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CC:Aud Frame of the Sun P.2

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Chernobyl Curs
Frame of the Sun


Audition: Part 2

The coming dawn had stretched further across the sky; every star had went into hiding as even more dogs entered into the vast opening. I hoped the incoming flow would cease soon, as the space was already becoming packed with bodies. Sitting beneath a large metal contraption of some kind, I tried to make myself hidden. However, every now and then a stray eye would glance in my direction. No dogs seemed interested enough to come forward, which I was entirely content with.

I inferred everyone was waiting for something; what that something was I didn't know and didn't really have the mind to ask. I figured it wasn't anything of a positive nature by the saddened and despondent looks on some of the dogs' faces along with their rigid postures. A few dogs did have a wagging tail and panted with happy lolling of tongues. It was a conflicting atmosphere that did not make much sense for the situation - whatever the situation was.

As I patiently waited, I took the time to observe the fellow canines more closely. Many, if not the majority, had scars of some kind on their person, and a great many only had a single eye. I momentarily pondered on why so many dogs only had one good eye, but was distracted by the appearance of some of the others. While almost all of the dogs were normal breeds (or at least they looked normal from the distance) I spotted some that I hardly recognized as dogs at all: one had a strange attachment to its tail that favored the rattle of a snake, another had legs so long it looked just plain abnormal (and the strange, dark colored liquid dripping from its mouth did not help), a third had what appeared to be large fins on its tail and head, a dog who appeared normal on its right side had strange, demonic looking colorations on its left, and a fifth appeared like more of a walking carcass than a dog.

For the ones who did appear like an actual breed of dog, I noted that a good deal had human-things on them, similarly to my own collar. Most consisted of bandanas, most around the neck, though a few were on their heads, and collars or necklaces of some type. Many had human ornaments on them that were atypical of being worn on a dog, such as two I spotted whom had skulls (of all things) perched atop their faces, one dog with some sort of metallic material in place of one of its hind legs, a third had some type of animal skin draped across his back, and a large, aged dog had what is called a "hat" on his head along with claws and wheels on his feet. For a moment I felt partially relieved to see so many dogs with human devices on them as mine, but this quickly drifted away when it came to mind that there were no humans here.

Could all of 'em really have been abandoned like me?  I let the thought linger in my mind.

After a brief moment of contemplation, I forced myself to stand up again. A group of dogs was heading closer to me, and the last thing I wanted was to be involved in their conversation. Speaking with strangers in a place like this could mean trouble, and I wasn't particularly in the mood to deal with that.

Unfortunately for me, I didn't get things my way. As I was walking away, I made the mistake of making eye contact with a long-haired female, who abruptly began to canter towards me with a smile stretched on her face. She was moving so fast I almost believed she would run straight into me. She was mostly white in color, with speckled patches along her face and coat, including a spotted nose. She looked friendly enough, but I kept my wits about me as she drew near.   

"O-oh! Hello there!" she spoke to me, tail wagging furiously, "Who're you? I'm Bella!" her words had burst from her mouth so quickly I was barely able to decipher what she had asked. Apparently my reply was not quick enough, as just before I was prepared to say something, she spoke again, "Don't be shy! It'd be kinda hard to be so shy in this place! I mean, look at all these dogs! So many of them!" she looked around excitedly, tail still wagging at a rate I had only seen before in pups and small hyper dogs.

I felt tempted to slip away as she was distracted, even backing away a few steps, but she returned her attention back to me before I was able to move much further. "So what is your name? Mine's Bella, but I think I already told you that," Still I gave her no reply. Her tail suddenly stopped wagging and she lowered her head, "I-I'm sorry if… if you don't like me. I-I understand," She then began to whimper and look up at me with forlorn eyes.

  "Eh, no, it's uh…" I tried to form my words together, not wanting to upset her any more, "Caesar's my name."
Bella's head shot back up instantly, her tail returning to its previous insistent fanning, smacking a dog that stood behind her in the face. "Oh, yay! Nice to meet you, Caesar!"

