Finding a Pack -Casual-

[truewolfwarriors]

The sun bore down on Jessie's back as the female dog strolled though the junkyard, looking for a bite to eat in the heaps of trash. Her gold tag bounced against her chest as Jessie trotted along the ground, kicking up dust. "I don't know how other dogs can live here, there's hardly anything at all here." she muttered as she licked her maw. Lifting her head up in the air, she sniffed it for any scents. Perking her ears forward as she heard the tiny sounds of a rat's feet scruffing along the ground. "Bingo." she grinned, lowereing herself down in a crouching postation, and and started to stalk forward toward where she saw the fat animal nipping on a piece of trash.

[Starmuttani]

POGI

It's not very often that dogs will come to the Junkyard in search for food. At least, dogs with standards. Unfortunately, as the city grows darker and darker by the days, these times are hard. It's almost impossible to raid good foods when there are terrible yellow-eyed monsters around every corner, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting victims. It feels like the shadows is always growing until it consumes the streets. No dog is safe. These times are hard...

Because of those reasons, the yellow Labrador Retriever is not alone.

Waddling around giant piles of trash, a short-haired Dachshund kept his snout up high and inhaled deeply. Quickly gagging, he shuddered and shook his head. "Why am I here again...?" As if his stomach was alive, it growled an answer. "...ugh...Right. Keep it together, Pogi." The Dachshund grumbled under his breath as he continued along in his hunt for some food... At least something that wouldn't be weeks old and clearly rotted to the core. Pogi was one of those dogs with standards, as he usually spends his days thieving from the humans. 'Those damn Infected...' he thought to himself in his annoyance, 'Scarin' off humans from the streets.' He briefly closed his eyes as he imaged the better days... Back to where the sun is bright and warm... Back when there used to be food stands open for business and easy picking... Back to when he still had a brother...

"Snap out of it!" Pogi scolded himself, but were immediately stopped in his tracks. He hitched up his droopy ears and sniffed the air. Something was alive nearby. Sharply turning his head, he can very easily spot the fat furry rodent. Without any care in the world, the rat appears to be distracted with chewing on some moldy crackers. 'Ah! Excellent! A live meal... I could live with that.' Pogi thought with delight as he lowered himself closer to the ground, which doesn't make much difference at all. Unknowingly that there were another hungry mouth stalking the same prey, Pogi suddenly launched himself forward!

"GOTCHA!" The Dachshund snarled as he springs over a bag of garbage and chomps his long mouth around the rat's helpless neck. Shaking his head violently as to trash the little animal before plopping it back down after feeling the neck snap under his excessive weight. His tail remains motionless and limp behind him, but a cocky smirk tugged on his features was enough to say that he was proud of the meal he just caught. And what a fatty! This rat is sure to keep him full for the rest of the evening!

[truewolfwarriors]

Jessie narrowed her green eyes as she got ready to pouce apon the helpless rat. Suddenly another, smaller dog bursted from the trash behind the rat, and attacked it, grabbing hold of its neck. Startled, Jessie fell backwards, and landed on her rump. "Ooww.." she groaned, rubbing her behind. Perking her ears forwar, she rose back to her white paws, and trotted toward the Dachshund. "Hey there buddy, I saw that rat first." she growled, her fur brislting. She could easily take thw rat if she wanted to, but first she was going to let the little dog breed explaine itself first since everyone had a right to speak thier minds...most of the time anyways.

[Starmuttani]

Just as he was about to indulge himself into the rat, once again feeling pleased that he had not lost his hunting touch, he froze. There was sounds of paw steps heading in his direction. Jerking his head up so fast that his own ears slapped him in the face, Pogi glared around him. Who dares to interrupt his meal? He made sure that he wasn't being followed! Is it an Infected? His chocolate eyes widened a bit at the sight of an approaching yellow dog, but with one quick sniff of her and wary look at her grassy-green eyes... He felt his lungs deflate in a sigh of relief. Just another dog who isn't batsh*t crazy.

Wait...

Pogi narrowed his eyes as he finally heard what the stranger had to say in an excuse to disturb his meal. She... saw the rat first? Never mind, this dog is still batsh*t crazy. Truth be told, he is quite nervous to notice how the other dog is starting to bristle as if he just spat on her face. Still, he kept his paws firmly planted to the ground and stare right back at her. "Oh, is that so?" the Dachshund began with an air of arrogance, "Then why didn't you kill it first?"

