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Post by Feral on Aug 27, 2008 5:10:30 GMT -5
Gnawing on the bones of a dead rabbit, he could not remember the last time he had been to a place covered in so much sand. Ghest had been to many places, back when he'd been a working dog (never call him a pet, as he was a hunter, no lazy lap pet, this he would argue to the death). As last he could recall the only similar place had been a sparse plain, but it was hilly and at least had some grass. He'd caught a tough old goat there, ram he thought they were called. The Ridgeback mix had held the horned beast down by the horns while the human shot it through the head. Good times those were, sometimes he would think he missed them. At least he had gotten far greater meals than this meager rabbit.
Standing the older dog stretched and shook the sand from his fur. With a grunt he decided that one little rabbit was not enough to sate him. Stretching out a hind leg to work out the kinks he slowly stepped into the salty water, flicking his ears at the spray of the ocean. It wasn't until he was chest deep that he stopped. Waiting for a school of fish to pass by. If he remained still enough, he could pounce and snatch one up before the slimy little thing even had a chance. Though ... he had to say, the cool water felt good to his aging joints. A glimmer of silver caught his eye and he swiftly dove his head under the water. A split second later he all but leapt free from the ocean, a gleaming fish held tight in his jaws.
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Post by cinco on Sept 3, 2008 17:59:51 GMT -5
A white Kishu padded along the coast line. He seemed unnerved and relaxed, but it was the exact oppisite. The white dog had his one good eye, which was on the right side of his face, was intensly watching the sea. Whenever a wave crashed on the shore the dog would flinch and his one ear would flicker nervously. Most dogs could swim, the doggie paddle was the easiest way of swimming, but this dog, the white Kishu, could not.
The one eyed dog watched the spraying waves as they lapped at the sandy beach. Then something in the water caught the Kishu's eye. A dog was standing, chest deep in the ocean shallows, a silver fish trapped in his jaws. Blade gave both a mental and physical shiver. Is he crazy?! He is out in icy cold water! The dog's mind clouded with dark thoughts of swirling, sucking, pulling, deep, depths of water, no light or air. He gave another shiver and looked back to the dog in the water. |
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Post by Feral on Sept 11, 2008 21:45:00 GMT -5
There was a crunch as his teeth clenched tight about his catch. Quite the opposite of his breed's usually gentle nature. But he was hungry, that rabbit had been half starved itself. The cold water felt good against his tired hips, and he relaxed slightly with its chill. Finally though the cold began to ache instead of sooth, and so with a careful grip on his prey and a half turn about he waded back to shore. The sand was soft between his webbed toes, as he pulled himself up and out of the water. Carrying his fish away from shore, he shook the water from his coat. Flopping down in the sand he began to tear the skin from his fish.
Just as he had gained access to the tender white flesh beneath scales his ear gave a twitch. A lip rose in a half growl half from being in the middle of eating. Azure eyes swept across the span of beach before they caught the form of another. The white canine looked like one of the native breeds to him. Ghest chomped down on his fish, swallowing the majority of it whole before standing again. He exhaled, before quirking a brow and giving the stranger a questioning look. "Got something to say? Then say it." Ghest wasn't used to being started at so.
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Post by Amon on Oct 30, 2008 23:55:53 GMT -5
Goldie was playing and romping in the water, she had never seen the ocean before so it was a real treat to feel the spray of the ocean waves. It was amazing how salty a large body of water could be. She was barking and yipping happily, running through the waves while occasionally ducking under the water chasing a fish here and there.
"M-miss I-I really don't think you should be doing this..." Mud was growing more and more anxious over the females safety. "It's ok, Muddy!" Goldie yelled back, "Hey, could you stop calling me 'Miss.' My name is Goldie! Besides, I've seen lots of humans do this plenty of times (on the Tv, she thought). It is really fun! C'mon, join me!" Goldie rushed forward to splash a bit of water at him. Mud jumped back and shook a few water droplets from his fur. There is so much sand, its everywhere; in my fur, between my paw pads, in my ears, my eyes...
And a few more private areas Ire interjected in the mind of Mud.
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Post by Feral on Nov 2, 2008 21:06:48 GMT -5
The old dog grew bored as the white one didn't give any indication of replying. With a sigh the mixed breed shook sand from one paw and sighed. He nudged the remains of his fish with a claw before aimlessly tossing sand atop it. Slowly he stood to his full height, a meal and a swim accomplished he decided he had no further use for this place.
That was until, two more dogs showed up on the beach. One was quite happy to be in the waves, whilst the other looked less than pleased. Ghest however could care less,he had not claimed this beach as his territory. So there was no reason for him to complain about the arrival of others.
