Fight or Flight? (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 2

Kestrel woke up to a chirp by her ear. Wake up, Kes. Kestrel looked up in the afternoon sun, slightly confused. You're awake. A voice said in her mind, and Kestrel looked to her side to see a beautiful kestrel.

Specklefire. Kestrel's mind rushed with memories of last night, of the fight and the befriending of the young bird.

I brought food. Specklefire said, and Kestrel realized the bird was flying, rising up and down, with a mouse in her claws. Kestrel held out her hands, and Specklefire dropped the mouse into Kestrel's hands.

Thank you. Kestrel said. She hasn't had good meat in days. The squirrels and rabbits are too fast for her, and she doesn't have enough gear to hunt for a deer. Kestrel's been living off plants and berries since she was driven out. I haven't had meat in so long.

I would catch a squirrel for you, but I'm not big enough to. Specklefire explained.

It's okay. Kestrel reassured. But how do I eat this?

Raw. Specklefire said. How else?

I'm human, Speck. Kestrel laughed. I can't eat this raw.

Specklefire shrugged. I don't know. I eat things raw.

Have you eaten yet? Kestrel asked.

Yes. Specklefire said. A nice nest of grasshoppers. She clicked her beak in satisfaction. Delicious.

Kestrel gagged. Grasshoppers? She asked weakly.

Yeah. Specklefire blinked. They're really good.

I would never eat those. Kestrel decided. Never bugs.

Ok. Specklefire said.

Kestrel jump down from the tree, landing lightly. Do you know how to start a fire? Kestrel asked Specklefire.

No. Specklefire said.

Kestrel sighed. Birds. She complained, hiding the thought from Specklefire.

Kestrel picked up two stones, striking them against each other, and let out a yelp of surprise as sparks sparked from the impact. Kestrel dropped the stones, watching the sparks reach the ground and slowly die out. It was then when she realized she didn't have fuel. We need dry branches. Kestrel said to Specklefire.

Why? Specklefire asked, grooming her feathers.

Kestrel looked at the young bird. She was running her beak through her feathers, smoothing the reddish-brown feathers. Kestrel watched the bird, fascinated, as she raked her feathers. Specklefire soon became aware of the glazing of her companion, and raised her head to look at Kestrel. Yes? Specklefire asked.

You are beautiful. Kestrel said, admiring the bird's smooth orange back.

Thank you. Specklefire's voice sounded a cross between pride and embarrassment. My mother was beautiful. And Specklefire fell into a silence, no doubt remembering her family.

I- Kestrel paused, wondering if she would regret this decision. But birds deserve freedom. Kestrel thought to herself. And so does Specklefire. If you want, Kestrel sent the thought out. You can go back.

Specklefire blinked, and turned to look at the afternoon sun. For a moment, Kestrel was afraid that Specklefire would agree and leave her alone. It's for her own good. Kestrel reminded herself. She waited in silence for a response, heart pounding.