Hidden Tree A Mirrored Image

The black wolf took his position, the strategy running through his head. The problem was that he was not a fast wolf. The burnt wolf would much rather go after a deer and tire it out then go after speedy little rabbits. However with Skittles hiding in place there was a chance that Hotei would be able to catch at least one little furry creature.

His tail flicked forward after the black wolf got close enough. The flicking tail telling Skittles to start moving forward. Hotei began running forward himself thundering across the open space. His paws smacking the ground as the large wolf came upon the rabbits hiding place.

Almost all at once three brown furry balls of fluff streaked out and away from the horrendous beast coming towards them. Hotei managed to grab one by the tail and quickly snapped it up into the air in order to grab it once more by the mid section. His teeth met their mark and the rabbit lay limp between his jaws as the Tainn watched the other two rabbits speed towards Skittles.

As Skittles watched, there was a black blur. It took him precious seconds to realize that was Hotei rushing towards him. Everything always took more time when one was tired. Skittles cowered. Had the man gone mad and was now after Skittles to attack and eat him? It was then that rabbits came crashing out of the underbrush. One of them seemed to be in Hotei's mouth, then in the air, then back in Hotei's mouth.

Skittles only saw one rabbit coming towards him, so he waited until it was close, and then edged out with a snap of his teeth. His fangs hit flesh and a small body felt limp in his jaws as Skittles' body hit the ground. He'd lost his balance and rolled over. There was a high-pitched squeak as he tried to regain his balance.

He look where he lay, and there was the second rabbit. He'd crushed it when he'd fallen down trying to get the first. He picked it up also, and carried the two bodies towards Hotei, confident that the man was not mad, and was not going to eat him, but was merely catching rabbits, just as he'd said he would.

Skittles lay facing the dark wolf, one rabbit limp, resting between his paws, the other limp being precariously held by his paws. He did not eat fresh meat often, so this was a special treat. He gnawed off the head first, hoping it would help his stomach get used to the food he should have been eating all along.

"Thanks...", he managed between his busy teeth.

-- fade out --