" ★ ` the hounds of hell , archives .

[w0ah]

Jericho brushed past dehydrated bushes, their foliage shriveled-up and lacking the rains, and panted heavily as the sun blazed his dark-furred backside in a sheen of sweat. His paw pads scraped across the cracked earth as it, too, lacked the sufficient nutrients to hold itself together, leaving a cloud of dust flitting through the air behind him. As the brute scanned his surroundings, he was almost completely certain he could be the only living being for miles of this deserted landscape, and to that he could be entirely sure. The heat that day was like no other──dry and arid, burning anything to a crisp, the sun shone endlessly overhead and contributed to the day’s effect. The shrubland of the chaparral could become completely silent, even still if you allowed yourself to be, but the brute knew better than to allow himself any rest, not when he had been at a constant almost all of that day. If he dared stop to take a rest, he couldn’t be sure whether he’d be able to pick himself back up and start along the journey once more, not in this condition.

It wasn't until after a bit more trekking that Jericho was able to come across a very rare sight; a stream. The thing was on its last trickle, threatening to soak-up into the earth and disappear before their eyes, however not before the brute was able to lap at its cool waters to replenish his energy──but he could not stand there for long, as the rest of the route awaited him. And, nearly as soon as he had stopped, he was off again on his trail. But this time, his paws dragged and his panting drew heavier, deep breaths wracking into his chest, a process which slowed him down in the moments as he tried to keep himself going onward. Before nightfall. He told himself, and to this he was wise. Nightfall, as you know, in a hot and arid landscape could pose troubles with dangerous creatures that emerge from their caves and threaten a lone dog’s-life. Jericho, having known this, could not risk being caught in the paws of a bloodthirsty coyote, and so he needed to move along, quickly.

The sun continued to reign overhead, but slowly its intensity lessened as a shadowed darkness overcame the landscape. Only a few moments longer and suddenly the brute was trekking through the darkness, alone and exhausted. As his weary paws suddenly came to a halt, the alano español suddenly collapsed into the dirt and went out cold like a lightswitch as a cloud of dust swept over his form──but the sun would not be gone for long.

A glowing light from the stars swept over the dog’s form, but he was unresponsive. A beetle cautiously crawled its way over his side to the other, but still he did not wake. Finally, as the sun rose over the horizon and shooed the moon and stars away, Jericho stirred. His eyes peered open over the ground and he licked his dry lips, leathery tongue tasting the sweat. He managed to shuffle himself into a sitting posture, facing the barren landscape with its shrubbery, and the occasional bug or bird here and there. Has this journey been useless? Had this all been for nothing, no gain? It wouldn’t be until the brute stood and turned did he realize he had reached his destination──in the darkening night, his exhaustion blurred his vision and by the time he sunk to the ground to rest, he hadn’t the chance to look around. Before him now, an incredible sight of a rocky hillside took the breath from his lungs; he had made it.

This would be the home of The Hounds of Hell.

[w0ah]

The Alano’s pawpads swept across the sun-baked earth, billowing a cloud of dust behind. His dark fur shone with perspiration, and his tongue lolled from his parted lips, his breaths coming in quick and hard. As his chest heaved with each breath, he kept his head low, nose to the ground, and ears perked in alert──no matter the heat of the day, he was prepared for whatever could spring from the bushes he tread beside.

But it was silent, and not a sound could be heard; only the stillness of the dry landscape, offering little comfort or ease for the Cerberus. The hours of daylight went on from then, and as the sun beaming into the sky lowered to the horizon, Jericho had something he could call worth-it──food. Gripped between his jaws, the limp carcass of a roadrunner dangled, swinging with his gait. Its blood teased the brute, sent his stomach into a fury, however he knew to resist the temptation. Now was the time to act calculated, smart, rather than barbarous, focusing only on his own survival. At some point along this journey he’d set himself upon, there will be others which rely on his skill to survive, and food being one of them. Hunting among the shrubland was nearly impossible, and one cannot be impatient or they will lose any chance of surviving another night. For, as Jericho had learned many moons ago, in this terrain, patience and resistance is key.

He returned back to camp just in time to watch the sun peek its final sliver over the horizon, then disappear beneath it, ridding the land of its light. The arid shrubland became dark, pitch-black, and the male himself blended perfectly. After a bit of rest, a quick snack, and a stretch, Jericho was off-again for his patrol.

Patrolling was mainly done during the evening hours, and this being because the daytime becomes extremely unbearable with the heat and dryness. In the dark, a long trek throughout the territory became more bearable, and much easier to deter unwanted visitors, or trespassers. Coyotes were the most common, and the dog’s sworn enemy──they are ruthless, mangy creatures with their only intent to kill, even for no reason other than they “felt like it”. With little tolerance for competitors, and a strong sense of smell when it comes to tracking-down prey, especially those which has been stored for later use, they are a nasty and tricky opponent. Living his entire life among the shrubland alongside the coyotes and their infestations, Jericho has grown this fond hatred for them──after watching them, from time and time again, ruining the lives of his friends and family, he can attest to this.

