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Post by Brink on Dec 10, 2006 13:23:55 GMT -5
The icy water was making his limbs numb. The water in his thick pelt was no help either as its weight held him. There seemed to end to the waves that were crashing down on him. He kept trying to tread water, to search for Dana, but he had just about given up. He was no idiot. You didn’t have to grown up by the sea to know what hypothermia was. If they wanted to survive, they would need to find each other and get back to the poet and quickly.
"...j-john..."
At first, he thought he’d just imagined someone saying is name. The though it was nothing more than the howling wind, or the waves crashing down. Yes, he had just imagined it. Then, he heard a splash behind him. It wasn’t like that of the crashing waves; it sounded different somehow. With what strength that he had left, John whipped around and began swimming towards where Dana had resurfaced. He might have yelled her name, but he wasn’t sure. His mind was barely registering anything and breathing was difficult enough. He was near her now. They might have a chance of getting out of this alive… then… she went under again. He kept turning around in the water, hoping to catch sight of his companion.
Why was this happening again? Was it his fault that this was happening? First his son and now Dana! “Why are you doing this to me?” he whispered. This was probably more difficult for John than it was for Dana. He had nothing to hold onto. He lacked real faith, no matter what he told his companion. He didn’t believe that there was something on the other side. Some place where they would roam about for ever and ever once he were laid to rest. No there was nothing after death, or so he believed.
His shivering was getting worse. His limbs were cold and stiff, barely of any use to him at this point. He kept twisting around in the water, wishing -no pleading- to see her. Then, his shaking back paw collided with something. It wasn’t hard like the wood from the dock, but furry. Without a second thought, he dove into the water.
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Post by dakota on Dec 10, 2006 16:13:15 GMT -5
Dana's body continued to shake, as she stared up into the light above the surface. This couldn't be happening... she couldn't go... not yet... Lifting one paw she stretched it out to John, her eyes starting to close. The Shepard was losing her fight against the darkness that tried to over-come her. Opening her maw, the last bits of air drew from her lungs, as bubbles going to the surface of the waves, as she tried to breath, her body forcing it's self to try and take in air...
Giving a slight grunt of effort, she managed to slow her falling, and try to reach out for John once more. Though her turquoise eyes were now closed, within her mind, she remembered... when everyone thought that she wasn't going to make it... Back when in side her mind she was floating out farther and farther within the waters... Now she was falling, deeper within her mind...
No... I-I can't let go... He needs me... and I, him...
The very thought of leaving John alone, causing her love more pain then he'd already known... She couldn't... Opening her eyes, her vision was blurred, but she could make out his shape, coming near her... She blinked slowly, and tried to pull closer to her companion, her friend, the one she wished to spend the rest of her life with... The Shepard was fading fast, but she had to make it... for John...
Though she now understand she was doing this on her own, there was no one above guiding her, no one to help her, other then her companion who continued to struggle against the freezing waters just for her. Dana was on her own, using the very last of her own strength, no one to give her that extra push, as he faith finally slipped, trailing down an endless slope, as she now knew how her friend viewed the world, what he though of her beliefs...
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Post by Brink on Dec 10, 2006 17:14:18 GMT -5
John kept trying to paddle downward, although his stiff limbs weren’t exactly helping. Nor the fact that his lungs felt like they were going to burst. But he had to reach her. Somehow, he had too. Almost completely drained of strength and willpower, the canine had lost all hope. Yet, he still kept trying to make his way towards Dana. I won’t let her down… Most of his thoughts were jumbled, he knew he had to save her, or atleast try. He was shaking severely, but he still wouldn’t stop. The smart thing to do would have been to go to the surface, get more air and come back, but John wasn’t sure how much time Dana had left.
Just a little closer…
He kept telling himself this, although it didn’t seem to do any good. He still wasn’t near enough to try and pull her to the surface. And even if he did, would either of them have enough strength left to make it to shore. This battle seemed hopeless, but John didn’t turn back. As hopeless as it was, it was still worth fighting for, wasn’t it?
His limbs now barely moving, the shepherd mix was in reach of John. Because of his sluggish movement, it seemed like forever before he managed to grab onto his companions scruff. With the little strength he had left (which wasn’t a lot), he began making his why to the surface. There was sharp pain in his chest, due to the lack of oxygen. Hopefully, he wouldn’t pass out or get eaten by something on the way up. Though they were only a few feet down, it seemed like an eternity before they hit the surface.
