Finally got around to this. It took me a while since I didn't really have the inspiration to write for a not, but I managed. Enjoy!
Chapter 1: "The Aftermath"
Part I
It's been three days since Dax had eaten. Or was it four? The young scimitar wasn't sure anymore. Three to four days; definitely too long. After the flood swept over the valley the vultures had settled in to claim the victims. Several lifeless, bloated bodies lay strewn across the geyser field and throughout the now emptied land. It had been 2 days since the incident, and Dax had never once stopped to consider the possibility that this "boat" the crazy vulture had talked about even existed. No, he was ready for the end. Ready to face what lay ahead.
In front of him lay a scene of disarray. Several animals were still in mourning, shocked and traumatised from the ordeal. Some were lying beside their lost loved ones, not bothering to get up or move as they let loose stifled cries. Dax turned his gaze to one, a female sabertooth tiger sprawled across the still wet ground with several cubs, probably only a few months old. She was leaking blood out of her nostrils and her rib cage bent inwards, crushed by something during the chaos. The male standing over her wasn't much older, wailing sorrowfully at her corpse. His right shoulder had considerable gouges trailing down to his chest which were still bleeding, and scars that traced the right side of his orange, furred face. He was skinny for a saber, and it seemed as though he too hadn't eaten for a while, most likely out of depression. Dax stopped for a moment, facing the male just for a second. He couldn't seem to place it, but the male had triggered a memory inside of his head. A loved one perhaps? Despite his attempt to do so he found himself unable to break away from the despaired animal, captivated by it. After a moment of contemplation he had come to the conclusion that this animal was probably going to die as well.
"Hey," a voice said from ahead of him. His eyes were redirected to the direction of the word, drawn out of his musing. The voice, deep with a warm softness about it, came from the animal leading him along. It was a weasel, his back adorning grey, short fur. The weasel turned, facing Dax with his bright blue eyes locking onto his multicolored irises. His chest fur was a dull white, stained with dirt and some blood he had acquired from attempting to aid other animals when the water had receded. Dax pondered whether he cared it was still there.
"Are you coming? We're leaving this place, Dax. We've done what we could, leave the rest to Mother Nature." His voice was monotone, almost emotionless. Especially the last part spoken.
"Yeah, yeah I'm coming." Dax said. He bounded up beside his weasel companion, glancing at the smaller animals weary gaze. It wasn't hard to figure out he was tired.
"Desmond, what are we gonna do? Everything's been washed away."
The weasel let out a soft sigh, taking in the words of the young scimitar. He lifted his head, looking at the towering walls of ice that lined up, separating only to create a crevasse that drained the water to wherever. It didn't matter now, it was over. They had survived, they're still alive. THAT'S what matters.
Nothing more.
His ear twitched, forcing his gaze to his right side. There, in a small ditch was another casualty, a deer standing over what he presumed to be her mate. He could only hear small whines coming from the herbivore, all the while the occasional soft "Oh, why.." escaped her mouth.
Desmond made an attempt to block out her cries. What mattered to him was that they lived. Everything else was beyond his control. At least, that's what he thought. He had done as he promised; he kept Dax alive. Not an easy feat, but accomplished nonetheless.
Desmond halted his steps for but a moment, Dax stopping beside him. They were close to the outside. Everything beyond the ice wall could either be ruin, or their personal Paradise. Whatever lay ahead, their next step would be formed. Trees were strewn across the ground, crumpled and twisted abnormally from the weight of the water that beared itself down on them so rapidly just days ago. How was it that despite these giants falling victim to something they drink, beings less than a third of the size prevailed in it's wake? What made them so special?
"We should keep moving, Des. The vultures are getting bad out here. The deer are being ravaged." Desmond noted the scimitars' worried expression sprawled across his face as he said this. His eyes spoke the truth, it was becoming a murder scene out here. Scavengers were going to engage in a repulsive feast here pretty soon. All those who had decided to live already left.
This was a place to die, now.
Desmond shook his head. "Why don't you feed on something the just passed here, Dax. You can't just go without eating." He pointed towards a body, hoping to entice Dax into getting some food in him.
