Love Me Dead

Within the murky, mist-shrouded swamp, where the air hung heavy and the tang of decaying vegetation reigned supreme, there the crimson boy prowled for his next hunt. He was becoming increasingly proficient, with only his experience lacking at this point. He had pushed himself, always seeking out more and more to prove himself. His eyes gleamed like twin orbs of molten gold, taking in all of the landscape around him, his tall ears shifting left and right – searching for the sounds of prey. It was a common practice for him, all the better to help fill his pack’s food stores.

Though he was beginning to feel that his spirit was untamed and restless, always yearning for adventure, venturing further and further with the freedom allotted to him. And on this particular day, as the sun struggled to pierce through the thick canopy of twisted vines and gnarled trees, he felt the familiar stirrings of excitement in his chest. A new challenge. It’s scent musky and powerful. Indulgent and young, he trailed after it.

The scent of his prey hung thick in the damp air, drawing Redrum deeper into the tangle of roots and mud. With every step, he felt the squelch of sodden earth beneath his paws, and a chorus of creatures echoing through the dense foliage. Some he recognized, some he did not. It wasn't long before Redrum caught sight of his quarry – a massive hog, its sleek yet bulky form moving effortlessly through the murky waters of the swamp. It was impressive, of course it was. And at the risk of being overconfident the boy decided on choosing it for his next hunt.

With a low growl rumbling in his throat, Redrum crouched low, his golden eyes fixed on the unsuspecting prey. Around it roamed its small herd of fellow hogs and piglets, sows rooting around in the shallow waters for roots. Silently, Redrum stalked his quarry through the dense undergrowth. The thrill of the chase coursed through his veins, urging him onward as he closed the distance between himself and the hog. He had to be careful not to disturb the rest of its kin in the process, getting close enough so that his quarry could not outrun him was his goal. He had taken to muddying his vibrant coat, making himself seem like just another mound of grime as he steadily advanced. Camouflage that was very much needed. Then, all at once he exploded into action, claws digging deep into the ground and propelling him forward with power and youthful determination. Mud flung behind him, scattering against leaf litter and alerting the hog to his pursuit. No matter, he was close enough that he would reach his prey before it could hit its top speed and leave him in the dust!

But the hog was no easy prey. It moved with a surprising agility, its bulk cutting effortlessly through the tangled roots and murky waters of the swamp. Redrum struggled to keep pace, his muscles burning with exertion as he pushed himself to the limit. It was all the harder with the mud sticking to his paws, weighing him down as he accumulated more and more as he ran. A variable he had not counted on in the slightest. As they raced through the murky depths of the swamp, Redrum's mind raced with thoughts of victory, and the shame of failure. He could already taste the triumph, feel the satisfaction of sinking his teeth into the succulent flesh of his prey. But the hog was a wily adversary, its wild eyes darting nervously as it sought to evade its pursuer. He couldn’t give up, he could do it – he knew he could.

Redrum redoubled his efforts, his golden eyes blazing with fierce intensity. Pushing himself harder, forcing his lungs to take in more of the thick air to sustain his sprint. He was so close now, so tantalizingly close to catching his prey. But just as victory seemed within his grasp, disaster struck. In his single-minded pursuit of the hog, Redrum failed to notice the treacherous quagmire he was approaching, until it was just below paw. With a sudden lurch, he stumbled, his paws sinking into the muck with a sickening squelch as it gave way underfoot. Pain exploded through his body as he crashed to the ground, the fetid waters of the swamp swallowing him whole. His breaths came ragged, his heart still hammering in his chest as he lay staring wide eyed at the foggy canopy.

For a moment, Redrum lay stunned, the murky waters swirling around him in a dizzying whirl. When he finally managed to regain his senses, and composure, he found himself face to face with his quarry as he rose, the hog regarding him with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. Shame burned hot in Redrum's chest as he realized the folly of his actions. And now, he stood defeated before his prey, his dreams of victory shattered. What a joke. With a snort of mockery, the hog turned and lumbered away, leaving Redrum alone in the mud. There was no point in chasing it now. It would probably be more shameful if he tried. A weary sigh left him, and Redrum trudged onward, his golden eyes fixed on the path ahead. Next one. Don't get too cocky.

WC: 880