Just a story I started AGES ago and never finished... Thankyou Glitter for helping me.
Dustbin Alley ~ One
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I used to be a shadow. Broken. Nothing I did was right. I was beaten and abused in ways you could not imagine. I was torn up and thrown away, but somehow was always reeled back in for more of this torture. Perhaps I should have done what I am doing now at the start of those two years. Run away, create a new life and start truly living, be a new soul. Nameless and unhomed, I am the street dog.
I headed out across a lonely street, dragging my damp tail behind me along the ground. My rough fur slowly started to rip up and mat, but I didn't care. I'd lick it better later. Headlights flashed by, the buzzing of the late night street lights continuously ringing in my ears. I was hungry and tired. My eyes settled on a cosy-looking spot behind a rusty dustbin. I supposed it would do for the night, even if I was sharing my bed with a rat or two. I quietly, with slight hesitation, limped over too the shadowed corner. The harsh air and whipped cream fog whirled in a pattern around me as I sighed impatiently, waiting for the night too pass.
I open my lazy eyes, the shift in colour making my eyes blur for a moment. I rub one with a paw, my vision coming into more focus. Everything looks orange. They focus more and I see fine hair in front of me. I open my eyes widely, taking a few frightened steps back and hitting the wall with my back. I fall into a sitting position, frowning at the bundle of fur in front of me. I stare it out for a few minutes, before tapping it with my paw. It moves, and I back myself up against the wall again in terror. Instead of the monster I imagine, small
yellow eyes smile up at me.
I grin almost stupidly at this sight. A young pup, just like me. I check for a hint of hostility in its eyes, its body, but find nothing.
"Where did you come from...?" I whispered. My voice was uncontrollably shaking, my rich red eyes glistening curiously in the morning light. Others like me lurked around the dark alley, almost floating, light on their feet like ghosts. They swept between bin bags, occasionally rustling one or kicking an empty carton of something across the floor. More and more seemed to appear by the second. I was where I had fallen to rest last night, surrounded by similar straggly homeless dogs. Small, and tall, they all were staring, watching me at my every move. I felt a tight grip from inside around my lungs and heart, struggling to stay upright as a drug like nervousness swallowed me. I held my breath, awaiting someone to speak.
Nothing moved for a good five minutes. I felt awkward in-between the silence, scraping an orange peel on the floor with my claws. A voice broke the silence. A ruff, metallic deep voice. My eyes cast onto a dog moving closer. I tried to move back again, pushing against the shadowy wall in fear.
"What is your name?" The voice boomed, as I looked at the massive silhouetted figure in front of me, "Don't speak, 'ey? Hm. Your name shall be Poppy. Don't refuse."
I nodded quietly, small relief washing over me as the dog had chosen a name that matched her gender.
"Right," He said gruffly, though his tone growing friendlier. "Now, if you wish to stay here, earn your keep. We will need plenty of food. Look, Amber will guide you through the ways around here. She's the dog that scared you by just sitting there. Keep in mind; no one is your friend. We are here together to survive."
He then shifted around to head away, before unexpectedly turning his neck back to look at me.
"Oh yes, and my name is Kane. Sorry to be so... formal. I just need to keep this place in order."
He smiled a toothy grin, his fangs glinting off the orange sunshine then continued walking away.
Soon enough everyone started to work, while I walked around with Amber. She spoke in a soft humming voice that I could barely hear over the racket of digging holes, rummaging bins and yelps and howls.
"Now, we will start with the rules." she said, an obvious pride gleaming through her voice, "Listen up. No aggravating anyone who is working. Don't mess with Kane, and be sure to work as hard as you can. Sleep is limited, so make sure you make the most of it when you have...” She stopped, grinning. "He's gone. Confused? None of us like Kane all that much too be honest. Pretty stuck up I'd say. Doesn't really deserve charge of this place, just because his father had it...” she paused, "Well... I personally think that I would make a much better leader. Don't you agree?" I stared into her eyes, a blank expression reflecting off my face. "I guess you don't know me," she followed quickly, "But I'm sure you'd agree in time. Hungry? Follow me."
