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Scritch scritch scritch

A large squeakbeast dug its talons into the ground of the tunnel. Only flickering candle light allowed it to see, but it was used to the dark. In its mouth was a large chunk of bread, pilfered from the Rebel's luncheon. From the shadows there came a shuffle. Instantly it picked up its head and swiveled it around, ears twitching for the slightest movements.

A pair of orange eyes flashed in the light. Maneki sprang from his hiding spot, diving at the vermin. Eeping loudly, the prey turned and hightailed it. Maneki felt the whisk of the tail brush his palm. Then he felt his head hit the side of the wall. He further felt his legs and body and smack the wall, making his body ragdoll flip, and end in a tumbled mess. Staring at the ceiling, which was currently spinning wildly, he had only one response: "O-owie..."

Okay, squeakbeast hunting in the tunnels was harder than in the plains or the mountains. There was more room to maneuver, more light to see, and more leverage against the prey. In the cramped, dark tunnels, little squeakbeasts ruled. He could almost hear their squeaky sneering from the far end of the tunnel. Growling, he pushed himself to sit up and started swatting at his arms. Why wouldn't they just stay still? Oh and the tunnel echoes were not at all to his advantage!

Standing, Maneki stalked back, waiting to see if another squeakbeast would take a crumb of bread he had left. He waited for what seemed forever, patient and relaxed, until a new varmint scurried out and bit into its prize before hightailing it into the tunnel. Maneki grinned and started to stalk. He was going to get this one for sure.

WHIZZ.

There was a brush of air against his cheek, followed by the crash of something, and the sharp, halted squeak of his prey falling to the side with an arrows shaft speared through it. Maneki stared at the scene with wide eyes and a mouth forming a perfect O. Arrows didn't just appear from nowhere. Did that mean someone...? He turned and squinted in the dim tunnel. There - A troll in a tattered green skirt with long black hair and a crescent sign. Maneki felt a thrill of excitement travel from the top of his head to the tip of his toes.

Springing off his feet, he closed the distance between Luxara and himself, stumbling to a halt before the teen, "HEY! WOAH! You're super good at that." It was stunning, almost magical how well Luxara had taken down the squeakbeast, "What's your name? I'm Maneki. Maneki Belbog." He offered her a hand, something that his mother had taught him. Byakko had taught him most rebels, but this one must not have been in important standing or perhaps was new?