|
Jovi never listened to Koija before, he wasn't about to now when he heard his name called. He only kept running, willing himself to go faster to get away from the red head. He turned down an alley way and kept running, he doubled back when he spotted a manhole. He looked back the way he came cautiously, he had a head start he had time enough. With a grunt he lifted the cover from it's resting place and hurried down the rungs pulling the cover down back over him. Even if Koija seen him go down the man would spend time lifting it loose and follow him down.
Jovi was already on the small ledge above the fetid water of waste. He moved more carefully now not at a full sprint but fast enough to make up for the lost time that he'd used. The sides were still slippery for when the waste was higher than the edge. He was breathing out of his mouth but he could still smell it so bad he could taste it.. he'd such a sensitive nose. He used the sewers regularly though he knew where he was going. |
By the time Koija had caught up to the manhole that Jovi had scurried down, he had to take a brief breather before he could muster the strength to pull that cover up again. He was strong but even for someone like him that was heavy and hard to pull up. Jovi might have been able to hear how fowl Koija's mouth could be when he wasn't happy with someone, just before the cover scraped against the street and the red head was soon following the mutt down into the sewer system.
Once he was sure he had decent footing on the small ledge, he took after Jovi as fast as he could without risking slipping in. "What the hell are you doing?!" He shouted after the dog-type, coughing a bit. This stench was putrid and his chest was tight, but he continued to push forward. He wasn't going to give up, he'd get Jovi back home. The smell was horrible, he couldn't believe the child would dare run down there, it was disgusting, but he wasn't going to let him get away. At least Amari wouldn't be following him all the way down there, he knew she didn't care to get dirty, and this was about as dirty as it got, even if you didn't plunge into the polluted waste water. "Jovi." He hissed out, keeping to the ledge as best as he could. |
Jovi had half hoped the other man would be too proud to follow him down, or finicky enough to not risk getting so dirty. It wasn't completely even ground here, figuratively and literally. Jovi and the rest of the free dog-types used the sewers to move around freely, very little humans came down there and that's the only thing they liked about it. It took skill to be able to move quickly on the small ledge, even more skill to jump from ledge to ledge when another tunnel of sewage connected with the one they were following.
"Getting away from you.." He shot back, he had lost precious time down here but he had the advantage. Especially when he spotted a gap in the ledge coming up. His pace quickened and when the gap came he jumped over the putrid water of the connecting tunnel, his his scrabbled at the wall as he landed holding himself from sliding off the ledge when he landed. He took the time to grin at Koija after he landed a moment to catch his breath. "I'd love to stick around to see you mess up the jump and fall in.. but.." He gave an extravagant shrug and hurried down the tunnel that had connected, he knew where he was now. Down the tunnel though he paused thinking he had time enough to rest, he needed to catch his breath even if it was filled with the foul stench of the sewer. |
Oh, the sewers were definitely not his ideal place to be, but Koija had not always been living the life he led now. Sewers were not so unfamiliar, but it'd been at least a decade and a half since he'd had to venture into one, maybe longer. He wasn't as young as he used to be and he sure as hell wasn't nearly as limber as the dog-type he was chasing.
He stopped as he saw Jovi leap over the gap and land, making it look far easier than he knew it was. Gripping the side of the wall, he watched him run off again, damn he was going to lose a lot of time here. Koija took a slow breath in and with a few steps on the ledge, he leapt from one side to the other, landed and abruptly lost his footing, sending his entire body quickly into the foul waste water of the sewers with a soundly splash. Koija coughed as he surfaced, cursing as he got up to his feet in the rank waters. He was already wet now, and his nose couldn't smell the stench anymore, too overwhelmed by the fall in. "Damn it, Jovi." He muttered, walking through the trash and fecal sludge filled piss water, his patience truly stretched now, he wasn't sure what he'd do to the boy when he got his hands on him, but he was sure it wouldn't be pleasant. He stopped calling after the pup, simply walking along, in no hurry, listening for the sound of him running against the ledge. When he saw Jovi paused up ahead, he stopped, slowly pulled himself along the ledge and his hands grabbed the pup's ankle and one reached for his wrist, pulling him roughly into the water with him. "You little brat." He hissed, getting an arm around Jovi's chest and holding him there with a strong arm. "We're going home. Now." |
Jovi had meant to be paying attention to any noise but now that he had a time for a breather the adrenaline that had been running in his system to keep him going was fading. He only now realized how much energy he'd spent in the short sprint and it wasn't until he felt a hand around his ankle that he realized he hadn't noticed the sound of water splashing toward him.
