I must've seemed like easy prey. My appearance was close to a rabbit(in this world) of some kind, so I couldn't put it past them. My long ears and bushy tail indicated that much. My size also put my appearance at a disadvantage, but that never mattered with pokémon. Even the smallest togepi can destroy mountains with just the wriggle of it's finger.
The hawk that remained flying performed a dive, and I easily served out the way. It took a moment to realize my mistake, and claws of the other hawk greeted my soft fur. My patient assaulter tore immediately, a flash of pain coming across my flank as I kicked them off and retreated several steps. The annoying sting wasn't too bad, and so I didn't have to look to check how minor the wound was.
A growl rumbled out my throat as both birds inspected my offensive formation. They were still, calculating my next move. The grass beneath my paws allowed a moment of rest as quietude settled upon us.
These birds were incompetent at battling, but they aren't making any lethal attacks. I only had a small scratch at most. A few licks, and it'll heal without any problem.
Nevertheless, I wanted to end this duel in favor of visiting the nearby water source. It was a tad fun, but it didn't catch my interest. Pokémon battles were the only type of fighting to get my blood running, apparently. In fact…
A tingle of excitement flooded my being as the familiar power of quick attack came to my aid. The rush flowed through my body, and I darted forwards at impressive speeds. My paws came in contact with the first hawk, throwing the large bird backwards and into it's flying comrade. Both winged animals fell to the harsh ground.
With that; the battle was over.
My ears rose, straight as the grass. My bushy tail brushed dirt into the air as I felt slight pride crawl towards my core. Winning was always fun, and Quick attack is simply the best for ending battles when the time is right.
It always left me with a feeling of strength despite its low amount of power.
I tossed a cocky smile at the birds before darting off on tingling paws, newfound energy fueling my movements.
It's been so long since I've had a battle! My mind bellowed in content. I paused to feel the breeze, the wind passing through my fur. I closed my eyes to savor the moment; the quiet sounds of breezy grass playing a natural note. My imagination flowed, and to a degree; I was reminded of home. However, my image crashed when a foreign squawk reached my drums of hearing.
My eyes had opened to the sounds of the faint falcon screeching, and despite the ruined mood; I kept my steps light and careful as I padded away from the sounds. My side's sting had dulled to a faint throb.
I had no interest in disrupting whatever was happening there. On the bright side; I had heard the soft running of water. My dry throat slightly burned at the thought of quenching my thirst, and my walking pace had increased.
I eventually came across a well; the structure was made of stone. Sunlight glittered on the ripples of water in a bucket, adding life to the colorless substance. Using the metal bucket was an old woman, moving her fingers to tug the bucket onto the ground. I had to get past her to take a sip. The main problem was losing my only way to drink. She might take the bucket. I'll have to get near.
A faint memory of staying hidden threatened to breech my thoughts, but the need to drink shoved it down.
I stepped out the grass; the familiar brush of the green strands ceasing as my paws touched dirt. My approach went unnoticed until I moved a little closer, stopping when the human finally saw me.
The old woman stared at my small fluffy form for a long moment before she knelt down on frail legs. I took that as a sign to walk over, and so I did. A gentle hand rubbed my head, and I allowed it. Her gentle fingers rubbed circles on my fur, and I relaxed into her hold.
"My, my...What a strange but cute creature you are...Almost like the one from the stories." A chuckle. "Yet that can't be true. I must be seeing things." A soft gentle rub behind the ears caused my tail to wag. "What a domestic animal too…Do you belong to someone?"
My ear twitched.
Don't get cocky. I'm only allowing you to pet me. I finally left her digits, leaving to the still bucket of water. She didn't move, so I leaned over the bucket to view the colorless liquid. My nose sniffed the water in case of chemicals or anything harmful to drink. Finding nothing, I lapped at the water.
The cool liquid went down my throat smoothly, easing my thirst. I enjoyed how my skin cooled upon drinking the water. The sunlight beaming down on us seemed a bit less hot, and I finally shook leftover droplets off my fur after leaving the metal bucket.
Once dry, I looked back over at the old woman, who approached me by herself. She picked up the bucket, and poured out the leftover water, dropping the metal into the well.
A small splash resounded out of the well's entrance.
