AN: Alright well for starts this is an rp I have going currently with my moirail, IstariaDragon, its been super fun and I just love doing this things with her! I am/was Gamzee in this, she is/was Karkat, and we both split the roles of everyone else, sorta. Now this rp isn't even close to being complete yet, so once most of it is posted there will probably be a break before there's an update, but I thought I'd share it with the fandom. Hope you guys enjoy and if you like this don't forget to give my moirail some love!
Warnings: T? rating may change for VIOLENCE and swearing, AU, OOC(varying decrees of *out of character-ness) and sober Gamzee should be his own warning. And also m-preg/pregnancy, Feralstuck, Hybridstuck, and Cannibalism.
Disclaimer: Homestuck and all Homestuck characters belong to the one and only Andrew Hussie. I own nothing but the plot in this fanfic. Thats fan-fiction for you, made by fans.
Grumbling quietly the small hybrid shifted onto his belly, squirming to burrow further into the layer of snow. It didn't seem like a good position for the young breeder at this time in his life but with how thin his fur was on his front the snow was a better option than the frigid air. He tucked his arms under his head and curled his long tail around his paws. Honestly he didn't get why he had to lay outside the stupid burrow they had found. It wasn't THAT small... Looking around at the flock, he sighed. Three large bucks slept off to his right, and to his left was the outcropping housing the rest of the five total breeders of the flock. The various others of the group slept in their own little spots, leaving him rather alone.
More than anything though he was worried. This was the first time he'd ever been seeded, and a scant few months he'd be having his first ever young. His heat unfortunately started it's cycles early in winter and now he was going to have a hard time doing his job for the flock. More than that though their chances were slim. In a flock like theirs and so lowly-blooded, it could easily drop below fifty percent.
Blinking when he heard the slight crunch of snow underpaw he lifted his head, slightly surprised when he saw his older brother, Kankri. Lowering his head in submission he shifted onto his side some, acknowledging him and his higher age and rank. His swollen middle was horribly outlined by the snow at this angle, and made him agitated all the same. Grumbling quietly at the cold he waited for him to lay down with him.
Kankri did so quietly, relaxed, less affected by the snow. His fur was thicker and his dawny feathers kept him warm longer. Despite this he was still cold, though not as much as he was. Nosing into the warm feathers on the elder's shoulder Karkat sighed contently. "... Has father returned?" he asked quietly.
"I am afraid not. Though I feel entitled to tell you that we might have to leave again soon. Someone saw tracks earlier and while they have yet to be confirmed I do not believe we are safe here."
Sighing again Karkat closed his eyes. "Okay." They had been traveling for days now, they were in a bad strip of land and it would be weeks before they would be able to make it out of this danger zone. "How soon..."
"Preferably as soon as father returns."
To be honest to him that was good news. He could rest a little while longer. But on the other hand that also meant they wouldn't be able to take time to eat whatever they were bringing back.
"... How is your health?" He inquired quietly after a moment.
Blinking at the question he shifted to see his face more clearly. "... Fine, I guess. I just wish my fur was thicker, this cold isn't good for any of us..." This subject was always rather tense for him. Truth was, he hadn't bred with any of the bucks in their flock. It was a rogue.
Kankri nodded. This sweep in particular had been harsh for all of them. Last spring had came late and the summer that followed was dry. The annual rain storms were few this time around, giving the plant life very little water, and in return food was hard to find.
Shifting forward Karkat started to clean off some of the larger feathers on Kankri's shoulders, melting the ice and snow crusted on them. When he finished ne nuzzled into his fur again and settled down, hoping him and his warm coat wasn't thinking of moving anytime soon.
After about an hour or so, their father and the few others that had gone with him, returned. They, thankfully did have food. Not much, but food. The Signless as their father was called by the flock members, brought the food off to the center, with curt nod giving the others permission to take their share. Wriggling out of his brother's hold Karkat stood and hobbled over to him, thankfully getting there before most everyone else. Thanks to that he was able to grab one of the bigger fruits and eat. He was scolded of course, but for the most part he ignored it. They'd not eaten all day.
