Crystal Cats Not Allowed

Kotori walked along the perimeter of the pack, protecting the area had become far more important.  It was damn crazy the number of wolves that had fallen to some insane disease leaving a number of them separated from others or just outright in no shape to work.  What determined if one was infected or not Kotori couldn’t begin to imagine.  Either way he wasn’t about to eat anything that had crystals or mushrooms growing out of it

His thoughts turned to Ikigai and how much smarter she was than he’d imagined.  Maybe princesses were taught to know things like spirits instead of fighting in ashen?  It still seemed strange she didn’t fight but she’d proved to be pretty dang smart.  He’d have to meet up with her again soon to see if she was alright.

Thinking of all the sick wolves he glanced at the wolf with him.  At first, Kotori had a hard time not grimacing when he saw the diseased wolves, actually, he still had a hard time but at least the dislike wasn’t quite as obvious as his first reaction.  The white wolf with orange markings and black splotches was already a sight but the sight was now morbid with the mushrooms.  With a sigh Kotori looked off ahead of them, scenting the night air.  

Amongst his thoughts, Kotori had almost missed the scent of a large cat.  The young wolf paused taking another scent and glancing about. “Smell that Hikaru?” Finding the scent he turned to follow it.  It was daytime but no one would guess with the dark sky and bright moon.  Poor cat, so good at camouflage normally but this time crystals growing on its head and in its ears were bright and gave it away.   Ugh, he didn’t particularly want to touch any of the infected including other predators.  Oh well.  He looked to his comrade, mouthing “Ready?”  How well could the guy fight like that anyway?

Word Count 322

Kotori Fatalis