Obvious exits:
North <N> leads to Overgrown Lands - Route 11: Off the Route.

Flame has connected.

Dusk has connected.

Shadows lengthen and the light turns golden as the sun sinks toward the west through a clear sky.

Night sets in and the stars twinkle beyond human or pokemon grasp. Snow drifts gently and cold seeps in to rest on the bones of all who find it nescesary to be out and about. Safe from the frigid weather and gusty breathes of snowy wind, a Growlithe family spends their evening doing, well, Growlithey things of course! Slinking across the barn on padded paws, one bright-eyed puppy makes her way to a bale of hay. The black stripes ripple as she moves with a clumsy, yet swift motion and she scoots behind it, hoping to be safe from the many eyes of the others nearby. Has she been spotted? Dusk peeks from her hiding place, blue eyes scanning quickly before she ducks back to contemplate the resuls of her stealth.

Uh oh! The Rockets are scheming! Better save than sorry! (Saving)

The evening stars come out as the red-orange sun sinks below the horizon.

Of course she's been spotted. Flame watches everything, and as a result, few things escape his eyes unnoticed. Scratching little marks into the wood with his claws, the dark furred Growlithe eyes his sister indifferently, shaking his head at her attempt at being stealthy. His spiky mane is growing longer, and a few locks of silver fall around his ears and about his slender cheeks. For a puppy he's unusually solid, and lacks the roundness of puppy hood. He keeps an eye out for his siblings and parents, making sure they are all visible to him from his secluded corner of the barn. Once he's satisfied with his watch, he ceases scratching the wood and licks his front paw with a raspy tongue, freeing his fur from grain, dust and other debris. He has to keep his coat nice and clean! What a vain puppy. While he concentrates on his task, his eyes dart from his paw to his surroundings, and he never once drops his guard for an instant. Forget the fact Peppy or Aurora are always there to protect him. Who needs family? He can take care of himself!

Dusk pants softly and then slips farther around the hay. She is a slender Growlithe, her baby fat melting away quickly with each passing week. Small claws click where they hit bare wood, but the puppy seems to be steady and graceful for one so young. A pair of black ears prick as she listens to the scraching. Brothers. The word slips through her mind in exasperation. And him, he was the worst! Runt of the litter, but by no means lacking in on the go thinking, Dusk slips carefully toward the nearest wall which then will let her sneak to the exit and peer out. Independant and unafraid, she is ready to see more than the stale barn has to show her. But if she gets caught...uh oh. Everyone else seemed to be preocuppied, or so she hoped.

Flame watches his smallest sibling creep around the hay. She kind of reminds him of a Rattata. He chuckles at his comparison, and perks up his ears in an unusual show of outward happiness. His ears quickly lose their perkiness, and he flattens them back to their usual positions. The tips of them are erect as he listens to his sister clamber around, and he stops his grooming to watch her approach the barn's door. He's tempted to tattle on her, but the effort is too great for too small a reward. He mustn't waste his time on such trivial, childish things. There are more important issues to ponder! When will his growth spurt take place? Just when will he be big enough to get his way? Currently, the puppy is lying on his belly, and he pushes himself up into a sitting position with his front legs. He arches his back, tightens his shoulders and tilts his head to the side as he stretches his stiff muscles. Slowly, he begins slinking after Dusk. What his intentions are, remain a secret only known by him.

The stars glitter like diamonds in the deep sapphire blue of the night sky.

Dusk scoots along, belly almost grazing the floor and tail tucked low, her eyes on the prize! The door, mysterious, wonderful door! She's there! Dusk wags her plume of a tail in a creamy arc and grins in a slack-jawed fashion. Raising her nose, the little female sniffs at the cold air that drifts in through the opening. Hanging ajar, the door creaks softly every now and again as the wind catches it. Singing in harmony with the gentle creaks and creals of the old building. Siddling up to the door almos tlike a Krabby, Dusk sticks her nose out and blinks as her wet nose goes chill and the liquid in her eyes freezes. With a small yip, she leaps backward, ending up on her bottom. She had never felt that before. Flopping to her belly, the puppy rubs her face against her paws and rests her nose under them as she gazes out the crack.