With a screech he'd been pulled in and acted like a cat in water trying to get out of the foul water kicking back at the other man. It wasn't even to the point to get away from Koija anymore but to get out off the water, he would smell the scent on his skin for a week and the thought of being in the water made him sick. He had no troubles being in the sewers so long as he didn't fall in the water and Koija made that happen. "J-just let me out of the water.." Jovi said in a small defeated voice knowing already it was too late but still wanting out. "I'll be good.." |
Koija shifted with a grunt as the pup spoke in that defeated tone, and he knew he'd done it now. Perhaps this would be punishment enough for him. Moving to the ledge, the red head pulled himself out and he lifted Jovi from the disgusting water as well.
The cover of a manhole lifted up as the man heard Amari call for him. She'd put a fabric mask on, though it didn't help keep the stench away very well. Koija led Jovi down the sewer slowly, having him head up first, Amari waiting for them, holding two towels but trying to keep her distance as they got to the street, holding one out to Jovi and going to give her master one as well before fishing out the man's inhaler. Making the tall man kneel down, she gave him his medicine. His breathing had been a little strained and he'd begun coughing by the time they'd gotten back to ground level, the smells and chasing after Jovi hadn't been the greatest idea he'd ever had. "Let's go home. Would you draw a bath for us when we get there, Amari?" He asked gently, getting up to his feet again and his hand gently rested on Jovi's shoulder so they could all walk home together, Amari walking ahead of them so she didn't have to suffer their foul scents. |
Jovi went along like a good pup as he'd promised trembling slightly as he walked and headed back up to street level. As he knew the scent stayed with him clinging to his skin and clothes, it wasn't the smell that got to him but the sight of it clinging to him odd remnants of feces smeared across his clothing. Taking the towel from Amari he was paying more attention trying to scrub everything off than the two of them.
He was half tempted to strip out of his ruined clothes right there on the street but he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at Koija. He trembled some still wondering what sort of punishment he'd get from the man for this stunt. The last time he'd fallen in he was still a young pup, he'd learned in more way than one not to fall in again and had never done so. Certainly being pulled in would be different than falling in.. He was remembering his punishment the last time he'd fallen into the mess forgetting slightly this was someone different though he knew it was Koija at the same time. He walked in silence as Koija lead him back towards 'home.' His eyes remained staring at the ground as the walked his eyes only glancing up at a side street he knew would bring him to his hideout and clean clothes if someone hadn't upheaved it the moment he didn't return and figured he wouldn't be returning again. |
Koija had noticed the glance down that street as they approached it, raising a brow and he gently stopped them, calling to Amari to stop as well. "What's down that way, Jovi?" He asked quietly, fingers rubbing his shoulder gently.
He was curious about his new pet. He understood he had had his own life before this, was part of it down that road? "Do you want to go that way? We can... if you want." He offered slowly, breathing out slowly. He couldn't wait to get home and wash, but a small detour would not hurt. |
Jovi stopped when Koija stopped, blinking up at the man. Chewing his lip he merely shrugged beneath Koija's hand. "Just.. home.. or what was my home.. Clean clothes.."
The young pup shifted uncomfortably looking down the street and towards what would be considered home for him. He wanted out of the clothes he was wearing and to get clean. He shook his head though, he needed clean clothes but he couldn't bring Koija there.. "I.. can't lead you there though.. Other free dog breeds are there.. they wouldn't appreciate me showing a human the way.. A quick way for you to get rich if you manage to catch them all.." |
Koija frowned slightly. He understood Jovi's worry, but he would never do such a thing. "I would.. never do that, Jovi. Hopefully one of these days you'll see I'm not like the others." He sighed and he let go of his shoulder gently. "I cannot let you go alone, you'd have no reason to come back to me if I didn't." He murmured, nudging him to walk along.
He couldn't allow him to wander alone, but he wouldn't force him to take him there either. "You can use my clothes tonight. We'll try and wash your clothes that you have on." |
Jovi snorted uncertain whether to believe the man at all, and also at the mention of washing the clothes he had on. Shaking his head he looked at the man who was much bigger than him, in height and size he'd swim in the man's clothes. "No use trying to wash them... won't be clean enough to wash the scent from it.. not for my nose."
