an immense dog sprang up on deck from below, as if shot up by the concussion, [OPEN]

[burnforalltosee]

Who; Sir Francis, the rogue with no known origins, and YOU
What; He was an explorer...
Where; Anywhere you want him to be. Everywhere.
When; Monday (today!!!) afternoon/evening/etc. after scooting out of Elena's
Rating; PG for WILD WACKY ANIMAL HIJINKS, no, more like A for High Octane Nightmare Fuel in the form of a prose?
Status; Open; ongoing

Comments

[burnforalltosee]

Master?

No, Number One, sweet Elena, was certainly not his master in any form, nor would he ever let her get such an idea in her head. As it was, she had done many things to make his stay more comfortable, and he hadn't had to even ask. Having shown quite clearly he would open the door on his own if she didn't get there first, she had had a rectangular hole carved into it and installed a sort of glossy flap that let him in and out without any effort on his part. She kept a bag of food for him, though he never ate. If she was confused, he would simply take the bowl out when she wasn't looking and dig a hole to empty the food in and bring it back to keep up the appearances that he'd eaten. More often than not, however, he simply would let her think he'd eaten on his wanderings and was quite full.

Such a strange dog, large, massive and with no origins. And no monsters had come after him, had they? Of course not. He could, perhaps, wander through the forests at his leisure unhindered. There was nothing he had found in this place that compared to his...darkness, to put it in something relatively safe and pleasant.

The large hound looked up at the small girl. Small, large, definitely so! As a dog, the largest of the breed of canine given as gifts to Romans by the Celts, bred to be able to kill wolves by their own, Vlad topped the scales at around 140 pounds. The bed creaked more beneath him than it did beneath Elena.

Such a large dog, yes. Like another person in the house? Well, yes, that as well.

Golden eyes moved lazily between the pale hand and the vegetables, curled tail moving side to side just as lethargically. The dog had nowhere to be, nowhere to go, and no one to take care of but himself. He simply showed interest in her actions, truthfully. A moment passed before large jowls parted and red tongue lolled out as the hound panted, extremely furry eyebrows moving as a sign that he'd heard her.

[godlessblossom]

After so long in this place there were times when even the most extraordinary of things seemed unimportant to her. Still, the sheer size of the canine did register in her mind even if it did not appear on her face. There were more important matters to think on at the moment, the foremost of which being the comparison between foods at the market and what Jill would like to eat most. They both needed a nice dinner in, after all. Misaki's wrists were bandaged, as were her ankles, the skin torn from her time attempting to be free of restraints before any sedatives kicked in.

This place was not pleasant. Her mind on the sad subject caused her to reach out for comfort, placing a hesitant hand on the dog's head to pet him.

"You are rather impressive."

She wondered what breed he was before turning back to the stall owner, her hand only withdrawing to pay the man and take the bag of vegetables.

"Did Elena remember to feed you? Are you hungry? I am sure we could find something for you here."

[burnforalltosee]

Impressive?

That was more like it.

He allowed her to pet him, sitting down and letting the genetically curled tail wag back in forth in excitement at the touch. In extra excitement, even, he shifted forward on his paws as though nervous she would run away if he was too eager for her touch. There was a low, almost inaudible whine as she took her hand away, but when she spoke to him again, he was all panting tongue and wagging tail.

Furry eyebrows moved as golden eyes took in her new purchase. The mouth shut and he withdrew his head back a bit. Vegetables were generally found near garlic, and that was nothing Vlad felt up to dealing with. In fact, it was nothing Vlad felt like ever dealing with, but with a goal in mind as he had now, even less so.

He moved away from the stall and went to her other side, the side carrying nothing, staying extremely close to her the entire time. His tail curled out behind her as though it could catch her should she fall, his head coming up to nearly her chest.

[godlessblossom]

She looked to the large dog by her side and frowned, a crease in her eyebrows as there was that familiar feeling that something was off. The mental barrier could only block so much. However, it was such a common feeling in the Underworld, that she easily dismissed it. She let her hand rest on the dog's head as they walked, her purchases in the free hand, and her eyes searching for the stall she needed. It was a butcher's shop, so to speak, and the resident was familiar enough that she knew just how much bargaining was needed. She looked at the dog once more then back at the pieces of meat.

