Diving Off The Deep End

Diving Off The Deep End

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Cast 

Marshal Talon: → Buck | 66☾ Played by Nightyskiez

Word Count: 1064

Pupil Periwinkle: → Doe | 16☾ Played by Nyan_Pasu

Word Count: 1542

Marshal Nildrosilf: → Buck | 43☾ Played by @Seriff 

Word Count: 1331

Pupil Dismay: → Doe | 16☾ Played by Nightyskiez

Word Count: 819

Location → Upriver 

Time → Evening, a few days after all the death announcements

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Marshal Talon 120

The tall buck walked over to the river, the memories of what he did to that small doe who was a member of his ex-Warren was on his mind all day. Yet, he felt no regret about it, none at all. He was morbidly proud of what he did, even boasting about it to his daughter. 

He sat by the river, gazing at his reflection with a small grin, he felt… good… about what he’d done. He hadn’t intended for Periwinkle to follow him and question him. The tall buck perked his head up at the sound of paw steps, he at first thought it was but another lamb for the slaughter, yet upon seeing his daughter he frowned slightly. 

”What do you want? I have better things to do than talk to you.”

Pupil Periwinkle 247

Periwinkle knew this place so well... She had so many sweet memories about this place. She had met someone so important to her here..Someone she never thought would make her feel so good about herself, even if part of her felt like she didn't deserve her kindness and care. Even if she didn't want to, the dilute harlequin's mind always brought back images of Treat, the brown doe from Buttercup who somehow had found a special place in her heart. 

But she wasn't here to see her, no. 

”What do you want? I have better things to do than talk to you.” 

Her heart started beating so fast, the pupil thought she was about to faint but she bit her lower lip, trying to control herself. Ever since her father had boasted about...killing an innocent small doe from Buttercup who didn't even fight back, Periwinkle had been panicking inside. Was it Treat? Had he somehow found out about her secret meetings with her? Had he done this to punish her? Oh she could never forgive herself if Talon had hurt Treat in any way...She meant..so much to her. 

"W-who was it, father?" She asked, cursing herself for the way her voice faltered for a moment. "The...doe you killed. What colour was her fur- how tall she was- how..how..." Her words slowly came to a stop and she stood quietly, looking at her paws. She couldn't bring herself to face him now.

Marshal Talon 268

Talon was no fan of his daughter, to say the least. For she had stripped him of his most precious treasure, Dew. That embitterment was left a stain in his mind, even looking at her made his blood boil. She was a burning reminder of that day. His ears flicked, brown eyes staring down at Periwinkle as if she were a gnat, or something lesser than him. Even that rabid companion of hers was pathetic to him. In Talon’s mind, Periwinkle owed him big time for even trying to raise her, to attempt to make a semi decent Marshal out of her. 

He was making her birth worth something, at least. 

His gaze was colder than what it felt like up in the mountains, like frostbite slowly building up on one’s limbs. 

He was loosing his patience when she seemed nervous trying to find the courage and words to speak. Yet, he was hearing her out despite her incompetence, his deep mahogany eyes pierced through her like a claw through thlay. He would never spare her even a soft look. Though… his daughter seemed more nervous than usually, was she so abhorred by the concept of another rabbit dying to someone else’s hands? It was truly pathetic in his eyes. 

His brow raised at her question, it was rather unexpected.. and triggered a bit of confusion in his eyes. ”What are you concerned about? It was just some blonde doe. Fairly small, didn’t even but up a bit of a fight and curled up like a coward.” he said with a sneer, her behavior was… amusing to him.

Pupil Periwinkle 230

Periwinkle knew Talon's stare quite well, she's seen it and felt it ever since she was a rooli. She didn't need to look up to feel her father's disappointment in his brown gaze. That's why talking to him was so..difficult. Scary. She felt like a rooli again, her heart skipping a beat as she wondered what kind of answer she would get from him. Her ears were flat against her head as she waited for his response. 