"Ah...You were just thirsty…" The old woman didn't sound offended however. Her tone was one of amusement. "There's a few fountains nearby too. Why don't you go investigate?" She offered, and I merely stared at her.
What an odd human. Speaking to me like I could understand what she's saying. Yet the old woman was right. I understood her words, but she didn't know mine. Some humans were just arrogant, but it was nice to find a few who were kind to other species that weren't their own.
Nevertheless, I shall take this human's advice. I gave the two legged being a last glance before darting back into the ticklish grass. I heard the old woman murmur a few statements as I left out of earshot.
"Ah, what a cutie...If it is our guardian...Let this village be blessed by it's protection."
The very next day; my statue had been flooded with gifts.
Fruits, bowls of water, toys...You name it. There was a huge pile at the bottom, and several more humans had been coming to pray. There was a small group present right now, and I stayed hidden, within the shaded places of my area. The cool shadows kept my paws at a decent temperature, allowing my focus to direct my ears towards the humans' conversations.
"It's been decades since there was another sighting of our guardian!" An excited whisper reached my sensitive hearing. I looked between my paws and the ground. "I think this is a good sign! We should welcome it with open arms."
My nose twitched at the faint smell of grain.
"What about a feast dedicated to our hero? And perhaps another festival should bring the shy creature back out of its shell!" Cheers of excitement had followed, and the atmosphere turned a but more jolly.
Considering the fact I could eat now; their offers were tempting. I could feel my teeth ache for the soft tearing of cooked food. Salt, spice and pepper were luxuries I had not touched in a long time. My paws weren't made for gripping spoons or forks. I couldn't grab berries with these appendages.
I wonder if Mahmut's mother would be willing to cook me something. I doubted it, but the thought was nice. Humans don't treat non-humans kindly unless they want something. I had already agreed to protect her son.
There's no need for her to treat me kindly any longer.
Red hot irritation pushed at my nerves, and my tail slapped the ground in order to recover. Thankfully; the humans present remained oblivious to the soft sound. I refuse to get upset over this. I know better. Humans are horrible creatures. My memories brought up a little boy with the messy blond hair. His clear blue eyes of innocence allowed trust from almost everything, including me. I could recall the many time's he had visited my statue, praying just to see me. Sometimes; to offer a game, knowing I wouldn't answer or show up.
I also remember the brutality humans have used just to contain me. The pain, anger and fear which ran through my veins with every capsule thrown. Comrades, friends and family had to deal with constant caution. One wrong move, and you'll never see your loved ones again.
...Back to the child.
When he grows older, we'll see. I gazed at the slowly moving clouds. Will his heart be filled with greed? Spoil? Will he contain his own kind of unique trait? My ears twitched when catching the humans leaving, and I had patiently waited for each and every one to disappear.
Eventually a familiar quietude had set in, which allowed me to leave. I sniffed at the pile of gifts left on my 'doorstep'. There wasn't much interest in the toys, but I had a taste for the fruit brought forth. Particularly a few orans and peacha's for diversity.
I smelled the apples and grapes; their natural sugars were alluring to my nose. Real fruit. My mind supplied. No chemicals or any poisoning. At least, not the ones I could detect.
I then helped myself to the apples, occasionally ate a few grapes. Raw fruit is good by itself, but spiced apples are really special. The roof of my mouth ached in craving, but I squashed it down with pure willpower.
Footsteps came to my attention.
The steps were soft, but hurried and reckless. They must be excited about something. I darted into my hiding spot from earlier, ears up. With the decreasing distance; I had a feeling I knew who was so eager to visit. Those steps sounded familiar, as my ears picked up on the smallest things despite being weakened by this eevee form.
A familiar head with blond hair came into sight as his little legs carried him passed my hidden corner. The frequently visiting child held something in his hands, but I couldn't get a good look at it. Little Mahmut came to a stop in front of my statue, and I was reminded of the many time's he's done this.
His beautiful blue eyes held hope, from what I could see. His arms were wrapped almost protectively as he stared at the stone mold. Mahmut was unmoving, his eyes glowing with uncertainty and determination.
A soft chirp reached my long ears, and upon closer investigation; I noticed the noise was from a baby chick. ...A baby pidgey? No...It was a very young falcon; to be more precise. The baby bird was in the blond's arms. Apparently the boy had gotten one, like the many other villagers. This village trained falcons to be their partners, and the trend was still going strong.
