There would be no saving them now, it was time for the little heathens to leave the den.

Modesty left their underground den first, relishing the bracing winter breeze as she bowed down to stretch, her spine popping and paws extending to rake through the rich soil. This far south they would hardly expect more than a flurry or two, for which she was eternally gratefully. Shaking her coat until loose strands glittered like motes in the early morning sunlight, she moved to a skin she had Kenway's dogs lay out and unceremoniously flopped down, angled to watch the children as they emerged into the outside world for the first time.

"speech"

Korona poked her head out of the den, amber eyes blazing with excitement and defiance. “Finally!” She muttered, her voice tinged with impatience. She stepped out into the open air, feeling the cold wind bite at her skin but reveling in the freedom it brought. She stretched like Modesty, but her movements were sharp and quick, ready for action. Jittery thing that she was.

“Awlright, you lot,” She called to the other children still inside, her tone commanding and bold. Paws stamping against the ground as her nonexistent tail lashed – if it could have. “N’more hiding in tha shadows.” A grin, eyes alight with wonder and fire.

She glanced at Modesty, smiling cutely at her mother’s relaxed demeanor. “Nuff’ lazin’ ‘round!” The girl said, her voice dripping with enthusiasm, and sarcasm, unbeknownst to her. “We got things ta do, adventures ta find, and rules tah break!” With that, she strode forward clumsily, eager to lead the charge into the unknown, her heart pounding with the thrill of new possibilities.


THE KRAKEN

It's time to get them out into the world, and Jael doesn't know how to feel. Time had already gone so fast, and they were all thriving. Kicking, living, breathing... she'd made it this far. From the moments where she wasn't sure if she'd survive bringing them into the world, to ushering them out of the den. Not usually so sentimental, but here she is, feeling the full weight of it all. Exhausted, back aching, but happy to feel the sun on her face again, she steps out on the heels of the gaggle of puppies. Carefully moving to Modesty's side, the wolfdog curls up tightly, leaning against her. A heavy sigh, and a little smile playing on her face as she watches them tumble into the daylight. "We're in for it with this lot, aren't we?" A little giggle, resting her chin on Modesty's shoulder. Jael, The Pet

table coding by bunni ♥

There is no emotion on the boy's too long face, never had been, maybe his mother's had questioned if there ever would be. Vibrant purple eyes stared after his sister with that doglike intensity. There was something darker underneath it, the wolf inside clawing up through his chest, fighting against the stillness of his tucked stance, all his large mother's long fur and his small mother's intensity and a pounding ache that threatened to split his too long skull.

Kor's voice grated through his tipped over ears, leaving the boy biting back on his molars, lips pulled taught, but still unblinking as he regarded the sliver of light that would signify freedom. He was off in a flash, chest close to the ground neck extended, driving anyone before him, dropping to his stomach once he was out in the open to regard his mother's with that unblinking stare. Waiting for direction, waiting for a purpose.

"speech"

The wild eyed little boy is quick on his sister's heels, unable to contain his excitement as he tumbles from the den. Nipping at whatever heels he can reach, sharp little teeth clacking with excitement. Pure energy, electric, excited as he creeps forward. Head low to the ground, keen gaze taking in absolutely everything he can see.

Overwhelmed for a moment with the possibilities before him, but unwilling to hold himself back, Davey charges. Right out into the full light of day, reaching out to chomp at Corsair's heels. With a growl and a bark, he's enjoying himself far too much. Hello world, time to get wrecked.

"speech"

he's slower to leave than his siblings, though it's not out of anxiety or trepidation. in fact, the raider boy is just as eager as the others to explore the world beyond, impatient to pry life's mysteries from its jaws like a pearl from a clam. but Cutlass simply doesn't fancy getting caught up in the initial scrum, so he trails behind at a more sedate pace, taking everything in with wide, hungry eyes. and hunger is definitely the right word, for he takes everything in with near-ravenous intent, desperate to cram as much knowledge into his tiny little brain as possible. the sound of the wind through the trees, the exact shade of the sky, the feel of soil beneath his feet - he needs all of it imprinted on the surface of his skull, carving a place there alongside the texture of his mother's fur and the milk-soaked warmth of the den. one day these lands will be just as much his as his siblings, and he intends to fight for every step and scrap and mouthful.