Not that he was the sort to converse much anyways. some dogs were happy and friendly and blah blah blah. Himself on the other hand, well Ghest had lived most his life with one man and hunted for a living. He wasn't really much of a pack animal. But with his belly full and his muscles tired from the cold swim, he opted for just flopping down to lay on his belly in the sands. His gaze drifted over the open ocean before watching the two other dogs not too far away.
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Post by Amon on Nov 3, 2008 10:21:26 GMT -5
Goldie's tail was wagging so much that it was creating froth in the sloshing water. "C'mon, Muddy! Have a little fun!" And with that she ran back into the waves.
Mud began to think. He thought long and hard, and this was very difficult for Mud. I really do want to go in the water but... What if I drowned, or what if something bit me. Thinking is hard...
Stupid mutt! Ire was quick to criticize, You don't even care for your own life, and yet you still fear pain and the inevitable oblivion of death. And stop being so indecisive, either go or don't! Honestly, everything we-
Ire's speech was interrupted by Goldie's cries of distress.
After swimming so much in the waves, and not having ever been in such rough water before, her inexperience and poor lungs could not take the stress anymore. "Help!... Mud! ....elp I-" her voice was cut off by a wave that crashed on her. Water rushed into her mouth as she tried to gasp for air. Goldie began to panic. Her mind raced with only one thought: air. Her paws thrashed the water to try and swim to the surface. Her muscles ached and burned without oxygen.
Finally her body refused to cooperate. A bubble of air escaped her mouth. Ritzuka.... was her only thought...
On the shore Mud began to bark repeatedly, "GOLDIE!! GOLDIE!!" He yelped over and over again. His blue and orange eye lost track of her, he could no longer find her dark blue head among the water and white foam. He tried to go into the water, but a large wave threw him back. Water clogged his nose and eyes: it was salty, wet and cold none of Mud's most favorite things in the world. But, this is a life or death situation, and he was still getting cold paws about it?
Muddy casted aside any worries that he was probably going to kill himself over some female he barely knew and threw himself into the waves...
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Post by Feral on Nov 4, 2008 13:53:31 GMT -5
With a yawn, he found himself drowsy. He blamed it on the warm sand and gentle lull of the waves. Even if it was often times broken by the blue dog romping about in the water. But Ghest had slept during far more chaotic situations, and so had no trouble falling asleep now.
It was the frenzied splashing much different from the usual play that caused one eye to crack open. He stood quickly with a wince, favoring his back leg for a moment. The girl seemed to be in trouble. What, a shark? Wait. Do they have sharks in Japan? Can' remember. Shaking his head to discard his thoughts, he loped to the water. "Move. I got her." He called, sprinting past the brown dog and diving into the water. Ghest was used to the swim, it was in his breed after all. Often were the times he had dove under waters to retrieve whatever it might have been his former owners once hunted.
The retriever mix plunged through the cool waters, where he'd last seen a glimpse of the female. At a trough of the waves he found her, and dove after them. His teeth grabbed her by the scruff of the neck, as he awkwardly pulled her back to shore. "Hang on." He muttered, before finally making it to shore and dragging her out of the waves. Ghest turned towards the other dog, dropping the girl to the sands and falling down himself. He coughed before tilting his head in her direction. "Help her. I'm just going to ... rest a moment." Geeze. he was getting to old for this sort of thing.
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Post by Amon on Nov 5, 2008 10:27:49 GMT -5
Mud watched in disbelief as another dog came out of nowhere and jumped past him into the water. He ducked under the waves and after some of the most longest seconds of his life, the older dog was pulling Goldie to the surface. He finally inhaled after holding his breath and sighed a wind of relief.
Mud rushed over to Goldie, "G-Goldie..." he listend to what the other dog said, he would try his best to help her. However, he didn't exactly know how. He looked down at her blue black pelt, her usual golden-yellow eyes now shut.
He pressed a dark brown ear to her chest and shut his blue and orange eyes.
Ba-thump.....Ba-thump...
Mud opened his eyes and reared up his head after hearing the unmistakable sounds of a heartbeat, no matter how shallow and called, "She's alive!" Not knowing any other way to help get the water out of her lungs, Mud grabbed her by the scruff of the neck and thrashed her body around.
Goldie was awoken by a jolt. A jet of water rushed from her mouth, and she tasted the salt water of the ocean and swallowed a lung full of air and started to cough and jerk uncontrollably. She realized with a shock that she was being grabbed by the neck and shooken ruthlessly. Goldie felt the pain of her insides and the back of her neck.
Mud opened his jaws to let go of Goldie as she went flying into the shore, a wave of sand was displaced as her body landed on the beach. His tail wagged happily with the relieving sight of her coughing and shaking.
