John the mockingbird watched from high above, perched atop a tree, his sharp eyes tracking the fleeing lion and ape. It was a true bird's-eye view.
"Sire, they're breaking the rules," Woodie chirped eagerly, hoping for action.
"Shut up. It's not your place to intervene," Bubble snapped.
Ignoring the exchange between those two oddballs, John sent a telepathic message.
"Blackie, stop interfering with their escape. Let them run. Only then can the real hunt begin. Ignore them for now."
Blackie, the black woodpecker, gave a silent nod before retreating. With no further pursuit, the two beasts fled through the sixth ring of fire, then the seventh.
The moment they crossed the final barrier, John let out a low whistle—his signal.
Bubble's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Can I join the hunt this time, Master?"
