I'm Only Joking

Strix squares off against the three jaguars, a rock slowly settling in the pit of his stomach. The need to prove himself has overridden his own self-preservation and he is quickly realizing just how out-matched he really is. The cats are swift, lunging and hissing at the annoying pup who is a little too big for his own breeches. He just wants to prove he is as good as his brothers! Black and gray form springs forward, teeth aiming for a large meaty paw as a small, pitiful growl rolls out. Claws from all direction flash toward him and Strix is forced to retreat, a snarl on his lips. A call for help rings out and Morendo joins the smaller boy and the rock that had been forming in Strix’s stomach, turns into a mountain. Great, now the adults will know he messed up. He tries to be angry at his brother for alerting the adults but, right now, all he can focus on is surviving.

Morendo bites one of the jaguar’s tails, holding on for the ride as it tries to turn and swipe at him. The smaller pup darts forward, wanting to try and take the furry of the cat off his helpful sibling. A shout causes the pup to falter as Revenant swoops in to take another of the feline’s ire. With two of the jaguars preoccupied, Strix turns his full attention on the third… just in time to take a meaty paw to the side of his face. Claws rake across his cheek, creating cuts and making the pup’s eyes water from shame. What will his father think of him now? Blood wells as he retreats back a few steps, uncertainty clouding his eyes as he looks to his bigger brothers. He will not run away and leave them to get hurt. Eyes return to his jaguar and the boy has to retreat backward to avoid another swipe at his face. Will someone come to rescue them?


"Strix Klein"