The outcasts

[Linkk]

Linkk wandered about the wetlands, paws dripping wet from slum and damp ground. The air was full of moisture, and suffocated the lungs with damp, cold air. Linkk had to keep walking, with every step he grew tired. His paws moaned for a rest, but the small ocelot could not stop. As if some kind of power in his brain kept him going. A fear of some kind of pain or terror kept him going. The wetlands were a new territory to him, where he was going and who he would meet, he had no Idea.
"Just keep running, those blubbering hounds won't catch you if you just keep running." Midori told herself as she bounded through the canine lands. Behind her she could hear the labored breathing of three of the roundest of the King's guards as they did their best to catch up to the fastest messenger around. Though she was being pursued she was in a good and playful mood, the typical upbeat coyote, and she couldn't help but give a happy bark to the clouds as she traveled. Behind her their was a chorus of answer barks but their melody was anything but positive, it was down right threatening.

"Get the chip off your shoulders guys it was just a joke." She yelled to the group behind her with a chuckle that evolved into a laughing fit as she thought more of it. That was the problem with her kind she decided, too uptight and proper for their own good. They never stopped to smell the roses and because of this Midori had decided to awaken their nostrils to some of life's less pleasant scents. Namely she had dumped a large pile of horse dung wrapped leaves onto of the three followers to make an example of them. Too bad for the smaller beast these particular creatures were three of the king's newest guards and just as eager to make her into an example.

She continued to run as solid and dry ground gave way to moist squishy muck though her pace slowed slightly. Chancing a look behind her she saw the three male wolves come to a grinding halt a few yards back. Puzzled she stopped and spun herself around to face them. There the trio stood snarling and barking curses at her but not budging an inch. She didn't realize where she was or even care as she turned to wag her tail at them in an insulting fashion and continue on.

As their barks faded in the distance she began to really take a look at the area. Her breath was becoming more and more regulated as she slowed to a walk so scents were slowly beginning to drift up her nostrils. Then it all hit her, she wasn't in her home turf anymore. This was the territory of the felines.
Linkk staggered through the swamps, for his curiosity was pushing him forward, the bushes in front of the young ocelot seemed to part and give way to an empty clearing. The clearing was sprinkled with swampy mud and rotting under brush. In the clearing stood a creature, one that seemed to be made of fairy tale.
A fowl beast, slick fur, dark patterns of waves Linkk had never seen before. It's facial features were sharper, strong, and painted with odd markings, it's ears much pointer than his. The creature was twice his side, and Linkk had made the mistake of walking into an opening and leaving himself wide open. Linkk froze in place, his little education told him it was not a feline, a canine? Was that what it was? A canine. What was it doing in the swampy lands of the felines, suddenly Linkk felt the power of the upper hand, this was his land, he was in control, for perhaps it would be afraid of the little ocelot, he hoped.
Linkk puffed his fur and from his small snout and muzzle came a small meek faint growl, that, coming from his immature vocal cords only produced a weak baby cry. As if a baby was calling for its mother, he tried to look as fierce as he could, but as small as he was, he wasn't very scary

Midori hadn't noticed the young ocelot at first as her eyes scanned the new area. Curiously she inched forward with her nose to the ground to inhale the mud, muck, and moss. Her ears were ever alert in case those dung covered morons decided to cross the borders, though they had seemed frozen in fear when she last saw them. She was unsure just how deep she had come into feline territory though she had run quite a distance even after she knew the others had stopped their chase. To her left the coyote thought she heard some rustling in the leave strewn area of a fallen log but it was simply a long red snake that had come out to sun itself. With a grin the she dog went over to it and jabbed a paw at it. It hadnt been a hard strike, just meant to startle, and the non-venomous reptile darted back at her in defense before trying to slither away. Midori gave it a minute's respite before pawing at it again with the same results. After a few more repeats of the game she allowed her toy to escape as a noise caught her ears.

She snapped her head up at the sound, it was soft and she wasn't even sure she had truly heard it, and saw the ocelot. Instinctively the coyote went into a defensive stance to begin walking away. She was no fighter, barely able to hold her own when it came to survival, and she wasn't sure what she was dealing with. Keeping her eyes on the creature she began backing away, knowing she was in the wrong and hoping the other creature would let her slink away.

