Soldier
A soldier will always be a soldier. A murderer will always be a murderer. There is a rather thin line between the two; one so thin it's hard to discern, even in their own heads at times. A solider can be a decorated hero and still believe he's a murderer, and a murderer can be caught and still believe he's a soldier of his circumstances. The opinions of ones own self will always overpower the opinions of others, though, no matter what the truth may be.
Sasha is one such soldier who hates the good she did, because her mind has warped it to be bad. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start at the beginning, shall we?
Sasha is one such soldier who hates the good she did, because her mind has warped it to be bad. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start at the beginning, shall we?
Year 2000
Iridescent stood among the dead bodies, the coppery smell of blood filling her nose. Her chest was flayed open, though the blood was dry indicating a wound several days old. She blinked her emerald green eyes, looking at the chaos and carnage; distraught as the last 5 years dawned on her. 1995 the war started. 2000 it ended. For 5 years, Iridescent had fought among those she loved and strangers. For 5 years, she had killed. And somewhere along the way... she had forgotten why. Perhaps it had started with the plague that killed the people, or maybe it started over a border feud. Whatever the reasoning, Iridescent now stood alone in a sea of the dead.
Picking her way through the carnage, Iridescent was hit with a feeling of sorrow and loss. Most of her family had fought alongside her, and she had no way of telling who was still alive outside of herself. Well, no way of telling besides inspecting. So, inspecting she did.
Every brown body that resembled her mother, every golden tail as bushy as her fathers, led her to inspect them; but the remains were either too mangled to tell or simply weren't them. Iridescent spent her first night fresh out of the war, alone and cold; shivering as far from the smell of death as she could wander.
Gallant, another soldier, had spent much of his first night war-free doing the same as Iridescent. He had always hated coming from a long line of soldiers, warriors who had the fighting in their blood. Truth be told, he'd had no desire to join the war; but he also wanted nothing more than to please his increasingly distant father.
Unlike Iridescent, Gallant didn't sleep that first night; instead straining himself further to look for the bodies of his mother and father. Like Iridescent, he found nothing.
Dawn rose over the battle field in a brilliant golden hue. Streaks of red mimicked the streaks of blood left on the ground. Iridescent woke to a sound she hadn't heard in years-- the sound of birds chirping. For the last 5 years, the soldiers had heard little outside of snarls, yowls of pain and the snapping of jowls. Iridescent's green eyes blinked open and she launched to her paws; looking wildly around her for the enemies she was so used to seeing. Without prompting, her hackles had raised and her teeth bared.
It took a few moments for Iridescent to remember the war was over; and allow herself to relax. She went so far as to stretch, a long process she had been unable to really indulge in for the last 5 war ridden years. She shook out her dark brown pelt, and then resumed her search from the night before. Today, she came across others that were alive; many bearing as severe wounds as herself or worse.
Gallant, too, was still searching as dawn rose over the battlefield. He had spent the majority of his morning with his nose to the ground, inhaling scents he was used to from his parents. Any scent outside of copper-y blood was hard to discern, though, and it made it hard for Gallant to hold out any hope. As he lifted his head to give his neck a break, his blue eyes settled on a figure shorter than himself in stature. He was facing the dawn, and she was walking away from it. The gold light from the sky enveloped her, casting a halo around her body. Gallant truly believed he was looking at an angel.
Gallant tried to act nonchalant, walking towards the mystical figure the same way as he had been; pretending not to notice. Of course, this didn't bother Iridescent as she was conducting her own search. Gallant methodically placed himself in her path, bumping into her not long after. Iridescent let out a squeal of surprise; sounding very puppy-like and not at all like a soldier who had spent the last 5 years fighting.
Iridescent shook her body, before turning her glaring gaze on Gallant. "Watch where you're going." She snarled. Gallant studied the female before him, refusing to acknowledge her anger. Her fur was a dark brown, nearly chocolate. She had white on her chest, stomach and undertail. Her front paws were white, and as daylight dispersed he noticed little black hairs speckled across her body. Her eyes were a deep emerald green, the irises swirling to gold around the black pupil. He imagined the white on her body was probably originally a snow color, though now it was stained with mud and blood. A deep claw mark splayed across her chest, some skin hanging around the edges.
Dirt was embedded in the wound; though it looked like she had tried a mud poultice to close it. Done with his inspection, Gallant sat; letting his eyes lock with hers. "I'm Gallant." He stated simply. It had been a long time since he had talked to a female he wasn't fighting, much less flirted; and he was unsure how to start. Why his mind was on taking this female on a date in the middle of a body filled battlefield, Gallant wasn't sure.
Iridescent cocked her head, raising an eyebrow. Her eyes narrowed; but she studied the male. He was taller than her by more than a head. His pelt was white, his fur thick and fluffy. He had rainbow pastel spots littering his coat, freckles spattering his long nose. His eyes were almond shaped, similar to a wolf though he was clearly a husky. His eyes were a deep sea blue that sparkled with mischief, though horror swam at the edges from what Iridescent could tell. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to discern the color deeper. Towards his pupils, seafoam green swirled. Like herself, Gallant was covered in wounds; though none were quite as severe as her chest.
For a moment, Iridescent wished his fur was as soft as it looked it could be; and also wished it was clean. She shook her head, confused with herself as to why she was thinking such things in the midst of looking for her, likely, dead parents. She supposed trauma could do that to someone.
She, too, sat; but not before making sure the spot she would sit in wasn't doused in blood. She returned her steady gaze to his fidgety one, before speaking. "Iridescent." She stated. She was unused to her own voice, having had the lilt of a snarl wavering at the edges in recent years; making her voice rough. With the threat gone, her voice had returned to its original soft lilt; smooth as silk. It wasn't a voice she had practiced, one she was just given.
Gallant was shocked at the sound emanating from an obviously capable of destruction maw, and took a moment to savor the sound. "Who are you looking for?" He asked, his deep voice rumbling from his chest.