Flame creeps along the wooden floor, his belly close to the ground. This is the only similarity the two Growlithe share in their walk. Flame's walk is slower; his footsteps more poised and deliberate, as he continues along the length of the barn, paining himself to not make a sound. His shoulders rise and fall as he slinks along like a stalking Tigrynx, his mouth half open in a sadist's eager anticipation. His eyes glimmer maliciously, and his needle sharp teeth are visible from between his black lips. Watching Dusk intently, he waits until she has landed on her bottom to make his move. Standing on all fours, he bends his back, putting all his weight on his hind legs, his muscles flexing as with the effort. With a blood curdling "Grooooowwllll!" he shouts his war cry, and leaps into the air, his front paws forward and teeth bared. Apparently, he plans on tackling his sister and pinning her to the ground. If his aim and timing are right, he'll do just that.

Small and quick, her ability to slip and slide kept her from always being left out while nursing and cuddling for warmth, Dusk rolls onto her back and bares her teeth in reaction to the attack. Her reaction carries her upper half out of range but her hind legs are now pinned by the larger puppy. Blue eyes narrowed to icey lines she glowers up at the black one angrily, her lips curled to show her own glistening teeth. Both black ears lay flat against her head now but she remains quiet, calculating her next move. Dusk slowly begins trying to reposition her feet under Flame, not actually kicking, she pressing lightly into him.

Uh oh! The Rockets are scheming! Better save than sorry! (Saving)

The icy northwest wind howls, blowing snow about in savage gusts. The cold is intense. The sky is clear deep blue and the stars glitter, brilliant as diamonds.

Not quick enough. Still, he had managed to pin her. He puffs out his chest, and tilts his head to the side proudly. The silver colored puff of fur that is his tail wags once from side to side. Is he playing? Or does he plan on doing something out of hungry malice? Apparently, it's Dusk's lucky day. Probably, it's because the pup's parents are too close for comfort, and Flame isn't particularly fond of time outs. Which, he receives relatively frequently. However, before he lets Dusk off, he wants to at least get a rise out of her. He puts his face an inch away from hers, his nostrils flaring wide as he breathes heavily. Dark eyes pierce into his sibling's, and they crinkle at their corners as the rest of his face creases. His lips lift at their corners, revealing two rows of nasty looking teeth. Flame has quite a set of canines for a four month old. Perhaps it's best he doesn't suckle anymore. Growling, he bats at his sister's ear with a clawed paw, chuckling sinisterly as he teases her. He ceases after that, lifting up his paws and allowing his sister precious freedom. "Lithe." He says, giving his tail another flick or two before becoming completely still. Mysterious.

Still as ice and silent as death, Dusk just stares back at her brother hatefully. He will not get the pleasure of seeing fear, nor hearing her whimper, that isn't this little lady's style. Her teeth remain bared and as he gives her the chance to get up, she quickly rights herslef. Standing definsively with her hackles raised and her head lowered, the female puppy makes her stand. Her thick, creamy tail is held out from her body a little more stiffly and snaps her teeth, then shifts her gaze toward her parents. Getting caught by the door might get them both in trouble, but then again...something glitters in her eyes and then Dusk's lips twist into a nasty little smile. Flame might get away with duffeting Briska, but he had picked the wrong target tonight. The quiet pup shifts her weight slightly and puts her whole body into a howl. "OooOOOooOOOooow!" she sings, letting the note waiver and hang, then, she throws herself to the floor at Flame's feet and contorts her body into a fetal position. Foot steps approach and the scene looks bad. Inside Dusk snickers to herself. Hopefully it was dad and she could play up to him all the more!