I quickly twisted to follow her, the thought of food giving me a rush of excitement. It had been long since I had eaten properly... years, in fact. My paws skidded across the ground, not quite gripping, and gave away underneath me. I thumped to the ground, sliding a few feet towards Amber and in sight of the food. My goofy grin quickly sunk to a frown, as the embarrassment of falling and realisation of the definition of 'food' in this place fell over me. I stood up as fast as I could, brushing dirt off my coat and hanging my head as a burst of chuckling barks rung around the place.
"That was not fair...” I mumbled angrily. My expression was stronger than I imagined. It felt like I had been tossed up in the air and turned inside out. What a reputation I had for myself now. Another young female, just opposite the food, glared at me. I felt so ashamed, I don't know why. The other dog's face was small and short, and I had to try hard to keep myself from turning away in shame of her tiny eyes. I tried a sassy look, but soon went red and hid my face in ruffles of my neck fur. I would not cry, I promised myself, taking several steps forward to keep up with Amber.
"Humph. What a little girl you are..." She lowered her voice down to a whisper, "Now, what the hell do you think you are doing humiliating yourself in front of those guys for?" Amber kept a cool face, giving a spiteful smile to the small-faced dog.
I slowly staggered behind her, head sunk low, tail in-between my back legs. 'What a start' I thought, my mind now flickering to the food.
I sat beside Amber, my expression growing unhappy by the minute. I looked with discontent down at the mixture of dead rat and leftover, then back over at Amber. I puffed my cheeks in disgust, seeing her gobble down a half eaten rat with a beaming smile on her face, and quickly looked away. I focused on the dog across from me; her small eyes smugly watching me hesitate above the food. She picked up the head of a rat, throwing it with ease across the pile so it landed at my paws.
"Eat it." she hissed, her voice high-pitched but still sly, "Unless you're too much of a kitten to."
Amber looked up from her meal, her eyes narrowing.
"Back off." she growled, watching the dog recoil slightly, then put her head back down to eat. The small-faced dog continued to keep her eyes on me, and after a few awkward moments I pawed at the rat-head below me.
"It can't be so bad.” I thought to myself, "It's just meat, I'm sure I've eaten worse.”
I clenched my teeth around a whisker, holding it up and inspecting its ugly face.
Without taking a second glance I put the rat-head in my mouth whole, chewing slowly, wincing at the fleshy taste. I had half of it left in mouth and still my gut refused to swallow it. I sighed, taking more distasteful
bites. I swallowed the rest, now eager for some fresh drink. I looked up at Amber, who had now started on a small white mouse. My stomach churned at the sight. As I watched the small dog turn around and walk off, Amber spoke.
"Ugh, what a ..." She stopped, chewing the last of what was in her mouth. "You ignore her. Name's Imogen. Spoilt for her own good. Kane's favourite. Rumours say she gets fresh water. All we get is milk that's gone off. Finish what you have and that should do for now." She grinned, licking her lips happily. "C'mon. I'll keep on showing you around." Quickly swallowing what was held in my mouth, I scrambled to find grip on the rough cement. I finally lifted myself up, running carefully to Amber.
Feeding time ~ two
--------------------------------------------------
Three weeks soon slipped past, my knowledge now almost perfect. I had met a few more friends; Tigi and Indigo were good fun at times. It was mid-day when Imogene re-appeared. Suspicious, I walked up to her, leaving Amber to sort out the small amount of food left that we selected from the bins.
"Hi...” I started, showing a wide smile. She only stared at me blankly, and then smirked, her sharp teeth pushing out the sides of her mouth.
"Why aren't you working, Poppy? Kane will chuck you if you're this careless. He doesn't like dogs who don't work." She licked her paw in a cat-like fashion, eyes fixed to mine. What an angel she seemed, all perfect and honourable. It was disgusting.
"What, so he doesn't like you then?" I smirked back in the same manner, wondering how I had become so cocky all of a sudden. Imogene kept a grin, looking me up and down.
"You do know Amber doesn't like you? She's a house dog. Only comes down here and pretends to be one of us. Has a taste for rats. I see her, I do. Wondering around in the crisp night air to see her spoilt owner. Best friends with me, too. Brings back fresh water and everything!"
"No!" I shouted, a frown creeping across my face. "You just lie. I know it. She's the best friend I've ever had. And don't you say otherwise! You know you are just jealous!"