However, along this particular night’s patrol, he encountered something much other than a coyote. The Alano lowered his nose to the ground, catching the scent of his last marking, and following the ridge of his territory’s border. He continued along like this for awhile, returning to his normal spots and ensuring their scents were still strong. It was as he reached the furthest marking that he caught the scent of another dog, and it was fresh. They had to be nearby, merely minutes ago, for a scent that fresh had to have been here recently. Jericho’s frame stiffened in alert, and as he rose his head from the ground and scanned the open area, he spotted the captor of such scent.

Only a few yards away, the red-furred form of a sleek canine came bolting, at increasing speeds, right toward him. He jolted back in surprise as the runner darted right past, having not spotted him, and then halted once more. They turn, cautiously, ears perked-up in alert as they finally spot the dog they’d just sprinted past without even noticing.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.” They chuckle nervously, ears swiveling to and fro. Jericho, after taking a moment to compose himself, breaks-out a chuckle of his own, rumbling from his chest. “You were going so fast you didn’t even see me, huh?” He responded.

The slender dog dipped their head in embarrassment, letting out a sigh. “Huh, yea, sorry about that.”

“No worries.” The male responds, smirking lightly as he sweeps his eyes over the female’s form. “Just be careful whose territory your racing through, they may not be so friendly.”

“Is this your territory?” She questions with a tip of her head, watching him curiously. Jericho nods, slowly lowering himself onto his haunches, then glancing to his side. “Yes, here and throughout much of this area.” The female nodded and scanned the terrain surrounding, hardly spotting anything in the darkness, but taking it in all the same.

“How about we get out of the open? It’s too dark to be sitting unprotected, especially in these parts.” He offers, standing once more as he meets her gaze. She hesitates only for a moment, then smiles with a nod. “That does seem like a good idea.” She chuckles, shaking her head lightly.

“So, what can I call you?” The female asks before the brute has a chance to fully rise. “Oh, my name is Jericho.” He responds, pausing briefly. “And how about you?”

“Vega.” She replies, smiling lightly, then takes to following close behind as the Cerberus leads them back to camp, where the female would later decide to stay and join alongside the Hounds of Hell.


★ ★ ★ ★


“Lets keep going, Sonto.” Dara whined, nudging her brother’s shoulder with her dried nose. The hound let out a yawn, glancing toward his sister, then sighed. “We should wait until later on, Dara, you know this──we’d literally bake in the sun if we go out now.”

She whined once more, turning herself in a circle and then dropped onto the ground, lying with her back to the other dog in her company. “I know, it’s just…” She shook her head, glancing outside of the small cave. “I feel like we should’ve kept on going.”

Sonto drew himself closer and laid his head over his sister’s back, glancing upward into her eyes as she scans the darkness. “If you lay your head down and rest, before you know it, it’ll be time to go again.” Dara smiled warmly, turning to look down at her brother, then nodded and laid her head between her paws. Just as her brother had said, the female went right to sleep within seconds, breathing soundly.

By the time the pair awoke once more, the sun was low on the horizon and the air was noticeably cooler. Sonto was awake to nudge his sister and crawled over her still form to reach the outside. Dara wasn’t far behind, springing up from her spot with a quick yawn, following her brother’s steps. “Where to tonight?” Sonto questioned, but rather than getting a response, the female silently went along and he followed at her flank. “Dara?”

“I don’t really know.” She responded, ears perked in alert. “This way just… feels right to me.”

“Wait a second, it just “feels right”? Do you remember what happened the last time we went with that initiative?”

“Yea, okay, that was one time Sonto.”

“One time my ass.”

“Hey, watch it!”

“Pfff-”

“Will you two stop bickering?”

Suddenly, the pair swung around to face the voice behind them, which revealed to be a dark-pelted brute. He was rather tall, and his muscles where built, toned beneath the skin. Immediately Sonto tensed, and Dara too.

"Sorry, didn’t mean to break your fun.” The stranger chuckled, shaking his head lightly. He glanced from one to the other, almost in a fatherly way. He did look mature, of his age, but still they couldn’t be sure. Nonetheless, he seemed friendly, and none of his advances had yet to be aggressive.

"Ha, sorry you had to witness that.” Dara piped-up, earning a glare from her brother. “Just some sibling-love here.”

The brute nodded, smiling gently. “My brothers and I were all the same, but maybe a tad-bit more annoying.” The two them laughed together in unison, Sonto even taking the moment to ease his tension and relax, laughing along with them.

“So what are you two doing out here alone, huh?” He questioned calmly, glancing toward the horizon as the sun began to rise, turning the sky into an array of fascinating colors. Dara glanced toward Sonto, and as they dipped their heads, the male returned to attention as he watched the brother respond. “Our former group was disbanded, and for what reasons we still don’t really know.” He sighed quietly. “Dara and I made it out together, but the others? Not so sure.” Sonto’s voice was heavy, weighed with emotion, however he swallowed to keep it back and locked in his chest. The dark-pelted dog nodded, dipped his head, and murmured his apologies to the pair. Dara smiled gently, already calm in his presence, and Sonto returned the same.

“Would you happen to be on the market for a new home?” They questioned, lowering their head as they watched the siblings together. Taken-aback by his question, Sonto glanced toward his sister, finding her eager to reply. Once she gained a nod from her brother, she opened her mouth to reply. “Yes, I believe we are.”