"Oh Midori what have you got yourself into this time. She mentally scolded herself. In an attempt to sound stall the attack she growled back deeply in her throat and let loose with a pair of loud barks.
Linkk sensed he had the upperhand. he wanted to look tough, he wanted to be on top for once. Linkk dug his small claws into the mud, pulling up roots and mud. The damp ground giving way to his paws. He dug his paw out and flicked the dirt off his claws. Linkk dug all four paws into the ground, strengthening his positon, and try to make himself look bigger. Linkk puffed his fur out, and made him appear twice the size than what he really was. He made another meek growl and bared his small, baby teeth. His tale curled around his backside swaying back and forth wanting to show aggression. His ears lowered back behind onto his head.
Suddenly, the need to speak and show his power became what he wanted to do, howerver, his ability in speech was not very well. Many slaves were not educated, and Linkk was no exception. Why you here? He hissed and growled, he was angry at himself. He sounded like an idiot, but he didnt want to give away his edge. Linkk took a step forward, he dared get closer to the odd creature. His tale went inbetween his legs, he was scared, but he was doing his best to hide it. Being a cub however; he was horrible at hiding it.
Midori wasn't sure what to make of this creature. She had heard that all felines were blood thirsty beasts that would rip your tail off, shove it down your throat, and then (if you were lucky) slit your throat before skinning you alive. But, as she stood there wondering if this particular kind of feline was the one she had heard stories of ( the one that could out run anything), she was able to get a better look at it. It looked, well for a lack of a better word, fluffy as if all it's fur was on end. Having never been in a fight with a feline before the coyote decided to imitate the body language, after all when in Rome right? Out of reflex her hackles along the back of her neck had already stood up and she thought she could feel her tail bristle. Growling deeply she wagged her tail furiously back and forth hoping that would make her look larger and maybe bring to mind the image of rattlesnakes to the opponet. Well there was really no hope of that but it was the first thing she thought of.

At this distance it was hard to pinpoint exactly just how large the fuzzy one was and maybe her mind was playing tricks on her making her think the feline was larger. So when he spoke Midori stopped what she was doing and simply stood up to get a better look while moving towards the speaker. Instead of the look of aggression that had previously been on her muzzle she had the expression of curiousity and her head was tilted slightly to the side. Her ears tilted like nervous mice in search of danger as she walked towards the other. Did felines hunt in packs? Were others close by? Did it really matter? Afterall she was in their territory anyways and any random furball could shoot out of the undergrowth and slice her open. She stopped and snatched a reed up from it's spot and began chewing on it before responding.

"Perhaps I've come to take over your land. Maybe I'm a powerful 'yote that will eat you up and spit out your bones before setting them alight with my eyes. No, instead maybe I'm really a ghostly apparition that wants to take over your body and reclaim my time on this land." Her voice, as best as she could do, was menacing and hopefully enough to at least confuse the puffy one enough so she could run back home. If her words at least hid how scared she was she figured she was ahead of the game.
His confidence suddenly came to a hault, his tail sunk between his legs and his ears flashed down onto his forehead. The fur along his body slimmed out and sticked back to his body. Instantly his size deminised two times. His paws dug into the earth, but not in aggression, but in fear. The young feline lowered itself to the ground in submission, the young feline let out a howl, a cry, as if calling to its mother. The ocelot feared the canine, its words and teeth and overall strength was much greater then his own.
Confidence was something that Linkk possesed but wasn't the best at using to his advantage. Linkk slinked forward, keeping close to the ground it inched to the canine, not knowing the dangers that could happen from doing so. Linkk stuck his muzzle out, nearly touching the canine's damp nose. He sniffed, inhaling a smell, that wasnt fowl, but nor pelasent either. The smell was not feline, that was for sure.
In smelling the canine, the smell did not seem harsh, or dangerous to him. The smell was much nicer and calmer then a felines, more relaxed it seemed. the calming smell caused Link to relax his nerves to a certain extent. His tail remained curled, but his ears found their out up an pointed themselves towards the canine.
the obvious dangers of other pack members, or a bite were present in his mind, but he chose to ignore them, curiosity killed the cat.
"you no be dangerous." Linkk whistled through his teeth,yet the canine was dangerous, but his mind was telling the feline, "no"
Linkk's body position arose slightly, while standing on his four legs, he did not reach the height of the canines nose, he was small; defensless, and obviously no threat to the canine, but perhaps maybe some kind of, dare he say it; 'friend'.

