Cold Sun [Fenben/OPEN]

The sun shone brightly overhead as Crow lazed forlornly in the shadow of one of the few trees that part of the northern free lands was named for. The gentle light of the day should have lifted Crow's mood, but despite the slight warmth that the spring sun provided, the cold remnants of winter's chill blew softly through his fur, causing him to shiver, and reminding him that the wind blew through his hollow heart, where a howl was rising from the resonance of the chill breeze, as well as through his only defense against the cold. He couldn't help but wish desperately that the light could somehow intervene, but in hiding from the wind, he also locked himself away from the saving grace he longed for so desperately. He refused to stand out in the sunlight waiting for the world to warm while the wind froze him solid.

The world around Crow was still, but inside him a battle raged. His emotions fought savagely over the sorry state of his life. He could not deny that his life lacked purpose, and yet the only purpose that he might be missing could also destroy him. He knew that what he was doing was not living. In truth, Crow had died the day he was abandoned. Even if his body had found a way to go on, he knew he would never be the trusting, naive pup that he used to be. His suspicion had grown into full-blown paranoia, and now it was a monster that consumed all he was. He could never trust again. Not after the man who brought about his creation sought to destroy him. He'd never forget the look in his father's eyes when he'd been left, with bleeding paws and a bleeding heart, to die.

But what was life without a purpose?

Crow walked out into the cold wind, and braced against it as it whipped past his fur and stung his skin. He raised his head, and allowed a loud howl escape, small at first, but building gradually, until finally coming to a peak. It was a howl that resonated so deeply within his heart that when at last it died in his throat nothing was left but a whimper that persisted long after he had lowered his head, and lay back down in the shade. The message of the howl had been clear and demanding.

Help...