The Creature and the Monster

The water was still, reflecting the moonlight across the pond's small surface.
A bush quivered as something small darted out from beneath it toward the pond.
And in an instant, the night's silence was shattered by a haunting howl.
The creature darting toward the pond faltered at the sound, before hastening to move faster. All it needed to do was get to the water, and it would be safe.
But the smell of sulfur was getting stronger, and the pounding of pursuit was coupled with the hiss of smouldering plant life.
So close.
Hot breath on its tail, and a hungry growl that almost made the fleeing creature freeze in fright.
Faster, faster!
Smooth pebbles beneath its paws, chill from their position at the pond's edge.
Pain, pain, pain.
Rip free from the clenched jaws, even if it means sacrificing part of the creature's tail.
Barely a splash as it enters the water, tension finally easing now that the creature is safe in the pond's cool embrace.
Distorted growls as the monster of heat and flame paces along the now steaming pebbles, furious that its chosen prey managed to get away.
But the creature safe beneath the pond's water knows that this won't be the end. Eventually, it will need to leave the pond, and the monster will be waiting.
They've been at this hunt for centuries, after all. One day, the creature would be too slow, or the pond's water would fail to heal its injuries, or the monster would finally figure out how to destroy the pond.
But for now, the creature would enjoy its moment of safety.