Iridescent paused again. Gallant was sure she was studying him further, trying to decide whether she trusted him. Finally, "My parents." She responded. As she said this, she looked quickly around them, surveying those bodies nearest them. Luckily, none of them shared the coats of either of her parents. She dropped her gaze to her paws, before again looking at Gallant. He could see the flicker of disappointment on her face, though it was quickly replaced with a stony, blank look. She was hiding her emotions; he could tell that much.
"I am, too." He responded. "No luck, yet."
Picking her way through the carnage, Iridescent was hit with a feeling of sorrow and loss. Most of her family had fought alongside her, and she had no way of telling who was still alive outside of herself. Well, no way of telling besides inspecting. So, inspecting she did.
Every brown body that resembled her mother, every golden tail as bushy as her fathers, led her to inspect them; but the remains were either too mangled to tell or simply weren't them. Iridescent spent her first night fresh out of the war, alone and cold; shivering as far from the smell of death as she could wander.
Gallant, another soldier, had spent much of his first night war-free doing the same as Iridescent. He had always hated coming from a long line of soldiers, warriors who had the fighting in their blood. Truth be told, he'd had no desire to join the war; but he also wanted nothing more than to please his increasingly distant father.
Unlike Iridescent, Gallant didn't sleep that first night; instead straining himself further to look for the bodies of his mother and father. Like Iridescent, he found nothing.
Dawn rose over the battle field in a brilliant golden hue. Streaks of red mimicked the streaks of blood left on the ground. Iridescent woke to a sound she hadn't heard in years-- the sound of birds chirping. For the last 5 years, the soldiers had heard little outside of snarls, yowls of pain and the snapping of jowls. Iridescent's green eyes blinked open and she launched to her paws; looking wildly around her for the enemies she was so used to seeing. Without prompting, her hackles had raised and her teeth bared.
It took a few moments for Iridescent to remember the war was over; and allow herself to relax. She went so far as to stretch, a long process she had been unable to really indulge in for the last 5 war ridden years. She shook out her dark brown pelt, and then resumed her search from the night before. Today, she came across others that were alive; many bearing as severe wounds as herself or worse.
Gallant, too, was still searching as dawn rose over the battlefield. He had spent the majority of his morning with his nose to the ground, inhaling scents he was used to from his parents. Any scent outside of copper-y blood was hard to discern, though, and it made it hard for Gallant to hold out any hope. As he lifted his head to give his neck a break, his blue eyes settled on a figure shorter than himself in stature. He was facing the dawn, and she was walking away from it. The gold light from the sky enveloped her, casting a halo around her body. Gallant truly believed he was looking at an angel.
Gallant tried to act nonchalant, walking towards the mystical figure the same way as he had been; pretending not to notice. Of course, this didn't bother Iridescent as she was conducting her own search. Gallant methodically placed himself in her path, bumping into her not long after. Iridescent let out a squeal of surprise; sounding very puppy-like and not at all like a soldier who had spent the last 5 years fighting.
Iridescent shook her body, before turning her glaring gaze on Gallant. "Watch where you're going." She snarled. Gallant studied the female before him, refusing to acknowledge her anger. Her fur was a dark brown, nearly chocolate. She had white on her chest, stomach and undertail. Her front paws were white, and as daylight dispersed he noticed little black hairs speckled across her body. Her eyes were a deep emerald green, the irises swirling to gold around the black pupil. He imagined the white on her body was probably originally a snow color, though now it was stained with mud and blood. A deep claw mark splayed across her chest, some skin hanging around the edges.
Dirt was embedded in the wound; though it looked like she had tried a mud poultice to close it. Done with his inspection, Gallant sat; letting his eyes lock with hers. "I'm Gallant." He stated simply. It had been a long time since he had talked to a female he wasn't fighting, much less flirted; and he was unsure how to start. Why his mind was on taking this female on a date in the middle of a body filled battlefield, Gallant wasn't sure.
Iridescent cocked her head, raising an eyebrow. Her eyes narrowed; but she studied the male. He was taller than her by more than a head. His pelt was white, his fur thick and fluffy. He had rainbow pastel spots littering his coat, freckles spattering his long nose. His eyes were almond shaped, similar to a wolf though he was clearly a husky. His eyes were a deep sea blue that sparkled with mischief, though horror swam at the edges from what Iridescent could tell. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to discern the color deeper. Towards his pupils, seafoam green swirled. Like herself, Gallant was covered in wounds; though none were quite as severe as her chest.
For a moment, Iridescent wished his fur was as soft as it looked it could be; and also wished it was clean. She shook her head, confused with herself as to why she was thinking such things in the midst of looking for her, likely, dead parents. She supposed trauma could do that to someone.
She, too, sat; but not before making sure the spot she would sit in wasn't doused in blood. She returned her steady gaze to his fidgety one, before speaking. "Iridescent." She stated. She was unused to her own voice, having had the lilt of a snarl wavering at the edges in recent years; making her voice rough. With the threat gone, her voice had returned to its original soft lilt; smooth as silk. It wasn't a voice she had practiced, one she was just given.
Gallant was shocked at the sound emanating from an obviously capable of destruction maw, and took a moment to savor the sound. "Who are you looking for?" He asked, his deep voice rumbling from his chest.
Iridescent paused again. Gallant was sure she was studying him further, trying to decide whether she trusted him. Finally, "My parents." She responded. As she said this, she looked quickly around them, surveying those bodies nearest them. Luckily, none of them shared the coats of either of her parents. She dropped her gaze to her paws, before again looking at Gallant. He could see the flicker of disappointment on her face, though it was quickly replaced with a stony, blank look. She was hiding her emotions; he could tell that much.
"I am, too." He responded. "No luck, yet."