I wondered if it actually was true, but kept that too myself, almost in tears. Her eyes seemed to smile at me, even when she closed her mouth. How sick was she? I shivered, quickly running over to Amber were I skidded into a pile of half eaten rats. It seems like my feet are all over the place when I'm here.
Amber rolled her eyes at me, moving me out of the way with her paw and continuing to eat the slightly crushed rats. I got up as boldly as I could, sitting beside Amber and flicking my tail nervously. I didn't know whether to smile or not, or just perhaps stare blankly? I just did what first came to mind, and questioned her. "Amber?" I looked up at her, frowning. "Can I ask you a few questions? They will only be short ones, just, I saw you the other night... you... were wandering out of premises, what were you doing up and about at that time?" I looked with a puzzled face. This, I didn't know was true, but surely Amber would certainly give me clues. Her face seemed blank, as she coughed to reply.
"Why were... you up at that time anyway?" She mumbled, he voice crisp and harsher than I remember.
We heaved with anticipation as we tried to quickly get it up to Kane without being late. He had a tight schedual and would not be happy if it was late. the sky began too black, it was going too rain. I sighed, putting all my effort in carrying it up. We had placed it in a half broken crate, and pushed it over the bins. What a place this was! I'd always kept too the west of this retired building, but this side, on the east, half of the brick factory remaned along with a small water mill, the stream was deserted now, dry and no water. I looked over to Amber, who was cursing at wind. It was blowing harder, and few drops began to fall upon our already damp food. We finally reached the entrance, without a single word we entered the Deserted shelter.
The same, gruff metallic voice boomed across the great large hall, anxious for his food. Slightly scared and awkwardly I rushed forward to greet him. "Uh..." I stammered, "Right over here. There wasn't much left so..." Before I finished Kane had already dived in, maliciously slapping his lips together as food was shoved into his menacing mouth. I rolled my eyes at Amber. I couldn't take my eyes off him eating. I felt a tug on my shoulder as Amber was now directing me through the other side opening. She signalled we better leave him to finish it as others came in with more. He had just too much!
Dustbin Alley ~ One
--------------------------------------------------
I used to be a shadow. Broken. Nothing I did was right. I was beaten and abused in ways you could not imagine. I was torn up and thrown away, but somehow was always reeled back in for more of this torture. Perhaps I should have done what I am doing now at the start of those two years. Run away, create a new life and start truly living, be a new soul. Nameless and unhomed, I am the street dog.
I headed out across a lonely street, dragging my damp tail behind me along the ground. My rough fur slowly started to rip up and mat, but I didn't care. I'd lick it better later. Headlights flashed by, the buzzing of the late night street lights continuously ringing in my ears. I was hungry and tired. My eyes settled on a cosy-looking spot behind a rusty dustbin. I supposed it would do for the night, even if I was sharing my bed with a rat or two. I quietly, with slight hesitation, limped over too the shadowed corner. The harsh air and whipped cream fog whirled in a pattern around me as I sighed impatiently, waiting for the night too pass.
I open my lazy eyes, the shift in colour making my eyes blur for a moment. I rub one with a paw, my vision coming into more focus. Everything looks orange. They focus more and I see fine hair in front of me. I open my eyes widely, taking a few frightened steps back and hitting the wall with my back. I fall into a sitting position, frowning at the bundle of fur in front of me. I stare it out for a few minutes, before tapping it with my paw. It moves, and I back myself up against the wall again in terror. Instead of the monster I imagine, small
yellow eyes smile up at me.
I grin almost stupidly at this sight. A young pup, just like me. I check for a hint of hostility in its eyes, its body, but find nothing.
"Where did you come from...?" I whispered. My voice was uncontrollably shaking, my rich red eyes glistening curiously in the morning light. Others like me lurked around the dark alley, almost floating, light on their feet like ghosts. They swept between bin bags, occasionally rustling one or kicking an empty carton of something across the floor. More and more seemed to appear by the second. I was where I had fallen to rest last night, surrounded by similar straggly homeless dogs. Small, and tall, they all were staring, watching me at my every move. I felt a tight grip from inside around my lungs and heart, struggling to stay upright as a drug like nervousness swallowed me. I held my breath, awaiting someone to speak.