When he spoke, Periwinkle couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. Though it made her feel a bit bad, Periwinkle was a selfish rabbit..She just wanted Treat to be okay. She didn't know that doe, and it truly was sad a rabbit that didn't even fight back was killed so merciless, Periwinkle didn't know her, she couldn't grief her. Her posture clearly changing to one more relaxed, like she had forgotten the older marshal was there for a moment.

When Periwinkle realised what she had just done, she was quick to clear her throat, straightening her posture to look at Talon, hoping that somehow he hadn't heard how relieved she was that it was not her friend who died in his claws. 

"It was nothing, father. Nothing.." She said quickly, in hopes that Talon wouldn't pressure her about it, even though she knew the buck, she knew he would..

Marshal Talon 206

Talon was scrutinizing Periwinkle, watching her movements and positions. Watching for any sign of an emotion other than what felt like her never ending paranoia and anxiety. upon seeing nothing, he stopped scanning her, yet his eyes did not soften for even a millisecond. His ear flicked a bit, a huff escaping him. 

Her sigh of relief sure caught his attention, his head lifting to look at her in the eye. And she had clearly gotten more relaxed… something was up and he knew it. His eyes narrowed at her sudden change in behavior, yet he remained silent for now until she did something else drastic to confirm his suspicions of her. Why would she be so sad over a buttercup doe. Something was definitely up, yet he had to wait for her to make the first move to confront her about it. 

It seems she had realized her slip up, as she was quick to straighten her posture and clear her throat. She was hoping that he hadn’t noticed her relief. But, unfortunately for her, he sure did… 

Her response was proof enough about his suspicions. ”Wait.” he said, stepping in front of her. ”Why do you seem so… relieved?” he questioned, glaring at her.

Pupil Periwinkle 146

The smaller rabbit held her breath when the marshal got closer to her. His intimidating form cast a shadow over her, and she knew she had just dug her own grave. She bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from squeaking in surprise at his icy-cold glare. Unconsciously she stepped back, lowering her ears. 

"Relieved?" She started, followed by a nervous laughter. Her heart pouncing so fast in her chest she felt like she had just run a whole marathon like the runners in the warren. "I didn- I'm not- I- Me?" She gave another step back when she lifted her head, words stopping to leave her maw when her gaze, as blue as her mother's, met his. She avoided his gaze..always. It always made her freeze. She shut her mouth again, but she knew Talon always got what he wanted from her.

Marshal Talon 157

He towered over Periwinkle, staring down at her. His eyes carried a burning rage within, he looked as she backed up, yet he only moved closer each time she did. She had nowhere to run from him. His muscles tensed as he kept a firm stance. If looks cold kill, she might as well have died 10 times over again. 

”Don’t play stupid, Periwinkle.” he spat, a snarl building up in his throat, ”I’ll ask you again, and the answer better not be a lie.” he said coldly, looming over her, his shadow casting above the small doe. ”I wouldn’t put my hands on you because you were but a child, but now you’re an adult. I think I have some more freedom with you now.” he growled, leaning close to her ”Speak.” he said, if there was one thing that he knew, he always got what he wanted from his daughter… No matter what it was.

Pupil Periwinkle 232

She managed to control her squeak earlier but at the angry snarl that came from Talon was too much this time. Her eyes glanced briefly at the large buck, only for them to lock on her paws when she noticed the rage in him. He was always angry, yes..and she knew very well he had aggressive issues..But right now she felt like he was almost like a hungry elil who wanted and easily could kill her. 

She could never win against him, she knew that much. 

Periwinkle closed her eyes, feeling tears forming and threatening to fall yet she managed to hold them there. 

"Treat..." She said in nothing more than a whisper, Talon wouldn't be able to hear her if he wasn't so close right now. "I- I made a friend, father.. And she..she is so kind to me..She makes me feel so happy and free..like I've never felt before.." She continued, her paws shivering with fear as she rambled on, she didn't know why but she kept talking like speaking about Treat was enough to make her calm down and forget exactly who she was talking to. She sniffled, tears finally streaming down her cheeks as guilt flooded over her. She shouldn't have said that. She should have just shut her mouth- Her ears tingled with anticipation, knowing she had just fucked everything up again.