6 months later
Iridescent had tried to ditch Gallant after their initial meeting. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy his company, or that she disliked him; she just found it hard to trust someone who knew only bloodshed such as herself. Would they find themselves battling each other because they knew nothing else? Gallant didn't seem to think so. He had good arguments-- two sets of eyes, two noses are better than one. Iridescent stopped arguing after the 3rd day. She supposed the company wasn't that bad, and it wasn't as if Gallant was sore on the eyes.
The two had wandered across the whole battlefield several times, inspecting every body multiple times; and failed to find their parents. After 6 months, they decided their attempts were futile. Perhaps their parents were still alive. Either way, it was time to move on from this war-riddled chapter of their lives.
A small portion of the other soldiers had left within the first few weeks; either traveling to their homes or looking to reintegrate into society. Others had stayed, like Iridescent and Gallant, looking for familiar faces in the sea of the dead and the other walking shells alike. In recent days, Gallant and Iridescent had noticed others who had stayed grouping off; though it seemed the groups were moving closer together. They'd noticed one dog from each group joining each other in a circle at night, as though they were negotiating something.
While they had stayed far from what looked to be politics for the most part, both were becoming increasingly curious. It was Iridescent who brought it up first, though. "What do you suppose they're meeting up for, Gallant?" She asked in that sing-song voice he had grown to love.
He rolled onto his back lazily, eyes still closed. The two had grown more comfortable, but Iridescent still stayed on guard where Gallant enjoyed lazing and basking in the sun. "I couldn't tell ya, Iri." He responded. "Nothin' we should be concerned with, I'm sure." He popped one eye open, a small grin crossing his maw as he glanced towards Iridescent. He would never tell her, but he was falling for her-- hard. She was gazing across the field, watching the congregation of dogs. He couldn't help the flutters he got at the sight of her.
Iridescent twitched her ear towards Gallant, acknowledging his use of the nickname he had given her. "Well, I suppose we should find out. Don't you? What if another war is starting?" Panic edged into her voice at the last bit. Neither had found their families still, and were growing more and more sure that they wouldn't. Iridescent was sure she was suffering from PTSD, though Gallant did his best to calm her fears of another war.
"Iri, I'm sure it's nothing like that. Do you think these little meetings would be so calm if they were planning a war?" At this point, he had rolled onto his stomach, resting his head on his paws though he continued to gaze at his companion. "Besides, I'll protect you." He added this in a soft, placating voice; hoping to ease her fears
At this, Iridescent hid a smile before pushing to her paws. She moved towards Gallant, plopping beside him and nestling against his body. She was much smaller than him, and it made her feel warm and safe all at once to be beside him. Perhaps they really would make it.
---
The days passed; the bitter cold turning into sweltering heat. Iridescent and Gallant stayed loners for the most part, though they to were slowly melting into the now rather large group coming together. They had made few allies, though never speaking long enough to become friends. This was more Iridescent than Gallant, truth be told, but the male would do whatever made his love feel safe.
Iridescent had caught on to Gallant's feelings for her, though she was unsure if she returned them. Before the war, she had had a beau... A male who was equal parts innocent and mature, eager and bold. He was her everything... but when the war came, and he disappeared, she knew he had not been the one. He had left her to take the cowards route, left her alone to fight in a battle when she needed him most.
Iridescent knew she would never forgive him for his betrayal, but perhaps she would never forgive any male for his betrayal, either. She knew in her head this was unfair, but in her heart she couldn't fathom ever feeling that pain again. So, she kept her distance from Gallant; hoping he would perhaps find love elsewhere. But, she should have known better.
It wasn't long before all those still living, who had had nothing to return to, were apart of the huge group still living in the field. Many had started he process of clearing out the dead, Gallant among them. Iridescent had opted to stay away, not wanting to stumble upon her parents. Despite this, it had become clear that Iridescent was the bolder of the two. She was more than willing to state her opinion, and had even worked her way up to being an adviser of sorts. Gallant, meanwhile, stayed near; daring anyone to approach her wrong. After all, he knew he would never find another like Iridescent.
That's not to say females didn't try. In fact, Gallant was approached by many females (and Iridescent many males). But, both turned the suitors away; finding them rather unsuitable. Sure, those females had fought to; but they did not have near the amount of grace as Iridescent. And, of course, those males were strong and obviously brave; but would any care for Iridescent at the capacity that Gallant did?
The two had wandered across the whole battlefield several times, inspecting every body multiple times; and failed to find their parents. After 6 months, they decided their attempts were futile. Perhaps their parents were still alive. Either way, it was time to move on from this war-riddled chapter of their lives.
A small portion of the other soldiers had left within the first few weeks; either traveling to their homes or looking to reintegrate into society. Others had stayed, like Iridescent and Gallant, looking for familiar faces in the sea of the dead and the other walking shells alike. In recent days, Gallant and Iridescent had noticed others who had stayed grouping off; though it seemed the groups were moving closer together. They'd noticed one dog from each group joining each other in a circle at night, as though they were negotiating something.
While they had stayed far from what looked to be politics for the most part, both were becoming increasingly curious. It was Iridescent who brought it up first, though. "What do you suppose they're meeting up for, Gallant?" She asked in that sing-song voice he had grown to love.
He rolled onto his back lazily, eyes still closed. The two had grown more comfortable, but Iridescent still stayed on guard where Gallant enjoyed lazing and basking in the sun. "I couldn't tell ya, Iri." He responded. "Nothin' we should be concerned with, I'm sure." He popped one eye open, a small grin crossing his maw as he glanced towards Iridescent. He would never tell her, but he was falling for her-- hard. She was gazing across the field, watching the congregation of dogs. He couldn't help the flutters he got at the sight of her.
Iridescent twitched her ear towards Gallant, acknowledging his use of the nickname he had given her. "Well, I suppose we should find out. Don't you? What if another war is starting?" Panic edged into her voice at the last bit. Neither had found their families still, and were growing more and more sure that they wouldn't. Iridescent was sure she was suffering from PTSD, though Gallant did his best to calm her fears of another war.