Defiance. What style. What sass. She has bravery for one so small, and it's this that earns some of the bigger Growlithe's respect. Flame isn't growling anymore, and instead is relaxed and complacent. He continues to sit on his rump, casually watching his sister growl at him. The puppy yawns, showing off his teeth, and licking his ebony maw with his tongue. <Nice try.> he replies calmly, his voice deep and rich. He lifts up a paw, and runs it through his silvery mane. Damn, he's smooth. It's his sister's dramatics that bring a frown to the pup's canine face, and he narrows his eyes in disgust. Where's that brave, unwavering courage? She's whimpering and crying for Daddy! Any respect Dusk had just earned is lost, and he glowers at her fiercely. His tail arches, forming a grayish puffball, and the hair on the back of his neck stiffens as he raises his hackles. This is no game he wants to be part of! Let her tattle on him! He's got his scorecard etched in the wood of the barn, and Dusk is going to lose some points after today. This is going to put her below Dakota. Tsk. Tsk. Giving his sister one more hateful glance, he turns to walk away, ignoring the footsteps that draw closer. His sister can howl all she wants, and he can get punished time and time again. He will not falter; he will not cower before anybody! The world will fear Flame!

Thump, thump, thump. Indeed, something much bigger than Dusk and Flame is approaching the two. Is it a giant monster? Is it a Rattata seeking revenge for all the other Rattatas Dusk and Flame have munched upon in the past few weeks? No... it's just dad. For Flame, dad is bad and makes him mad, but Dusk is sad so she'll be glad to know it's him. Peppy's pace is slow, almost tired, as he approaches little Dusk, who's all curled up and playing hurt. Did the adult Growlithe see the whole thing? Or is he only drawing inferences? <Flame,> Peppy woofs, shifting his attention from the little female on the floor to the black shadow making his getaway. <Get back here.> He doesn't sound particularly strict, or impatient, or mean... just maybe a little tired. <Are you okay, Dusk? He didn't hurt you, did he?>

Still lying prone on the floor, Dusk wags her tail gently and looks up at her father with sad blue eyes that glitter with moisture. "Ooo," she utters a faint whimper and then drags herself dramatically to her feet, inching to her father and then attempting to lean against him. Dusk favors her right front paw, limping slightly and then licking it as she sits down, tail wagging weakly. Both black ears still lay against her skull and she watches the black puppy from the corner of her eyes. Who asked for his respect anyway? This is a puppy eat puppy barn and she was ensuring that she would be the one to suceed. When her gaze is hidden from Peppy she leers at Flame, her eyes promising him a challenge in the future.

Uh oh! The Rockets are scheming! Better save than sorry! (Saving)

Flame stops in his tracks when he is called, wincing as Peppy's voice rings in his ears. He lowers his head, grits his teeth, and mutters something unintelligible under his breath. Squeezing his eyes shut, he clamps his jaws together and takes a deep breath. Peppy's going to put him in time out for sure. This time, he doesn't even deserve it! Sure, he had tackled his sister, but he didn't bite her, or pull an ear! Flame turns around just in time to view his sister's show of dramatics. Her limping and whimpering brings a sour taste to his mouth, and his stomach muscles twist disgustedly. If he isn't careful, there's going to be half digested meat on the barn's floor in about two seconds. Slowly, he paces back towards Peppy and his sister, sitting a few feet away from them. He tosses his head, and sends a stray strand of his long well kempt mane behind an ear, another length of it cascading over one of his glimmering emeralds. Despite his age, he's as rambunctious as one twice his age, and he has the defiant attitude of a teenager. <She's a faker!> he argues before Peppy can accuse, jumping speedily to his own defense. It's two against one here, and he'll have to play his cards right to get out of this one. His sister is ignored for the moment. He'll have plenty of time to plot his revenge after this.