It was true that the dog was certainly much larger than him, but Pogi believes in Brain over Brawn. Perhaps he can use his words to his defense to get out of this big misunderstanding. "If you argee, it's only fair that this is my food regardless of who saw what first." He placed a paw on the dead rat to sweep it under his low chest. "After all, I am the one who made the effort to kill it."

[truewolfwarriors]

Jessie raised an eyebrow as the Dachshoud boldy asked her why she didn't kill it first. Of course there was a good reason she hadn't killed it first. She had been ready to pouce on the rat, to kill it then. She had only been stalking it, binding her time to make the kill of course. She perked her right ear forward as she listened to the smaller breed's words of reason with insterent. Here was a dog that knew how to use his mouth right to get out of trouble...which was working right now. "Hmm..." Jessie paused for a second, thinking. "Well...I guess you're right. Even if I saw ther rat first, you did kill it." she muttered, swishing her tail to the left side. "Fine, you can have it. Every dog going to need its stengh anyways...mostly to figh those damm infected dogs running around." the lab mix growled out the last four words with a sence of hatred in them. The sun glowed down on the two canines, and the light reflected from it on Jessie's dog tag.

[Starmuttani]

An eyebrow raised. A listening ear. A silence with a intrigued hum... His words were definitely working in this case. Perhaps this dog isn't so foolish after all. Still, Pogi kept a steady gaze and still did not move. If he grabbed his prey and just run, he wouldn't be able to outrun her longer legs. He likes to think that he's agile and can turn sharply, but he knew that he could hold her off for so long. It's better not to risk and see if he can't reason first. During this tentative moment, he was nearly holding his breath in anticipation.

Finally an answer! A victory! Pogi held his head up higher in a subtle sign of pride that he can convince the dog to allow him his meal. However, he cocked a head in his curiosity when the stranger went on about needing strength to survive the war against the Infected. Briefly, his mind flashed back to watching another Dachshund writing in agony and frothing at the mouth before the brown fades into yellow in the eyes... Pogi shuddered silently. The yellow dog's hatred for them was surely justified. He can understand and may even relate to the feeling. "Indeed... They are an ugly disease." the Dachshund responded with a nod.

Suddenly squinting, Pogi stepped back as a glare flashed into his eyes. Confused, he studied where it came from and discovered that it was only the sunlight's reflection off the tags around her neck. Wait... Pogi subconsciously felt his fur along down his spine rose as he looked around him suspiciously. Is this Labrador mix truly alone? He sniffed the air just to be cautious, but did not find a human scent. Though, this dog seems to be wearing her collar rather proudly. She must be a house dog! "...Just to satisfy my curiosity but... you ARE alone... right?"

[truewolfwarriors]

Jessie blinked in confusion as the smaller dog stepped back, wondering why he did that. Nociting how he was looking up at her neck, she followed his gaze until it reached the tag on her purple collar. It was the last thing she had from her human before he was killed, and she always wanted to be reminded of him no matter what. Jerking her head back up as the Dachshoud asked her if she was truely alone, she perked her ears forward. "Of course I'm alone. What? You think my master would be around here after he was killed by two infected mutts?" she asked, licking her jaws on the right side. A small trail of sadness reflected in her green eyes as Jessie remembered when she first saw her human as a small puppy...jumping around the kennel with a wagging tail, her human's brown eyes meeting her green ones, his friendly voice, his scent....Jessie sighed as the thoughts floated though her mind gently.

[Starmuttani]

Of course, this house dog would never truly understand this Dachshund's feelings for humans. How could she while she's being pampered and bundled up in the warmth of a house while he stays outside freezing to his bones? He nearly had to retch his disgust, but he decided it was best not to. Wouldn't want to offend this dog who can just as easily steal his food if she wanted to. At the Labrador's snippy response, Pogi arched an eyebrow as he lifted his tattered ear to listen while she shares the fact that her human had been murdered. It was not remorse he felt for this dog. It was not pity. In fact, Pogi felt a sense of relief. It simple meant that there was no humans nearby and that was all that he cared about.

"Ah... Shame." He responded with no emotion. It was neither intended to be offensive or sympathy. However, the Dachshund could understand the painful feeling of loosing a loved one to the Virus. It was horrible, but this stranger doesn't need to know that.

