Galleon
Gunju was sharpening his claws on the trunk of a tall tree and a wicked grin adorned the green leopard’s features. He slashed at the tree mercilessly, thinking of how busy he’d been during the last the last few days. Gunju had been up to his usual trouble, causing small bits of havoc everywhere he went. He had fond memories of the day he’d stolen a little lion cub while its mother was out hunting. He’d taken the little whiny thing across a small river – he knew where all the shallow areas were located – and then waited for a very long time until an exasperated lioness tracked her cub down and swam to the other side of the river to get it back. It would take a while to forget the relief in her expression at finding the cub – quickly followed by the disgruntled expression the larger feline made when she realized she’d have to get wet. Hilarious. Gunju kept a safe distance as he always did for the green leopard was many things but stupid certainly wasn’t one of them. He knew how to avoid the momma buffalo when he pushed her calf into the crocodile-infested waters or how to find a safe tree after stealing a meal from just about any predator in the savannah. Yes, Gunju knew how to have fun but getting caught was not fun… well, most of times. He had to admit that watching as one of his pranks unraveled right before his eyes and seeing as his wrongdoing was finally understood gave him a wicked sense of pleasure.
The green leopard sat down, finally tired of abusing the innocent tree. He stretched, looking relaxed and content as a small green bird landed a few feet away and caught a worm.
Galleon landed heavily – well, as heavily as a small bird could – and caught a dark worm which he promptly ate while pretending to ignore the large green feline nearby. Out of the corner of his eye, he could tell that Gunju was watching him intensely and after a while, Galleon turned to look at the leopard, finally noticing what he’d done to the trunk of the tree – that just happened to be the exact same tree where the small green bird had built his nest though a few scratches wouldn't really interfere with its purpose.
“You sure taught that tree, huh?” he said in good humor, taking one tentative step towards the green leopard. “Whatever she did to deserve it, I’m sure she’ll never do it again…” he gave a light chuckle, watching the feline’s reactions carefully. The bird had long discovered that felines could be remarkably friendly towards creatures that were completely out of their reach. Galleon needed only to flap his wings a couple of times and he’d instantly find safety in the air.
“I’m afraid this happened through no fault of her own.” Gunju said amiably though he had to force himself to keep his cold gaze from narrowing. Cheeky little snack… talking to him as if they actually knew each other. Oh, he’d show the little critter soon enough… “I allowed my claws to grow dull and she was the closest victim."
“A crime of opportunity then.” Galleon said in much the same humorous tone, happy to have received what he believed to be a friendly response from the larger creature. He moved a little closer to the leopard, evaluating him, secretly fascinated by its size and potential for damage. His pale green eyes lingered on the fluffy paws of the feline, harmless looking as they rested on the ground but Galleon knew perfectly well of the sharp weapons they concealed.
“Indeed.” Gunju said with a friendly grin and a chuckle, watching the little bird move closer until he believed the time to strike had come. From absolute stillness to a lightning-quick jump, the green leopard lunged towards the bird who hopped back in a panicked flutter of wings and took flight with practiced speed, taking refuge in the tree above.
“You sneaky… you… you tried to eat me!” he looked angry, offended even as he regained his composure and shouted from the safety of the branch where his nest rested.
“No, I tried to kill you.” Gunju looked up with a disappointed sneer, sounding somewhat bored. “I don’t think I’m hungry enough to eat you. you're just bones, after all."
“You bully! You, you… you couldn’t even fill a corner of your stomach with me. Meanie! Creep!” the bird continued, looking increasingly flustered. “Go rot in a swamp. Stupid leopard.”
Gunju growled quietly.
“You should remember who you’re talking to, little snack.” He snarled coldly, moving closer to the trunk of the tree. “Funny thing about leopards… we can climb.”
With a powerful leap, the leopard hit the tree and began a graceful climb. The action looked as effortless as it was well-practiced and Galleon was forced to leave his next with a frightened screech, cursing the leopard as he landed on the ground.
Gunju watched the bird with an expression that shifted from triumph to annoyance. The little green bird was far too quick for him and he almost admitted defeat. Of course, then he remember how he could get back at the quick little feathered creature… the answer was so simple. With wicked laugh he moved with patient grace towards the bird’s nest, already savoring his next move. Reveling in the feeling of anticipation, Gunju finally lifted one paws and promptly smashed the nest in front of him. He chuckled, cold eyes staring into the green bird’s to better enjoy his reaction.
“Stupid leopard!” Galleon shouted as he flew away, defeated. He had taken so long to build that nest and the green leopard had destroyed it in seconds. He’d never get close to a leopard ever again if he could help it.
Gunju laughed again as he watched the bird fly away, feeling very much vindicated – even though some could argue he didn’t really have good reason to feel offended in the first place. That would teach the little fool not to underestimate someone like him. And if he ever saw the little snack again, he’d make sure he’d get him.
- FIN -
