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(River)
you are awesome!!!!!! You are the bestest person in the world!!!!!!! you are totally better than me in every way!!!!

Ava! Stop using my account to send yourself messages! XD

(Ava)
Well if you give me your computer and Deviantart is up I just can't help myself :3

(River)
Never again!

(Ava)
Heh heh heh. I'll steal your computer when you're least expecting it!

(River)
NOOO!!!! I'll just have to steal all of your ears and tails then! MWA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

(Ava)
-gasp- you would't dare!!!!! If you take away my ears and tail then I'll be a normal human!!!! You wouldn't hurt a cute little werewolf who calls you senpai, would you? I shall be a werewolf forever!!!!

(River)
PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER ME AS THE ONE WHO TURNED THE WEREWOLF MORTAL! I WILL BE WORSHIPPED FOR ALL TIME! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

(Ava)
.....But why?........ I thought we were friends?! *Turns into a werewolf* I didn't want to fight you River.... but you've left me no choice! I will fight to keep my ears and tail no mater what!!!

(River)
*Unsheathes claws and begins to glow* We are friends! But if you continue to mess with my computer I'll have no choice!

(Ava)
I guess that we have no choice but to battle! *I growl in my werewolf form* I shall attack first, but know that it is with a heavy heart that I strike! I raise my head and release a battle howl that lives in all wolves hearts. I charge at you and open my jaws so that I may snap then shut on your flesh!

(River)
My eyes widen as the huge werewolf races towards me, jaws gaping to reveal jagged teeth. Remembering myself, I jump to the side, hearing the teeth snap shut where I had been standing seconds before. For a moment, time slows and I look into your eyes. They glow with a yellow light. I land a few feet away and you spin to face me. My claws extend and I leap toward you with a yowl that echoes across the (oh man, where is this taking place? How about just some random meadow..) hills, rolling over the tree tops.

I soar toward you, claws reaching to tear your shoulder.

(Ava)
I growl a low rumble as I spin to face the lunging cat growling . You succeed in attaching yourself to my flesh and I release a roar that seems to rattle through your very bones and into the earth. I swing my large head to the side and snap my jaws repeatedly, in an attempt to crush your flesh within my bed of fangs. When my teeth clash together you can hear a skin crawling clink, as tooth meets tooth, the force behind the comp seems to seeps into the very air and with it the scent of death. For to whatever poor creature should find themselves within that cage of fangs should soon know deaths cold embrace.

(River)
I gasp, your teeth closing an inch from my pelt. I realize that these jaws are the embodiment of death, and I would certainly die if I ever were to touch them. With this realization comes a surge of strength. My instinct, my drive to stay alive courses through me and I am awake. With my claws digging into the thick fur of your shoulder, I spring forward, releasing your fur and reaching for your face. Although you are larger, and stronger then I am, I am faster. My claws rake across your nose as I fly by, and I land on the ground a few feet away, twirling to lunge again. The voice of my ancestor whispers in my ear, but I shake my head, flinging her away. I will do this alone, I think. It will be an equal fight.
I prepare to leap again, eyes alive with energy, searching for the perfect place to strike...

(Ava)
I roar when you thrash my nose with your claws and whimper as I rub face with my paw. Blood now covers my nose and trickles into my mouth, I swing my head to glare at you. Our eyes meet and all seems still. As my wounds continue to stream a steady flow of the liquid form of life my anger grows,. Rage begins to infect the very corners of my soul you may soon come to realize that the friend you knew was now in danger of the very thing she drew power from. If my internal rage continues to burn away the kindness of my soul I should be lost forever to the werewolf's curse. I would remain a blood thirsty beast with no regard for life should I receive no help form escaping the most fearful sin of them all, Rage..... All this may be seen in my eyes as I glare at you. I lick my lips and nose slowly, tasting my own blood. I stand my ground ready for whatever attack you may through at me next. I now only run on my instincts as a werewolf, no human logic remains......

