I am not afraid to keep on living

Keito's eyes widened as he saw the massive figure charging up the slope toward him. For a moment, he was certain it was another enemy, something even more dangerous than the goats! But, as the massive creature drew closer, the details sharpened in his vision - a giant horse, unlike any he had ever seen before, towering over him with tusks that gleamed like curved blades. The wolf's heart pounded, but this time it wasn't just from fear. It was awe, pure and unfiltered, as he beheld the power and presence of this new arrival.

For a moment, Keito was frozen, his mind trying to grasp the sheer size and strength of the horse that now stood between him and the aggressive goats. The sound of the goat's pain-filled scream jolted him back to reality. The large herbivore had made quick work of the leading goat, its tusk having been used in brutal efficiency. Keito's fear shifted into something else, an intense respect, almost reverence, for the creature that had saved him.

When the horse spoke, Keito's ears twitched in surprise. The voice was deep, commanding, and left no room for hesitation. The offer was clear, and though Keito was astonished by the fact that this beast had chosen to help him, he wasn't one to waste an opportunity.

"Arigatō-- Thank you!" he barked, his voice laced with a mix of his youth, gratitude, and adrenaline.

Keito's amber eyes locked onto the goat that had kicked him, the pain in his ribs a reminder of the humiliation he'd suffered. His fear melted into focused aggression. With a snarl, he lunged forward, targeting the smaller goat. The creature was still reeling from the sudden shift in power, its confidence shaken by the sight of its leader falling to the massive horse.

This time, Keito did not aim to separate them - he aimed to finish the fight. His teeth found their mark, sinking into the smaller goat's neck with a satisfying crunch. The goat thrashed wildly, but Keito held firm, his jaws clamped down with all the strength his young body could muster. He could feel the pulse of life in his grasp, the frantic beat of the goat's heart as it fought for survival. With a powerful shake of his head, Keito tore through the goat's flesh, blood spraying onto the rocks as the creature's struggles grow weaker. The thrill of the fight, the taste of victory, surged through him as the goat finally collapsed, its life ebbing away. The other two goats were quick to retreat, and Keito had no interest in chasing them down.

Keito dropped the goat and stepped back, his breath heavy, but his heart light. He turned to look at the giant horse, a new understanding in his eyes. He had been saved by this.. colossal creature.

"Thank you," he repeated, more calmly this time, his voice steady as he dipped his head in respect. "I owe you my life."

In that moment, atop the looming mountains of the fjord, Keito realized that the world was much larger, much more complex than he had ever imagined. There were creatures out there, both friend and foe, that could change the course of his fate in an instant. With this horse's help, he had survived another day. And he would continue to fight with the fearlessness he had seen displayed here today, continue to grow, until he could stand tall just like this giant.

[ Fighting Seasonal - Spring Year 21 : 1,578/1,500 Words ]

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