push them off a cliff [Req! :D]

[Free]

[bg=ffe7f4][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][cs=7] The puppies were horrible. Sure, they were cute, but they were a living, breathing reminder of what had happened to her. She was their mother, she was with them all the time. She had to nurture, at least pretend to love them. With Zayne and Valli the love came easier, but it was so hard to mask the pain and utter dislike of the others. Devi was a good actor, but the extra strain on herself left her wishing they had never come along. Req was supportive, but it wasn't like he could take them away or feed them for a day. At this point, Devi just wanted them to go away. Devi took a deep breath, carefully easing herself away from them. It was dark by now, and they had all finally drifted into a deep enough sleep she could slip away without one of them waking up and snuggling closer. With the five of them, she didn't have to worry about them getting cold, but they were puppies. They wanted to be close to their mom, however much she wanted to distance herself. She felt her maternal instincts with them, but they weren't Req's. She wanted to push them off a cliff. She stole softly out of the den, grabbing a bit of the scruff of Req's neck and wagging her tail. The puppies were in a deep sleep, and she wanted to be with him. Needed to be with someone she loved after dealing with the puppies all day. She made no noise, and softly padded away. She and Req, when she managed to get him to leave the puppies without any supervision, stole away to a shallow valley out of earshot of the den. One, Devi wanted to be able to talk and play with Req and not have to temper her voice, but two, if some predator got to the puppies, she wouldn't have to listen to the helpless puppies' death and have to rush in to help. Devi was horribly conflicted. She meant all she thought about the death or removal of her pups, and yet her kind heart couldn't bear the thought of the poor creatures suffering anything. They didn't deserve it just because they looked like him. Devi couldn't decide whether her fairness or festering hate had the upper hand. Nevertheless, she spent her days pretending the pups were Req's the best she could and loving them as much as she could bear. She was ever afraid that they would see through her act, but not one of them had mentioned anything like that to her or Req. She finally reached their valley, and she looked over her shoulder for Req. The weariness seemed glued to her face, but at least happiness was trying to crowd it out. She wagged her tail at the shaggy male, heart finally bursting with genuine love. She didn't know if he could tell that these nights were the highlight of her week, even month, or if he realized that it was him as much as it was getting away from the puppies. She was shy about her love, even uncomfortable with it, and she kept it as hidden as she could. But while she was tired and stressed and finally getting a break, she had no idea how much she actually showed or not. She bowed to a play stance, eyes dancing at the russet male. Play with me, Req. she teased, slender tail wagging furiously. She was picking up her youth again from the puppies, and she didn't realize just how much she was trying to live her shattered childhood again. She was poised to take off at his first move toward her, putting her long legs to good use. Req could always catch her because she spent so much of her day limiting her movement for the pups, but she was improving. When they were grown, she would at least be an equal match for him. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Pretty Good
Words; 662
Notes; Better than I thought it would be. xD[/center][/size]
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[Issalyn]

[bg=d6dde5][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] Requiem felt a soft tug at the scruff of his neck. Though it was only a gentle nip that only barely left teeth brushing against his skin, if he hadn't know it was Devi his usual kind demeanor would quickly have turned into a snarl. But he knew it was Devi without really having to look. He felt her move past him and out into the world beyond their small den, and he knew she wanted him to follow. He stayed behind for a moment, sighing as she strode away. His eyes flashed softly as he took a parting gaze at the sleeping pups, assuring himself they would be fine for a short while alone. They were nearly 8 weeks old now, coming to an age where they'd start becoming much more independent. Finally he tore himself from them. Though he followed Devi's footsteps, his mind stayed with the sleeping bundles of fur. He'd had high hopes when they were born. They were small and impossible not to love. For him at least. He'd hoped Devi would take to them at that time, when they were too small to really see their features or adult coloring...too small to tell which parent they took after. But as they grew older, he sensed her growing more conflicted and he wasn't sure how much longer her kind side would win out. Only one really took after Devi, and that was Zayne. He tended to favor her, if only because she reminded him so much of the one who had captured his heart. Argus had that same honey-colored coat, but his was faintly brindled, and his facial structure seemed to have nothing from Devi. If any of the pups really pushed his buttons, it was Argus. Requiem sensed a darkness growing within the pup, despite his attempts at setting a good example. He also felt Devi pulling away from that pup the most, probably because the spirit within him was proving to take after his father. Req was certain the little fellow wasn't all bad, but he knew it would be best if Argus went his own way sooner rather than later. The other 3 though, he remained mostly neutral about. He cared for them all, acting the part of father, each having a small piece of his heart. But he knew their "happy" little family wouldn't stay together forever, so he tried to prepare himself for the future, accepting the fact that Devi needed them to leave. He sighed again as he neared the stopping point, the place they often went when Devi needed some time away from the pups. He looked at her blankly, trying not to let his own turmoil of thoughts weigh her down anymore than necessary. The good thing coming from this experience was that she was seeming to grow more youthful, and he silently thanked the puppies for giving her back some of that spark. It was clear she wanted to play, and he finally broke through his clouded mind and wagged his tail. He hunched down and barked softly, butt wiggling in the air as he wagged his tail. He prepared to pounce on her, but hesitated just a second to let her get a head start, before taking off after her. He chased her around for a few minutes, always letting her stay ahead, but finally he closed in and jumped toward her, preparing to tackle her to the ground. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Ehhh
Words; 600?
Notes; None
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[Free]