"Iri, I'm sure it's nothing like that. Do you think these little meetings would be so calm if they were planning a war?" At this point, he had rolled onto his stomach, resting his head on his paws though he continued to gaze at his companion. "Besides, I'll protect you." He added this in a soft, placating voice; hoping to ease her fears
At this, Iridescent hid a smile before pushing to her paws. She moved towards Gallant, plopping beside him and nestling against his body. She was much smaller than him, and it made her feel warm and safe all at once to be beside him. Perhaps they really would make it.
---
The days passed; the bitter cold turning into sweltering heat. Iridescent and Gallant stayed loners for the most part, though they to were slowly melting into the now rather large group coming together. They had made few allies, though never speaking long enough to become friends. This was more Iridescent than Gallant, truth be told, but the male would do whatever made his love feel safe.
Iridescent had caught on to Gallant's feelings for her, though she was unsure if she returned them. Before the war, she had had a beau... A male who was equal parts innocent and mature, eager and bold. He was her everything... but when the war came, and he disappeared, she knew he had not been the one. He had left her to take the cowards route, left her alone to fight in a battle when she needed him most.
Iridescent knew she would never forgive him for his betrayal, but perhaps she would never forgive any male for his betrayal, either. She knew in her head this was unfair, but in her heart she couldn't fathom ever feeling that pain again. So, she kept her distance from Gallant; hoping he would perhaps find love elsewhere. But, she should have known better.
It wasn't long before all those still living, who had had nothing to return to, were apart of the huge group still living in the field. Many had started he process of clearing out the dead, Gallant among them. Iridescent had opted to stay away, not wanting to stumble upon her parents. Despite this, it had become clear that Iridescent was the bolder of the two. She was more than willing to state her opinion, and had even worked her way up to being an adviser of sorts. Gallant, meanwhile, stayed near; daring anyone to approach her wrong. After all, he knew he would never find another like Iridescent.
That's not to say females didn't try. In fact, Gallant was approached by many females (and Iridescent many males). But, both turned the suitors away; finding them rather unsuitable. Sure, those females had fought to; but they did not have near the amount of grace as Iridescent. And, of course, those males were strong and obviously brave; but would any care for Iridescent at the capacity that Gallant did?
Year 2001
"Dashing, I have to meet with the leaders. I'll be back." Iridescent whispered this to a sleeping Gallant. Gallant rolled towards her, wrapping his paws around her neck.
"Must you leave, Iri?" He asked, wearing a pout on his maw.
Iridescent giggled, leaning her nose to touch his before responding. "I'm afraid so, love." She nuzzled her face into his neck. "But, it really is important. They want to send Tinner on a hit. And, I just don't think he's ready." She sighed, laying a leg across his chest and resting on him for a moment. "I really hate being this 'hit adviser'. I hope they find a permanent one soon."
"Well, doll, you could be one of the hitters; like yours truly." Gallant gave his signature hot-shot grin. He had become a hitman, though Iridescent didn't fully approve.
Iridescent pulled back, glaring at him. "That comment was in very poor taste." She growled. "I don't see why you would risk your life further after the war!" She shook her head, though her eyes softened. "I can't lose you Gallant." She murmured softly.
"Must you leave, Iri?" He asked, wearing a pout on his maw.
Iridescent giggled, leaning her nose to touch his before responding. "I'm afraid so, love." She nuzzled her face into his neck. "But, it really is important. They want to send Tinner on a hit. And, I just don't think he's ready." She sighed, laying a leg across his chest and resting on him for a moment. "I really hate being this 'hit adviser'. I hope they find a permanent one soon."
"Well, doll, you could be one of the hitters; like yours truly." Gallant gave his signature hot-shot grin. He had become a hitman, though Iridescent didn't fully approve.
Iridescent pulled back, glaring at him. "That comment was in very poor taste." She growled. "I don't see why you would risk your life further after the war!" She shook her head, though her eyes softened. "I can't lose you Gallant." She murmured softly.
Year 2002
Sasha was born in the year 2002, after her parents had known eachother for 2 years. While her parents were still apart of the mercenary group, they wanted something different for their pups; namely Iridescent. Because of this, they moved deeper into the woods surrounding the mercenary camp; though they continued to be active members. They weren't sure if they would always be active members, or if they would move on to find an even better lifestyle for their puppies; but they were satisfied with their lives at the point.
Sasha's litter was of 6 puppies; 3 males and 3 females. Her sisters, Hecate and Rhea, were much different than herself. Hecate was motherly, and soft. Rhea was an adventurer, but far too kind and harmonious. Sasha was fierce, protective and bold. She stood out in all the things she and her sisters did together, and had Gallant wrapped around her paws.
Hecate and Rhea hardly noticed their father's favor for Sasha, being that they were generally with Iridescent. Zeus, Ares and Apollo; Sasha's brothers, were equally as fierce as Sasha... mostly. Apollo had his short comings, being similar to Hecate in a fatherly nature way. Zeus and Ares, though, quickly became Sasha's favorite siblings.
Sasha was curious, overly so at times, and always eager to find out what her parents did without their pups. Iridescent and Gallant were careful to slip away without being noticed, but even they couldn't avoid Sasha's watchful eye. One afternoon, after the pups were 8 weeks old, Gallant and Iridescent slipped away. Or, they thought they slipped away.
Sasha had been keeping an eye on them all morning, though she feigned playing with her favorite brother Ares. The two were caught in what their parents thought was an intense game of 'War', but Sasha managed to untangle herself from her brother. Ares followed his sister, curious as she was.
"Where are we going, Sash?" He asked; eyes darting all around.
"Shush, Ares. We're following mom and dad." Sasha snapped, turning glaring mis-matched eyes on her, now, obnoxious brother.
"Whatever. Have fun with that." Ares responded, rolling his eyes and bouncing away to go annoy other siblings.