(River)
In the moment of stillness that follows my attack, I survey you, looking for an opening. My eyes are drawn to yours, and a flash of fear courses through me. Your eyes have narrowed. They glow brightly in the gathering darkness, and what logic I saw before has vanished. She's losing herself! I think. I watch as your legs grow longer, your back arches, and your fur becomes corse. I had never seen you transform so completely before, and a sense of deep foreboding tells me that this is not natural. This is beyond simple anger, this is rage of the darkest kind. Now my will to fight changes. I must somehow stop this spread of hatred, must return you to your mortal form. The petty squabble of before is banished from my mind and I ready myself, thinking of ways to calm you.
Nothing comes to mind. Panic shoots through me. In moments, I knew you would attack and be lost forever. If I fight back, I could only hasten the process. If I do not defend myself, you could kill me with a single snap of your jaws.

Think, THINK! I scream at myself. I shut my eyes for only a moment, and search for the power within me. If Forerunner can influence others, than I can too!

When I open my eyes, you are a foot in front of me, paw raised and glowing eyes staring directly into mine. I have no time to react.

(Ava)

My werewolf blood boils as our gazes meet and I spot the fear within your eyes. The moment I spot the fear, a new emotion grew within me, pleasure. My eye widened and a grin shone over my snout to reveal those deathly fangs. My werewolf blood demanded me to kill, to make you fear me further, and then to kill others after you. Now came the time for me to end this silly chase, with my transformation my speed had increased immensely and in the time you took to shut you eyes and think of how to save me, I had made my way across the field and raised my paw for a death strike. All this happened because you where foolishly thinking of how to save me instead of how to save your own skin."...Poor....River..." I struggled to say, "NOW DIE!" I said as I swung my huge paw towards you.

(River)

It was a strange experience. Time seemed to slow until your paw simply inched toward my face. I could observe it, ponder it, yet I knew that everything was happening a million times faster: that all my thoughts occurred in only a millisecond.

She's gone. I thought. What an idiot I was. Werewolf blood works fast. From the moment her began to turn yellow, I should have run...or killed her.

My eyes surveyed your face. Your muzzle had crinkled into a vicious snarl, your fur was course and jagged, and your teeth seemed to have sharpened into fine, needle-like points. My eyes were drawn to yours, and my heart nearly stopped. Your eyes were yellow. A glowing, burning, fierce yellow that commanded me to fear you. Yet when I looked into them, I instantly focused on the thin circle of green around your pupil. She's still there! A part of her, no matter how small, is still fighting! Which means I have to fight as well. There's no use dying here. It would take Forerunner a few hours to bring me back, and by then she'll be long gone. I need to move.

I looked down at my paws, still rooted to the ground. Move. I looked at your paw, still inching toward my face menacingly. Move! I closed my eyes. MOVE!

Light burst out around me, and I moved. Jumping, I gathered all four of my paws together, and aimed them at your paw. As time began to move faster again, I braced myself for impact.

Your one paw met with four of mine, serving as a platform, and shot me through the air with all the force your blow would have had. I flew for a few feet, then rolled across the ground, pain shooting through my legs as they repeatedly hit the ground. Finally, my back hit a tree, and I came to a stop, barely breathing. Heal.

Through blurred vision, I could just see you standing there, looking at me in surprise. Or maybe it was anger.

Gasping, I got to my paws, ignoring the pain, and limped into the forest. Your blow had thrown me all the way across the field and to the edge of the forest. I can use the trees as barriers when she comes after me. I thought. But I need something...something to defeat her with. What are her weaknesses?!

A growl burst out behind me, and I looked over my shoulder. Damnit, you are fast. I thought.

(Ava)

"..Is the kitty.. Cat hurt?..."I said and almost growled the word instead of speaking them. You could barely understand what I said, this was a sign that I was losing myself further to my werewolf blood. If I'm not pulled free from this madness soon I shall be lost forever. I place my large paw gently on you injured back and chuckle and the slightest pressure causes you intense pain. With my paw on your back I move my head near yours so that you're looking me the eye before crushing you. My eyes, like before command that you to fear me, they command you to beg for your life, and they also in the sliver of green around my pupil command you to save me.