Peppy just sort of peers bewilderly down at his daughter as she limps towards him and plops against him. He's not quite sure whether to feel compassionate or just confused. As Flame (thankfully) turns around and comes back, preventing from Peppy having to -drag- the black one over to his sister, the adult Growlithe watches his entire saunter, a tight frown pulling back at the edges of his mouth. "Grrrrth," he growls quietly, a small flash of white exposing itself as his teeth clench. That pup's growing up too quickly, the Growlithe thinks to himself, shaking his head slightly at Flame. <A faker?> he repeats, dropping his eyes to little Dusk. <She's not faking it. You -hurt- her, Flame, maybe even a lot.> Peppy steps back and lowers his scarred muzzle to the ground, pressing his nose to the cold wooden floor. His green eyes are fixed sharply to the right. <Are you really hurt, Dusk? Can you walk?> No personal bias here, obviously.

Sweatdrops form as Dusk now has to continue her cherade. She tests the floor gingerly with the withhled paw and then wags. <It's ok, papa,> she says, her voice soft and sweet. She pretends to act brave, straightening herself up and setting her face in a determined way. She turns back to Flame, cold eyes challenging him. Don't mess with me, they seem to say. She may have resorted to crying for help this time, but the smart little Growlithe shows strong planning abilities and the strength to sacrafice even her pride to get what she needs. It seems that the door has been forgotten for now, she thinks. Her tail wags softly at the thought. She looks to Peppy, and then back to Flame, waiting for this crisis to be resolved so she can get back to her explorin.

If success is only for one puppy, then it's reserved for him and him alone. Born different from the others, Flame is the only one deserving of the glory and fame that comes with victory. That thought in mind, Flame looks at his own body, reveling in his dark fur and muscular physique. He's destined for greatness, future worship, and so many other grand things his siblings will never get to taste! The very idea of this forbidden fruit brings delight to his eyes, that even he cannot mask. His fluffy tail wags, and for a moment he's lost in his own little dream world. Unfortunately, dreams do not last forever, especially when getting yelled at. Peppy's scolding brings the youngster back to reality, and his eyes fill with a look of disbelief, as he is instantly deemed guilty. Flame's hatred for Dusk flares, and his eyes burn like coals from within their fury confines. Getting up from his seated position, Flame barks angrily at his father, and then growls fiercely at Dusk. <I didn't hurt her!> he argues, although he wishes immensely that he can change that this instant, clawing at the wooden floor furiously. Dusk's continued charade brings shivers of uncontrollable fury to the dog, and it takes every ounce of will power not to rip his sister to shreds. <I swear!> he says, this time his voice more sincere, his eyes wide, pleading, as he begs his father for understanding.

Dusk might not have this in the bag as easily as she may have thought only moments ago. Peppy, his head still low to the ground, takes a glance at Flame, already putting on his "no matter what you say I'm not going to buy it" face (three months of parenting have allowed for him to perfect this look). It dissipates when he looks over at his son's face, which, quite to Peppy's surprise, looks honest and even submissive, something the adult Growlithe didn't quite suspect. His eyes shift from Flame to Dusk to Flame to Dusk to Flame. He frowns. His stance become erect. His green eyes disappear behind orange as he closes his eyes for a moment, as if to decide what to do. Aurora is so much better at this. She, at least, has a brain. Peppy blinks open one eye, and, uncertainly, almost uncomfortably, asks, <... You really didn't hurt her, Flame?> Should the black furred pup not immediately reply, he'll go on to add, <... Honestly?>

The icy northwest wind howls, blowing snow about in savage gusts. The cold is intense. The sky is clear deep blue and the stars glitter, brilliant as diamonds.

Dusk's heart sinks. If he caves now, it will be all over. Flame will win at everything and rule them all. If she were biger, she owuld show him! Time for acting is over and the pup sits quitely, awaiting her father's decision. Inside her, different emotions swirl, flashing in her eyes dangerously. Love, hate, fear all mingle and the female prepares herself for the worst, and most cruel attack there is-the scorn of her father and hero. Layers of ice form on her heart, if this turns on her, she will face it boldly with cold indifference and then cry herself to sleep later when it is safe. Hear heart pounds in her ears. Dusk waits.