Nothing moved for a good five minutes. I felt awkward in-between the silence, scraping an orange peel on the floor with my claws. A voice broke the silence. A ruff, metallic deep voice. My eyes cast onto a dog moving closer. I tried to move back again, pushing against the shadowy wall in fear.
"What is your name?" The voice boomed, as I looked at the massive silhouetted figure in front of me, "Don't speak, 'ey? Hm. Your name shall be Poppy. Don't refuse."
I nodded quietly, small relief washing over me as the dog had chosen a name that matched her gender.
"Right," He said gruffly, though his tone growing friendlier. "Now, if you wish to stay here, earn your keep. We will need plenty of food. Look, Amber will guide you through the ways around here. She's the dog that scared you by just sitting there. Keep in mind; no one is your friend. We are here together to survive."
He then shifted around to head away, before unexpectedly turning his neck back to look at me.
"Oh yes, and my name is Kane. Sorry to be so... formal. I just need to keep this place in order."
He smiled a toothy grin, his fangs glinting off the orange sunshine then continued walking away.
Soon enough everyone started to work, while I walked around with Amber. She spoke in a soft humming voice that I could barely hear over the racket of digging holes, rummaging bins and yelps and howls.
"Now, we will start with the rules." she said, an obvious pride gleaming through her voice, "Listen up. No aggravating anyone who is working. Don't mess with Kane, and be sure to work as hard as you can. Sleep is limited, so make sure you make the most of it when you have...” She stopped, grinning. "He's gone. Confused? None of us like Kane all that much too be honest. Pretty stuck up I'd say. Doesn't really deserve charge of this place, just because his father had it...” she paused, "Well... I personally think that I would make a much better leader. Don't you agree?" I stared into her eyes, a blank expression reflecting off my face. "I guess you don't know me," she followed quickly, "But I'm sure you'd agree in time. Hungry? Follow me."
I quickly twisted to follow her, the thought of food giving me a rush of excitement. It had been long since I had eaten properly... years, in fact. My paws skidded across the ground, not quite gripping, and gave away underneath me. I thumped to the ground, sliding a few feet towards Amber and in sight of the food. My goofy grin quickly sunk to a frown, as the embarrassment of falling and realisation of the definition of 'food' in this place fell over me. I stood up as fast as I could, brushing dirt off my coat and hanging my head as a burst of chuckling barks rung around the place.
"That was not fair...” I mumbled angrily. My expression was stronger than I imagined. It felt like I had been tossed up in the air and turned inside out. What a reputation I had for myself now. Another young female, just opposite the food, glared at me. I felt so ashamed, I don't know why. The other dog's face was small and short, and I had to try hard to keep myself from turning away in shame of her tiny eyes. I tried a sassy look, but soon went red and hid my face in ruffles of my neck fur. I would not cry, I promised myself, taking several steps forward to keep up with Amber.
"Humph. What a little girl you are..." She lowered her voice down to a whisper, "Now, what the hell do you think you are doing humiliating yourself in front of those guys for?" Amber kept a cool face, giving a spiteful smile to the small-faced dog.
I slowly staggered behind her, head sunk low, tail in-between my back legs. 'What a start' I thought, my mind now flickering to the food.
I sat beside Amber, my expression growing unhappy by the minute. I looked with discontent down at the mixture of dead rat and leftover, then back over at Amber. I puffed my cheeks in disgust, seeing her gobble down a half eaten rat with a beaming smile on her face, and quickly looked away. I focused on the dog across from me; her small eyes smugly watching me hesitate above the food. She picked up the head of a rat, throwing it with ease across the pile so it landed at my paws.
"Eat it." she hissed, her voice high-pitched but still sly, "Unless you're too much of a kitten to."
Amber looked up from her meal, her eyes narrowing.
"Back off." she growled, watching the dog recoil slightly, then put her head back down to eat. The small-faced dog continued to keep her eyes on me, and after a few awkward moments I pawed at the rat-head below me.
"It can't be so bad.” I thought to myself, "It's just meat, I'm sure I've eaten worse.”
I clenched my teeth around a whisker, holding it up and inspecting its ugly face.