___

 Pupil Dismay 136

Time was limited. 

Dismay raced around the warren looking for a very specific rabbit, Periwinkle’s mentor, Nildrosilf. Every since Periwinkle told her she would vaguely ask Talon if it was her friend that he had slayed, she had a sinking feeling in her chest. 

Talon was a horrible rabbit, and she didn’t want to imagine what he could possibly do to Periwinkle if he felt pissed enough. Even though she wanted to solve things on her own, she needed backup. Dismay was quick on her feet, not stopping for even a moment to catch her breath. As soon as she found the rabbit she had been seeking, she skidded to a quick halt in front of him. 

”Nildro….Silf… Periwinkle, Talon… I think something… bad will… happen.” she panted out, a panicked expression on her face.

Marshal Nildrosilf 329

Nildrosilf himself,was weaving through the Warren's tight corridors, his eyes scanning each den momentarily before continuing. He had been looking for his young protégé for a few heartbeats and was beginning to grow worried. He had told Periwinkle that he had a training set up for her, and he wanted her to be at the training spot before it got dark. He originally planned to train his pupil in the art of espionage, and using the shadows of the mountains to help hide from elil and rabbit alike. But Lepus's warm rays where dwindling,and he had yet to find her... 

The large rabbits mind began to wander. Had something happened? He had heard the rumors of her father slaying a Buttercup rabbit, one who refused to lift a claw. But surely most of it was just Warren rabble. As much as he disliked Talon, for the way he treated his own kitten, surely a self respecting rabbit wouldn't willingly murder an innocent. 

His original thoughts where silenced the second he heard his name being called. Rearing back to attention, he put all his focus onto the young doe infront of him. "Disthmay?" his voice slurred, thanks in no part to his lower jaw, tilted slightly at an odd angle. As she spoke, his stomach churned and his ears prickled in intense focus. Had Periwinkle went to see Talon? He remembered trying to talk to her about her fathers heart like Elil. But she often changed the subject or dismiss him. Now fear was gripping at his heart. Talon may not have any love for the young doe and believed she took everything from him..but for Nildrosilf, Periwinkle was his everything. A daughter in arms in a sense. She was the few things making Nildrosilf leave the nest every day. 

He hopped closer to Dismay, a mix of worry, concern,and boldness in his voice as he asked, "Where are they? Did you sthee where they went?"

Pupil Dismay 170

After a few heartbeats, May spoke ”Peri told me that her father did kill an innocent! I know I’m not supposed to tell… but she was worried it was her buttercup friend… we have to go now, follow me! She’s like a sister to I won’t let that rotten fuckface hurt her!” she spoke, speeding off to the Warren’s exit, her paws carrying her quickly. 

”She was one of the first rabbits to be nice to me… I refuse to let him harm a hair on her head…” She murmured as she ran, ”They should be at the upriver!” she said as she picked up the pace. 

She wouldn’t be late… they couldn’t be late. She can’t loose her best friend… she’d rather be ripped to shreds then let anyone die, be it her friends or even her family and fellow warrenmates (minus Talon). She wouldn’t stop until they reached the duo, not even to catch her breath. She wouldn’t fuck this up, even if she had to get hurt.

Marshal Nildrosilf 104

His eyes widened in horror at the news. Nildrosilf had a hunch it was possibly correct. But now his fur prickled. This wasn't good one bit! Periwinkle had every right to be worried,but she would get herself hurt...or worse! 

Wasting not a moment, he took off alongside Dismay, paws seemingly to barely touch the earth under foot. He was not going to let the one he saw as his daughter be caught by the fox with rabbit ears. He made a silent plea to the Black Rabbit to look away just a little longer,so that they may reach her in time

Pupil Dismay 242

They we’re nearing the river, May was wasting no time, she wouldn’t let that elil harm Periwinkle… that asshole harmed an innocent doe, and now he’d try to put his filthy paws on on Peri. That wasn’t about to happen… not if she could help it. 