Sasha, still a young puppy, was becoming increasingly tired as she trotted after her parents. She was quiet, though, and even paced. Her eyes never left the tip of her dads tail, waving just slightly as though beckoning her along; though she knew he didn't realize she was there.
When they finally burst through the end of the forest, Sasha was momentarily blinded by the sun. The canopy of trees she had been raised under throughout her 8 weeks of life had shielded her thus far, but suddenly the brilliance of the sun was before her; and the heat beating down on the open field was encompassing her. She let out an involuntary squeal as she looked away, twisting her eyes closed.
"Sasha, what are you doing here!?" Sasha jerked her head around, to stare at her dad. She grinned sheepishly, before looking past him at the open field. Hundreds of canines walked in the clearing, some covered in blood and others baring their teeth at one another in the same way as she and Ares had been.
"What is this pop!?" Sasha exclaimed, leaping forward in excitement. She had never seen other adult dogs, and was excited to meet them; though her father placed a firm paw on her back stopping her.
Iridescent approached at this point, and Gallant turned a pointed gaze to his mate. "It's time we told the pups, Iri."
----
Sasha promised to wait 3 more months to tell her siblings. On the day that the six pups turned 5 months old, their parents sat them down for a serious discussion.
"Hecate, Rhea, Sasha, Apollo, Ares and Zeus we need to have a serious talk today. Sasha has known this for awhile, but we asked her to wait until you five were older." Gallant began.
"Wait." Zeus interrupted, eyes narrowing. "That's why Sasha goes with you guys once a week?"
"Yes, only because she has chosen to lead the same lifestyle as your mother and I. Listen, Zeus." Gallant responded, a soft growl resounding around his words. "Your mother and I were in the war some years ago, and that's where we met. We fell in love, but we stayed on as mercenaries. When your mother became pregnant, we decided to show you pups a new lifestyle. Your sister, though, found out about our.. double life. We are now offering all of you the chance to either embrace that life, or continue this one. We will be okay, either way." He smiled, looking at each of his children carefully to gauge their reactions.
Hecate and Rhea almost immediately said no, though Ares Zeus and Apollo had to discuss. Ares and Zeus decided they also wanted to join Sasha, but Apollo declined. "I don't think fighting is ever the answer." He reasoned with a shrug, settling beside Hecate and Rhea.
Ares looked offended, turning to his brother. "I'm not doing this for fighting. I want to be able to protect my family." He growled, fur bristling.
Zeus laughed, "I wanna fight." He shrugged.
Sasha smiled. It was so much more than fighting, or protection. The adrenaline racing through her veins... she shivered a the thought. These boys were in for it.
---
Iridescent, Gallant, Sasha, Ares and Zeus walked down the trail leading to the training grounds slowly. Gallant outlined the rules Sasha already knew, resulting in her daydreaming. She believed her brothers were almost as strong as she was, and would be worthy adversaries, but she also knew she was literally built for this life the same as her parents. Maybe her siblings were just a little more soft.
Hecate, Rhea and Apollo had started learning about different herbs and healing processes with their parents; giving them all enough time that neither group was jealous. Of course, the "peace" group probably didn't realize the "war" group was getting all the same training. They needed it out in the field. Rhea had expressed some interest in becoming a nurse for the war, but little else was mentioned among the three. Sasha told Rhea that would be a worthy position, but she didn't mean it. There was no honor, or glory, in being a nurse.
'Maybe I'm just selfish.' Sasha thought to herself, though she shook the thought from her head. It didn't matter why she fought. It only mattered that she was good. As they entered the field, faces Sasha had seen and grown to know for weeks approached. They knew, of course, about the two new additions; but many were interested in seeing the pups for themselves. Ares and Zeus were vastly different from their sister. While Ares shared her brown coat, he had no white. A black spot covered one eye, and the opposite ear was also black. Both of his eyes were emerald green. He had some pastel spots littering his muzzle, but that was it. Zeus had a white pelt like their father. He had brown paws, and a brown underside. He had pastel spots littering his back and his withers; but that was it. His eyes were mismatched, like Sasha's, but of gold and emerald green.
Both boys were solidly built, though Ares was wider and shorter than Zeus. A large male wolf, his pelt ash gray and eyes a dark brown, approached the family. His name was Admani, and he was one of the leaders. "You didn't tell me your boys were so much bigger than Sasha." He said, his voice gruff; though his face relatively kind.
"All of my boys are solid, sir." Gallant said, standing at attention. Iridescent and Sasha followed suit while the boys shrank behind their father. "C'mon out boys." Gallant said, turning to look at his kids. He smiled. "This is Admani. He's a lot kinder than he seems." He gave a light wink.
The boys scooted forward, and Admani smiled. He first looked at Ares. "You must be Ares. You're built for defense." He then turned his gaze on Zeus. "And you must be Zeus. Why, you'd be great for speed I reckon." He tilted his head, clearly thinking. Sasha had been into just about every training group, honing all of her skills; but the boys would start where they would excel first. She had started in stealth.
"Ares, you will join the sparring team for now. There you will learn proper fighting techniques, and how to hone your body to be more solid than it already is. Zeus, you will join the race team. There you will hone your stamina, and train your body to be as quick as it can be. Don't worry, you'll move to other teams as you pass your exams." He stood with a grunt, a sign that the group was dismissed.
Ares and Zeus settled into a swift paced trot beside their sister. "Sasha... what team are you on?" Ares asked shyly.
"I'm on all of them, Ares." Sasha responded with a wide toothed grin.
Ares and Zeus exchanged jealous glances. "Don't be surprised when we surpass you, Sasha." Zeus snarled. The two had always butt heads, but Zeus seemed particularly aggressive this day. Sasha rolled her eyes.
"Then let the games begin." She responded.
Sasha's litter was of 6 puppies; 3 males and 3 females. Her sisters, Hecate and Rhea, were much different than herself. Hecate was motherly, and soft. Rhea was an adventurer, but far too kind and harmonious. Sasha was fierce, protective and bold. She stood out in all the things she and her sisters did together, and had Gallant wrapped around her paws.