Pogi took no notice as the Labrador was escaping into her fantasy world and remember the dead rat under him. "Well, lucky for you, there seems to be plenty more of these vermin around here. I'm confident that I will not be hunting again and stealing the next rat you set your eye on." There was a twinge of smugness he felt when he realize the fact that he was able to hunt much quicker and better than this dog can, but there's also no need to share that thought either.

[truewolfwarriors]

Jessie snapped back to reality when the smaller dog spoke up, saying it was a shame her human died. Jessie drew one ear back, knowing this dog must likey didn't understand the bond house dogs had with their humans. She let out a slight chuckle when the Dachshoud commented that there were more rats around the runkyard, and that he wouldn't be stealing from her again. "Wise guy aren't ya? I'm a but surpised you were able to surive this long." the lab mix replyed, arching an eyebrow up. "Because with your breed, you could easliy fall to one of those dog catchers or something." she said with an amused tone in her barking. "My name is Jessie by the way." Jessie said with a small smirk.

[Starmuttani]

The bemused chuckle that came from the yellow Labrador was a good sign. It's always a good sign when dealing situations that he has no idea of the outcome, especially when humans can be involved with the topic. Pogi was clearly very against these disgusting apes, but this stranger certainly loved them as she is still wearing the proof around her neck. Unless she couldn't take it off, which was just as understandable as they are lacking in the thumbs department. However, her snappy response about her dead masters was more than enough to tell the Dachshund that she loved them... and still do. How annoying. If he was more true to himself, he would easily tell her that she was better off without them. Better off than the life on the leash. But Pogi was smart and kept his mouth shut, unless he would like her to shut it for him.

However, he smugly smirked when she remarked about her surprise at his survival. The yellow dog was very wise with her words and chose the term 'breed', rather than 'size'. Otherwise, she would have a very messy results on her paws! It was Pogi's turn to chuckle. "Dog catchers? Sweetheart, do you not see the condition of the city? Humans are cowards now that the Infected are roaming the streets." There was some venom in his tone when the word 'human' rolled off his tongue, but he puffed out his chest and continued smoothly. "Regardless, even if there are some... They wouldn't be able to get near me. What you are looking at is a genuine born and raised street dog. I know this city. Nothing goes on without me hearing about it."

There was a brief moment of pause as he squinted an eye up at the taller mutt. With another chuckle, he grinned toothily at her. "In all fairness, I'm surprised you have lasted this long yourself. After all, these are some dark times. No house pets are safe on the streets." He was sure to elongate the term 'pets' to make sure she understands what he was implying at. After all, during their times of being pampered, how the hell would they learn about survival?

Then the stranger seems to feel the need to introduce herself. The Dachshund's stomach grumbled faintly at this; rather not happy about continuing the conversation when he could be eating his freshly caught meal. Still, it's a wise idea to not offend her generosity. "Pleasure. You can call me Pogi."

[truewolfwarriors]

Jessie listened to this little dog with her ears perked. Well, this dog was a true stray alright. He was also right about the fact on the humans. Ever since those infected dogs came out, the humans have been scared to go out even of thier own homes. When her master was alive, and those infected were roaming the streets, he too had trouble leaving the house in fear, but did leave out of courage. Jessie chuckled when he pointed out how surpised she had last since she was a house dog. "Oh you be surpised how much my mother knew about living the streets before she died. Taught me all of it at night when our master was away, and when we could do it without getting in trouble," she smirked, easily breaking even with the Dachshoud. She nodded as he told her his name. "Nice to know." she said with a flick of her name. Raising her head, she sniffed the air. "But I have to get going if I want to find that dog Rishk I've been hearing about. Stay safe Pogi." the lab mix said as she walked over the smaller dog, and on her own way. "Damm infected dogs..they're going to pay." Jessie cursed sliently to herself.

[snowest]

((Mind if I butt-in?))

Snowest

Snowest had been asleep on the warm hood of a car when distant voices reached her ears. She roused slowly from her sleep, but then snapped awake. looking around she remembered that she was on top of a car on top of a pile of them She hadn't meant to fall asleep, she was just getting a better view and the car was so warm... She almost fell asleep again when the voices reached her again. Looking around for their source she quickly found them. A golden retriever, and what was that, a dachshund? She could barely see from this distance, but their eyes were not yellow.