(River)

I grit my teeth against the pain, tears in my eyes. My head spins as flashes of pain like fire spread through me. Through blurry vision I can see your face close to mine. Your bright yellow eyes are burning with pleasure, and begging me to scream, but I resist.

You're paw presses harder, and I want to beg, want to cry out. I can't give her what she wants! It will only further the process!

I can feel your growing frustration. Just hold on...a bit...longer. Black spots are dancing across my sight, and there's a lump in my throat as I resist the urge cry.

You snarl in frustration and snap your fangs near my head. With difficulty, I do not flinch. Raising my head slightly, I look into your eyes and manage a small smile.

(Ava)

I growl as I see your smile and press down hard on your back. "YOU!" I let out a roar as I take my paw off of your back and then swat you away with it so that you fly a few feet into some bushes. I watch with a menacing gin as you tumble about like a ragdoll through the branches until you come to a halt. I then begin to chuckle as I make my slow approach allowing you time to recover slightly before I finish you off.

There was a bloodthirsty air being pored around me, it surrounded and swallowed me so that I could do nothing but drown within it. Death was demanding me to kill and I had no power to resist his will. I lowered my head, my eyes wide and fixed on you, with each step my claws raked into the earth and my mouth opened, ready to crush flesh and bone.

(River)

I gasp, breath knocked away as I land and roll. Every bone aches and every muscle screams against movement. My body wants to give up and waste away right there on the ground. No... You are chuckling behind me. The sound low and menacing, like death itself is stalking towards me. My heart races at the sound and my eyes widen. I could feel you getting closer, a shadow creeping forward to swallow me whole.

Gritting my teeth, I push myself to my feet, and I can't stop myself from whimpering. Your chuckle intensifies, enjoying the sound of my pain, and my pathetic attempt to escape.

I drag myself forward. Weakness...she has to have a weakness.

And a scent drifts to my nose. It's sweet and sharp, like the smell of soil after a rainstorm. I sniff the air and find that the source is close by. Hope has blossomed in my chest, and with this hope comes a surge of determination and a different kind of fear. Please be what I think it is. I think to myself, dragging myself forward tortuously.

You are still behind me, padding forward at a glacier pace, delighting in every moment of my pain.

It's just ahead. A few more feet.

Suddenly, something changes. I glance back to find you have faltered in your advance. Paw in the air, your wide, glaring eyes stare ahead in confusion. Confusion is good. I think, still dragging myself forward as I watch you. You remain frozen for a moment longer, the confusion lingering, before shaking your head slightly and continuing towards me. But I've noticed your pace has reduced. You're hesitant, stepping tentatively.

Ahead, I see the source of the sharp, sweet scent, and my heart pounds with fresh energy.

Mint.

(Ava)
I watch the cat squirm and grin as I approach. The scent then reaches my nose and stings every hair in my snout. With a shake of my head I dispel the scent and continue to chase you at a much slower pace for fear of what I've smelled. I snort loudly splattering some of my blood from the cut you gave me on my nose and I focuses of the smell of my own blood.

I growl at the half dead cat for finding my weakness. I then decided that I should kill her before she has time to reach the wild mint. I quicken my pace slightly, teeth bared, and blood dripping from my nose to block out the mint as much as possible. "TIME TO DIE!" I growl at the striped cat.

(River)
My heart stops beating as I feel you loom over me, jaws open to deliver a killing blow.

I stare up at you, everything frozen as if time were allowing me my final thoughts.

No... The word resounded through my mind. No. Not now. Not here.

My teeth are bared and my muscles tense. I'm not dying like this! I push off the ground, jumping away. Your jaws snap shut, inches from my flank. I can see that you're already preparing to lunge again. Blood is dripping from your nose, and I realize that is why the scent hasn't effected you.