Shortly after everyone had finished eating, their leader stood at the ready. Glancing over the group and seemingly watching the area around them. He gave the signal and it was time to leave. Quickly shuffling up over to his Father Karkat dared to hold onto the fur on his side. He wasn't really where he was supposed to be but he rathered be up at the front.
The snow was thin underfoot so it was easy to tread as they moved on. They walked, and walked, and walked. It took about a day to find a good place to stop, and they stayed there for a few days. Karkat slept through most of it. A week and one more den later Karkat woke to a harsh chill. It sunk right through his fur and flesh, creeping into his bones.
Trembling he sat upright, rubbing at his arms. It wasn't that cold, but his body said otherwise. Tensing his eyes went wide when he heard it- a howl. Close. Quickly stumbling to his feet he ran over to where his father was sleeping, his small trembling hands grabbing onto his feathers and tugging.
His father blinked awake, sitting up right almost immediately when he noticed how frightened his son was.
"Theres a predator nearby," Karkat said quickly and curled his tail around his legs. Despite the rush of fear he was still absolutely frozen. "We need to move!"
Feathers rising defensively the Signless quickly got to his feet. "Gather what you can." He commanded quickly scouting out the area and barking out a loud. "Everyone up, we're leaving now!"
There was a round of grumbles but an angry growl got them all in gear. Karkat decided to help by rousing the other breeders. The inside of the shallow den was warmer but did nothing to help his cold. Shaking them rather roughly he hissed at them to get up.
They grumbled and hissed back at him in return, quickly getting to their feet and making their way to the others who were up as well. The leader of the group did a very fast headcount, making sure everyone was present before barking again and giving the signal to leave. This time the gesture was urgent, and it finally got through to the rest of the group that danger was here. A predator was nearby and they needed to leave now.
Scuttling after their leader the whole flock tensely made their way through the thickening snow. Karkat tried his best to keep up, he really did, but with the cold seeping into his bones he found himself lagging further and further into the back of the flock. Soon he was outside of it entirely arms around himself, eyes on their backs, specifically his brother's. Surely he wasn't just going to let him fall behind... whimpering in the back of his throat he called to him.
Any sound had might have left his mouth was interrupted, as a loud howl sounded. Jumping he looked over his shoulder briefly, making the mistake of stopping for a moment. Whimpering again he looked forward again, eyes widening at how far the flock had gone. They really were going to abandon him, weren't they.
A sudden blast of icy cold wind whipped through the air, momentarily blinding him in a flurry of ice and snow. The cold wind barely lessened, snow now falling from the sky harshly. Gasping in a sharp breath he shut his eyes tightly, stopping in his tracks. Ice pricked painfully at his skin, tossing his fur wildly, piercing straight through him. He tried to wait for it to slow down, but it didn't seem to want to let up. Biting back another whimper he lowered himself to the ground.
The wind continued to holler, the snow around him building up fast. Already a fair amount had gathered, accumulating on his back, covering him in a thin but growing layer of snow and ice. It felt like the cold grip of death itself was curling its claws around him. He laid there for what he thought was hours. Vision wavering he struggled to listen to the approaching crunch of snow under heavy feet. Only highbloods had hard steps... he blacked out.
The snow crunched underneath the predators split hooves, long tail swaying back and forth calmly. The highblood more specifically a sea-goat kept a steady pace as he trotted through the harsh cold. Snow and ice did not bother him in the least, besides having a thick mane those of his bloodline thrived in the cold. In fact he loved it. The air was crisp and filled him with the kind of positive energy he needed.
To him this snow storm was nothing, perhaps it could be a little hard to see however that did not happen often enough to be concerned. This territory, this biome was his domain, he knew the area well and so did his herd. Though he was quite aways from center and much closer to the borders edge than he intended, this was not a problem. He was certain he could handle any challenge, intruders or prey could give. He was not a foe to be messed with. He'd been tracking this one flock for a few days now, and he was finally getting close. This flock was well worth following, there was at least two pregnant bitches in the flock, and this could was no-good for the lowbloods. More than just fun, it was going to be easy. He just had to find the right time to scare them into moving when they shouldn't.