Smiling gently, the larger canine rose and bowed his head in thanks. “Well then, if you're ready, you can follow me.” And that they did.

[w0ah]

The sun was at its peak overhead, baking the dog's pelts as they tread along. Lyron, panting heavily, began to believe that his dark pelt was a curse──for as the sun's rays shone down from above, his fur soaked-in the heat and boiled at his skin. It was a feeling he was incapable of ridding himself of, no matter how much he took to the shade or quenched his thirst with water from a trickling stream. His pawpads were dry and cracked, unaccustomed to such rugged terrain, and beginning to split. They stung at each step, causing the lab to dredge the ground below with an aching soreness dragging his down. He swore the ground looked closer than it had before.

At his side, Shahrzad gleamed──although heavily pregnant, with her stomach swollen and swaying with each step, she kept her stride. The male envied her for her vigor, but he was well aware that she was much more suited for this type of excursion; unlike the lab, she had her experience with traveling long distances in almost all terrains, but most commonly that of cold climates. No matter, it seemed the female was able to tackle the boiling, dry heat of the chaparral just as she was able to glide across snow in a frozen tundra.

"Are you doing alright?" He piped-up, pausing to nuzzle his nose into her side. The female found this humorous, and as she halted to turn and face the panting male, she smirked. "I should be the one asking you that question, Lyron." She chuckled.

Lyron shook his head and tore his eyes away with an exaggerated sigh, lowering onto his haunches. "So what? It's too damn hot out here."

"And that, my love," The husky continued, pacing a few steps onward. "is why we must go on. If we wait out here for too long, we'll succumb to the heat. It's easier to keep going and to not stop until we're safe." Lyron meekly nodded his wide head, which felt pounds heavier atop its shoulders than it had before, and continued on following the female.

Another few hours passed. It almost seemed as though they were walking in circles, but Shahrzad assured her mate that they were, in fact, making great progress on making their way across the chaparral. They were looking for a way out, whichever way that may be or however long it may take. It was no easy task, however, especially on the lab. And although the husky kept a still expression and her head held high, the trek was taking a toll on her as well. After the last stretch of their journey, she began to pant just as heavily as her companion, and her eyesight blurred if she attempted to focus onward for too long. She was well aware that they would need rest soon.

The sun finally began to lower on the horizon, and as it did, the shrubland took-on a new aura──the colors of the sky seemed to reflect onto the landscape around them, giving new color to the terrain. Various creatures emerged to feed in the cooler temperature as the heat finally began to subside, yet only slightly. Lyron felt himself become energized with a newfound hope, and no longer was he trailing behind the female, but rather striding at her side as they traveled.

"Considered taking a break yet, Shazi?" Lyron suggested. This time the husky did not seem all too disappointed by this suggestion, and rather nodded in agreement. "Yes,” she let-out between heavy breaths. "we should."

Lyron, recognizing her exhaustion, guided the pregnant female to a small jut of rocks which formed a perfect dip or cave to rest. It was dark, shadowed from the sun, and providing enough protection for rest. As soon as the dogs' paws touched the cool rock, they instantly relaxed, relieved to allow themselves a break from the baking earth they had tread along for hours. Shahrzad padded to the back wall and curled-up against it──with a sigh she released from her frame, the female was fast asleep, resting her weary body. Lyron, on the other hand, laid not far from his mate, his ears perked and eyes swiveling across the terrain. He would hold-guard for the night, unaware of what might be out in the darkness of night.


★ ★ ★ ★


"Dara, Sonto!" Vega called-out from atop a boulder, using the height to her advantage as she sought the pair's pelts emerging from their dens. Finally, after a few moments of silence, the two hounds emerged together. Dara, as always, was giddy; a smile was spread across her maw and her tail swayed pleasantly. Sonto also seemed content, but he was much more serious and on-guard, his eyes flitting across the morning terrain. "Sorry for the wait!" Dara responded as they neared, dipping her head politely.

"It's alright." Vega returned, a smile of her own lifting the corners of her lips. "We really should get along now though, we're already late for our dawn patrols."

"Ah, right!" Dara chuckled, swiveling on her paws toward the vast expanse of territory they headed toward. "Lets get on with it then, shall we?"

The trio shuffled out into the morning expanse of the chaparral, taking-in the sights with each passing moment. While on a patrol, each dog is quiet and intent, focused on anything that may come before them. Especially on a hunting patrol, as the group was informed to do, they must keep all of their senses focused onto one thing; food. Sonto, stern and silent, had his eyes wide and his ears perked in alert. Dara had also taken a new stance, her normally exuberant stride whittled into a more focused, calm gait. Vega kept her ears perked, sorting through the sounds around them, and occasionally she'd lower her nose to the dirt and take in the scents around them. She was at the patrol's lead, and in the position, she had to be wary for not only herself, but the others as well.

"Vega." Sonto barked, grasping her attention from the silent landscape. The hound turned to face the male, her eyes questioning his intent. The male, his nose lowered to the ground, lifted his head to meet her gaze. "There's a fresh scent along this way; seems to be a male and a female, could've just passed through the other day."