Looking back down the street again he shifted, he needed clothes that wouldn't risk falling off.. Biting his lip he glanced at Koija. "Perhaps.. we could.. I just.. don't know how they'd react... Some of them.. they're violent." |
Koija thought about it a moment, raising his brow as he looked at Amari, she looked like she didn't want him to do it, she just wanted to go home. "...I can take care of myself if they react violently." He stated, looking down at Jovi. "I know you'd like your things. Let's go, Jovi." His hand rested on Jovi's shoulder breifly before waiving for Amari to keep up with them. She was clean, he'd have her carry Jovi's things so they wouldn't become ruined as well.
"Come along, Amari." She crossed her arms as she waited for them to lead the way, unhappy that she had to come along. Jovi was too much trouble, she thought. |
Jovi was a little more worried for himself than for Koija, but he kept that fact to himself. The two of them might just suffer the same fate anyhow, if they didn't know how to fight themselves. Koija already proved to Jovi he could and Jovi needed to know how to fight to survive on the streets. Chewing his lip he lead Koija and Amari down the street and walked for a time straight.
The neighborhood turned from houses to apartments, and within there were old abandoned buildings that could be called warehouses. Jovi walked in amongst them, in the alleys between the abandoned buildings Jovi noticed people slip away at the sight of them. If it was just Jovi they wouldn't have bothered moving.. Chewing his lip he slid through a broken doorway. Hideaways were a loose term for the huts constructed of whatever they could get their hands on, many just lived in blankets and called that home considering they were inside of a building, others liked some form of privacy. The ones who lived on blankets only were more easily robbed because everyone could see where you hide things, and most didn't get robbed because they were part of a gang and felt safe behind the protection of friends. The murmurings stopped to stare at Jovi and the human who he now belonged to. Many slipped out other exits to the building, probably never to return. Others stared daggers their way while some just hid away beneath their meager shelter. Jovi ignored them for the most part leading to a small hut he'd built from boxes, he'd leave the place up for anyone who wanted to grab it in his departure. He pulled the blanket sheltering the small amount of clothes he owned out of the hut. The shine of knives glittered in meager sunlight that made it's way in from broken windows boarded up poorly. He'd used them for protection and though a small thought struck him to reach for them now he didn't though. "My clothes are piled there.. I don't want to dirty them.." He looked up at Koija wondering what the man made of the place and the freedom Jovi had been living. Though it was a poor life, Jovi would return to it in a second because he would be free. "Some nerve you've got Jovi.." A voice said behind them and Jovi turned hiding the fact that this time he really did slip a knife from the blanket and shifting it in his hand. "You were always a trouble maker.. never thought you'd go this far." Jovi bared his teeth at the dog-type that stood there two others standing on either side. Others of the gang who hadn't fled started to stir from their parts of the building. The gang had left him alone since he'd killed the last leader but Shane was always testing him without actually stepping up to challenge him. Shane and the two others were the few that actually looked well fed in the warehouse. Reason for it was that someone in the gang actually went through with cutting off his ears and managing to hide his tail, the gang was getting real money, meager at best but they were fed better than anyone else. "Shove off Shane..." Jovi said flashing the knife now as he shifted to a squatting position rather than prone on his knees. "You'll be rid of me soon enough.. don't give me reason to give you a parting gift." |
Koija watched the area change from those houses to apartments, and he rose a brow faintly while they slipped through the alleyways. He noticed those who moved away, though his gaze didn't linger on any one of them very long. He imagined there would be quite a few angry with Jovi, but he hoped there would not be a scene made over it all.
As they slipped through that doorway, Koija's gaze swept the area curiously. It fascinated him, the way these free ones lived. He supposed he understood their unwillingness to give up the freedom to live how they want, but... He was offering Jovi a good home and food in return for simple help around the home, as much help as he might have asked his brother should he have been living with him. He felt he wasn't unreasonable with his requests. His ears didn't have to be overly sensitive to catch just how quiet it got as those he stayed stared at them, watching them walk through, a human with his pets. What an unpleasant sight that must have been. He was quiet while Jovi revealed his clothes, noticing the glimmer of the blades as well. He trusted that Jovi would not turn on him right that moment. He made no comments about the way of life he'd led, or the blades and modest amount of clothing. He felt there was nothing to be said, not right there anyway. The voice made him turn around as well where he was standing, motioning Amari behind him slightly. She was strong but he didn't care for her to get mixed up in things. "Why don't you gather his clothing, Amari? We'll be leaving soon enough." He said to her gently, and she shifted to crouch by the small pile, putting what she could in the small bag she carried and the rest she held in her arms. The red head didn't involve himself with them quite yet, but he felt the handle of a blade press into a hand he'd held behind his back, courtesy of the young female behind him. He didn't plan on having to use it to actually harm anyone, but it was a good idea to have one on hand. |
Jovi glanced Koija’s way as he listened to Amari gather his things. His full attention was on the dog-types standing in front of him, not the one behind him that so far hadn’t tried to harm him. Many who had stood up failed to come any closer though, Jovi figured they were too frightened to anger the human who had two pets already. The man would be able to get more pets for free from here rather than heading to market and pay top dollar. Chewing his lip he waited for what Shane would do, he never did listen to anyone who wasn’t himself.
