Learn to pay attention

Walk | "Talk" | think

Kotori was playing with the cat his dad had got him.  The young snow leopard and Kotori were tussling, rolling all through the deep grass. The occasional cat growl sound and mock snarls could be heard as the two got into their tough acts.  It wouldn’t be easily seen but further off a small mongoose was roaming the grass hunting.  It had no interest in getting in a tussle with the two.

The mongoose was the only one who was paying attention to the surroundings and it suddenly sat up tall watching the scenery closely and then spotting the threat.  He ran to the two and snapping at both of their flailing paws.  They both gave a growl and were about to turn on the little guy when his glare silenced them.  

Kotori stood up, looking about, and was surprised to find the mongoose yanking on his tail to go back in the direction of the den.  What was wrong?  Kotori’s ears finally picked up the sound of something larger pushing through the grass.  No, several somethings.  There!  A coyote was approaching and already close!  Even worse would be Kotori heard the grass moving farther off on either side.  Oh Shoot!  How did they sneak into the pack land?

Kotori backed up, heart thumping as he snarled at the first coyote as it grew closer.  The cat let out its own roar, his rump near the pup but facing away to a different patch of grass.  Where the heck had Fang the mongoose gone?  Kotori let out a howl calling for help.  Coyotes, there were coyotes nearby!  Kotori didn’t dare run, they would be faster and it would give them a chance to strike from behind.  Would he be able to keep them at bay long enough for the adults to arrive?

Farther off to the right he heard the surprising sound of a coyote yelp then saw a small form go flying in the air and land a bit further off in the grass.  Fang had snuck up and bit one in the paw but had then paid for it.  That one certainly wasn’t fleeing but it gave Kotori a bit more confidence.  How could he be scared when Fang had dared to attack despite his tiny size?