Vega nodded, turning herself completely around as she padded toward the shrubbery, lowering her nose to confirm. With a single curt nod, the female flicked her tail in signal and the patrol moved outward from the trail, toward the scent Sonto had honed-in on. Still at the lead, Vega cleared the area as she followed the scent, as Dara and Sonto kept alert in scanning the area for any sights or sounds. There was no knowing who these dogs were, what their intents were, and how near they were at the moment.

Dara paused, swiveling an ear to the side, and grunted for the others to pause. "I hear voices," She quipped, turning away. "this way." Vega and Sonto shared a glance, then quickly turned away to follow the female, their heads held low.

Suddenly, each of the dogs could hear the voices; it was a pair of dogs, one male and the other female, conversing not far from their current position. The patrol lowered themselves low to the ground and crept behind some shrubbery, able to peer-through the branches and spot the source of the voices. There, in a shallow cave, laid a chocolate lab and their companion, a husky. Immediately they recognized the female to be heavily pregnant, as she panted with her swollen stomach. No matter, the dogs knew they must always stay on alert, for even if the female may be hindered by her pregnancy, they are still able-bodied dogs that are fit to attack.

Vega, however, knew that the pair could be approached, as she felt that her and the other's position would be safe-enough for them to reveal themselves. The hound turned her head around to face the others, nodded, and then rose from the shrubbery.

"Hello there." She began, cautiously padding forward. "I hope I'm not interrupting you." The pair snapped their heads around to face Vega as she spoke, perking in alert and surprise. The lab was the quickest to react, promptly standing protectively before the husky, who laid where she was with no intent to stand, not in her current condition.

"Who are you?" The male barked, his stance tense; the muscles beneath his pelt were bunched, and his head was lowered below his shoulders. He had all the intent to spring forward and attack if the situation called for him to, but within him he hoped that would not be the case. He and his mate were both weak and tired from their journey, which had spanned over the past few weeks, and yet he would not let this exhaustion reveal itself to the strangers. He knew he must appear strong, for himself and his mate.

"My name is Vega." The female began, her eyes shifting between the lab and to the husky. "Those two behind me are Dara and Sonto. We were just on patrol." Emerging from the shrubbery were two more dogs, both hounds, who stayed in their places but dipped their heads in greeting to the pair. "And who are you, might I ask?"

"Lyron," The male quipped, his eyes shifting between the trio of dogs. "and this is Shahrzad." He turned his head to nuzzle the female, with much love and care present in his actions. Vega smiled at this, noticing the lab, Lyron, beginning to relax just slightly, more than he was just moments before.

"I can tell that you two are tired, have you been traveling?" Vega questioned, cocking her head just slightly to the side. "The chaparral is rather harsh on newcomers, you see."

The pair answered by nodding their heads, the lab even lifting his head slightly to respond. "For a few weeks now; we entered the chaparral in late winter, before the heat settled-in."

Vega chuckled, shaking her head lightly. "Ah, this is nothing──soon, Lyron, the heat will be unbearable. It's no conditions to be treading alone, especially in your condition." The dogs paused, the lab's head sinking as he nodded to the hound's words; he knew she was truthful, even if he didn't want to accept such circumstances.

Dara stepped-forward, taking the chance to speak as it presented itself. "Our leader, Jericho, is very welcoming to all. We were all loners before we joined. I'm sure, almost positive, that he would allow you both hospitality within our kennel."

Having not said a word since the beginning of their encounter, the husky finally pushed herself onto her paws with a huff as she struggled. She then nodded definitively toward the trio, her eyes intent as she cast them a grateful gaze. "If your leader would be so kind, we would be delighted to join you."

"Come along then," Vega called with a smile, turning away in the direction back toward their camp. "I'll guide you there."


★ ★ ★ ★


Lyron paced anxiously among the den, which was a small dug-out beneath a boulder that barely allowed his to stand at his full height. Shahrzad shook her head, turned away, and laid her head back between her paw. "Quit the pacing, Lyron, you're making me nervous."

"I'm sorry, I'm just nervous about this patrol──you know I've never done anything like this before." The lab huffed, dropping onto the ground as a cloud of dust rose around him. The husky sneezed as a result, sending the male a disappointed glance. No matter, she sighed and rose onto her paws, padding to his side to comfort him.

"There's nothing to worry about, and you know that. It's just a simple... what do they call it again?"

"Border patrol?"

"Yes, a border patrol." She nodded. "You'll be guided by our leaders, who have kindly welcomed us to stay here; we have a home now, and food. You should be grateful that they invited you to go along with them."

"Lyron!" Called a distant voice from outside the den.

"Time to go!" Shahrzad gleamed, nosing his side to force him to stand. "Have fun!"

"Bye Shazi, I'll be back." The lab huffed, pressing his nose to the female's cheek. He then turned away and climbed up out of the den, into the open of the day. The husky watched him leave with a smile, lying with her gaze just peering to the outside. She would wait there, in that spot, for her mate's return.

[w0ah]

A dark figure flashed before her eyes. She could feel its presence as a breeze brushed past her nose. It was cold, like ice. It stung her nose at the touch.

