He was frightened, wading in the void of eternal darkness. He could hear not but the few cryptic murmurs lurking near and around him, threatening his very life. His body was numb, as if his blood had turned cold. He felt nothing but the crisp aura that was this empty void. His mind wouldn't allow himself to open his eyes, but he felt the presence of some other beings just inches away from his own muzzle.

He wanted to shout, but they wouldn't allow him to, for their paws gripped tightly around his muzzle. He wanted to run but again, his body went limp as he drifted forth into the dark.

"You've got nothin' to be afraid of," he could hear one say through a heavy accent. It was male, and although he knew he should fear it, he felt nothing. "We're here to help ya."

"Don't listen to that bumbling idiot," responded another, a gentler female, who was clearly the one the others feared, "He's no idea what he's saying."

"Like you do, Four?" Replied the first tone. There were others who backed up the male, yet were otherwise inaudible. He was likely to say more, had the voice with the feminine qualities not interrupted with curiosity.

"I've known this little idiot far longer than any of you!" She snapped, "Yes, I know what I'm saying, because I know this pupling far better than you!" She added, "And get your claws off him!"

The masculine voice snarled, but obliged. In doing so, he quickly lashed out a claw, nipping the front of the pups nose. Despite his visibility being low, he could feel his blood flowing from the wound.

"We get it," began the male, "you've lived in 'im fer a greater amounta time. But why's that put you in charge 'ere?"

"I've no time to answer such a foolish question," she answered, "leave him be!"

"Yer weakening," the male chuckled, "I can feel it. Soon enough I'll take ova."

"You know I've the power of you times ten. I could rid you before the blink of an eye," she exclaimed, "Now leave, Two!"

And with that, the voice was lifted away. The presence of only one was still felt, however, but the pup remained calm. The blood remained dripping from his nose, yet not a scent lingered about.

"He's right," rang the voice of the female, "There isn't much time before he takes over." A burning sensation was felt beneath his eyelids, and he shortly realised he could open them. Despite being able to do so, there was nothing to see other than the dark abyss.

"You're growing weaker, Rocky. You've the need to grow stronger. Build up some muscle," she continued, "if not, they'll take control and you'll be doomed."

He awoke to a knocking on his metal door, and a voice with a distant familiarity to it, "You up Rocky? It's time for breakfast."

That voice. Why does he know it? Where does he know it from?

He didn't reply to it, for he felt he'd lost his voice. It were as if it had feared to say anything.

There was a moment of silence, until the door quickly opened. "Rocky," the voice repeated. He saw the silhouette of another pup in the doorway.

Still confused and slightly frightened, he backed further into the small home.

"It's only me," it soothed, "you know i won't harm you." It stepped into the light, revealing its black and white spotted fur, a gentle grimace plastered across his muzzle, and his ocean blue eyes that could melt through butter.

Marshall.

The name instantly rang through his mind, and a feeling of rejuvenation swept him of his fear.

The mix half smiled, taking a step further, only to step in a puddle of a thick substance.

He looked down, which caused Marshall to look down as well, and both their eyes spotted the small red stain on the floor. Marshall stared back at Rocky, and upon closer inspection, he noticed his nostrils were leaking the crimson substance.

Sighing, he took Rocky's paw and led him out of the pup house. "They did this again, didn't they?" He asked, though didn't need a reply. "I'll get you fixed up nonetheless."

Crap! You can literally see the desperation in this chapter! I just had to get something up before any more time is lost.

I want to, no, need to apologize for delaying this chapter. I haven't much time to write where I live. I'll try harder with the upcoming chapters!