Post by Akante on Feb 1, 2012 1:03:21 GMT -5
Brushfire said:
[[ i'm finally having Ru gtf outta here. Sunrush is needed. I know Claymore, Rudy, Rhizome and Nightfrost were definitely interested in joining. I'd like to leave it open for one other, to make sure this doesn't drag on forever. Feel free to message me if you'd like to join~ ]]
The sun would, for the last time, beam down ever so harshly onto the broken Alteronian. Her pelt was drier than she could have ever imagined it to be, and the air now managed to seep through it to her skin. This made walking uncomfortable - the shifting of her fur and skin in an awkward manner that the female had never needed to undergo before was extremely unpleasant. Despite the fact that she now stood in better condition than she had been only a couple months ago, she felt no better. With each passing day, though her wounds slowly healed - though she felt like they had been festering uncontrollably - her guilt and desperate need for the makeshift stability she'd managed to shuffle together in Alteron only grew heavier. The weight upon her shoulders, being surrounded by him - however much she desired his comforting touch and presence - could not soothe her broken spirit.
No. This desert would not do.
And so the timber set off with an unsteady limp around the red rock formations. Her cavernous refugee home lay around the side and up a mile or so. Her trek so far seemed to haven taken far too long, though perhaps it was simply visual illusions. The vast space around her, the endless terrain, caused her to believe that with each step she took forward, she was actually getting nowhere. How could these beasts navigate in a territory that repeated itself every mile or so, where every cactus looked like the previous one, where there was hardly a landmark obvious enough to make a mental note with? How could she live here, with all of this, as her dear friend desperately wished for her to do? A shaky sigh scratched its way up her throat and through her chapped lips. Her tongue eagerly lapped over her maw, hoping to moisten her nose and her muzzle, though it would revert back within seconds. And this defeat, piled onto the many others she'd endured during her 'stay' here, only slowed her down. Admitting to herself that these horrendous tests had been tossed her way in order to strengthen her was a far off dream. A lost thought. But, at the same time, she could only hope that she was getting stronger.
After all, if Ru were actually getting weaker - as she felt she was - how could Alteron ever take her back?
Oh god. Would they even welcome her home? A hoarse whimper slurred, her auds lowering in fear. She almost stopped dead in her tracks, her gentle gaze now vigorously replaced by one of panic. As quickly as her tail ducked in between her legs, the Alteronion lifted her head to look in the direction of the outside world. What if they had thought she'd betrayed the pack? What if they'd sent out Dagger or another one of the assassins to get rid of her? What if even Blade had lost all his hope and respect for the Marquis? God dammit, WHAT IF? That whimper grew louder, her head lowering as though the Queen had stepped up right in front of her. Please, no. Just please... don't do this to me. She'd gone so far, so damn far to prove herself finally worthy of being in Alteron. And then she was taken away. Despite this long-distance relationship, her loyalty never faltered. Her heart had always tugged her back in the direction of the dying forests - just as a dedicated pack member would, right? Could they really see it in their black hearts to shun her away, just like that? Or condemn her to death by assassination?
Had all her efforts amounted to nothing?
Despite these unnerving thoughts and worries, Brushfire knew better than to think staying here would solve everything. In fact, in her unstable mindset, she felt that going home was the only correct answer. She failed to see the reason that Claymore had seen. Why stay here? Safety? The captive couldn't see herself being safe, or even accepted in general, by the very beasts who had been all to eager to slaughter her like a tiny rabbit. Not to mention the undying fear and panic of the inevitable brigade that Alteron would send. Even Ru wasn't naive enough to know that her pack would just sit back and calmly take in what had happened.
It was life or death, right now. Alteron or here.
And she was going to choose life, because death offered nothing.
The timber continued her limp towards the area where that rather uncouth Blackblood had directed her. Supposedly this would be where she'd have the most chance of running into their leader, Sunrush or something. Or, perhaps, another member of some importance that could help her. To be honest, though, the female wasn't too keen on seeking their help to begin with. They'd beaten her once, scared her countless times, and now she had finally managed to build up an ungodly amount of courage to find them. To actually call for them. For a moment, she questioned her sanity. Couldn't she play telephone, and have someone deliver the message to someone else, and hope that it will eventually arrive to its destination, intact? Sadly, no. But with the desperation that had accumulated over these many weeks, Brushfire knew for herself that this was the only way.