I was puzzled at her sudden switch of moods, but I went along with it, asking her the question I had been thinking hard on the entire time, "Um. Yes… do you, uh, know what all this is?"

"All this?" Her head tilted to the side, "There's all kinds of this  around. Trees, and sidewalks, and bushes, and buildings, and--"

"I mean the dogs," I interrupted her. I was sure my face held an expression of annoyance, but if it did Bella didn't notice. "Ohhh, the dogs!" Bella replied, "We're all here for the tournament, of course! I think that was what it was called… yeah, pretty sure!"

Tournament?  The word did not sound familiar. I recited it in my head again, trying to recall if I had heard it before. The silence of my thoughts must have been apparent to the female dog, as she quickly told me, "Well, it was nice meeting you! I'm gonna go meet some more people. Good luck!" Without giving me a chance to send my own goodbyes, she scampered away.   

Well isn't this great,  I grumbled as I thought, Stan wanted me to talk to a dog that told me somethin' I don't even understand! Of course, I had assumed Bella was the female dog he had wanted me to speak with. Next time I talked to Stan I would have to tell him to make better decisions on the dogs he used to play games with my head. I hate games.  

After standing in place for a few more minutes, I decided to stray away to the outskirts of the busy terrain. From there, I gradually made my own pace about the perimeter, observing everyone from there. I tried to make out any hints or clues as to what this "tournament" was. All I felt confident in was the concept that it involved a lot of dogs. Too many dogs. Not just dogs, but all the other creatures too. I spotted many birds, foxes, rodents, cats, and I even swore that I spied another rabbit among them as well. It amazed me that so many dogs had befriended those who weren't canines. I felt as if I wasn't alone in that aspect.

The cluster of animals was greatest around the base of the giant metal wheel. A bulky, shaggy-furred female stood underneath it, overlooking the mass of dogs. Many gave her scorned glances and walked by her with agitated postures, yet she seemed to ignore them entirely. Instead, she would give the occasional snort or gruff and keep on with her business. She didn't appear any different than the others, in fact she seemed more ordinary in comparison, so I assumed she was just another dog among the crowd.

As I came around another human-made metal object, I saw a familiar face trotting along the stranger dogs. He was much smaller than most of them, and had a thick, white coat, with the exception of a mound of dark that sat atop his head. He called out the name "Rags" a couple times before he finally laid eyes on me. He skipped his way over, and with a smile on his face exclaimed, "Hi, Caesar! I was wondering if you'd make it in time!" his tail, curled along his back, shook with joy. The mound of dark fur on his head stirred, and a pair of bright eyes looked up at me with great annoyance.

"Hey, Captain," I greeted him with a quick sniff to the muzzle. I had known the optimistic dog and his cat-companion (at least, I believed it was a cat) for a good time of my living in the area. I saw him only occasionally, when he happened to be traveling near my sleeping spots, but he always took the time to say a greeting and discuss with me his plans for "cleansing Pripyat of its garbage, pollution, and hatred toward trash cans". Of course, I never understood what he was talking about (still don't). He was one of the only dogs I could feel comfortable talking with, even if he obviously had a screw or two loose in the head.

"This place is quite the party, huh? Lookit the crowd it drew it!" Captain said, looking over his shoulder at the massive pack, "I was just with my lovely Ragsy mate when she seemed to up and vanish on me. She obviously wants to test out my hunting skills! It's hard to track down her sweet smell in this place now, even for such great bi-winners as Soot and I!" I cocked my head to the side. He's soundin' even more strange than before.

After a shake of my head, I looked down at the blissful dog and asked, "Er… do you mind if I ask you somethin'?"

Captain's eyes lighted up before sitting down and, with back straight and proper, held a paw in the air and replied, "But of course, my good Caesar! From the mighty powers within my bi-winning soul, I shall do my best to answer any questions you may have, with honor and style!"

