Hunting grounds.

First topic message reminder :

There is lots of prey here. Lots of rabbit warrens, bird nests, and squirrels.

He nodded slowly, "No problem..." he brought the remaining half in front of him, "Well, I mean... It felt like my problems were gone. They were still there, but just not as noticable."

"I'm sorry if I've reminded you of it." She mumbled quietly.

He shook his head slowly, "No, it's alright." smiling faintly, Boots began eating his half of the squirrel.

"Um, I gotta scram for now. I have something to take care of. Shall we meet again tomorrow, maybe?" Pine said, while standing up and stretching.

His eyes hinted with disappointment when his new friend had said she had to go. Quickly hiding it, he nodded slowly, "Oh, okay. I guess I'll see you later, then..." Boots held back a sigh, though a small smile crept onto his muzzle. Today, he had actually enjoyed the day, which hadn't happened for a long, long, time. He'd forgotten what it was like to have fun -- to have company.

"Uh.. Sorry. I'll meat you here tomorrow at sunrise and we can have a morning meal together." She offered. Then padded away toward her den somewhat near the twoleg place.

"Okay.. Bye!" he called as she left. Turning around and padding off to find a suitable place to sleep for the night, Boots was looking forward to the next day for once. A content smile rested on his white muzzle, his black-tipped tail following the tom's rusty brown body as he disappeared into the trees.

"Wait. If you don't have a warm place to sleep tonight, um.... You're welcome to stay in my den for the night." She called over her shoulder.

Thinking he had heard Pine talking, Boots trotted back the little distance he had gone and popped his head out of the trees. "Hmm?" he questioned, as all he had heard was a muffled voice.

"Umm, if you don't have a place to sleep tonight you can join me in my den." She offered okwardly.

"Really?" his eyes widened slightly that she would make such an offer. "Uh, that's really nice..! Thanks.." Boots laughed quietly, unsure of what to say otherwise.

Pine laughed, too. He didn't realize that Boots would be so surprised. "Okay, it's this way." Pine started padding off towards her den, glancing back to see if Boots was following.

Boots quickly followed, smiling slightly at her. He trailed after her, blinking.

Pine padded in after a nights sleep. She dropped into a hunting crouch.

Boots came into the area moments after, his paws light on the snow covered ground. Flashing a quick smile at Pine, he headed a different direction so they wouldn't scare each other's prey off.

Pine opened her mouth and scented a squirrel but it was covered up by the scent of- could it be?! It was a badger.

The badger looked up at the sight of the cats, lumbering forward slowly with annoyance in its tiny black eyes. It growled, swaying menacingly, black lips raised in a snarl.

Boots looked around for prey, suddenly pricking up an ear. His fur prickled at the scent -- one he didn't recognize. He quickly turned around, dashing back to Pine as fast as he could. What ever that scent was, it didn't smell like a good thing.

Pine was so stunned she couldn't move. Her legs were jelly and her heart was pounding like an earthquake. She glared at the badger with wide horrified eyes not knowing what to do.

The badger let out a snarl on the edge of a roar and headed closer to the cats. It did not know who they were or why they were here, but it recognised them as enemies, creatures that must be killed or, at the very least, chased away for good. It raised a huge paw, preparing to strike one of the cats.

Pine yelped dashing to the side. She scrambled of bear a tree. She didn't know if she should defend Boots or run. If Boots is attacked I'll come. she thought.

Boots looked around helplessly for Pine, but instead landed right in front of the badger. He scrambled bckwards, letting out a terrified hiss. His ears flat against his skull and blue eyes wide, he continued to back up quickly.

Pine was furious. She pounced on top of the creature soon regretting this act. She hoped for the best.

The badger growled at Boots, slashing out at the cat, then leapt back, startled, as Pine practically tackled it. The badger furiously clawed at its back, knocking itself backwards onto the ground in an attempt to rid itself of the parasitic feline.

Boots stumbled back, shaking his head. Scarlet drops of blood dripped from the left side of his face. Letting out a yowl as the badger fell onto the ground, he galloped forward and leaped onto the badger. He clawed furiously at its belly, muscles tense in case he had to dodge a blow from the badger.