Not allowing myself to pause for even a fraction of a second, I jump again and manage to sink my claws into the bark of a tree. Your breath is hot on my flank, and I scramble as fast as I can toward the branches above. Another sickening clink echoes as your jaws snap together again.

I'm on the first branch, panting and trembling, not sure how I even managed to move. My vision is clouded and unfocused. I shake my head, half blind.

"DIE!" You snarl and jump towards me, attempting to claw your way up the tree. I race along the branch, with every step fearing I'll fall. The mint is just below. I can see it.

Suddenly, the entire tree shudders, and I loose my grip, falling to the side. You've thrown your weight against the trunk, shaking me off. I'm falling towards the ground, and you're eyes track my movement. Your shoulders tense and you leap toward me, jaws open to catch me in the air.

I glance down at the mint, just below me. I close my eyes, wondering if I've failed.

Your jaws close around my body as we both land, sliding through the mint and sending waves of it's scent wafting into the air. I can feel your sharp teeth digging into me and your growl resonating in my bones, but the jaws do not tighten, and your growl has faded to a whimper.

I open my eyes slightly and realize that, even covered in blood, your nose could not stop the smell from entering.

(Ava)

I hold my breath with you in my mouth. I tenses my muscles and stand still, I know all too well that I've landed myself in a poisonous trap. The smell of mint is too strong for my nose, it burns and stings it. I've come to hate it so that I gag when confronted with to much mint. A huff of air comes from my mouth and I drop the cat before beginning to gag. I quickly spun and bolted away from the mint a few feet away before stopping. I snorted and shake my head to chase the scent away. Covering my nose with my paw I glared at you growling a low grumble. As ours eyes meet one could see the green ring surrounding my pupil of my eye had grown larger. I had remembered telling you of how I hate mint and it was that memory that was bringing me back.

(River)

I can see the green spreading from your pupil, and I wish I could celebrate, or help the process along, but my body is battered and broken, and I couldn't move if my life depended on it, which it still might. The world is growing dark again, and I try to fight it off. I need to make sure you recover. But it's gone now. You're growling and whimpering has faded away and with the last of my strength I think, You'll be okay now, Ava...I believe you can fight this on your own...
The world is black.

(Ava)

The image of the unconscious cat burned past my eyes into my mind as I stared at my old friend. I paused in the action of licking my lips as I tasted blood. The blood resided on my fangs and mouth, staining the shortened fur lining my lips. my pupils grew small as another drop of blood fell onto my tongue. "I know this blood…. So familiar…" I closed my eyes trying to remember why the blood invoked such feelings."…Why…. What have I lost?…"

I stood in silence, my eyes shut tight, and droplets of blood dripping from my mouth. Then all in an instant my eyes flashed open, green, "RIVER" I bolted forward racing to River's side my mind so fanatic I complete disregard the mint. "RIVER! RIVER! RIVER!" I shouted.

(River)

I opened my eyes in the Greenleaf Place. A slight breeze ruffled my fur, and soft grass brushed my legs. I blinked. My mind was strangely empty, yet my heart was racing. What am I missing here?

My eyes flicked left and right, and the breeze seemed to intensify. My mind was frustratingly blank. Hurriedly, I turned in circles, hoping my eyes would land on something that would jog my memory. Nothing stood out. Just a wall of green and a ceiling of star light. The wind was blowing hard now, and I squinted against the gale.

Then the scent. It came in tattered whiffs, blowing past my nose so fast I barely had time to place it. But it was familiar.

Desperately I followed it, running into the thick emerald undergrowth and focusing on that scent. The wind seemed to follow me into the trees, parting for the trunks and never losing momentum. The scent was growing stronger now, and suddenly I burst through the undergrowth, skidding to a stop before a pool of water. Panting, the wind buffeted my back, but I paid it no heed. There was an image in the pool, a desperate face with sharp green eyes...and paired with that image was the scent.

"Ava."

My mind came rushing back, and I gasped awake in the bed of mint.

....To Be Continued.