As she neared the supposed location, standing next to a small pond sheltered by a generous helping of shade underneath a gathering of cacti, the Marquis halted. There she stood, her injured forepaw held close to her chest. As she looked up towards the vast heights of these rock walls, she could only wonder where exactly was she supposed to be. Here? Maybe up there? Or over in that direction? Exhaling deeply, perhaps shuddering under the hidden layer of fear, the timber stood still and let out a low yelping sound, scratched and marred by her throat's refusal to cooperate. Someone would have to reply, that much was certain. Her call was one of assistance, of a need. The need to leave. Because this was the only way, now wasn't it?
The only way home.
Claymore said:
The surge of panic that had filled him when he hadn’t found her on his usual round to check up on her was perhaps unwarranted. She was getting better, and obviously that meant she would make excursions on her own, but it still tickled unpleasantly all over his body. She shouldn’t be off on her own, not yet. She still wasn’t well enough. He had tried to tell her that. He had tried to do everything for her.
Why was she so resistant? It seemed almost as if she railed against him. He couldn’t understand it. …Maybe the problem was him.
When a quick search of her temporary lodgings had turned up nothing, he’d set off into the desert to find her. She couldn’t have gotten far, right? She was still so hurt, hurts he now knew well—hurts he had tended with loving care. If only she would listen to him. If only she wouldn’t go out of her way to hurt herself again. If only, if only. She was far too headstrong for her own good. It was as if his advice and reprimands had passed in one ear and out the other. She had seemed so far-off, as if her mind was elsewhere. Anywhere but where she was.
He had blamed her injuries. He had thought maybe her brain had been addled, and that had given him greater cause for concern over her. But it wasn’t that. He just didn’t know it, yet.
He’d come used to following her trail, here, and was able to find her without too much difficulty. It helped that the barren desert was so flat, so devoid of distracting smells of decay—he could even see her, when there was enough light. He could see for miles, though the heat that rose from the sand sometimes made him see things that weren’t exactly… there.
This time, his vision didn’t lead him astray, and he came up behind her with the shadow of the craggy oasis walls casting over them. For a moment he stood in silence, pondering her, shaking his head—he didn’t understand. What was she doing here, staring up at the formations, like that? What was she doing?
“’Ru,” he started his admonishment. “You shouldn’t be out here, you know that. Not when it’s so hot. You gave me a fright when I couldn’t find you.” He paused, studying her, still feeling that unusual feeling of unwarranted panic—tinged with something else. Was that dread?
He blamed the strange rock formations. They were different, imposing somehow. Something about them made him wish to never be here again. Yes… that was it.
“What are you doing here, ‘Ru? Come, let’s be away. Somewhere with better shade.” Come along, now… won’t you come along? He swayed on his feet some, still studying her, seeking answers, seeking resolution.
Surely she would come easily. There was no point in being out here.
[quote author=Sunrush[Rp] link=topic=58086.msg420472#msg420472 date=1325959859]
It had been sometime since the skirmish in Alteron, and she was waiting for them. The retaliation, knowing that they could not stand down to an attack so hazardously patched together. It was an easy in and out for the BBO, but for Alteron it was a shot to their pride. Sun knew too well how those wolves loved their pride.
And so she waited, scanning the borders because the growing hole in her head allowed for such thoughts to become. To allow the paranoia to spread, the nightmares to continue. She was plagued by a pack that threatened her existence and it was like they laughed at her very condition. Like they were proud of their torment to her and her mother. Swiftkill and her were one in the same, they'd be hung by the same rope now.
“What are you doing here, ‘Ru? Come, let’s be away. Somewhere with better shade.”