Midori jumped back slightly with a slight yip when the feline sniffed his nose. Small or large she had heard that felines were notorious with their claws and fangs, sometimes snapping at their opponets as fast as any viper, and she wasn't taking any chances. How many hardened warriors had she seen coming back home after a fierce battle with these creatures? Too many to count on all four paws that's for sure. So many of them had come back dripping blood from, what seemed to be, every pore of their bodies. More times than not these brave beasts would have bones broken and poking through their fur as well. Such proof was hard to ignore and Midori was a canine who based everything on fact not hearsay or superstition. There had been rumors that had gone around the pack as well though she had never seen any proof. Some of the elders said some felines possessed venom filled fangs and tails, fire breath, wings, and any other combination of mutations or horrible cursed bodies that could send even the strongest wolf to it's death. Certainly a coyote like Midori would be no match against such tactics and abilities.

Yet like most 'yotes she was curious and this small feline didn't show signs of being dangerous. Then when he spoke, well she had to stifle a laugh and a motherly urge to cuddle the small creature. Instead she sat down nonchalantly and nibbled at a flea that had invaded her shoulder before speaking to the youngster.

"Sure I'm dangerous little one. I'm as dangerous as you are." Midori chuckled deep in her throat at the thought of this one being anything but adorable. Then a thought struck her that made her stop her laughing. Where was this one's mother? Shouldn't there be larger and meaner felines around? Best to find out quickly.

"So why are you out here all alone?" Sure technically it was none of her business, after all she was the trespasser here. But best to be prepared.
"Yes. Linkk very dangerous. Feline I am, you dog." LInkk hissed at the canine, he wanted to sound as brave as he could. Linkk was suprised that the feline was capable of speech, he had grown up learning about the idiot canines, uncapable of the intelligence that the feline race possed. Linkk's words were uneducated, and he knew it, his powers of speech were weak, and didn't want to show it.
He growled at the canine as it lowered its body position. The canine relaxed, which made Linkk feel as if he had lost the upperhand. Linkk jumped back a step when the canine first moved, as it relaxed again the feline crept forward again to get a better look at the canine, it was curious just like himself.
Linkk suddenly felt alone as the canine mentioned the words of being alone. Linkk hated being alone, and did not like to be reminded of it. Linkk slunk back to the ground with his tail curling around his hind legs. He looked around, no other animal or creature seemed to be around, the young feline really was alone.
He whimpered, looking at the canine, it was the only company that Linkk that had in a long time, more then 3 moons.
"I alone, i am a traveler. No have a home." He shook his head. the young ocelot convinced himself he didnt need a home, but as a young kit, he needed the attention from a motherly figure, subconciously wanted to find one. Linkk had only been without its mother for a month before he ran away, and the need for a mother was still strong inside hiim; but he wasnt going to let that show, not to a canine.

[Midori]

Midori listened and couldn't help but feel sorry for the young ocelot as if he were a puppy of her's. Now that was a strange thought, her having puppies to tak care of. Little ones to feed and care for, slowing her down and making her vulnerable all the while demanding she fawn over them nonstop. She had seen many mothers back in the busier parts of the packlands with their paws full. It seemed the air was alive with the yelps, yips, and cries around these poor saddled females. All the while where are the males, off creating more pups that's where. Was she a bit jaded since love had seemed to pass her by? Perhaps but it was alright to the coyote as she saw the good side of being child and mateless. No attachments, pure freedom, and no one to answer to - that was the good life. Yet there were quiet nights when she had nothing to do and loneliness was gnawing at her as if she were an old bone she had to admit it might be nice to have someone to worry about besides herself. Plus as it was now no one would care if she fell right off the face of the plant, how blissful it would be to have someone actually cry if she were gone. Were felines always so cruel to their offspring? Did all mothers turn their children away so young? Sure Midori hadn't seen her parents for some time now but at least they had been togethor during the youngest years. Something to ponder for later perhaps.