:P (Lick) — Description
(River)
you are awesome!!!!!! You are the bestest person in the world!!!!!!! you are totally better than me in every way!!!!

Ava! Stop using my account to send yourself messages! XD

(Ava)
Well if you give me your computer and Deviantart is up I just can't help myself :3

(River)
Never again!

(Ava)
Heh heh heh. I'll steal your computer when you're least expecting it!

(River)
NOOO!!!! I'll just have to steal all of your ears and tails then! MWA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

(Ava)
-gasp- you would't dare!!!!! If you take away my ears and tail then I'll be a normal human!!!! You wouldn't hurt a cute little werewolf who calls you senpai, would you? I shall be a werewolf forever!!!!

(River)
PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER ME AS THE ONE WHO TURNED THE WEREWOLF MORTAL! I WILL BE WORSHIPPED FOR ALL TIME! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

(Ava)
.....But why?........ I thought we were friends?! *Turns into a werewolf* I didn't want to fight you River.... but you've left me no choice! I will fight to keep my ears and tail no mater what!!!

(River)
*Unsheathes claws and begins to glow* We are friends! But if you continue to mess with my computer I'll have no choice!

(Ava)
I guess that we have no choice but to battle! *I growl in my werewolf form* I shall attack first, but know that it is with a heavy heart that I strike! I raise my head and release a battle howl that lives in all wolves hearts. I charge at you and open my jaws so that I may snap then shut on your flesh!

(River)
My eyes widen as the huge werewolf races towards me, jaws gaping to reveal jagged teeth. Remembering myself, I jump to the side, hearing the teeth snap shut where I had been standing seconds before. For a moment, time slows and I look into your eyes. They glow with a yellow light. I land a few feet away and you spin to face me. My claws extend and I leap toward you with a yowl that echoes across the (oh man, where is this taking place? How about just some random meadow..) hills, rolling over the tree tops.

I soar toward you, claws reaching to tear your shoulder.

(Ava)
I growl a low rumble as I spin to face the lunging cat growling . You succeed in attaching yourself to my flesh and I release a roar that seems to rattle through your very bones and into the earth. I swing my large head to the side and snap my jaws repeatedly, in an attempt to crush your flesh within my bed of fangs. When my teeth clash together you can hear a skin crawling clink, as tooth meets tooth, the force behind the comp seems to seeps into the very air and with it the scent of death. For to whatever poor creature should find themselves within that cage of fangs should soon know deaths cold embrace.

(River)
I gasp, your teeth closing an inch from my pelt. I realize that these jaws are the embodiment of death, and I would certainly die if I ever were to touch them. With this realization comes a surge of strength. My instinct, my drive to stay alive courses through me and I am awake. With my claws digging into the thick fur of your shoulder, I spring forward, releasing your fur and reaching for your face. Although you are larger, and stronger then I am, I am faster. My claws rake across your nose as I fly by, and I land on the ground a few feet away, twirling to lunge again. The voice of my ancestor whispers in my ear, but I shake my head, flinging her away. I will do this alone, I think. It will be an equal fight.
I prepare to leap again, eyes alive with energy, searching for the perfect place to strike...

(Ava)
I roar when you thrash my nose with your claws and whimper as I rub face with my paw. Blood now covers my nose and trickles into my mouth, I swing my head to glare at you. Our eyes meet and all seems still. As my wounds continue to stream a steady flow of the liquid form of life my anger grows,. Rage begins to infect the very corners of my soul you may soon come to realize that the friend you knew was now in danger of the very thing she drew power from. If my internal rage continues to burn away the kindness of my soul I should be lost forever to the werewolf's curse. I would remain a blood thirsty beast with no regard for life should I receive no help form escaping the most fearful sin of them all, Rage..... All this may be seen in my eyes as I glare at you. I lick my lips and nose slowly, tasting my own blood. I stand my ground ready for whatever attack you may through at me next. I now only run on my instincts as a werewolf, no human logic remains......