Though however deep within her thoughts she was, she couldn't ignore the sound of a strange voice. Someone how was not familiar to the desert or the female in general. Eyebrow raised and she paused. Head raising and blue gaze narrowed as the sun cast it's glare into her pale eyes. Who was that? Swinging her head to the side she saw them, to figures alone in the desert heat. Honey yellow strands of hair and fur fell into the female's eyes. One seemed injured beyond repair, Sun took it upon herself to walk over.
Little did she know~
As she trotted her way over, eyes casting a glance toward Claymore. Staring at the gray male as if he seemed familiar, however she couldn't think of anyone. "You alright?" She called to Brushfire, a sense of urgency in her voice as she scanned over the scars on the female and boy was she coverde in them. "It'd be best if you sat in the shade. You don't look to be in any condition to be moving anywhere."
[/quote]
Rudy said:
His usual rounds were to be expected out in the Flats. The wolf-dog took more attention to his rounds than most scouts would. Why? He knew about Alteron and the possibility of attack was likely – very likely. Better be on edge out in the Flats than having your pelt skinned from your back, and blood soaking the earth where you lived for most of your life. It was hard – but the wolf-dog was here to fight, to the death, if need be. He was loyal and always intended to be. Let people call him lazy shit. At least he didn’t treat anyone like crap – and that meant even the Alteron captor. The Alteron… captor… that’s right.
“What are you doing here, ‘Ru? Come, let’s be away. Somewhere with better shade.” Brown head turned and blue eyes scanned the direction of his rounds. In the distance, close enough to see shapes, he saw two forms. One was gray and the other was… recognizable with brown, gray, and gold. Brushfire? And the brown wolf-dog loped over to the two figures, mouth open to speak, just as another appeared. Sun-colored hair and maroon fur – his Alpha, Sunrush.
"You alright?" Blue eyes looked at his Alpha quickly before his gaze turned back to Brushfire and this other boy. He didn’t know him, and there was a faint stench of… a scent he had found on Brushfire when Rudy first met her. "It'd be best if you sat in the shade. You don't look to be in any condition to be moving anywhere."
The wolf-dog didn’t say anything, only looked at Brushfire. They had a relationship, er, whatever kind of relationship it was. He threatened her, she spat out that he wasn’t loyal, she fell into a pond, he dragged her out. Well, whatever there was a relationship in that, it was snippy and snappy. But still, there was something there.
Blue eyes took in Brushfire, and whether or not she wanted to say something to the scout-in-training it was up to her. There was a part of him that wanted her to, but another part that didn’t want her to even glance at him.
Brushfire said:
[[ this is still open to those allowed/who ask~ ]]
The second her lips sealed again, silencing the humble summons that had bee emitted, the timber let out a cold sigh.
Now what?
Her auds swivelled, as if questioning whether or not anyone was actually around here. If there weren't, would she just be able to up and leave? Or would they hunt her down again, just like last time? A small frown stretched against her narrow maw, brows pressing up in anxiety of the thought. Back then, she had been even more helpless than she was now. But had her spirit been stronger, then? Or perhaps now... She couldn't know, not until she would be able to find herself leaving these cursed deserts without having to cast a glance over the shoulder for protection. The lithe she-wolf just wanted to be able to return home... was that so much to ask?
"Ru,"
His voice was enough to throw her thoughts off-track. Startled, the captive hastily turned around, eyes widened and wincing due to the pain from her sharp movements. Even though his voice, and the mention of her nickname, gave away his identity easily, there was something about seeing Claymore right there that made the Alteronian whimper. Her head lowered itself, her gaze still glued onto his skyblue eyes, as if pleading for him not to say anymore. "You shouldn't be out here, you know that. Not when it's so hot. You gave me a fright when I couldn't find you." Flattening her ears, the timber took a delicate step towards her dear friend. Her eyes, twinkling under the demonic sun, would hopefully be enough to communicate her point across. Brushfire honestly wasn't quite sure whether or not she should be working her vocal chords just yet - what if she damaged them further? But as she looked up at her fellow idealist, her stare breaking down the current predicaments, she could see the uneasiness that plagued his mind. The fallen prince cared for her, more than she could ever deserve. Ru wanted to admit that perhaps he cared too much for his own good - more than he should - but she couldn't force herself to think that she didn't return this affection and... love?