I hope none of the falcons take their anger out on me. That would be troublesome, and I had already been dueled by hawks. I didn't need an ally to turn on me so soon. What went on back then, wasn't under my control. Despite this; I'll take some responsibility for my recklessness.
Curiosity itching, I watched the small human place the baby chick at the bottom of my statue. The chick chirped and peeped, but with tiny fists at his sides; Little Mahmut rushed away. He disappeared in the greenery nearby.
Did that human just… Sacrifice his bird? The absence of loyalty unsettled me, but it was to be expected. Humans really are garbage after all. They harm animals for fun and leave them for dead. They take nature for granted. They even kill one another over the most idiotic things.
I approached the crying bird.
I don't know why I expected better from him. I crouched by the winged baby. All humans are the same.
It continued to chirp for it's human and I gave the bird a small nuzzle on the head to calm it down. This worked immediately; the little bird leaning onto my warm fur. The chick likely felt comfortable, and so I let it stay for a few moments as the baby bird began to quiet down.
I'm not good with little ones. I finally moved away to inspect the bird's health. But I can at least guide them back to where they belong. Although that was likely impossible for this one. I couldn't detect a trace of falcon with the scent. All I smelled was Mahmut.
I watched the bird try to lean toward me, but this time I pulled away. I'm not your parent. I gently flicked the bird's beak with a paw. It recoiled into a small ball of defense, much to my amusement. At least the cries had stopped.
A rustle of grass alerted my attention too late as a body roughly crashed into me. Hands quickly scooped my form up as pleas spilled from the newcomers mouth...Who I quickly found out was Mahmut. He held both me, and the baby chick in his two hands, eyes watery. "Don't eat Iskender!" He sniffed as he forced me down with his weak human fingers.
I could easily escape his grip if I wanted to, but my mind was frazzled enough as is. I stared at the little human, whose blue eyes reflected both anger and fear. He looked over the baby chick, checking the winged animal for injuries. He murmured apologies and gently checked the baby's wings for damages.
"I just wanted to draw you out…S-So don't hurt him!" Mahmut finally dropped me to the ground, and held his bird close. I fell on all fours; my paws causing a stumble from the awkward and short distance.
I stared at the boy who dared to trick me. If I was an actual statue god; there would've been a harsh penalty.
...At least he wasn't actually trying to leave his bird for death. My hidden anger cooled immediately at the sight of little Mahmut breathing in relief upon seeing his bird unharmed. The young human's blue eyes then switched over to one of defense. His thoughts likely revolved around the fact I was close to hurting him. He took a step back, and since his legs tensed; I could tell he wanted to flee.
If he leaves; he may never come back. My thoughts supplied hastily. He's scared of me.
"Eevee!" Wait! I called, drooping my ears for effect. I watched the small blond blink in puzzlement as he paused. I took a few steps forward, and surprisingly, Mahmut didn't move at all. I eventually came close to his legs and wagged my tail despite the utter disgust curling in my stomach from acting all pet-like. My friendly actions seemed to have enticed the child however, considering the way his baby blue eyes gained a curious sparkle.
I waited patiently as little Mahmut slowly outstretched his hand, careful not to touch me without permission. I gave his hand a small sniff before leaning into his touch. I dismissed his small gasp of excitement, and gently nuzzled his hand. The small human kneeled after a moment of decision, and eagerly began petting me with enjoyment. Mahmut's bird was quiet, and so I assumed 'Iskender' went to sleep.
I felt the petting stop, and I glanced upwards to a teary face. Eh? My brain blunted, unhelpful to my thoughts.
I watched the small droplets fall down the child's face and I hurriedly nuzzled his face to rid the tears. Wait, wait wait! Why are you even crying! H-Hey… I didn't hurt him! He doesn't smell of anything iky, so why is he crying? Gah! Crying children makes me uncomfortable! When will he stop the waterworks?
My thoughts were answered by a tiny hand gently scratching behind my ears. "I'm sorry." Mahmut sniffled. "I just wanted to thank you, for saving me a long time ago. But…" He trailed off.
I stared at him, slowly coming to terms of what he was apologizing for. ...I didn't need his apology. The child was always visiting my statue to pay respects. Little Mahmut was my most frequent visitor for the past years of his life. He kept me entertained with his life stories. A simple event like this wouldn't raise my hatred so soon.