Gilda had buried herself beneath a pile of furs prior to her siblings being herded from the den. It wasn't that she wasn't as eager as the rest of them to get out there, she just didn't particularly see the rush when there would still be tomorrow, and the next day stretching into forever.

She emerged, finally, with a well gnawed pinecone clutched between her jaws, tourmaline crystals catching in the sunlight as she made her way into the big wide world. Kor was, well, being Kor, Corsair was flat on his belly like a weirdo and Davey was biting his heels. She gave Lass a sidelong grin before throwing her pinecone in his direction, clearly the rest of them were unhinged, and she was curious to see if they would jump on her colourful brother, or if she would have to slap the ground in an invitation for a game of keep away.

"speech"

Though perhaps not the last, she was far from the first to leave the safety of the den. Lyra preferred to stay in there forever if she could favoring the familiar warmth much more than whatever was outside. However, she would rather brave something new than be alone. The puppy pile she was happily slumbering in was quickly shrinking. Her siblings were all clearing out far faster than she realized and when she looked around, small and confused, she realized there were not many left. The next to leave would be Gilda, picking up what looked to be a pinecone. The pup would take a dry gulp, searching for one of her mothers.

Big blue eyes would squint in the bright light. Once adjusted, she would see... a lot happening. Too much even. Her littermates were running around, playing, barking... nipping. Lyra would tuck her tail between her legs. She was somewhat overwhelmed between trying to appreciate the novelty of outside while also trying to keep track of those around her. The young girl would say nothing as she stood still, looking around. She did not feel the urge to play like some did; she did not want to run around just yet. She needed to know what was happening and how this place worked. A small breeze chilled the pup, and she cowered a little in an attempt to keep herself warm.

Relief washed over her as she saw Jael. Lyra bounded over, nearly tripping in her eagerness. Her tail wagged low, a sign of her happiness, and Lyra couldn't help but woof a greeting. She nestled herself next to Jael, seeking the familiar warmth of her mother's pelt. Once settled, her mottled palette almost blended into Jael's, a comforting camouflage.





"Speech!"

Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

It was time, something Sagittarius was looking forward too but at the same time, she wasn't. She wanted to stay inside the comforts of the den. Her tail stood still behind her small body, as eyes scanned the area around her. She exited, following suit of her brothers and sisters. Her hackles rose at the brightness. A small little growl. And there she was hiding back in the den, Tarius was not ready, and wasn't in the mood. Who could blame her? She watched Lyra leave before she did, but there she was, excited but fearful of the bright new world. The sun hurting her eyes for only a moment or so. She gave a barkish yip towards her siblings and ran over to them. Only to collide against them. Not completely use to her new found freedom and legs.

Unlike the rest of the bunch, Pythia has reason to move slowly from the den. With everyone else already pouncing out into the unknown ahead of her, she struggles. Their paws thump, trembling the dirt beneath her. Their loud cacophony of yapping and barking forcing her ears to fall backward. Everything was so loud. Her lips crumple in disgust and frustration as she scoots forward, paws dragging along the den floor so she doesn't stumble over anything or anyone.

When she makes it to the entrance, seemingly forever later, the nearly all white pup feels exhausted already. For as much of her mind that wants her to charge out head first into the world, the rest of her is still trying to keep up. Where the others see trees and grass and the birds flitting from limb to limb, Pythia sees... nothing. Before her is a landscape of near black. Near nothing. Possibly some foggy shapes here and there, but really it all appears to be blobs and not much else.

Her nose is permanently tilted slightly upward, always twitching, always scenting. It's how she knows that her mothers were not far off, lounging on a stinky fur provided by one of those yapping dogs. The racket of commotion coming from her siblings was not easy to ignore, they made it easy to keep track of them. One of them always making some sort of noise or movement that forced tremors through her body.