The space around her was completely dark, empty, void of any and all light. The strain on her eyes was near painful. Her head swung back and forward as she swept her gaze throughout the darkness──it was all black, nothing more. There was nothing to see.

It happened again, something whipping-past her nose at what seemed the speed of light. Their scent was putrid, rotten──it smelled of death. It was a scent she recognized.

"Why do you not reveal yourself to me, dreamwalker?" The vizsla quipped, lifting her chin with an unwavering determination settling into her gaze. "Why do you cower in the shadows and play these foul tricks on my senses?"

A low, raspy chuckle echoed into the everlasting void. The sound rung in the dog's ears, leaving a feeling of dread that she attempted to rid herself of with a stiff shake of her head──as though that would ever work.

"I do not need to reveal myself, necromancer." The deep voice rasped, sounding from the vizsla's right. She whipped her head in their direction, desperately searching the darkness. "You know who I am." This time, the voice sounded from her left. It was tricking her, dancing around her like a jester to its king, yet the female was not too keen of this being's tricks.

The vizsla held steady, at least as much as she could force herself to be. "If I tell you that I am clueless and that I do not, in fact, know who you are──then will you reveal yourself to me?"

Silence followed the next few moments. Soheile began to fear that she had reached the creature's last end, that she had lost the chance to interrogate them and see the face of the voice──then suddenly, gleaming before her with an intense glow, were a pair of red, almond-shaped eyes. The light stung the female's eyes, causing her to look away with a grunt. "You see, mortal, your eyes are too weak to withhold my sight."

The female was determined. She would not let this creature best her.

She forced her gaze back unto those stern-red orbs; and as her eyes watered and she winced with the pain, she dared not close them. As a few moments more passed, they adjusted to the light──Soheile could see the creature's aura just barely among the void.

"You are strong." It began once more, lowering its eyes as he began circling the vizsla. She followed his gaze in each direction, not daring to look away. "You are diligent. You adjust, just as your eyes have to my own."

The figure finally paused, standing proud over the female. As she scanned his barely-visible frame, his pelt so dark it nearly blended into the void they stood, Soheile realized the sheer size of the creature that stood before her──it was built thick with muscles, not an inch of their body emitted anything but power and strength. They stood far above the vizsla, larger than any dog or wolf she'd witnessed, and their ears were tall and pointed, sharp at the tip, always standing tall and alert atop their large head.

"You will come to know me quite well, Soheile." It chuckled, ringing out like a hiss, the sound bouncing around in the darkness. "For I am but one thing to your kind; your God."


★ ★ ★ ★


It had been a moon since the necromancer joined the Hounds, and already she was wracked──battered, tossed from side-to-side──with strange dreams and omens that foretold happenings that she could not yet predict. She struggled to decipher what she was confronted-with each night among her dreams. She even found dark figures to be appearing in her vision during the light of day, as she was fully awake and alert──one afternoon, for example, as she conversed with Jericho about the status of the kennel, she swore to have seen two extra heads perched atop the Cerberus' shoulders, each identical to his own. They stared at her long and hard, intent, then vanished at the blink of her eyes. Never had Soheile been confronted with happenings to such this magnitude before.

Something was trying to tell her something, it was trying to break her.

No matter, slowly but surely, the vizsla was able to gather clues on this figure that haunted her dreams. They withheld their name from her knowledge, but made it clear that they were a God, and specifically her own. Through her own pondering, Soheile guessed that they were intent to use her as a messenger. He wanted her to spread her knowledge of him and his capabilities onto the rest of the Hounds, to have them build a fear of his presence and to bow to his command──but she refused.

"No matter how much of a living-hell you make my life, I will not fall to your command." She had told him one night.

"But I rule Hell, darling; I flourish among it." He responded.

What does it all mean?

Soheile was snapped from her thoughts at the voice of Xylos, who stood promptly at the mouth of her den. He dipped his head respectfully, his gaze expressionless, as it always seemed to be. "The Cerberus wishes to see you." His tone was flat, emotionless.

The vizsla turned and nodded curtly, brushing-past the male as she headed toward the cave where they often met. It was dark, secluded, and its flooring that of course sand, dirt, and rocks. They met in this cave to discuss important matters away from the ears of their subjects, those who shouldn't be eavesdropping on the council's discussions. Although they doubted many of the other dogs would be so foolish enough to do such a thing, it was still a precautionary measure they took to ensure it wouldn't happen.

The female entered the cave. Within it she found Jericho, the Cerberus, with his back facing the entrance. She took a place across from the male, and as Xylos filed-in after her, he lowered himself not far from their leader's right side. Then there was silence, all but for the dog's breaths as they drew in the heat around them.

"Why have you called me here, Jericho?" Soheile questioned, suspicion crawling in her voice. She cocked her head slightly to the side, brows furrowing in confusion.

"We know there's something on your mind──omens, foretellings, perhaps." Jericho emitted, his voice low and stern. "Do you care to inform your Cerberus on what the hell is going on, necromancer?"

The vizsla froze. Every muscle in her body seemed to stiffen in shock. How...

