Stupid Goose! Let Me Kill You!

Winter is approaching, the chilly bite of early morning wind promises it. Now, while Malico has no idea what that winter means or what lays ahead, he has noticed a distinct change in the animals that wander the lands around his home. The mornings are also growing colder a low fog hangs over the lake in the center of their island most mornings. Yet, none of this deters the young boy from racing outside each morning, as soon as the sun breaks the horizon, to play the day away. His sister, Mariah often sleeps in and, some days, needs to stick close to their family den which means he does not have a playmate.

Still, he understands her needs are different than his and he does not fault her for what her body demands. It would be nice to have his sibling beside him, especially today of all days. Mal has decided that he is going to explore a little further away from the den today and, while he might not be allowed off the island just yet, he is determined to push the boundaries of his existence… but just tiny, little bit. Small paws step off the land bridge that connects the rock-strewn land with his home island and bright, excited turquoise eyes drink in ever detail.

First thing the boy notices is how flat the land is. Bright green grass waves happily at him and the only thing that breaks up the grassy land is huge, jutting formations of rock that would actually provide great lookout points. Jaw hangs open as dark paws pull him forward, the strange, wonderful new place taking up all of his attention as he slowly moves forward. Now, since there are small formations of crystals currently growing in the youth’s ear cannels, his hearing is dampened, and they even sometimes deafen certain sounds. That is why, Malico does not hear the flock of geese until they are directly overhead of him.

They create such a loud symphony that the boy cranes his neck back so that he can catch the squawking beasts’ progression through the air. They fly in an inverted ‘v’ pattern with the point of it leading them all down toward the south. He has yet to learn that birds seek the southern climates in winter months but, if he knew, Mal could not fault them for seeking to escape the cold. Eyes trail after the flock as they pass, following their progression until they become nothing more than small black dots on the horizon.

With the awe of the moment pass, Mal turns his thoughts to the many small prey animals that must surely roam this place. He knows that rabbits like to linger near the lake on the island and nibble at the grass. Stomach rumbles as the boy remembers he had left with breakfast, more determined to break the rules than fill his belly. Well, that had been a mistake. Nose lifts as he scents the air, relieved to find the familiar smell of rabbits on the breeze. Instantly, his mouth begins to water at the thought of a nice, fat, juicy, soon to be meal and he hunkers down to begin the hunt.

However, as he pulls in another long drag of air to track the creatures, Malico finds there is something… different lingering nearby. Brows shoot up in wonder as the boy considers what this new, exotic creature might be and, eventually, he decides to go see for himself. Carefully, the boy stalks toward it, cautious as he moves so he doesn’t make too much sound so he does not alert the creature. He is almost, right on top of the thing when its cries finally reach his ears, Great honks of distress reach his plugged ears and Mal kicks himself for not hearing it sooner.

Near a rock outcrop, half hiding under the rocks, he finds one of species of geese that been flying overhead. But this one is on the ground and one of its wings slightly ajar. With all the racket the young bird is making, Malico is surprised that some other predator has not come along for an easy meal. The bird looks around, honking for its flock to come and find but is too bad, since they have already left. Small form hunkers down in the grass and the boy slowly moves forward, ready to hunt and kill the unsuspecting, vulnerable prey. But the creature has other ideas and, while its wing may be broken, the bird’s legs are still healthy and strong. What follows is a slightly comical, mostly blunder-filled chase as the very small and very young boy tries to kill the goose.

Growls and honks fill the air as the pair move and Malico ponders his life choices. Time draws out and the bird starts to grow tired which means it makes a mistake in a turn. Finally, Mal is able leap up and grab the young goose’s neck and it honks even more. Damn thing is noisy. Small jaws push tighter and tighter on the soft neck, trying to silence the creature’s distressed calls. A soft pop sounds and the bird stills and the pup claims victory. Releasing his kill, Mal leans in to great bite from the goose when a new, louder, much scarier sound pulls his attention away from it.

A large cat stalks toward him, tail swishing angrily and eying his kill. Malico puts himself between the white and orange tiger, determined to keep his food away from predator. Growling loudly, the pup begins to make as much noise as he can in hopes of making the predator run away. It continues toward him…



WC: 951


"Malico Mendacium"