Hunted

[Lhyrre]

{name:Aurelie#|#picture:10}Aurelie paused, crouching in the foliage of her tree. Flicking the tip of her tail back and forth, the rest of her spotted and dotted body was silent, blending into the dappled shadows. Her eyes slightly narrowed, she took in the clearing. It was too hot for most of the larger prey to be stirring about, though she saw signs of a possible rabbit warren near her tree, her amber eyes following the tell-tale signs. Her stomach almost began complaining with hunger before she forced it to be silent, harshly. Blinking her wide amber eyes, she settled down into a slightly different crouch, a hunting crouch, and unsheathed her claws into the bark. She licked her lips, once, waiting for the rabbit to show.

She didn't have long to wait.

They were so /stupid/, those rabbits. You hardly had to wait a minute for them. As the rabbit hopped a bit closer, then closer, her muscles bunched together, and she trembled with the waiting. Finally, the rabbit twitched its short tail and hopped close.

/That's enough,/ she thought, then leapt.

She landed on the rabbit, killing it swiftly, too swiftly for it to feel pain. The bones standing out against her ragged fur, usually so glossy and well-groomed, were pushing her forward into instinct alone as she tore the rabbit apart, not considering that she might be prey, so small was the ocelot.

All she knew... was hunger.

Her ears flicked back and forth, swiveling, even though she was tearing into the rabbit with as much ferocity as... well, a wolf. She'd barely escaped them, that pride, a few days ago, and she didn't think that they would hunt her this far. Her wounds, a few skinned over, but some still oozing, subsided to a dull throb in the back of her mind as the warm, juicy rabbit slid down her throat.

A step sounded, too near, and she froze, blood dripping from her muzzle. With a slow, calculated gesture, she swiped her tongue around her jaw and swung around, tilting her head bakc and forth to catch the sound. Another step.

She dissapeared into the underbrush, once again blending into the shadows. She'd too long been hunted to leave herself out in the open much longer...

((Sorry about the pic, but it won't give me a no picture option...))

[shhdawn]

{name:Kai#|#picture:7}Kai swiftly trotted through the brush around him. His fur smoothly brushed up against his neck, making his chest look broader. As his swift feet almost floated over the ground he walked on, his claws ripped up the dirt in his tracks. The leaves crackled from under him and he couldn't help but like the sound of the crackling leaves. He looked down, fascinated how such small things, could make such a loud noise. Silly of him to be so interested, but he was a cub. He couldn't help but be curious.

His size, might fool the others, he's almost the size of a full-grown cheetah, but when you actually get to know him, you see how cubbish he can be. With a flick of his tail, he scent filled his aroma. His male scent was strong, even for a young cub, any animal could smell it from a mile away. As he came nearer to a clearing, he realized the remains of what looked like a rabbit. He looked around frantically. His eyes scanning the trees, and the brush. He stuck his nose in the air, trying to get any scent of an animal around him.

He couldn't make out anything, he was a cat, and did not have very good sense of smell. He slowly lowered his head, and picked at the meat. Picking it up, and dropping it. His tail brushed the ground behind him, and he softly licked the bones, getting the fresh flavor through his mouth.

[Lhyrre]

{name:Aurelie#|#picture:10}Aurie froze, her eyes tracing over the other cat. It leaned over her prey, and she stopped herself from lunging forward. The cat was so much bigger...

But as she looked closer, she saw the telltale sparsity of the fur, signifying a youngster. A cub. Her eyes widened slightly, and she slowly, cautiously, stepped out from the bushes. "Step away, please," she said in a soft voice, trembling on her battered limbs.

Blood was crusted in her fur, and barely skinned over wounds dotted her body, and even her face. Her gaze wavered with exhaustion, and tension... Too close...