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Post by dakota on Dec 10, 2006 18:16:35 GMT -5
...this ...can't be it... John... please forgive me... Dana thought as she finally believed that it was over, she didn't want to let go, didn't want to admit defeat... Turquoise eyes opened and blinked slowly, as she felt the jaws of her companion grip her neck, despite the numbness that had started to control her. Her maw opened slowly, as if to say something to her savior, to thank him, to say sorry, or to simply acknowledge him, it was hard for one to tell what she was attempting but it didn't last long...
As soon as she felt the cool wind brush across her soaking pelt, she shivered, and began coughing heavily, trying to take in the air, and rid of the water that had filled her lungs. Her eyes yet refused to open as they stung from looking through the salty waters, trying to fight her way back up to the surface, and find John. Still shaking so hard, the Shepard wished to rest, and her body continued to try and let go as her energy hardly allowed her to keep above the waves.
Shaking her head, Dana, pressed her muzzle against her companion with as much force as possible, which seemed like a simple nuzzle of affection. Though now this female was trying to let John know that she was still okay, although she was wavering slowly from consciousness, but it served another purpose, to let her friend realize they had to keep moving, they had to get out of the freezing waters.
At this very moment, Dana wished she could pour heart and soul out to the one she cared o much for, but as of now she was still struggling for breath let alone any words to comfort, and thank the Canaan dog.... The one who had saved her life, except the same couldn't be said for her faith...
[*doesn't find this post all that appealing.*]
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Post by Brink on Dec 10, 2006 18:44:23 GMT -5
When they hit the surface, John found himself buffeted by broken plank, surging waves, and the wind. This shivering had become worse; it almost felt warmer underwater. After taking a few shallow breaths, he found the pain in his chest ease, but his limbs were as useless as ever. More than anything right now, they needed to reach the shore. If the waves didn’t kill the pair, hypothermia surely would. And John wasn’t about to die. When Dana had nuzzled him, John understood what it meant.
All four limbs now limp and shaking, he began doggy-paddling towards the direction that the port appeared to be. His breath was ragged as the freezing water attempted to shut down his system. Staying above the surface was extremely difficult. Even so, every few yards, John would turn around and nudge his companion. He now had a shred of hope. They might be able to make it together. They just might.
If they could make it out of this situation, they could surly make it through the issues that they had been talking about before the board had cracked. Only if they could reach the shore. They still had to actually make it to Rakine and try to get warm before the cold overtook them. But now, it didn’t seem so impossible.
[ooc; Crap heap of a post. D= Sorry.]
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Post by dakota on Dec 10, 2006 19:06:40 GMT -5
Dana gave a weak smile, as her already half-closed eyes blinked slowly. They had to make it... they had one another now they just had to push themselves harder, use all that they had left, though it wasn't much they had to keep moving... The female refused to give up despite having no feeling in her legs, as she pushed against the water...
Every now and then, the Shepard slipped down under the water though only for a split second, before coming back up, coughing heavier then before. If she felt herself growing weaker she'd pull against John, giving her the slightest push forward. Though her mind was crowded and there were so many things for them to consider right, now she was focused and making it to the shore, with her friend beside her...
Sputtering slightly, Dana paused, and shivered, she was no aware that she had in fact gotten a wound from the sharp chuck of wood that had sent her back under the waves. Shaking her head she pushed forward, following right behind the Canaan dog, she whimpered slightly, and nudged him forward, as they finally got closer to land. The very sight of that sand made the dog's body wish to relax, though she refused to do this. Giving a final push forward she could feel the faintest sensation under her paws.
Walking slowly, Dana stumbled and simply plopped down into the sand, curling into a ball, as she coughed heavier now, trying to remove all the liquid that filled her lungs...
[nah it's good ^.^]
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Post by Brink on Dec 10, 2006 19:28:49 GMT -5
They had to make it. They needed to make it. Or so John continued to think as their journey towards the pale sand of Rakine dragged on. Despite the fact that neither of them could really feel their own bodies, they continued moving. Nor did they stop when the water cam crashing over them. They just rose to the surface and toiled on. The must have only been swimming towards the beach for a few minutes, but to John it seemed like hours.
