of a spring lover myself, the snows just far to annoying." she added with a grin and a tilt of her head, padding past the chatting pair and the brush to get to the dens entrance. Stubby tail wagging gently as she slipped inside.
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Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 12:56 pm
It had not been easy, traveling with the golden.
Many, many days of walking, scouting, learning, and to tell the truth, Isamu had never been more exhausted in his life. Yes, his old life had been tiresome, caring for and assisting his mother, but this kind of exhaustion was raw and new, but it did not feel at all bad. There was a sense of accomplishment, knowing he had beaten the odds and found a grown dog to help him and care for him, knowing that, one day, when he was older, he would be able to do everything Daisuke could, and perhaps even more.
Of course, he hadn't expected it to be so hard.
He lay on the cold, stone floor of the cave, fully stretched out with his belly to the ground, his front paws ahead of him and his back paws behind. His eyes were heavy and felt hot from lack of sleep, but Daisuke was so nervous (was it nervousness, or excitement? In his inexperience, he could not tell) that he could not sleep. He merely watched, curious, as the golden paced back and forth at the mouth of the cave, muttering to himself. His little ears pricked and he was tempted to ask who Kirby-sama was, but he guessed it might be rude and would automatically accuse him of eavesdropping, which his mother had always said was bad.
He let his eyes slip closed, and as exhaustion washed over him, he began to doze off, his head falling to one side so that his cheek rested against his foreleg. It was a fleeting sleep, one in which bad thoughts came and mixed with bad feelings, thus creating bad dreams. He could see Takashi, and Sakura, and their mother, all sitting in a lovely field in (what seemed to be) the summer time, talking and laughing and playing. He longed to run and play with them, but as he ran, he could not reach them. He called for them frantically, and tried to run faster, but instead of getting closer, they began to fade. His mother grew pale and thin, wasting away until she was but bones, and his siblings lost their playful spark and huddled together, whimpering, and then they, too, were gone, and he was left in darkness.
"Mother!"
He awoke at his own yell, sitting bolt upright and staring ahead, breathing heavily and shaking. He was in the cave. He was in the cave, and they were in the dump, oh-so-many miles away, and he had left them. His ears fell back and he hunched over, hanging his head. He had been so lucky - what if they had come with him? His vision began to blur, and he violently shook his head. He could not cry in front of Daisuke.
Looking up, he realized Daisuke was gone. A surge of panic quickly overcame the feelings of regret and guilt, and he stumbled to his feet and ran towards the mouth, forgetting the twist of brush and twigs, and with a short yelp of pain, fought his way through. He then climbed the ravine slipping all the way, and when he came to level ground and saw the golden, he rushed to him and stood beside him, leaning against one of his legs nervously. He should have known that Daisuke would not leave him, or, would not go very far. It was only after his fear subsided that he noticed the doberman, and shrank back and under the golden's paws, and as he saw the setter, he shank back even further, until he was almost pressed against Daisuke's back legs, shivering.
He was not one for new dogs.
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Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 8:27 pm
Daisuke listened to Tatsuya and nodded. "He ought to, soon enough. I caught up with him a few days before I found you, actually." He looked to Maria. "Heh, he's a good dog, all right." His chest seemed to swell a bit with pride when he spoke about the young male.
At the yelp, Daisuke turned and saw a small mass of orange, brown and tan, skid to a stop near, and then wedge his way under him. The golden looked down to the pup and gave a very soft smile. "Isamu, these dogs won't hurt you. I gave you my promise to protect you, did I not?" He asked, not really waiting for a response, he continued.
"This is Tatsuya. He is the son of a friend of mine." He said before whispering gently, "Like you are to me." His blue eyes were light and cheery. "And the doberman that just went inside was Maria, she may stand a bit taller than me but she's really kind and won't hurt you. No one that is allowed here will hurt you."
The male looked to Tatsuya. "As you can see he's quite shy. Please don't take it to heart. He'll warm up to you eventually." He looked back to the pup. "And you may take all the time you need. Until you're comfortable with the others I won't leave you."
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Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 11:17 pm
"That would be nice..." Tatsuya replied to Maria with his face twisted with indigence. He turned back to Daisuke with a look of relief in his face. "I'm glad to know he is alright.
Tatsuya jumped at the yelp he had not scented anyone else around. He flattened himself to the ground thinking a fight or something was about to happen. Hunting he was good at fighting he had yet to learn. When he saw it was a pup, he felt embarrassed. When Daisuke spoke Tatsuya blinked. "Oh..oh yeah right...." Tatsuya said standing back up. "Think he's hungry, maybe he might like one of the birds I brought?" Tatsuya said walking towards the den the chill was starting to bother him. "Mind if I head inside too. I'm a bit tired and all..." Tatsuya sorta gave Isamu an odd look. After all Tatsuya was the puppy who was this kid? It sorta gave Tatsu an odd feeling a little bit of jealousy perhaps?
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Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 12:43 pm
"What in the world?" maria muttered softly, it'd taken her a few blinks to realize the little orange ball who'd dashed past her had not in fact been some crazy cave cat, but really just a small orange pup. One who acted almost like he'd caught his tail on fire. She shook her head slowly, resisting the urge to giggle as she glanced back over her shoulder, catching a glimpse of the bundle clinging to Daisukes leg, and Tatsuya coming up to enter the cave. Apparently Daisuke had quite a big family..
"Big and skitzy, that's what we are" her thoughts wandered as she took a chance to explore, the inside of the cave well sheltered from all the outside elements, the walls of rock were rough while the floor was more smooth. The high elevation of the place ensuring that even if everything around them flooded they wouldn't ever have to worry about water getting too far inside and drowning them all.
Nose to the ground following more scent then sight as she eyed the three tunnels that led back further into their new den. Whether daisuke was new at this whole leadership thing or not, one thing was certain, the male knew how to pick a home.
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