Standing in the doorway of the den, shoulder leaning against the carved entry for support, Pythia waited. Waited for the energy to return, the gumption to strike out into the open. For now, she listens. Ears pressed forward, nose twitching, content to take in what she can to map out her surroundings.

"speech"

Being present for the pup's first day out of the den was as important as the first day they arrived into the world. Watching them experience real life outside of the confines of their home was hilarious and endearing. At least, that's how he remembered it to feel. Approaching now with dull gaze and weary paws, he finds himself feeling... not much outside of curiosity for what they will get into.

Stopping on the other side of the small clearing where the pups play rambunctiously with each other, his gaze lingers on Modesty and Jael for a moment. Stoic gaze with unsmiling lips, he lets out a sigh. "Seems these ones will give us a run for our money, hm?" Gilgamesh questions, lost humor on his tones that don't quite match his expression. It's then that he moves his gaze down to the pups that run and bark at each other. He even spares a glance at the ones who linger near Modesty and Jael, weary of the world around them.

"Who wants their first fight lesson?" Gilgamesh says suddenly, a nearly impossible to catch glimmer of excitement crossing his gaze as he looks to the pups, especially at the ones with more gumption than the rest.

The Raid King, Gilgamesh

table coding by bunni ♥

1/3 fight lesson w/ professor bonus

Who wants their first fight lesson? Violet eyes zero in on Gilgamesh with that unsettling collie focus. Yes! his gaze screams as his lips pull tight and the fur south of his mane rises in response. Dexterous digits paw at the earth, the only movement he allows himself to work off any of the pent up energy. Inside his head he's ready to vibrate right out of his skin, outside, he's all preternatural stillness. The calm before the storm.

With all the speed and awkwardness of a mongrel pup he darts forward, body couched and lunges to snap at the thick white fur on his father's chest, just beside the gnarly scar... wow that was cool, he'd have to ask him about it one day. But there was no time for pondering, only fighting (with his needle like puppy teeth and unsettling collie stare).

"speech"

The arrival of her siblings' father would make Lyra's ears perk up with excitement. He was the fun one out of the three adults, at least for her. While her mothers taught her important things, there was always a light air about Gilgamesh. This time, he surprised everyone with the offer of a fight lesson. Lyra was hesitant to leave the comforting plush of Jael's pelt and instead opted to wait for her sibling's reactions before deciding how to react.

She watches Corsair launch himself at Gil. Her brother was much bigger than her, but it didn't occur to her just how much bigger the world was around her till Corsair was dwarfed by Gil. She would need to learn to defend herself.

With a determined effort, Lyra peeled herself away from the comforting embrace of her mother's fur. She tiptoed over, her paws nearly tripping over themselves. Obediently she would sit and stare, awaiting further instruction from the man.

"Speech!"

Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

Korona's ears perked up at her father’s words, her eyes immediately locking onto him with a spark of interest and challenge. “I do!” She shouted, her voice filled with eagerness and defiance. Without hesitation, she bounded forward, her paws barely touching the ground as she sprinted towards him.

As she approached, her movements were a chaotic blend of clumsiness and determination. She lunged at Gilgamesh, her small but sharp teeth bared, aiming for his foreleg. Despite her size and inexperience, there was a raw energy in her attack, a clear indication of her fiery spirit. Tailless and all, the girl’s quills at attention as she snaps her puppy teeth at him. She hadn’t even noticed her brother attacking in tandem.



THE KRAKEN

Gilgamesh is inwardly pleased when three of the pups approach, eager to learn a lesson. While Lyra is apprehensive, sitting back and waiting patiently, the other two are far more eager. In near perfect tandem, Corsair and Korona jump and lunge for him. Quickly stepping back to avoid their oncoming attacks, he tilts his chin down to look at them, a smirk lining his lips.

“What a great idea for a lesson you two,” Gilgamesh muses, his tail swishing in gentle excitement behind him. “You three will get a chance to answer this question. Whoever answers correctly, may spar with me,” he presents the challenge, eyes narrowing at each of them as his smirk brightens.