"Th-There's a being that has been channeling me in my sleep." Soheile released, swallowing-back the lump in her throat. "They are a God."


★ ★ ★ ★


The past few days had been rough on the female. As her stomach churned, Shahrzad knew she was close to labor. Her body was informing her that the whelps were ready to emerge. When that would be? Not even she knew. All she could do was stay-put, in comfort, and take care of her health to ensure that of her pups' wellbeings. Soheile checked-in on the female frequently throughout the day, especially with her time being near, and prepared the female for what would come when she finally gave birth.

Lyron gave the female much comfort and hope over the past couple of days. He was constantly at her side, pulling her close and whispering reassurance to her whenever times were rough. Shahrzad couldn't have asked for a better support during her pregnancy, and she was sure he would be a wonderful father as well. The thought just seemed to make her emotional to even think about. What wonderful parents they'd be...

She awaited the day her pups would finally enter the world, marking a new beginning, a new generation.

[w0ah]

Shahrzad nuzzled her nose into the squirming pups that rested against her stomach, watching them intently. It had been just a few hours since she had given birth to her brood. Being that the husky had never been a mother before, Soheile had commented how smoothly the process had gone. Although she hadn't responded, Shazi had a strong bloodline to blame for such, as she had heard tales from her own mother of her ancestors as they trekked across all variations of terrain, living long and healthy lives. Before meeting Lyron, and before settling among the Hounds with her whelps, Shahrzad intended to endure that similar legacy──traveling foreign lands, encountering all kinds of friend or foe. But the allure of love and family brought the husky to the place she was at now. There was no doubt in her mind that this was the lifestyle she wanted to live, unlike her mighty bloodline.

Her mother had been a wandering-soul, always an itch to pick-up her life and travel until her paws couldn't handle another step. Her father had been much the same, but he had no sympathy for the day that he had abandoned his pregnant mate to pursue his own travels. Shahrzad did not intend to take the ways of her father, no matter how much her paws itched for adventure. Her mother had been heartbroken, and that she could never forgive any dog for.

Similarly, the mother's heartbreak for her stillborn whelp tore at her soul. Though she knew this occurrence was rather common for even the healthiest of dogs, it still took much for Shahrzad to say her goodbyes to the lifeless pup. Soheile was patient, sitting on her haunches in the dark corner of their den, eyes warm with sympathy as the mother had groomed her pup. She waited until Shahrzad gave her signal and fetched the stillborn, removing her from the den to be laid to rest among the chaparral. The mother accepted the pup's fate, and instead felt greatly blessed for her two, healthy offspring.

Lyron had been at his mate's side the entirety of the process. He provided her the support she needed, and once the pups were born, he shared the same immense grief at the loss their third whelp. He had joined Soheile as she had uncovered the earth and laid the stillborn among it, slowly covering its form once more. He had stood there for a few moments, simply staring at the spot in which the pup now laid, and placed his paw into the dirt. He would return to his mate's side not long after, assuring her that their pup was safe and comfortable in their place of rest.

"Sadiqe is strong, like you." Lyron murmured into his mate's fur, his head resting atop her flank as they laid together. His comment made Shahrzad smile, lightly, her eyes gleaming with adoration.

"And Elahe looks so much like her father, a beauty." The couple turned to one another, gleaming with pride for their brood, locking their gaze for a few moments before looking back toward the pups.

"They're perfect." He cooed.


★ ★ ★ ★


Soheile sighed audibly, her eyes scanning the landscape around her. It had been just a few hours since she began her excursion, and already she had scrounged-up chickweed and goldrenrod from the dry landscape. Usually this much success was rather uncommon, but the vizsla was grateful no matter what. As the Necromancer, she was tasked to heal and care for any sick or wounded dogs of the kennel. As their numbers grew by the days, it was imperative on her to grow her collection and keep them for when they are needed. Luckily the recent whelping of Shahrzad had gone smoothly, for if not, Soheile feared she had no necessary herbs to help the mother or her pups──and that instance, to be helpless as a healer, would be one of the worst experiences to endure.

"May this luck continue." Soheile muttered beneath her breath, picking-up her paws and continuing onward along her path. "Maybe you can help me out."

The female had been referring to the nameless God that was visiting her in her dreams, sending her omens during her days. It had been a moon since she met this figure and yet they continued to relinquish a name, or even a title. They had wracked her brain with questions, leaving mysterious messages, and playing mind-numbing tricks on the female. It had come to a point where it was all too overwhelming. Now she spends restless nights awake, watching the stars as they hover far above the chaparral.

This did mean, however, that the female was exhausted and only slightly delirious. As she traversed the terrain in the heat, she had come across a pair of smaller-stature dogs, whom she welcomed to join her on her return to the Hound's camp. One, a Treeing Walker Coonhound named Idas, was rather calm and collected, short of words yet meaningful when he did speak. The other, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, seemed a bit wary of her surroundings, maybe even paranoid. She watched the Vizsla as she padded along, head held low and tail stiff. She allowed Idas to speak for her when they first met, revealing her name to be Caleope. Soheile couldn't help but feel anything more than pity for the female, whatever instances she had gone through in order to make her way into the chaparral and thus joining the Hounds. Whatever had occurred, it left her frightened, which was not a very useful feeling to have when trying to survive this terrain.