"I'm sorry for all the trouble I've made…" The small human mumbled while wiping his eyes. "I promise to leave you alone. I...I won't bother you," A wet cough. "So don't take Iskender!" Through the whines; I could sense a protective edge in his voice. He would likely show his 'claws' if I made any hostile advances. His free fingers were digging into skin, and despite the tears; the boy had his guard up.
Little Mahmut certainly was interesting.
"Ve. Eevee." Calm yourself, I lightly pawed his feet."Vee!" I don't want your bird.
While he didn't understand my language; the child seemed to have understood my message. His baby blue gaze gained a sparkle, and I allowed him to touch my ears. ...Agh, more pet stuff. Still; I had allowed it. This human was willing to attack me in order to save someone he loved(?). How memorable at his age. I may look cute, but stories from the past remained.
I was seen as a cute face with hidden teeth and claws. A leader behind a harmless fur body.
A mere human stood up to me without proper reason, but the motive was right.
I decided. I gently nuzzled his hand. The little human was memorized with both excitement and curiosity. I'll continue to watch you grow. I'm sure you'll turn into someone great. I was confident about that. This boy was a special human. His traits represented one of good heart. Rare to find, nowadays.
I was also bored, and his mother's request would definitely help with the suffocating boredom I faced on a daily basis. With my newly reactivated five senses; I could do anything. I sat next to the bewildered boy. My gaze went to the sky, and his own stare followed.
It's a beautiful day. Although I'd rather a close up in the sky.
I can still recall the times I reached high heights. Clouds were fun to fly through. The way my speed caused the white to become decimated, a sight that had always amused me.
An adult falcon flew above us. It's wings were in perfect shape, and I could tell a test flight when I see one. The positioning of the wings told a lot.
I turned back to the ground with a pit of envy.
I hated being on the ground for too long.
Another scratch behind the ears reminded me of Mahmut's presence. His face was cleared of the earlier tears, and his facet showed faint concern for my well being. I hadn't even noticed my drooping ears. I climbed up his legs go reach his shoulders; the small human startled by my actions.
Little Mahmut stumbled once or twice, but managed to stay upright.
Am I...Doing this right? I was now perched on the boy's shoulder. I've seen pokemon do this with their humans before. While Mahmut isn't my trainer, and never will be; I wanted to try it out at least once. ...I like the idea of someone doing all the walking for you, that's all.
I felt a shiver under me, and I turned my head to observe the fearful blond. I might've scared him, cornering him like this. Little Mahmut looked as if I would bite into his neck, and I could. However; I had no motive in doing that. To ease his fears, I gently nuzzled his cheek, feeling his tense skin morph into vibration from his soft giggles.
Small fingers scratched under my chin, and I released sounds of delight to further calm him. Judging by how his limbs moved; I could tell Mahmut would slowly warm up to me over time.
Small digits gently picked me up, and placed my form back on the ground. Mahmut felt conflicted about something, but I was clueless about his problem. He looked to his bird and rubbed the top of Iskender's head.
I could hear the chick's delight from the ground.
"We should get back." Little Mahmut murmured to his tiny falcon. "Mama will come home any minute, and I already broke our promise…" His words brought a memory to my attention. Mahmut's mother said he wouldn't come near this statue. Humans had weird habits to restrict their young, yes? To keep them safe?
Ah, that's right. He should be at home, or even in the village. Human children his age shouldn't be out on their own in the night. There were many predators that would like a human snack. I observed the afternoon skies fluffy clouds continued to climb toward an unknown destination... It's still the middle of the day however, so I guess this is fine. I nudged Mahmut's leg, and upon gaining his attention; I had pointed to the village's direction with a small 've'. He viewed the pathway before giving a tiny bow of respect. Little Mahmut then bend down to give me one last pat.
Surprisingly; he aimed to touch my torso, and his human fingers brushed something on me that caused pain. The sudden sting caused my body to shiver, and Mahmut pulled back his hand as if he had touched fire. The child's fingers curled; I forced myself to calm down as he took caution in inspecting my fur. "You're hurt." I heard him mumble in concern, and my ear twitched in reply.
