Pisces was starting to grow on Mayfal. It was slippery, yes, but as long as they took careful steps, it was actually quite pleasant. It smelled dense with life and the sound of water crashing had a calming effect.

Mayfal had taken a liking to walking around the perimeter of the cave for a little while. Each day, they went farther, slowly memorizing the feeling of different mosses and grass and the lumpy terrain.

One day, when extending their stroll, something felt different. Beneath their paws, they felt a total absence of plants. Instead, there were smooth stones, drenched with a film of moisture. Mayfal became curious. It was an anomaly that seemed out of place. Why was this here? Should they look any closer, or simply turn around?

When Mayfal was younger, they would have left before they had the time to ask. But after three cycles of being around Comet, their attitude had changed a bit. They continued, lightly setting their paws in strategic patterns as to avoid slipping.

Then there was moss and grass again. As if the stones were isolated from the rest of the cave. Mayfal assumed that everything was fine then, and fell down a hole on their next step.

How rude! It's not like Mayfal had intended to invade this creature's home. Why should they be blamed for a mistake?

The fall wasn't gentle, either. They were in some pain when the creature began pushing and shoving. They could get out themself, thank you very much! All of this discomfort (and honestly some embarrassment) collected into a ball in Mayfal's stomach. It grew and grew until it didn't fit inside of the little fox anymore.

Then Mayfal made the mistake of opening their jaws.

They mostly ended up eating some of the dirt, but their teeth grazed the creature. It was a noticeable amount, and Mayfal could taste some blood.

It was a little annoying before, but now Mayfal was angry. This creature didn't know who she was trying to slam into.

It was easy for Mayfal to scuttle out of the way of Sora's attack. They heard it coming. It seemed that this creature was handicapped somehow. Why would she attack in such a state? Well, she'd learn her lesson today.

Mayfal had to get out of this hole to be able to have the upper hand. They decided to create a diversion. They raised the heat in the enclosed space. Hopefully, this would tire Sora even further and give Mayfal a chance to scramble out.

It was as if this creature was impervious to heat. She charged again like she had before. Again, Mayfal dodged without much trouble. But they were still in this close space. Dodging was difficult and Mayfal kept bumping into dirt walls. If they just ran out, Sora would be on their tail. They needed a REAL distraction this time. Something more direct...

Mayfal didn't like the idea, but it was justifiable. They focused on the noises that the creature was making and the direction of her smell. Then they tried to send fire magic in that same direction. But as Mayfal was still at a distance from the creature (and blind) nothing happened. The smell of burning flesh wasn't to be found.

And so, Mayfal decided to make a run for it.

The impact of Sora's weight on Mayfal's shoulder had taken them by surprise. Quite an unpleasant surprise as well. Mayfal was suddenly on the ground. How hadn't they heard her coming? They must have been distracted, but the pain focused them.

Mayfal gave up on the idea of escape. They would have to win if they wanted to get out. They decided to leave no holds barred. Sora was right there, Mayfal could feel her presence very close.

They felt the heat in their gut and projected it forward, without worry of the consequences.