"I can tell you are indeed a warrior and need no one but..." Midori trailed off not understanding why she was even worried or why this came to mind but continued on anyways. "Aren't you hungry or cold? Do you have a place to stay that will let your fur dry out?" Midori thought she must be slipping her mind, why ask such things? But she had away of using her muzzle before her brain in many things.

[Linkk]

Linkk pushed his paw into the muddy dirt, and pounded it into the dirt and wet ground with the attempt to show his dominance to the canine. His ears flickered and his made a weak attempt at a growl, but came out as a simple squeak. He looked at the canine with a blank expression, so it was capable of having a conversation; in fact, it was more literate than he was.
Link lowered his defenses and took a step toward the canine in hoping to get a chance of smelling its scent. The canine mearly smelt like wet dog, nothing dangerous to be there; perhaps it was friendly
Were the stories Linkk had heard of the cainies false? Maybe not all canines were dumb, ignorate, and weak. This canine was friendly, and showed more kindness then Linkk's former master.
The kit inside him wanted to reach out, and simple cuddle with the female canine, but his feline ignorance kept him at bay, he tilted his head ever so slightly and pondered on how to word his sentences.
"I no hungry or cold, I'm feline, i'm fierce!" He made a squeak of a growl, but as he did his brain caught up with what he was saying. It was cold out, and he was indeed freezing, and had not realized before that he was shaking from tail to ears. he was also very hungry. Linkk had ran away over 3 days before, and had no idea on how to hunt on his own. He had no where to go. Linkk looked down at his small chest bone and curled his his tail inbetween his legs. His ears lost their spark and he looked at the canine as a kit would do its mother, helplessly.
The feline ignorance that he had been fed since he was a kit suddenly melted, he realized he needed help, and maybe this canine was the answer to his prayers.

[Midori]

Midori looked the ocelot up and down for a moment before responding. To the coyote the feline was far from fine or well fed or really in any kind of healthy situation. Then again perhaps feline biology was different than canine. If she had seen a pup in his condition she would have thought him in need of a deer haunch, maybe some mother's milk or water, and a safe place to sleep. In usual confused dog style she tilted her head to the left before giving a large shrug. Who was she to argue with the evidently stubborn, proud, or just plain foolish creature? She turned to leave and took a few steps back towards the more populated area of the territory.

"Okay then." She spoke over her shoulder in a flat noncommital tone. "Those dung for brains have probably forgotten all about the trick I played on them so it's probably safe to go home. A fierce warrior like yourself probably should get back to doing your patrol or something." The last words were said with a chuckle as she started to head home. It would feel good to curl up in her warm home on top of her pile of pelts. She even had a small bone or two lying around that might still have some marrow left in it. Yet as good as that sounded something about the kit made her stop and turn back to see the ocelot. Whether it was maternal instinct or just plain sentiment she traced her steps back to the feline and sat down once more. The idea that came to her mind was stupid in the least and suicidal in the worst if another feline came upon them. Yet she knew her conscience wouldn't let her rest if she didn't do something. Inwardly she knew no good would come of this but she went ahead anyways.

"Then again I can't escape such a tough feline such as you." She said in an overly dramatic and exaggerated tone as she flopped to her side as if she was in the last bits of life. "Maybe if I can hunt something for you to eat and find an even nicer place for you to sleep you will show this poor wretched canine some mercy." Yes it was corny, yes she knew she over did it a bit, and yes she wanted to choke herself for the words she used. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

[Linkk]

Linkk watched as the canine began to take its steps forward, leaving 'his' territory. He felt as if he had done his job, and yet, he did not want her to leave. He did not want to loose his company just yet, like a kitten playing with its food, he wasnt finished with the canine, he desired and needed the company of the cyote.
As the canine turned its back to the ocelot he tilted his head forward and his body followed him. He advanced forward with two steps before the canine looked back at him. He instantly lowered his position to a defensive posed as if he was trained to do so.
The young feline saw the canine relax, and advanced forward out of his defensive pose. The cat was still on the edge, being very careful being so close to the kind of dog. As the dog spoke, the cat listened, intensly as well. To the young ears of the kit, her 'overly dramatic' words were normal, and made complete sense to the kit. He felt again as if he was in control, and sat down infront of the canine proudly, but at the same time, like a kit wanting its mother to fetch it meat.
"I like that idea muchly." The feline nodded and stuck his chest out high, attempting to show how large he was, even though that wasnt that much.
"I like rabbits." Linkk stated with a sudden brightness in his face, as if he was being cared for, and loved.
Linkk had never had deer, elk, or anything close to the matter of what a normal large cat would eat. He had only been fed rabbit in his past, and that was his only known source of food, ergo, his only favorite food.
his tail began to swish back and forth on the ground in excitement, there was one thought on his mind at this point: Food, "por fin" as the spanish say. ('Finally') Food, wonderful food that he had not tasted in 3 days past.

