FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

A brilliant sun shone on the rolling tundra. The heat of the day had brought out the scents of growing things. Tiny flowers bloomed brightly everywhere, filling the air with their odors, almost hiding the trails left by small perspiring animals. ... The hungry hunter sniffed carefully. The scent was faint, the footprints blurred by recovering grass. He recognized the trail, though. It belonged to a small, tender species, and it had passed this way recently. Young animals of that type were usually careless and easy to catch. Experienced ones were more cautious, sometimes crafty. Adults protecting young could even be dangerous. He'd have to be careful. ... Chewing on a tasty flower, the small animal relaxed in the warm sunlight. Nearby were several groves of trees and shrubs, convenient hiding places. The heat made him drowsy, but he had to stay alert. There weren't many, but it only took one predator to ruin a fine morning. He lazily watched a fuzzy bee explore a nearby blossom. Stingerless, it was one of many identical relatives filling the air with a soothing hum. ... The hunter looked around quietly, moving only his head. Maybe it was still nearby. Nothing else moved but the bees. The still air carried only the scent of flowers. Too bad. He'd have to follow the trail through the grass, watching for footprints, sniffing for odors. Green blades swished against his legs as he padded along, head low. ... A touch! A tickle! The animal thrashed. Blasted bees. They seemed to love to land on an unsuspecting back and dance on sensitive surfaces. The annoyance chased away, he sprawled out again in the cool grass. ... What was that? The hunter froze. Had he heard something moving? He listened intensely. Nothing. Just the bees humming. They weren't worth trying to catch. They were much too small. Probably sour, too. The trail beckoned. It seemed to be leading around a grove of trees. ... The animal plucked some grass blades and sucked on their stems. They weren't quite as sweet as the flowers, more watery. He was getting thirsty, but they weren't enough. Trees liked to grow around springs. There should be one close by. After a careful look around, he stretched and headed for the nearest stand. ... That sound was unmistakable! Grass mashing underfoot, flower stems crumpling. The hunter almost smiled. Unwary prey for sure. He still couldn't see any movement. It must be on the other side of the trees. Twigs snapped. It was actually coming closer, through the shrubbery. He quickly bounded into the shade. ... Ouch! The animal licked a slight scratch. That shouldn't happen. He'd have to be more careful. The scent of fresh blood could attract unwelcome visitors.

There was a quiet burbling ahead. He couldn't see anything, though. It was very dark under the trees after the bright sunlight. A soft cushion of leaves and pine needles deadened his footfalls. Was that movement ahead? He froze. ... The hunter enjoyed the cool air after the bright sun. He'd be hard to see in the dim light, although his own eyesight adapted quickly. Ahead he could smell water. Even if the prey escaped, that would be welcome. Cold fluid running over his heated body. Yes. Almost as good as thrashing prey under his claws, hot blood on his tongue, bones crunching between his teeth. He crouched and crept closer to the spring. There was something pale on the other side. ... The animal relaxed. It was only the light flickering on bubbling water. It looked cool and inviting. The pond was larger than he'd expected, almost big enough to swim in. It was surprising how dark it was. Many tree limbs stretched out overhead, dense with leaves, casting a deep shade. Eyeing them suspiciously, he finally bent down to drink. ... Leaping through the water would be slow and noisy. Better to come from behind, unseen, unheard. The hunter carefully circled through the shrubs, losing sight of the prey, but hearing it splashing in the water. He needn't worry. Obviously it'd be staying a while. ... The water was just too cool and inviting. Thirst satisfied, the animal slowly waded into the spring. Aahh. It rose up around his legs, over his back. It was just deep enough to cover him while he stretched out. He closed his eyes and relaxed. ... Stupid prey. Having too much fun to pay any attention. The hunter crept just a little closer, then roared and leaped. The water boiled as two large bodies thrashed in the mud.

"Gotcha!" Luke yelled. ... Payback was sweet.