“Is it better to charge in head first or to wait and assess your opponent?” He poses the question, giving them each a moment to think and consider their answer.

2/3 teach a lesson w/ professor bonus - do you wait or charge in?

Korona's eyes widened at the challenge, a determined gleam flashing in her gaze. She loved sparring with her father, and the chance to do so again filled her with excitement. She took a step back, her ears flicking as she considered the question.

“Charge in head first!” She exclaimed, her voice brimming with confidence. “You gotta show ‘em you’re strong and not afraid. Waiting just gives ‘em time to figure you out, right? Right?” Her eyes flicked between Corsair and Lyra, gauging their reactions. She hoped her answer was the right one, eager to prove herself worthy of the spar.
THE KRAKEN

Kor and Cor were far bolder than her. Her siblings were always such, so much so that she expected them to get the upper hand on their father. Of course she was wrong, Gilgamesh avoided their attack with so much ease that it surprised Lyra.

Ears perked forward as he asked them a question. Again, Korona would charge first. If her sister just took a moment to consider what happened the answer would’ve been clear to her as it was to Lyra.

She would wait a moment to make sure Korona was done speaking before answering herself, " it’s best to wait… especially if it’s someone or something you haven’t faced before!"

She would look around the world and mutter "or somewhere you’ve never been. "

There was a chance she was wrong and she began to lose confidence in herself. Keeping her eyes to the floor, "What if it’s a trap? You take no moment to assess and you barrel into an ambush like a stupid deer!"






"Speech!"

Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

Corsair's turned over ears flicked. His tongue rolled against the roof of his mouth, words still foreign on his tongue. He allowed his sisters to speak first, chalk and cheese that pair. It was a good question, but the whirling cogs inside his brain needed more information before he could provide an answer. He blinked once and then tilted his head as he stared at Gilgamesh. "Why are you fighting them?" he counter questioned. "If they've wronged you and they know it, or if they are trespassing, why hold back? If they are a stranger, if you are on mutual ground, if they've done nothing to provoke you... Perhaps it is better to assess?" Without a context, the answer could be either.

"speech"

Gilgamesh is both proud of his pups for their intelligence and also amused for their pup-like whimsy. Korona’s exuberance is delightful, but will also get his killed. Lyra’s hesitancy is smart, but could also get he killed. It’s when Corsair speaks up, Gilgamesh turning his yellow gaze to meet that of the boy as he speaks does he nod, agreeing with the stance.

“Corsair is closest,” Gilgamesh begins, gaze moving back over to the two girls. “It depends on your situation. If they are trespassing or have done something to harm another, there is no need to wait. But as Corsair said, they’ve done nothing to provoke you, you must be smart enough to either outwit them or wait to see if it’s worth fighting. Sometimes your smarts are more important than your strength,” he grins at them, a brow raised, curious to see what they thought of that.

“Korona and Lyra, I would like to see you two spar. Then I will let Corsair spar with me,” Gilgamesh begins, eyeing the two girls to see their reactions.

The Raid King, Gilgamesh

table coding by bunni ♥

3/3 1/3 fight lesson w/ professor bonus (Gil had professor when the lesson began)

Korona furrowed her brow, her ears flicking back in concentration as she tried to grasp the full meaning of her father’s advice. She understood the need for caution, but her fiery spirit craved action. Her paws shifted restlessly as she mulled over the idea of using her wits over strength, a concept that both intrigued and puzzled her. Her tail twitched in impatience; how could she stay still when she wanted to fight? Who had time to think about all that?

As she pondered his words, a flicker of comprehension lit her eyes. She straightened, her usual exuberance returning. Turning to Lyra, she tilted her head, a playful grin spreading across her muzzle.

"Did you get that, Lyra?" she chirped, her rump wagging with renewed energy. "Ready?" Her tone was light, but the determined gleam in her eyes spoke of her readiness to spar and prove herself.
THE KRAKEN