"It wouldn't be right.." Dax simply stated. His response caused Desmond to groan in frustration. Although he was right, now was not the time to debate over morals. It was easy for Desmond, some fruit and meat was all he needed. It was hard not to think about, but he would feast off of the recently dead, though only the ones who weren't being mourned. He didn't need much, but he understood Dax's internal struggle.
With a stern huff Desmond walked over to a carve carcass and tore some meat off of it. Dax watched, a frown came upon his face as he did this. With a couple steps Desmond was back and holding the bloody meat.
"Eat it." He said, bringing the meat closer to Dax's unwavering expression.
"No, I'll hunt when we're out of here." Dax retorted.
"With what energy, Dax? You're gonna exhaust yourself when you can just regain your strength here. We've been through something awful, but now is not the time for arguing." Desmond could tell that Dax was partially offended by the gesture, unwilling to even smell the meat in his hand.
"I'll eat.. When we get out of here," This time anger came out of these words. "And I don't need you to baby me about it." Dax shuffled a bit as he said this, feeling uneasy about the ordeal.
"Then go hungry." Desmond said sharply as he cast aside the meat in his paw. It landed a few feet away with a wet splash. Dax watched it go, only to turn his eyes back to the weasel, who was now walking away in silence. It was obvious talking to him now was not an option, so Dax decided to let him be. To his right, just down the small hill, the scent of fresh kill had filled Dax's nose. The smell of blood was putrid, making his nose burn slightly. It was a mammoth, a child to be specific. Daxter frowned at the sight, it's mother was either dead or moved on like the rest, leaving the dead to wither into a fading memory. He shuffled slightly, debating against himself. His stomach was telling him yes, but his conscience no.
He followed his stomach. Padding over to the carcass, the smell intensified until it was all he could smell. The child's eyes bulged with glassy, hollow irises that were glued straight ahead. It's mouth was open, exposing a row of broken teeth. Dax stirred the tiniest bit, and made quick his decision to begrudgingly eat this fallen being.
He didn't enjoy it, but his stomach was full. Desmond was right, though he wouldn't tell him that. He didn't need to. Perturbed by the scene, he quietly made his way back to the weasel, cleaning his bloodstained lips and occasionally stopping to clean his paws. It was at this moment that the silence between them was once again broken.
Desmond turned to his companion, who was busy cleaning himself.
"I know," he began. "It sucks. But we have to keep our energy up for the days to come. Who knows what's beyond this valley. We have to be prepared for what we're gonna face, Dax."
The youngling sighed heavily, staring not at Desmond, but the ice walls. "Can we just get out of here?"
Desmond realized that his mind was already preoccupied with something else, judging by the half glazed look in his eyes. In an affectionate display, Des licked his paw and attempted to smear off some blood on Dax's left cheek where he was having trouble cleaning it off.
He decided to confront the issue, "I know you want to find your sister, Dax. We will."
At this, the scimitar sprung to life. He lifted his gaze up to meet his multicolored eyes with Desmond's. His mood had been lifted, made clear by the soft smile that creeped across his face with sincerity.
Una… Dax's only sister. His memory of her was fond despite it's briefness. He remembered her voice, soft but stern when needed. Her eyes, and her face… he remembered the day they left to swim in the lake just a few hundred yards away from the pack, much to their fathers disapproval. It was the only time they would have alone, and considering that he was the only one she trusted, it was well worth her time spent.
Then he remembered what she said...
"Dax." Desmond's voice rang through his ears, forcing him back to reality. A small tug on his chin brought those eyes back into focus.
"You good?" Desmond asked. He tapped Dax's shoulder, a small sign of affection and affirmation. The scimitars' paws extended absentmindedly through the dirt, and he let out a breath of relief, one that seemed to be held in forever.
"Do you think… do you think she's alive, Des?" The thought almost made him tear up. He blinked, sending the forbidden water back from where it came from. He watched the weasel stop dead in his tracks, his ear twitched with thought.