[Midori]

"Your wish is my command, small warrior." Midori couldn't help but give an overly exaggreated bow and chuckled. She had to admit she was a bit hungry as well as she hadn't eaten since yesterday. Not that she had problems hunting, okay that wasn't totally true but that still wasn't why she hadn't eaten, but instead she wanted to stay lean and light. No sense letting her muscles get flabby after all. Yet she still had to keep the muscle tone so had gotten into the habit of eating every other day or so. She took a few steps towards a small group of rocks she noticed a few yards away. They could house the ocelot safely, provide protection from animals and shade, and plus it would be a meeting place for the coyote to know where to return to. How was she going to convince the little one to follow her and then wait until she came back with food? Would she have been so trusting when she was younger? She just wasn't sure and tried to rely on her inner maternal instincts for guidance. Her gut reaction was to simply grab the kit and move it to where she wanted it to stay. That would be fine if if wouldn't have come across as a large aggressive act. No this had to be done carefully and tactfully. With a grin Midori bounced towards the entrance to the rocks, her tongue lolling out of her mouth playfully. She wanted to show she meant no harm so she figured acting in such a jovial manner might get her point across. Or it could freak out the kit, that was also a possibility unfortunately.

"Why don't you stay right here and relax while I see if I can find some rabbits for you sir." There, it was odd to say but a little flattery never hurt anyone.

[Linkk]

"What if you don't come back" The kit took a step forward, almost desperate looking. The kit was used to people leaving him, and often never returning, and with this new creature he found to call his own 'pet' he did not want to loose it. The bond between a mother and a kit should not be broken, and with linkk; having been seperated with his mother, the need to seek out a mother figure was strong. Unconciously Linkk would look, look for almost all of his youth.
This canine was Linkk's only chance for survival, even though the ocelot did not want to admit it, he wanted to be taken care of. Even with his feline pride, Linkk wanted a mother, someone to take care of the little feline, someone to get him food, for, he was no good at it himself yet. Being as small as he was, it was rather difficult to catch anything larger than half his size.
As Linkk took a step forward toward the canine, he hesitated, not sure if it was safe for himself to get any closer than he was to the canine. He wanted to walk side by side the canine, but his little education taught him that he was not allowed to do anything with anyone, esspecially other species. However, Linkk was very uneducated, and the racism that was often taught to the young felines was as embeded into this young kit.
"I go with you." Linkk stated, it was a fact, not a question. The ocelot did not want to be in left out in the cold swampy outskirts. The cat did not want alone again, he didnt like that feeling. Yes, his species was often found alone, always isolated, but not he. Linkk was a little --odd-- he liked company, and if that was with a canine, then...so be it.

[Midori]

Midori sighed as she tried to think of a way to convince the ocelot to stay in the safety of the rock cave she had found. It looked safe, dry, and warm plus she shouldn't have any problems finding it again. After all the scent that came from the surrounding area was quite strong though not unpleasant. The aromas of rich soil, decomposing foliage, and even a slight hint of wild fungus was all thick in the air near the cave like entrance. For all intents and purposes it seemed like the ideal place for the little one to wait. But at least one rumor about the felines she had heard did seem to be true, from Midori's standpoint anyways, and that was their stubborness. Looking at the kit the 'yote could see there would be no changing his mind. Not that the messenger felt like fighting normally but fighting a battle she knew she would lose was definetly not a tantalizing thought.

"Alright then, follow me closely and be quiet." Midori spoke firmly though not harshly before heading off to find food, stopping every so often to make sure the young kit was still nearby. In the distance the echos of howls could be heard along with the louder caws and calls of the birds flying over head as if they knew there would be a kill soon that they could pick the carcass of. Midori walked with her nose close to the ground as she followed a trail of some sort of small creature, presumably rabbit, though she was never known for her hunting prowess. As it was she barely caught enough to support herself but then again she never was faced with this kind of predicament. When the pair came to the crest of a hill Midori noticed a small flock of turkeys just below them. In the middle of the group was a plump male bird that would feed both quite well with plenty of leftovers for the carrion feeders.

