[GK]Kittenclashes

Ogata gripped the sled handle tightly, losing track of time.

The landscape blurred past, shifting dramatically as the finish line drew near. Ice shards scattered beneath the runners, torn from the snowfield with each swift glide. His trapper hat shielded his ears from the biting cold, but the rushing wind still lashed at his face like a razor.

Then he heard a strange sound, and for a while he mistook it for his own chattering teeth. But soon he found it came from the sled pullers, that their heavy panting made their tusks clack together. Ogata swallowed hard and braced himself, planting his feet more firmly on the sled.

This is so messed up, he thought. Next time they'll need to clarify what to expect when they extend the invitation. Or this's just entirely his own fault, believing he could actually enjoy a well-earned vacation with people like them.

When they came to this ski resort, Ogata had imagined cozy fireplaces, a relaxing sauna, maybe a stroll across the snowfield that ended up watching sports with a beer in whatever bar he happened to wander into.

He hadn't been informed he'd end up as dead weight on a dogsled, while Sugimoto and Asirpa shifted into their canine forms and cheerfully let themselves be harnessed. Normally, they'd have much more pride than pulling someone around like that, but apparently, none of that matters when it's part of fun and game. And judging by the way they nearly yanked him off the sled with every powerful lunge, they were dead set on winning.

Ogata gritted his teeth and held on until the very end, hearing the crowd's cheers greeting them at the finish line. He winced to free his stiffened legs from the sled.

"Why are you so tired, Ogata-chan?" an annoying voice called from behind. He turned to find Shiraishi shoving a hot paper cup into his hand. "You're not the one doing the running!"

Ogata would’ve rolled his eyes, if they weren’t already feeling glued to the sockets. He took a gulp and nearly spat the scalding tea back out.

( Read more... )