"I can't say. We won't know until we find her. But you should be prepared for the worst, my friend." He said, pausing to take a breath, "I won't give you false hope. The best we can do is look. We agreed to go back and find your pack. I don't like it given the circumstances-"
"I'm glad you're coming. I couldn't do it without you, Desmond." Dax said quickly, a smirk rising across his face.
Desmond placed a paw on his friend's shoulder. "We're in this together. It's the least I could do." At this he smiled, and then started his way towards the exit, leaving Dax to watch his steps for a bit before following behind.
It's the least I could do… the words hit him like stone. That was his go to thing. As if Desmond owed Dax for something… As if he felt in debt. For what, Dax hadn't been able to find out because if he ever brought it up Desmond would just smile and brush it off like nothing. But it wasn't NOTHING. Far from it.
As if the weight of debt were to be placed on his shoulders, there was no reason for it. After all, whenever Dax needed his help, Des was always there to give it. It was love, that much he could tell. From a weasel, nonetheless. Des was special, at least to Dax, because instead of seeing the cat as a potential threat like others would have perceived, Desmond saw something else. He saw a chance.
Desmond raised me.. he thought to himself. Like a father.. the thought was almost surreal. An herbivore, raising a carnivore. What a tale that would be to tell. As if anyone would believe it.
"I will leave you behind, don't tempt me." Desmond snickered, causing Dax to once again smile. It seemed at this point that's all Des was trying to do was make him smile. It was the only way to keep hope alive.
Up ahead, the clouds began to part, causing bright streams of light to burst through. It exploded across the ground, brightening the way. Desmond heard the sound of Dax's paws approaching, to which he too began to walk the path again. He hopped across a puddle, barely making it to the other side as he heard a small splash from the back of his feet.
At the sound of a chuckle, Desmond lowered his gaze to a body, a scimitars' that was still breathing, at the bottom of a small hill. It was still semi submerged in a couple inches of water, and seemed to be dying. Several buzzards and vultures were swarming, awaiting for this pitiful creature to die, apparently. One of the vultures swooped down to meet the animal until it landed. Ruffling it's long, black feathers, the vulture creeped along the body, surveying its victim.
"Still alive?" It said.
Desmond could hear the cat groan painfully. Then, it spat out blood. He then turned away from the overbearing scavenger.
"Not willing to talk?"
"Screw you." The scimitar spoke. The words cut through the air.
"Mm, still some ssspirit in this one… do tell me, are you afraid to die?" The vulture teased it's prey, pecking at its paws and causing the animal to swipe weakly at it.
"If you're going to kill me, then do it now. I'd like to see my mate." He growled out, only to cough out blood mixed with phlegm. He took several ragged breaths, labored and sporadic. His end was near.
The vulture placed his claw on the creature's neck. "If I do, will you promise me something?"
"Want me to kiss ya before I die?" The fallen animal asked sharply. It was a very sarcastic tone. The vulture spread it's wings and laughed heartily before digging its claw into his neck, drawing blood.
"How cute, but no. Everybody dies sometime, mate." Several gurgling noises could be heard coming from the scimitar as the vulture pressed down into his neck, suffocating him. Blood poured out of the wounds he made, and the animal himself began to stir, vainly attempting to struggle for his own life. it continued for mere moments before all became still.
"Don't be disappointed if you find nothing on the other side." The vulture said as he ate.
I
Diego's eyes scanned the horizon surrounding his sight atop a small hill. After the meltdown, Manny had plans to join the mammoth herd with Ellie, leaving Sid and Diego to do their own thing. It hurt to think about in the moment, but Diego had wished him the best. He deserved it, after all. Someplace in his heart sorrow had swelled at the thought of them never seeing each other again, but it was quickly replaced when he found out that the two newlyweds had changed their minds. Now it was the six of them.
The next step was to find a bearing. Where were they to go?
"We should head north." Manny spoke up. His voice hinted at worry. Ellie was busy watching the to possums attempt to perform a stunt involving the use of their tails as they see who would hold them in the mouth of a Venus Flytrap the longest. She shook her head, half ready to snatch them before they hurt themselves and half curious to see what would happen.
"Why, what's North?" Sid asked, waddling up to his saber friend.
"Anything is better than this open field we're currently inhabiting. We're a walking feast out here." Manny retorted.
