The wind blew past and in it's wake left behind leaves falling down on the staring contest between a cat and a (chicken) cockatrice.

Alfie crouched down, lowered her head and arched her back as her fur became stiff increasing her size. She then relaxed her legs to prepare for a decisive attack. On the other hand Prince spread it's wings as it stood still while perfectly balanced on a leg. They both stopped moving, eyes locked onto each other trying to anticipate their enemy's move.

Prince: Kkikkyok! ("Prepare yourself! This is a technique I've learned from a long legged nomad that stays in the south. Famous for fighting farmers with graceful movements.")

Alfie: Hiss! ("I did not understand what you just said but bring it on!")

She then kicked off the ground moving quickly towards Prince and swiped at him when her paw could reach him. Surprisingly he parried the attack with his wing and diverted the strength of the attack to the side.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Prince: Kkruuuukkyokkyok? ("Heh was that it?" Wow I can't believe it actually worked.)

Alfie: Nya-ong! ("You just got lucky!")

This time Alfie used prowl and vanished right infront of the flock. Prince started sweating beads and felt an impending crisis. A paw slapped his face is he rolled twice to the side.

Alfie: Meow ("That had just reminded me of something fun")

Prince: Kkeuukk? ("What do you think you're doing you beast?")

The flock of cockatrice began panicking at the sight of their Prince unable to move as he gazed at the the beast.

Hen1: Kiyaaak! ("Prince don't give up!")

Hen2: Yiiyookk... ("He stood up for our sake ...")

Hen n-th: Kkiyorurukk! ("We'll stay here with you until the very end!")

Prince: (Hey you lot better stop talking as if I'm dead already and try helping me!)

Alfie slowly walked to him while chuckling before stopping. She then looked at the cowering opponent and raised a paw and lightly tapped to make him roll to the side. She raised the other paw and did the same action and repeated it. As she slowly increased the strength and pace of the taps. Clearly she enjoyed playing with the opponent as her tail kept swishing left to right.

While she was preoccupied with playing a shadow closed up hovering above her unnoticed.