"Uh… huh…" I grumbled and cleared my throat, "Do you know what a, um, 'tournament' is?"

"Oh, that!" the fluffy dog laughed, "You mean you don't know? A tournament is what's being held here! That's what all these dogs are here for. From far and wide! Admittedly I find it a little strange so many dogs from outside of the city came. You know, what with the whole idea behind the tourney and all, but the more the merrier! Right? I just hope they understand the rules going on here about the trash cans. With all the strangers I'm sure it's going to be a lot of trouble keeping everything cleaned up…"

I just sat there, staring at him, as he went on to talk about his unusual obsession, and repeating something about winning. At no point in his conversation did he ever bring up the tournament again nor explain the purpose of it.  I was just about to interrupt and ask the question again when a ruckus broke out nearby, sending both Captain and I to our feet, hackles raised.

The sound of growls and yelps called out from the mound of dogs beside us. Every head turned in its direction and every ear was pricked forward. I couldn't see what was going on from my position and heights of the other dogs in the front of the crowd. I peered down at Captain again and saw the cat on his head looked angered, its face contorted into a displeased frown.

The dogs along the edge parted away in a rush as a large, ungainly dog burst from the mob, flashing its stunted teeth which were tipped with fresh blood. That was all I saw before the massive brute crashed into me, sending us to the ground. As if in instant reaction, I felt my face go numb as I let out a snarl and gaped open my jaws, seeking to make contact with the attacker. Grabbing onto something fleshy, feeling short, rough fur on my face, a loud wail hit my ears along with many more growls and snarls. With a great fit of strength, I shoved the dog off of me, allowing myself to regain my footing and release my grip. I jumped back, awaiting a secondary attack but it never came.   

As I recaptured my breath, I watched as my attacker had became the attacked: two other dogs, about my size, were burying their teeth into his flesh, tearing open old scars along his ribcage and flank. He fought back with them vigorously, kicking and snapping, even clawing with his broken nails. As I continued to pant, I realized liquid was dripping from my tongue. Lapping it up, I tasted the familiar flavor of blood. I looked down at myself but did not spy any wounds of my own.

Glancing back up, I saw the opposing dog had been subdued. He laid on his side, heaving with intensity, tongue lolling out onto the dirty ground. He was covered in mud, scratches, and bite wounds, all trickling with blood. The two dogs held him down, their faces still formed into snarls, tails raised in aggression. The submissive dog tried to growl back but it was weak and fearful, as if he were afraid to anger the dogs more.

"Ok, ok, move it! Let me through!" came a raspy feminine voice from the throng of canines. Everyone moved away as requested, and the figure of the bulky female dog I had seen earlier beneath the wheel stepped out. Her long, matted coat made her appear considerably large and powerful as she pushed her way up to the scene. Her stance was not rigid, in fact she appeared completely calm. Her long, hairy tail curled across her back and her eyes were vacant of any particular expression. She peered behind her and, with a grumble, yelled, "Go back to your business! This isn't your problem."

Obeying, many with disdained expressions, the other dogs turned away, continuing their strolls and conversations. Even I backed away some more, bumping my rear into the trunk of a young tree. Beneath the cool shade, I watched with wonder at the drama unfolding before my eyes. I wanted to stay alert, in fear more fights would break out, sending the mass of animals into a frenzy. The female strode over to the large brute and the two smaller dogs leapt from him and ran away, tails between their legs. The male staggered to his feet, body swaying back and forth as if his balance had been damaged from the assault.

"What are you doing here, Kartik?" the female asked with a less than enthused tone, "You know you aren't allowed to participate in this."

The dog named Kartik held his head low, one ear hanging down beside his face while the other stood up straight. His stocky snout folded into a weak attempt at a snarl as he replied, "I need to be here! I can do better than any of these mutts!" his voice sounded wet and groggy, as if his throat were full of blood.

