Disclaimer: "The Fox and the Hound" is property of Daniel P. Mannix and Walt Disney Company, not mine...unfortunately.
narfgirl: Oops, sorry I didn't see that last review! Yeah, I like it when they talk with each other to! Hope you keep reading!
The Next Political Dynasty: We'll have to see! Keep reading!
Forever Young: I know what you're talking about, when Chance escapes the lion. I think he called it "Arnold Schwartzne-Kitty". Or however you spell that actor's last name. Now I want to watch that movie, lol! Keep reading!
The Fox and the Hound 2: Friends in Need
Chapter Nine: More Senses of Foreboding Danger
"Tod? Tod, wake up," Vixey whispered to her sleeping husband. "I heard something, wake up."
The fox forced his eyes open and gave a big yawn. "What is it?"
"I heard something outside," she repeated, her ears perked up to listen better. "Maybe you should see what it is."
Tod listened closely, but didn't hear anything. "Vixey, we traveled all night, we really need to get some sleep." He laid his head back down. "I think you're hearing things."
"No, I'm not," Vixey argued, keeping her voice down so she wouldn't wake the cubs. "There is something out there, and I don't want it coming in here."
Seeing this was a losing battle, Tod woke up all the way and got up to stretch. "Okay, I'll go check it out. But there's still nothing out there."
To be on the safe side, he carefully poked his head out of their hiding place and sniffed the air. He thought he smelt a hint of something...but he didn't know what it was. Then, he heard something moving in front of him. Tod ducked his head down a little ways, keeping his eyes wide open to see what it was. When the creature emerged from the bushes, he didn't know what to think.
It was a huge mountain lion, although he'd never seen one around here before. He could hardly believe it. The large cat didn't bother to check the area out for any foxes so he continued on his way, heading southeast. Tod made a mental note to not go in that direction that night when they continued traveling.
"So, what is it?" Vixey whispered softly.
Tod went back inside. "I'm afraid we've got a mountain lion out there."
She gasped. "Oh, Tod! A mountain lion? That's awful, what are we going to do about it?"
"There's nothing we can do, except stay out of its way and avoid it at all costs," he told her. "Let's just get some sleep for now, and tonight we'll be sure to be as quiet as possible, as not to attract attention."
"So, big brother," Calvin greeted Amos, who at present was skinning a rabbit. "Having much luck in the great outdoors?"
"For your information, I got three coons, five squirrels, and two rabbits today," the old hunter remarked, pointing to a pile of furs he had setting out. "How about you, city boy?"
"Two squirrels, a few pheasants, and a rabbit."
Amos chuckled. "Typical. You're such a beginner. Did you do all that or did your fighting dog have a wrestling match with them all?"
"Buster happens to be a professional hunter," Calvin insisted. "And to answer your question, he got everything except the pheasants. That was the work of my Blue-Tick, Belle."
"You know, you can always call off this ridiculous contest you have with me. It's obvious I'm going to win."
"That's where you're wrong, Amos. We still have two days to go. By the way, have you heard about that mountain lion?"
"Hasn't everybody? What of it?" He tossed a piece of the rabbit meat over to Chief, who was sitting beside him. Copper was napping beside the truck, exhausted.
Calvin casually answered, "I was just thinking what a fine trophy that mountain lion would be for the lucky fellow who killed it. How about raising the stakes a little bit? Whoever kills the lion, wins."
Amos looked up from what he was doing. "Calvin, if you think you're going to kill a mountain lion, you're nuts. Besides, I don't think there's one even out there. Hasn't been any around for years."
"You don't know that. One may have accidentally wandered out here. I personally think you're too chicken to go after it."
"If there is one out there," Amos started, standing up now. "I'm not going to risk getting killed and go after it."
"Whatever you say," Calvin said, walking off to his own campsite.
Not having understood a word of the conversation, Chief cocked his head over in confusion. Amos looked down at him and rubbed him on the head.
"Even if there is a mountain lion out there, it would be illegal to kill it," he said out loud. "They're endangered. But I'm not going to be the one to tell my brother that. And I don't think I have to worry about you telling him."
Chief gave a little bark in agreement, although he didn't know what he just agreed with. He glanced over at where Copper was napping beside the truck. The old dog didn't know what was running through the young pup's head, and personally he was starting to get worried about him. Copper had acted almost deprived of energy all day, and it was a miracle he was able to track anything down. Whatever it was, hopefully it would go away soon.
Uh-oh, Tod's seen the "devil cat"! Will they run into it in the future? Let's pray not! Will Calvin go after the lion, despite what Amos has said? Gotta keep reading to find out! Please review!