Hurt? I didn't feel it. Was the hawk's claws less controlled than I had realized? That couldn't be. I sniffed at my new wound. Or, it could've opened upon hitting the ground. I realized. Mahmut certainly didn't hold back when he tackled his way back to 'save' his bird. It must've happened then.
Injured further by an unarmed human? How low can I go? Bitter yet amused thoughts trailed around my mind. My line of thinking faded upon my paws leaving the ground again. I was tenderly placed next to the baby bird, as Mahmut held the both of us in his arms. It was a bit of a stretch since I wasn't the same size as the baby falcon, but the child was determined.
"I'll get you help." He murmured, and his small feet started off toward the village's direction. I moved my bushy tail to help keep the chick next to me, balanced. Iskender seemed to enjoy the heat provided from the fur in my tail, and I allowed the bird to lay peacefully between the soft strands of brown. Despite the odd position I was placed in; the soft breeze and Mahmut's slow walking pace was peaceful enough to allow a haze to settle upon my mind.
I relaxed my limbs, allowing faint exhaustion to cause aches and tiredness. I suppose this is fine. My mind drawled in comfort. Falcons above screeched their dominance or bravery, but their calls were muffled to my resting ears. The human holding us was warm, and I could understand to a degree why the young chick didn't peck the blond's hands when being held for a long time.
I couldn't see the sky in favor of falling into a light daze.
Before I knew it; we arrived outside a building I assumed to be Little Mahmut's living space. The boy took a soft breath before proceeding inside, and warmth from the housing slapped our faces.
Iskender softly chirped what I assumed to be, a greeting.
"Mahmut, there you are!" The familiar voice of the child's mother cut my thread of tranquillity. She wasn't pleased, a bit breathless. "I was about to call a search party to find you; Where have you been?" Then there was a long pause, but I didn't look up. "I thought I told you to stay home today." Her voice was curt.
Mahmut couldn't look her in the eyes, shame clouding his own. "I'm sorry, Mommy. I just wanted to see if the stories were true…" His whispers were ones of a soft plea, but the adult human couldn't hear it. Only those with sharp hearing can detect the softness to his voice.
"Then, why is this being with you? How did you find this creature?" His mother questioned harshly, and I stirred under her scolding. I was still too lazy to fix my vision. "Why did you bring it here?"
"It was hurt, so I just…" Mahmut faltered, and didn't speak further.
"Hurt? Where?" The mother's tone remained stone, but I could sense a hint of concern.
Footsteps reached my ears again, and I found myself removed from Iskender, and in the slim arms of the woman. I sniffed at the air, allowing the scents of the house to invade my nose. Cinnamon. I breathed in content; the familiar spice fueling my mind of pleasant memories. I barely felt the cold surface of a table, and allowed my side to be wrapped in bandages. It was slightly uncomfortable, but I could get used to it.
My wound wasn't major. It would've healed on it's own with time. Ah, but it would've been too much effort to actually convince the two of my good health. I allowed the two humans to finish patch me up. I don't owe them did this on their own free will. Satisfied with my own thoughts; I finally snapped out of my haze. I had done enough relaxing for the day.
"Awake?" Mahmut's mother voiced.
I looked to her, and gave a nod in reply.
The woman blinked, but offered back a warm smile. "How did you get such a nasty scratch on your side? You're lucky my son found you. It could've gotten infected." Her comment sparked annoyance to ground my paws. I noticed Mahmut leaning on his mother, clinging to her side. The blond looked curious as ever, and I debated about his current thoughts.
It wasn't a big deal. The same point rose once again. Again; this is nothing to my kind. It wouldn't have gotten infected. All I had to do was leave it for the day. ...Humans overreact a lot. I'll never understand why the creatures of this world occasionally stay by their side without a contract.
"Mahmut, do you have something to say?" His mother murmured, and I glanced over at the little boy with clear eyes. The human child averted his eyes quickly, but I was patient for what he had to talk about.
"Um." Little Mahmut began with a breath. His grip on his mother's clothes tightened.
"Thank you..." The little boy finally got out, eyes gazing back to me and the wall. He wasn't that nervous back outside, but I could only assume it's because his mother held authority over him, as a family usually works that way. Does he just naturally feel nervous upon his mother being near, or fear messing up? Likely the latter.
"Thank you, for before." The small blond continued with newfound confidence, eyes finally locking onto mine. I stared back at him for a minute before putting on a face of joy.
