THQ One-Shots

Secrets

Note: This takes place in the past when the siblings are younger, before Datherine and Dilliker go their separate ways and Duni bands together his crew.

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Come on, you can do this. You're almost there!

     With a grunt of exertion the small, dark-furred pug heaved himself up on to the branch. His head tilted back against the tree, his eyes closed, as he sat there panting. After regaining his breath, Duni opened his eyes and took a moment to survey his progress. Looking down he saw how far up he was and almost had his breath taken away. He quickly diverted his gaze away from the ground and gulped.

     "Th-that's higher than I thought..." he stammered aloud to himself, trying to suppress a whimper that urged to escape him. 

     Duni swallowed down his fears and his face set to a more determined expression. No, stop it! If Datherine and Dilliker can do this so easily, then so can I. Feeling confident once more he proceeded to ascend the tree.

     He managed to climb up another branch or two before he got to one that was not as sturdy. Duni grabbed on to the branch and when he went to pull himself up—

     Crack.

     The branch snapped and Duni found himself falling down, down, down...

     He landed with a muffled thump. Duni gave a yelp as he felt a jolt of pain sear through his arm. The world spun around him for several moments, the shock coursing through his entire body. He never was hurt as badly before. Sure he was beaten around a lot from others and miscellaneous things, but this was on a new level. Unable to contain himself Duni let out a small whimper as tears streaked down his cheeks. The dark-furred pug curled up in a ball as he lay there all alone.

- - - - - - - - - -

Almost home... Where the hell is that tree?

     The albino tomcat was prowling his way through the forestry. His posture was that of secrecy with the intention of getting to a destination fast without getting caught. Dilliker's eyes occasionally darted back and forth as he walked onward. He knew no one would be around—they lived in a desolate area anyways—but it was never a bad idea to be alert of your surroundings. 

     He began to grow impatient as he saw no sight of the particular landmark that guided him home. For after what seemed like a painful amount of time, Dilliker spotted it in the distance; the one tree that stood slightly taller than the rest. The tomcat let out a breath of relief, glad to have found his way home again. Normally getting home was not a problem, but lately he has been distracted...

     A distant noise snapped Dilliker back to reality and his ears perked up. Curious, he slowly made his way forward as he tried to identify the noise. Is someone... Crying? On closer investigation he could make the sounds of snuffling and muffled whimpers. Dilliker noticed a figure up ahead. A few steps closer—

     His stomach dropped. Dilliker's eyes widened in alarm as he recognized it his little brother Duni. The albino tomcat put on a burst of speed as he rushed forward to get to him.

- - - - - - - - - -

Why does this hurt so much?

     Duni was still curled up in a ball, trying to ignore the pain in his arm. His tears were mostly dry and he gave the occasional snuffle. Being so distracted, he almost didn't  hear the sounds of someone approaching. The small, dark-furred pug lifted his head up and his eyes widened in surprise as he saw an albino cat stand in front of him.

     "Dilliker?" He managed to whimper, his voice laced with pain.

     The older brother gave no sign of acknowledgement in reply. Dilliker's attention was focused elsewhere as he quickly searched where the little pug was hurt. The tomcat's gaze was focused on his arm and with a soft white paw he gently touched it. Duni gave a yelp of pain and recoiled, and Dilliker drew his arm back. His red eyes flashed with worry, but his face was grim as he went to his bag. He grabbed a few medical supplies and immediately began to bandage Duni's arm. The dark-furred pug sat there with quiet awe and amazement, unsure of what to say as he watched his brother work efficiently on his arm.

     After the period of silence Duni decided to speak up on something that had been on his mind. "Did Dachel teach you how to do this?"

- - - - - - - - - -

Dachel.

     Dilliker froze, midway of wrapping the final bandages on Duni's arm. The albino tomcat's face was shaded as he looked at the ground. Of course Duni would know about this. At this point it was probably obvious to literally anyone. Heh... I guess it isn't  much of a secret, eh?  Dilliker glanced back up at Duni with a sheepish look on his face.

     Duni blinked, silent for a moment. Then the small, dark-furred gave a little chuckle knowing that he was correct. Dilliker gave a small huff and proceeded to finish bandaging up Duni's arm. When he was done, the albino tomcat stood up and offered his paw. Duni looked at his paw then up at him, hesitant. Dilliker nodded his head in reply. Duni gave a smile and grabbed his paw with his good arm. He hoisted his little brother up then began to make his way onward.

     Until he felt a tug on his sweater.

     Dilliker looked down at Duni with a questioning look. His little brother looked up at him. "Don't tell Datherine?" He asked with a look of a child's blissful innocence.

     Dilliker was, to say the least, taken aback. Duni knew him too well sometimes, intuitive little guy. The albino tomcat flashed a smile and nodded in response to Duni's question. He then grabbed hold of his younger brother and hoisted him up on to his shoulders, hearing Duni gasp as he was lifted up. Noticing he was up on Dilliker's shoulders, the little pug gave a laugh of delight.

     "Come on Dilliker! Onwards!" Duni urged on his brother as he pointed his good paw ahead.

     Rolling his eyes in amusement, Dilliker began to walk forward. Together the two brothers made their way home.