Now that they were nearing the scene, May swore she could smell blood. Panic began to seize her… that… BASTARD! May sped up quickly, she was close enough to see Talon pinning Periwinkle to the ground, a wound on her face. Her blood boiled as she sprang forward. 

”GET AWAY FROM HER YOU BASTARD!” she yelled out, slamming into his side, making Talon stumbled away from her friend. Dismay immediately rushed over and stood over Periwinkle. ”Peri! Are you alright?” she asked, sparing a glance with genuine worry.

___

Pupil Periwinkle 377

It all happened so fast after she stopped talking. She almost couldn't breathe when she heard her father's snarl again. She closed her eyes, crying in panic because what else could she do? She knew he was angry and there was nothing she could do about it because it was her fault. 

So when she felt his heavy paw swiping her across her face, she wanted to be surprised but she couldn't. 

She did this to herself. She started talking with Treat, knowing very, very well that it was against the rules, that her father would be disappointed and angry at her. She kept coming to this place every Dawn to see her friend knowing the dangers of it. She was selfish, and she deserved to be punished for her stupidity, her father was teaching her, she admired him, of course. But damn it hurt so bad... 

She didn't fight back even when he hit her again, pinning her to the ground. She never once opened her eyes, simply accepting her fate. She felt her father's anger, way worse than before, he probably thought she was worse than any enemy rabbit..She was his daughter, disobeying him and even though he tried to train her to be a good marshal like him, she wasn't fighting him back. This kind of reminded her of her first training with her mentor Nildrosilf...He taught her how to kick a rabbit off of her that way, she was very proud when she did that for the first time..He's also going to be disappointed when he learn she dies like this, won't he? She knows how to defend herself...but not against him, she can't..Why? Omnis, she's pathetic isn't she? 

Her ears flicked once she heard paw steps. And a very familiar voice.. 

'May?' She thought, opening her dark blue eyes ever so slightly when someone slammed into Talon's side. She felt her head so heavy and she was so dizzy but she could recognise her best friend's pelt anywhere. "Alright..?" Peri repeated May's words, trying to process them. She looked around but didn't move, her eyes locked in her mentor's black pelt when he got closer. And that was the last thing she saw before everything got darker.

Marshal Nildrosilf 169 

As soon as he smelled the first drops of blood, the hefty bucks pace quickened. Although he was a younger buck than Talon, almost by a full season cycle, Nildrosilf was a strong rabbit. His dark blue fur bristled as he saw Talon atop of his pupil, and saw the blood on his claws. 

Something snapped in Nildrosilf, something stronger than anything. Even during the revolution of the Warren, Nildrosilf never felt this angry. He didn't care what happened, just that he must attack! 

As Talon stumbled back from Dismays slam, Nildrosilf came crashing into him at full force. His crooked jaw latched onto Talons throat as the two of them where tussled into the cold lapping waves of the bank. Nildrosilfs jaw locked, holding Talons throat as he raked his claws down the other bucks shoulders, digging like his fur was nothing more than clay. There was no thoughts in Nildrosilfs mind. No fears, no second guessing, just pure unbridled rage as he pinned the older buck down.

Pupil Dismay 59

Upon Periwinkle blacking out, May nudged her gently and pulled her away from the fight to avoid her getting injured, yet she’d still be in view just in case. ”Its okay, Peri… I’ll be back soon just… rest here.” May said affectionately and gently, before racing over to the scene to aid Nildrosilf. She immediately bit down onto Talon.

Marshal Talon 108

Dammit… Dammit all! As soon as that half-pelted brat slammed into him things started to go south. Why were they interfering… WHAT DID THEY HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING OF THIS? Periwinkle was his daughter, he could punish her as he pleased. 