“You’re a pet a day and you’re already showing your Master where to gain new pets for free then?” Shane sneered at the human, his green eyes angry. Jovi ground his teeth uncertain how to respond to that, he certainly didn’t trust the redhead – he didn’t trust anyone. Considering he’d been thinking the something similar only before leading Koija here was another reason he couldn’t refute Shane on the accusation either. Instead he merely made a face, his shoulder going up in a small shrug, knowing it would annoy Shane all the more. “I needed clean clothes...” Jovi said. The scent and mess that covered him was forgotten and unnoticed by him as he paid attention to Shane. “Figured one wild one was enough for him to handle...” He gave a knowing smile at Shane. “You know what sort of handful I am.” “Hmph... what’s to stop us to make certain you three never find this place again?” Shane threatened blades of his own appearing in his hands as well as the two ‘bodyguards’ beside him. Apparently Jovi’s threat hadn’t made the affect he’d have liked. “If you’re going to challenge me do it Shane...” Jovi growled slowly standing now his guard perfect still as he looked at the other two. “I opened the way for you to the seat you are in now... I could remove it from you just as easily... your guards aren’t that good and you’re a worse fighter.” |
Koija was slowly becoming more and more annoyed with the situation. This should have been far easier than it was becoming. He ddn't want this to get too out of hand, he didn't want anyone getting seriously injured or killed, but he wasn't going to let these three mutts get in their way of going home.
He frowned as they revealed their own blades, gripping the one Amari had handed him at his side now. He wasn't making any moves, not yet, watchign them while they had their little stand off, wondering just who would make the first move. |
Jovi would fight if he needed, but he really wasn't in the mood. For the moment they merely stared each other down trying to make the other back down. Jovi bared his teeth his lip curling back with another growl, Shane really was a coward and rarely backed up his threats unless someone else voiced up agreement. The room remained silent though, a wonder what a mere human can do to stop people from stepping up.
"If you'd get out of our way we'll be leaving now," Jovi said after a moment more of silence, taking a step towards the three. The guard closes to Jovi darted forward with good speed brandishing his blade, but Jovi was faster and dodged the attack, kneeing him in the gut. As the dog-type held his gut, Jovi used the hilt of his blade hitting the man and the base of his jaw knocking him out cold. Jovi knew the other guard was better skilled than that slow oaf who never kept his guard up. His grey eyes glared at Shane daring him to be the fool he was, he couldn't take his anger at being a pet out on Koija - not really; but he could do so on Shane. Somehow Shane seemed to realize this and stepped away glaring at Jovi and the human master, his gaze full of hate. "Then get out of here." Jovi glanced at Koija, the look almost a glare towards the human. If he ever managed to get free again, he'd have to find a new home and it was all Koija's fault. Without waiting for the other two he walked in a stormy pace out of the building, only pausing at the end of the alley way to take a breath. He truly was giving up the only way of life he'd ever known.. |
Koija's shoulders tensed faintly as the guard closest to Jovi took his chance to make a move, watching as Jovi easily took the foolish mutt down. He watched Shane and that other guard of his, keeping his mouth shut still. Obviously Jovi could take care of himself.
When Shane finally backed down, Koija's expression only showed slight annoyance. He hoped this night wasn't much longer, it seemed that Jovi was going to behave tonight, and he had no plans of any real punishment, but he supposed the dog type would look at anything as a reason to only hate him more. Shifting as they were allowed to leave, Koija followed Jovi out, his gaze turning back to Amari as she stood from where she'd knelt behind them, quickly catching up and taking the blade from her master as it was handed to her. He did not bother shouting after his new pet, knowing that now Jovi had nowhere else to go but back to his new home. he did walk at a slightly brisk pace to keep up, forcing Amari to jog briefly to catch up with him. When they got back home, Amari immediately went to put the bag and clothes down in her master's room before drawing a hot bath for the two of them. "Jovi." He touched the youth's shoulder lightly as Amari called down to them to say that the bath was ready. "Come on, let's get washed up." |
Jovi was as silent as ever on the way 'home' and stood rather awkwardly within the house he'd tried so hard to escape from. He doubted a second try would do any good, even if he had a place to escape to. Not to say he wouldn't try to make Koija's life a misery anyhow, he really wasn't one to lie down do tricks on command.