Diego agreed silently. Ahead there wasn't much vegetation other than grass. Trees were few and far for miles. It was open territory, and very advantageous territory for ambush predators like himself. His primary worry was just that… More sabers.
"We don't need to worry about that, we have Diego!" Crash had exclaimed while pinning his brother down.
"Yeah? Not if there's a pack of them, stupid!" Eddie said, slapping Crash in the jaw and kicking him off. Eddie landed a few feet away with a loud "oof!", quickly recovering and ready for another attack by his brother in their play fight.
Ellie looked at the saber. She hated to admit it, but her brother was right. One or two sabers were easy to fight off. But a pack?
"How many were in your pack, Diego?" Sid asked casually, not really paying attention to the sensitivity of the subject. Diego growled low at the question asked, thinking of ways to switch the topic without seeming agitated by the thought of his past history being brought up
Manny noticed the tigers apprehension, and stepped in to redirect the attention off of him. "Eddie is right. The fact of the matter is we're vulnerable out here. We should make our decision quickly and get moving. Daylight won't last forever."
"We go west!" Eddie pointed east and stood with his chest puffed out. A lot of intention went into that, it seemed.
"That's east, you idiot." Crash spoke.
"Well, look who's gonna replace "Uber Tracker" over there. Alright genius, which way is South?"
"That way." Crash pointed towards a distant patch of pine trees spread through several acres of land that bordered off of a mountain range. The sun's rays danced around at the discretion of the wandering cloudburst creeping across the land. Before Crash could say anymore, he was cut off by Eddie pouncing on him, and the two once again began a round of slap fighting.
Diego turned his gaze to the bottom of the plateau, a couple hundred yards away toward a patch of tall grass guested by two large rock formations jutting out of the Earth. A faint bellow sounded out from that general area, heard only by his ears due to everyone else deafened by the brothers' fight. He zoned in on the second rock, slightly larger than the first with a sharp point directed threateningly towards the sky. In that area, a very large Megaloceros grazed on the grass, complacent to the distant predator.
Everything became distant to him as he watched the animal eat. He wasn't interested in hunting at the moment, he was just observing. The landscape wasn't very dense with vegetation, so this can't be it's home. He was probably just passing through. The extensive rack at the crest of it's head was massive, meaning this animal had very good genes, making him a good catch for a predator. Diego pondered this for a moment.
It was the only one here, at least that he could smell. He inhaled deeply, just to be sure of that fact and was reassured. This however did not mean the herd and this animal were the only existing entities within the vicinity, that was an absolute impossibility. There was, to be noted dutifully, no sign of any other living being in his sight, though these grounds were undoubtedly high traffic, the terrain told him through it's impacted state. Herds of deer, mammoths and sabertooth tigers travel through here, during migration and breeding season.
It was very dangerous territory.
Then, movement. Diego's eyes were forced back to the grazing mammal. It was marking it's territory, scraping it's horns crudely on the rock.
What an idiot...Diego thought to himself. Herbivores can be so naive.
A flick of its tail raised suspicion, and the Megaloceros raised its head, scanning its surroundings, confirming Diego's internal fear.
It's being hunted.
II
Dax squinted a bit as he silently padded beside Desmond. The sun burst through the clouds as they began to break up. They had crossed through the ice wall, both in consensus on the idea of never returning. Now their path moved ever onward, with miles of grassland ahead of them. Patches of tall grass occupied small spaces spread throughout, and tracks were imprinted into the ground, put there by large masses of animal herds traveling through the area. Towering mountains observed the land below them, silently gazing downwards in solitude. The view made Dax feel small… VERY small.
"Well… Isn't that a sight to see." Desmond said as he paced ahead of the scimitar.
"Yeah, wide open spaces, and heavy traffic it seems." Desmond nodded in agreement.
Silence became of the two.
"So," Dax began with a smooth smirk forming, "Where to begin?" A slight breeze worked it's way through the land, brushing his fur slightly, ruffling the short mane on the back of his neck. Dax breathed in the fresh air, smelling the wet grass that swayed to and fro in unison with the wind. He exhaled, and noted a slightly earthy scent among the sweet odor. Inhaling once more it was confirmed that his senses did not receive him.