As he was pinned to floor, being both choked out and torn up, by this broken-jawed bastard and some rabid homba. He raked his claws on Nildro’s legs, and kicking at Dismay until he felt his kicks connect. ”Why… are you here?” he growled ”THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU! SHE IS MY DAUGHTER AND I CAN DO AS I PLEASE!” he yelled out angrily.

Marshal Nildrosilf 145

The bucks eyes locked into Talons. The Hazelnut eyes had nothing but distain for this.. thing under his claws. He snapped back,growling out," YOU DONT DESTHERVE TO CALL HER ANYTHING BUT PERIWINKLE, HRAKAEATER! You gave up the right asth her father the MOMENT You looked at her! Sthe isth more of a marsthal-- more of a RABBIT than you'll ever dream of! May the Black rabbit take your earsth and tail, elil!" 

She grabbed talons shoulders and slammed him against the wave battered stones. For a brief moment, he shoved talons head under the surface of the water. Before yanking him out violently and biting at his ear, and with a violent tug back, ripped the older bucks ear to ribbons. He wanted to hurt him,make him feel all the pain peri felt. Turning her anxiety to Nildros rage...and into Talons agony.

Pupil Dismay 63

Dismay staggered back at the kick, but raced forward to tear away the fur and flesh at the nape of the buck’s neck, leaping backwards and spitting out the fur. 

”KEEP HER NAME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH YOU ASSHOLE. YOU TREATED HER LIKE SHIT FOR HER ENTIRE LIFE YET YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO CALL HER YOUR DAUGHTER!” May yelled. Rage boiled within.

Marshal Talon 75

Everything hurt far more than any injuries he already had. Being dunked in the water and having his ear and nape shredded to ribbons was agonizing. both the words uttered out of the mouths of the two rabbits made his blood boil, yet he couldn’t form any words. It was as if his jaw was forced shut. His heart slammed against his ribcage, he thrashed around to try and free himself. 

But to no avail. 

Marshal Nildrosilf 173

It was at this point, Nildrosilf lost himself. He no longer was thinking at all. He kept slamming Talons head back into the twisting foam of the waterfall. he didn't care when he saw the streaks of red from how hard Talons head was being smashed into the stones, nor did he care for the violent Thrashes. Pain stung his underbelly as Talons claws raked it, but the blue bucks body practically laid atop him. 

He then stopped slamming, stating down at the buck with absolute hatred in his eyes. He kept a paw to Talons chin, keeping the thrashing rabbits face under the mirth and rage. 

He wanted Talon to look at him. Let the last thing this vile creature saw as the bubbles overtake his lungs,was the buck who truly cared for Periwinkle like a father should. 

He spat out "May Orientem have mercthy on your wretched sthoul, Talon. May you never find your matesth sthpirit where ever sthe may be . " The final insult. He just watched Talon,and waited…

Marshal Talon 130

His head hurt from the repeated trauma, he was in agony. His head was fuzzy, and omnis did his body hurt like hell. As he looked at Nildrosilf his head was dunked into the water, he tried to breathe somehow but water wormed it’s way into his lungs. 

He realized what was happening… he knew he was dying and if Nildro’s words were true, he would never see Dew again. But if it were false, he mused, he’d once again dance with her once more beneath the stars, like he did so long ago… 

His body went limp, his eyes now cloudy, his fur damp with both his blood and the water soaking in his fur. 

And now, he’d join the Warren of the Black Rabbit. Running amongst The Thousand. 



Pupil Dismay 70

Her legs were suddenly sore, her head hurt and she was exhausted. Looking over to Nildro and Talon, she realized what they had done. 

”We… Killed him…” she said in shock ”What are we gonna do? What do we tell the Marli..? We aren’t supposed to kill our Warrenmates… but…” She murmured, worriedly, it hadn’t been intended for him to die, she just wanted him to suffer like Peri did.

Marshal Nildrosilf 235

Once the bubbles stopped, and he caught his breath, Nildrosilf shook his aching head. He blinked a few times, as if coming out of some kind of tharn. What did he do...? He looked at the lifeless body of Talon before doing a small hop backwards, pulling the Corpse out of the water. 