"Stay close and keep to the small bushes." There wasn't much coverage for the two to hide behind so this would have to happen quick. Closer and closer to the birds until the right time. The wind was favoring the hunters today and didn't give away their advance. With a snarl deep in her throat Midori launched herself at the male bird who let out a strangled gobble of alarm as he tried to fly away before the canine's full weight came crashing down upon him. The coyote could feel the beaks of the other birds stabbing at her as she broke the neck of their dominant bird. Blindly she thrashed with her claws randomly until they scattered like leaves into the wind. With a satisfied growl Midori sat by her kill and motioned the kit over, panting from the exertion to catch her breath.

[Linkk]

Linkk was amazed at the stealth that the coyote possessed. He too wished that one day he would be able to have such skills. Without a mother, the art of hunting would be entirely on himself that he would teach himself. Linkk followed slowly, keeping close to the heels of the canine. The cat being so small had to make more strides to keep up with the canine. His paws making twice as many steps as the canines did. The canine made thicker imprints into the ground with its larger size, as Linkk's only made half as much of an indentation as the canines.
As the coyote made its slinking motions towards the thick bushes to hunt Linkk took a moment to pause and look down at the mud. He looked at the paw prints that laid settled in the mud. He looked at his own, paw print, small in size and barley visible in the mud. Then he looked to the canines. It was larger, and made a clear mark in the mud. Linkk moved his paw over the canines and placed it in the center, comparing its size. He was still a young kit, and had much to learn.
He was fixed on the paw prints, but as the canine began to disperse into the wetlands he ran to catch up with the coyote.
When the canine told him to stay to the bushes he nodded, he had very faded memories of watching his mother hunt before he lost her.
He nodded and stayed hidden in the small brushes to watch the canine do the hunting. He stayed low, his pelt keeping him hidden from sight. Watching the coyotes every move, to learn on how to hunt. The chase, the stalk, the kill, so much to learn; and in so little time.
it wasn't until the turkeys began to run when linkk got the urge to attempt a hunt by himself. A small turkey, a female without the extravagant feathers of the males was limping its way through the small clearing, and Linkk --without thinking-- made a run for it.
Out of the bushes he ran, chasing the turkey with all his might. He sprinted, no attempt to ambush or style. It was clear lashing out, the cat had no idea what he was doing, but the thrill of the chase excited him. He would have this turkey, he proclaimed in his mind.

[Midori]

In typical confused canine fashion Midori tilted her head slightly to the right as she watched the kit chase the turkey. She couldn't help but laugh at the sight but she covered her muzzle with a paw so as not to insult the ocelot. As she was breathing normal once again the coyote lowered herself to the ground and began pulling the feathers off of her kill. Already the fleas that had lived on the bird were jumping into her fur so that she had to stop every so often to scratch at herself. After awhile she just gave up and worked at clearing a bare spot that would allow her access to the tasty giblets that awaited her. Before she took her first bite she thought it might be best to let the little guy break the skin. He was so thin and could use the nourishment that the blood and innards could provide.

The problem with a fresh kill is that there were always others that wanted a nibble. Above her she could hear the hoarse calls of the buzzards calling their relatives and friends to the feast. Mentally she realized that her kill and the scavengers were pretty much members of the same family. Her ears laid flat against her head as she pondered the thought of eating one of her distant relatives. Definetly not a nice thought and she went back to scratching at fleas to get rid of the thought before going back to watching the feline.

