Kanatli Shafak
Kana had spotted the perfect target when analyzing a small herd of gazelles: a large buck had strayed from the rest with a very noticeable limp. It was clear the animal had been injured in some way and the once proud creature looked defeated as the harsh reality of the savannah sunk in. It didn’t take long for Kana to sprint towards the gazelle, the rest of the herd quickly dispersing like clouds in the wind and remaining animal made a sad little attempting at an escape. The moment Kana jumped on the creature, however, he realized he wasn’t the only one hunting today.
A noticeable limp indeed. Any predator, feline, canine or other, would be immediately drawn to the injured gazelle. Nature dictated that they put the animal to its misery, earning enough strength to live for a few more days in return. Nat had been watching the herd with keen eyes until – oh, how lady Luck favored the bold! – the gazelle started running in her direction. Without a hint of hesitation, the blue cheetah sprang forward and ran towards her mark, expertly grabbing it by the throat at the exact same time that another cheetah caused it to lose its balance. Her eyes widened in surprise and the animal went down but she did not release her hold.
Kana could be expecting many things but he’d certainly not considered the possibility that another cheetah had been hunting the same gazelle. As the animal went down – showing a surprising amount of strength for an injured animal – Kana held it down, his eyes fixed on the cheetah female that had come out of nowhere. They’d taken it down together but there was still a chance the blue girl would attack him as soon as the prey was dead.
“Morning.” He greeted her with a cheeky grin as soon as the gazelle stopped struggling, taking one tiny step down in order to give her more space. “I guess we had the same idea.”
There were a few moments of quiet tension where both cheetahs remained perfectly still but as soon as the other cheetah gave her a silly and youthful grin, Nat knew she had nothing to worry about. If anything, she had just earned herself a protector that would unsure she ate properly without unwanted interferences.
“Good morning, stranger. It seems we did.” She said with a slight purr, settling down next to the carcass. She smiled at it and then at the male. “I suppose we should share it then. Join me.”
“Oh no, not stranger. Kanatli Shafak, at your service.” It was a rather long name that few actually managed – or bothered – to remember so he was quick to offer his nickname as well in a less formal tone. “You can call me Kana for short.”
He mirrored her smile when she graciously invited him to join her. It was only fair, of course, that she did considering they’d both taken down the gazelle without expecting a lot of energy. Without even knowing, they’d actually made a…
“You know, we made a very nice team. Thank you.” He dropped to the ground on the opposite side of the gazelle and waited for the female to take the first bite.
Nat was pleased with the direction of events but even two cheetahs couldn’t defend a kill if larger predators suddenly appeared and tried to take it away. As such, as soon as the male took his position and introduced himself, she started breaking the softer skin of the gazelle’s belly.
“I’m Natthimlen.” She said, purple eyes fixed on her new task though they would sometimes coyly glance up at the male’s green ones. “But I suppose most know me by my nickname as well. Call me Nat. And eat, eat.”
“Nice to meet you, Nat.” Kana said with a wink before he grabbed one of the gazelle’s legs with his paws and started working his way to the tender meat. In a silent agreement, the elegant pair ate quickly in silence and it wasn’t long before both cheetahs had their muzzles red with blood and their bellies full. Kana eyed the circle of vultures that surrounded them as he stretched his body to its full extension, looked very relaxed.
“I suppose we shouldn’t linger in the area.” He said after a few moment, finally taking the time to admire the girl’s beautiful coat. “Are you going anywhere in particular?”
Nat stood up slowly, also taking a moment to admire the male’s colors. He was quite handsome, she had to admit and if she hadn’t been already interested in another male… there could’ve been something there.
“Yes. The hyenas will be here soon.” She didn’t exactly want to leave him alone so easily without knowing a little more about the near stranger. “I have a few friends nearby. They’re training together. Do you want to stay with us for a little bit?”
Kana jumped at the opportunity, not particularly keen on being alone so quickly even if a part of him was disappointed to find that the blue cheetah hadn’t been entirely alone. Someone as pretty as her probably had a mate already, after all and Kana realized he cared about that particular fact a lot more that he’d thought at first.
“I would love that.” He said as he started following after the female, his eyes bright with excitement until they were suddenly shadowed by a small doubt. “Ah… your friends are cheetahs, right?” Hey, you never knew. Kana had seen the strangest pairings out here in the savannah.
Nat chuckled in good humor, visibly amused by male’s excitement and words. She supposed it was a legitimate question despite her initial reaction as she’d seen her fair share of strange groups. Not many would believe her but once she’d even seen a lioness who had a pet hare! If that didn’t defy Nature’s laws, she didn’t know what did.
“Yes… all cheetahs.” She laughed, taking the lead and increasing the pace, looking over her shoulder to make sure the male was still following her. “Try to keep up, Kana.” She laughed again and broke into an easy run, eager to return to her friends’ side.
Kana returned to the carcass and grabbed a long bone that still had a decent amount of meat on it and ran after the blue cheetah. If he was going to meet new people, it was only polite to bring a little gift.
- FIN -