"Wh-What the-" Goldie coughed "HELL?!" Her yellow eyes stared at him for the answer. She couldn't stand, her legs were too wobbly. All the muscles in her body were deprived of oxygen. She continued to gasp for breath.
Ooooooh... whispered Ire in a menacing voice, You're in trouble now!
"I-I...I was only trying to help..." Mud looked down and explained nervoeously, "Y-You had alot of water in you... and this was the only way I could get it out.... I'm sorry..." He had almost forgotten about the other dog. "He was the one that got you out, not me..." Mud put his head down in disgust after treating his only friend like a rag doll. Could I even call her a friend anymore? She probobly hates me now...
Goldie watched Mud's ashamed apology. She paused a moment to get enough air to say what she needed to say, as the corners of her eyes began to darken all she said was, "Thank you..."
Mud looked down between his paw pads. He dimly heard a shallow flop noise. He perked up and looked over to see Goldie passed out, laying on the beach. Mud rushed over, tears welling in his eyes, blurring his vision. Goldie eyes were shut, and her chest was moving subtly as it took in air. She... should be okay now...right?
Mud returned to the other dog's side and thanked him shyly,
"T-Thank you," he spoke quietly, "If it weren't for you, Goldie would be dead." Mud looked down, his eyes staring at the sand, "I th-think she's sleeping now..."
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Post by Feral on Nov 6, 2008 4:41:27 GMT -5
His muscles were sore already from all that work. Barghest had not counted on his day of fishing being spent dragging other dogs out of the water. And she'd been kinda heavy too, or maybe that was just the exhaustion talking. The retriever mix stretched briefly in the sand, as his gaze fell on the other two. He didn't know anything about stopping someone from drowning. Dragging her out of the water was all he could do. After all, he was a hunter, not a saint. He was far more used to helping kill things, than saving them.
Ghest simply stared at the mutt's ... technique. It was odd, but even more so it surprising was that it worked. As the girl coughed up all the water she'd inhaled for her dip in the ocean, Ghest stood. He stood slowly though, but didn't move other wise. It took too much effort to keep standing up and sitting down back and forth. "Don't worry about it." He replied to the thanks, even if it wasn't really needed. After all he didn't do it cause he was looking for some sort of credit. "Huh. Yeah. She'll probably sleep for a little while." Ghest yawned. Me too soon. He thought.
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Post by Amon on Nov 7, 2008 10:30:44 GMT -5
"Goldie...ummm..." Mud wasn't sure if he could tell the other dog about her condition, "She has these three scars down her chest from... a long time ago, and sometimes, it makes it hard for her to breath." He continued to look down at his paws. Ire whispered again and again, Murderer Murderer Murderer Murderer... in a menacing tone.
Mud stared up at the sky, the blue in the heavens always seemed to soothe his wounded soul. He realized that the sky was getting darker and darker by the moment. Mud hated the night, it always made him feel... uneasy.
He cleared his throat. "If you wish, since its getting dark, I can take watch as you and Goldie rest for the night. But, its okay if you don't trust me, and all, I'm just offering." I should introduce myself... He thought before he said, "My name is Mud, by the way," lowering his head in apology and submissiveness to the older dog...
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Post by Feral on Dec 4, 2008 6:40:46 GMT -5
He hadn't asked, whatever the lady's problem was probably wasn't really his business. What he did wonder was why someone who had difficulties as such anyways would go out in the middle of the ocean. - Oh wait. Hmm ... too much like himself there. He was just an old dog, after all. After stretching briefly in the sand, letting the muscles in his hip unwind, Barghest nodded. He would like to say it was a sagely nod, suitable for an old dog such as himself. But, well he just nodded. "Well. Got her out quick enough. I'm sure she'll be fine." Not that he was any doctor or whatever, but it wasn't like she'd gotten eaten up by a shark.
Ghest knew about those strange furless critters. They tasted like fish despite their sharp teeth. Abruptly realizing his thoughts had wandered, Barghest glanced up to take note of the time. "I don't need any watching over. Not senile yet." One might note a barely recognizable hint of humor here, but he neither smiled nor laughed afterward. He had been on his own long enough however, and he was no house pet. "You might want to get her further up shore though. Wouldn't want to go for another swim when the tide rises." At this he stood and stretched, before trekking back over the sands with a slight limp. He then wandered off towards the dunes, calling over his shoulder as if he'd forgotten. "Barghest."