Without taking a second glance I put the rat-head in my mouth whole, chewing slowly, wincing at the fleshy taste. I had half of it left in mouth and still my gut refused to swallow it. I sighed, taking more distasteful
bites. I swallowed the rest, now eager for some fresh drink. I looked up at Amber, who had now started on a small white mouse. My stomach churned at the sight. As I watched the small dog turn around and walk off, Amber spoke.
"Ugh, what a ..." She stopped, chewing the last of what was in her mouth. "You ignore her. Name's Imogen. Spoilt for her own good. Kane's favourite. Rumours say she gets fresh water. All we get is milk that's gone off. Finish what you have and that should do for now." She grinned, licking her lips happily. "C'mon. I'll keep on showing you around." Quickly swallowing what was held in my mouth, I scrambled to find grip on the rough cement. I finally lifted myself up, running carefully to Amber.
Feeding time ~ two
--------------------------------------------------
Three weeks soon slipped past, my knowledge now almost perfect. I had met a few more friends; Tigi and Indigo were good fun at times. It was mid-day when Imogene re-appeared. Suspicious, I walked up to her, leaving Amber to sort out the small amount of food left that we selected from the bins.
"Hi...” I started, showing a wide smile. She only stared at me blankly, and then smirked, her sharp teeth pushing out the sides of her mouth.
"Why aren't you working, Poppy? Kane will chuck you if you're this careless. He doesn't like dogs who don't work." She licked her paw in a cat-like fashion, eyes fixed to mine. What an angel she seemed, all perfect and honourable. It was disgusting.
"What, so he doesn't like you then?" I smirked back in the same manner, wondering how I had become so cocky all of a sudden. Imogene kept a grin, looking me up and down.
"You do know Amber doesn't like you? She's a house dog. Only comes down here and pretends to be one of us. Has a taste for rats. I see her, I do. Wondering around in the crisp night air to see her spoilt owner. Best friends with me, too. Brings back fresh water and everything!"
"No!" I shouted, a frown creeping across my face. "You just lie. I know it. She's the best friend I've ever had. And don't you say otherwise! You know you are just jealous!"
I wondered if it actually was true, but kept that too myself, almost in tears. Her eyes seemed to smile at me, even when she closed her mouth. How sick was she? I shivered, quickly running over to Amber were I skidded into a pile of half eaten rats. It seems like my feet are all over the place when I'm here.
Amber rolled her eyes at me, moving me out of the way with her paw and continuing to eat the slightly crushed rats. I got up as boldly as I could, sitting beside Amber and flicking my tail nervously. I didn't know whether to smile or not, or just perhaps stare blankly? I just did what first came to mind, and questioned her. "Amber?" I looked up at her, frowning. "Can I ask you a few questions? They will only be short ones, just, I saw you the other night... you... were wandering out of premises, what were you doing up and about at that time?" I looked with a puzzled face. This, I didn't know was true, but surely Amber would certainly give me clues. Her face seemed blank, as she coughed to reply.
"Why were... you up at that time anyway?" She mumbled, he voice crisp and harsher than I remember.
We heaved with anticipation as we tried to quickly get it up to Kane without being late. He had a tight schedual and would not be happy if it was late. the sky began too black, it was going too rain. I sighed, putting all my effort in carrying it up. We had placed it in a half broken crate, and pushed it over the bins. What a place this was! I'd always kept too the west of this retired building, but this side, on the east, half of the brick factory remaned along with a small water mill, the stream was deserted now, dry and no water. I looked over to Amber, who was cursing at wind. It was blowing harder, and few drops began to fall upon our already damp food. We finally reached the entrance, without a single word we entered the Deserted shelter.
The same, gruff metallic voice boomed across the great large hall, anxious for his food. Slightly scared and awkwardly I rushed forward to greet him. "Uh..." I stammered, "Right over here. There wasn't much left so..." Before I finished Kane had already dived in, maliciously slapping his lips together as food was shoved into his menacing mouth. I rolled my eyes at Amber. I couldn't take my eyes off him eating. I felt a tug on my shoulder as Amber was now directing me through the other side opening. She signalled we better leave him to finish it as others came in with more. He had just too much!
