Onyx (boyxboy)

Chapter 1: Rogues

REGAN'S POV

The night was still young, purple mist engulfing such little space we had. Fog danced all around us, taking away our ability to tackle each other. Towers of trees were looking over us, densely packed and moist from recent rain. The sand plastered around my eyes was all due to one of the cowardly wolves. The dimness was because it had already been an hour past sunset, the equivalent period of time filled with hopeless defense and false attacks from the rivals. Despite the aching desire to leave this chaos, I moved on and prepared myself for an attack.

I swiftly glided to west, though clearly aiming for the dusty brown wolf at the east wing. I steadied myself on all fours and stretched cold muscles to get ready for an attack. We narrowed our eyes, staring each other down when unexpectedly an oak leaf came into vision, swaying down to land, stealing the attention from the target. The moment an opportunity posed as an advantage because of its lack of focus, I charged forward, aiming for its limbs.

A loud howl echoed through the woods as it doubled over, clutching its clearly wounded leg. I mentally patted myself on the back for doing a good job. My confidence provided with a boost.

Much to my dismay, it easily recovered from the brief trance. It attempted to pounce on me, but I beat it to it and clawed at its eyes. 'Cheating, Regan.' I told myself. But I was well convinced the in the Rogue concept, there was no such thing as rules.

I went forth with my action, aware of the consequences and embarrassment it will bring but I also knew that I wouldn't be seeing this hopeless bastards again, so I simply shrugged it off.

Its eyes started clouding up with tears mixed with blood, it was a gory sight. After its consciousness had been stripped away, I moved on to attacking the two remaining rogues. I was flabbergasted at the absence of distractions when I was dealing with the dusty brown wolf, but that was no advantage as it was crystal clear they weren't the least bit satisfied with what had happened to their ally.

A wolf attacked me from behind, but what disturbed me the most was its unsettling stench that reminded me of wet dogs -- despite being known as mutant dogs -- and burning leaves.

It had me pinned onto the ground, my back touching the sandy surface. I was struggling to escape from its grasp but it was adamant at defeating me. It lowered its head down onto my neck, giving me a clear view of its stained fangs with blood from recent attempts, until its teeth were barely inches away. The hot breath clouding my face was significantly distracting. I was motivated to get this thing off of me despite the mantra unconsciously recited in my mind, exclaiming that these were hopeless struggles, since the wolf was distinctively larger than me -- in size, considering its presence -- among the two of them --- after having taken down the other 3.

I shut my eyes, oblivious of what will happen, almost wholly giving in to the repeated mantra. The muscles in my forearm were already straining and aching, both of us expecting one another to give in.

'Keep it going, keep it strong.' I recited, trying to override the previous mantra. I couldn't bare with this ache any longer.

I could already feel its teeth grazing at my neck, ready to snap it any moment then.

'Come on, Regan, you can do this.' I converted myself and mentally stepped into another territory of positivity.

''I'm going to win against you, boy.'' Jeered the wolf above me. At that instant, I felt my heart stop and skip several beats.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

White dots started prickling my vision, and I cursed myself for being so weak. I recognized that voice, those exact sentences spoken to me... Years ago. The year Jackson died. My father.

~

I'm on the verge of bursting into tears, my palms are sweating bullets, my cheeks flushed from too much movement. I try to reach out for Dad as I hear him howl in obvious pain. Amidst all the chaos, something tugs at my arm, its claws pierces through my skin. I struggle to escape its hold, but instead it tightens around me, and I can already tell a bruise will form. I keep my eyes shut, afraid of being intimidated once I see the facade of this harasser. ''I'm going to win against you, boy. And you know it.''

~

An exuberant pang of motivation hit me, 'If I could run away all those years, when I was naive and vulnerable, I sure as hell can do it now.' The coherent voice in my head said. With utmost capability, I shoved its heavy figure against a nearby tree, and made a run for it.

I didn't know if I could make it, because those wolves were significantly larger and older than me, and the more our age elevated, the stronger we got. My coat was covered with dried mud and sand, which enthralled me since that was uncanny, those two materials together, but I couldn't care less about how bad I looked since I was used to flaunting myself in dirt. Being a rogue impelled me to take drastic measures.

I heard jaws snap behind me but I knew all too well that it was the gushing wind that enhanced the volume. I rammed myself with an obligation to move forward while reminding myself, 'Dad would be upset if he sees you lose again.' With that reminder, I boosted myself forward with clear ignorance of my aching limbs. The loudness of its howls began to lessen but I didn't let my guard drop, because somehow or rather, it could catch up fruitfully. I was adamantine to push myself forward and escape from its senses. I released a loud howl that boomed through the forest, informing the rival that I was not yet ready to step down. Sweat began to form at my forehead -- even as a wolf -- my fur matted together, my muzzle started itching, but I did not let any of these distractions overpower my need to defeat. My breath hitched, growing ragged with every step I took, paws sore and red from my overworking it.

I lunged myself forward with all my might, praying that I could go on without being tripped over, that I could finally achieve something that was not futile. Rhythmically my joints and breath began to pick up their pace while I ran senselessly with my eyes closed, allowing my sense of touch and hearing to guide me, dodging every branch, every log, every animal that came in my way.

Much to my liking, the sounds had already faded to normalcy. I kept my guard standing turgid and tall, in case unexpected attacks came. I was indeed lucky for this gravy. I kept moving forward even though I knew I've lost it, taking the opportunity to steady my breathing and pamper my paws at the new-found fertile soil.

The deeper I crossed, the more distinct the variation of smells became to me. Before I even realised it, the malodor had been altered to a homely scent while the ground became softer at my feet. I regretted it as soon as I found myself in another territory, which meant I did not have all day to drag my tail. Right after I was unlaced from one, another set of troubles was already snaking toward me.