only god can judge me , , {open}

[Zero]

The air was alive, tingling with sensations that only the ocean could conjure. It was quiet, absent of conversation, nothing but the soft lull of crushing navy waves and occasionally haunting cry of a gull. Peaceful, blissful, two things that Sub Zero desired most. Lungs were scorching, inhaling the salty air deeply as slender, built legs propelled the lithe femme across the terrain, having picked up at a run, slipping through the silent city with graceful reserve, barely noticed. Just as was preferred. Gait had picked up, increasing its velocity as the ebony tinged female came closer to the coast, claws embedding themselves into the soft turn, churning it against soft pads, enjoying the feeling of wind whipping across short coat, buzzing within silky ears. Energized, the liveliness of the ocean was intoxicating, feeling freshly alive; the youthful femme now void of worry and concern. However, there were the slightest anxiety tugging heart strings, due to the seperation from her twin brother, who was off gallavanting through the hallways of the abandoned hospital, his most favored residence. She herself found the place entirely intolerable, the stench of human and their medicines one that stung sensitive nares for days, practically driving her to madness. She'd opted out of the adventure and the two had gone on their own seperate ways, a rather rare thing to behold, for the two stayed together for as long as possible. Dirty South was all she had in this world.

Paces slowed as the cliff's edge was reached, pausing to stand upon the peaks, looking down into the churning, dancing, swirling waters below; mesmerized by their everlasting rhythm. The sloshing sounds soothed the female, who's slim, elfin frame soon stretched across the cool, springing grasses, revelling against their gentle and welcoming caress. This was her most favored spot, her haven, for there was little threat; it was not often that other dogs visited the cliffs, and naturally shy personality welcomed this seclusion. There was no fear of confrontations nor unweclomed come-ons from persistant males and this comforted her; polite nature making it difficult to avoid strange meetings with males, for she could never quite work off the nerve to tell them to bug off. That was what South was for, her protector. However, days with her brother were growing rather old, now desiring further companionship. The city was filled with dogs, though South did a good job at sheltering her from them, overly fearful that something may cause harm to his little sister.

But today he was not here, and Zero could not help but find herself hoping for a visit with another. Timid or not, she needed to socialize.

[»Cyanide]

Fox's paws bounced easily as he made his way into the Canine Ridge. His ebony and ivory mixed harks were raised on either side of his head, acoustics cupping any noise that might come about. The border collie loved exploring these parts. It was so interesting to see what the humans had acomplished in their long lifetime. While Fox didn't mind the humans, he had to admit, living life now on his own without the humans was a good thing. He loved not having to respond to people or even worry about people calling him 'retarded' and 'slow'.


True, Fox wasn't the most swiftest fox in the bunch, but that didn't mean he didn't know what was going on, it was just in simplier terms and terms HE understood easily. Fox's blades and pelvis rolled easily as he made his way into the building. He snuffled along. No other dogs had come through here yet, that morning, but the scents of other dogs were definitely there from passerbys that had come through here days ago.

Fox made his way along the ridge , which overlooked a vast ocean. The sky was a lovely blue color, almost sapphire. He stopped to marvel at the sky for a moment before heading onward. His lower jaw had dropped salmon pink tongue lolling out and resting over his bottom two canines. He panted slightly but it wasnt' enough to cool him down since the weather was chilly now that the fall had come in much like a lion. As he neared one particular spot Fox picked up the scent of a fae and found the ebony female not too far away. He reached her and planted his rump down on the ground, forelegs coming around to the front of his chest, keeping his upper body erect. Ears rotated toward her to show that he was not there to harm her and he began speaking gently.

"Hello there. I'm Fox whats your name? Youre pretty," He said and waited for her to speak.

[/color]

[Zero]

Lids had fallen partially shut, dark brown eyes mesmerized by the whirlwinds of movement just below, feeling lulled into a blissfull state that was rarely reached. Breath was coming in a smooth, easy rhythm, entire body idle of movement with the exception of whip-thin tail, which strummed a beat upon the earth. Nostrils twitched, taking in deep lungfuls of fresh, salty air, enjoying the tingling sensation it sent through her senses, svelte frame shifting against the grasses as it rolled lazily onto one side. Bodice stretched, spine arching as the femme turned her figure into an arch, every single muscle flexing until released of all tenseness, eyes drifting closed in barely existent conciousness, allowing herself to forget, to immerse herself in daydreams. Silky, folded ears twitched, the sound of footfalls a distant thrum against sensitive auds. Twisting in the grass, skull tilted, peering over a petite shoulder, waiting patiently as nares inhaled the increasingly strong scent of a male.