His breathing was now ragged. Every time he inhaled sharp, stabbing pain shot through his chest. For a few seconds he thought he wouldn’t make. No, he was sure he couldn’t make it. He was sure that his strength would give out and he would just sink. For a few seconds, he hoped he would. The little sliver of faith he had kept had long ago washed away. These thoughts faded away when he felt Dana use him to propel herself forward.
Dana needs me…
Letting his companion was not an option for John. Hope flooded through him when he felt his paws touch the wet sand. It seemed like heaven to have solid ground underfoot once again. But there troubles still weren’t over. Both of them had been in that glacial water. Staying warm was they only way to keep alive.
While Dana curled into a ball, John collapsed, half of his body still in the water. His entire body, which had once been shaking violently, was strangely still. His turquoise eyes were still open as a wave of salt water washed over him. He didn’t move though, not having the energy too.
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Post by dakota on Dec 10, 2006 19:51:35 GMT -5
Turquoise eyes remained closed, as she felt the slightest bit of feeling return along with the jagged cut on her left side. She realized just how much it hurt to have salt water wash through an open wound... After a moment, she blinked slowly, shifting herself in the slightest, she she could look to John. Her vision began to clear, and she saw his spot in the wet sand. Dana shivered, and shook her head, letting a groan of effort, she lifted slowly, coming to his side, her paws skimming against the soft sand.
"...John..."
She spoke her tone weak and pleading, as she bent down, now grasping the scruff of his neck, and trying to pull him forward as he'd down for her. She whimpered with frustration as her heart ached, and her side burned. The female wasn't going to let him stay there and freeze as the water continuously washed over him. Giving a weak grunt of effort again, she kept trying to pull John away from the icy waters. Finally it seemed it had taken too much time and energy, but she had managed, to pull him forward, and collapsed at his side.
Letting out her breath heavily, she coughed slightly, before stretching her neck out over her companion's own. She said nothing trying to give him heat, to keep him awake, to keep him here by her side. She would not let him leave her... never... They were the only ones the other had left, and if he left her... Dana shook her head, and curled up closer to him.
"...I love you... forever..." The Shepard whispered in a strained tone, though her words were nothing but the truth.
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Post by Brink on Dec 10, 2006 20:10:12 GMT -5
"...John..."
The Canaan Dog had been staring at whatever lay ahead of him. Whatever it was, he could tell. His vision was still blurry. His limbs still had little feeling in them, although he couldn’t really feel in anything. Not the wind, not the waves, not the cold. Is this what it feels to die? he asked himself. He wasn’t sure.
“Dana,” they words formed sluggishly on his tongue. His voice was rather soft and quiet. “I’m not sure I can hold on any longer.”
John just lay there, unable to get his muscles to move. Dana pulled him away from the water. He didn’t seem to notice. She collapsed next to him, and then tried to warm him. Still, no strength came to the Canaan Dog. His ragged breath was quieting down, slowing a bit. He could feel it. Fadin’ ever so slowly. But, he wasn’t sure that he wanted to. Dana still needed him. Could he just leave her? He wasn’t sure. "...I love you... forever..."
“I love you, too. Always have and always will.” He barely managed to speak, as he blinked sluggishly. He couldn't give up on her, not now, not yet. With a grunt of effort, John stood on unstable legs. They needed to find shelter.
[ooc; Cursed shortness]
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Post by dakota on Dec 10, 2006 20:51:16 GMT -5
Hearing him say this made Dana shake her head harder, as she whimpered. The Shepard opened her eyes again slowly.
"You have to... don't let go yet... I need you..."
She pleaded, nuzzling him with a slight force, not ready to let go yet, not ready to say good bye to someone else that she loved, and cared for. Dana shivered slightly, as she felt John move beneath her. The Shepard drew back slightly, and stood up again as well. She gave out a soft whine, and brushed against him, letting him know she was going to support him, even if she herself could use support as well.
A warm smile drifted over her lips as she listened to John' speak once more. She nodded, and leaned against him, to keep hims standing, and to stop herself from shivering. It's really hard to believe how far one is willing to go for someone they really truly love and care for... It can give you strength and hope you never knew you had before, but both Dana and John now knew this, and the whole experience would be one they would never forget, and probably change their lives forever.