Hecate and Rhea hardly noticed their father's favor for Sasha, being that they were generally with Iridescent. Zeus, Ares and Apollo; Sasha's brothers, were equally as fierce as Sasha... mostly. Apollo had his short comings, being similar to Hecate in a fatherly nature way. Zeus and Ares, though, quickly became Sasha's favorite siblings.
Sasha was curious, overly so at times, and always eager to find out what her parents did without their pups. Iridescent and Gallant were careful to slip away without being noticed, but even they couldn't avoid Sasha's watchful eye. One afternoon, after the pups were 8 weeks old, Gallant and Iridescent slipped away. Or, they thought they slipped away.
Sasha had been keeping an eye on them all morning, though she feigned playing with her favorite brother Ares. The two were caught in what their parents thought was an intense game of 'War', but Sasha managed to untangle herself from her brother. Ares followed his sister, curious as she was.
"Where are we going, Sash?" He asked; eyes darting all around.
"Shush, Ares. We're following mom and dad." Sasha snapped, turning glaring mis-matched eyes on her, now, obnoxious brother.
"Whatever. Have fun with that." Ares responded, rolling his eyes and bouncing away to go annoy other siblings.
Sasha, still a young puppy, was becoming increasingly tired as she trotted after her parents. She was quiet, though, and even paced. Her eyes never left the tip of her dads tail, waving just slightly as though beckoning her along; though she knew he didn't realize she was there.
When they finally burst through the end of the forest, Sasha was momentarily blinded by the sun. The canopy of trees she had been raised under throughout her 8 weeks of life had shielded her thus far, but suddenly the brilliance of the sun was before her; and the heat beating down on the open field was encompassing her. She let out an involuntary squeal as she looked away, twisting her eyes closed.
"Sasha, what are you doing here!?" Sasha jerked her head around, to stare at her dad. She grinned sheepishly, before looking past him at the open field. Hundreds of canines walked in the clearing, some covered in blood and others baring their teeth at one another in the same way as she and Ares had been.
"What is this pop!?" Sasha exclaimed, leaping forward in excitement. She had never seen other adult dogs, and was excited to meet them; though her father placed a firm paw on her back stopping her.
Iridescent approached at this point, and Gallant turned a pointed gaze to his mate. "It's time we told the pups, Iri."
----
Sasha promised to wait 3 more months to tell her siblings. On the day that the six pups turned 5 months old, their parents sat them down for a serious discussion.
"Hecate, Rhea, Sasha, Apollo, Ares and Zeus we need to have a serious talk today. Sasha has known this for awhile, but we asked her to wait until you five were older." Gallant began.
"Wait." Zeus interrupted, eyes narrowing. "That's why Sasha goes with you guys once a week?"
"Yes, only because she has chosen to lead the same lifestyle as your mother and I. Listen, Zeus." Gallant responded, a soft growl resounding around his words. "Your mother and I were in the war some years ago, and that's where we met. We fell in love, but we stayed on as mercenaries. When your mother became pregnant, we decided to show you pups a new lifestyle. Your sister, though, found out about our.. double life. We are now offering all of you the chance to either embrace that life, or continue this one. We will be okay, either way." He smiled, looking at each of his children carefully to gauge their reactions.
Hecate and Rhea almost immediately said no, though Ares Zeus and Apollo had to discuss. Ares and Zeus decided they also wanted to join Sasha, but Apollo declined. "I don't think fighting is ever the answer." He reasoned with a shrug, settling beside Hecate and Rhea.
Ares looked offended, turning to his brother. "I'm not doing this for fighting. I want to be able to protect my family." He growled, fur bristling.
Zeus laughed, "I wanna fight." He shrugged.
Sasha smiled. It was so much more than fighting, or protection. The adrenaline racing through her veins... she shivered a the thought. These boys were in for it.
---
Iridescent, Gallant, Sasha, Ares and Zeus walked down the trail leading to the training grounds slowly. Gallant outlined the rules Sasha already knew, resulting in her daydreaming. She believed her brothers were almost as strong as she was, and would be worthy adversaries, but she also knew she was literally built for this life the same as her parents. Maybe her siblings were just a little more soft.
Hecate, Rhea and Apollo had started learning about different herbs and healing processes with their parents; giving them all enough time that neither group was jealous. Of course, the "peace" group probably didn't realize the "war" group was getting all the same training. They needed it out in the field. Rhea had expressed some interest in becoming a nurse for the war, but little else was mentioned among the three. Sasha told Rhea that would be a worthy position, but she didn't mean it. There was no honor, or glory, in being a nurse.
'Maybe I'm just selfish.' Sasha thought to herself, though she shook the thought from her head. It didn't matter why she fought. It only mattered that she was good. As they entered the field, faces Sasha had seen and grown to know for weeks approached. They knew, of course, about the two new additions; but many were interested in seeing the pups for themselves. Ares and Zeus were vastly different from their sister. While Ares shared her brown coat, he had no white. A black spot covered one eye, and the opposite ear was also black. Both of his eyes were emerald green. He had some pastel spots littering his muzzle, but that was it. Zeus had a white pelt like their father. He had brown paws, and a brown underside. He had pastel spots littering his back and his withers; but that was it. His eyes were mismatched, like Sasha's, but of gold and emerald green.
Both boys were solidly built, though Ares was wider and shorter than Zeus. A large male wolf, his pelt ash gray and eyes a dark brown, approached the family. His name was Admani, and he was one of the leaders. "You didn't tell me your boys were so much bigger than Sasha." He said, his voice gruff; though his face relatively kind.
"All of my boys are solid, sir." Gallant said, standing at attention. Iridescent and Sasha followed suit while the boys shrank behind their father. "C'mon out boys." Gallant said, turning to look at his kids. He smiled. "This is Admani. He's a lot kinder than he seems." He gave a light wink.