Hopefully, with time, the Retriever would settle and learn to harden her temperament. The Vizsla was sure that her first moon within the Hound was surely do it──for not any of its rugged members, including Jericho, would allow her to continue on in her ways were she to slack-behind. She'd learn what was the proper way to thrive among their members, she had no doubt.

[w0ah]

Freydoun, joined at the sides of his fellow soldiers, kept his head low as his eyes scanned the landscape. The patrol had been sent into the night not long after having heard the distant yips and howls of coyotes. The others, similarly alert, formed around him in a formation──Jericho at their front, Xylos at his side, Dara and Sonto in the middle, while Lyron and himself took on the end.

The Husky had his ears perked, swiveling in each direction, while one remained behind him. Not being able to see behind himself was a risk that he had taken, but one he would ensure to be wary of. Whenever he head any sound, such as a rustling or scuffling behind, he'd whip his head around and scan the darkness. Usually it was just some lizard or bug scuttling in the dirt, but Freydoun couldn't be too sure. He'd continue in this way being the threat of coyotes was near.

Suddenly, the patrol halted. Jericho, his tail stiff and held erect, had turned his head and signaled to the group of soldiers. They stood in wait as the Alano Español watched the darkness, his nose lifted into the air as he took a few whiffs of the air. Freydoun followed his directive, and he, too, tasted the air with his mouth agape.

There was a pungent musk, one only belonging to one creature──coyotes.

The entire patrol was on instant alert. The culprit, whether it alone or multiple, was nearby. The Husky turned toward the rear and widened his protective stance, muscular frame stiffened. His curled tail was held still in its place as to reduce himself and his figure into the least-possible amount of movement.

Not a sound rung into the chaparral.

Then, just as the standstill hit its two-minute mark, movement sprung from the darkness.

It was a coyote. The male immediately recognized it──its cream fur, dark back, large ears and long form──and it was springing toward him.

Just as it emerged, Freydoun took not even a second to react. He bunched his hind-legs and leaped toward the mongrel, meeting it in a forceful impact. The creature responded with a snarl, yet the Husky returned even stronger──he growled deep and lowly, the sound reverberating from his chest. As he curled his lip and bared his teeth, the male grinned; "Weakling." He snarled.

The coyote, its lip similarly curled in aggression, chuckled lowly. Its tongue emerged from his mouth to brush-over its teeth once as it returned to its paws, slinking forward. It spoke no words to the Husky before it sprung back into action.

Freydoun, once more, took on the coyote. This time he lunged for its neck, but only managed to grasp its shoulder and tug at the skin and fur. He spat the fur onto the ground as the coyote attacked once more. It landed a few scratches at his flank where its claws dug into the fur, but he shoved him away once more. The Husky growled, releasing a sharp bark that pierced the darkness, and stood protectively. "Are you done yet?"

By that moment, the coyote had sustained a few measurable injuries. And as they crouched on the outskirts of the clearing, watching the patrol begin to close-in on his position, it knew its efforts were for none. Turning with a snarl, it sprinted away into the darkness, its form fading quickly.

"Dara, Sonto," Jericho's voice sounded from behind. "Follow that creature and make sure its far." The siblings nodded to their Cerberus and sprinted after the coyote on its trail, their long legs built perfectly for the chase.

Freydoun felt finally that he was able to relax. Rolling his tongue over his nose, he rose from his crouch and his muscles relaxed. It wasn't until he was unable to see the Hound's forms once more that he turned toward the rest of the patrol. Jericho, Xylos, and Lyron watched the Husky with a mixture of impression and respect swirling in their gaze.

"Freydoun, you took-on that creature well, and I am impressed." The Alano revealed, dipping his head slightly before returning to his original stance. "I've been monitoring your progress lately, and from what I have seen, I would like to offer you a higher position among the unit."

The Husky was short of words. His eyes met the Cerberus' gaze intently as he awaited his continuation. "Starting by today's dawn patrol, I appoint you as the Formal Admiral. You will be tasked with leading the Formal Unit on patrols and directing their actions." Jericho continued, a light smirk pulling across his maw. "Understood?"

"Yes sir." Freydoun was finally able to release, chuckling lightly in awe. This had been entirely unexpected, and yet excitement and pride coursed throughout him.


★ ★ ★ ★

[w0ah]

yes i have skipped writing for a total of five posts ksdjnfsjfn

Sadiqe shifted from paw to paw, anxiously, as her sister busied herself grooming the fur on her chest flat against her form. Unlike her unusually calm counterpart, the Husky-Lab mix found herself pacing about the sandy grove in nervous anticipation for her first training session. Her mentor, Ophelia, had informed her to meet her in this exact location for their session. That was just the other day, and now the young rookie stood in wait for her fashionably-late mentor.

Finally, a figure rounded the narrow path between the boulders and into the sandy pit. But it wasn’t Ophelia──it was Abraham, Elahe’s mentor. The narrowed eyes of the male met her own for only a mere second, then shifted to her sister’s gaze. With a motion of his wide head, he signaled the rookie to follow and they padded out of the clearing, Elahe tight on his heels. Sadiqe suddenly found herself alone, anxious and confused. Where was she?

