003 [ action | OTA ]

[a_talking_dug]

[Dug is lying on the steps of the Academy's main entrance this afternoon, head between his paws, staring out toward the horizon with a rather forlorn look on his face.

He's here to help. That's why he was recruited-to help the students learn how to track in spite of their unfortunate human-ness, and help the faculty if and when anyone else

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[tuff2bagod]

[Since the Mouse's announcement, Miguel has been running all over the school, looking high and low for any sign of Tulio. So far, he's found none, but he does spot a fluffy friend who looks about as forlorn as he feels. Miguel forces a sad smile on and sits down next to Dug, giving the dog a pat on the head, grateful for the chance to rest in the midst of his search.]

How you holding up, boy?

[a_talking_dug]

[Dug sort of shrugs, glancing over at Miguel.]

I am worried. But also I am okay.

Are you okay?

[tuff2bagod]

[Short and to the point. Miguel's smile gets a little more genuine.]

I'm okay. Worried, much the same as yourself, but okay.

[Dug gets more headrubs, partly because he's aww-inducing, and partly because petting a dog is a great stress reliever. Miguel could use less stress right now.]

Seen Tulio around?

[a_talking_dug]

[Yes, yes, someone once informed Dug of this stress relieving property he has. He's happy to oblige, really.

Miguel's question, however, makes Dug's ears fold back. He half-whines, then kind of sniffles to shut himself up.]

No... I have not seen Tulio.

[tuff2bagod]

Figured I'd ask.

[Dug's quickly-stifled whine tugs at Miguel's heartstrings. Solution? More headrubs. Headrubs until the end of time, or until he gets antsy from sitting around and not finding Tulio.]

[a_talking_dug]

[Yes, yes, that is a very good solution.]

I will help you look for him. [Even though Dug knows he won't really get anywhere with this, he has to do something. Especially since he kind of just lied to Miguel.]

[tuff2bagod]

Will you?

[That puts a smile back on Miguel's face, even if it's just small one.]

To be honest, I could use all the help I can get.

[Suddenly, an idea!]

Could you track his scent?

[a_talking_dug]

[Ohhhhhhhhh this is uncomfortable.]

Of course I can track his scent!

[tuff2bagod]

Fantastic!

[Miguel jumps up.]

When can you start? Should we begin here, or go back to his room and retrace his steps from there?

[a_talking_dug]

Do you have something with his scent on it?

[Dug sits up, looking expectantly at Miguel.]

[tuff2bagod]

Indeed I do!

[Miguel produces Tulio's communicator from his pocket, which he found abandoned on Tulio's nightstand during his search. Particularly odd, considering that Tulio was never without the device while he was awake.]