The first light of dawn pricked at my eyelids. Groaning, I uncurled from my makeshift bed beneath a thorny acacia tree. The savanna air, still cool from the night, did little to soothe the ache in my muscles. A low growl rumbled in my stomach - a familiar morning song.
I was starving.
Pushing myself up, I shook out my mane, the golden strands tangled and dusty. It was a pointless endeavor, really. The savanna had a way of clinging to you, no matter how hard you tried to brush it off. Much like everything else in this life.
My gaze swept over the endless plains, already painted in hues of orange and gold by the rising sun. The familiar landscape brought a sense of comfort, a reminder that I was home, even if it felt like I was the only one who didn't quite belong.
Thoughts of my past, of why I felt so out of sync with the world, flickered at the edges of my mind. I pushed them back down, the familiar ache in my chest a dull throb. There was no room for those thoughts now. Not when my stomach growled, demanding attention.
Food. I needed to hunt.
Stretching, I felt the familiar pull of my muscles, lean and corded beneath my fur. I wasn't as big as some of the other futa lionkin, but I was fast. Agility was my weapon, my key to survival in a world where strength often dictated your place.
The savanna stretched out before me, teeming with life. And death. It was the endless cycle, one I was intimately familiar with. Today, I was the predator.
My senses sharpened, searching for my next meal. The scent of grazing animals, a whisper of movement in the tall grass - every subtle detail was a clue, guiding me toward my target.
And then I saw it. A rhinoceros, its massive form a dark silhouette against the rising sun. Not the easiest prey, even for a seasoned hunter like me. But desperation had a way of making you bolder, more reckless.
This was my chance.
I approached the rhinoceros cautiously, my golden mane blending with the tall, dry grass. It was a beast of immense power, its thick hide and deadly horn a testament to its dominance on the savanna. But even the mightiest creatures had their weaknesses.
The wind shifted, carrying my scent away from the rhinoceros. It was now or never.
With a burst of speed that belied my lean frame, I charged. The rhinoceros, startled by my sudden appearance, snorted and wheeled around, its massive head swinging toward me.
I was quick, but not quick enough.
The rhinoceros' horn caught me on my left side, a glancing blow that sent a searing pain through my body. I gasped, my breath driven from my lungs. The impact threw me to the ground, my vision swimming.
For a moment, I lay there, stunned and disoriented. The world around me seemed to spin, the sounds of the savanna fading in and out. Fear, cold and sharp, clawed at the edges of my awareness.
But I was a survivor.
Pushing myself up on shaky legs, I ignored the throbbing pain in my side and focused on the rhinoceros. It stood a few paces away, momentarily stunned by the force of its own attack.
This was my chance. I couldn't let it slip away.
Gathering my remaining strength, I lunged again, this time aiming for the vulnerable flesh behind its front leg. My claws found their mark, sinking deep into the rhinoceros' hide.
The rhinoceros bellowed in pain and fury, but it was too late. My attack had found a vital artery. Blood, dark and thick, poured from the wound, staining the dry earth a gruesome crimson.
The rhinoceros' struggles grew weaker, its massive legs finally giving way beneath its weight. It crashed to the ground with a thud that seemed to shake the very foundations of the savanna.
I had won. But at a cost.
The pain in my side was a burning inferno now, a constant reminder of the rhinoceros' deadly horn. My breath came in ragged gasps, and I could feel a strange coldness spreading through my limbs.
Blood loss. It was worse than I thought.
Still, I had to eat. I had to regain my strength.
Dragging the rhinoceros' carcass toward a nearby watering hole – a feat of strength that left me trembling with exhaustion – I collapsed beside it, my vision blurring. The cool water beckoned, promising a moment of respite from the searing pain.
With the last reserves of my strength, I crawled to the edge of the water and took a small, hesitant sip. The coolness on my tongue was a fleeting relief, but it did little to quench my overwhelming thirst.
The world around me was fading fast, the sounds of the savanna growing distant and muffled. My eyelids fluttered closed, my body finally succumbing to the pain and exhaustion.
Darkness beckoned, promising oblivion.
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First thoughts on the story?
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