He looked at Koija when the man mentioned washing up, he looked glad for a moment and even went so far as following Koija up to the bathroom before his slowed mind began to work again and realized Koija had meant together. He shook his head taking a step back. "Y-you can wash up first..." Jovi said, pausing where he should have called Koija 'Master' fidgeting where he stood. "I'll wait until you're finished." |
Koija was a bit surprised that Jovi followed him up so easily, but he paused as the pup began to realize what he meant and seemed uneasy about it. "Unfortunately, Jovi, you're little stunt has proven that I can't trust to leave you alone." He stated, gently grabbing the boy's wrist to lead him into he bathroom.
"So that is not an option. It's simply a bath, I will not do anything but perhaps wash your back. Consider this your punishment, I cannot allow you to bathe alone until I feel I can trust you won't run away." |
Jovi shook his head again pulling away against the hand even as Koija successfully pulled him into the bathroom. He began to shake again as he stared up at Koija once more. "Please.. I won't do it again.. I've nowhere to go.."
Instead of defiance, which was the state Jovi had been in when Jovi escaped and the entire way home from the dog-type market. Jovi was showing fear, in no way trusting the man's words. He didn't bathe with others.. when he got the chance anyhow. He refused to do it just as he was doing now. Now that he was in a situation where he could be forced to do it again he was fearful, shaking worse than when Koija had taken the belt to him. |
Koija looked mildly surprised by Jovi's reaction, his hand gently touching the trembling shoulder gently before drawing his hand away again. "Jovi...." He wasn't sure what to do, he didn't trust Jovi to stay put, even if he said he had nowhere to go. He just couldn't.
"Why are you so scared, Jovi?" He asked gently, closing the door and he moved to sit on the edge of the large bath so he could turn the water on and allow the tub to fill. "It seems that bathing together will indeed have to be your punishment. Now strip down, Jovi, or I will have to do it for you." He warned, and he would, no matter how much the dog type struggled against his hands, he'd get those clothes off of him and dump him in the bath himself. |
When Koija released him Jovi had every intention of making a run for it but his reasonable mind only said that it would make the inevitable harder, even if he was just running to get out of the small bathroom to let Koija bathe in peace. He stayed put but remained in the corner as far from the tub as he could. The fact was he didn't trust that Koija wouldn't do anything.. in fact he expected it and he refused to be put in that situation, and yet here he was.
Jovi opened his mouth for a brief moment to respond but closed it again. No one knew the full extent of his past.. No one knew about Him, Jovi had successfully kept it a secret from everyone who knew him. In doing so, he never truly let anyone get too close for he never trusted anyone. Bathing with someone else... it was on the top of his list never to do again.. Silently and slowly he obeyed anyhow, partly relieved to be ridding himself of the soiled clothing that clung to his skin. Jovi's body was slim from living on the streets, but he'd still managed to get muscle tone to be able to hold his own. He was covered in scars, the one on his hip looked especially gruesome from a deep knife cut to his hip and looked to have been infected when the scar had still been a wound. He stood bare, any confidence that had been showing from the beginning gone and not because he was now standing nude before the other man.. one gets used to others seeing you change or just live in the nude on the street when you've yet to find water to wash clothes. His stance was more childish, his gaze downcast as he remained in his corner becoming rather unresponsive. |
Koija looked Jovi over curiously when the boy was deprived of all of his clothing. That was better, but he frowned at the scars revealed to him now. He decided it was best not to comment on the looks of the pup's body, shifting to undress himself, scooping up all of their clothes to dump them in the garbage so he could take them out later.
He turned the bath water off when the bath was full and moved quietly to tough Jovi's shoulder. "Come on. The sooner you get into the bath, the sooner it's all over." He reminded him, moving towards the bath now, and waiting. There was plenty of space for them both to sit in there with their legs crossed. "Get in and put your back to me. I'm going to wash it." |
Jovi barely glanced up at Koija even as he'd come close. When it came time to actually get in the bath though, Jovi refused to move from his corner, instead trying to move further away his back against the chilly wall. He shook his head not willing to get in, undressing was the extent of which he'd obey at his time.
|
| All times are GMT. The time now is 05:25 PM. |