(River)
In the moment of stillness that follows my attack, I survey you, looking for an opening. My eyes are drawn to yours, and a flash of fear courses through me. Your eyes have narrowed. They glow brightly in the gathering darkness, and what logic I saw before has vanished. She's losing herself! I think. I watch as your legs grow longer, your back arches, and your fur becomes corse. I had never seen you transform so completely before, and a sense of deep foreboding tells me that this is not natural. This is beyond simple anger, this is rage of the darkest kind. Now my will to fight changes. I must somehow stop this spread of hatred, must return you to your mortal form. The petty squabble of before is banished from my mind and I ready myself, thinking of ways to calm you.
Nothing comes to mind. Panic shoots through me. In moments, I knew you would attack and be lost forever. If I fight back, I could only hasten the process. If I do not defend myself, you could kill me with a single snap of your jaws.

Think, THINK! I scream at myself. I shut my eyes for only a moment, and search for the power within me. If Forerunner can influence others, than I can too!

When I open my eyes, you are a foot in front of me, paw raised and glowing eyes staring directly into mine. I have no time to react.

(Ava)

My werewolf blood boils as our gazes meet and I spot the fear within your eyes. The moment I spot the fear, a new emotion grew within me, pleasure. My eye widened and a grin shone over my snout to reveal those deathly fangs. My werewolf blood demanded me to kill, to make you fear me further, and then to kill others after you. Now came the time for me to end this silly chase, with my transformation my speed had increased immensely and in the time you took to shut you eyes and think of how to save me, I had made my way across the field and raised my paw for a death strike. All this happened because you where foolishly thinking of how to save me instead of how to save your own skin."...Poor....River..." I struggled to say, "NOW DIE!" I said as I swung my huge paw towards you.

(River)

It was a strange experience. Time seemed to slow until your paw simply inched toward my face. I could observe it, ponder it, yet I knew that everything was happening a million times faster: that all my thoughts occurred in only a millisecond.

She's gone. I thought. What an idiot I was. Werewolf blood works fast. From the moment her began to turn yellow, I should have run...or killed her.

My eyes surveyed your face. Your muzzle had crinkled into a vicious snarl, your fur was course and jagged, and your teeth seemed to have sharpened into fine, needle-like points. My eyes were drawn to yours, and my heart nearly stopped. Your eyes were yellow. A glowing, burning, fierce yellow that commanded me to fear you. Yet when I looked into them, I instantly focused on the thin circle of green around your pupil. She's still there! A part of her, no matter how small, is still fighting! Which means I have to fight as well. There's no use dying here. It would take Forerunner a few hours to bring me back, and by then she'll be long gone. I need to move.

I looked down at my paws, still rooted to the ground. Move. I looked at your paw, still inching toward my face menacingly. Move! I closed my eyes. MOVE!

Light burst out around me, and I moved. Jumping, I gathered all four of my paws together, and aimed them at your paw. As time began to move faster again, I braced myself for impact.

Your one paw met with four of mine, serving as a platform, and shot me through the air with all the force your blow would have had. I flew for a few feet, then rolled across the ground, pain shooting through my legs as they repeatedly hit the ground. Finally, my back hit a tree, and I came to a stop, barely breathing. Heal.

Through blurred vision, I could just see you standing there, looking at me in surprise. Or maybe it was anger.

Gasping, I got to my paws, ignoring the pain, and limped into the forest. Your blow had thrown me all the way across the field and to the edge of the forest. I can use the trees as barriers when she comes after me. I thought. But I need something...something to defeat her with. What are her weaknesses?!

A growl burst out behind me, and I looked over my shoulder. Damnit, you are fast. I thought.

(Ava)

"..Is the kitty.. Cat hurt?..."I said and almost growled the word instead of speaking them. You could barely understand what I said, this was a sign that I was losing myself further to my werewolf blood. If I'm not pulled free from this madness soon I shall be lost forever. I place my large paw gently on you injured back and chuckle and the slightest pressure causes you intense pain. With my paw on your back I move my head near yours so that you're looking me the eye before crushing you. My eyes, like before command that you to fear me, they command you to beg for your life, and they also in the sliver of green around my pupil command you to save me.

