Run Forest... RUN!

Oscar stands, gazing out over the flower studded gulley, waiting for something to happen. Dread hangs thickly in the air as everything seems to still, as if the birds, insects, and animals all fall silent at the same moment. The world stops right then, each second stretching into eternity, as a small coyote pup and bear crest a short grassy hill. Fear sends adrenaline coursing into the donkey’s veins, telling the prey animal to flee from the oncoming danger. But Oscar cannot run, not when the grizzly is after his pup… his Nico.

Time restarts, the colors around him sharper, the green of the grass suddenly blinding to Oscar’s heightened senses. He releases the loudest, longest bray of his life as the donkey turns and charges the bear. Even the beast seems confused by this prey animal that dares to rush at it, quickly losing focus on the coyote pup and rounding on the ass. Oscar is a lot of things but he will not allow this predator to hurt Nico… even if it means he has to lay down his life today. Nugget holds tight to the curly hair on his rump and the pair are suddenly in front of the grizzly, a huge, meaty paw swinging toward them.

It finds only air as Oscar continues to run past the bear, deftly dodging the clawed pad while leaving behind a small present for the grizzly. Nugget flaps his wings, creating a great distraction while also flying straight at the beast’s eyes. Talons claw and beak pecks restlessly, until one of bear’s sockets leaks blood and optic fluids alike. The grizzly roars, shifting to stand and swipe at the angry bird on its face… only to receive a mighty kick to its midsection. Winded, the beast doubles over and the rooster safely returns to the ass’s rump as the pair retreat to a safe distance. With a smirk on his lips, Oscar and the grizzly square off, both too stubborn to flee.


"Oscar Monaghan"