((Xinn said that it can be ninety-nine words because we've had no sleep all night, and I write concise, but descriptive posts. =) ))

[shhdawn]

{haha its alright^^ I understanddd }

Kai jumped hearing the smaller cat come from a brush and speak to him. His head turned and inside him he felt as if he would just collapse any minute. He was bigger than her, but she was scarred and scrathed and had blood dried in her fur, she seemed very capable of fighting. But then, she also looked scared. He tilted his head, curious of what she would do if he didn't step away.
This yours?
Was all he wanted to say. He wasn't much of a talker, he showed his feelings by actions, not words as most cheetahs were chatter-boxes. He looked the fae up and down, realizing she had been in a fight a few minutes ago, he took a step back. His tail slowly brushed the ground, going back and forth. And his eyes showed curiousity, and interest. He was interested in her. Even with her scratches...she looked amazing. He had never seen another cat like her, she was spotted and dotted in all different ways and all different colored tans and browns.
Are you okay?
He couldn't help but wonder for the girl if she was alright. She was bruised and looked terrible. Maybe he could comfort her in some way? Help her feel better, maybe he'd be able to understand someone. And maybe just maybe, he could help.

[Lhyrre]

{name:Aurelie#|#picture:10}Aurelie stood, trembling, for a moment, and took a step back, her ears flattened against her head. Was he deaf, blind, AND mute? Couldn't he see the telltale signs of her hair around the kill, the rabbit blood on her muzzle? Didn't he, even slightly, scent the smell of her around the rabbit? Didn't he hear her asking him to step away.

/He's just a kit.../ came the thought, making her relax just a tad. "Yes," she responded to his query, amber eyes relaxing minutely. "That's mine."

Her voice was something people remembered, even when torn by thirst and hunger. It slid out of her throat with a note of something that nobody could ever describe rightly. Indescribable, perhaps?

She froze at the next question. "I'm fine," she replied cooly. "There's nothing you can do for me."

And with that, she promptly collapsed into a heap on the ground, passing out for a few moments. The world went black in front of her eyes, and her legs couldn't hold her up, somehow. She felt like water, now that the food was hitting her veins and the threat of danger was almost past. Adrenaline could only push her so far...

[shhdawn]

Kai took a step backwards..she seemed...disturbed...very...disturbed. He didn't really want to argue with the female..he had only intended on having a meal. And then trying to help..but obviously she didn't want that...but he wouldn't give up, just yet. His body curved as his broad chest stuck out, and connected to his thin belly. That was so unique about cheetahs, their chests were so broad, but they got skinnier when you came down to his rear.
Well...it seems you've had your meal? So, if you wouldn't mind me...uh..join you?
He bent his head, in a somewhat bow, telling her she could trsut him. His claws extracted and went back into his small paws, he was so hungry..and having a perfectly good rabbit infront of him..he couldn't help but want it.
It does not seem like you're fine, lass. Maybe all you need..is some cheering up?
He had a strange austrailian-like accent to him. He had picked it up by a few dingos' he had met earlier in his days, and never lost it. And it made him look even cuter. Kai was a cute cub, and everyone knew so. He looked back up at her, and trotted around her and the rabbit in a circular way. His tail flung back and forth, and on the other side whhich he had encountered this fun meeting, he bent down, with his butt in the air, wagging his tail and flicking it in her direction.
Maybe he could cheer her up with a little game? Or..maybe she just needed company.

Obviously Kai realized that she wanted to be alone and have her meal...but that never stopped his curiousity.

[Lhyrre]

{name:Aurelie#|#picture:10}Aurie was officially sure that the kid was crazy. She shakingly stood up from the ground and flicked her tail in resignation. Normally, she would have put up more of a fight over her rabbit, but suddenly she was so... tired. She yawned hugely, her tongue lolling out of her mouth. "Maybe if you knew somewhere to sleep, I'd let you have the rest of the rabbit, kid," she said, cooly.

She tilted her head back for a moment, and sighed. A tree would do. I mean how often did you come across crazy Aussie leopard kit? Well, a big kid, that's for sure. Aussies were usually crazy...

She slowly strode over to the tree and clawed her way up, settling over the ranch and looking over at the leopard cub. "Knock yourself out," she said with a yawn. She could feel every single wound throb as she yawned, and absolute exhaustion settled over her. she should probably treat her wounds, but she was just so... tired...