Snowest sighed, what would she have done if they were infected? Carefully picking her way down from the precarious tower she soon reached the ground. The trash seemed to close around her so she made sure to keep smelling. She trotted over to where the two dogs very, and confirmed that they weren't infected. She arrived just in time to hear one of them say that they were trying to find Risk. Why did they want to see Risk? Oh, they wanted to join his pack no duh!

She stepped out making sure to cause some noise so they they wouldn't be too startled and said, "I can show you where Risk is, I'm in his pack." with a friendly smile.

[Starmuttani]

It was actually rather startling, how easily the Infected had scared the humans to barred up their houses. It was actually nice on some occasions as he did not have to deal with them, but their fresh food is probably the best he ever had in his life. As much as he'd hate to admit it, but without the humans, there would be no food. Which would mean that Pogi would have to rely on hunting for rats and birds. Normally, he wouldn't mind so much, but to be his constant meals? Day in and day out? That's not a plan he was happy with. Besides, the Infected were deadly to dogs too which meant that he isn't safe either. Pogi definitely would know as he had seen horrific changes to dogs in a single bite. But he certainly isn't going to let some damned psychotic beasts take control of his life!

Well now, there was a bit of a surprise. As it turns out, this yellow Labrador had some knowledge up her furry sleeve. Did it meant that her mother was a stray as well? Surely that is the only logical conclusion; why else would a mother spend her precious free time teaching the life on the streets to her children? Perhaps even the mother knew that the humans couldn't be trusted. Pogi gave a slight snort, but didn't break his smirk. "Aren't you lucky to know that knowledge is coming in handy now."

At last, the conversation seems to be coming to a close when Jessie was approaching the Dachshund, which was unnerving him. What is she doing? He listened as she was making a proclamation about hunting some dog named 'Risk'. Now there was a name that Pogi knew. After all, he was true to his words about how he knew a lot about the city and everything that goes on in it. Risk had certainly caused some commotion against the Infected. As the Dachshund were about to open his mouth when suddenly... he noticed that she was... walking... OVER him? Pogi scowled at that. In no way did he appreciate that as it was a reminder of his small size. "Yeah, you keep walkin'." He growled unhappily, before he proceeded to grumble under his breath- a combination of his ego bruised and hunger- "I may or may not know exactly where the dog you're searching for is located." He muttered out loud as if he's attempting to tease her.

Suddenly, a new voice rang out! Pogi's eyes snapped open in his surprise but almost immediately, the fur along his spine bristled in a warning. How could he not have smelled the other dog coming? Dachshunds are very notorious for their amazing sense of smell... Then again, he had been very distracted and half of his mind was settled on his dinner which still waters his mouth. However, as he studied the owner of the new voice which turns out to be a very white fluffy canine, Pogi gave a sigh. He shared the same thoughts as she did; there appears to still be no infected in the area. Shaking his head hard enough to flop his ears around, Pogi heard the female's offer. Ah great. She can take this headache nuisance out of his sight. "Today is continuing to be your lucky day, eh?" The Dachshund sneered to Jessie, without meaning to sound so rude. A dog's pride is all a dog have and by walking over him is a good punch to that. "Well, run along sweetheart. A house pet like you certainly can feel comfortable in a pack."

[truewolfwarriors]

((No of course not, I'm glad you joined. But Jessie is a yellow lab mix, not a goldy))
Jessie jumped slightly, spinning around as a new voice spoke up, and a scent reached her black nose. She realxed slightly when she saw another female dog show up, and was also glad to see her eyes weren't yellow. She raised an eyebrow, and perked her ears forward when she mentioned Risk. "You're in Risk's pack?" she reapeated, narrowing her green eyes. She was still a bit weary since she didn't know this dog. "If you're in his pack then what are you doing all the way out here?" Jessie questioned.

[snowest]

((oh, derp))

Snowest almost laughed when both the dogs jumped because of her appearance, were they paying no attention? She listened to the male's seemingly parting words to the female. Who was on closer inspection a yellow lab, not a golden retriever. Shockingly the female didn't seem to believe Snowest. Oh, well these days you couldn't trust anybody she supposed.

"I'm looking for food, like you two. Why else?" It seemed like the female didn't even know where Risk lived, so why was she acting like she did? Snowest laughed quietly, and grinned at the female kindly. Hopefully the female would make her choice soon, or Snowest would leave.

"I'm Snowest. Who are you two?"