Instantly wary, the lass shifted, alert, muscles becoming rigid; the soothing exercises that had just been completed now wasted as heart beat fluttered erratically. Waiting until the muscular, slightly larger frame of a Border Collie appeared, his stature relaxed, calm, indicating he meant no harm. Smiling hesitantly, Zero rose, remaining seated upon delicate haunches though forelegs held her upright. Skull was tilted at an angle, regarding him with curious, deepset brown eyes, tail beginning a small, friendly lash of interest as he approached. Complimenting her, head ducked shyly, looking towards the ground with a soft ring of feminine laughter, sounding embarrassed but flattered.

"Thank you. You're quite handsome yourself," Her gentle voice was full of amusement and kindness, offering a sincere smle. "Its nice to meet you, Fox. I'm Sub Zero, but you can call me Zero." Expression grew interested as she inhaled a whiff of his masculine scent, searching for anything that indicated where he was from. "Are you part of a pack?"

[»Cyanide]

Fox beamed when she blushed and giggled and said how he was handsome himself. Him? Handsome? Naw. Fox never had a girl call him that before but he listened to her words and responded. She'd asked if he was in a pack.

"Fox is not in a pack, Fox wanders around by himself. What about pretty Zero? She part of a pack?" He asked curiously cocking his head to one side letting both erect ears rotate forward Zero while he waited for her to reply.

Fox was probably not the best one to be in a pack. Being he speaks the way he does and the fact that he's a bit 'slow'. Perhaps being in a pack would be good but on another hand, he probably might be able to help the pack out in the ways that it is needed. Of course that would not stop him from joining but he would have to see how the leaders took to him and how they felt about him being there in the first place.

A chilly gust of wind blew over them, catching Fox's ebony and ivory fur and tossing it around in all directions. He shivered slightly but recovered and kept his chocolate orbs locked on Zero's. His lower jaw dropped again letting his salmon pink tongue loll out the corner of his maw as she panted slightly. Fox loved the winter. He was able to romp around in the snow and play. The best times were during the winter that he could remember growing up. While his family was never around, somehow the snow always made him feel calmer and welcomed. He did not know why that was but it always did. Thats why Fox loves the winter...it was alwasy comforting even now. He watched Zero and waited.

[/color]

[Zero]

Skull remained tilted interestedly, curiosity peaking as Fox's words flowed, spoken in an innocent but strangely sweet third person. There was something different about this brute - though he was gentle and kind, it didn't seem faked or done in an effort to persuade her into anything. It was genuine, and Zero found herself smiling in response, opening up, all timidness forgotten. Instead of shying away from the interaction, features remained expressively intrigued, tail still shifting to and fro, flicking against the lengthy, emerald grasses.

"Oh, no, I live only with my brother. We're not really settled anywhere.. we just wander around a lot," she responded with an aimless, absent minded shrug. She and South had never really had a true home - every night it was a different empty building, a new set of bedding. Perhaps not a luxury or even convienient life, but it was all she knew at this point. Smile remained, pleased with his little nickname, finding it charming and endearing. "Where do you live, handsome Fox? On your own or with a family?"

Shifting as wind suddenly collided with slender frame, shoulders hunched against the cool breeze, a small shiver darting down the length of frame. Fall was her most favored season, the air crisp with oncoming winter, the ground spread with the lively hues of foliage. It was beautiful, and gave the city a picturesque appearance that was extremely rare for it's barren expanse. Velvety, folded ears remained perked, angled in his direction.

[/color]

[»Cyanide]

Fox listened to Zero's response. She was living with her brother. Fox nodded and felt an itch forming on his neck. He lifted a hind leg up , nails flicking out and he began kicking at the spot. He leaned into it and sighed with relief. Those dark fleas! he thought irritable and eventually stopped kicking. He lowered his leg again and regarded Zero.

"Fox lives on his own. Family dumped him because they felt Fox was slow and stupid. Called Fox names," Fox said quietly as he yawned, lower jaw dropping and his salmon pink tongue lolling out and resting over his bottom two canines as he panted slightly. One velvety soft ear cocked toward Zero. He wondered where her brother was. Fox's chocolate orbs were locked on Zero as he patiently waited for her to speak again. Luckily he liked her as she wasn't like the other girls who called him those horrible names. She seemed to actually like being around him, which was a complete first for him. He was so used to girls laughing and mocking him, then leaving him to feel baffled.

Fox turned both ears toward her now.