"What are you doing here, ‘Ru? Come, let's be away. Somewhere with better shade."
Cue the whimper.
Soft and subtle, the captive would let her raspy pleas be her only answer for the moment. She would retrieve the step she had advanced with, moving ever so slightly away from her companion, her friend, her best friend. The female could have never asked for a more amazing angel to be bestowed upon her, but the common sense and logic that he held still could not break the reasons she'd forced up for herself. She knew why - how could no one see the backstory to his logic? - but at the same time, she knew what she needed to do. There were souls back in Alteron, damned for hell without her presence and aid, and she would never forgive herself if she abandoned them to be consumed by hell's fires. The guilt would be sure to overwhelm her. The cravings and tugging that she felt to remain with the one she felt she could truly trust only added to the pain of her realization. She needed to go home. She needed to leave here. Despite Claymore's affection, care, and undeniable reliability, Brushfire's stockholm-like mentality still held a firm grip.
Tucking her tail low, the timber would wait, wanting the grey male to stay beside her.
Please, offer me the same comfort you had before.
"You alright?"
Startled, once again, the she-wolf quickly turned to see the massive blackblood to her side. Fear was the instant, instinctive reaction. Her paws scuffled back a bit, forepaw held close to her chest, as if expecting the same all over again. The steps that this other she-wolf took out-paced Ru's own retreat, finally forcing the small timber to cease. Lowering her head, not sure what to say or how to react properly, Ru could only mutter a few, hoarse, incoherent syllables. "It'd be best if you sat in the shade. You don't look to be in any condition to be moving anywhere." The fear returned, almost as though the very voice of such a beast could strike terror into another, such as herself. "N-No..." The severity of the situation - or at least that's what she felt - forced the words to be spewed from uncertain jaws. Her eyes darted over to catch a glimpse of Claymore, as if wishing she had gone over to him in the first place. Perhaps he would've been able to protect the fragile she-wolf, or at least offered that precious contact comfort... But no. Not now. She needed the alpha, now. "I.. I n-need S--..."
And then it hit.
Eyes widening, the Alteronian took another look at the she-wolf before her. That hair, that build, that fur. A sudden flash and Brushfire could see herself back at home, broken and bloodied on the rotting soil as she stumbled onward, escaping her assassin while seeking her guardian angel. It had been then that she'd felt pain she'd never encountered before. It had been then that the small female had felt true terror and confusion and betrayal. And it had been then that she'd seen, for the first time, a blackblood of any kind. The first one that had managed to break through the foliage and past the borders had been one, just like this one. A female. Brown, maroon, paler. Sun-yellow hair. She had been their leader, then. Was she their leader, outside of the raid, as well? Tentatively allowing their eyes to meet, Ru managed to build up enough breath and strength to speak, "Sunrush...?" This was their alpha, wasn't she? A deep inhale and the tiny female would let the fact settle in a bit, resisting some shudders as she settled back a few steps.
"I-" Brown eyes were shifting around, feeling suddenly anxious and nervous as the moment of truth seemed to erupt without allowing time for proper preparation. And, as her gaze swiftly changed from this to that, she found them resting unwillingly upon a familiar brown figure. Her words were cut off as Rudy walked up, casting a rather stoic glance back at her. The fear she'd encountered during their last escapade returned, and she didn't know how to decipher his appearance here. Was he going to try and stop her, again? Taking an awkward hobble closer towards the apparent alpha, and closer to Claymore, as well, Brushfire found herself hesitantly continuing, "I n-eed to go," A pause, swallowing to return some moisture to her desperate throat, "... back h-home," Wait... did she even recognize who Ru was? "... t-to Alt-... Alteron..." Her eyes would quickly look up to the blackblood female, her legs prepped to quickly shuffle back should the need come. Expecting the worst - as she had found herself doing quite often, here - Ru shut her maw, swallowing nervously as her auds shifted, not sure of what might happen from here.
What was the next step, anyways?