There were others.
"What is it?" Desmond inquired. Dax scanned the area, searching for the slightest movement. His eyes stood their ground, sentries prepared to alert the duo of any incoming threat. The role Dax played was important, he reigned superior in the realm of sensitive sight and hearing. While he wasn't fully grown, his ability to seek out danger had saved the two multiple times.
"I smell wolves. There's a pack nearby. And-" he sniffed the air again, new developments taking hold. Desmond stood in front of him, ready to take in the details and formulate the plan. Being the leader of the two he was always ready to get Dax out of the stickiest of situations, both literally and metaphorically. He'll never let Dax forget the time he got stuck in the tar pit…
Dax blinked, "Shall we?" He said with a snicker as he nudged the weasel forward, surprising him with the sudden gesture.
"Ready for adventure, are we? Come on then, princess." Desmond gripped a tuft of Dax's fur and jumped on to his back. Dax chuckled softly at the joke, and broke into a jog down the hill.
*I*
Light broke into the forest in fragments, broken by the heavy forestry racing towards the sky. The summer wind was dry, but cooling to the skin. Dax inhaled sharply, feeling the hot air burn his mouth slightly as he exhaled, slightly winded by the intense run he just endured after chasing after Raj, his brother and, despite his denial, fathers favorite.
"You should be more careful, Dax! You almost got us killed! And now we're gonna get an earful from father!" Raj bellowed. He was slightly larger than Dax, orange furred with teal eyes and a temperament of a short-faced bear. He pushed up against Dax, frustrated with the cub's carelessness.
"Hey, I wouldn't have gotten caught if you just kept your mouth shut!" Dax retorted harshly.
"Are you kidding me? Since when are we allowed to just wander into a Dire Wolf den and steal bones off of their kill? That's literally the most irresponsible thing you've done!"
Typical… "Seriously, Raj. You're overreacting." Dax scratched his chest, smiling coyly as he knew he had gotten on his brothers nerves.
"Talking to you is like trying to communicate with an inanimate object, Dax."
"I suppose you'd have more friends if you started doing that."
"Oh you-" Raj swiped at Dax, missing his face by mere inches. With swift movement typical of the scimitars Dax pounced on Raj, knocking him on his left side with a hard thump and knocking a bit of air out of him.
"Not so tough now, huh?" He said. Raj growled and kicked at his hind legs, scratching Dax's belly in the process. Dax howled out in pain and jumped back, quickly assessing the wound.
"Bad move!" Raj yelled, and made another attack, this time sending a successful swipe at Dax, striking his jaw. His head snapped to the side, sending a small amount of blood spilled across the ground. Dax returned one of his own, stomping on Raj's paw while clamping his teeth down on his muzzle.
"Excellent move, Daxter!" A low voice called out to him. Another scimitars, an adult, slowly made his way to the two sparring cubs. Dax smiled, and while Raj turned his head to see who it was he jumped on his occupied opponent, this time pinning him to the ground.
"Raj!" The male bellowed, giving the defeated cub a glare. "Never turn away from your opponent. You disappoint me."
Raj lifted his gaze up to the male. He was large, with lean shoulders built for running. They were long, but not too thickly muscled. He sported three long slash marks traveling from his right ear down to his bottom left saber tooth. His right eye was completely dead, most likely the result of said marks. Like Dax, his fur was orange with a cream white underbelly. An older male, noted by the throaty voice that command respect.
"Uncle Art, he didn't fight fair.* Raj said.
Art shook his head, not willing to listen to the cubs complaining. "You'll never be an alpha with that attitude, Raj. If you can't learn to defend yourself from his attacks, then you will never win."
"What's going on here, Art?" Another male padded up to the older one. He was slightly slender in his build, but no less deadly.
"Raj just got his butt whooped by Dax here. I was watching the fight from the pine over there" he pointed to a tree a couple feet away.
"He stomped on my foot, Locke. It really hurt!"
"Hmph.. Not much of a fight then, eh? Una could probably do better." Locke clicked his tongue. "Art, go report to Jack. He's got a task for you."
