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The nightmaren crouched low in the grass, watching the rat-like creature skitter about, plucking about the ground for seeds and nuts with its tiny claws. NiGHTS’ eyes were blown wide - their pupils leaving only a slight ring of their blue irises in their wake. Their shoulders were tucked up close to their head to be as small and invisible as possible - a predator unseen.
This was the first living prey they’d seen in almost a week. NiGHTS had been living off the tiny leftover patches of berries in the bushes; quickly dissipating with the Nightmare winter rolling in. While they were thankful for even the most scarce of food being around, they couldn’t help but curse the hibernating wildlife - Nightmarens’ desire for meat left them hungry even while eating their fill of scavenged grains and fungi.
NiGHTS rocked their shoulders and steadied their stance, adjusting for the incoming pounce. Their claws fully unsheathed; tattered satin gloves long since tucked away in their pocket.
Hearing some sort of fluttery noise nearby, both NiGHTS and the rat stopped, the rodent sniffing the air. NiGHTS inwardly cursed, knowing they’d have to rush this attack lest the rat take off before they could grab it. They rocked their hips quickly, readying themself for the strike.
In a flash, they pounced at the rat, successfully gripping it in a hand - but immediately screeched in pain as a large, black talon snagged on their skin. A flurry of feathers stressed them out, large wings flapping against their head making them flail and squeeze their eyes shut in fear. The pain in their hand shot up their arm, consequently forcing them to release their prey, which scrambled away shrieking.
They stared after their prey. Their prey.
NiGHTS snarled, and ripped the talon that dug into their hand away in a rage; ignoring the searing pain. They gripped at thick plumage and shot toward a tree, slamming the attacker’s back against it in a flurry of sparkles and feathers. The infuriated nightmaren bore their teeth at the feathered creature, their eyes glazed over as they fumed.
“You stupid creature. That was my only chance!” They roared, their usually joyous voice practically dripping with a wild fury - their throat gravelly and sore. The purple jester squinted as the bird in their hand squirmed, and quickly held a free claw to its throat. “Any last chirps before you become my meal?”
“I-I-I I am terribly s-sorry!” It screamed, much to NiGHTS’ surprise. “I didn’t r-realise y-uh. I-I-I-I apologise! P-Please don’t hurt me! I’ll d-do whatever you want j-just-”
“Ugh, alright geez.” NiGHTS grunted, releasing the bird quickly. They hissed as they rubbed at their injured hand, blood beading and dripping to the grassy ground. “That really hurt though. Apologise.” The jester demanded, thrusting their hand toward the bird to show the damage with a pout.
The bird (an owl, they now noticed, unclouded by adrenaline) sunk to the floor, breathing heavily as they stuttered out a terrified apology.
“Chill out,” NiGHTS started. “I don’t eat the ones that talk; you’re fine.”
“Oh thank the stars.” The bird practically melted against the tree, trying to calm their breathing. “I didn’t k-know these grounds were occupied; I am very sorry for trespassing.”
NiGHTS huffed. “It’s whatever. I don’t live here or anything, I’m just passing through.”
The owl squawked. “T-then it’s no right of yours to attack me! If this is free ground, then-”
“You talk too much, bird.” NiGHTS said, muffled as they absentmindedly sucked at their bleeding wound.
“My name is Owl. And that will be Mister Owl to you, thank you very much.” The bird puffed out his chest.
“NiGHTS. Absolutely charmed to meet you, bird.” They grinned at Owl’s exasperated gasp, then quickly interrupted him. “Well then, since you made me lose my lunch, you can treat me.” NiGHTS rubbed their hands together. “Which way is your place?”
“Don’t be so preposterous!” the bird huffed, dusting himself off furiously with a wing. “Firstly, you’ve just attacked me and put me in a rather flustering situation, and secondly, I don’t even know who you are!”
“Trust me, grandpa, I’m still rather attached to the idea of some fresh meat on my plate, and I don’t mind breaking my own rules, so if I were you,” They flashed a sharp-toothed grin. “I’d get moving.”
“Grandpa?! Oh, the nerve-! You scoundrel, you- you-!”
“Save your breath, I’ve heard it all before. And worse, of course.” NiGHTS kicked at a patch of particularly tall grass. “I can say “fuck” if I want to.”
“Goodness gracious, have your parents taught you no manners?!” the owl practically squawked, covering his beak in shock.
NiGHTS’ mischievous grin fell to a rather solemn smile, chuckling a little. “Nah, ol’ pops never really gave that much of a sh-” they halted when they saw the bird shoot them a disapproving frown. “...Uh, he didn’t care that much, let’s put it that way.”
“Hmph. Well, you can hardly get me to pity you after all this kerfuffle.” The bird crossed his wings with a huff. “If I give you some food, will you be on your way?”
NiGHTS’ pupils dilated at the thought of a warm meal. They hadn’t had anything cooked in a few months now, not having anywhere to make a proper meal for themself - only really having the chance to rip into fresh-kill at the warmest. The thought was so appealing that they felt themself drool slightly, quickly rubbing their mouth before the prissy bird could squawk about it.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’ll be out of your feathers after some food and-” They peered at their still-bleeding wound, clearly deeper than they thought. “Maybe a bandage?”
“Right. Then, follow me. And don’t you dare think about ambushing me - I can do more than that scratch on your hand.” Owl said, plucking his glasses from the ground and taking off into the woods. “Quickly, now. I have things to do today.”