"Eevee!"
"See Mahmut? It's not going to harm you. This creature is very special to us, to Turguil village…" The mother murmured in content, slowly stroking her son's hair. His messy strands ran smoothly through her fingers. "If it starts following you around, let it, okay? That's a sign of good luck. Your future will surely be protected." She told her offspring in a soothing voice.
"Okay Mommy…" Mahmut murmured quietly.
Mahmut's mother is wise, I realized. A bit scary in her own way, but still wise. I looked to the sleeping bird, who was laying in Mahmut's lap. She didn't tell him about our agreement, yet smoothed out our possible relationship should I choose to safeguard him. My tail moved back and forth. What an odd human, going at desperate lengths. I stilled my actions. A mother's wish for her offspring is strong however, so I'll give her that. I finally stood, stretching a little before deciding to go on my way.
"You're leaving?" Mahmut's mother hummed.
"Ve." There was no further reason to stay for the day.
"Have a safe trip." Her somewhat casual conversations with me were a bit disconcerting, but like before; I'll let it slide. "If you come back, we're having seasoned pie for dinner tomorrow." Her voice trailed off in a tease, and it halted my steps.
Bribery? My mind fueled, but craving quickly overcame it. Pie? You mean, with the crust; the inside of choice, and the wonderful smell given by the food? A real pie? I haven't had a pie in decades... I want in. My ears stung a little from staying up in the air, and I forced my tail to stop disgracing itself. I noted how repressing these eevee features would be harder due to my inactivity with life. Now that I had Embarrassment began to creep over me, and I quickened my pace to leave.
"How adorable…" Mahmut's mother snorted in amusement, and I made it a point to bolt out the door. ...If it had been opened. My forehead throbbed after slamming into it. I found myself back on the floor, rubbing the bump on my head.
"Eevee…" I heard another giggle, and I silently cursed the human mother for laughing at my mistake. I stood again, now noting the locked door. I can't reach the handle above.
The door slowly opened on it's own. Well no; Looking up I saw little Mahmut open the door for me by tip-toeing on his small feet. He must've left his mother's side at some point. Perhaps he wanted to help me somehow? Or was it to please his cackling mother? The boy wasn't looking my way. His eyes were once again averted. Either way, thanks. I bolted out the door and into the cool breeze. The dirt and grass touching my paws allowed a refreshing calm to flood my veins.
I decided to race back to my statue, and so I did. Through all the grass and air tickling my fur; I ran all the way to the place I called home. No bird had stopped me, and I kept out of other humans' sights. Upon arriving; the statue was dull and standing tall as ever, and I rested beside it. What a day. It was around sunset, and the orange and pink sky held hues of embarrassment and new beginnings. It wasn't too bad. That, and I get pie tomorrow! Oh. Ugh, I'm too excited for mere pie...
My paws were tingly with glee, and my tail wouldn't stop moving. ...I'll do my best to get a handle on these inconveniences. I promised myself. I don't want humans to keep calling me adorable. I scowled at nothing. I am a skilled aerobatic being. I'm not 'cute', nor will I seem adorable. I had claws that could rip other's to shreds! A memory of Mahmut petting my fur squashed my will. ...And it seems I like some pet things too…
A growl rumbled in my throat. That not true. Yet it might be. The mere thought of being a pet caused disgust to build in my stomach. I didn't want to end up like the few unlucky beings from my kind, as I would rather die free than enslaved. The disgrace would internally kill me. Forget ever retrieving my wings ever again; I would lose my pride as a pokémon.
I can't let that happen.
I remained in my spot for a while, occasionally closing my eyes to listen nature's background. An inky eventually smell hit my nose, and I gazed up from my area in distaste. What a horrible smell. I stood up to investigate since it was ridiculously strong. My nostrils stung as I moved toward the source. The cool grass kept my tiredness of running around all day to a minimum. My paw pads were quite soft, and fortunately the ground near the village was smooth.
The sky had finally colored itself with dark hues of black and blue. Dark purple patches were occasionally plastered in the starry night. It was a bit hard to see, but I have been outside for the many years before. I know my way around. This village had offered many things during my stay.
Speaking of the human inhabited village… Who would be out so far from the village at this time? Was it really an animal? A traveler maybe? I paused as logic passed through my thoughts. It could be one of the guards who check around the perimeter. ...Or perhaps not, but if it was a decaying animal, then I'll bury it myself.
