Fang, Paw, Tooth and Claw-- Short Preview

The crowd sank back into their seats as the ball bounced off the edge of the rim and fell towards the floor. Phoenix, a golden hawk anthro, cursed under his breath and jumped as high as he could to try and get the rebound. He failed once more; the ball sailed over his head and was caught by the opposing team's player, Rocki, who was a brown wolf. 1

Rocki shot off in the other direction, his brown hind-paws pounding against the floor of the court. A grin spread across his muzzle. It was going to be yet another victory for his team. He was going to be the MVP again. He lifted his arms for a lay-up and prepared to bark out victoriously.2

Phoenix watched as a white figure slammed the ball down away from the goal. "Nikita," he whispered.3

Nikita was the newest player on Phoenix's team. She was a white anthro wolf with black markings on her forehead, arms, and tail. In Phoenix's opinion, she was too good at basketball, and she was full of herself. Not only that, but she hogged the ball too often. And it was all to show off to a dragon in the crowds.4

"She's going to make a miraculous goal and win it for us, I bet," whispered Phoenix hopelessly. "I wish I could be the winning-goal hawk."5

Cheers arose all throughout the gym. A black dragon flew over the walls that separated the crowds from the court and landed next to Nikita, smiling. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered, "You did great."6

Nikita looked up to gaze at her boyfriend and smiled. It was her plan to marry the dragon, and that she would do in the near future. He just didn't know it yet. "Skari, you're awesome."7

Rocki jogged over to give Nikita a high five and barked, "Good game. See you in State."8

"Same here, Rocki."9

"Hey, Nikita. I'll go start the car, alright?" asked Skari, who spread his wings in preparation to go through the doors of the gym.10

"Alright Skari, be careful not to break the lights in here, okay?"11

Skari nodded and sped off through the double doors. Phoenix watched, sticking his tongue out enviously. "Just because dragons have all the speed," he muttered.12

He strode off in the direction of the doors, still saying countless swears under his breath. As he reached out with his claw to take the door handle, a black paw gripped his wrist. He turned his head to see a black anthro fox standing in the shadows.13

"Hey, Hawkboy. Don't mess with my sister, you got it?" the fox, whose name was Fox, growled.14

"I wasn't going to-"15

"I saw the anger in your eyes. Stay away."16

Phoenix wrestled his wrist free and flew out into the night, his wings flapping frantically. He wanted to get as far away from the gym as he could.17

Fox trotted over to his sister (Nikita) and smiled. "Hey Nikita, that was an awesome game."18

"Thanks Fox," said Nikita, grinning.19

They gave each other a quick hug and Nikita left the gym. She made it to Skari's car and hopped into the passenger's seat, smiling. "Hello, luva."20

"Hello, my lovely Nikita."21

The pair drove home under the watchful eyes of Phoenix.