It had been so long since the humans claimed the lifes of my family. A time that felt like an eternity.

I had to teach myself everything. Everything Mumma never got round to doing. Hunting was a life skill I only saw once. I'm still not old enough to leave her. The fear I felt that day left me shaken. I couldn't eat nor sleep. The image of my mother lying on the dusty ground with a ribbon of sparkling blood flowing from her chest, etched in my mind for forever more. Had I known what would happen, I would've taken the bullet for her.

I half slid, half lept down the rock I was dozing on. My happy, bouncy, energetic nature gone. It died with my family.

I prowled through my territory, only to find an intruder. It's about time too, my life feels meaningless without a little action and excitement. I now realize that, this is a dangerous way of thinking that will almost certainly get me killed someday. I await that day with open arms.

This intruder was another leopard. An adult. He had made a kill, prey that belongs to me. Emerging from the tall grass, I boldly reminded him of his wrongdoing and alerted him of my presence. "This place and its prey belong to me. Please leave immediately. Consider yourself warned."
"Someone run away from home, cub?" He returned giggling. I suppose it was a little amusing that a tiny cub thought it could take on a full-grown male. I don't blame him for the sudden outburst of laughter.

He didn't leave. My patients was wearing thin, tail flicking with irritation. A low growling produced from the back of my throght and I took up an offensive stance. I'd sooner die a courageous fighter than give up my land and only hope of survival to show weakness.
"Leave." I snapped.
The adult raised a brow and gave me a smile. An unfriendly smile. One that seemed to say; bring it, runt!
"LEAVE NOW." I roared my temper having none of it. I actually roared! It felt good. The male was taken aback with my fury, a flash of surprise on his face as his grin slowly faded.

We circled, waiting for the other to either let down their guard or make the first move. I eyed him down and up, finding any weak points from previous battles that I could use to my advantage. I was not going to back down. After careful planning, I decided that it would be the best idea if the first attack was my own. With this disadvantage, I won't be the second to advance.

A chance to prove my independence, a chance to prove I can survive against all odds. The fire of my soul shall be reignited!

Author's note: I was tempted to give chapter three a cliffhanger, but didn't. So here's one now! Hope you have enjoyed the story so far and thank you for sticking with me.