The desert was merciless. A hot breeze sifted through the crow's onyx feathers as he narrowed his eyes, closing in on his target. Inside his holster rested a dear friend-- his trusty revolver. it's dull glint shown coldly in the harsh desert sun. His beak curved up into a cocky, almost warm smile and he opened it to speak.
"I'm giving you this one chance to reconsider... Joel, was it?"
His voice rumbled. Willix raised his eyebrow, waiting for a response from the canine. Joel scowled at the bird's confidence in himself, showing his yellowed fangs in irritation.
"Don't be so sure of yourself."
the dog spat, his anger apparent. Grinding his teeth together, his hand migrated towards the handle of his pistol carefully, so as not to alert his avian to his intentions. The tension was rising. Various scenes fleeted through Joel's head, none of which seemed to end well for the mutt. Timidly breaking eye contact, Joel now focused his attention on the crow's hand, which seemed to float ever so slowly towards the handle of his firearm. The canine was now prepared to make any move necessary to preserve his life.
In a split second things went from tense, to scary. He was but a gray flash, and a Tiny click. The force of the bullet pushed Willix back. He staggered away before falling to the ground in a puff of dust. Slowly his bright orange shirt turned to a muddy red.
"I finally met my match."
He wheezed, with some effort, but was content in his dying moment, as he had finally found closure in his long solitary life. Inside his heart, he knew that he didn't regret a thing.
For joel, the moment passed with an aching sloth that ate away at his heart. He started to tear up, but willix lifted a feathered hand and brushed them away.
"Don't worry 'bout a thing. All is forgiven, and I don't regret anythin'.
If ya live a wholesome life, and think before making decisions, you need not fear death."
Willix died that day.
Joel attended his funeral.
Not only out of courtesy, but to pay respects to the man who had finally found he was content in the end.