The boys scooted forward, and Admani smiled. He first looked at Ares. "You must be Ares. You're built for defense." He then turned his gaze on Zeus. "And you must be Zeus. Why, you'd be great for speed I reckon." He tilted his head, clearly thinking. Sasha had been into just about every training group, honing all of her skills; but the boys would start where they would excel first. She had started in stealth.
"Ares, you will join the sparring team for now. There you will learn proper fighting techniques, and how to hone your body to be more solid than it already is. Zeus, you will join the race team. There you will hone your stamina, and train your body to be as quick as it can be. Don't worry, you'll move to other teams as you pass your exams." He stood with a grunt, a sign that the group was dismissed.
Ares and Zeus settled into a swift paced trot beside their sister. "Sasha... what team are you on?" Ares asked shyly.
"I'm on all of them, Ares." Sasha responded with a wide toothed grin.
Ares and Zeus exchanged jealous glances. "Don't be surprised when we surpass you, Sasha." Zeus snarled. The two had always butt heads, but Zeus seemed particularly aggressive this day. Sasha rolled her eyes.
"Then let the games begin." She responded.
Year 2004
Over the next two years, all of the puppies grew and matured. Each of them were becoming adults, and learning to find their own paths in life. Sasha had remained at the top of all of their classes, enticing jealousy and border-line hatred from Zeus. Ares respected his sister, and even admired her. Along with finding their new paths in life, all of them had grown and looked much different from when they began.
Sasha's brown coat had only darkened as she grew older, though her white stood out stronger than ever. Her pastel stripe, and then her pastel flanks, were bright; though easily covered with mud when she was needed for a hit. She was still small in stature, her top class remaining stealth. Her dog tags were always worn around her neck, along with a bloody bandage wrapped around her paw from her early days.
Zeus had become something of Sasha's counterpart. He was tall, though he had gained a lot of muscle and was no longer considered built for speed. His white coat had lost much of its pastel coloring, that had already been scant to begin with. The brown, though, had melted further up his body; now covering both sides; though stopping just before the brown reached his back.
Ares looked the same for the most part, though he had also become more toned like their brother. He wasn't quite as tall as Zeus, but he wasn't as short as Sasha either. His coat was fuller than that of his siblings, though, which made him good for defense even 2 years later. It was harder for enemies to latch onto him past all of his fur, after all.
Hecate was taller than Sasha and Ares, almost matching Zeus in height. Like Ares, her coat was thicker than the others. She was agile, though on the plump side from her days of mostly sitting, sorting herbs. Her coat was the darkest of the siblings, an almost black brown color. But, she also had the most color; even more than Sasha. A long stripe went from her forehead, all the way down to the tip of her tail. The coloring was a pastel, gradient rainbow coloring. Both of her eyes were vibrantly gold.
Apollo was the smallest of the pups. While his brothers were big, he was short; though somewhat stocky. His coat was pure white, with pastel spots littering it. The pastel was so light, unless you were looking you couldn't tell. His eyes were vibrantly gray, and intense. While he was a healer at heart, he could defend his family as well as his brothers (with little to no formal training). Apollo was an interesting male, though, in that he preferred talking things over to fighting.
Rhea was probably the most unique colored of her siblings, and also the twin to Ares. Rhea was slightly taller than Sasha, but not by very much. Her coat was pure brown, like Ares. She had the opposite black spot and black ear to him. Unlike Ares, though, she had some pastel spots in her undercoat; each ringed with white.
The 'peace' group, containing Apollo, Rhea and Hecate, were slowly becoming more interested in the work their siblings did-- but not enough to get involved. Rhea had started her nurse training with their mother, and Sasha actually joined her. She figured it couldn't hurt to be skilled in caring for her wounded comrades. Ares and Apollo found themselves spending a lot of time together, exchanging things they'd learned. While the 'soldier' pups had been given a substantial amount of herbal knowledge from their parents, the other 3 had been given even more. In exchange for fighting techniques, Apollo taught Ares how to make poultices he had never heard of before. Hecate was interested in learning more about fighting, but had no interest in learning from Zeus who had become distant from his siblings.
---
Sasha woke early on the morning of her, and her siblings, birthday. She was excited-- but not to be turning 2. She was excited because, finally, she was considered an 'adult' among the other elders in the clearing; and now she would be respected. She hoped. Admani had always had some level of respect for Sasha, but the others had constantly sneered at her despite her talents. While they treated her poorly, they all were happy to spend time with Zeus. Ares was ignored for the most part.
She slunk out of her den, which she had built herself. As she entered a small clearing where her family normally enjoyed time together, she realized she wasn't the first awake. Zeus sat alone, staring at himself in the small stream running through the clearing. "Good morning." He grunted, standing and turning towards his sister. His mismatched eyes glowered-- but that was their normal look.
"Good morning, Zeus." Sasha responded. She waltzed to the water, taking a sip and then looking mischievously at her brother. "Happy birthday, oldest one." She laughed, splashing him with some water.
Zeus jumped in surprise as the cool water landed on his back, seeping into his coat. "Why you little..." He chuckled, tackling Sasha into the water. While they had their differences on the battlefield, and Zeus hated his sisters skill, in this clearing they were siblings; they were friends.
Slowly, their 4 siblings congregated to the clearing and joined in the tussle. Sasha found herself tangled with Hecate; boisterous laughter filling the air. Gallant and Iridescent entered the clearing, chuckling under their breaths. They sat together, waiting for their puppies to notice them. Eventually, the wrestling ended and all 6 sets of eyes turned to see their parents.
"Happy birthday Zeus, Hecate, Apollo, Ares, Rhea and Sasha!" Their parents belted out in unison.