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Post by Amon on Dec 4, 2008 23:33:47 GMT -5
Mud nodded, "Barghest... right? I will try to remember that." Despite a small disappointment at not being able to prove himself, from one male to another. He agreed with him in that looking out for Goldie. She is such a nice dog... I'd hate... 'For her to be hurt,' right? Feh, Ire spoke, You are far too weak and soft Mud. Thats why I'm here. That's why you need me... He said the last sentences with a harsh emphasis.
He dutifully and carefully picked her up by placing his muzzle under the middle of her body. Her limp body slid down to his back. There... That should do it!... I hope...
Mud trekked a few paces. Not too far from Barghest. Wonder what his name means... He settled the sleeping Goldie down onto the sand. He paused. The dark hound pressed an ear to her chest.
Thump-thump... Thump-thump...
He listened to the magical sound of her breathing. The way her rib cage would move rhythmically; up and down... up and down. The whooshing noise of air passing through her body. Mud had been so accustomed to the sounds of death, to hear the beating noises of life was a miracle...
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Post by Feral on Dec 7, 2008 4:30:52 GMT -5
To tell the truth, he didn't really care much about the two. He was not the type to just let someone die when he had the capability of helping, but he'd not done it in hopes of gaining friends. Barghest had always been the only dog, he was not a pack creature by nature. What he was, was a hunter, a killer, a follower of man. But that was the past, and as long ago as it was, he'd yet to change.
If the other dog forgot his name, Ghest wouldn't care. If they remembered, well ... good for them. All Ghest really cared about for now, was getting some sleep. He'd not done so much more than laze around lately, today had been excitement by comparison.
Walking a circle in the sands, he carved himself a little burrow and fell heavily. With a grunt he got comfortable, before muttering irritably to himself and going to sleep in a few short moments.
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Post by Amon on Dec 7, 2008 13:54:09 GMT -5
Goldie opened her eyes, yellow gold shown through her slits. "Mud... don't worry, okay?" she inhaled for the next sentence, "I know you can't help but to worry about things, since thats just the kind of dog you are. But, sometimes you just can't control the situation. I guess what I'm trying to get at is that some things are... beyond your..." She slipped back into sleep. It couldn't be helped. Her strength just gave out.
Mud looked down at his only friend, feeling more alone than ever. His orange eye looked back at the sleeping Ghest. Kill him... He's old.. and weak... Mud ignored Ire. What more could he do? Some things are beyond my control... he thought, repeating her words sulkily. He followed suit of all the other dogs and layed his weary head to rest....
A pack of stray dogs found themselves at the beach. They were out on the prowl, seeking trouble. There were no malicious intentions, just naughtyness. They were young and foolish. They happened upon a small group of dogs. Three of them, all sleeping soundly. The pack of 6 made sure to keep as quiet as possible on the sand. The crescent moon was a striking white tooth against the sky.
"Akiko..." muttered a dark brown one. He was the biggest of them all at that. His appearance was enough to make them think twice. One noticed a female snoozing among all the males. One of the dog's nudged another, and motioned the female. They grinned at each other.
Mud awoke to being surrounded by many dogs. All grinning black figures against the dark. Their eyes gleamed as their teeth shown bright. Ire grabbed one by the throat before any could react. Time stopped as blood blossomed into the air. Ears laid back, orange eye ablaze and teeth glistening with fresh blood, Ire felt his heart beat to the rhythm of battle. He wasted no time in grabbing another victim, this one had better reflexes, Ire only managed to clasp his ear. In one swift motion, it was torn off. More crimson stained the sand as his howl of pain rang out in the night...
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Post by Feral on Dec 12, 2008 3:44:13 GMT -5
His sleep was silent and dreamless, unusual as he usually dreamed of his old hunts. The face of his human master was usually obscured, his dreams only of himself and the beast he had faced. There were many dangerous hunts in his lifetime, against varying manners of animals. but he was so good at it, that he hadn't a single scar to show or missing limb to slow his pace. Now age was his greatest adversary. Ah, but just because he was older did not make him weak. Barghest was still a tough old dog, still able to fight with the best of him. Yes, he could still take down a boar or two if it was necessary.
An ear twitched as a scent not of the beach sand and ocean waves reached his nose. Dogs. A pack of them he'd place a bet on. Annoying more than afraid the old dog slowly rose to his feet, yawning and giving his coat a shake. He sighed. Pups..." The Ridgeback mix rolled his shoulders to work the kinks out. But then he smelled blood. If there was any better wake up call, he'd yet to find it. Cursing beneath his breath the lab mix, he met an attacker face to face.
Whatever reason they had attacked, Ghest didn't know. Perhaps he would find out later that the whole thing simply went sour due to an uncontrolled frenzy set off by the large brown dog. As it was however all he knew was that a battle had been waged. Tonight the white sands would be stained red.
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