Are You Afraid of the Dark?

The vermillion boy had been doing better with his hunting, at least getting the hang of ambushing with his profoundly noticeable red coat. It took more positioning, more opportunity. But he could manage, especially at night… or in the dark. Which is why he was in the gorge at all. His mother’s warnings echoed in his mind hauntingly, cautioning against the dangers lurking within the Gorge. Yet, despite the admonitions, he was there — ready to test his mettle once again. There had to be something to hunt in here!

But what he was not expecting was to come across a familiar scent as he felt about the cavernous systems of the gorge. Ripper. His brother was somewhere in here too, and for a moment he thought to call out — but better not. He could scare off any and all prey afterwards, and why not seek out his brother silently? His nose was being used to track more often than not, call it another test!

As he traced the path Ripper had taken, Redrum's heart pounded with trepidation. The darkness enveloped him like a shroud, creeping into every corner of his mind, whispering tales of unseen horrors that lurked just beyond his sight. No no. He couldn’t start thinking in fear. He had to be stronger than that.

With each step, Redrum's senses heightened, his instincts on high alert as he followed the faint trail left by Ripper. The scent of prey hung heavy in the air, mingling with the musty aroma of damp earth and stagnant water, leading him ever deeper into the labyrinthine passages of the Gorge.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Redrum caught the freshest scent of his brother yet. Relief flooded through him like a rushing tide as he called out to Ripper, his voice a hushed mixture of concern and curiosity. "Ripper..!” The red boy quickly padded towards his brother, eyes fighting to make out those familiar features even in the darkness. “What is it. What is. Ripper doing?” He said, nares catching hold of the scent of pig and holding it hostage as he considered just what his brother was doing here… Though the same could be said about himself. Ah. Was he trying to hunt too?