Fay quickly finished sharpening the tip of the makeshift spear.
He didn't spend much time on it, ten minutes at most, but that was all he could spare. He needed to hunt, and he needed to do it fast.
His body was already starting to feed on what little energy he had left. Only the thought of bringing down one of the deer-like creatures kept him moving.
There were plenty of them, enough to feed him for at least two days if he was careful.
He planned to smoke whatever meat he could save. With luck, the predators here would be like those back on Earth and keep their distance from fire.
After making the final adjustments to his weapon, he stood and waved to his sister. She waved back from her perch in the tree.
He had to be quick. He didn't want to leave her alone for too long, and he wouldn't go far the watering hole was close by, and most of the herd gathered there.
They were busy drinking, unaware, their heads lowered to the water. The only comfort he had was the tall grass surrounding the pond, long enough to hide him as he moved.
Crouching low, he crept closer, careful to stay out of sight.
That's when he saw a new creature he hadn't noticed before.
This one looked more like a pig.
It stood at least half a meter tall, its hide a dull grey, and it drank from the same watering hole as the rest.
Four sharp tusks curved from its mouth, marking it as a dangerous creature. Fay decided instantly he wouldn't try for this one.
He needed something weaker, something that wouldn't fight back.
His attention shifted to the gazelles. He crept closer, careful to keep his distance, and waited for one of them to wander into his reach.
He wasn't good at throwing spears. He didn't have the strength for long throws. The target would need to be close, three meters at most, if he wanted a clean, killing strike.
So, he waited.
At times, his stomach growled so loudly he worried the herd would hear and bolt.
Nearly half an hour passed before luck finally favored him. One of the gazelles drifted closer, nibbling at the grass near where he crouched.
It came within two meters. Close enough that he could almost smell the musky scent of its fur.
But there was no time to linger on such details.
Fay lunged and hurled the spear, aiming straight for its torso.
The animal cried out, caught completely off guard.
The spear had pierced deep, but the gazelle thrashed and tried to flee, each frantic movement driving the point in further.
A few seconds later, it finally collapsed.
Fay let out a slow sigh. He whispered a short prayer, then moved in to finish the job.
He had to hurry, though.
Now they were the only two creatures near the watering hole; the gazelle's pained calls had sent the rest scattering.
The water itself unsettled him. There was something about it that felt wrong, dangerous, and he had no desire to find out what might rise from its depths.
Pulling the spear free, he stabbed once more into the animal's throat, ending its suffering and letting the blood drain quickly into the soil.
Then he set to work.
He dragged the body into the cover of the tall grass. The weight slowed him; it had to be at least twenty kilos, but the thought of fresh meat kept him moving.
Kneeling beside the carcass, he pulled out his small saw, the blade's edge sharpened on stone, and began cutting through the hide into the belly fat. He'd made sure the tool was ready for this.
After taking the best cuts he could carry, Fay left the rest behind and rushed back, bloodied.
It wasn't the best way to appear in front of his little sister, but it would have to do. There was still work to be done, firewood to gather, and a fire to start.
Thankfully, he had three lighters left that could still make sparks. With plenty of dry grass and fallen branches nearby, it wouldn't be hard to build a small bonfire.
An hour later, the first wisps of smoke curled into the air, and the smell of grilling meat filled the clearing.
Mira had been told to stay close to the tree. Fay knew the scent could draw predators, so he needed her safely away from the fire.
Another twenty minutes passed before the first slices were ready.
He glanced around, making sure the area was clear, then leaned over the fire and pulled four pieces of meat from the heat. They were cooking on flat rocks improvised in place of metal skewers, but the stones worked surprisingly well.
The edges were a little burnt, yet the rich, savory smell made his stomach growl.
Fay returned to his sister and handed her one piece, speared on a stick.
Mira gulped audibly before sinking her teeth into it.
Fay took a bite of his own. He'd wanted to watch her reaction first, but hunger wouldn't let him wait.
She had at least eaten something the day before, but today… Today, they would feast.
There was still plenty of meat left, and he planned to eat until he was full.
Tomorrow would be another day.
"Was it good, Mira? Do you want more?" Fay asked.
He was about to jump back down when movement in the grass caught his eye.
"Damn it… not again. When will I ever have my fill?"
The bloodied spear was still within reach. He snatched it up, bracing himself for another fight.
But what emerged from the grass nearly made him drop it.
At least six figures stepped into view.
They were mostly human… mostly.
Leading them was a man, if he could even be called that. His ears sat higher on his head than they should have, shaped more like those of a cat. It was the most striking detail, but not the only one.
They moved like people, yet their faces were an unsettling blend of human and feline, sharp features framed by fur.
Low voices passed between them in a language Fay didn't recognize; each word seemed to be raspy and distinct from the one he was familiar with.
The group closed in on his bonfire.
Fay's grip tightened on the spear. He wanted to call out, maybe even throw it, but forced himself to hold back. Meat wasn't worth starting a fight without knowing their intent.
Then one of the strange humans lifted their gaze toward him.
Fay tensed, unsure what would happen next.