(River)

I grit my teeth against the pain, tears in my eyes. My head spins as flashes of pain like fire spread through me. Through blurry vision I can see your face close to mine. Your bright yellow eyes are burning with pleasure, and begging me to scream, but I resist.

You're paw presses harder, and I want to beg, want to cry out. I can't give her what she wants! It will only further the process!

I can feel your growing frustration. Just hold on...a bit...longer. Black spots are dancing across my sight, and there's a lump in my throat as I resist the urge cry.

You snarl in frustration and snap your fangs near my head. With difficulty, I do not flinch. Raising my head slightly, I look into your eyes and manage a small smile.

(Ava)

I growl as I see your smile and press down hard on your back. "YOU!" I let out a roar as I take my paw off of your back and then swat you away with it so that you fly a few feet into some bushes. I watch with a menacing gin as you tumble about like a ragdoll through the branches until you come to a halt. I then begin to chuckle as I make my slow approach allowing you time to recover slightly before I finish you off.

There was a bloodthirsty air being pored around me, it surrounded and swallowed me so that I could do nothing but drown within it. Death was demanding me to kill and I had no power to resist his will. I lowered my head, my eyes wide and fixed on you, with each step my claws raked into the earth and my mouth opened, ready to crush flesh and bone.

(River)

I gasp, breath knocked away as I land and roll. Every bone aches and every muscle screams against movement. My body wants to give up and waste away right there on the ground. No... You are chuckling behind me. The sound low and menacing, like death itself is stalking towards me. My heart races at the sound and my eyes widen. I could feel you getting closer, a shadow creeping forward to swallow me whole.

Gritting my teeth, I push myself to my feet, and I can't stop myself from whimpering. Your chuckle intensifies, enjoying the sound of my pain, and my pathetic attempt to escape.

I drag myself forward. Weakness...she has to have a weakness.

And a scent drifts to my nose. It's sweet and sharp, like the smell of soil after a rainstorm. I sniff the air and find that the source is close by. Hope has blossomed in my chest, and with this hope comes a surge of determination and a different kind of fear. Please be what I think it is. I think to myself, dragging myself forward tortuously.

You are still behind me, padding forward at a glacier pace, delighting in every moment of my pain.

It's just ahead. A few more feet.

Suddenly, something changes. I glance back to find you have faltered in your advance. Paw in the air, your wide, glaring eyes stare ahead in confusion. Confusion is good. I think, still dragging myself forward as I watch you. You remain frozen for a moment longer, the confusion lingering, before shaking your head slightly and continuing towards me. But I've noticed your pace has reduced. You're hesitant, stepping tentatively.

Ahead, I see the source of the sharp, sweet scent, and my heart pounds with fresh energy.

Mint.

(Ava)
I watch the cat squirm and grin as I approach. The scent then reaches my nose and stings every hair in my snout. With a shake of my head I dispel the scent and continue to chase you at a much slower pace for fear of what I've smelled. I snort loudly splattering some of my blood from the cut you gave me on my nose and I focuses of the smell of my own blood.

I growl at the half dead cat for finding my weakness. I then decided that I should kill her before she has time to reach the wild mint. I quicken my pace slightly, teeth bared, and blood dripping from my nose to block out the mint as much as possible. "TIME TO DIE!" I growl at the striped cat.

(River)
My heart stops beating as I feel you loom over me, jaws open to deliver a killing blow.

I stare up at you, everything frozen as if time were allowing me my final thoughts.

No... The word resounded through my mind. No. Not now. Not here.

My teeth are bared and my muscles tense. I'm not dying like this! I push off the ground, jumping away. Your jaws snap shut, inches from my flank. I can see that you're already preparing to lunge again. Blood is dripping from your nose, and I realize that is why the scent hasn't effected you.

