Hooved Mammals

Redrum's heart raced as he crouched in the tall grass, his breath shallow and rapid. His eyes were fixed on the creature stalking gracefully through the grasses. A hunting tiger, moving with a fluidity that both awed and terrified him. Memories of a past trauma flooded his mind, but he forced himself to focus on the present. He had done it with Taiga, he could do it again.

The anticipation of the hunt hung heavy in the air, palpable even to Redrum, who dared not make a sound as he stalked the hunting tiger. He could almost taste the excitement radiating from the cat. As the tigress escaped his view, Redrum remained frozen in place, his senses heightened to detect even the slightest rustle in the grass. He could hear the antelope, hear the soft snorts and bleats. They were close, and he was silent to not alert them.

He moved with calculation precision to follow, unsure of the temperament of the cat. Some of them seemed.. more intelligent than others. Or less bloodthirsty at least. He couldn’t be sure yet, but this one looked… different. Prettier. Certainly lacked the orange and white of normal tigers anyhow, that must have meant something. But how would she receive the red boy, hesitant and young, making a bird-like noise to get her attention — eyes questioning. Could he help her? Could he continue to work past his fear? Worst case scenario he would high tail it out of here, and leave her to her hunt.