Gallant stood, puffing his chest out in pride. "Today, you will all take your exams and see who can enter the true field of battle. Hecate, Apollo, Rhea; we need herbologists on the grounds. Rhea, you will be taking your nursing test today but are free to take the other tests as well. Hecate, Apollo you will be taking your herbologist tests; but of course if you don't want to be on the grounds should you pass you don't have to."
The pups all glanced around themselves, wide grins on their determined faces. Today was the day. When any mercenary dg turned 2, they were tested on all their skills and placed into their respective 'permanent' roles. Sasha used permanent loosely; plenty of dogs switched their roles every now and again. She, Zeus and Ares would be earning their titles, though, and officially learn who was the 'best' overall.
Hecate, Apollo and Rhea would also be tested; to see who, if any, would qualify for first respondents. If not, they would all be placed at the 'home base' facility; where the wounded on the field (or, caught hitmen) would come to be treated if not too severely injured.
Sasha's brown coat had only darkened as she grew older, though her white stood out stronger than ever. Her pastel stripe, and then her pastel flanks, were bright; though easily covered with mud when she was needed for a hit. She was still small in stature, her top class remaining stealth. Her dog tags were always worn around her neck, along with a bloody bandage wrapped around her paw from her early days.
Zeus had become something of Sasha's counterpart. He was tall, though he had gained a lot of muscle and was no longer considered built for speed. His white coat had lost much of its pastel coloring, that had already been scant to begin with. The brown, though, had melted further up his body; now covering both sides; though stopping just before the brown reached his back.
Ares looked the same for the most part, though he had also become more toned like their brother. He wasn't quite as tall as Zeus, but he wasn't as short as Sasha either. His coat was fuller than that of his siblings, though, which made him good for defense even 2 years later. It was harder for enemies to latch onto him past all of his fur, after all.
Hecate was taller than Sasha and Ares, almost matching Zeus in height. Like Ares, her coat was thicker than the others. She was agile, though on the plump side from her days of mostly sitting, sorting herbs. Her coat was the darkest of the siblings, an almost black brown color. But, she also had the most color; even more than Sasha. A long stripe went from her forehead, all the way down to the tip of her tail. The coloring was a pastel, gradient rainbow coloring. Both of her eyes were vibrantly gold.
Apollo was the smallest of the pups. While his brothers were big, he was short; though somewhat stocky. His coat was pure white, with pastel spots littering it. The pastel was so light, unless you were looking you couldn't tell. His eyes were vibrantly gray, and intense. While he was a healer at heart, he could defend his family as well as his brothers (with little to no formal training). Apollo was an interesting male, though, in that he preferred talking things over to fighting.
Rhea was probably the most unique colored of her siblings, and also the twin to Ares. Rhea was slightly taller than Sasha, but not by very much. Her coat was pure brown, like Ares. She had the opposite black spot and black ear to him. Unlike Ares, though, she had some pastel spots in her undercoat; each ringed with white.
The 'peace' group, containing Apollo, Rhea and Hecate, were slowly becoming more interested in the work their siblings did-- but not enough to get involved. Rhea had started her nurse training with their mother, and Sasha actually joined her. She figured it couldn't hurt to be skilled in caring for her wounded comrades. Ares and Apollo found themselves spending a lot of time together, exchanging things they'd learned. While the 'soldier' pups had been given a substantial amount of herbal knowledge from their parents, the other 3 had been given even more. In exchange for fighting techniques, Apollo taught Ares how to make poultices he had never heard of before. Hecate was interested in learning more about fighting, but had no interest in learning from Zeus who had become distant from his siblings.
---
Sasha woke early on the morning of her, and her siblings, birthday. She was excited-- but not to be turning 2. She was excited because, finally, she was considered an 'adult' among the other elders in the clearing; and now she would be respected. She hoped. Admani had always had some level of respect for Sasha, but the others had constantly sneered at her despite her talents. While they treated her poorly, they all were happy to spend time with Zeus. Ares was ignored for the most part.
She slunk out of her den, which she had built herself. As she entered a small clearing where her family normally enjoyed time together, she realized she wasn't the first awake. Zeus sat alone, staring at himself in the small stream running through the clearing. "Good morning." He grunted, standing and turning towards his sister. His mismatched eyes glowered-- but that was their normal look.
"Good morning, Zeus." Sasha responded. She waltzed to the water, taking a sip and then looking mischievously at her brother. "Happy birthday, oldest one." She laughed, splashing him with some water.
Zeus jumped in surprise as the cool water landed on his back, seeping into his coat. "Why you little..." He chuckled, tackling Sasha into the water. While they had their differences on the battlefield, and Zeus hated his sisters skill, in this clearing they were siblings; they were friends.
Slowly, their 4 siblings congregated to the clearing and joined in the tussle. Sasha found herself tangled with Hecate; boisterous laughter filling the air. Gallant and Iridescent entered the clearing, chuckling under their breaths. They sat together, waiting for their puppies to notice them. Eventually, the wrestling ended and all 6 sets of eyes turned to see their parents.
"Happy birthday Zeus, Hecate, Apollo, Ares, Rhea and Sasha!" Their parents belted out in unison.
Gallant stood, puffing his chest out in pride. "Today, you will all take your exams and see who can enter the true field of battle. Hecate, Apollo, Rhea; we need herbologists on the grounds. Rhea, you will be taking your nursing test today but are free to take the other tests as well. Hecate, Apollo you will be taking your herbologist tests; but of course if you don't want to be on the grounds should you pass you don't have to."
The pups all glanced around themselves, wide grins on their determined faces. Today was the day. When any mercenary dg turned 2, they were tested on all their skills and placed into their respective 'permanent' roles. Sasha used permanent loosely; plenty of dogs switched their roles every now and again. She, Zeus and Ares would be earning their titles, though, and officially learn who was the 'best' overall.
Hecate, Apollo and Rhea would also be tested; to see who, if any, would qualify for first respondents. If not, they would all be placed at the 'home base' facility; where the wounded on the field (or, caught hitmen) would come to be treated if not too severely injured.