Continuing on, I finally came upon the intense smell. It was mixed with other scents, but due to how strong the certain smell was; I couldn't distinguish any of them besides the main. I sniffed the air and took a few steps forward. My paws came in contact with it on accident, and I quickly removed my front from the substance. A clearish liquid? This smells horrible. It's not something I know of. I didn't dare drink the mysterious source.
My eyes finally trailed upwards, and I noticed the laying heap a few feet away. Why is that human on the ground? I rushed over, and the familiar metallic smell touched my nose. The smell was faint due to the substance surrounding us, but still present. There was a nasty bruise on his head. The male human's arms seemed tucked in, and between his limbs laid a deceased falcon. There's no way this bird could function with such a broken neck.
An attack…? Why did they only kill the bird? I dared to take another moment to rely on my senses. My ears and tail stilled as a foreign sound came to my attention.
Wait.
A sharp whistle of the air warned my ears too late. I swiftly moved to leap away, but crashed to the ground as something tight wrapped around my back paws. Damn it! I mentally swore, trying to wiggle out of the rope holding my back legs tightly together. Highly uncomfortable, I stretched my neck to bite at the rope, and missed the first time I lunged to rip the material.
Heavy footsteps alerted me to two humans approaching. I kept my face stoic despite wanting to bite at the humans who lured me into this trap. Grubby hands grabbed my legs, pulling me into the air. Gravity took effect and my spine stuing as I was held like a sack of meat. I hated the feeling, and the rumble in my throat only resurfaced with the added frustration of being stuck.
"What is this? A rabbit?" My captor spoke and I shut my eyes to avoid his smelly breath. It didn't work, but my anger grew calm. "I thought you were one of those dumb birds…" I felt a finger poke my furry side, a little to the left and the human would've touched my bandages hidden by my fur. "Guess not."
"Hurry up already. We need to get with the others. Stop playing around with a stupid rabbit and hurry the hell up." His accomplice was more impatient, apparently. "I bet they're having fun without us…"
The human holding me hummed, inspecting one of my back feet. "Hold on...I think I can get myself a lucky rabbit's foot with this…"
What?
A snarl ripped my throat, silencing both person's. The two looked back and forth in caution but not in my direction. My jaws ached as I swiftly bent upwards and chomped on the man's hand. The yell was music to my ears, even when I was sent flying by his reckless throw. The world spun before I hit the ground. The impact caused my ears to droop as a fresh headache throbbed. I listened to the one swearing me out before I wiggled myself away before the two decided to come looking for me.
You're damn lucky I don't have 'Bite'. If only I did. I would've caused further damage than teeth marks and blood.
I didn't care for how dirty I was getting from the ground. I continued to move, even with the shouts and stomps of bloody murder behind me. My nose itches from the strong smell from before, but I pressed on. Soon the loud voices paused, and I breathed in both relief and irritation upon losing both of the humans. I then stretched back over to my back legs and began to nip at the rope holding my freedom. I kept each bite short and smooth, tearing out strand after strand. My hearing caught a dangerous crackle before my nose smelled flames not too far off. I hurried in escaping my bindings, and kicked the remaining rope off once it became loose enough.
They probably set that human from before, on fire. My brain quickly supplied. A moment of hot rage kicked before dying down. Damn them. If I ever see them again… I jetted my way back to the direction of the village. When I was getting closer; the falcons were screeching warnings, and faint screams of humans reached my ears. I was unfortunate enough to hear a few of those callings get cut off by the whirl of an arrow. A full scale attack…! Why? I hurried my pace; my small legs beginning to ache but for some odd reason; I had a mental picture of a very young human. He was much too small and tiny to fend for himself. Why here? Why now? My thoughts were desperate. The background was fading in and out as my legs were pushing themselves to the limit.
I was too slow. I want to fly. I needed to fly. This method was too slow. These legs...
Curse this damn body!
Through the smoke and bloody slaughter; I managed to weave my way on the pathway to my little worshipper's residence. Haunted by the thoughts of danger creeping up on the overly young human, I could feel my heart race faster than my paws. The smell of blood attacked my senses, only fueling my fears for the future.
You better not be dead!
Mahmut!