Keeping his pace steady he took a deep breath scenting the air, while studying the ground for the tracks still visible. The cold crisp air told him he was very close now. There seemed to be some just up ahead. now he was indeed a young sea-goat compared to most, however he spent so much hunting by himself, honing his skill so well that his age did not reflect how good he was.
Normally sea-goats hunted in pairs or even in groups of four, however he rather hunt by himself. Working in teams with herd members was fine and all, for others anyway, but the thought did not sit well with the young highblood. If anything working in groups irritated him.
Now he was a few meters away, the entire flock seemed to be sleeping, all oblivious. Not even a watch. Well maybe he'd fallen asleep. If he wanted he could creep right in, take one of the bitches and leave. But that'd be no fun.
It was far more interesting to scare them senseless, chasing them down as they run for their lives. The thrill of the hunt was a lot more fun this way. When his prey knew death was coming. Grinning wickedly he took a deep breath and howled. Letting the cry ring through the woodland in warning. It only took a minute or two for one of them to alert their leader. Soon they were getting up to leave.
He waited silently, grinning as they quickly scurried after their leader. After letting them have a few minutes head start he followed. A storm was quickly picking up however. Despite his excellent vision he wouldn't be able to see them too well. But that just made this hunt a hell of alot more interesting. Where was the fun in anything if there no risk?
Grinning to himself he made his way forward at a leisurely pace, no need to rush in a storm.
The wind kept up, blowing ice and snow wildly hollering in the way the wind does. This storm was sure motherfucking beautiful. And mighty helpful too, there was no doubt in his thinkpan that the flock would have trouble keep together through this. How nice it was to have the weather working in his favor. He chuckled in amusement, long sea tail swaying almost playfully. He howled again and continued on for a few more minutes.
He paused narrowing his eyes as he thought he saw something up ahead. The young highblood continued forward the ever present smile stretching across his face. Just up ahead he saw the little lump in the snow, it didn't seem to be moving. Well now, it seems someone got left behind. He stopped just behind the collapsed being, who now seemed to be unconscious from exhaustion. Kneeling down he brushed the snow off the others back and head. It was one of the flocks bitches. That seemed a little odd, usually lowblood flocks were more careful with their bitches. They could have just lost sight of him, he supposed. However he still had the feeling something was off here.
He turned the small troll over on his back and froze, eyes wide. Slowly he brushed the snow from the smallers face, finding the familiar features he remembered all too well. Growling lightly he scooped him up gently, his wide grin was now gone, replaced with a worried frown. He felt too cold. Returning home without a kill would be a bad idea however it was probably the best idea of the moment.
The question was though, would he make it that far? Cursing he turned back around walking briskly, first things first. Get him out of this storm and under cover. Heading towards the woods, he kept glance down at the smaller watching each slow intake of breath. He'd never thought he'd see this face again. Certainly not like this.
He made it back to the burrow they had been staying at before he ducked inside, deciding to not risk it by trying to go further. As soon as he'd laid him down on the soft makeshift nest in the corner he found his eyes wandering.
His swollen belly was certainly a sight and it was hard to look away from. How strange, before he recognized him he would not have thought twice about what life the small troll carried, now though this suddenly seemed very important. Solemnly he wondered if they would survive or not. He also wondered how far along in the gestation he was. Had to be pretty far. Forcing his eyes back up, he noted how much thinner he seemed to be despite the swell. But his face was still cutely round.
Hadn't they been providing him food? This thought angered him. The little troll definitely had more on the last time he seen him. Surely the flock would have cared for the little guy, isn't that what lowbloods do? Sticking together, helping each other and shit like that. So why was he so thin? The winter had been hard but not that hard. He'd just have to make sure to feed him when he woke up.
