• As I sprinted through the forest, evading my pursuer, malice filled my mind. A week prior, I never would have imagined myself thinking such reprehensible thoughts. Before today, I had fashioned myself a pacifist, but now, I was beginning to resent this vindictive person I had become. But at the same time, I could do nothing to stop myself, do nothing to parry these nefarious thoughts, and it seemed I may have virtually recanted my pacifistic beliefs.

    A quick look over my shoulder, and I saw the revulsion in the eyes of the hunter. And I knew what I had to do. What I had to do to extricate not only myself, but my family.

    And in a single instant, I swung myself around to face the barrel of the gun. He stood there, facing me, obstinate in his desire for my hide, his gun defiantly pointed at my forehead. Then, in the penultimate instant, I lunged at him, and dug my fangs into his arm.

    A shot rang out, then my eyes became rubies. The anger, permanently mollified. Both parties, now appeased.

    I'm not sure how much time has passed since then. I'm not entirely sure where I am. But when I listen, I can hear a voice.

    “See that cat up thar? Put up quite the fight, she did! See the scars on my arm? Ah, but she looks good on the mantle, aye?”