"Would you like to pick something out? If you insist on staying near me then I may as well keep you fed."

The dog would probably be interesting to Jill so she could see no problem with allowing him to rest with them for a while. He seemed to be a very intelligent dog so he could return to Elena when he was ready. In the meantime she had the man wrap up the meats she had purchased for herself.

[burnforalltosee]

The main difficulty of staying in the form of a dog was coming up with new ways to reject food. Any normal dog, yes, would be overjoyed at the lovely garden of delights laid out before him, but such was not the case. He had only licked a thin layer of animal blood off the meat Elena had thrown him, and nothing else. He did not sup, he did not dine, and that was in every form he took.

He looked up at her, furry eyebrows coming down and giving him the appearance of a grumpy old man, then turned back to rest his head against her waist as he waited for her purchases to be handed over.

All she needed to do was think a bit more. She was, after all, in the Underworld. He was a dog that had been found in the Underworld. Certainly such a logical, easily mislead girl could put such things together and ponder over the theories from it.

[godlessblossom]

As it was her mind was already coming up with possible theories on the matter. It was a curse, her brain constantly working even when she wanted nothing more than to stop. She only wanted to shop for her dinner, go home, and cook for her roommate. It was not often that she was collected enough to speak with her roommate and lately she was forced to only leave meals behind.

Why could her mind not stop working?

With an inward sigh she took her purchases, a bag in each hand, so she was unable to pet or touch the dog. It was probably a good thing since she was lost in thought. A large dog found in the Underworld, recently at that, who seemed to be more aware than any other animals she encountered. Unless, of course, she counted Po. She allowed her mental shield to fall down and reached outwards, trying to sense what was off about this dog. No, it was not a normal dog. She attempted to feel the emotions.

"You are a very odd dog." There was a wary tone underneath her words but still she lead the way to her home.

[burnforalltosee]

Mental capacities abounded in this young girl! That delighted him far more than anything else of the girl he'd seen so far, and to look into her mind was something completely different than to simply hold her gaze across the tablet. He could feel her reaching out to him, even in the form of an animal, and if she thought him odd, well! He would only encourage that though, of course! An odd dog in an odd place-it made sense, did it not?

The dog was pleased, greatly, at having made a new friend. There was something off about it, certainly, but this was the Underworld, and dogs were in many many stories of the Greeks. He was aware, and he was very keen on his surroundings, but what more should he let her find? Should he prance and frolic for her, trotting gaily like some horse for show? Oh no, for he was not quite that odd of a dog.

No, simply a very self-aware dog. A dog that he was a dog and yet understood the place he was in. Perhaps she would inquire others about their knowledge of the place of canines on the myths of the Grecian world. Actaeon and his hounds sprang to mind first and foremost, hounds who turned against him for violations committed to the goddess Artemis and her huntresses as they bathed. Yes, yes, she should definitely inquire further, how deep the hole Vlad could get her into...!

[godlessblossom]

What? Something was off and they walked in companionable silence for some time, Misaki taking those moments to flesh out what this dog was. It was nothing like the Hellhounds or Cerberus, that was clear. Of course it had the supernatural feel to it, something she wondered if Elena had picked up on. As usual, the lack of knowledge annoyed her.

The annoyed huff left her before she could think, her gaze shifting towards Sir Francis or whatever his name was.

"You are welcome to visit, Sir Francis, however at the first sign of trouble from you, I hope you realise either I or Jill will shoot you."

She would not risk her roommate to some sort of hound of Hades'. No, she would have to think on the origins of canines in myth and perhaps see if any others were aware of supernatural dogs of their worlds. It was simply one more thing in a long line of tasks to perform.

[burnforalltosee]

The dog looked up, curled tail falling down at the words she spoke. It was clear he understood the threat, and he lifted his eyebrows to show off large, innocent golden eyes. How could he not behave? He was a perfect gentleman, just as Elena said.

Never talked about himself and came housebroken.

Though, the former...ah, he had had a quite bit of amusement at the statement, it would not do to lie to himself about that.

[godlessblossom]

"I prefer cats so do not think I will fall for your tricks, dog."

