If there’s any logical place to start exploring, it’s close to home. Ouma decides to put some time into familiarizing himself with the local flora and fauna. Mostly flora, as it turns out--the area he’s been assigned seems to be full to bursting with every plant he’s ever seen, and about a hundred times more that he hasn’t. It’s beautiful and everything, but it’s not exactly what he’s looking for. Given the choice, he’d prefer something with a little more conversational ability.
The path before him narrows, nearly choked off with blossom-thick vines. Ouma is easily small enough to wiggle into the gaps, however, dusting his hair and clothes with a gentle coating of pollen in the process. As he comes out the other side he feels a sneeze coming on, but the sight in front of him makes him bury his face in his stole immediately, barely in time to stifle it.
From out of the bushes rises a long pink... tail? It swishes back and forth almost hypnotically, cat-like yet bright pink, forming itself into fluid little question mark shapes. Now this is interesting. Ouma creeps forward as quietly as he can, crossing the small clearing to the cluster of bushes on the other side, closer and closer until it’s close enough to touch.Â
Ouma still can’t see the shape of the animal on the other side, but moving the foliage would certainly alert it. His only chance at getting the jump on this thing is to try to grab it from behind. Maybe he can take it home and have a pet? Does his apartment allow pets? What kind of food does a pink-tailed bush-rustler eat? Boring questions, questions for later. Ouma crouches quietly, coiling like a spring, and jumps out, grabbing the pink tail with both hands and a triumphant cry.
