How dare you sneak up on me

Kotori jogged along the river's path, a memory of running along this lake when he was younger.  He’d been by the rio grande when the eternal night had first started showing its signs.  He had seen a boar that seemed to glow and all the fireflies.  He had also met Ikigai further down the Rio Grand.  Kotori grinned as he recalled her indignation at their first meeting as she had expected a more humble hello.  Kotori was arrogant now but he’d been even worse then.  

With his thoughts on memory lane, it was more instinct than a prepared response that had him leap away from a lunging tiger.  It was a good hunter and kept its scent hidden and the brush had given it the necessary foliage to cloak its presence.  The large male tiger had made the first attempt at an attack but Kotori fully intended to land the first successful attack, indignant the cat had managed to surprise him.

The tiger was attempting to be on the offense, lunging in to bite for Kotori’s neck.  Kotori dodged, pivoting into its left side, snapping for its upper shoulder but not staying in place long enough for the lash back.  

"Kotori Fatalis"