Picnic & Tricks

[azurarayume]

"Well, here we are, Singa!" Azura said a bit louder than she needed to. She jestured to a small clearing surrounded on three sides by tall trees. "This is just perfect!"

Singa stared at the girl with a blank golden gaze. He didn't even know why he was here. all he knew was food and work were probably involved. The food he was sure of. the work he suspected.

Azura pulled a large red blanket from the basket she carried. The cloth was soft and made of the same material as Singa's bed back home. He sniffed it inquisitivly, then whined. It smelled of home and food.

[azurarayume]

Azura patted his head comfortingly, the laid out the blanket. Singa took this as an invitation to curl up on it, so he did.

"Oh, don't do that!" Azura scolded. Singa just looked at her for a moment, then turned away. He knew he wasn't a dog, a pet that could be taught anything for tablescraps. He was a Volpe and a proud one at that. This human wasn't going to break him that easily.

Azura gave a sigh. This was going to be harder than she thought. Singa never did what she wanted with a reward, much less without one.

"How about this?" she asked, pulling a breaded chicken leg from the basket. "You do as I want, and you can have this whole thing. Deal?"

[azurarayume]

Singa sniffed the chicken, torn between the urge to take the meat and that to fall asleep in the sun. His stomach won out. He nodded, leaning toward the chicken, mouth open slightly.

Azura pulled the drumstick away just before he could bite it. She waggled a finger at him, making little tutting noises and saying, "No treat until you do as I ask."

Singa gave a 'humph' of displeasure. whatever it was that she wanted probably wasn't worth the torment.

[azurarayume]

Singa rolled over, choosing to ignore his trainer. True, that chicken did smell good. But he was just going to try not to pay any attention.

"Singa!" Azura said loudly, prodding him in the side. The Volpe rolled over and tried to glare at her, only to find a strip of chicken dangeling from her fingers. He took it as the human muttered, "Good boy!"

Ah, that wasn't too bad, Singa thought. He hadn't even had to get up.

[azurarayume]

"Singa!" Azura shouted again, jabbing him in the side again. This time, Singa didn't hesitate to respond. He knew there was chicken at the end of this anyway. He promptly turned, looked at his trainer, got his treat, and rolled over again.

Azura smiled. This was going great. Maybe just one more time and her Volpe would understand.

[azurarayume]

Azura called his name again, this time poking him hard between the ribs. Singa winced and growled, not out of anger but of pain. But he still rolled over intent on receiving his chicken.

For once in his life, Singa wished he could talk. He just wanted to yell at this human because of his pain. Nothing would have made him happier. Except, maybe, more chicken.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Azura sputtered, checking the blue Volpe over for a bruise. "I'm really sorry, Singa." To her surprise, Singa looked at her again, bright eyes trained on her face. He wanted another treat.