[bg=ffe7f4][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][cs=7] Devi was able to forget about the puppies for an instant, relying on instinct and intelligence to spring her out of Req's grasp. Her muscles flexed and relaxed, playing a game of keep away that used muscles that had lain dormant for too long. She raced and twisted, but he was always right behind her, waiting for her to relax. It didn't even occur to her that he let her keep just ahead. She just keep running, kept letting out pent up energy and stress that she wasn't able to release with the puppies. It was a much needed time for her, so that she had the strength to face another day. With a leap he caught up with her, and she let herself fall to the ground as he tackled her. She kept her legs stiff, tail wagging as her mouth found whatever appendage was close enough for her to bite. She didn't bite hard, but neither did she just mouth him. Brown eyes sparked playfully, eyeing Req and not seeming to carre that she was on her back, a position that showed the utmost surrender, the most vulnerability. Quite simply, she trusted him. He had slowly risen in her eyes until he was as trusted as her brother or her mother, the only people in her life before she had been thrown onto a boat the first time. She was panting heavily by this time, and stopped her struggling to just pant up at him, grinning as much as she could in this position. After he moved, she moved to lay on her stomach, happy to be physically tired after an emotionally exhausting day. How've you been holding up? Devi asked the male. She knew he saw her strain; he constantly did his best to ease it or give her short breaks. But instead of just having to take care of the puppies with her, he also kept an eye out for her as well. She didn't know if he was as stressed as she, because the only times she could think clearly without thoughts of how she was going to survive this litter was when she got away with Req and was able to play or run off the extra energy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Ehh
Words; 379
Notes; It got much worse. x3[/center][/size]
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[Issalyn]

[bg=d6dde5][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] He felt her fall to the ground as he tackled her, and her teeth took hold of his front foot. He growled softly, playfully, at her and took her ear in his own teeth. To a bystander it may have looked as if the two dogs were fighting, but they both knew it was only a game. Requiem wrestled with her until he felt her growing tired, and felt himself panting beneath his heavy coat. It was a blessing in the winter, but nothing more than a hindrance in the summer. In it's present state it was matted in places, still holding a few grudging clumps of mud that his last soak in the pond hadn't fixed, and in general just made the summer heat feel even more miserable. He rolled off of Devi and stood back to his feet, shaking his coat in a petty attempt to make it slightly more comfortable. He then sank back onto his haunches in a sitting stance, feeling Devi moving near him. The male mulled over her words for a minute, trying to decide how best to answer her. He didn't want to burden her by adding his worries to her own, but he knew she was smart enough to realize if he was lying to her. To make matters worse, the entire topic of her was causing him great confusion. He'd felt a deeper attachment growing to her over the past weeks and felt himself wanting things he wasn't sure she wanted in return. She was a good mother, even with pups she didn't want to have around, and he could only imagine what she would be like with pups she could actually love and cherish. But their playful moment had also reminded him that she was still young, and even once these puppies left, it may be a long time before she wanted to deal with more puppies again. Of course, he'd be willing to wait as long as it took...but he was worried about how to ever approach the topic with her without seeming impatient. He looked at her and drew his lips into a taut line, forcing his thoughts to move back to the present. No sense planning the future until they handled the cards they'd been dealt. "I'm doing fine Dev," he said with a feeble smile. "I'm enjoying the puppies and I'm glad you stuck around and have let me help you through this."

[/color] He leaned over and nuzzled her jaw, giving it a soft lick. "I know it's getting harder for you as they get older. We're going to have to tell them the truth soon, you know. Maybe that will help us find some kind of answer about where to go from here."[/color] He wasn't sure how the puppies would react, but he knew they needed to know the truth sooner rather than later.
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Muse; Ehhh
Words; 525?
Notes; None
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[Free]

