METEOR

The ram-horned lion stalked through the trees. Despite the autumn leaf fall, his paws fell silently. It was an amusing challenge, walking silently, amongst these trees. The Big Island’s tropical ecosystem didn’t have this seasonal challenge. But, of course, the cannibal’s island didn’t have wild boar bothering hapless villagers.

Meteor’s tail swished. There are, he considers, strange ways to succeed as an intelligent carnivore.

Would a not-sentient lion understand how to win a negotiation such that he receives payment for taking what he needs? The smell of boar was heavy. He continued along the trail of beaten-down undergrowth and upturned soil.

Am I as greedy as a wild boar? He didn’t particularly care whether that statement is true or not. The not-sentient boar are too stupid; they consume thoughtlessly, which makes them too bothersome to the nearby civilization. Selected to be culled. Perhaps these boar could talk. Perhaps they couldn’t. Regardless, Meteor didn’t care; he’s getting paid by the head, and each head comes with a roastable meat.

Piggy noises from the left.

Meteor stopped. His tail flicked. He glanced to Kole. And grinned. Finally, the hiking was over, and the hunting could begin.

@kole.