"You lost your chance years ago. What'd you think you could do by coming here? Redeem yourself?" she huffed in annoyance, "Your tail has already been broken. Unless you're creative enough to find a way to change the rules, you ain't joining this. Not today, not any other time. Not as long as I'm in charge."

I looked over Kartik as she spoke and did notice his long, thin tail had a sharp bend to it, as if it had been snapped. As I listened to their conversation unfolding, Captain returned to my side, his tail wagging and eyes sparkling. He leaned towards me and whispered, "That was awesomely exciting!"

I looked down at him, feeling sure my expression more than likely appeared one of shock and confusion. He simply smiled and said, "We better get going. Beyra doesn't like it when people eavesdrop on her conversations, and I need to go find my lovely Rags!" a look of longing crossed his face and the cat atop his head looked annoyed again. He brushed past me and began to trot away with a lighthearted gait, "See you around!"

After watching him disappear back into the crowd, and after contemplating why I had to make friends with such an unusual fellow, I returned my attention to the two bickering canines who both stood only a few dog-lengths away. The female, which I assumed was the one named "Beyra", had gotten close to Kartik's face, as if hammering in her warning, "You should call yourself lucky to have made it out as good as you did! This tournament is no pup's game. Half the dogs didn't even get the chance to walk away, and those who had the fortune did so with a gimp!" her teeth began to show as her lips curled back. Kartik simply kneeled down before her, his broken tail between his legs.

"So if you would be so very kind," Beyra continued, "Leave from here now. I do not find you picking brawls with potential competitors amusing. I have enough to deal with than to keep my eye on a pathetic loser who thinks he can get a shot at a second chance. Now GO!" she spat her final word, her voice grating. Kartik hesitated for a moment, but took the hint and raced away, shoving past creatures as he went.

I was lost in what to think. Especially what to feel. What kinda game is this then? I sat back against the tree, lowering myself down to the warm grassy floor. Resting my head on my paws, I wished I had never followed that stream of dogs. I wished I had never listened to Stan. Whatever this "tournament" was, it didn't sound safe. I did not remember this sort of thing occurring previously during the few years I had been in the abandoned city.  The conversation made it sound as if it had happened at least once before. I wondered if there was still time to escape this place, but with the ordeal I had just witnessed, I felt less than confident in doing so. Perhaps when no one was looking… but with so many eyes around, would I have that chance?

Beyra watched the disruptive dog disappear from the grounds and let out a weary sighed. She looked down for a moment and her face appeared almost desolate. As she turned around to walk away her eyes met mine for a brief instant. Her lip, which I noted was torn slightly, lifted back as she growled a deep, "What are you looking at, Fluffball?" I quickly looked away, allowing the female to snort in agitation and leave to return to whatever duties she had as "the one in charge". In charge of what was something I desperately wondered.   

Sunrise had begun to come to its close and the sky was clearing up. A shiver went through my fur as a crisp breeze passed by.  With so many dogs in such a small area, I figured the place would be scorching from the intense body heat. So many things were not turning out as I suspected them to. Several dogs passed me by as I laid there: a silky furred female with a pup tagging along, a short dog with stocky legs and a hat upon its head, even a muscular white male with a studded muzzle strapped to his snout. Seeing the device reminded me of past days. I lifted up a paw and rubbed it on my snout, feeling hardened fibers fused to my skin. It tingled and I had to shake my head to make the needles stop.

As I sat up, I wished Stan would have came out of hiding. His conversations would have been soothing at the time. Instead I got up and walked away, taking myself further from the hounds around me. I drifted to a secluded section where no other dogs had made their way to yet. Given time, I was sure they would. I scratched at a suitable spot and spun around a time or two in preparation to lay down, when a sound drifted to my ears. I looked around to try to find the source.

A short ways down from me, beside a moss-covered building corner sat a small two-tone colored dog. His fur was somewhat long, especially on his floppy ears. He appeared to be whining to himself, apparently upset about something. I looked away and began to settle back down. However, uncertain why, I kept looking over at the dog. Almost as if I were compelled, I abandoned my spot and casually made my way towards the distressed canine. Along the way I kept watch on all sides, my paranoia increasing.

