He wagged his tail, uncertainty shining in his gaze as she spoke, fear emanating off of her in waves. "Don't worry, Koi. We will find somewhere safe to spend the night." He nodded, a smile crossing his maw but he could not hold it there for long. His tongue swiped across his lips and nose and he raised his muzzle to smell the air. There was a curious, deadly reek to the typically peaceful forest air, and the scent made him shudder. It was not safe to be here, but he was glad that he was with Koi, that he could protect her with whatever minute amount of strength he possessed in his wiry, thin body. He began to move past her, until a flash of tawny appeared in the corner of his vision.

Senketsu turned just in time to see the open jaws and thick, powerful claws of the cougar heading straight for him. He ducked in time for her attack to not be fatal, but not fast enough for her claws and teeth not to rake across his neck and shoulders, leaving dark, deep gashes that spurted crimson blood. In these moments he felt as though his name could not be more fitting. Fresh Blood. He yelped as he hit the ground, rolling out from under the cougar. In the heat of the moment he had forgotten about Koi. He scrabbled wildly against the ground but could not find his footing, and the gashes had already been irritated by the dirt and leaf litter of the forest.

He did not know if he could run. Perhaps he would die today. But his crimson eyes finally fell upon Koi, and they were begging, pleading with her not to save him, but to save herself. "Run, Koi! Run!" His voice was desperate. After he spoke, his attention returned to the cougar. Senketsu's jaws snapped upwards, aiming to grab any part of the beast that he could without putting himself in more danger than he currently was. Perhaps if he was not an easy meal, the cougar would grow bored and find something else to hunt... He did not want to worry her, but he also did not want to put her in danger.