"Would Zero like to go for a walk with Fox?" he asked curiously pulling himself up onto all fours and walking a few paces, before stopping and turning around to look over his shoulder at her. Ears were pressed toward her, eyes twinkling brightly. His nose twitched taking in her scent. She smelled of cookies and raspberries for some reason. A chilly breeze whipped patches of his fur around in several directions but he ignored it and waited for Zero to talk. He rather liked hearing her talk. Her voice was soft and genuine, not false and mocking.

[/color]

[Zero]

Listening to him speak was entertaining and interesting to say the least. She'd never met anyone who'd spoken in such a way, it was so unique. Inwardly, she wondered if he'd had such mannerisms his entire life, or they were simply picked up during the passing time. Focusing attention, a rush of sympathy filled the deep, soulful brown eyes, tail falling flat as ears drooped sadly.

He'd been abused, mistreated by the ones who were appointed to love and understand him. Poor, lovely Fox. Emitting a huff that was indignant upon his behalf, skull shook to and fro. "Your family wasn't smart enough to keep you then. You aren't slow or stupid, you're just different and theres nothing wrong with that." Zero's voice was gentle, but hinted at her aggravation that he had been mistreated. No dog deserved such treatment, under any circumstance and annoyance raged inwardly at the thought that anyone would treat kind Fox like that.
Watching curiously as the male rose, head tilted, smile alighting as he carefully invited her, eyes sparkling with life and humor. Lithe frame pulled itself from the grasses, spine arching in a feline like manner, allowing all muscles to flex repetively before easing comfortably beneath sleek, onyx coat. "I'd love to!" She accepted the invitation with a complacent expression, shifting weight as mitts moved foward.

Feeling a burst of energy, the female propelled herself forward at a run, turning an entire circle about him with a small yip of excitement, enjoying the feeling of the springy blades beneath soft, ebony pads. Pausing briefly, jaws parted to lightly nip at one of his ears, feeling playful and surprisingly carefree considering she was with a male. It was never like this, for she at times was painfully shy. But something about Fox was comforting, and soothed her timid side. Steps finally slowed as she moved to walk beside him, skull turned so brown eyes could linger upon his features. "So you live in the city?" She inquired, wondering if they lived near one another.

[/color]

[»Cyanide]

Fox listened to Zero speaking. She didn't think he was dumb or retarded, which was a first. He glanced at her sideways as he fell in line beside her, matching every stride perfectly. His tongue flapped out the corner of his maw as he panted but ever so slightly. Fox was glad that Zero had taken him up on the walk offer and was now headign toward one of his favorite spots.

"Yes Fox live in the city. But Fox roams around more or less. He doesn't have one home," He said to her softly and pressed his nose to the ground, snuffling along. He loved doing this, picking up the scents of other dogs that had passed through here before. He could smell a whole plethera of dogs that had come through. His tail began waving in teh air behind him as he glanced at Zero again.

"If pretty Zero wants, she can stay with Fox?" he asked her curiously ,ears raising on either side of his head , awaiting her response. She would be the first friend he ever had really. Fox wasn't sure if a female would want him as a mate, but time would tell inevitably. A gentle breeze whipped his ebony and ivory fur in several directions as he padded on, paws lightly kissing the ground while he patiently waited for Zero to speak again.

[/color]

[Zero]

Wideset eyes were much too innocent for the features in which they lay; in fact, entire appearance seemed to hold an angelic manner in spite of the deadly breed she represented. If you were to look deeply into those soulful eyes, it would not be difficult to recognize the sheer goodness of them, the reluctance to fight, the desire to love and be loved in return. Nothing more, nothing less. As these virtuous, chestnut hued eyes met the curiously unique counterparts of Fox's, they were filled with laughter and kind hearted amusement. Something about him alighted a happiness, perhaps it was because he seemed so free, so unbound by the jaded cloth this world often wove. It was difficult to find another canine who embodied the same spirited innocence, especially in a city that ran rampant with dark hearted dogs and a lurking, deadly Mafia waiting for your first slip. It was a rare gem to find somene equally kind, who didn't approach in a rude, leering fashion. True, she had Dirty South, but he at times seemed just as bitter, unreachable, as the others.

