Swish, swish - the dark blue denim bells lurk closer to where I crouch in the nook of a stair step. The carpeting is beige, lighter than myself, but I am sure I'm camouflaged. Watching me, I'm sure, the fabric pauses at the head of the stairs as the door creaks open further to allow their safe passage. A movement forward, and I bolt. Running, running, running, I feel the bells lurking just behind me as if nipping at the tip of my tail.

Carpet gives way to old stained linoleum as I bolt around the corner and through an open doorway. A light flickers on, some miniature captured in a glass orb above me, but I pay no attention to its plight - there's no time for that now. A sound startles me further and I duck into a niche between dusty boxes, wincing as particles cling to my orange hair and tail. My name echoes through the room but I crouch where I am, remaining hidden and not responding.

The sound continues; laughter, I heard it once referred to as. I catch a few words, but the tongue is foreign to me despite living among it since I was taken from my family. Left on the street to fend for myself, I was found and taken here - this lush prison they would have me believe is safe, but I know my safety is at stake at every moment. My enemies, the denim bells, lurk everywhere. I must be alert always, but for now I am safe.

Eventually the words fade out, leaving me behind in my shelter. Faint scuffling halts, signifying that the bells have rested from their momentary tirade. I peak my head from between the boxes, ears perking and nose quivering. The scents are common here, nothing unusual. Only the bells I must face today, none of their comrades have appeared. Such shall be a relief, for the bells set themselves in front of a glowing box, and they remain there unmoving for quite some time, leaving me in peace.

Creeping along the slick surface in the dark, my eyes flash and reflect upon the room what light they catch in passing. Suddenly, in front of me I see something new. A small brightly colored orb sits on the floor in front of me, dead or simply feigning such. I crouch, sneaking towards the creature with my tail erect. Stealth is what kept me alive for that time I lived in the outer world; stealth is what has saved me as of yet from the bells. I have confidence in my abilities.

Slices seem to be taken from the orb, I can see in its innards a strange metallic sphere. My ear twitches; it has been damaged and weakened, it is mine for the taking. I nudge it with my paw and it emits a strange noise much like tinkling, and smirking to myself I realize its screams of terror. Wasting no time as it attempts to scurry across the floor, shaking in obvious limitation, I pounce upon my victim.

It has no time to react, screaming as I hit it across the floor chasing after and pouncing again and again. Finally, when I am bored of playing with the thing, I take it between my teeth and it grows silent. Its outer casing is crunchy and the taste is bland, but I've no urge to eat this beast. I've food aplenty in my bowl above the growling box. The thrill of the chase alone is what draws me to attack. My instincts are well.

My ears perk again, and I set my victim softly to the floor, lest it react with a post mortem yelp and betray my presence. The bells draw near and I bolt from the boxed room as yet another caged sunglow glances down upon the scene. I escape quickly, leaving naught a trace but my latest victim for the bells to discover. I hear a fearful tinkle and escape up the steps towards momentary freedom and safety.

Sighing, I collapse into a faux fur lined basket next to a glass box housing scrumptious looking creatures who only gawk in fear as I bat at them unsuccessfully. For now, I am content to leave them be as I rest in my soft abode. All too soon, a wet snout prods its way into my belly and I turn to stare into the eyes of a speckled hound many times my size. Here we go again.