[shhdawn]

{name:Kai#|#picture:7}Kai cocked his head. Was it that easy? She was just going to give it to him? He liked that idea.
Well don't mind if I do, thanks.
He looked back at her as she made her way so gracefully to a tree. He could tell she was rather tired, the bags under her eyes, and her body looked like it could almost brush the ground as she walked...Kai was worried for her. He couldn't help it. She seemed exaughsted, so he would let her rest. But, he would make sure he'd stick around. He may not be much of a protector in any way, but he could be a sweetie.. He just wanted to help her. She seemed so weak right now, and all he could do was let her rest, but keep close to her.
I hope she's alright...
He mumbled to himself as he settled down to eat the remains of the rabbit. His claws held the rabbit firmly and he bit into it, tearing at the flesh and digging his small muzzle into the prey.

[Lhyrre]

{name:Aurie#|#picture:10}Hours passed, as Aurie conked out on her limb. The sleep was important - it prepared her for days ahead. being hunted had taught that to her - don't think weeks ahead, only days. Days you could live. Think in weeks... and you're dead.

When her eyes finally opened, she felt almost more tired than when she went to sleep. Nonetheless, she stretched and looked about. The rabbit carcass was nowhere to be seen... And she was hungry again.

She groaned as her stretch pulled at a few of her wounds, starting them oozing again. She needed to treat them, and soon. Carefully, she loped down from the tree and looked about her cautiously. The kit was probably gone by now - they didn't often have the patience to wait it out. A pity. He was entertaining.

Ah well, it was probably time to move again. Aurie doubted that the Pride would look for her here, but it was too close to put her paranoia to rest. The one thing she couldn't get over was how tired she was! Gazing up at the now-setting sun, she realized she'd slept all day - normal, for her. She was a nocturnal cat, anyway. She would find more prey on the way... She gave a little purr-groan as her wounds pulled, and decided that her wounds had far more importance. Where could she find herbs around here? She would need quite a few...

((shhdawn:You can bring Kai back, if you'd like. You don't have to, though, if you really don't want to. I did give you something to play off of for your first post.))

[shhdawn]

[[im sorry i didnt realize that you posted! i was totally oblivious! /=]]
Kai turned his attention to the female as she leapt off the tree. His ears laid agaist his head, maybe he shouldn't be here. He licked his lips clean and sstarted licking his paw, gentley letting his tongue slide in between his small toes. He slowly moved his eyes to the female. He looked at her sympathetically and let out a small whine. Weird hearing tthat from a cat, but he had feelings for her. Almost as if she was his sister. He would try to protect her, even if it meant his life would end. He was a cub who had feelings and was truly humble. But he never realized how dangerous the world could really be. He always looked at the positive side, the bright side of things. Maybe if things were rough all you needed was some cheering up. You can never out weight the good things that happen to the bad. You could be worse, but just be grateful for what you actually have. Yes, cheesy but true. Atleast to Kai.

[Lhyrre]

{name:Aurelie#|#picture:10}Aurie looked back quickly, surprised that he was still here. "Oh. Hello," she said, her voice less tormented than it had been a few hours before. "You're... Kai, right?" she said, attempting to make her voice sound friendly. Maybe he knew where the herbs around here were.... and then again, maybe cubs were spectacularly oblivious to anything. That was entirely possible. Well, might as well give it a try...

The only thing that showed her mind was whirring was a slight twitch of the ears and a silent moment as she judged him somewhat trustworthy. "Would you happen to know," she began, "if there are any herb patches around here? Marigold, aloe..." she said, trailing off and studying the cub's face for the answer.

He seemed sweet enough, that was for sure. but... Just a big kid. With huge paws - big though he was, he hadn't reached his full growth. Mentally shaking her head in the folly of that train of thought, the other part of her mind analyzing his face focused more on his eyes, her own unsettling amber ones probably boring into his, though she didn't really notice.