Thank goodness for small miracles. Perhaps Peppy isn't so bad after all! Points for Dad! Still standing, he lowers his head, making himself submissive for once. It's a stance he reviles, but takes out of desperation. Desperate times call for desperate measures. He even flattens his ears to further the effect, and he nods slowly, remaining silent. It looks like it's come down to an acting contest. <Yes.Dad.> he says, which is a change from the usual "Peppy", which is what he normally calls the older Growlithe. <Honestly. > he finishes, sitting on his rump and silently applauding himself on a job well done. Watching his father from his seated position, he keeps his eyes on the bigger Growlithe. He doesn't dare look at Dusk, lest he lost his father's favor. Jutting out his lower jaw in a pout, he silently insists that it is he that is being falsely accused. His tail is tucked under his rump, and he closes his eyes. Now for the icing on the cake. Letting a whimper of his own escape his muzzle, he shuts his eyes, his lips curling downwards in a show of canine grief. <You got to believe me.> Where's an Oscar Award when you need one?

Peppy keeps his sights on Flame for a few moments, narrowing his eyes after a bit. Is he trying to figure out the best option, or trying to see if Flame will crack? The puppies will probably never know. At last, Peppy's jaw goes slack. He slurps his chops a bit, glances up at the ceiling, and focuses back on Flame. <... All right.> The corners of the father's mouth perk up into a slight smile. <You're off the hook this time. But if I catch you hurting your sister again...> Has Peppy forgotten about the own rivalries he had with his sister? Did he ever have any? Or does he know and he's trying to stop it? Whatever the case is, the adult Growlithe leans over Dusk, and should she not move or flinch, he'll run his large muzzle along her back before finally settle upon the scruff of his neck, which he will take into his teeth and hoist the female into the air. Giving Flame one last look (a warning? an understanding? a follow me? who knows?), Peppy spins around and trots across the wooden floor back to the corner of the farm where the rest of the family sleeps.

Smallest of the puppies, Dusk tenses as peppy's muzzle runs along her spine. The large teeth finally settle on her scruff and she sighs as her body is hoisted off the ground. Dusk hangs from her father's jaws like a rag doll, body totally limp save for her tail which tucks up almost tight to her underbelly of creamy fuzz. Her black ears flop gently as Peppy moves his head and her eyes caste to the side to find her brother. Little lips pulling into a sneer, Dusk winks at him. This was only the beginning. Peppy turns away and her dark brother is hidden from view now. Dusk sighs again, paws pumping momentarily as she adjusts to the lumbeirng motion and then dropping to numb, floppy, otherworldy appendages.

Uh oh! The Rockets are scheming! Better save than sorry! (Saving)

Peppy's smile instantly brings relief to the puppy. His muscles relax, and he slowly lifts up his head, careful not to let his joy blow his "innocent" act. Dark eyes sparkle, and he knows he's the winner of this little feud. He watches Peppy pick up Dusk, and he chuckles under his breath. If Peppy looks back his way, he'll lift up a paw and cover his mouth, pretending to sneeze and cough. Flame mirrors dusk, winking to her. He sits on his haunches, and holds the sides of his lips with his dexterous paws, and scrunches up his face, sticking out his tongue at his smaller sister. Quickly, before his father can catch him in the act, the black puppy regains his composure, and goes back to his sulking act. Despite the effort he puts into looking completely, beaten and depressed, he can't hide the smile that slowly sneaks its way onto his features, and he sneers victoriously at his sibling. She's started a war, and he's ready to play her little game. Lifting up his paw he waves to both his dad and littermate, wiggling his toes up and down. Feeling accomplished, the pup returns to his corner of the barn, and goes to update his scorecards. <Flame one, Dusk zero.> he says in satisfaction, cutting one line into the wood with a sharpened claw.