Aya never really thought too seriously about his actions. Mika, his sister, was always there to think for him. He listened to orders well and usually didn't have to think for himself, so perhaps that was why he was never really concerned with the repercussions of his deeds. Now, though, that he was on his own for a few hours, he really should have paid more attention to what he was doing. Aya's initial intentions had been good, he was sure. The older wild dog had seemed so lonely, so eager for company. And was he really at fault for doing what she asked of him? Certainly not...not in his book, anyway. He had given her what she asked for, even though he had been a bit worried about what might come from their laying together. Of course, once they had done the deed and woken up from their nap, the reality of his actions was made clear. Kelello was a seer and had seen the future. Seen their puppies. Seen his puppies. There was no denying what the future held, and while Aya hoped that the little wild dogs would cure Kelello of her loneliness, he couldn't help but feel badly about causing her such initial distress.
Aya had left the pack as soon as Kelello had told him, not wanting to get in trouble with her or the hyenas that ran the place. He really wasn't looking for trouble, just to help out a fellow wild dog in need. Indeed, once he had fled, he didn't stop running until he fell to the ground, gasping for air. He wanted to make sure no hyenas had followed him. Not that they'd worry about one rouge wild dog, he was sure. Well, maybe not sure...hopeful was a better word. It's not like was escaping captivity. He was free, after all! He and his sister could go where they pleased, when they wanted! So ha! Stupid hyenas.
After resting for a while, Aya had finally picked himself up and continued to walk back to the meeting place he and his sister had agreed upon. With no one to talk to and very little to look at, Aya's mind began to wander. What they'd eat for dinner, how cold the water would be when he got back to their meeting place, how mad Mika would be if she found out what he had done, what the pups would look like once they were born...
The pups. A small smile stole over his face as he thought about them. Kelello had beautiful markings and colors, and he hoped the little rascals would look a bit like her. Of course, he would be fun to see a few that looked like him as well. He lifted his head a bit in pride as he thought about how cute and smart and strong the pups had the potential of being. With his own impressive size and strength, and Kelello's Seer abilities and mind, they were sure to be fantastic children. They'd certainly keep Kelello busy and - hopefully - not as lonely. And now she'd have children that knew about her and relied on her, unlike the two wild dogs that she had given birth to that knew nothing of her relation to them. Hopefully these pups would help their mother once they were old enough to, would protect her from the hyenas, maybe even aid in their escape. Of course, Aya was far from brave and Kelello had been trained to stay, so perhaps the pups wouldn't be strong enough of mind to flee. Aya didn't think about that, though, too caught up in his little fantasy.
Would there be just one? Or maybe eight? Somewhere in the middle? Would they have his eyes or hers? Perhaps both, if there were a lot of them. Light or dark, striped or solid? There were so many possibilities! He walked along in a delirious state as he envisioned the little pups running around and around their mother as she laughed. He should have asked what they looked like when she said she saw them. Would they stay small like her? Would they grow up to be as big as him? Or would they all be medium-sized, a perfect blend of mother and father? The thoughts put a little pep in Aya's step as he continued on to the meeting point, a happy look on his face. He was glad he had told Kelello that they were more than welcome to try to find him when they were old enough, if they could escape the pack. He really wanted to meet some, if not all of them. Maybe he'd swing by again if he were in the area after a few months to let them grow. He could just be a passing stranger, just checking in on an old friend. They'd never have to know. Unless one looked exactly like him...then he'd have to be a bit sneaky.
Finally the meeting tree came into sight and Aya's daydreams slowly slid away. He was thirsty and hungry and it looked like Mika wasn't back yet, so she was probably out hunting. He slowed his trot to a walk and glanced over his shoulder in the direction he had come. He hoped the birth would be easy for her, that someone would help if she needed it. He did feel badly about loving and leaving, but he really couldn't have stayed even if they had wanted to try for something more. He was a rouge and would be that way for all his days, if the cards played out right. Fun and fancy free for life!
He shook himself as he reached the tree and sat down, ready to wait for his sister to return. He knew he'd have to keep this little adventure a secret. She'd probably tackle him to the ground and beat him up if she knew what had happened. Yes, it would stay with him. He laid down in the shade, panting softly, before falling asleep. His dreams were full of charming little puppies with big, bright eyes. He smiled as he rolled over, content to dream about the children he hoped to meet.
[Fin]