[Linkk]

Linkk chased the turkey, panting with every step attempting to catch the turkey with all of his might. Linkk made an attempt to leap and land on the turkey which resulted in Linkk falling flat on his muzzle into the murky ground. The female turkey rushed to the bushes and out of sight without a weak and frightened gobble and shriek, much like the other turkeys.
Linkk fumbled onto the ground and tucked and rolled into the fallen foliage. The murky ground was damp and coated Linkk in mud. He got to his paws and quickly shook the mud from his coat.
As soon as Linkk saw the turkey that the canine caught, his attention instantly shifted towards the turkey: food. Linkk bolted to the kill, racing towards it but stopped suddenly at it. He stared at the kill, as if something was wrong with it. it was not rabbit, but it was food. However, there was still something missing. This kill had no opening to tear into. There was nothing to bite into. He sniffed it and looked it over with wide eyes. Linkk had no idea how to find the opening to bite his small fangs into. He put his muzzle to the meat and pushed at it with his nose. Did he have to bite it? He looked to the canine with a puzzled look on his face. Linkk seemed to get the clear and attempted to open the flesh himself. the kit sunk his teeth into the kill with slight hesitation. Linkk dug into the meet with his teeth, a sensation that filled his mouth that he had never felt before. A tingle of a new kind of meat, and a sense of strength as he tore the first bite into the kill. He made small growls, biting and scratching at the kill to get at the appraised insides. He scratched with this claws as feathers began to go everywhere, he was completely unaware of the dangers that could come from the fresh kill. Linkk did not care however, for the idea of food was the only thing on his mind.

[Midori]

Midori watched with a lopsided grin on her muzzle. She wasn't the most trusted of her pack, definetly not someone who was trusted to pupsit, so she had just assumed that youngsters automatically knew how to eat. It seemed such a basic thing that it never donned on her that she should have shown the kit how to get things started, for lack of a better term. Her own stomach growled as she licked her lips while the feline feasted. However she was use to feeding last when eating with others, one of the many reasons she preferred to dine alone, so she sat back to watch. Every so often she would tug at some feathers that came dangerously close to going down the little one's gullet. Such a silly thing that was also very dangerous if even only one got stuck in the throat. With a chuckle the coyote realized that if she had dared to venture for a bite she might find herself bit on the muzzle or ear by the very hungry kitten. Midori thought that even one of the big felines might be given a hard time if they challenged the kit right now. A fluttering of feathers nearby gave signs that there were challengers arriving though thankfully they were avian and not feline.

Glancing to the left she noticed a trio of bow legged birds heading their way. Out of reflex Midori jumped between the advancing vultures and the happily contented munching feline. Her ears lay flat as her tail was held high and she snapped at each as they got closer and closer. They hesitated and eyed the odd couple with their meal. The kit seemed easy enough to bully and even the coyote could be bested but they were unsure about the two togethor. They darted a few steps forward and then back, hopping each way as they tried to decide what to do. Midori barked loudly, realizing too late that the rucus could be causing more unwanted attention their way. This kind of attention would be hard to simply bully away too. Thankfully fate (or as the rest of her pack would call it the "Light") intervened and the trio flew off to leave the pair alone once more.

[Linkk]

Never before had Linkk had anything along the lines of a bird. A Turkey for that matter, and he could not deny that it was delicious. Every bite was different then the other, every single taste made his taste buds squeal with excitement. He was always one to want to try new things, being so young, the idea of exploration was at the top of his list. Linkk made hasty head way into the turkey, he did not know when his next meal would be so he cherished this one like there was not going to be another--and in the feline society, their might not be--.
Linkk filled his belly quickly, so quickly that it was almost inevitable that he would get a stomach ache later on down the road. Linkk stopped for a moment to lick his muzzle, his white muzzle stained with the blood from the kill. He licked his muzzle clean before going back into the turkey. His idea of eating an enormous amount of food would be nothing to others, his small stomach would only fit so much, and what seemed like a large dent in the turkey, would only be a snack for a larger feline or canine.
Linkk's tail began to sway back and forth in excitement for the joy he found in this new found food. His senses were off the charts, lost in the sensation of loosing his hunger, and accepting the idea of being full. Linkk scratched and pawed at the turkey, not bothering about the feathers, doing his best to avoid, but not really bothering about them. Linkk was one messy feline when it came to manners.
Nothing would stand between him and his meal, and food aggression did not seem like a characteristic he would posses, but it wasnt until the fantastic food in front of him was laid upon him that he realized this. Anyone that came in between him and his meal would meet baby claws to their face.
The large birds that stalked their way towards his meal angered him, he hissed at them and covered his meal with this body; attempting to protect it the best he could with this size. He growled at the birds, but quickly lost interest and was consumed with the idea of meat yet again. Being nearly 9 months old he had only not too long ago been weened from his mother, and this idea of meat was still new to him, and fascinated him.
Before long, and a few more bites later --big bites-- Linkk became full, and backed away from the meal, signifying his canine could have a go at the carcase. There was plenty left, for the small feline would not be able to eat the entire thing. Linkk sat down and began to clean his paws and muzzle, purring in satisfaction. He looked upon his canine friend in something that very few canines would see from a feline; a face of gratitude.