"Yeah, me too. It kind of sucks after awhile, not having a permenent home." Sub Zero confided gently, somewhat broodingly. She'd never had a true home, a place of familiarity. Wandering since the day eyes were opened and paws could move, eventually abandoned by a mother as soon as age was reached to be able to take care of herself. Only South had stayed with her; it'd had been them and no others for the last three years. It felt good to extend friendship, to feel close to someone else, though she didn't quite know Fox yet. Time would strengthen their friendship, perhaps shape it into something more. The idea accelerated heart beat, but the thoughts were quickly silenced as Fox proposed a rather unexpected idea; for her to stay with him. Jaws parted, then fell idle, searching for words, an appreciative smile curving graceful muzzle. "You know what, Fox? I'd like that, I'd like that a lot."" She replied honestly, unthinkingly, for Dirty South was momentarily forgotten in sheer delight. Pausing for a moment, silken folds shifted upon skull, eyeing him curiously. "But, we should stay in a real place... and make a home. Not keep moving aroun." The suggestion was timid, unsure of the reaction, especially the 'we' that bound them together as one.

Gaze slid from his open, welcoming features, lingering upon the shifting surroundings, curious as to where they were wandering. Fox seemed to know where they were going, though Zero remained more or less clueless. For one who had lived within the city her entire life, the femme was quite prone to growing lost, easily confused by the blocky, bleakly gray buildings that sprang up upon every corner. Everything blurred together in a streak of depressing, mottled hues and Sub Zero often found herself in the strangest, most unfamiliar settings. Perhaps it was not the safest to venture upon her own and the female felt grateful to have Fox trotting to eagerly at her side.

[/color]

[»Cyanide]

Fox beamed at her and happily began bouncing alongside her. He turned to her and began speaking.

"Zero is the first girl who ever wantd to be Fox's friend,

[/b]" Fox said with a bit of sadness and proudness mixed in. He was proud to know her now and glad she wanted to stay with him. He listened to her words about finding a permanent home. He nodded and then spoke again.

"Oh yes. Fox and Zero can join a pack. I know two packs are good," he said with a shiver. "Third pack bad. They are evil."

He didn't want to bump into the Cambridge pack. That was for sure. Lower jaw dropped as he panted ,but mostly from the happy exhertion he was dancing beside Zero. He was lucky to find her and knew that she was definitely not like the others he'd met on his journeys through the city. He gently nudged her with his nose, but didn't seem to mind it much. A normal dog would blush and become embarrassed but not him. He didn't really know any better honestly. His tail waved in the air behind him as he pranced alongside Zero.

"Where does Zero want to go now?" Fox asked her brightly, chocoalte eyes catching the warm sunlight that cascaded down onto them. He felt like exploring and hoped that she would go along with him as well. He liked her company and wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. Around her he was able to be himself without worry or fear or being ridiculed and tormnted. Even though he might not show it, those times hurt him deeply. He wanted to be a normal dog, but his speech and way of thinking held it back.[/blockquote][/color]

[[volde is a sexy beast]]

The ghost's ears caught two scents on the wind. The crisp ocean air made it easy for scents to be carried. Tragedy couldn't exactly smell - he was dead - but he knew well enough that two canines were aroun, a male and a female. Tragedy had always been a nice dog. Being dead didn't help him fiit in, though. He was an outcast. He's attempted to join packs for the eighty years he'd been dead. No one understood him. Yes, he had died when humans were around. Yes, he was an eighty-year-old trapped in a three-year-old dead body. Yes, he couldn't smell, and yes, he could walk through things. But it didn't make him any different from anyone else.

Tragedy was a German Shepherd, and a young one too. He was a nice dog. He knew he would never start a family or a pack. He couldn't start a family, for obvious reasons, and he couldn't fight for land - for another very obvious reason. He could interact, talk, be seen - though he appeared faded-ish. Not black and white, not transparent, but slightly faded. He started to pick up his pace and went up the path that led to the top of the cliff. He'd been playing on the rocks when he caught the scent, and he was curious.

He reached the top and proceeded towards the two dogs. They were having a conversation, and, judging by the way the male spoke, he was a bit different. He talked of being abused and being called names. Tragedy leapt over a rock and approached him. He spoke in third person. A small, knobbly twig snapped under Trag's coke-can paw. When he was alive, living with the humans, they had conducted an experiment on him, that left him with only three paws and four legs. so they'd replaced the paw with a Coke can on the end of his leg. After that, he tended to hobble around and the scientists had no use for him. So they threw him off the cliff.

Pretty tragic ending, one would guess, after what he'd been through. Left for dead in a house fire, beaten all his life by a cruel family, taken to a science lab, had tests conducted on him like a guinea pig - and then, thrown off a cliff. And after that, seeing the downfall of Racorn City, watching as the humans were driven away by the dogs. And now, seeing the buildings wrecked by random dogs. And the rise of the Cambridge Pack and the Mafia. He'd seen it all. Eighty years of history.

He followed the dogs and walked alongside them. He directed his voice at both of them.

'Hi. I'm Tragedy. What's your names?'