Closing turquoise eyes, the female moved forward slowly, watching her steps, so as not to stumble, and not wishing for John to be concerned for her, as she feared most of all for her companion. Dana nuzzled him again, and gave a slight whimper. "I'm here..." She stated to her friend simply.
[yah, same here...>.<]
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Post by Brink on Dec 10, 2006 21:16:34 GMT -5
"You have to... don't let go yet... I need you..."
Dana didn’t want him to let go, so he wouldn’t. He wouldn’t cause her anymore pain. He couldn’t, not after what she had been through. He just wouldn’t let it happen. The both needed to hang on, for the sake of the other. But would they be able to? But, neither of them could hang on forever, right? What would happen when one of them let go? Enough of this thinking. I just need to concentrate on getting to some warm place.
As they left the beach, John leaned against his comrade slightly, since he had recovered little of his strength in any of his legs. His thick fur clung to his shaking form as he concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. The salt water that had gotten into his turquoise eyes made them sting, but other than that, he could feel little pain.
"I'm here..." she had told him. But, was that they way it was supposed to be? She had suffered through more terrifying and traumatic events than he had; wasn’t he supposed to be the one protecting her? Even though he had left her, John still felt that he had failed Dana. Why couldn’t he be stronger? I’m sorry.
“That was a close call, eh?” he asked with a half-grin, hoping to lighten the mood, despite the fact that it was clearly no joking matter.
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Post by kota not at home on Dec 13, 2006 19:40:52 GMT -5
[No, I'm not dead, and I didn't forget. My muse died for a bit, but I'll post once I get home! *huggle*]
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Post by Brink on Dec 13, 2006 19:47:55 GMT -5
[ooc; Yay! And don't worry, I don't expect you to reply immediately after I post. -hugs back and scurries off to watch X-F on Sci-Fi -]
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Post by dakota on Dec 15, 2006 20:07:20 GMT -5
Moving slowly, making sure to keep her own balance, as she helped John to keep walking onward. Damn it was cold... Shaking her head, the Shepard mix closed her eyes for a moment. As they made their way through the village, Dana tried to figure out how much damage she had taken, her companion as well. Pausing she looked over to John as he spoke, her eyes darkened from cold and need for sleep. She growled lightly, and nipped at his ear.
"Shut it!"
Dana whimpered, somewhat joking, and her tone still weak. Damn him... trying to make me laugh... She shook her head, and leaned closer if that was at all possible. The canine shook her head, moving damp bangs out of her turquoise orbs. She let out a sigh, her gaze straight ahead, glued to the very same old shed they'd taken shelter in those few nights ago, when they had spoke their feelings to one another... Changing everything that they knew...
It was of course the truth, and once they could rest and get warm, the two would have to talk this out for real. This time on solid ground. But they both knew, deep down, they could make it together now... They relied on each other, and if they could pull through a situation that hard, they could do so much more... as long as they fessed up, and embraced what they felt for eachother... And somewhere, Dana knew that this was inevitable, even if her faith had now been lost, she didn't need that to know their strength together, was nearly unstoppable...
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Post by Brink on Dec 16, 2006 1:45:16 GMT -5
John was in agony as his blood warmed and the pain came back. He was now aware of all the cuts and scrapes received from being pummeled by the planks’ splinters. Blood slowly began running from his wounds, leaving red stains on his pelt. But his pain didn’t come from his assortment of gashes; it came from his violently shaking limbs as he made his slow way onward until they reached the shed. It was probably the warmest place they could find that wasn’t infested with humans or taken by other canines.
"Shut it!"
A small smirk played across his lips, seeing as how she was partly joking. Hopefully his attempts to make her feel any better wouldn’t make her angry. Not that it seemed possible to be angry, seeing as how they both shared the feeling of being dead tired. Up ahead was the shed. The smirk of the Canaan Dog faded; it wasn’t like he didn’t want to have a warm place to rest, but he knew what they would have to talk about.
Ya’, it was an inevitable event. Sooner or later it would have to come out. But he didn’t want it to happen now. He was physically and emotionally worn. To tell the truth, he wanted to asleep for the rest of the day. But even after sleeping, he wouldn’t want to talk about. He guessed it was better to get it out now. After all, it was what Dana wanted, right? And if they didn’t do it, she would probably nag him about it. As they approached the entrance of the abandoned structure, John waited patiently for her to enter.
[ooc; Sorry it ain't that good. I'm tired.]
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