Not allowing myself to pause for even a fraction of a second, I jump again and manage to sink my claws into the bark of a tree. Your breath is hot on my flank, and I scramble as fast as I can toward the branches above. Another sickening clink echoes as your jaws snap together again.

I'm on the first branch, panting and trembling, not sure how I even managed to move. My vision is clouded and unfocused. I shake my head, half blind.

"DIE!" You snarl and jump towards me, attempting to claw your way up the tree. I race along the branch, with every step fearing I'll fall. The mint is just below. I can see it.

Suddenly, the entire tree shudders, and I loose my grip, falling to the side. You've thrown your weight against the trunk, shaking me off. I'm falling towards the ground, and you're eyes track my movement. Your shoulders tense and you leap toward me, jaws open to catch me in the air.

I glance down at the mint, just below me. I close my eyes, wondering if I've failed.

Your jaws close around my body as we both land, sliding through the mint and sending waves of it's scent wafting into the air. I can feel your sharp teeth digging into me and your growl resonating in my bones, but the jaws do not tighten, and your growl has faded to a whimper.

I open my eyes slightly and realize that, even covered in blood, your nose could not stop the smell from entering.

(Ava)

I hold my breath with you in my mouth. I tenses my muscles and stand still, I know all too well that I've landed myself in a poisonous trap. The smell of mint is too strong for my nose, it burns and stings it. I've come to hate it so that I gag when confronted with to much mint. A huff of air comes from my mouth and I drop the cat before beginning to gag. I quickly spun and bolted away from the mint a few feet away before stopping. I snorted and shake my head to chase the scent away. Covering my nose with my paw I glared at you growling a low grumble. As ours eyes meet one could see the green ring surrounding my pupil of my eye had grown larger. I had remembered telling you of how I hate mint and it was that memory that was bringing me back.

(River)

I can see the green spreading from your pupil, and I wish I could celebrate, or help the process along, but my body is battered and broken, and I couldn't move if my life depended on it, which it still might. The world is growing dark again, and I try to fight it off. I need to make sure you recover. But it's gone now. You're growling and whimpering has faded away and with the last of my strength I think, You'll be okay now, Ava...I believe you can fight this on your own...
The world is black.

(Ava)

The image of the unconscious cat burned past my eyes into my mind as I stared at my old friend. I paused in the action of licking my lips as I tasted blood. The blood resided on my fangs and mouth, staining the shortened fur lining my lips. my pupils grew small as another drop of blood fell onto my tongue. "I know this blood…. So familiar…" I closed my eyes trying to remember why the blood invoked such feelings."…Why…. What have I lost?…"

I stood in silence, my eyes shut tight, and droplets of blood dripping from my mouth. Then all in an instant my eyes flashed open, green, "RIVER" I bolted forward racing to River's side my mind so fanatic I complete disregard the mint. "RIVER! RIVER! RIVER!" I shouted.

(River)

I opened my eyes in the Greenleaf Place. A slight breeze ruffled my fur, and soft grass brushed my legs. I blinked. My mind was strangely empty, yet my heart was racing. What am I missing here?

My eyes flicked left and right, and the breeze seemed to intensify. My mind was frustratingly blank. Hurriedly, I turned in circles, hoping my eyes would land on something that would jog my memory. Nothing stood out. Just a wall of green and a ceiling of star light. The wind was blowing hard now, and I squinted against the gale.

Then the scent. It came in tattered whiffs, blowing past my nose so fast I barely had time to place it. But it was familiar.

Desperately I followed it, running into the thick emerald undergrowth and focusing on that scent. The wind seemed to follow me into the trees, parting for the trunks and never losing momentum. The scent was growing stronger now, and suddenly I burst through the undergrowth, skidding to a stop before a pool of water. Panting, the wind buffeted my back, but I paid it no heed. There was an image in the pool, a desperate face with sharp green eyes...and paired with that image was the scent.

"Ava."

My mind came rushing back, and I gasped awake in the bed of mint.

....To Be Continued.