She rolled her eyes at the wide eyes and continued walking. If the canine wished to accompany her then he would do so. If not, it was not her problem. She had more serious issues than some stray dog at the moment. Really. And if she could not take her mind off of the curiosity- Well, that was simply her nature. She could not stand the curiosity however she would not coo over the dog like some idiotic teenage girl. Or Elena.

Misaki stopped by her front door, only then turning to see if the dog had followed her.

[burnforalltosee]

Cats were so droll, though. So...feminine, really. And Vlad was nothing feminine. In fact, everything he did was related to masculinity-at least, in his time, such things were fact.

She would turn to find him there behind her, and upon seeing her turn, he sat like any good dog would. Large head bowed and eyes darted...dare she let him in? Dare she speak such delightful words?

[godlessblossom]

Misaki sighed before shifting her bags, letting her hand briefly free to pet the 'Francis' dog before turning the door knob. The apartment was small yet it was home and it appeared Jill was either out or in her room, possibly sleeping. After recent events she could only hope that wherever she was, it was relaxing. Though if it was with John....

Well, best not to contemplate that headache. She turned again to regard the dog in the doorway.

"You are allowed to come in. I left the door open for a reason."

She set her groceries on the table before returning to get the door.

[burnforalltosee]

First, compared to a panda. Then to an exorcist. What Vlad would say if he knew such things...

A long leg stretched over the threshold slowly, slowly as though afraid of what the floor was made of. Lava, acid? Could have been either if the dog's look was of any importance. Then, a padded paw took hold on it and he had hopped in, careful not to step on the crack that was, on one hand, the exit to forever outside, and the other, to his new realm.

He turned around when she got the door, looking his new and third realm to rule in this place over. Eyes traveled from the corners of the ceiling to the corners of the floor. He stood and traveled, oddly careful with his large tail to keep from moving anything out of place. And then to the kitchen, head sitting atop the back of a chair as wet eyes watched her curiously.

[godlessblossom]

The fact that he had already settled himself in and was looking around, as if taking everything in, bothered her. She studied the dog even as she went about her daily life, putting away the unneeded groceries as she readied her evening cooking materials.

"Do not make yourself so comfortable, Sir Francis. You are a guest here. That does not mean you own the place."

If there was an amused smile on her face it had nothing to do with the canine. No, it was her cooking. Truly. She fired up the stove and soon was lost in her cooking. The dog had shown no desire to eat so he was dismissed from her mind.

[burnforalltosee]

Feisty girl! Perhaps the world of the Orient had drastically changed, judging from her behaviour. He read a great number of things on the place, of geisha and the praise of demure maids and maidens. Very unlike the gypsy women who roamed his lands, so boisterous and wild, so out of their husband's, father's, or brother's control. Such depraved women, the lot of them.

But it was his homeland, and they did not act in such a way when he was present.

...well, the one who had come to scream at him in such a late hour, the one who had disrupted that foolish clerk's stay. But, still, that was very out of place, and the women from the towns were harder to control. Monster? He simply fed his brides. She simply would not leave, so the only thing he could do was watch as the creatures of the night rent her to pieces and traveled away to feed their young.

If he was a monster, then so were the meat-eaters of the world. How hypocritical humans were.

The dog simply moved to lay beneath the table, chin resting on crossed front paws, eyes moving around from time to time, closing at others.

[godlessblossom]

The world Misaki was from was certainly different yet she had prided herself on being a role model for the females of her class back home. She tried to be the perfect daughter, making sure to achieve good grades, be somewhat sociable, and never fought with others. No, when she arrived she had been polite and quiet, albeit her accidental bluntness. After eight months in the Underworld she had changed. She was her own person who walked about with purpose. She was still polite however for the idiots they received the barb of her tongue. In her own home there was nobody to impress. It was her domain. So why should she be overly polite to a dog?

She set out a small bowl of water once the food was finished and then proceeded to make bentos for the next days lunch, cutting and rearranging the foods as if it were art.

Once it was all done she went to sit near the dog, appearing slightly tired.

"I am not quite sure about you, Sir Francis. However somebody must know something more about whatever form of dog you are. Will you be comfortable on the couch or would you like me to leave the door open so you can leave?"