He stared at the body, contemplating. It was against the law to kill warrenmates..but another thought crept his mind. He looked at the injuries before turning to Dismay,"He...we did not kill him, alright? He wasth...wasth dragged into the water by a Marten...and we chasthed it off" He knew the young doe was afraid...and he couldn't deny he was too.. but he had to swallow the fear for now,even as he tasted the sickening iron taste on his tongue.

"listhen to me", he explained as he faced Dismay,"I will deal with Rostheum... the Warren will not sthand for histh death if they knew we took it... let the Warren believe him to be a noble rabbit. Even if that isth not what he isth.." he glanced down at the body again "For now....justh sthay he wasth killed by elil..." 

"where isth Periwinkle...?" he asked quietly, concern in his eyes as he suddenly started turning his head away from the bank. He had lost sight of her the moment he crashed into talon

Pupil Dismay 79

At the older rabbit’s words, she nodded nervously ”A-Alright..” she said with an exhale, trying to calm herself down. 

”Peri’s over here… I pulled her away because she fainted.” She said, walking over to where her friend laid. ”We should head back to the Warren, and bring her to the shaman.” she could worry about herself later, Periwinkle was her priority as of now. She staggered over to her friend, ”Oh, you’re awake!” she said relieved and hugged Peri.

Pupil Periwinkle 310

The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was Nildrosilf's dark fur again. But he wasn't alone, he was..pushing someone into the river. Her eyes darted around for a moment, her head aching like never before, until she caught the glimpse of the half-and-half harlequin pelt of Dismay. And yet nothing of her father.. 

She wasn't stupid, she could connect the dots after this. 

Part of her wanted to move and stop them because that was her father and besides him being just terrible and treating her worse than garbage, Periwinkle longed for his affection, for the day he would look at her with soft eyes and proudly declare she is his daughter, for the day he would tell her that he means something to him even if just a little bit.. 

But when her mind instantly jumped to her last moments with him. 

And instead of telling them to stop or hopping towards them to save him, she did nothing. 

She allowed it to happen. 

Maybe because she was tired and her arms and cheek were hurt by Talon's sharp claws. 

But also because it made her feel free. 

Like the demon that haunted her dreams was finally gone forever. 

Her head rested on her paws, her half-lidded gaze was tired and heavy. She flicked her ears once Dismay approached her, feeling her paw steps against the ground. Periwinkle lifted her head slowly, tears forming in her eyes again, but this time she didn't try to hold them, she let them fall across her face into her best friend's fur, trying to ignore the salty taste of her tears and the blood that spilled from her cheeks. 

When Nildrosilf got closer, Periwinkle looked at him, her gaze soft as she stared into his yellow eyes. 

"I'm sorry..." Was all she managed to whisper before crying again.

Marshal Nildrosilf 216

The large buck had hopped over to where Dismay had hidden Periwinkle. The anger that had been present a moment before had subsided, dying along with Talon. He watched the two embrace, and his face twisted into sadness... Periwinkle lived her whole life afraid of her father... but it still didn't excuse what he had done. 

He couldnt help but think of the day he thought he lost everything. The raid on Buttercup Warren years ago. How he and Hyinle tried to fight full grown rabbits when they where but Muddypaws. He remembered the devastation learning his father and sister where slain, and the indoctrination attempts of the teachers to try and mold him to the Lan Rabbit ways... they where his darkest days, days of anguish and pain. Afraid for his life, Afraid of everyone around him. He remembered putting up so many boundaries to save himself the heartache... and now his Pupil faced the same thing. 

He walked closer, resting his side to her, before gently draping his wet Cold chin around her nape, pulling the smaller does to him. The young ones shouldn't have seen him like this. They should not have to see death at their whiskers. He just quietly shushed her, in a tender tone 

"You're sthafe...I'm here...itsth sthafe..."