The Experiment of the Forgotten

Chapter Three

The songs of birds echoed in the blue autumn sky, and the flaps of their petite wings could be heard as they travelled from tree to tree, far above the cluttered forest floor. The rushing freshwater of an unwelcoming river could be heard over the small animals, cutting a path directly through the woodland. The water crashed over fallen tree trunks and slick rocks. It nourished most of the forest in the wet months, assisting in the growth of the many plants and shrubs littered nearly everywhere. A chilling wind crept through the bare trees, disturbing the outstretched limbs that were beginning to lose their small, multicoloured leaves. Millions of leaves and small plants already littered the floor, creating a cushion-like experience on the earth. Soon, menacing gray clouds would creep over and veil the sky and plunge the bright blue brilliance into darkness for many months. The gloomy, threatening weather seemed fitting for the circumstances.

Keesha's deep brown eyes flashed open suddenly, as if she were waking from a violent nightmare. Her breath got caught in her chest for one moment, and she scrambled to her feet, her joints stiff from being unconscious for as long as she was. She shook out her flattened fur, small leaves and twigs leaving her light tan and black pelt. She stretched out her legs in front of her, trying to dispose of the tense feelings in her limbs. She glanced up at the blue sky, a few dark gray clouds scattered in the atmosphere. The chilly wind swept through her medium-length coat, ruffling it even further.

How did I get here?

She lowered her head, her gaze now scanning her forest surroundings. She had never been to a place like this before, but from what she could tell, it was much better than the environment she was previously living. Already she could sense the buzz of life, whether it be small pesky insects or prey like squirrels and even rabbits. Rays of golden sunlight shone through the tall trunks of the trees, casting long shadows across the soft earth. Along the forest floor, there were many roots and overgrown plants, as well as bushes to provide some sort of shelter to resident animals. A sizeable waterfall could be heard in the distance, the sound of water tumbling over rocks clearly audible over the chirps of birds.

Keesha turned around, once again lifting her head to the sky. She drank in the wind with her jaws slightly gaped, catching the scent of many different things she had never smelt before. She saw the sun was fairly low in the sky, indicating she had most likely been passed out unconscious for a while. Last Keesha had checked, she had been in a small metallic crate after the humans had put their hands all over her and forced her mouth shut with a piece of fabric. She curled her lips back slightly in annoyance at the thought, barely revealing her sharp canines. She noticed the small silver collar was still high up and tight around her neck, just the same as it was before. She pushed that observation aside. She would have to deal with it, whatever it's purpose was.

She could feel the small feeling of hunger gnawing at her stomach, and figured she may as well try to hunt. She began to walk slowly, venturing a bit deeper into the woods. She didn't have much hunting experience, if you don't count chasing the rare few animals that would run up and down the streets. All she could assume was be quiet, and be fast. She kept on walking quietly, keeping her body as low to the ground as she could. She made sure her tail was low and her ears were pressed down against her skull, not wanting to alert anything of her presence. Eventually, she heard a quiet, constant sound, her ears quickly swiveling forward in the direction of the small sound, which sounded a little like gentle crunching. Her intense gaze swiftly followed. There, she saw it.

A rabbit, clearly injured by the way it was holding one of its hind legs as it ate. It wouldn't be able to run too far or too fast. Should be easy prey for a beginner. Her eyes not leaving the rabbit, she began to slowly creep forward, her fast-paced heartbeat audible in her large, pointed ears. She was crouched down so low, her chest was nearly touching the ground. The risk of the bunny spotting her was there, but it had not suspected anything yet. She was so close, just a few more steps and she would be ready to pounce at the rabbit and deliver a killing bite.