[shhdawn]

Kai looked aat the fae..she had spoken to him in a rather kind of way. He knew it was right to wait and see if she was alright!
"Ya, it's Kai.
He wasn't much of a talker but he needed to find some things out about this girl. Then she asked him for herbs...being a cub most would think they are irresponsible and couldn't do things for themsleves. But Kai was different...he knew where herbs were. He was a pretty good hunter, btu when he had no skill to hunt he had to find something to eat. He nodded at her, being the response he wished to give her. He got up and nudged her left cheek and bumped into her with his but trying to tell her to follow.
Soon he was bouncin through the forest over exoctically covered plants. He stopped to look back to check if she was following. He smiled, this could be a way of finding a friend. He blushed at the idea, having such a pretty friend could be nice.

[Lhyrre]

{name:Aurelie#|#picture:10}Bemused, Adri flicked her tail and followed, wincing every time the other cat's frolics let a branch snap back or leaves blow up and brush against her various wounds. If they decided to look for her here, her scent would be everywhere. Her eyes drifted from side to side, seeming nonchalant, but in reality always watching, always calculating.

She must look like hell on earth right now - she hadn't groomed in days, and she was half-covered in dried blood and cuts. It didn't phase the kid, though, and she flicked her ears back and forth, always listening. Finally, they burst on a patch of various herbs clumped together as if on purpose. Most of the time, you had to run all over the forest for this variety... but most of them were here.

How convenient.

She muttered thanks, racing off to the nearest marigold patch. Best thing for bleeding wounds, marigold....

She paused, trying to collect her thoughts. She must be more scattered than she thought, the way her thoughts were paced. Jumpy, focusing at one thing at a time... Fear still lurked in the back of her mind, and paranoia still made her jump every time something rustled. It would take a few weeks before she was back to somethign resembling her old self...

[shhdawn]

{name:Kai-2#|#picture:7}Kai had found the herbs and before he could say another word she was going straight towards the marigold. And for the first time he realized how beat up she looked...she had dried blood on her matted fur. Like she hadn't groomed in weeks! Her eyes were bloodshot and droopy..he felt bad for her. And felt even worse that he now just realized it. He wondered why she would eat marigolds when there were perfectly good fruits only a few feet away. He trotted over to a banana tree. He took a few steps back and leapt into the air..batting at a big bunch up high. Then he took a few sidewards steps and bumped his butt up to the tree. And before he knew it, it was raining bananas. Odd, for a cheetah cub to snack on banana's but they were one of Kai's favorites over an upset stomach. And since he had only eaten a small portion of rabbit his stomach was upset. He tore into them ripping off the skin and swallowing a banana whole.
"Sure you want those? I always think bananas help with the stomach. And then maybe you'll feel good to have a nice bath. Walking around like that sure makes you leave a scent, and you'll feel a lot better. If you need help I'll help you find a waterhole or a stream. Something salty could be good for those cuts."
Dang, Kai knew his stuff. He didn't even know most of the things he was saying. But he had a strange feeling they'd help tthe poor girl. He smiled cutley and grabbed a few bananas. He slowly walked over to her with his tail flinging in all directions happily and dropped them by her. He turned back around and sat by the fruit tree. He exteneded his legs and stretched. Letting a big yawn escape his chest. All this was tiring to him. Taking care of her. Watching her back. He noticed she flinched a lot..paranoiddddd... He thought to himself and chuckled. Then he looked around his head held high aaround all the exotically colored plants and fruits. His eyes scanned the forest. Nothing. There was nothing. He was good. He could help her. Even if she didn't want him to, he'd stick around..


Word Count: 404

[Lhyrre]

{name:Aurie#|#picture:10}Aurie shook her head, looking at the fruit and trying to conceal disgust. She was a carnivore, that was for sure. She shook her head. "Salt water?" she said, hopefully. That would clean the cuts, for sure. She would need a few more herbs to help them heal, she thought , digging with her torn and throbbing claws at the roots of a weed-looking plant. "Most of that would help, except for the bananas. "Just, the herbs you would put on the wounds to stimulate healing.

She glanced up at him, her amber eyes inscrutable. "Thank you," she said, finally. "Do you know how to hunt?" she said, softly. He must be half-desperate himself, if he was begging prey off a cat that looked like her and eating bananas. Even dulled by the paranoia and pain, her wits were still extraordinarily sharp.