[Midori]

Midori watched the feline gorge himself while keeping a weary eye on the buzzards. Though they had backed off a bit they were still too close for comfort, standing a few yards away waiting for their chance to break through the canine's defenses. The coyote took this moment of relative quiet to examine the young one closer, though not getting too close so to ensure she didn't get the brunt of the feline's wrath. Though she was definetly no expert on this race she had only heard of cats that were a lot larger than this one. She already knew her companion was a kit but she was curious to know just how big he would get. Was she dealing with the miniature version of the jaguars she had been told about as a pup? All of the markings and colorings seemed right after all. The thought that she was so near one of those killing machines was enough to prick up the fur on the back of her neck even if she was in no danger at the moment. Then again there was always danger really but at least she figured she was safe from the little one. How odd it was that her mind rambled on such a thing as the future of the kitten that at this moment finally seemed full enough as if to burst. Why did it matter really? So mental fodder for later perhaps.

As the feline finished Midori eyed the buzzards again as the inched closer before a few loud barks sent them back to their "corner" of the area. The messenger found herself smiling in a friendly way at the kit who's ribs weren't quite so noticeable at the moment. When she was satisfied that the kitten was done Midori began to eat.

The meat was still fairly warm, though not as warm as it had been when it's heart still beat. The bird had been in fine shape thankfully and not very fatty giving it a delectable taste. A mixture of dark and light meat were still left and the duo of flavors combined well. She wasn't overly hungry, eating only what she needed to, and glanced between the kit and scavengers once more. Surely after such a meal the little one would need to sleep so shelter was needed. Midori felt her heart sink at the thought of leaving the kit once he fell asleep but what else could she do? Best not to think of it for the time being.

"What do you think about finding a place to rest for the night? I bet a strong warrior like you who has traveled so far and made a canine his prisoner could use a rest." Midori grinned and nudged the feline with her nose in a friendly gesture.

[Linkk]

Linkk looked at the buzzards as the canine devoured the food. Linkk hissed at the birds, and smirked watching them. Linkk made a lundge at the buzzards, his small growl made its way through his muzzle. He batted his paws at the buzzards, with a growl and a flick of his tail he tried to get at the birds. The buzzards looked at the kit, finding it amusing it attempted to swipe at them. The birds could tell at this age he was not dangerous, so they simply stood their ground against the kit.
Linkk continued to paw at the birds, jumping from side to side and circling them quickly. He acted almost as if he was play fighting, one of the many things he used to do on his previous masters land with the other young kits.
Linkk had never been this free before, the ability to stay out as late as he wanted, eat whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Linkk was completely free, he could do whatever he wanted. Before, he was stuck on a piece of land owned by his master, who owned him, his mother, and all of the other slaves on the land plantation. He was unaware of the slave life he would endure once he reached proper age however. Linkk however spent most of his time play fighting with other kits, exploring the land within their allowed time periods. It wasn't until the revolt that he was able to split away from the danger and get away from her enslavement.
The kit looked to the coyote as it finished eating, and turned his attention away from the birds and back to the coyote. he made his way back to where the canine was and sat down in front of him, they were equals.
"I no tired yet, canine." He shook his head and looked at the canine with energy, being at kit, he had endless energy. The sky was beginning to dim, and fade into the early time of twilight. there was little around, and the time for predators would soon come into play. The innocent creatures of the day time would soon go into hiding as the big cats came out to play.
Just as the kit spoke a yawn escaped his muzzle and he flicked his ears and looked at the canine. he had the sudden desire to just cuddle up against the canine and sleep, but with a canine that didn't seem plausible.
"I'm thirsty." He spoke with a yawn, he was tired, but he did not want to admit it. He was thirsty, and knew of a near by creek and took a step to wards an east direction, wanting the canine to follow. It would be a good hour or two before this restless kit would call it a night.