The wild dog yawned loudly, and got to his paws to greet the ascending sun. Bright pink and orange colors flooded the sky, filling him with awe as it did every morning. It had been an unusually peaceful night, and Fauzi was thankful for that. Though he did have a feeling - a vague, misplaced feeling that he typically woke with. A feeling of purpose. What was he to do, today? He didn't remember any dreams... Nor was he visited by anyone's haunting or pleasant memories. Yet, still, there was a nagging sense, pulling him in every direction if he thought about it too much.
Fauzi sighed, he had learned how to deal with his "gift" long ago, but that does not mean he had to be accustomed to it. With a frown, he turned to his sleeping pack mates. He had to leave again. They would understand. At least, he hoped they would. With the quiver of his blue tail, he promised he would return with a juicy meal... Perhaps a hare or two. Maybe then they would forgive him for his constant absence.
The wild dog set out at last, to begin his aimless journey wherever his Sight was taking him. He didn't know when he would return, or if he would return, just like every time he set out. He was envious of the others - the ones who didn't have this nagging feeling nearly every day of their lives. He was envious of the others who were envious of him. How ironic~ The blue dog smirked gently as he trotted across the dirt and grass. He almost like a ghost; drifting and alone, with no goal.
It was almost midday by the time Fauzi started to get hungry and tired. He had been walking nonstop, and had made a considerable distance... yet still, nothing significant has happened. That's how it usually worked. With a great sigh, Fauzi plopped on his butt for a short rest. His eyes and ears scanned the horizon for any sign of movement - for any life form that he feel he should approach. Nothing... What about a meal, then? Fauzi gave the savannah another look. This time he was looking for unsuspecting birds or rodents...
What was that? Fauzi blinked, red eyes growing wide as he saw a dark figure leap from the tall grass and then disappear again. With a twitch of the dog's nose, he concluded that it was a canine. A very young canine! Even younger than himself. Forgetting all of his fatigue, Fauzi leapt to his paws and began to howl. "Hello, hello!" He said, tail wagging furiously. Maybe this isn't who he was looking for, but at least he had some company.
Kipenzi leapt into the air with precision and skill, and returned to the earth with a juicy bird in his mouth. It was long after he began tearing away at the feathers that he heard a joyous howl. Kipenzi perked just enough to gaze over the tall grass at his brightly-colored visitor. It was a friendly looking dog! Maybe he wanted to share this meal! With a grin on his maw and his tail, he sprung from his little shelter to greet Fauzi. Loose feathers trailed behind him as he clamped his jaw around the fallen fowl.
"Hello, yourself." Kipenzi chuckled, dropping his meaty prize with a plop. "Where'd you come from? Oh, I'm Kipenzi, by the way!"
Fauzi was surprised when the darker dog revealed himself - he was much bigger than himself, especially considering his young age. "Well met, Kipenzi. My name is Fauzi." Fauzi chuckled, his voice adopting a rather paternal fondness despite the young dog's size. He pointed with his nose towards his home. "I've just been traveling a ways. My home is that way, the Amani'kikundi. Where is your home? Are you a rogue?"
Kipenzi blinked towards the grasslands with a sense of wonder. "I've never been that way before." The dark dog tilted his head, his mind wandering but he quickly returned his attention to the blue dog. "Uh, well my mama is somewhere." Kipenzi shrugged gently. "She said I could leave now that I'm old enough. But, I don't have anywhere to go." The truth was, it was only his first day away from his mother. He was hesitant to travel scent range from her and her dear leopard friend. There's nothing wrong with that though, not as far as he's concerned... Though he has always wondered what it would be like to be surrounded by more than just a small family
Fauzi listened attentively. His tail stroked the grass blades gently as he leaned in to hear the boy's confession. No where to go? Fauzi opened his mouth to offer him and his mother a home at the Amani. Something stopped him. Some unseen force... It was only then Fauzi realized what he was sent out here to do. His mouth closed, and a smile spread across his face. He was always hesitant to disclose his gift to others - it often only created a distrustful disposition in the other. "You have a home, you just haven't found it yet."
"I do?" Kipenzi tilted his head with a subtle frown - though that blue dog's grin was almost convincing. "Well.. How do I find it, Fauzi?" The dark dog leaned down to nose the dead fowl towards his company. He was welcome to have a bite or two if that's what he wanted!
Fauzi shook his head and pushed the bird back towards his new friend. "No, you will need that." He said. "Sometimes, it takes a long time to find where you belong. But, when you find it, it is definitely worth it. Trust me." Million's of other animal's memories flashed through his head as a brief reminder. Fauzi pondered for a moment, wondering how he was supposed to answer the young dog's question. "Follow your nose and your ears. But most importantly, follow your instincts. You'll get to where you're supposed to be, but you need to go looking for it first." Fauzi could only hope he was making any sense, but judging by the young dog's expression, whatever message he had hoped to send had totally failed to register in his mind.
Kipenzi nodded, a subtle frown stretching across his face. "Oh... Okay... I think I understand." He lied, but he didn't want the older dog to think he was dumb or something. "I think I'll start searching... Maybe tomorrow." Suddenly, a distressed look came across his face as he remembered he would have to say goodbye to his mother and leopard uncle. It's not something he ever wanted to do.
Fauzi frowned, fearful he might have scared the dog from pursuing a pack of his own. "Good. You'll find your home, then." Fauzi blinked, his eyes flicking towards the descending source of light. It was almost dark, already. He assumed he wouldn't be home until morning... and on the way he might grab a juicy snack. With all the pondering, he had almost forgotten his young company. "I must go, Kipenzi. I wish you much luck with your search!"
WC: 1197
