Challenge #04936-M187: Domesticated Predator

The havenworlders look upon the scene in shock as a normal house cat chases away a full sized bear from the camp. -- BKF

Human Yen loved to take her friends camping, and that included her cat, Dinky. Dinky, on harness and leash, did not do any of the hiking. She preferred to ride on Yen's backpack, chattering and chittering at the little creatures beyond her reach.

Yen was no slouch. Dinky was firmly attached with a harness and leash. Kept safe from wreaking havoc on the wildlife by a spring-loaded spool.

Well. Mostly kept from havoc.

Companion Gol was busy following instructions to set up their portion of the camp when a member of the wildlife entered. They stood very still as the gigantic, fluffy beast came whiffling into the area. Technically, Gol, Yen, and Dinky were invaders in the creature's territory, so Gol made no sudden moves.

The creature looked like Yen's child-guardian totem, the teddy bear that she insisted was an old friend. Gol logically concluded that this was one of Terra's benevolent animals, and cooed, "Hello, wandering star."

Yen, formerly hoisting their supplies above the ground, froze. "Gol," she whispered, "that's a bear." The note of terror in Yen's voice were the only indicator that Gol's conclusion was erroneous.

Gol went stiff and still. Whispered, "What do I do?" They got no verbal answer.

Dinky finished inspecting the tent, and noticed the intruder. She, a cat most people mistook for a kitten, fluffed herself up and yowled at the bear. Dinky could easily be a mouthful for the bear, yet she ran at the bear and swiped its nose.

The bear reared, turned tail, and bolted into the woods from whence it came.

Yen reached up into the cache to bring out a small handful of freeze-dried fish. She made a kissy noise and fed Dinky some treats while petting and cooing at her. "Ooza goo' kitty? You's a goo' kitty. Yes you is... yes you is. You's tha bestest kitty in all'a the whole world, yes you are."

Once again, Gol was reminded that even though she was small, Dinky was also a potentially ferocious Deathworlder being. Which left Gol with only one choice of action.

They went over to Dinky to give her praise and scritches.

[Photo by Max Kleinen on Unsplash]

If you like my stories, please Check out my blog and Follow me. Or share them with your friends! Or visit my hub site to see what else I'm up to.

My Prompt Forum is currently down, but if you want to send me a prompt, post it on my Discord's emergency prompt supply.

Support me on Patreon / Buy me a Ko-fi

Check out the other stuff I'm selling