Rei leapt at Veilor, determined to actually beat him this time. She had been planning this all week. A surprise attack while he slept was her best chance at beating her oldest brother. She planted her small forepaws on his head, pushing the skin over his face. Startled, Veilor lashed a paw at his sister, knocking her off and onto her haunches. But a sore tail wasn't going to stop Rei, she yanked herself back to her paws and lunged again. He simply gave a small smirk and ducked, his small sister flying over him. He spun around to make his move, but Rei tackled him as soon as he faced her. She made sure not to give him time to pin her. The two dark-furred pups barrel rolled right into Rex. When the ball of fur stopped moving, Veilor was on top of the pile, pinning both of his siblings down with one paw.
"You can never, ever, beat me, Sissi!" he gloated with his head held high.
"Just wait and you'll see!" she protested as he let them both up.
Rex let out a quiet growl of protest as Bleau reached down and began to lick the fur on his forehead. He stared at Veilor as he stuck out his small tongue at his younger brother, mocking him.
Twix bounded over to Rei and swatted at her tail with his paws. She spun around and grabbed his ear in her mouth, shaking her head playfully before letting go. He yipped in glee and the two soon chased each other around the yard. Twix was running away from Rei, his speed giving him the higher advantage. "Not fair!" she panted as she struggled to catch up to her little brother. She finally slowed to a stop and sat down. Her heart pounded at a high rate. So hard that she thought it would leap out of her chest. Twix slowly padded up to her.
"You okay, Sissi?" he nudged her gently, his tail wagging. She grinned and nodded, just before shoving him to the ground. She then slammed her paws on his chest to hold him down.
"Mummy! Rei cheat-ed!" he barked in defeat as he stared into her eyes.
"How so?" a deep voice grumbled behind them.
"Daddy!" Twix and Rei barked in unison. Rei ran towards her father. She was so excited, she didn't see a dog toy and she tripped over it and barreled into her father's legs. The force of her bodyweight knocked his front legs out from beneath him. He fell directly on top of her.
"Oops..." she flattened her ears as her father was sprawled out on top of her, his weight not even crushing her.
"Definitely your father's pup." Bleau chuckled as she stood up to greet her mate.
Jock stood up with a small chuckle and checked Rei for any wounds. She shoved her father's muzzle away to show she was fine. The other three ran up to their father and bounced in circles around him, barking playfully.
"How long has it been, a week now?" Bleau questioned. Her ears lowered as he let out a soft sigh and a gentle nod. She knew that he needed to speak with her. She looked up at the sky as it grew darker very slowly.
"Pups, it's time for bed. Go to the DogHouse and we will be there shortly. Veilor and Twix were first to leave, soon followed by Rex and Rei.
As she entered the DogHouse, she stopped at the entrance to glance at her mother's sorrowful aura.
"Bleau, it's time..." Jock mumbled lowly so the pups couldn't hear.
"I figured..." she sighed and dropped her head, "I heard a couple of the humans talking inside this morning..."
"The Sheriff was talking to my master about my job and wants two of the pups to train in the K9 Unit, they-" Bleau's worried snarl interrupted him, "Those pups are far too young for such a dangerous task!"
"I know, but we really don't have a choice. They will be here tomorrow to chose two that will fit for the job."
"Hopefully it will be Rex and Veilor. Twix and Rei are too small and fragile." Jock remained quiet and gave a hesitant nod as he followed his mate towards the pups.
Rei couldn't help but notice their pain.
"What's wrong?"
"Get some rest. You all have a big day tomorrow."