Let it begin! {Ballerine/Kess}

Scout Ballerine heard another dog approaching, and she pricked her ears forward with excitement. She was eager to be able to get to know the others of this pack. She wanted to make this place her home and her family, and surely whoever Alpha Antiseptic accepted into the pack was an amazing canine, for Antiseptic was amazing. And besides, she figured quietly in her heart, he had accepted her. She knew she was amazing.

Her tail started to wag just before the other pack member revealed herself. When Ballerine saw the other canine, though, she paused with confusion. The new canine was a small dog, and not a breed that Ballerine recognized. Training with another small dog was an appealing idea; presuming they had been called here to train. But this Chihuahua did not seem to share the same excitement. Ballerine stretched out her neck kindly toward the dog, but she jumped when the Chihuahua glared at her. Her comment was far from respectful, too. Ballerine shot a confused glance at Alpha Antiseptic. This Chihuahua was not what she had expected. How had she managed to get into the pack?

Ballerine's eyes widened with shock when the small dog was painfully frank and disrespectful toward Alpha Antiseptic. Ballerine could understand being sharp-tongued toward another dog, but not a dog who was an alpha! Ballerine stiffened a little, and she slowly traced her gaze back over to Alpha Antiseptic. This Chihuahua was really part of the pack? Oh dear. What did Alpha Antiseptic see in her, that she should be in Ebony Breeze?

To Ballerine's further surprise, the Alpha replied kindly and playfully to the Chihuahua. He was patient with her, and Scout Ballerine sat still with bewilderment. When Alpha Antiseptic addressed her, asking her if she thought he looked funny, she paused and opened her mouth to try and say something. He was not aggressive, and Ballerine allowed herself to chuckle half-anxiously. "U-Uh, yeah, I-I guess so," she laughed gently, and she glanced warily at the Chihuahua. "But I've seen worse. I-I guess you'll have to try harder." Ballerine was stunned at how patient and forgiving and kind Antiseptic was, and it made her marvel him all the more. She relaxed a little, but then tensed again when he became serious. At last - the training. Ballerine sat a little straighter, but kept her gaze respectful and ready to take orders. She was looking forward to this, and it was amazing to see the Alpha take initiative and display his dominance. He was truly impressive, and Ballerine found herself admiring him.

The wolf ordered the Chihuahua to test the waters, and Ballerine waited patiently for her orders. She was ready for this, and it took all her effort to keep her tail from wagging idiotically.

Ballerine watched Kess's performance silently. The young dog fell in several times, and Ballerine found herself thankful for the lack of lots of fur. The water was already beginning to dry on her hairless body, though it still clung to her bangs and tail and back. When Kess finished, Ballerine was shocked at how exasperated she seemed. Wasn't it incredible to be able to train with the alpha? Why did Kess not share the same view? Ballerine's wet ears flicked back with displeasure at Kess's reaction to the whole thing. She was furthermore surprised when Kess quit. What an opportunity she was throwing away, Ballerine felt. Well, that meant that the young Chinese Hairless and Antiseptic could be able to continue training without the rude and snarky comments. Ballerine looked eagerly to Alpha Antiseptic and waited for him to say something; another task, perhaps. Her heart suddenly dropped. Would she be able to do anything else with a bleeding cut along the pad of her paw? Surely it wasn't that bad. It could be toughed out, right?

The alpha smiled at Kess's sudden departure, and again Scout Ballerine was amazed. Ballerine knew that if she were alpha, she would not have been so tolerant. Perhaps she could learn so much from Alpha Antiseptic - more than just physical training. She was starting to become entwined in how patient and forgiving and kind he was - even to Kess. She wanted to learn from that.

To her surprise and excitement, Antiseptic told her to meet him at his den. Her heartbeat quickened, and her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. The alpha seemed eager, and Ballerine found her tail beginning to wag. Something exciting was about to happen, and to calm herself, Ballerine took in a deep breath. She nodded her head and smiled. "I look forward to it!" she said with a spectacular fail at keeping her voice steady and calm. She began to stand, but she was quickly reminded of how deep the cut was in her paw. She winced and tried walking forward on it, but found herself limping on three legs. With humiliation, she confessed, "Though, I'll need to be carried there."