"Oh is that so? When does he not?" Art rolled his eyes, annoyed with the message. Jack was his alpha, but being the lieutenant of said alpha didn't seem to come with much of a payoff. He didn't have much time to himself, so any second he could get was treasured..
"The pack needs you to lead them on this scouting mission, Art. I know it'll be another couple of days without your mate, but don't worry. When the season comes around which, just so you know, is tomorrow, I'll be sure to keep her company."
"You keep talking like that I'll make sure you won't be able to create nothing but the sounds of gurgling on your own blood, Locke. We all know you aren't into women anyway." Art smirked, with a couple of steps he turned to head back to the camp.
"Well with a gorgeous set of eyes- or should I say eye like that Arty I'd let you seduce me any day." Art turned and let out a low growl at the beta, the story about his eye obviously sensitive material.
"Watch what you say, Locke… Remember who you work for." Art bared his teeth at Locke for a second, hoping to scare the younger male into silence rather than continuing the vexatious game of one up between them. Locke watched him as he left, contemplating the words just spoken to him. He wasn't oblivious to the fact that the lieutenant was holding a grudge against the alpha, but it didn't seem like that grudge was worth holding on to.
He remembered the day well, it had started off with a hunt for a herd of mammoths in the area. Jack was leading the first group in an attempt to scare the adults into confusion while isolating the calves. Art was the leader of group two, which Locke was partied in. Everything was being handled well by the two, until Art had overclocked Jacks move into the herd. While it wasn't fatal, his error had forced the party to split up so that half could take care of the calves while Jack chased the adults away. His trust in Art had withered that day, though it wasn't entirely disreputable of him.
"Uncle Locke, what did Uncle Arty mean by that?" The small voice broke him out of the memory. Raj had finally been released and already working on another play fight with Noch, the third cub of the six. Locke glanced over to witness Raj attempt the same move Dax pulled, only to be embarrassingly countered by a single swipe to his face.
"Locke?" Dax pawed at his leg, once again regaining his attention.
Locke sighed heavily, "Yes, Dax?" Dax furrowed his brow, uneasy with the so easily distracted male.
"Why did Art say that?" Locke didn't look at the cub, but instead stared at the retreating male. Something about it had rubbed him the wrong way; why would Jack continue to trust him with these missions? Although Art was faster and stronger than Locke, the male wasn't the brightest when it came to tactics.
Remember who you work for… What did Art mean by the statement? He worked for no one. He respected Jack. The guy practically saved his life when he was on the verge of death.
Locke took a second to regain his thoughts, and turned his attention to the small cub now attempting to subdue a moth.
"Dax, where were you today?" Locke inquired. The young cub sat on his haunches and smiled.
"I was exploring a Dire Wolf den." He said simply, as though it were a casual thing to do with his species.
Locke frowned, "Well that was very stupid of you. What were you doing there?"
Dax laughed heartily, the memory flooding through his head. "I took a bone from their kill, a souvenir of my adventure." He said, puffing out his chest, proud of his accomplishment.
Locke found himself smiling, no ounce of anger displayed. "You like to go on adventures?"
"Yeah! I wanna see the world! When I grow up, I'm gonna see it all, from the oceans to the mountains." Dax spoke excitedly, dreams of wondrous encounters swirled invitation inside of his mind. He didn't seem to care for the future of the pack. Locke couldn't blame him. It was all politics here. Playtime was reserved for the younglings, and even then it was a disguise to teach them the necessary skills required to survive on their own. Although Dax could handle himself it seemed, his carelessness would be his downfall.
"Well, I guess that's two things that make you different from the others, Dax." Locke said thoughtfully.
"What's that, Uncle Locke?"
"Not only are you a ghost in the eyes of your pack, but you're also the only one with spirit."
*I*
Alright I think I'm gonna end the beginning there. Here's the beginning of my story, guys! Enjoy, read and review yada yada yada. Alright, time for next part of this chapter. My chapters are going to be a bit longer, so I'll have to think of a system to use to fix that. Maybe just label them? I don't know, I'll think of something.