As I slowed down the dog's complaining became more apparent. He was saying something about dying of radiation poisoning - whatever that was. He did not seem to be a threat, in fact I couldn't imagine the tiny fellow causing any damage at all. I went up to him but he didn't seem to notice me. "Erm… hi?" I said, trying to sound as friendly as possible.

He spun around in surprise, black eyes wide. He cleared his throat and replied, "Oh, uh. Yeah, hi there. I was just… reciting some video game monologue. Uh huh."

Don't tell me this is another lunatic? I thought to myself. I made sure when I spoke I sounded more polite, "Are you ok?"

"Not really!" the little dog cried, "Have you seen the people here? They're nuts!" he gestured in the air with his front paws, a motion that reminded me of Stan.

"Can't argue with that." I replied, taking a seat next to him.

"Finally someone who agrees with me!" he sighed with relief. He raised up and sat more comfortably, "Have you talked with that dog who spouts religious stuff yet?"

"No," I replied with a cock of my head.

"I recommend you stay away from him. He wears a tacky bear rug on his back. He's annoying and he took my suitcase!" he huffed with annoyance. I did not know what he was talking about in regards to his "suitcase" but I did recall the dog he spoke of. I made a mental note to avoid him from now on should a meeting arise.

"Name's Harry, by the way," the little dog said. He reached out a paw towards me. I looked at it, unsure what he wanted me to do. I copied his moves, holding out my own paw towards him. He put his paw atop mine (and I realized yet again how small he was in comparison) and shook it as he smiled.

"I'm Caesar." I said as he released his grip.

We sat there together and watched as the gathering of dogs continued to grow. The musky odors thickened with every new body, and it felt as if the air were growing more and more tainted. I did not know what this "radiation" thing was that everyone spoke of, but I wondered if it was anything like that. Suffocating, sickening, terrifying. I wasn't sure, but it kept me thinking.  

After awhile of silence, I looked at Harry, who was laying down on the mossy cement, and asked, "Did you used to live with humans? You sorta smell like them."

"Yeah," he said in a saddened tone,  "Man, what I wouldn't give to be back home right now!"

I looked back towards the expanse of ground before us. The giant man-made structures encircling every dog seemed more ominous than before. How could a dog survive alone for this long? How could so many dogs as this? How could I?
  
"I remember those times," I finally whispered in reply. I felt a tingling of some sense of emotion within me; I couldn't recognize if it was sadness, anger, or maybe more fear. All I knew was that feral living hadn't made me as completely numb as I thought.

"Sometimes I wish I could go back home too."


END of Audition
:iconchernobyl-curs:

:bulletpurple: Caesar and Stan Reference :bulletpurple:
:bulletpurple: Round 1 :bulletpurple:
:bulletpurple: Round 2 :bulletpurple:

Next: [link]
Previous: [link]
First: [link]

And here we have Caesar, showing off even more of his stalking tendencies. Silly dog, staring at people and taking note of every single physical element of them is quite rude!


As far as this last part is concerned, it's mostly just more of getting inside Caesar's head. I hope it's not too freakishly boring. But alas! That's my doggy. He's starting to grow on me.

This preview image is totally not misleading at all! :iconminilarryplz:

I recycled an old dog design for this part, for the funzies: [link]

I probably got everyone's cameo character wrong! Whoo! :dummy:

Talking Cameos:
Bella © *NinjaPancake
Captain & Soot © ~RocketMeowth
Beyra © *Shinkoryu14
Harry © *SillyStell

All other cameo'd characters © respective owners

Pointing out spelling/grammatical or continuity/consistency errors would be appreciated. Critique is also welcome~
© 2011 - 2024 AlfaFilly
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Songdogx's avatar
Congrats on finishing comrade!


Or perhaps, as skimming through the comments shows, this is more appropriate: [link]