Sadiqe began to lose her hopes, even circling toward the back exit of the clearing, when a voice called from behind her. “Giving up already?” Scoffed the voice, causing the rookie to spin on her heels in surprise. “Patience is a virtue every soldier should harness. I can already tell that’s something we’re going to have to work on.” The female’s voice was stern, but there was a hint of sarcasm hidden in the undertones. No matter, her words stung at the rookie’s thoughts──had she already managed to ruin her first training session? Bowing her head low and peering to her mentor with an apologetic gaze, Sadiqe’s voice came soft and hesitant. “I’m sorry, Ophelia. I wasn’t giving-up, I just thought you had forgotten.”

This earned another glare and scoff from the Canadian Eskimo Dog, who looked down to the rookie with a smirk. “Forgotten? Why, I’d never forget my duties to the Hounds as a soldier, Sadiqe.”

Sadiqe narrowed her eyes. Obviously bowing to her mentor like an omega had achieved nothing, and yet she knew she’d have to continue in this way if she wanted to succeed in her training. Otherwise, how else would she ascend the ranks with an incompetent mentor? Sighing, she relaxed her expression once more and lifted her stance to meet her mentor straight in the eyes. “Then we shouldn’t waste anymore of your time.” Sadiqe quipped, seeming respectful yet straight to the point.

Ophelia narrowed her eyes, contemplation in her gaze as she wondered just how to respond to the clever rookie. But, with a curt nod of her head, she flicked her curled tail toward the exit of the clearing. “Very well, let's get moving.”


★ ★ ★ ★


Jericho sat comfortably among the mouth of his den. He often resided here during the cooling afternoons as patrols filed back into the camp, bringing with them their reports of what they had or hadn’t encountered along the way. Luckily for him, the first few patrols had been either successful or uneventful, and usually uneventful patrols were a good sign. This meant no attacks, no troubles, nothing to disrupt the order. But this peace would not last for too long.

Bursting into the outcrop of rocks, kicking-up the sand and dust behind them, Jallal rushed toward the Alano Español in his place. Rising immediately, the male caught the eyes of his Secondary Admiral and greeted him respectfully with a nod of his head. Jallal returned with much the same, bowing his head as he began to speak through his panting.

“My patrol has caught the scent of a wolf, my lord.” Came his voice, rushed through each breath. “Among much of the eastern region.”

Jericho stiffened at the male’s words. As realization filtered through him, his rose his head and his entire stature shifted; a wolf was no matter to be taken lightly. Wolves in the chaparral or anywhere near the Hound’s territory is extremely rare. However, whenever this does occur, the danger becomes more imminent. Although there are many dogs and capable soldiers among the Hounds, a lone wolf is intelligent and skilled. They could easily take-on a pack of dogs and defeat them one-by-one if they are not careful or tactical with their line of defense and attack. That is why, at the moment Jallal’s words left his lips and filtered through the Cerberus’ ears, did he react in such a way.

“Keep your voice low, Jallal.” The Alano hissed beneath his breath, eyes narrowing as he scanned the bustling of the camp. Once he felt that the area was clear of unwanted ears or eyes, Jericho lowered his head toward the sheepdog and addressed him with a hushed tone. “I want you and your unit to set guard around the camp. Do not leave your posts unless I personally instruct you to.” He began, Jallal nodding at his words as he listened to his orders. “Freydoun and his unit will take your shift in the morning. Until then, not a single rookie, dam, or whelp shall leave this camp. It will be your job to tell them so, understood?”

Jallal’s head dipped low in a nod. Relaxing his stance slightly, Jericho swept his eyes over the camp once more before finishing his words. “I’ll be taking a patrol with me to inspect the eastern region. Keep your patrols out of our way, and when I return, we’ll see what’ll have to be done.”

“Yes, my lord.” The Catalan Sheepdog returned once more, and he dipped his head for the final time before hastily swiveling on his heels and into the camp. The Alano observed as he gathered his unit beneath him and discussed with them the matters of their orders, then the soldiers separated and chose certain posts scattered throughout the camp and its outer-rim to stand guard. Satisfied with this outcome, Jericho padded out from his own den and into the camp, making certain to seem relaxed as to not worry or stir anxiety in the others.

Jericho went from one den to the next, extracting his soldiers from their nests and leading them out from the camp. As soon as they left earshot of the camp, having traveled for a few minutes or so already, the Cerberus turned and flicked his tail, signaling for the party to halt.

“There’s been a wolf scented in the eastern region of the territory.” The leader announced, watching as the soldiers’ expressions contorted into those of shock and surprise. “I’ve already made preparations back at camp, everyone will be stationary until the threat is cleared.” He assured them with a nod.

“But we are going to find this mangy bastard ourselves.”

[w0ah]

updated images.

COMPLETED
- jericho
- xylos
- khan
- soheile

TO-DO
- freydoun (siberian husky)
- jallal (catalan sheepdog)
- prodan (kangal)
- dara & sonto (ibizan hound)
- vega +pups? (ibizan hound)