[bg=ffe7f4][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][cs=7] They both had gotten out some energy, although she felt sorry for him and his thick ruff of fur. She always equalized with the temperature around her, good for the summers but horrible for the winters. She needed him in the winter, and there was nothing she could do for him in the summers. She really did believe that was the way of the relationship, with her eternally in his debt. Whenever she said something like that out loud, he would try to persuade her differently. She didn't know why he started helping her, and ever since then she knew that she probably couldn't live without him if she tried. She would have to get him to teach her how to hunt and take care of herself with the puppies, and she only felt like a bigger burden. A two year old dog who only knew how to scavenge in dumpsters and catch the occasional small mouse. She truly felt worthless, even if she wasn't in his eyes. Especially with the puppies. But Req enjoyed helping, he did everything he could and wasn't resentful. If their positions had been switched, Devi wasn't sure that she could have been so understanding and so selfless. He spoke to her line of thoughts, and she felt a burden lift off her back as he assured her that he was fine and that he was glad she let him stay around. She had to huff a laugh at that; she was only around because he was. If she wanted to go out on her own, she would be committing her own suicide. She watched him, accepted the gesture of comfort he gave. He was the best for her, and she still didn't know why he thought she was worth it. Then he dropped a stressing thought upon her. Telling the puppies who their father actually was. She didn't know if she would stand up under the questioning about him they would surely throw at her. She would have to do it during the day so that she could escape if need be. Going through that with puppies who may or may not follow in their father's footsteps was scary. All she had told Req was that she had been raped, he himself knew only that. That memory was hidden as deep within as she could hide it, and she wasn't eager to unleash it. I guess I should get it over with. Her voice was a mixture of resignation, defeat, and utter terror. Being asked to face it was like asking a dog to face a lion. It always stood over her, waiting for a moment where it could seize her in its grip again. She struggled against the urge to ask if she really had to, because it felt to her like too much. Devi stood up, knowing she would have to do it. She would have to tell them, she would have to be good-natured, she would have to answer their questions. She would have to bear this extra weight, but if she didn't make a bid deal about it they wouldn't keep up the questions for long. She halfheartedly grabbed his ear and tugged, but her mind was too preoccupied to let her emotions turn for the better. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Ehh
Words; 547
Notes; I rambled. A lot. xD[/center][/size]
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[Issalyn]

[bg=d6dde5][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] Requiem sensed the hesitation in Devi's response and almost wished he hadn't brought the subject up. He moved closer to her and brushed his long fur against her, wishing he could somehow content her. He sensed the tension that ran through her body and wished he could lighten her mood. But maybe it was for the best. Despite all trepidation, perhaps telling the puppies would smooth things out for all of them. The puppies were nearly old enough to start venturing out more, and soon enough they'd probably have to make a decision between staying or going. If they knew about their father...well, maybe it would change things. At least Devi wouldn't have to bear the burden alone. For her sake, he hoped the puppies would see her in a different light, understanding why she remained somewhat distant from them. Devi stood, and he stood beside her, preparing to go into the battle with her. As long as he was there, she'd never need to face anything alone. He'd be her protection and strength, the one who held her up when she was ready to give up. She tugged softly at his ear, something he sensed to be tugging him along more than trying to turn playful again. He laid his head gently on top of hers, his slightly taller frame making her just the right height to be a headrest. "Are you sure you're ready Dev?" He drew back and looked into her eyes with a fierce gaze of determination, an emotion that almost hid the deeper feelings he had for her. He took a step back towards the puppies, but then paused to see if she was ready to follow. "I wish I could make this easier for you sweetheart. Would you rather stay here while I tell them? It might be easier for me than for you."

[/color] He gave her a weak smile, fully prepared to do exactly as he'd said if she agreed to it. Whatever it took to make her happy, that's what he'd do. He wouldn't fail her, and he wouldn't let her fail herself.
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Muse; ...
Words; 410
Notes; None
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[Free]

[bg=ffe7f4][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][cs=7] Devi gave a tremulous smile. Req, this is not something you need to walk through. They aren't even yours. This is my battle, I'm the one to fight it. She didn't add that he could help with the burden; he had been doing that since she had met him. He was carrying half of it with nothing in return for it. Devi would stay with him if only because she could never repay the debt from all the strength he had loaned her and all the times he was able to lighten the load. She began walking to the den, but knew it would take far too long to get there. She finally picked up a trot that covered ground quickly, a pace that she had picked up on days like this. Her legs swung with minimal effort for the ground she covered, similar to a wolf's gait. Devi was of enough mixed heritage that there very well might have been some wolf in her. She was too preoccupied with what she had to do at the moment to reflect on it, or even if Req was following. His stability was a comfort to her, and she didn't even have to ask if he was coming too or if he was going to stand by her side. Req was loyal to a fault, at least with her, and she knew he wouldn't willingly abandon her. The trip to the den took far less time than she needed, and she paused before going in. She looked at Req, drawing her strength from his and from his calm manner. He was with her one hundred percent, and it was with that assurance that she went in and slid with the pups. One by one she woke them, and quietly explained that Req wasn't their father, that a dog that wasn't her mate had mated with her and he was their real father. He was back where Devi had come from, so Req was acting as their adopted dad. The puppies had to process that in their sleepy state, and they were back asleep before their brains could think up any questions past their brains accepting what she had told them. When the last pup was back asleep, Devi breathed a sigh of relief. She emerged from the den, wrapping herself around Req when she lay down. I told them. she replied tiredly, but she didn't explain that she was sleeping with him tonight. She was completely drained, she didn't think she could handle much more of this. She dreaded tomorrow, when she would have to bear up under the questions they would think up. She would tell the truth, but she would mask the pain from them. They were too young to have to face that, and she didn't want to warp their view on life. The summer air was cooler out of the den than she was used to inside, so she pressed herself as close to Req as she could. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Not bad
Words; 500
Notes; <3[/center][/size]
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