Chapter Five

 

 

CHAPTER FIVE

    Simon crept low on his belly, his enhanced sense of smell and hearing letting him pick up the faintest of sounds. He heard scuffling ahead; some small prey creature was rustling around in the bushes. He tried to pinpoint his target, scanning the ground, eyes flicking back and forth, trying to make out his prey. Spotting it, he leapt, landing on top of the mouse and flicking it in to the air with his paw. It landed, stunned, and he quickly leapt to it and killed it with a swift bite.
    He was exhilarated; he had caught his first prey! He had expected his first time hunting to be with a gun, maybe a bow, but as a fox? But he also felt sorry for the creature, wishing it well in the afterlife.
    “Nice job!” Kira said, trotting up to him.
    “Maybe, but how does this help me kill this ‘Cerberus’ thing?” Simon asked.
    “Well, you’ve got to know how to hunt,” Kira said.
    “Yes, but killing a mouse is easier than killing this demon creature!” Simon protested.
    “Look, if you’re so intent on actually fighting, fine, but you have to know how to be stealthy and stuff, too!” Kira said grumpily.
    “I can be stealthy, I just want to learn how to fight.”
    “Alright, alright…”

    Simon angled to the left as he saw Kira sway slightly, hitting her full on as she tried to dodge. They wrestled and rolled around on the soft, mossy ground. Kira relaxed, panting as Simon pinned her down with a forepaw.
    “Alright, you win that one, but that’s nothing compared to defeating Cerberus.”
    “Why must you put a negative spin on everything?” Simon asked impatiently. “You’re just upset because I won.”
    “You shouldn’t fool yourself when it’s a matter of life or death.” Kira said, getting up and shaking the dust from her fur.
    “Well let’s not waste time talking, then.” Simon said, running at Kira, his paws kicking up chunks of brown and green earth as he skidded and turned to the side as Kira dodged. He ran after her as she turned, taking him by surprise and kicking him away as he jumped at her. Simon got up, spinning around in time to meet her as she leapt at him.     Simon twisted out from under her paws, tripping her and standing over her, panting.
    “Good,” Kira said, panting, “But not good enough!” she cried, kicking at Simon and twisting out from under him.